JP5993435B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Some modern gaming machines, such as pachinko gaming machines, have various effects to entertain a player. For example, there is a gaming machine that can execute a so-called hold pre-reading effect that changes a display mode of a hold image or performs a zone effect based on prior determination of held data that is held. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1).

"Pachinko winning guide", Guide Works, Inc., issued on August 3, 2014, August 3, 2014, pages 16-21, CR Cowboy Bebop

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

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can attract the interest of the player.

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

Acquisition means (100, S204, S210) for acquiring game information upon establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Special game determination means (100, S407) for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
Notification effect control means (400, 500, S114, S115) for causing the effect execution means (6) to execute a notification effect for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means;
Reservation storage means (103, S203, S209) capable of reserving and storing the game information acquired by the acquisition means up to a predetermined upper limit number as reserved game information;
Whether to perform pre-SL special game, the prior to the determination by the special game determination means advance determining advance determining means and (199, S205, S206),
Based on the result of the prior determination by the prior determination means, prior determination effect execution determination means (400, S113, S1134) for determining whether or not to execute the preliminary determination effect;
Pre-decision effect control means (400, 500, S1139) for controlling execution of the pre-decision effect,
The pre-decision effect is
A pre-reading effect (FIG. 25) that can be executed during the notification effect that is executed before the notification effect related to the reserved game information that is determined to be executed.
Including a final stage effect (FIG. 25) that can be executed continuously with the pre-reading effect during the notification effect related to the reserved game information determined to execute the prior determination effect,
The pre-decision effect control means is
When the result of the preliminary determination related to the reserved game information determined to execute the preliminary determination effect indicates that the special game is performed, the pre-reading effect and the final stage effect are continuously executed (FIG. 25). 27, 28),
When the result of the preliminary determination related to the reserved game information determined to execute the preliminary determination effect indicates that the special game is not performed, the execution of the final stage effect is limited (S1143, S1156, FIG. 25, FIG. 25). 29, FIG. 30), a gaming machine.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gaming machine which can attract a player's interest can be provided.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of the game ball passage determination process peculiar to an embodiment The figure for demonstrating an example of the jackpot breakdown of the special symbol lottery which concerns on embodiment An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 The figure for demonstrating the data used when performing a special figure game count process and a usual figure game count process, and the storage area (working area) of RAM103 of the main control part 100 An example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the pre-reading notice effect setting process in step S113 of FIG. The figure which shows a prefetch notice effect pattern table An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. Screen transition diagram showing an example of effects executed in the image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram showing an example of effects executed in the image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram showing another example of effects executed in image display unit 6 Screen transition diagram showing another example of effects executed in image display unit 6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the switch processing described above, the second ON / OFF determination may not be performed in the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON that is executed after the timer interrupt processing determined to be ON.

  Further, in the switch processing described above, it may be configured to detect the passage of the game ball by detecting the place where the binarized signal is switched from ON to OFF. That is, in FIG. 5, it may be determined that one game ball has passed with the determination that the n + 1 time timer interrupt process is turned on twice and the n + 2 time timer interrupt process is turned off.

  Further, in the switch processing described above, in one timer interrupt process (ON detection), ON / OFF determination may be performed three times or more. In one timer interrupt process (OFF detection), You may perform ON / OFF determination twice or more.

  In addition, in the switch processing described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the game ball passage determination is performed without converting the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch into a binary signal (digital signal). In other words, the game ball passage determination may be performed by determining whether or not the output signal (analog signal) of the proximity switch is equal to or less than the passage determination threshold (5 V).

In the switch processing described above, the output signal of the proximity switch is an output signal that is at a low voltage level when the game ball is not detected and becomes a high voltage level when the game ball is detected, and a signal inversion means for inverting the output signal Thus, the output signal may be inverted and converted into a signal as indicated by a dotted line in FIG.
Further, the switch processing described above may be configured such that the proximity switch itself converts the analog signal into a binarized signal and outputs it, and the binarized signal is output from the proximity switch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of jackpots are prepared, but if the jackpot B is won, after the jackpot game, the game is controlled in a non-time-short state (normal game state). For this reason, hereinafter, the big hit B may be referred to as a big hit without time reduction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S913, the CPU 101 updates (counts up) various initial value random numbers, and the process proceeds to step S914. Here, the initial value random number is used to determine the start value of various random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number) counted up and updated in a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) described later. A plurality of initial value random numbers corresponding to various random numbers are prepared. The initial value random number includes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) that occurs every predetermined CTC period (4 ms) and a remaining time (that is, a process time required for the timer interrupt process from the predetermined CTC period). The count-up is updated both in the main process (see FIG. 7) processed during the subtracted time, and after reaching the set maximum value (for example, 299), it returns to the minimum value (for example, 0) again. Further, since this remaining time varies depending on the processing status of the CPU 101, it is a random time, and the number of updates of the initial random number that is updated with the remaining time is also random. On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, since various other random numbers (big hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers) are updated only by timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 10), initial value random numbers are random number update processing. The processing cycle is different. In this way, due to the different processing cycles, for example, even if the random number range of the initial value random number and the big hit random number is the same (for example, 0 to 199), the initial value random number acquired as the start value of the big hit random number The value is random every time. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the timing at which the big hit random number value that generates the big hit is acquired.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. Hereinafter, timer interrupt processing performed in the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 10 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 10 and subsequent figures 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 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. 14 described later. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the variation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 14 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. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the variation pattern random number) (that is, the circulation counter). To do). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number is initialized to an initial value corresponding to each random number at that time when the loop counter counts once. A random number is acquired, and the loop counter is newly started using the initial random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily. (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. The details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when a big hit is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to the special prize lot 23. A predetermined opening / closing operation is performed, and a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to a so-called jackpot game effect or the like to the effect control unit 400 is executed. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

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

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

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

[About control time count processing]
Here, although explanation is omitted in the timer interrupt process described above with reference to FIG. 10, in this timer interrupt process, the CPU 101 measures a series of control times on the special symbol game side using one timer function. Control time count processing on the game side (referred to as “special game count processing”), and control time count processing on the normal symbol game side that measures a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function (“ The usual game count process ”is executed. The special figure game count process and the normal figure game count process are executed in order between the process of step S7 and the process of step S8 in FIG. 10, for example. In addition, the special symbol game waits for the winning of the game ball to the start opening (21 or 22), repeatedly executes the special symbol lottery in response to the winning of the game ball, and notifies the lottery result, When the special symbol lottery is won, the game is a big hit game. The normal symbol game waits for the game ball to pass to the gate 25, repeats the normal symbol lottery according to the passing of the game ball and informs the lottery result, and wins the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (electric chew opening game) is executed.

  In the following, first, the special game count process will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the data used when executing the special game count process and the normal game count process, and the storage area (work area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100.

  FIG. 11A shows the types of data (referred to as “special drawing side setting data”) for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the special symbol game side. The special figure side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the special symbol game is measured. In each period (time) of this special symbol game, as shown in FIG. 11 (1), “Waiting for start opening prize”, “Displaying special symbol variation”, “Displaying special symbol stop”, "Opening display", "Rounding", "Large winning slot validity period", and "Ending display" are included.

  “Waiting for start entrance prize” is a state (period) in which a special symbol lottery related to the start entrance prize can be immediately executed to start displaying the variation of the special design when there is a start entrance prize. It is not a big hit game, and it is in a state where neither a special symbol change display nor a specified time stop display is displayed. “During special symbol variation display” is a state (period) in which special symbol lottery is executed according to the start opening winning and the special symbol variation display is performed on the display 4. “During special symbol stop display” is a state (period) in which the special symbol variably displayed on the display unit 4 is completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the special symbol lottery result. It is. “Opening display” is a state (period) in which an opening effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 informing that the special symbol lottery is won and that the big hit game has started. “During round” is a state (period) in which a round (round game) in which the big winning opening 23 is opened in the big hit game is being executed. “During the grand prize winning period” is a period of time that is arranged immediately after each round, and that the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is recognized as being valid despite the end of the round and the closing of the big prize opening 23 Thus, a so-called over-winning is recognized (in the big winning opening process described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the processing content of the over-winning is omitted for simplicity of explanation). ). In addition, in the period excluding the period during the round and the grand prize winning period, the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is not recognized as valid. “During ending display” is a state (period) in which an ending effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 to notify the end of the big hit game.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (1), for example, the special figure side setting data “00H” is data for setting “waiting for start opening prize”, for example, the special figure side setting data “01H” is “ This is data for setting “special symbol variation display”. These special figure side setting data are stored in the ROM 102.

