JP6152407B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Many game machines in recent years have, as types of jackpots, probable jackpots that are likely to continue to be more dominant for the player, and usually jackpots. Among such gaming machines, there are a probability variation symbol for notifying a probability variation jackpot and a normal symbol for notifying a normal jackpot as symbols to be displayed on an image display unit such as a liquid crystal display device. When the result is notified, there is one that not only notifies that the jackpot lottery has been won, but also notifies the type of jackpot depending on the type of symbol displayed on the image display unit (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

"Pachinko winning guide", Hakuyo Shobo Co., Ltd., May 21, 2011 issue, May 21, 2011 issue, Page 4, CR FEVER Macross Frontier, "Big Bonus Design"

  There is a strong demand for gaming machines not only for fun by acquiring game media (game balls) but also for fun by production.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a novel effect.

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

Acquisition means (100, S204, S210) for acquiring game information when a predetermined start condition is established;
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;
Production control means (400, 500) for controlling the production ,
The production is
A variation effect for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means by displaying the symbols in a variable manner in each of the plurality of symbol display areas (60a to 60c) in the effect display means (6), and then stopping the display.
A pseudo-continuous production that suggests that the possibility that the special game will be executed every time the number of executions increases,
Including a suggestion effect that suggests an effect to be executed later,
The suggestion production is
An effect in which the display is expanded from a specific symbol display area to another symbol display area, and a first suggestion effect suggesting that the pseudo-continuous effect is executed and an effect different from the pseudo-continuous effect are executed. And a second suggestion effect suggesting that
The production control means includes
When the first suggestion effect is executed, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed with the first suggestion effect hidden.
A gaming machine in which, when the second suggestion effect is executed, the pseudo suggestion effect is not executed while the second suggestion effect is not displayed .

  According to the present invention, a gaming machine capable of executing a novel effect 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 flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed by the main control part 100 The flowchart which shows an example of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed by the production control part 400 The flowchart which shows an example of the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. 10 and subsequent to FIG. The figure which shows an example of the symbol which can be displayed on the image display part 6 in the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of effect content setting processing in step S1151 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the production pattern table referred when performing the production content setting process of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the effect content table at the time of the symbol temporary stop referred when performing the effect content setting process of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production using the twin design in this embodiment The figure for demonstrating another example of the effect using the twin design in this embodiment The figure which shows the screen transition following FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of the effect using the twin design and button design in this embodiment The figure for demonstrating an example of the effect using the pseudo-continuous pattern in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production | presentation using the drum symbol in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production | presentation using the drum symbol and the pseudo-continuous symbol in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production | presentation which used the drum design and the button design in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production | presentation which expands and displays the drum symbol in this embodiment The figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of the development suggestion effect in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production using the development suggestion design in this embodiment

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

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

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

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

  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 operation of the player. 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, 15 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 the game state (normal state, short time state, etc.) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, 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. Control to repeat only 15 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 and 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 detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111 b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and sends a detection signal 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 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that the game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and sends a detection signal 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 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  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. In addition, the effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect button 37 and the effect key 38, and acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 in response to an operation pressed by the player. 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.

  Hereinafter, a processing flow executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 that realizes a “characteristic operation according to the present embodiment” that will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 will be described.

[Main operation of main control unit]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. The timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 5 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts in FIG.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. 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 a type of jackpot (for example, a promiscuous jackpot or a jackpot with a short time) when a special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time 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 fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 7 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 big hit random number).

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

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when the gate switch 113 is turned on (when a game ball detection signal is output from the gate switch 113), the normal symbol lottery is suspended. If it is determined whether the number is less than the upper limit (for example, 4) and it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit, a gate switch process is performed to obtain a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. To do.

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

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the normal state and to 0.5 seconds in the electric support state. In addition, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) to a low probability (1/10) in the normal state, In the electric support state, it is raised with a high probability (10/10). In the electric support state, the number of reserved special symbol lots is larger than that in the normal state, and the variation time of the special symbol is shortened. Therefore, the electric support state may be referred to as a short-time state.

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

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At 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 normal state, and controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a long period (three times for 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. To do. 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.

  Here, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a normal state, an electric support state, a probability change state, and a big hit gaming state. The normal state is a basic normal game state, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (1/300: high probability is 1/30), and the electric tulip 27 is in an open state. It is a gaming state set to be difficult to become. In the electric support state, the execution time of the normal symbol lottery (the open lottery of the electric tulip 27) is typically shortened compared to the normal state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery increases, and the normal symbol lottery is won. In this case, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened for a long time, so that the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long time and the game ball is frequently won at the second starting port 22. That is, the electric support state is a gaming state that is set such that the electric tulip 27 is more likely to be in the open state than in the normal state. The probability variation state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a high probability (1/30: low probability is 1/300). Note that there are cases where the electric support state and the probability change state coexist, and this coexisting state is referred to as an electric support probability change state (or time-short probability change state). The big hit game state is a game state when a big hit game (special game) in which a special symbol lottery is won (hit a big win) and the big prize opening 23 is opened is being executed.

  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.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 6 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. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  In step S202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the number of first special symbol lotteries held from the ROM 102, and the number of retained U1 of the first special symbol lottery stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of the acquired random numbers (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It should be noted that each time the value of the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 7 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 and reach effect Whether or not to execute is determined in advance. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. 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 and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

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

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 acquires 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 and the like, 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 of FIG. 7 to be 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. 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 and reach effect Whether or not to execute is determined in advance. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG. The first hold number increase command set in step S206 and the second hold number increase command set in step S212 are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 7 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 5 is demonstrated using FIG.