  FIG. 11 (3) is a schematic diagram of a storage area (work area) of the RAM 103. As shown in FIG. 11 (3), the storage area of the RAM 103 includes a count target time setting area 10, a time count area 11, and a simple variation display time count area 12. The count target time setting area 10 includes a count target time setting area 10A (referred to as “area 10A”) on the special symbol game side and a count target time setting area 10B (referred to as “area 10B”) on the normal symbol game side. The time count area 11 includes a time count area 11A (referred to as “area 11A”) on the special symbol game side and a time count area 11B (referred to as “area 11B”) on the normal symbol game side. The simple variation display time count area 12 includes a special symbol display time count area 12A (referred to as "Area 12A") on the special symbol game side and a simple variation display time count area 12B ("Area 12B") on the normal symbol game side. Said).

  Area 11A is a timer area for measuring the passage of time for each period of the above-described special symbol game (such as “special symbol variation display”), and measures one passage of time by writing one piece of time data. This is a timer area. The area 10A is an area for setting the type of time measured in the area 11A by writing any one of the special figure side setting data described with reference to FIG. When the special symbol is variably displayed in the 7-segment display on the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b), the area 12A displays the three display modes of the 7-segment display every 48 milliseconds. This is a timer area for measuring the time lapse of 48 milliseconds when executing the control for switching and displaying in order, and a timer area for measuring one lapse of time by writing one time data. is there. Note that the three display modes of the 7-segment display are, for example, a display mode that indicates the number 0, a display mode that indicates the number 7, and a display mode in which all seven segments are turned off.

  The CPU 101 sets the type of period (time) to be measured by the area 11A by writing the special setting side setting data in the area 10A, and writes the time data to be measured in the area 11A. In the timer interrupt process of FIG. By subtracting the time data value of the area 11A by 1 by the special figure game count process executed every millisecond, the progress of each period of the special symbol game is sequentially performed using one timer area (area 11A). Measure in order.

  In addition, when the special symbol variation display time is measured in the area 11A, the CPU 101 writes predetermined time data (“12”) in the area 12A and executes it every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. When the value of the time data in the area 12A is subtracted by 1 by the special figure game count process to be 0, the predetermined time data ("12") is written again and the display mode of the special symbol is switched. As a result, when the special symbol is variably displayed in the 7-segment display on the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b), the three display modes of the 7-segment display are changed every 48 milliseconds. It will be switched in order and displayed cyclically.

  In FIG. 11 (3), as an example, it is set that “01H” is written in the area 10A, so that the elapsed time of the special symbol variation display is measured in the area 11A. Further, as an example, a value “2500” indicating time is written in the area 11A of FIG. 11 (3). This value is updated by subtracting 1 every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Therefore, this value “2500” indicates 10.000 seconds. In addition, as an example, a value “12” indicating time is written in the area 12A of FIG. 11 (3), but this value is also subtracted by 1 every 4 milliseconds by the timer interrupt processing of FIG. Therefore, this value “12” indicates 48 milliseconds.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 11 (3)). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time (control time for special symbol variation display, control time for round execution, etc.) constituting the special symbol game was measured using an individual timer function. A separate time count area was provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation load can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the special symbol display 4a (or 4b) in the execution period of the special symbol variation display is configured to cyclically display three 7-segment display modes in turn every 48 milliseconds. For measuring the switching time, a timer function (see 12A in FIG. 11 (3)) different from the timer function (see 11A in FIG. 11 (3)) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A. This variation time table is stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 for use. As shown in FIG. 12, the variation time table includes a variation pattern identification number, data indicating basic variation time (seconds), and data indicating addition variation time (seconds). The identification number of the variation pattern is a number for identifying the variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. The basic variation time is a basic variation time constituting a variation pattern (that is, a special symbol variation time). The added fluctuation time is an added fluctuation time constituting a fluctuation pattern. A time obtained by adding the basic fluctuation time and the addition fluctuation time is a fluctuation pattern (see FIGS. 15 to 18). For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 1 is 90.10 seconds obtained by adding the addition variation time 0.10 seconds to the basic variation time 90 seconds. For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 21 is the basic variation time. 8 seconds.

  When the CPU 101 measures the special symbol fluctuation display time in the area 11A of FIG. 11 (3), the time data corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined in the process of step S408 of FIG. (Time indicating data) is read from the fluctuation time table (FIG. 12) of the RAM 103, and the read time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data adapted to time measurement processing executed in a cycle of 4 milliseconds, The converted time data is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. For example, when the value of the time data indicating the variation pattern “90.10 seconds” corresponding to the identification number 1 is set in the area 11A, the basic variation time 90 seconds and the addition variation time 0.10 from the variation time table of the RAM 103. The time data indicating the second is read and added, and the added time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “22525” adapted to the arithmetic processing of a cycle of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data “22525” is converted into the RAM 103. Is written in the area 11A. For reference, the time data that is multiplied by 250 and adapted to the arithmetic processing of a 4-millisecond cycle is described on the side of the variation time table in FIG. Things (see values in parentheses) are adjusted to natural numbers by rounding off.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the time data indicating the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) of the variation time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is changed to the data indicating the time of “second” (that is, the division value). Time data (refer to the basic variation time portion of FIG. 12), and when setting the special symbol variation time, multiply by 250 to adapt the calculation processing to a 4-millisecond period (that is, the time of the multiplication value) Data; see the right side of the variable time table in FIG. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table may be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less (see identification numbers 20 to 24 in FIG. 12). The used memory area of the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, a special symbol variation time of 90.10 seconds, a special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte even if indicated by the time data of the division value is the time of the additional variation time. A variable time table is configured by dividing the data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point) (see FIG. 12). Here, in FIG. 12, the same time data value is described for each variation pattern in the table of the added variation time portion for convenience of explanation, but actually the same time data value is duplicated in this table. Only one is stored. For example, in the table of the added fluctuation time part, five time data values of 0.01 seconds are shown for convenience of explanation in FIG. 12, but only one is actually stored. From this, according to the present embodiment, the used memory areas of the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Here, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, 24 variation patterns are used (see FIG. 12). However, in an actual gaming machine, the variation pattern is enormous, 1000 to 10,000. For this reason, the above-described effect of suppressing the used memory area according to the present embodiment is enormous in an actual gaming machine.

  Next, a general game count process for measuring a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 (2) shows types of data for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the normal symbol game side (hereinafter, referred to as “normal drawing side setting data”). The normal-side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the normal symbol game is measured. In each period (time) of this normal symbol game, as shown in FIG. 11 (2), “waiting to pass through the gate”, “ordinary symbol variation display”, “normal symbol stop display”, “ “During electric Chu open / close control” and “during the second start port effective period” are included.

  “Waiting for gate passage” is a state (period) in which a normal symbol lottery related to this passage can be executed immediately when a game ball passes through the gate 25 to start display of fluctuation of the normal symbol. It is not during the opening / closing control of the tulip 27 (during the opening of the electric chew), it is not during the second starting port effective period, which will be described later, and it is in a state where neither the normal symbol variation display nor the specified time stop display is performed. “Normal symbol change display” is a state (period) in which a normal symbol lottery is executed in accordance with the passage of the game ball through the gate 25 and the normal symbol change display is executed on the display 4. “Normal symbol stop display” is a state (period) in which the normal symbol that has been variably displayed on the display unit 4 is completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the normal symbol lottery result. It is. “During electric Chu open / close control” is a state (period) in which the normal symbol lottery is won and the electric tulip 27 open / close control (electric Chu open game) is being executed. “During the second start port effective period” is a period during which a game ball winning to the second start port 22 is exceptionally recognized for a predetermined period immediately after the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 ends. During the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (that is, even when the electric tulip 27 is closed), the game ball winning at the second starting port 22 is recognized as being effective, and the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 is being performed. During the period excluding the second start port effective period, the game ball winning to the second start port 22 is not recognized as effective.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (2), for example, the normal setting data “00K” is data for setting that “waiting to pass through the gate”. Further, the normal setting data is stored in the ROM 102.

  Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The area 11B is a timer area for measuring the passage of time for each period of the above-described ordinary symbol game (such as “ordinary symbol variation display”), and measures one passage of time by writing one piece of time data. This is a timer area. The area 10B is an area for setting the type of time to be measured in the area 11B by writing any one of the common map side setting data described with reference to FIG. In the area 12B, when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e (see FIG. 2), two display modes of the malvaz display (the display mode in which only the circle is lit and the display in which only the symbol is lit) This is a timer area for measuring the time lapse of 48 milliseconds when executing the control of switching the display every 48 milliseconds and alternately displaying them, and writing one time data and measuring one time lapse. This is a timer area.

  The CPU 101 sets the type of period to be measured in the area 11B by writing the normal setting data in the area 10B, writes the time data to be measured in the area 11B, and every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt process of FIG. By subtracting the value of the time data of the area 11B by 1 by the normal game count process executed at the same time, the progress of each period of the normal symbol game is sequentially measured using one timer area (area 11B) in order. To do.

  Further, when the normal symbol variation display time is measured in the area 11B, the CPU 101 writes predetermined time data (“12”) in the area 12B and executes it every 4 milliseconds in the timer interrupt processing of FIG. When the value of the time data of the area 12B is subtracted by 1 by the usual game count process, the predetermined time data ("12") is written again and the display mode of the normal symbol is switched. As a result, when the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e, the two display modes of the malvaz display are switched every 48 milliseconds and alternately displayed.

  From the above, according to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the special figure game counting process already described can be realized in the common figure game counting process.

In the configuration in which the series of control times of the special symbol game described above is measured using one timer function, winning in the big winning opening 23 is effective immediately after the big winning opening effective period in the control of the big hit game. There may be a period of suspension of the extra prize opening that is not considered.
In addition, a control configuration capable of executing the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the first special symbol lottery and the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the second special symbol lottery in parallel, for example, The control time for special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by one special symbol lottery and the control time for jackpot game by winning the first special symbol lottery are measured using one timer function, while the second The control time for the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the special symbol lottery and the control time for the big hit game by the winning of the second special symbol lottery may be measured using one other timer function.
In addition, when measuring a series of control times of a special symbol game and a normal symbol game using one timer function, the elapsed time to be measured is measured by “addition” processing instead of “subtraction” processing. It is good. In this case, for example, whether or not the value of the timer (11A) on the special symbol game side has reached the time data value “125” indicating the measurement target time (for example, the special symbol stop display time of 0.5 seconds). It becomes control which judges.
Further, as described above, in addition to storing the same time data value in the addition variation time portion table of FIG. 12 without storing the same time data value redundantly, in the basic variation time portion table of FIG. However, the same time data value may not be stored redundantly, but only one may be stored, and the effect of suppressing the used memory area may be further enhanced.
Moreover, you may measure the execution time of the various effects performed by the effect control part 400 grade | etc., By the method demonstrated above.

  This is the end of the description of the control time counting process.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 13 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a game ball has won a prize at the first start port 21 based on an output signal from the first start port switch 111a. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

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

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

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of random numbers acquired (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Each time the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is subtracted by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 14 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 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

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

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

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

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

  In step S210, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. 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. 14 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest stored time. 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 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

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

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 14 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 14, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 10 is demonstrated.

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

  In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is during the special symbol variable display period by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. Here, the variation display period of the special symbol refers to a period including both a period during which the special symbol is actually variably displayed and a stop display period after the special symbol is stopped (specified time; 0.5 seconds). . 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 and stored in the step S204 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

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

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

[Variation pattern selection processing]
In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, in step S408, in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state), the CPU 101 uses the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. State), the fluctuation pattern is determined (selected) for each special symbol lottery using the fluctuation pattern determination tables HT2-1 and HT2-2 shown in FIGS. Here, this variation pattern is a special symbol variation time which is a time from when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4 until it is stopped and displayed, and this special symbol variation time is synchronized with the execution time of the notification effect. It is the same time as the execution time of the notification effect. The variation pattern includes a time from when the variation display of the special symbol is started on the display 4 until it is stopped, and a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) for which the special symbol is continuously stopped from the stop. It's time. Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2 may be simply referred to as HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2.

  First, a case where a variation pattern is selected using HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described. FIG. 15 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state). FIG. 16 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state).

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

  In step S408, if the CPU 101 determines in the jackpot determination process of step S407 that the first special symbol lottery has been won, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern (special symbol variation time) based on the variation pattern random number. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines that the variation pattern random number (any one of 0 to 299) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is the “big hit” of HT1-1. The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on which of the random number values assigned to each variation pattern of the portion of (). For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is “78”, the CPU 101 sets the fluctuation pattern “90.03” of the “big hit” portion of HT1-1. Since it is included in the random value range “75 to 124” allocated to “second”, “90.03 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation pattern “15.01 seconds”, “40.01 seconds”, “40.02 seconds”, “40.03 seconds”, “90. “01 seconds”, “90.02 seconds”, “90.03 seconds”, “90.04 seconds”, and “90.05 seconds” indicate the types of effect patterns of the notification effect “per reach” and “third SP”, respectively. "Per hit", "per second SP", "per first SP", "per fifth SPSP", "per fourth SPSP", "per third SPSP", "per second SPSP", and "per first SPSP". In addition, “per reach” is a type that hits big after reaching reach, “per first SP” to “per third SP” is a type that hits big after finally developing to SP reach, “per first SPSP” The “per 5th SPSP” is a type that hits big after finally developing to SPSP reach.

  Note that the reach (reach effect) is, for example, when a changing decorative symbol that is stopped last among a plurality of decorative symbols in a notification effect is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol. It is an effect that expects to be a big hit symbol pattern together with the symbol. Typically, the right and left decorative symbols are stopped at the same symbol (for example, 7), and the central ornament that stops at the end This is an effect that is variably displayed in the expectation that the symbol stops at the same symbol (for example, 7) (that is, it becomes a doublet 777). The SP reach is generally referred to as super reach or special reach, and is an effect that further expects to win more than reach, for example, an effect of a moving image in which a hero character plays a mini game. In addition, SPSP reach is generally called super super reach or special special reach, and is an effect that further expects a big hit than SP reach production. For example, it is a production of a moving image in which a hero character fights against an enemy character. is there.

  In step S408, when the CPU 101 determines that the first special symbol lottery is lost in the big hit determination process in step S407, the CPU 101 determines based on the hold number (U1) of the first special symbol lottery, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number. The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 determines the reach random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 when the number of the first special symbol lottery is “1” or “2”. ˜99) is included in the reach random number value range “0-69” of the number of holdings “1, 2” of “losing” of HT1-1, or the reach random number value range It is determined whether it is included in “70 to 99”.

  Then, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “0 to 69”, the CPU 101 reads the fluctuation pattern random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. ˜299) is included in the variation pattern random value range “0-59” or in the variation pattern random value range “60-299”. Then, when the fluctuation pattern random number is included in the fluctuation pattern random value range “0 to 59”, the CPU 101 determines “8.00 seconds” as the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation pattern random number is changed to the fluctuation pattern random value range “ In the case of “60 to 299”, “13.50 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the variation patterns “8.00 seconds” and “13.50 seconds” both correspond to the effect pattern type “immediately lost”. “Immediately lost” is a type of production pattern that immediately loses without reaching reach.

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

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

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

  As described above with reference to the variation pattern determination table HT1-1 shown in FIG. 15, when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state), the number of first special symbol lottery holds The smaller the variation is, the easier it is to select the variation pattern with reach, and when the variation pattern without reach is selected, the smaller the number of the first special symbol lottery is, the easier the variation pattern is selected.

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

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 15, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed on the second special symbol lottery using HT1-2 shown in FIG. Here, HT1-2 shown in FIG. 16 is different from HT1-1 shown in FIG. 15 in that “the number of first special symbol lottery hold” is replaced with “the number of second special symbol lottery hold”. Only different. That is, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 15 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 15, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It differs by the point which processes with respect to a 1st special symbol lottery using HT2-1 shown. Here, in HT2-1 shown in FIG. 17, in the case of big hit, regardless of the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery, the variation pattern “5.00 seconds” (corresponding to each reach) is assigned uniformly. Yes. On the other hand, in the case of losing, the variation pattern “1.00 seconds” is uniformly assigned regardless of the number of reserved special lotteries and the reach random number.