  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. 5, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. 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 the big hit this time (for example, the probable big hit or the short hit big hit) is determined. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that it is a big hit in the big hit determination process of step S407, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in this big hit determination process is a predetermined value (stored in the ROM 102). A variation pattern (a variation time of a special symbol: the execution time of a notification effect) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining a variation pattern when a big hit occurs). In this embodiment, as an example, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, a reach effect is always performed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that a loss has occurred in the jackpot determination process in step S407, the reach random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process is a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (reach at the time of a loss) It is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be executed based on which one of the predetermined values for execution determination matches. If the CPU 101 determines to execute the reach effect, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the current jackpot determination process is stored in the ROM 102 (the reach effect is executed when lost). The variation pattern (variation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining the variation pattern in the case of matching. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines not to execute the reach effect, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern (variation time) based on the holding numbers U1 and U2 stored in the RAM 103.

  Information on the variation pattern determined as described above and information indicating whether or not to execute reach production are 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. This notification effect start command is 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 displaying. 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 processing 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. When the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display, the CPU 101 displays the stop symbol and displays the lottery result. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the big hit game effect is started. In addition, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the number of times that the special symbol fluctuates and is stopped and displayed by the processing of steps S410 and S413 (that is, the number of rotations) (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery or the electric A game state notification command indicating the game state after switching is set in the RAM 103 by switching the opening setting of the tulip 27. This gaming state notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the effect can be switched (for example, switching from the effect mode in the short time state to the effect mode in the normal state). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to shift to a customer waiting effect (demonstration effect). For example, the CPU 101 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b) is finished in a state where the special symbol lottery is not suspended. When the time has elapsed, it is determined that the game by the player has been interrupted or ended, and it is determined to shift to the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying video related to content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or a predetermined effect (for example, executed during the game) This is an effect of displaying a part of the reach effect) on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S415 is yes, the process proceeds to step S416. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting effect start command for instructing the start of the customer waiting effect in the RAM 103. This customer waiting effect start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the customer waiting effect is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S417, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to end the customer waiting effect. For example, the CPU 101 receives a prize at the first start port 21 (or the second start port 22) during execution of the customer waiting effect and uses the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b). When the variation display of the special symbol is started, it is determined that the game by the player has been resumed (or started), and the customer waiting effect is determined to end. If the determination in step S417 is YES, the process proceeds to step S418, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 418, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting effect end command for instructing the end of the customer waiting effect in the RAM 103. This customer waiting effect end command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the customer waiting effect is ended. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
8 and 9 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. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “15” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. To do. By the 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 process, the 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. 5, and the round effect is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  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 in the jackpot game set in the process in step S604 has elapsed since the big winning opening 23 was closed at the end of the previous round in 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. 9, 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 hit game round, and based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether the big prize opening switch 114 is turned on. Determine whether or not. 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. By executing the process of step S613 every time the big prize opening switch 114 is turned ON, the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big prize opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. Go. 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 the 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. 5, 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. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 9, 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. 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. 8 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 is stored in the RAM 103, 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 the jackpot of this time (that is, switches the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the opening setting of the electric tulip 27). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S624, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the gaming state after switching by the processing in step S623 in the RAM 103. This gaming state notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the effect can be switched (for example, switching from the big hit game effect to the effect of the short-time probability changing state). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 10, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 10 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. In addition, the process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 demonstrated based on the flowchart after FIG. 10 is performed based on the program memorize | stored in ROM402.

  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. 5, sets the effect contents according to the received command, Command reception processing for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S <b> 12, the CPU 401 sets the content of the effect according to the operation input signal output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 by the player's operation, and the effect of the set content is set in the image sound control unit 500. And the effect input control process which sets the various commands for instructing execution to the lamp controller 600 in the RAM 403 is executed. For example, when a player operates the effect button 37 and outputs an operation input signal during a predetermined operation input valid period, the CPU 401 performs a predetermined effect (such as an effect of displaying a notice image suggesting the possibility of a big hit). Is set and the command is set in the RAM 403.

  Next, in step S13, 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 lamp control unit 600. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the processes of steps S11 and S12 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 lamp control unit 600. It will be.

[Command reception processing]
FIG. 11 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 10 will be described.

  First, in step S111, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 6). (See steps S206 and S212). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S112, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, and causes the image display unit 6 to additionally display a hold image indicating the special symbol lottery hold. Hold image display processing is performed. 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 S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Here, the pre-reading notice effect performed in the present embodiment is based on the prior determination result performed in step S205 or S211 in FIG. 6, before the special determination lottery is performed and the special symbol lottery is performed. It is an effect that suggests the possibility that the hold related to will be a big hit. Whenever the CPU 401 receives the hold increase command in step S111, the CPU 401 refers to the pre-determination information included in the hold increase command and determines whether or not to execute the pre-read notice effect by lottery or the like. When the CPU 401 determines to execute the prefetching notice effect, the CPU 401 sets the contents of the prefetching notice effect by lottery or the like from a plurality of patterns of prefetching notice effects prepared in advance. This pre-reading notice effect can also be performed across multiple symbol variations when the number of holds is two or more.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can perform a predetermined suggestive effect based on prior determination of the hold data. Further, when the CPU 401 determines that the predetermined suggestion effect is to be performed, in order to suggest the possibility that the predetermined suggestion effect is executed across the special symbol variation of the predetermined number of times equal to or less than the holding number at the time of determination, A pre-reading notice effect (development suggestion effect) can be executed on the image display unit 6. The predetermined suggestive effects that can be executed by the effect control unit 400 include an effect suggesting a jackpot or a latent jackpot, a zone entry effect, etc., in addition to a suggestion effect suggesting a jackpot (probable jackpot, normal jackpot). May be.