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
The determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described below with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using the HT2-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 17, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT2-2 shown in FIG. Here, in HT2-2 shown in FIG. 18, in the case of big hit, regardless of the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery, the fluctuation pattern “5.00 seconds” (corresponding to each reach) is uniformly assigned. Yes. On the other hand, in the case of losing, the variation pattern “1.00 seconds” is uniformly assigned regardless of the number of reserved special lotteries and the reach random number.

  Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406, in this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery hold is digested in preference to the first special symbol lottery hold. Further, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), as described in the processing of steps S5 and S7 in FIG. 10, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and the game ball is frequently won at the second starting port 22. Therefore, the second special symbol lottery is executed frequently and continuously. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), the second special symbol variation is performed in a shorter variation pattern (1.00 seconds or 5.00 seconds) than in the normal gaming state (non-short time state). Is executed, the second special symbol lottery suspension is digested at high speed, and a game with a sense of speed is executed. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern of the first special symbol lottery in the probability variation gaming state is made the same as the variation pattern of the first special symbol lottery in the probability variation gaming state, so that the second special symbol lottery is suspended. Even when the first special symbol variation is executed following the second special symbol variation, the first special symbol variation can be executed without impairing the speed of the second special symbol variation.

  In addition, instead of making HT2-1 for 1st special symbol lottery and HT2-2 for 2nd special symbol lottery the same like this embodiment, HT2-1 for 1st special symbol lottery is used. A part or all of the special symbol variation time (variation pattern) set in (2) may be relatively longer than the special symbol variation time (variation pattern) set in HT2-2 for the second special symbol lottery. . As an example, in HT2-1 of FIG. 17, the fluctuation pattern at the time of loss may be 13.5 seconds. As shown in FIG. 6, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. The profit is great. In other words, if the first special symbol lottery is executed in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), it can be said that it is disadvantageous for the player. The special symbol fluctuation time (fluctuation pattern) at the time of the loss set in the HT2-1 for the first special symbol lottery is compared with the special symbol fluctuation time (variation pattern) set in the HT2-2 for the second special symbol fluctuation. Even if the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous for the player is executed in the probability variation gaming state (short-time state) when the length is long, during the variation display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery, It is possible to secure a time for winning the game ball in the second start port 22 and, as a result, control so that the second special symbol lottery is relatively easier to execute than the first special symbol lottery.

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410, and the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. On the symbol display 4b, the symbol for notifying the special symbol lottery result is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a stopped state. At this time, the CPU 101 sets a symbol determination command in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, if the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag) is in a big hit game (a big hit gaming state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step 416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is a command that is transmitted when there is no special symbol lottery hold, and in a state where a notification effect for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not executed (so-called customer waiting state). It is a command to notify that it has become. If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 10, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

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

[Large winning prize processing]
19 and 20 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the special winning a prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG.

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “4” or “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and the setting information Is set in the RAM 103. By the 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. 10, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

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

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the jackpot game set in the process of step S604 has elapsed from the time when the big prize opening 23 is closed at the end of the previous round during the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the next round in the jackpot game is started. Since the timing is not reached, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 20, 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. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 10, and the winning process instruction in step S125 in FIG. 23 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

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

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

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

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

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 20, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 20, the CPU 101 resets the number of rounds R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

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

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S604 in FIG. 19 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.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control unit]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 21, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The production control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 21 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the effect control unit 400 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 21 and subsequent figures is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 402.

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

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

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

[Command reception processing]
22 and 23 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command receiving process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG.

  First, in step S111 of FIG. 22, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 ( (See steps S206 and S212 in FIG. 13). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

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

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 stores the special symbol lottery holding number (the number of holding data) stored in the RAM 403 more than 2 including the holding added in step S112, and stores it in the RAM 403 most recently. Whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery or the like based on the prior determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data). For example, the CPU 401 determines that the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “losing” and “reach effect” (reach effect), or “losing” and “reach effect”. In each of the cases indicating “None” (no reach reach), a 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. If it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 performs a pre-reading notice to be executed by lottery or the like from a number of pre-reading notice effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the prior determination information (such as the condition of whether or not a big hit) Set the contents of the production. That is, as the pre-reading notice effect, what kind of notice effect is performed in each notification effect is set. Note that the pre-reading notice effect is a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 14 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

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

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 in FIG. 14 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and 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 or the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (confirmed). Stop the display) and inform the effect of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S120 in FIG. 23, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 14 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 issues an opening effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the opening effect is an effect for notifying the start of the big hit game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to launch a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. 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. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 issues a round effect start instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a round effect process of a big hit game effect. Here, the round effect 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 the winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 19 and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 issues a winning process instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 that has received an instruction to start the winning process from the effect control unit 400, based on the winning command received via the effect control unit 400, each winning port (first start port). 21, the second starting port 22, the big winning port 23, the normal winning port 24) are counted and stored in the RAM 503. In addition, when the CPU 501 receives a winning command based on a game ball winning at the big winning opening 23 (that is, when one gaming ball wins at the big winning opening 23), the number of winning balls corresponding to the big winning opening 23 is "13". Is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 and updated, and the updated total number of prize balls is displayed on the image display unit 6. 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 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. 19 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. 20 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 issues an ending effect instruction. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the mark of the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1. 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 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. 14 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is yes, the process proceeds to step S131. If the determination is no, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S130 to start the stop state process. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 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. Note that the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of causing the image display unit 6 to display a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1, or a predetermined effect (eg, reach effect) executed during the game. ) Is displayed 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. However, if the CPU 501 is notified of the information indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 25 or the information indicating that the game ball has won the normal winning opening, the CPU 501 continues without stopping the stop state process. .

[Pre-reading notice setting process in short-time state]
Next, referring to FIG. 24, the pre-reading notice effect setting process executed by the effect control unit 400 in the time-saving state will be described.

  The effect control unit 400 of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect based on the pre-determination result included in the hold increase command. During the notification effect related to the hold data held before the hold data determined to be executed (during special symbol change), execute at least one notice effect (hereinafter referred to as “prefetch effect”), and It is possible to execute a notice effect (hereinafter referred to as “final stage effect”) continuously from the prefetch effect during the notification effect related to the hold data determined to be prefetched. Since both the pre-reading effect and the final stage effect are executed based on the pre-determination result of the hold increase command, both are referred to as “pre-reading notice effect” in the following description. This pre-reading notice effect can be executed continuously over a plurality of notification effects. However, in the short-time state, the second special symbol lottery is given priority over the first special symbol lottery, and the first special symbol lottery is performed only when all the reserved data of the second special symbol lottery is digested. The control processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 is not performed on the hold data of the first special symbol lottery, but on the hold data of the second special symbol lottery so that the continuity of the pre-reading notice effect is not impaired. Only do.

  FIG. 24 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the prefetch notice effect setting process in step S113 of FIG.

  First, in step S1131 of FIG. 24, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the time-shortening state. If the determination in step S1131 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1132, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  In step S1132, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the prefetch effect execution flag is OFF. The prefetch effect execution flag is a flag used to determine whether or not a prefetch notice effect has already been executed. The ON state of the prefetching effect execution flag indicates that the prefetching notice effect is already being executed, and the OFF state of the prefetching effect execution flag indicates that the prefetching notice effect is not executed (that is, whether or not the prefetching notice effect is executed). It can be determined). As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the prefetch notice effect can be executed across a plurality of notification effects. Therefore, when the pre-reading notice effect that spans multiple symbol variations has already been executed, the contents of the effect will be impaired by changing the setting information of the pre-reading notice effect that has been executed previously. In order to prevent this, the prefetch effect execution flag is used. If the determination in step S1132 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1133. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1133, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the number of hold data of the hold data of the second special symbol lottery is 2 or more. The number of holds here is the total number of the hold data increased by the hold increase command received in step S111 of FIG. 22 and the hold data stored before the increased hold data. If the determination in step S1133 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1134. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  In step S1134, the CPU 401 determines by lottery or the like whether or not to execute a pre-reading notice effect for suggesting a preliminary determination result included in the hold increase command received in step S111 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1135.

  In step S1135, the CPU 401 determines whether or not it is determined in S1134 to execute the prefetch notice effect. If the determination in step S1134 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1136. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  In step S1136, the CPU 401 sets the prefetch effect execution flag to ON. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1137.