  As an example, in the present embodiment, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can execute a jackpot suggesting effect as a predetermined suggesting effect based on the preliminary determination of reserved data. Further, the CPU 401 can execute a pre-reading notice effect for acquiring points as an effect suggesting the feasibility of the jackpot suggesting effect. When the total number of acquired points reaches a predetermined number, the CPU 401 executes the jackpot suggesting effect while the reserved data determined to perform the jackpot suggesting effect is digested and the special symbol variation is performed. . Therefore, if the CPU 401 determines that the development suggestion effect is to be performed as the pre-reading notice effect regardless of whether or not to execute the jackpot suggestion effect, the reserved data of the special symbol is determined for the pending data for which the execution of the jackpot suggestion effect is determined. The total of points that can be earned during one or more special symbol changes until the end of the change display is appropriately distributed. When the CPU 401 determines that the jackpot suggesting effect is to be executed, the CPU 401 performs point distribution so that the total number of points that can be acquired during one or more special symbol changes reaches a predetermined number. On the other hand, when the CPU 401 determines that the jackpot suggesting effect is not executed, the CPU 401 does not reach the predetermined number of points that can be acquired during one or more special symbol changes. Point distribution. The distribution of points can be determined, for example, by the CPU 401 selecting one distribution pattern by lottery or the like from a plurality of distribution patterns prepared in advance. In the present embodiment, as one method of adding points during each special symbol change, points are added when the development suggestion symbol (FIG. 13 (i)) described later is temporarily stopped on the image display unit 6. can do. The details of the jackpot suggestion effect and the effect mode using the development suggestion symbol performed during the development suggestion effect will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command set in step S409 of FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S115, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 in accordance with the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and performs notification effect execution processing for starting the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This notification effect execution 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. 7 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 S118.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (confirmed). Stop the display) and inform the effect of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S118.

  In step S118, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the gaming state notification command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 7 or the process in step S624 in FIG. 9 has been received. If the determination in step S118 is yes, the process proceeds to step S119. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S119, the CPU 401 performs an effect state setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to set the notification effect to be executed in the effect state corresponding to the game state indicated by the game state notification command received in step S118. For example, if the gaming state indicated by the gaming state notification command received in step S118 is a short-time probability variation state, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to set the background image of the notification effect to red, and step S118. When the gaming state indicated by the gaming state notification command received in is a normal state, the image sound control unit 500 or the like is instructed to set the background image of the notification effect to blue. 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 step S120, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 of FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the big hit game effect is started. 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. 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 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. 8 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 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a round effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during the 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 round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 8 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 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 S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 9 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 and the like to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the jackpot game effect is ended. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the 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 step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect start command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to start a customer waiting effect. As already described, 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 execution executed during the game This is an effect of displaying a part of the effect (for example, reach effect) 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 S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect end command set in the process of step S418 in FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S130 is yes, the process proceeds to step S131. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the customer waiting effect started in the process of step S129. 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 S12 in FIG.

  Note that the decorative symbol change time (that is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 starts the notification effect in step S115 of FIG. 11 (starts the decorative symbol change display), and then ends the notification effect in step S117 of FIG. 11). (Time until the decorative symbol is fixedly displayed) is the special symbol variation time (that is, after the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 starts displaying the special symbol variation in step S410 in FIG. 7, the step in FIG. In S413, the time until the change of the special symbol is finished and the lottery result is displayed by the stop symbol is matched. Further, at the end of the change of the special symbol, the lottery result displayed by the special symbol matches the notification content of the decorative symbol that is confirmed. For example, when the special symbol stops at the end of the change of the special symbol, “4 rounds short time (electric support) no big hit” is displayed, the image display unit 6 also displays “4 rounds short time (electric support)”. A decorative symbol for notifying "None jackpot" is fixedly displayed. Alternatively, when the special symbol stops displaying “16-round probability variation jackpot” at the end of the variation of the special symbol, the decorative symbol for informing the “16-round probability variation jackpot” is also confirmed on the image display unit 6. Is displayed.

[Description of decorative design]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a symbol (decorative symbol) that can be displayed on the image display unit 6 in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  The effect control unit 400 of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment causes the symbols to be variably displayed in each of the plurality of symbol display areas provided on the image display unit 6 and then stops (mainly stops). At this time, the player is notified of the result of the special symbol lottery by the combination of symbols stopped in each of the symbol display areas. The symbol array to be variably displayed in each symbol display area includes symbols 50 to 52 shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C and symbols 53 to 59 shown in FIGS. 13D to 13J. The symbols 50 to 52 shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C are symbols used only for notifying the result of the special symbol lottery. On the other hand, symbols 53 to 59 shown in FIGS. 13D to 13J are symbols that suggest that a predetermined effect is executed by temporarily stopping the image display unit 6. Here, the temporary stop refers to a mode in which the design seems to be stopped at first glance, but is not completely stopped due to the fact that the design is slightly shaken. In the following description, the symbols shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C are referred to as “normal symbols” and the symbols shown in FIGS. 13D to 13J are “special symbols” in order to distinguish them. That's it. The special symbols include not only those associated with a predetermined effect but also those that suggest the result of the special symbol lottery. Hereinafter, the details of each symbol shown in FIG. 13 will be described.