  In step S1137, the CPU 401 sets 0 as the initial value in the number counter cnt. This number counter cnt is a variable used for counting the number of executions of the pre-reading notice effect in the notification effect execution process described later with reference to FIG. 26, and is incremented by one each time the pre-reading notice effect is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1138.

  In step S <b> 1138, the CPU 401 sets the number of holds as the upper limit number N. The upper limit number N is a variable representing the upper limit number of times that the prefetching notice effect (prefetching effect and final stage effect) can be executed, and is used to select a prefetching notice effect pattern to be described later with reference to FIG. The upper limit number N is used to measure the timing at which the prefetch notice flag is turned off in the control process of FIG. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 401 can execute the pre-reading notice effect as many times as the number set to the upper limit number N or less, but if it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, Whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect for the hold data added after the holding data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect until the notification effect related to the holding data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is completed. The determination (steps S1133 and S1134) is not performed. Therefore, the CPU 401 holds the number of prefetching notice effects that can be executed when it is determined to execute the prefetching notice effect as the upper limit number N, and compares the count number of the counter cnt with the upper limit number N, thereby prefetching notice. It is determined whether or not the hold data determined to execute the effect is digested and the notification effect is started. This process will be described later with reference to FIG. Note that the number of holds to be set as the upper limit number N in step S1136 is stored before the increased hold data and the hold data increased by the hold increase command received in step S111 in FIG. 22, as in step S1133. This is the total number of pending data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1139.

  In step S1139, the CPU 401 starts the special symbol lottery related to the hold data based on the pre-determination information included in the hold increase command received in step S111 in FIG. It is determined whether or not it is sometimes determined to be a big hit. If the determination in step S1139 is YES, the process proceeds to step S1140. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1142.

  In step S <b> 1140, the CPU 401 acquires a prefetch notice effect pattern in the case where the preliminary determination target hold data is a big hit. This prefetch notice effect pattern will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1141.

  In step S1141, the CPU 401 turns on the final stage effect execution flag. The final stage effect execution flag is used to determine whether or not to execute the final stage effect (final stage effect) of the prefetch notice effect during the notification effect related to the hold data determined to execute the prefetch notice effect. The flag to use. The ON state of the final stage effect execution flag indicates that the final stage effect is executed, and the OFF state of the final stage effect execution flag restricts execution of the final stage effect (in this embodiment, the final stage effect is executed). Do not do). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1142, the CPU 401 acquires a prefetch notice effect pattern when the predetermination target hold data is lost. This prefetch notice effect pattern will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1143.

  In step S1143, the CPU 401 turns on the final stage effect execution flag. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114 in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a prefetch notice effect pattern table referred to by the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 in steps S1140 and S1142 of FIG.

  The prefetching notice effect pattern table shown in FIG. 25 is a pattern of prefetching notice effects that can be executed (the prefetching effect and the final stage) for each of the pre-determined results and the upper limit number N of the hold data that is subject to the execution determination of the prefetching notice effect. (Combination of production). The look-ahead notice effect pattern table of FIG. 25 is an example in the case where the upper limit of the number of reservations for the second special symbol lottery is four.

  More specifically, in the prefetching notice effect pattern table of FIG. 25, the prefetching notice effect patterns 1 to 6 that can be selected when the predetermination result related to the pending data that is the target of execution of the prefetching notice effect is a big hit. And the pre-reading notice effect patterns 7 to 16 that can be selected when the pre-determination result related to the pending data that is the object of execution of the pre-reading notice effect is a loss. The pre-reading notice effect pattern shown in FIG. 25 is a special symbol before the first change, before the second change, and before the third change of the special symbol change during the special symbol change related to the hold data subjected to the execution determination of the prefetch notice effect. It is defined which of the effects A to D is executed as the pre-reading notice effect during the fluctuation. “-” In the table of FIG. 25 indicates that the pre-reading notice effect is not executed during the corresponding special symbol variation.

  For example, the pre-reading notice effect pattern 1 in the case where the pre-determination result of the hold data that is the target of determination of whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is executed is a big hit is the case where the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery is 4 at the upper limit. This is a pattern that can be selected when the fourth hold data is a determination target for executing the pre-reading notice effect. The pre-reading notice effect pattern 1 is 4 from the three changes before the special symbol change related to the reserved data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect to the special symbol change related to the reserved data determined to execute the pre-read notice effect. It is defined that the effects A to D are executed in order in each of the special symbol fluctuations.

  The pre-reading notice effect pattern 3 in the case where the pre-determination result of the hold data for which the determination of whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is executed is a big hit is a case where the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery is 4 at the upper limit, It is a pattern that can be selected when the fourth hold data is a determination target for executing the prefetch notice effect. The pre-reading notice effect pattern 3 is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect without performing the pre-reading notice effect before the third change and the second change before the special change of the reserved data determined to execute the pre-read notice effect. It is defined that the effect C is executed one change before the special symbol change related to the reserved data and the effect D is executed in the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect.

  The pre-reading notice effect pattern 7 in the case where the pre-determining result of the pre-reading target hold is a loss is the case where the second special symbol lottery holding number is the upper limit of 4 and the fourth added last. This is a pattern that can be selected when it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect is to be executed for the hold data. The pre-reading notice effect pattern 7 includes the effects A to C in each of the three special symbol fluctuations from the third change before the first change to the one change before the special change related to the hold data determined to execute the prefetch notice effect. It is defined that the pre-reading notice effect is not executed in the special symbol variation related to the hold data that is determined to be executed and the pre-reading notice effect is executed.

  The pre-reading notice effect pattern 12 in the case where the pre-determination result of the pre-reading target hold is a loss is a case where the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery is 4 at the upper limit, and the fourth hold data is the pre-reading notice. This is a pattern that can be selected when it is determined that an effect is to be executed. The pre-reading notice effect pattern 12 is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect without performing the pre-reading notice effect before the third change and before the second change in which the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the read notice effect is performed. It is defined that the effect C is executed one change before the special symbol change related to the reserved data and the effect D is not executed in the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect.

  As shown in FIG. 25, when the pre-determination result of the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is a big hit, before the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, 1 After performing the prefetching notice effect (prefetching effect) three times, the prefetching notice effect (final stage effect) is also executed during the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to be executed. On the other hand, if the pre-determined result of the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is lost, the pre-reading notice is performed 1-3 times before the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect. Although the effect (prefetching effect) is performed, the prefetching notice effect (final stage effect) is not executed during the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the prefetching notice effect.

  With reference to FIG. 24 again, the details of the method of determining the prefetch notice effect will be described. When the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the pre-determined result of the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is a big hit (YES in step S1139 in FIG. 24), the pre-determined result is a big win. The pre-reading notice pattern corresponding to the upper limit number N set in step S1138 is selected from the pre-reading notice effect patterns 1-6. At this time, when there are a plurality of selectable prefetch notice effect patterns, the CPU 401 selects one prefetch notice effect pattern by lottery or the like (step S1139).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the pre-determined result of the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is lost (NO in step S1138 in FIG. 24), the pre-determined result is A prefetching notice effect pattern corresponding to the upper limit number N set in step S1138 is selected from the prefetching notice effect patterns 7 to 16 in the case of losing. At this time, if there are a plurality of selectable prefetch notice effect patterns, the CPU 401 selects one prefetch notice effect pattern by lottery or the like.

  FIG. 26 is an example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG.

  First, in step S1151, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executes a reserved image update process. Specifically, the CPU 401 indicates information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery included in the setting information of the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. However, when it shows that the 1st special symbol lottery was performed, the pending | holding data of the 1st special symbol lottery stored earliest in RAM403 are deleted. On the other hand, when the setting information of the notification effect start command indicates that the second special symbol lottery has been executed, the CPU 401 deletes the second special symbol lottery hold data stored in the RAM 403 earliest. When the CPU 401 deletes the hold data of the first special symbol lottery from the RAM 403, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to hold the hold image corresponding to the deleted hold data (the hold image of the first special symbol lottery). Is deleted, and an image corresponding to the deleted reserved image is displayed as a variable right image indicating that the notification effect is being executed. Further, when other reserved images are displayed, the display positions of these reserved images are sequentially raised and displayed. Similarly, when the CPU 401 deletes the hold data for the second special symbol lottery from the RAM 403, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to hold the hold image corresponding to the deleted hold data (the hold image for the second special symbol lottery). ) Is deleted, and an image corresponding to the deleted reserved image is displayed as a variable right image indicating that the notification effect is being executed. Further, when other reserved images are displayed, the reserved images are sequentially raised and displayed. 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 S1152.