[Normal design]
The symbols 50 to 52 shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C are symbols used for suggesting the result of the special symbol lottery. That is, the symbols 50 to 52 indicate whether or not a special symbol lottery is won (hit a big hit) by a combination of symbols stopped in all of the plurality of symbol display areas provided on the image display unit 6. Examples of combinations of stop symbols that indicate that a special symbol lottery has been won are all the same symbols in all symbol display areas (except for the missing symbols that will be described later), or special special The combination of various symbols can be mentioned. Moreover, the combination of the stop symbol which suggests having lost the special symbol lottery is the combination of arbitrary normal symbols except the combination of the stop symbol which suggests having won the special symbol lottery.

  The normal symbol may be composed only of a numeric symbol as in the symbol 50 shown in FIG. 13A, or a symbol symbol and a character or background symbol as in a symbol 51 shown in FIG. 13B. You may comprise by the combination of these. The symbol shown in FIG. 13B is a combination of a numeric symbol and a symbol such as a character, but has one suggestion as a whole.

  A symbol 51 shown in FIG. 13 (c) is a symbol that is not matched with any other symbol, and suggests that the special symbol lottery has been lost or that the probability of winning is small. The normal symbol may include a lost symbol such as the symbol 52 shown in FIG. Even if the lost symbol shown in FIG. 13 (c) is temporarily stopped on the image display unit 6, the development effect or the relief effect accompanied by the re-variation of the symbol is executed and the special symbol lottery is won. Therefore, the lost symbol does not necessarily indicate that the special symbol lottery has been lost.

  In FIG. 13, three types of symbols 50 to 52 have been described as examples of normal symbols. However, these symbols 50 to 52 are merely examples of normal symbols, and each symbol that is variably displayed in each symbol display area. The arrangement includes a number of normal symbols (not shown) that suggest the result of the special symbol lottery.

[Special design]
A symbol 53 shown in FIG. 13D is a special symbol having a plurality of suggested contents. The design of the symbol 53 is similar to that of the symbol 52 of FIG. 13C in that the symbol 53 is composed of a combination of the symbol 53a and the symbol 53b. However, the symbol 53a and the symbol 53b have different suggested contents, and It differs from the pattern 52 of FIG.13 (c) by the point which has several suggestion content as the whole 53. FIG. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the symbol 53a is a symbol for notifying the result of the special symbol lottery, and the symbol 53b is a chance symbol constituting a chance eye. Here, the chance chance is a specific combination of symbols temporarily stopped in the symbol display area, and a combination of symbols that may be developed into an effect that can be expected to be a big hit.

  The symbol 54 shown in FIG. 13 (e) and the symbol 55 shown in FIG. 13 (f) are also symbols having a plurality of suggested contents, like the symbol 53. The symbol 54 includes a symbol 54a and a symbol 54b. Similarly, the symbol 55 includes a symbol 55a and a symbol 55b. The symbols 54a and 54b are symbols that suggest the result of the special symbol lottery, and the symbols 54b and 55b are chance symbols that constitute a chance eye.

  The symbols 53 to 55 maintain a plurality of suggested contents while the symbols are being displayed in the symbol display areas provided on the image display unit 6 (that is, FIG. 13D). ~ (F) (in the display mode), the image display unit 6 is variably displayed, but when temporarily stopped on the image display unit 6, the symbol has any one of a plurality of suggested contents of each symbol. To be displayed on the image display unit 6. The display mode during the variable display of the symbols 53 to 55 and at the time of temporary stop will be described later. In addition, since the symbols 53 to 55 according to the present embodiment each have two suggested contents, these symbols 53 to 55 are also referred to as “twin symbols” in the following description.

  The symbol 56 shown in FIG. 13 (g) does not notify the result of the special symbol lottery, but the symbol 56 is displayed on the image display unit 6 by temporarily stopping on the image display unit 6 during one special symbol variation display. It is a pattern that suggests that it will change again. The symbol 56 may be temporarily stopped and displayed a plurality of times during one special symbol variation display. By displaying the symbol 56 temporarily stopped a plurality of times during one special symbol variation display, a plurality of symbol variations and temporary stops can be repeated during one special symbol variation display. In this manner, during one special symbol variation display, the symbol variation display and temporary stop on the image display unit 6 are repeated a predetermined number of times so that a plurality of symbol variations are performed in a pseudo manner. The production mode shown in is called “pseudo continuous variation”. In quasi-continuous fluctuation, the greater the number of temporary stops and the number of re-variations after the temporary stop, the higher the jackpot reliability. In the following description, the pseudo continuous variation is omitted and referred to as “pseudo continuous”, and the symbol 56 is also referred to as “pseudo continuous symbol”. In addition, when the symbol 56 is temporarily stopped and displayed on the image display unit 6, in addition to suggesting that the symbol is re-varied, the symbol 56 may also indicate that a reach effect is performed.

  A symbol 57 shown in FIG. 13 (h) is a symbol in the form of a rotating drum having a reel 57a capable of rotating and displaying a plurality of symbols. After the symbol 57 is temporarily stopped on the image display unit 6, the reel 57 a on which a number is drawn rotates and then temporarily stops, so that one symbol is displayed on the reel 57 a in a specified state. In the example of FIG. 13 (h), among the symbols “6”, “7”, and “8”, the symbol “7” is displayed. The symbol specified and displayed on the reel 57a becomes the temporary stop symbol of the symbol display area where the symbol 57 is temporarily stopped. In the example of FIG. 13 (h), only the numerical symbol is shown on the reel 57a of the symbol 57. However, on the reel 57a, letters, figures, etc. suggesting the jackpot or the development of the notification effect are displayed. It is also possible to do. In addition, the symbol 57 can be temporarily extended to one symbol display area and then expanded to another symbol display area. In this case, the extended symbol 57 can be used to suggest the development of a jackpot or notification effect. Thus, the symbol 57 can be used for an effect mode that displays a normal symbol that suggests the result of a special lottery and an effect mode that displays contents that suggest the development of a jackpot or a notification effect. Details of the production mode using this symbol 57 will be described later. In the following description, the symbol 57 is also referred to as a “drum symbol”.

  The symbol 58 shown in FIG. 13 (i) is a symbol that does not notify the result of the special symbol lottery but suggests that a specific effect (development effect) suggesting a jackpot is executed. For example, when a predetermined effect that suggests a jackpot or the like is executed when points are added when a predetermined condition is satisfied and the accumulated points reach a predetermined value, the symbol display area on the image display unit 6 The point is added when the symbol 58 is temporarily stopped. The effect of accumulating points in this manner may be performed during one special symbol variation display, or may be performed over two or more predetermined symbol variation displays. Details of the effect mode using this symbol 58 will be described later. In the following description, the symbol 57 is also referred to as “development suggestion symbol”.

  The symbol 59 shown in FIG. 13 (j) does not notify the result of the special symbol lottery, but when the symbol 59 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area on the image display unit 6, the player presses the effect button. It is a design to encourage. The symbol 59 is composed of a combination of a symbol 59a representing an effect button and a symbol 59b such as a background. When pressing the effect button is prompted, an image of the effect button may be displayed on the image display unit 6, but in this embodiment, a symbol 59a representing the effect button is incorporated in the symbol array variably displayed in the symbol display area. When the symbol 59 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area, it is urged to press the effect button. In this respect, the symbol 59 is different from a general effect button image simply displayed on the image display unit 6. An effect mode using this symbol 59 will be described later. In the following description, the symbol 59 is also referred to as a “button symbol”.

[Control processing of notification effect using special symbols]
Here, a control process for executing an effect using the special symbol shown in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG.

  First, in step S1151, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executes effect content setting processing for setting the effect content to be executed. More specifically, the CPU 401 acquires the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114 of FIG. 11, and whether the condition included in this setting information (whether or not a special symbol lottery is won (big win)). The notification effect pattern to be executed by lottery or the like is selected from a large number of notification effect production patterns satisfying the determination result, the jackpot type, the notification effect execution time, and the determination result of whether or not the reach effect is executed. Further, the CPU 401 selects a design to be temporarily stopped and the content of the effect at the time of temporary stop based on the selected notification effect pattern by lottery or the like from a plurality of previously prepared effect contents, and the selected effect contents, execution order, etc. Is set as production execution information. Details of the effect content setting process will be described later with reference to FIGS. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1152.

  In step S1152, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the notification effect set in step S1151. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command for specifying the effect execution information set in step S1152 in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of effect content setting processing in step S1151 of FIG.

  First, in step S140, whether or not the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 has won a special symbol lottery (whether it was a big win) based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114 in FIG. Determine. If the determination in step S140 is YES, the process proceeds to step S141. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S142.

  Next, in step S <b> 141, the CPU 401 determines a symbol (decorative symbol for notifying the jackpot) to be displayed on the image display unit 6 at the end of the special symbol variation display. More specifically, the CPU 401 corresponds to the type of jackpot included in the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114 of FIG. 11 (normal round jackpot without 4-round power support, 16 round probability jackpot jackpot, etc.). The symbol to be selected is selected as the symbol to be confirmed. For example, if the result of the special symbol lottery is 16 rounds probable jackpot, select the probable symbol that reports the 16 rounds probable jackpot as the symbol to be confirmed, and the result of the special symbol lottery will be a normal jackpot without 4 round power support. In some cases, a symbol (for example, a normal symbol) for notifying a 4-round electric support no jackpot is selected as a symbol to be confirmed and displayed. The CPU 401 determines a symbol to be determined and displayed for the jackpot notification with reference to a table or the like in which the correspondence between the type of jackpot and the symbol is associated in advance. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S142.

  In step S142, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the development effect. Examples of the development effect include a super reach production having a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach production, and a super super reach production having a higher jackpot reliability than the super reach production. If the determination in step S142 is yes, the process proceeds to step S143. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S144.

  In step S143, the CPU 401 refers to an effect pattern table to be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S144.

  In step S144, the CPU 401 executes the reach effect based on the determination result of whether or not to execute the reach effect included in the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114 in FIG. Determine whether or not. If the determination in step S144 is YES, the process proceeds to step S145. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S147.

  In step S146, the CPU 401 determines the contents of the reach effect to be executed. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines the contents of the reach effect by referring to an effect pattern table described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S146.

  In step S146, the CPU 401 refers to an effect pattern table, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, and determines the effect contents to be performed before the reach effect is executed. The production contents performed before the reach production are, for example, pseudo continuous fluctuation and chance eye production. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S148.

  In step S147, the CPU 401 refers to an effect pattern table, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, and determines the effect contents to be performed when the reach effect is not executed. The contents of the effect performed when the reach effect is not executed are, for example, pseudo continuous variation, pseudo continuous variation, a chance effect, and a chance effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S148.

  In step S148, the CPU 401 refers to the temporary stop symbol effect content table, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, and displays the symbols to be temporarily stopped after the symbols are variably displayed in the symbol display area of the image display unit 6, and the temporary stop symbols. Determine the contents of the production. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S1152 in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect pattern table referred to when the effect content setting process of FIG. 15 is executed. Note that the production patterns that can be executed by the production control unit 400 are determined by the number of types of production (reach production, pseudo continuous variation production, etc.), so more production patterns are actually prepared. In FIG. 16, only some types of effects and some effect patterns are shown in order to simplify the description.