  In step S1152, based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in step S114, the CPU 401 determines the effect content to be executed by lottery or the like. In addition, the CPU 401 determines the execution order and execution schedule of the production contents determined to be executed. The effect content determined here refers to all effect contents other than the pre-reading notice effect, and includes a variation display of decorative symbols, a reach effect, and the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1153.

  In step S1153, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the prefetch effect execution flag is ON. If the determination in step S1153 is YES, the process moves to step S1154. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S1160.

  In step S1154, the CPU 401 adds 1 to the number counter cnt. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1155.

  In step S1155, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the value of the number counter cnt is equal to the upper limit number N. 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 S1159.

  In step S1156, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the final stage effect execution flag is ON. If the determination in step S1156 is YES, the process moves to step S1157. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S1156.

  In step S1157, the CPU 401 determines the content of the final stage effect to be executed, based on the jackpot prefetch notice effect pattern and the number counter cnt determined in step S1140 of FIG. For example, in step S1140 of FIG. 24, when the CPU 401 selects the prefetch notice effect pattern 1 shown in FIG. 25, it is determined that the effect D is executed as the final stage effect.

  In step S1158, the CPU 401 sets OFF in the pre-reading effect execution flag and the final stage effect execution flag. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1160.

  In step S1159, the CPU 401 determines the content of the prefetching effect to be executed based on the prefetching notice effect pattern and the number counter determined in step S1140 or S1142 of FIG. For example, in step S1140 of FIG. 24, when the CPU 401 selects the prefetch notice effect pattern 1 shown in FIG. 25, if the value of cnt is 1, it is determined that the effect A is executed as the prefetch effect, and the value of cnt is If it is 2, it is determined that the effect B is executed as the prefetch effect, and if the value of cnt is 3, it is determined that the effect C is executed as the prefetch effect. In addition, when the CPU 401 selects the prefetch notice effect pattern 4 shown in FIG. 25 in step S1140 in FIG. 24, if the value of cnt is 1, it is determined that the effect B is executed as the prefetch effect, and the value of cnt is If it is 2, it is determined that the effect C is executed as the pre-reading effect. In addition, when the CPU 401 selects the prefetch notice effect pattern 9 shown in FIG. 25 in step S1140 of FIG. 24, if the value of cnt is 1, it is determined that the prefetch effect is not executed, and the value of cnt is 2. If there is, it is determined that the effect B is executed as the prefetch effect, and if the value of cnt is 3, it is determined that the effect C is executed as the prefetch effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1160.

  In step S1158, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to produce the effect determined in step S1152 and the prefetching notice effect determined in step S1157 or step S1159 (provided that the prefetching effect execution flag is ON). To start. 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 command includes effect contents executed during the notice effect, effect details of the pre-reading notice effect, and the execution order and execution timing of each effect content. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG.

  When the production control unit 400 executes the control processing described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26 and the pre-determination result of the pending data determined to execute the pre-reading notice is lost, it can be continuously executed a plurality of times. The final stage effect (effect D) of the prefetch notice effect is not executed. On the other hand, when the pre-determined result of the pending data determined to execute the pre-reading notice is a big hit, the final stage (effect D) of the pre-reading notice effect that can be executed a plurality of times in succession can be executed.

  Next, the characteristic operation according to the present embodiment executed by the control processing described above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In the description of FIGS. 27 to 30, an effect of displaying an image representing the number “3” as the effect A shown in FIG. 25 is performed, and an effect of displaying an image representing the number “2” as the effect B is performed. A pre-reading notice effect in which an effect of displaying an image representing the number “1” as an effect C and an effect of displaying an image representing the number “0” as an effect D in the final stage will be described as an example. That is, in the example of FIGS. 27 to 30, the effects A to D are performed in order across a plurality of notification effects, so that the countdown is performed as the plurality of notification effects progress as the pre-reading notice effect. Can be realized. When the special lottery result related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice is a big hit, the countdown reaches “0”, but the special lottery result related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice is lost. In this case, the countdown does not reach “0”.

  In FIG. 27 to FIG. 30, for the sake of simplification, description will be made assuming that the special lottery result hold data is not newly added, but in practice, the special lottery result hold data can be held at any timing. Up to the upper limit number can be stored.

  In addition, in FIGS. 27 to 30, the special symbol variation related to the pending data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is used as a reference variation, and the number of changes before the reference variation is specified. doing.

(Example 1)
27 and 28 are screen transition diagrams showing a first example of effects executed in the image display unit 6. 27 and 28 correspond to the prefetching notice effect pattern 1 shown in FIG. 25, and the fourth reserved data (the reserved data corresponding to the reserved image RI4 in FIG. 27A) represents the prefetching notice effect. This is equivalent to an effect example in the case where it is determined to be executed and the special symbol lottery result related to the fourth reserved data is a big hit.

  First, FIG. 27A shows a state in which four pieces of hold data related to the second special symbol lottery are held during the variable display of the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3. The downward arrow in FIG. 27A indicates that the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are being displayed in a variable manner. Further, stages ST1 to ST4 are displayed on the lower right side of the image display unit 6. These stages ST1 to ST4 are display areas for reserved images RI1 to RI4 indicating that the result of the second special symbol lottery is reserved. The order of the hold images RI1 to RI4 corresponds to the order in which the hold data is held. The stage ST0 is a display for specifying the display area of the variable right image KI0 indicating that the oldest pending data has been digested and the special symbol variable display is being executed. The stage on the left side of the stage ST0 is a display area for a reserved image indicating that the lottery result of the first special symbol is reserved.

  Next, FIG.27 (b) shows the state which the display change of the special symbol performed in Fig.27 (a) stopped. When a predetermined time elapses after the special symbol variation display is started, the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 temporarily stop and then stop. Here, the temporary stop is apparently stopped in a state where the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are visible. For example, the temporary stop is slightly swung up and down or left and right, and is still completely stopped. It means no state. The main stop means a state in which the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are completely stopped without swinging after a predetermined time has elapsed since the temporary stop. With the final stop of the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3, the result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified. In the example of FIG. 27 (b), the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are irregularly stopped due to irregularity, and it is informed that the result of the special symbol lottery has been lost. When the special symbol change corresponding to the changing right image KI0 ends, the changing right image KI0 is deleted from the stage ST0. Next, the hold data corresponding to the hold image RI1 is read, and the special symbol variation related to the read hold data is started. Along with the start of the special symbol variation, the variable right image KI1 corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is displayed on the stage ST0, and the reserved images RI2 to RI4 move to the stages ST1 to ST3, respectively.

  Next, FIG. 27 (c) shows a state after the variable symbol display of the special symbol corresponding to the reserved image RI1 shown in FIG. 27 (b) is started. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 (variable right image KI1) is three variations before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI4, the effect A is executed as the pre-reading effect (the pre-reading notice effect of FIG. 25). (See Pattern 1). By executing the effect A, an image representing the number “3” is displayed on the image display unit 6.

  Next, FIG.27 (d) shows the state which the decoration symbols DI1-DI3 which were variably displayed in FIG.27 (c) stopped this time. In the example of FIG. 27D, it is notified that the result of the special symbol lottery is lost by stopping the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 being irregular. When the special symbol change corresponding to the changing right image KI1 is completed, the changing right image KI1 is deleted from the stage ST0. Next, the hold data corresponding to the hold image RI2 is read, and the special symbol variation related to the read hold data is started. Along with the start of the special symbol variation, the variable right image KI2 corresponding to the reserved image RI2 is displayed on the stage ST0, and the reserved images RI3 and RI4 move to the stages ST1 and ST2, respectively.

  Next, FIG. 27 (e) shows a state after the variable symbol display of the special symbol corresponding to the reserved image RI2 shown in FIG. 27 (d) is started. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI2 (variable right image KI2) is two variations before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI4, the effect B is executed as the prefetching effect (the prefetching notice effect of FIG. 25). (See Pattern 1). By executing the effect B, an image representing the number “2” is displayed on the image display unit 6.