  The effect pattern table shown in FIG. 16 includes special symbol lottery results, jackpot type, presence / absence of development effect, type of development effect, presence / absence of reach effect, type of reach effect, presence / absence of pseudo continuous fluctuation, The number of changes and presence / absence of chance eye effects are defined as a matrix. In FIG. 16, “◯” means that the corresponding effect is executed, “−” means that the corresponding effect is not executed, or no value is set, and “buzz” is applicable. This means that the performance is performed only by suggesting the performance. In the case where “swing” is set in the presence / absence of pseudo continuous variation, for example, a pseudo continuous symbol 56 (FIG. 13G), which is one of special symbols, is displayed in the symbol display area of the image display unit 6. After performing the effect as if temporarily stopped, the effect of temporarily stopping and displaying other symbols is performed without temporarily stopping display in the symbol display area by sliding the pseudo-continuous symbol 56 or the like. In addition, when “scoring” is set in the chance eye effect field, for example, the twin symbol 53 (FIG. 13D), which is one of the special symbols, is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area of the image display unit 6. Then, the effect of temporarily stopping and displaying the symbol 53a that suggests the normal symbol is performed.

  The CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 matches the determination results of step S140 (special symbol lottery winning result), step S142 (execution presence / absence of development effect), and step S144 (execution presence / absence of reach effect) described in FIG. The above effect patterns are extracted from the effect pattern table of FIG. 16, and one effect pattern to be executed is selected from the extracted effect patterns by lottery or the like. Further, based on the selected effect pattern, the CPU 401 performs step S141 (design to be confirmed and displayed), step S143 (contents of development effect), step S145 (contents of reach effect), and step S146 (reach effect) described in FIG. The effect content) is determined.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an effect content table at the time of symbol temporary stop that is referred to when the effect content setting process of FIG. 15 is executed. It should be noted that a plurality of types of effects that can be executed when the effect control unit 400 temporarily stops the symbol display area of the image display unit 6 can be set by a combination of special symbols displayed in the three symbol display areas at the time of temporary stop. Actually, more production patterns are prepared, but in order to simplify the explanation in FIG. 17 as well, only the production contents corresponding to a part of the combination of symbols displayed at the time of temporary stop are shown. Yes.

  In the effect content table shown in FIG. 17, presence / absence of reach effect, presence / absence of development suggestion, presence / absence of pseudo continuous fluctuation, presence / absence of chance eye effect, three types of symbols to be temporarily stopped in the three symbol display areas are defined as a matrix Has been. For example, production No. In order to execute the development suggestion effect during the variation display of the special symbol, the pattern of the effect content defined as 1 temporarily stops the normal symbol display in the symbol display areas (left) and (right), and the symbol display area ( Middle) means that an effect of temporarily stopping and displaying the development suggestion symbol 58 (FIG. 13 (i)) is executed. In addition, production No. In order to execute pseudo-continuous variation during the variation display of the special symbol, the pattern of the effect content defined in 5 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the symbol display area (left) and the drum is displayed in the symbol display area (right). The symbol 57 (FIG. 13 (h)) is temporarily stopped and the button symbol 59 (FIG. 13 (j)) is temporarily stopped and displayed in the symbol display area (middle), and then the pseudo-continuous symbol 56 is displayed in the symbol display area (middle). (FIG. 13 (g)) is temporarily stopped and displayed, and the effect of re-variing the symbols in all symbol display areas is executed. If it is decided to execute a plurality of pseudo fluctuations (pseudo continuous fluctuations) according to the effect pattern selected in FIG. 16, the effect content pattern is selected a plurality of times by lottery from the effect content table shown in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to determine the design to be temporarily stopped and the contents of the effect in a plurality of pseudo fluctuations. The contents of the effect shown in FIG. 17 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In FIGS. 16 and 17, in order to simplify the description, the definition of the notification effect execution time (the special symbol variation display time) is omitted. Actually, since the main control unit 100 defines the time during which the effect control unit 400 can execute the notification effect, the patterns shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are defined for each notification effect execution time. The CPU 401 of 400 selects an effect pattern that matches the notification effect execution time (variation pattern) included in the setting information included in the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114 of FIG. 11 in the process described in FIG. To do.

  Note that the contents of the effect described with reference to FIG. 17 can be played back from an arbitrary frame in a predetermined frame unit, and a playback position is changed between arbitrary frames, or a frame to be played back is branched based on a condition. It can be realized by using content that can. In this case, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 designates a frame to be reproduced, a transition destination frame, and the like to the image sound control unit 500 by using a command, whereby the effect contents set in FIGS. Can be run as

  Hereinafter, the details of the effect mode executed on the image display unit 6 as a result of the control processing described with reference to FIGS.

[Example of production using twin symbols]
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using twin symbols in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 18 shows an example of an effect mode in which an effect that suggests (speaks) a chance eye is executed using one twin image. The production mode of FIG. 18 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. 10 corresponds.

  In FIG. 18 and the subsequent drawings, symbol display areas 60a to 60c provided in the image display unit 6 are indicated by a dashed box. Further, the downward arrows displayed in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c indicate a state in which symbols are variably displayed.

  First, in FIG. 18A, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 starts reproduction of the production content based on a command set by the CPU 401 of the production control unit 400, whereby the design of the design in the design display areas 60a to 60c. The state immediately after the start of the variable display is shown.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18 (2), the twin symbols 53 are temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18 (3), as an effect for selecting one of the two suggested contents of the twin symbol 53, the symbol 53 a and the symbol 53 b constituting the twin symbol 53 compete with each other. The action is executed.