  Next, FIG. 27 (f) shows a state in which the decorative symbols DI 1 to DI 3 variably displayed in FIG. 27 (d) are stopped. In the example of FIG. 27 (f), it is notified that the result of the special symbol lottery is lost because the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 stop due to irregularity. When the special symbol change corresponding to the change right image KI2 is completed, the change right image KI2 is deleted from the stage ST0. Next, the hold data corresponding to the hold image RI3 is read, and the special symbol variation related to the read hold data is started. Along with the start of the special symbol variation, the variable right image KI3 corresponding to the reserved image RI3 is displayed on the stage ST0, and the reserved image RI4 moves to the stage ST1.

  Next, FIG. 27 (g) shows a state after the variable symbol display of the special symbol corresponding to the reserved image RI3 shown in FIG. 27 (f) is started. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 (variable right image KI3) is one variation before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI4, the effect C is executed as the prefetching effect (the prefetching notice effect of FIG. 25). (See Pattern 1). By executing the effect C, an image representing the number “1” is displayed on the image display unit 6.

  Next, FIG. 27 (h) shows a state in which the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 that are variably displayed in FIG. In the example of FIG. 27 (h), it is notified that the result of the special symbol lottery is lost because the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are stopped due to irregularity. When the special symbol change corresponding to the changing right image KI3 is completed, the changing right image KI3 is deleted from the stage ST0. Next, the hold data corresponding to the hold image RI4 is read, and the special symbol variation related to the read hold data is started. Along with the start of the special symbol variation, the variation right image KI4 corresponding to the reserved image RI4 is displayed on the stage ST0.

  Next, FIG. 28 (a) shows a state after the variable symbol display of the special symbol corresponding to the reserved image RI4 shown in FIG. 27 (h) is started. In the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI4 (variable right image KI4), the reserved data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect is digested, and the special symbol lottery result related to the reserved data is notified. After the change display of the special symbol corresponding to the reserved image RI4 is started, the effect D is executed as the final stage effect (see the prefetching notice effect pattern 1 in FIG. 25). By executing the effect D, an image representing the number “0” is displayed on the image display unit 6.

  Next, FIG. 28B shows a state in which the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 that are variably displayed in FIG. In the example of FIG. 28 (c), it is informed that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit by stopping the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 in a set of three (that is, at the “777” doublet). Yes.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 28C, the opening effect of the big hit game is started.

(Example 2)
FIG. 29 is a screen transition diagram illustrating a second example of effects executed in the image display unit 6. FIG. 29 corresponds to the prefetching notice effect pattern 13 shown in FIG. 25, and it is determined that the third hold data (hold data corresponding to the hold image RI3 in FIG. 29A) executes the prefetch effect. This corresponds to an effect example in the case where the special symbol lottery result related to the fourth reserved data is lost.

  As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, after the special symbol variation corresponding to the change right image KI0 is performed, the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is started. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is two variations before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3, as shown in FIG. 29C, the effect B is executed as a pre-reading effect (FIG. 25). (See the pre-reading notice effect pattern 13). By executing the effect B, an image representing the number “2” is displayed on the image display unit 6. After that, as shown in FIG. 29 (d), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is completed, and the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are irregularly stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation is lost. Is confirmed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 29 (e), the special symbol fluctuation corresponding to the reserved image RI2 starts. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI2 (variable right image KI2) is one variation before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3, the effect C is executed as the prefetching effect (the prefetching notice effect of FIG. 25). (See Pattern 13). By executing the effect C, an image representing the number “2” is displayed on the image display unit 6. After that, as shown in FIG. 29 (f), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is finished, and the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are irregularly stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation is lost. Is confirmed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 29 (g), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 that is the prefetch determination target starts. In the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 (variable right image KI3), the reserved data to be prefetched is digested, and the result of the special symbol lottery related to the reserved data is notified. The prefetching notice effect pattern 13 shown in FIG. 25 is a pattern that is selected when the predetermination result of the reserved data that is determined to execute the prefetching notice effect is lost, and therefore, in the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3. The effect D which is the final stage effect is not executed.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 29 (h), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 is finished, and the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are irregularly stopped, so that the result of the special symbol variation is lost. Is confirmed.

(Example 3)
FIG. 30 is a screen transition diagram illustrating a third example of effects executed in the image display unit 6. FIG. 30 corresponds to the prefetching notice effect pattern 8 shown in FIG. 25, and the fourth hold data (holding data corresponding to the hold image RI4 in FIG. 30A) executes the prefetch notice effect. This corresponds to an example of an effect when the determination is made and the special symbol lottery result related to the fourth reserved data is lost.

  As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, after the special symbol variation corresponding to the change right image KI0 is performed, the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is started. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is three variations before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3, as shown in FIG. 30C, the effect A is executed as a pre-reading effect (FIG. 25). (Refer to the pre-reading notice effect pattern 8). By executing the effect A, an image representing the number “3” is displayed on the image display unit 6. After that, as shown in FIG. 30 (d), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is finished, and the decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are irregularly stopped so that the result of the special symbol variation is lost. Is confirmed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 30 (e), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI2 starts. Since the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI2 (variable right image KI2) is two variations before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI4, the effect B is executed as the prefetching effect (the prefetching notice effect of FIG. 25). (See Pattern 8). By executing the effect B, an image representing the number “2” is displayed on the image display unit 6. After that, as shown in FIG. 30 (f), the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI2 is finished, and the decoration symbols DI1 to DI3 are irregularly stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation is lost. Is confirmed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 30G, the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 starts. The special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 (variable right image KI3) is one change before the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI4. However, in the prefetching notice effect pattern 8 shown in FIG. Execution of production C is not defined.

  Therefore, in the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI3 (variable right image KI3), the effect C is not executed, and as shown in FIG. It is notified that the result of the special symbol variation is a loss.

  Although not shown in FIG. 30, even in the special symbol variation corresponding to the reserved image RI <b> 4 that has been subject to the prefetch determination, the final stage effect D is not performed, and the decorative symbols DI <b> 1 to DI <b> 3 are not aligned and the main stop is performed. By this, it is confirmed that the result of the special symbol variation was a loss.

  Note that the execution timings of the effects A to D described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 30 are not particularly limited, and may be executed at any timing as long as the special symbol variation display is in progress. In addition, the images displayed in the effects A to C may be deleted before the start of the next special symbol change, and the images displayed in the effects D may be deleted before the start of the big hit effect.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute one or more pre-reading effects as a pre-reading notice effect before the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect. In addition, during the special symbol change related to the hold data determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the final stage effect can be executed continuously to the pre-reading effect, and it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect is executed. When it is notified that the special lottery result is lost in the special symbol variation related to the hold data, the final stage effect is not executed. Even if the pre-reading effect is performed across multiple special symbol fluctuations and the final stage effect is performed, the player will feel uncomfortable if the final notice is given. There is a risk that. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce giving such discomfort to the player by controlling as described above.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is the final stage when it is notified that the special lottery result is a big hit in the special symbol variation related to the reserved data that is determined when the pre-reading notice effect is executed. Perform the production. By controlling in this way, the pre-reading effect is executed, and as the number of pre-reading effects increases, the player can have a sense of expectation that the final stage effect may be reached and may be a big hit. Can attract interest.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the gaming state is in the short-time state, when the special symbol variation display is performed with a sufficiently short variation time (variation pattern) compared to the non-time-short state. , While controlling the execution / non-execution of the final stage of the pre-reading notice effect based on the pre-determined result, it is possible to execute the pre-reading notice effect multiple times over multiple special symbol fluctuations. A certain game can be realized. In the present embodiment, the variation time (variation pattern) of the second special symbol in the short-time state is set to be extremely short (for example, 1.00 seconds). Since this extremely short variation time includes the stop display period of the second special symbol (decoration symbol), the time for actually variably displaying the ornament symbol is even shorter, and the types of suggested effects that can be realized during this period are limited. It will be. Since the pre-reading notice effect according to the present embodiment can be applied even when the decorative symbol is changed in such a short change time, it is possible to improve the player's expectation and suppress the game from becoming monotonous.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as the pre-reading notice effect, a plurality of effects (effects A to D described above) straddling a plurality of notification effects are executed. Since it is changed step by step, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand the suggested content of the pre-reading notice effect.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a gaming machine that can attract the player's interest can be realized.