  After the execution of this action, as shown in FIG. 18 (4), the normal symbol having the suggested content of the symbol 53a is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a. In FIG. 18 (4), as long as the symbol temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a has the same suggestion as the symbol 53a, the symbol may have the same display mode as the symbol 53a or a different display mode from the symbol 53a. There may be.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 18 (5) and (6), after the normal symbol temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60c, the normal symbol temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60b. The symbol temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c in FIG. 18 (6) is stopped (completely stopped) with the end of the variation display of the special symbol, and the fact that it has been lost in the special symbol lottery is produced in an effect. . In FIG. 18 (5), if the same symbol as that temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60c, it is suggested that the reach is established, and the reach effect is subsequently executed.

  By performing an effect using twin symbols as illustrated in FIG. 18, it is possible to suggest the possibility of establishment of a chance eye. In addition, in FIG. 18, although the presentation aspect which suggests the possibility of establishment of a chance eye without temporarily stopping a chance symbol in the symbol display area 60a was explained, the chance symbol is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a, and the like. The chance display may be suggested by not temporarily stopping the chance symbols in the symbol display areas 60b and 60c. Moreover, the chance symbol may be established by temporarily stopping the chance symbol in both the symbol display areas 60a and 60c and not temporarily stopping the chance symbol in the symbol display area 60b.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining another example of effects using twin symbols in the present embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing screen transitions following FIG. More specifically, in FIGS. 19 and 20, after temporarily stopping the three twin symbols in order, after establishing the chance chance, it is notified that the reach effect and the special symbol lottery have been won (a big win). An example of performing an effect will be shown. 19 and 20 is the effect No. of the effect content table shown in FIG. Corresponds to 8.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (1), after the symbol change display is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the twin symbols 53 are temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a as shown in FIG. 19 (2).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19 (3), as an effect for selecting one of the two suggested contents of the twin symbol 53, the symbol 53a and the symbol 53b constituting the twin symbol 53 compete with each other. The action is executed.

  After the execution of this action, the suggested content of the symbol 53b is selected, and as shown in FIG. 19 (4), the chance symbol 61 having the same suggested content as the character symbol 53b is displayed in the symbol display area 60a.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19 (5), the twin symbol 55 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60c, and as shown in FIG. 19 (6), one of the two suggested contents of the twin symbol 55 is selected. As an effect to do this, an action is performed in which the symbol 55a and the character symbol 55b constituting the twin symbol 55 compete with each other. After execution of this action, the suggested content of the character design 55b is selected, and as shown in FIG. 19 (7), a chance design 63 having the same suggested content as the character design 55b is displayed in the design display area 60c. .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19 (8), the twin symbol 54 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60b, and as shown in FIG. 20 (1), one of the two suggested contents of the twin symbol 54 is selected. As an effect to do this, an action is performed in which the symbols 54a and 54b constituting the twin symbols 54 compete with each other. After the execution of this action, the suggested content of the symbol 54b is selected, and as shown in FIG. 20 (2), the chance symbol 62 having the same suggested content as the symbol 54b is displayed in the symbol display area 60b. As a result, the chance symbols 61, 62, and 63 are temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a, 60b, and 60c, and chance chances are established.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20 (3), a specific reach effect that is executed only after the chance eye is established is executed. In the example of FIG. 20 (3), reach of 3 lines is established.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20 (4), the symbols are temporarily stopped on the reach line (broken line in FIG. 20 (3)) of the image display unit 6, and the same symbols are aligned obliquely in the lower right direction. You will be notified that you won the special symbol drawing.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20 (5), the screen returns to the normal screen from the specific reach screen executed after the chance is established, and the state where three normal symbols are arranged is displayed in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c.

  Subsequently, in the example of FIG. 20, an effect (so-called re-lottery effect or promotion effect) for notifying whether the established jackpot is a promising jackpot or other jackpot that is more advantageous to the player is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20 (6), when the symbol temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60 a to 60 c in FIG. As shown in FIG. 20 (7), the same normal symbol (probable symbol) that suggests that all symbol display regions 60a to 60c are probabilistically stopped and the winning of the probable big hit was won. Informed. When the result of the special symbol lottery is not a promising big hit but a normal big hit, the symbols temporarily stopped in line with the symbol display areas 60a to 60c in FIG. 20 (5) are as shown in FIG. 20 (6). Even if it changes again, the same normal symbol suggesting that it is not a probable big hit will stop this time, and it will be noticed in a stage effect that it has won the normal big hit.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, by performing an effect using twin symbols, it is possible to establish a chance and notify that a special symbol lottery has been won.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using a twin symbol and a button symbol in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 21 prompts the player to press the production button 37 using the button design, and selects and displays one of a plurality of suggested contents of the twin design according to the input from the production button 37. An example is shown. The production mode of FIG. 21 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. Corresponds to 9.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (1), after the variable display of the symbols is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, as shown in FIG. 21 (2), in the symbol display areas 60a, 60b and 60c, twin symbols 53, The button symbol 59 and the twin symbol 55 are temporarily stopped simultaneously.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21 (3), a message prompting the player to operate the effect button 37 (continuous hit) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the effect button 37 is pressed by the player, as shown in FIG. 21 (4), the symbols 53a and 53b constituting the twin symbol 53 temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a based on the pressing of the effect button 37. And the symbol 55a and the symbol 55b constituting the twin symbol 55 temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60c are competing with each other.