[Other variations]
In the above embodiment, either the normal game state controlled to the low probability state, the non-electric support state and the non-time-short state, or the probability change game state controlled to the high-accuracy state, the electric support state and the time-short state. In the gaming machine capable of controlling the gaming state, it has been described as a control process that is executed when the gaming state is in a certain variation state. However, in the gaming machine that can control the gaming state in the low-accuracy state, the electric support state, and the short-time state, the control processing of the present embodiment is performed as control that is executed when the low-accuracy state, the electric support state, and the short-time state. It may be applied. Even in this case, the same effect as the gaming machine according to the present embodiment described above can be obtained, and a gaming machine that can attract the player's interest can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the pre-reading notice effect is executed when the gaming state is controlled to the short-time state has been described. However, when the gaming state is controlled to the non-short-time state, FIGS. The pre-reading notice effect control process described in 26 may be performed. Even in this case, in the special symbol change related to the hold data that is the target of determination to execute the pre-reading notice effect, when it is notified that the special lottery result is lost, by restricting the execution of the final stage effect The above-mentioned discomfort to the player can be reduced.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the final stage effect is not executed when it is notified that the special lottery result is lost in the special symbol variation related to the reserved data that is the determination target to execute the prefetching notice effect. However, it is not always necessary to perform control so as not to be executed, as long as the execution of the final stage effect is limited. For example, when it is notified that the special lottery result is lost in the special symbol variation related to the hold data that is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 performs the final stage effect. Whether or not to execute the determination may be determined by lottery or the like, and the probability that the final stage effect is executed may be reduced (for example, 1%).

  In the above embodiment, the gaming machine in which the notification of the result of the second special symbol lottery is given priority over the notification of the result of the first special symbol lottery, but the notification of the result of the first special symbol lottery and The control processing of the present embodiment can be similarly applied to a gaming machine that has no priority in the notification of the result of the second special symbol lottery and notifies the result of the special symbol lottery in order of winning. Even in this case, the same effect as the gaming machine according to the present embodiment described above can be obtained, and a gaming machine that can attract the player's interest can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the final stage of the pre-reading notice effect is executed when the pre-determination result of the pending data that determines whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is executed is a big hit has been described. When it is determined that a specific effect, for example, reach effect (or SP reach effect or SPSP reach effect) is executed based on the pre-determined result of the hold data for which presence / absence is determined, the final stage of the pre-reading notice effect is determined. May be executed. By configuring in this way, it is possible to suggest that the execution of the final stage of the pre-reading notice effect causes a relatively high effect to be executed compared to the immediate loss, so that the player can be more interested while reducing discomfort to the player. A gaming machine that can be attracted can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which an effect of performing a countdown across a plurality of notification effects is executed as the prefetching notice effect. However, the content of the prefetching notice effect is not limited to this. In contrast to the pre-reading notice effect in the present embodiment, an effect of performing a countdown across a plurality of notification effects may be performed as the pre-reading notice effect. Alternatively, an effect that changes the color of a part or all of the image display area in the image display unit 6 in a stepwise manner such as blue, green, red, and gold can be executed as a pre-reading notice effect, An effect of changing the color of the lamp provided on the object or the frame in a stepwise manner may be executed as the pre-reading notice effect. Alternatively, instead of the change in the display content on the image display unit 6 or in addition to the change in the display content on the image display unit 6, an effect that generates a sound or a sound effect may be executed as the pre-reading notice effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which an effect in which the content of the effect progresses step by step is executed as the pre-reading notice effect. However, the same effect is repeatedly executed across multiple notification effects, and the number of executions The degree of reliability may be expressed by the number of. Even in this case, based on the pre-determined result of the hold data for which the presence / absence of the pre-reading notice effect is determined, execution / non-execution of the pre-reading notice effect is performed at the time of special symbol fluctuation related to the hold data for which the presence / absence of the pre-reading notice effect is determined. By controlling, a gaming machine having the same effect as the above embodiment can be realized.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the decorative symbol and the pre-reading notice effect are displayed on the same image display unit 6 has been described. However, the main display unit on which the decorative symbol is displayed and other effects other than the decorative symbol variation In a gaming machine provided with a sub-display unit capable of displaying, a pre-reading notice effect may be executed on the sub-display unit.

  Further, in addition to the pre-reading notice effect described in the above embodiment, the display mode of the hold image is set according to the jackpot reliability based on the pre-determination result of the hold data that is a determination target of whether to perform the pre-read notice effect. A so-called on-hold image change notice effect that is changed to the display mode and displayed may also be executed. More specifically, the display mode of the hold image corresponding to the hold data determined to execute the prefetch notice effect may be changed. By controlling in this way, the player can easily grasp the change that is the target of the pre-reading notice effect due to the change in the display mode of the reserved image, and an effect that is easy for the player to understand can be realized.

  Further, the reserved image change notice effect may be performed as the above-described prefetch notice effect. For example, as a pre-reading notice effect, instead of displaying a specific image as in the effects A to D described above, it is possible to determine whether to execute the pre-reading notice effect by changing the display mode of the reserved image step by step. You may suggest the jackpot reliability of the pending data that became. For example, the display color of the hold image of the hold data that is a target for determining whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is to be executed may be changed stepwise. Alternatively, the countdown as described above may be performed by making the reserved image itself a numerical image that changes stepwise, or displaying the numerical image that changes stepwise on the reserved image.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which one pre-reading notice effect is performed during one special symbol variation display. However, a plurality of pre-reading notice effects are performed during one special symbol variation display. May be. Specifically, the temporary stop and re-variation of the decorative symbol are combined with a pseudo continuous variation effect that is executed multiple times during the special symbol variation display, and the countdown display described above is performed each time the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped. The pre-reading notice effect may be performed. When the prefetching notice effect is performed in combination with the pseudo continuous variation effect in this way, the number of times that the prefetching notice effect can be executed can be made larger than the upper limit number of the hold data that can be held. For example, when performing three times of pseudo continuous variation during each special symbol variation display, it is possible to execute a maximum of twelve pre-reading notice effects over four notification effects. Therefore, when combined with the pseudo continuous variation effect, variations in the effect content can be increased by the same control process as in the present embodiment. This modification has a specific effect mode in which a special symbol lottery is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times with a constant fluctuation time (variation pattern), and is effective for a gaming machine that repeatedly executes a pseudo continuous variation effect in each special symbol change. is there.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the presence / absence of the pre-reading notice effect is determined in step S1134 of FIG. In this case, even if the pre-determined result of the hold data is a big hit, the prefetch notice effect may not be executed. Therefore, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the pre-reading notice effect is to be executed when the pre-determined result of the reserved data is a big hit in step S1134 of FIG. 24, and if the pre-determined result of the reserved data is lost. Whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is performed may be determined by lottery or the like. Alternatively, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the pre-reading notice effect is to be executed with the first probability when the pre-determination result of the hold data is a big hit in step S1134 of FIG. In the case of losing, it may be determined that the pre-reading notice effect is executed with a second probability smaller than the first probability.

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

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

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

Claims (1)

An acquisition means for acquiring game information upon establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
A notification effect control means for causing the effect execution means to execute a notification effect for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means;
Reservation storage means capable of reserving and storing game information acquired by the acquisition means up to a predetermined upper limit number as reservation game information;
Whether to perform pre-SL special game, and pre-determined pre-determination means prior to the determination by the special game determination means,
Based on the result of the prior determination by the prior determination means, prior determination effect execution determination means for determining whether or not to execute the preliminary determination effect;
Pre-decision effect control means for controlling execution of the pre-decision effect,
The pre-decision effect is
A pre-reading effect that can be executed during a notification effect executed before the notification effect related to the reserved game information determined to execute the prior determination effect;
Including a final stage effect that can be executed continuously with the pre-reading effect during the notification effect related to the pending game information determined to execute the prior determination effect,
The pre-decision effect control means is
When the result of the prior determination related to the reserved game information determined to execute the prior determination effect indicates that the special game is performed, the pre-reading effect and the final stage effect are continuously executed,
A gaming machine that restricts execution of the final stage effect when a result of a prior determination related to the reserved game information determined to execute the prior determination effect indicates that the special game is not performed.

Images