  Thereafter, the suggested content possessed by the symbol 53b and the suggested content possessed by the symbol 55b are simultaneously selected. As shown in FIG. 21 (5), the chance display symbols having the same suggested content as the symbol 53b are displayed in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c. 61 and a chance symbol 63 having the same suggested content as the symbol 55b are displayed. In the state shown in FIG. 21 (3), even when a message prompting the operation of the effect button 37 is displayed together with the button symbol 59, the player may not input the operation of the effect button 37. When the effect button 37 is not operated during the input reception period from the effect button 37, or when the number of operations is insufficient, it is executed when the effect button 37 is operated after the input reception period from the effect button 37 has elapsed. The same production is performed.

  Thereafter, as in the example of FIGS. 19 to 20, when performing an effect that establishes the chance eye, the twin symbols are stopped in the symbol display area 60 b, and an action in which two symbols constituting the twin symbols compete with each other is performed. After execution, the chance symbol is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b. Or when performing the production which does not establish a chance eye, the normal symbol is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b. If the chance is not established, the chance symbol may be temporarily stopped in one of the symbol display areas 60a and 60c and the normal symbol may be temporarily stopped in the other after the action shown in FIG. 21 (4).

  As described above, the number of symbols constituting the symbol array is determined by providing symbols having a plurality of suggested contents in the symbol array to be variably displayed in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c of the image display unit 6. Variations in production can be increased without increasing the number. In addition, at the time of the temporary stop of the symbol, any one of the suggested content is selected from among a plurality of suggested content, so that it is possible to improve the player's expectation of jackpot expectation at the time of the change display and temporary stop of the symbol Can be executed.

  In addition, in this embodiment, although the twin symbols 53 to 55 having two suggested contents are illustrated, as one of the symbols to be displayed variably in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, there are three or more suggested contents. You may comprise a symbol. In this case, when temporarily stopping a symbol having three or more suggested contents in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the production control unit 400 changes to a normal symbol having one of the suggested contents of the symbol and temporarily stops. The effect to be executed is executed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the twin symbols 53 to 55 are configured by two symbols having different suggested contents has been described. However, it is not always necessary to configure in this manner. When a symbol having a different suggestion content is configured and the symbol is temporarily stopped, a normal image having a symbol shape and / or color suggestion may be temporarily stopped.

[Examples of effects using pseudo-continuous patterns]
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using a pseudo-continuous pattern in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 22 shows an effect mode in which pseudo-continuous change is performed to temporarily stop and re-variate after the symbols are variably displayed in the symbol display areas 60 a to 60 c of the image display unit 6. The production mode of FIG. 22 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. Corresponds to 3.

  First, as shown in FIG. 22 (1), after the variable display of the symbols is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the normal symbols are temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c as shown in FIG. 21 (2). To do.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 22 (3) and 22 (4), the pseudo continuous symbol 56 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60b. By displaying the quasi-continuous symbols 56, it is suggested that the symbols temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c are changed again.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 22 (5) and 22 (6), by displaying the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b, the character that is the motif of the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 is displayed in the image display unit. An effect that jumps out ahead of 6 is executed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 22 (7) and (8), after the symbols are re-varied in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, reach is established (not shown), and thereafter the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. The design stops at this time.

  In addition, in FIG. 22, although the example in which the temporary stop and re-variation of the symbols in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c are performed once has been described, the pseudo continuous symbol 56 is stopped in the symbol display area 60b a plurality of times (two times or more). Thus, the temporary stop and re-variation of the symbol may be performed a plurality of times (two or more times). The effect of temporarily stopping the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 a plurality of times is preferably performed when the jackpot reliability is high. In this case, the player's sense of jackpot expectation can be improved by a plurality of temporary stops of the pseudo continuous symbol 56.

  In addition, in FIG. 22, the example in which the symbols are re-varied in all of the symbol display regions 60a to 60c after the pseudo-continuous symbol 56 temporarily stops the symbol display region 60b has been described. However, the pseudo-continuous symbol 56 is changed to the symbol display region 60b. An effect of temporarily stopping other normal symbols without temporarily stopping may be performed (corresponding to effect No. 7 in the effect content table shown in FIG. 17). More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22 (3) and (4), after displaying the pseudo-continuous symbol 56 at the temporary stop position in the symbol display area 60b, the temporary stop position is passed as it is, An effect of sliding the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 may be executed after the fluctuation speed of the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 is extremely small in the vicinity of 60b. By performing such an effect of quasi-continuous variation, it is possible to improve the jackpot expectation when the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 is temporarily stopped while giving a moderate tension to the player when the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 is displayed. it can.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special symbol lottery is not notified, but during the special symbol variation display, the symbol that only temporarily stops on the image display unit 6 (pseudo-continuous symbol 56) and the special symbol There is a symbol (ordinary symbol) that stops when the symbol variation display stops. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the player of the possibility of a big hit or the possibility of producing an effect depending on the type of the temporarily stopped symbol.

[Example of effects using drum design]
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using the drum symbol in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 23 shows an effect mode that suggests the result of the special symbol lottery using the drum symbol. The production mode of FIG. 23 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. Corresponds to 2.

  First, as shown in FIG. 23 (1), after the symbol variation display is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the normal symbol temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60a as shown in FIG. The drum symbol 57 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60c. Immediately after the drum symbol 57 is temporarily stopped, the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 rotates, so that the symbol provided on the reel 57a is variably displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23 (3), the display of the fluctuation of the symbol by the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is stopped, and one of the symbols provided on the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is specified and displayed. . The symbol specified by the reel 57a becomes a symbol temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60c.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 23 (4), the drum symbol 57 is deleted, and the symbol display area 60c displays a normal symbol having the same suggested content as the suggested content of the drum symbol 57 when the reel 57a is temporarily stopped. The

  FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using the drum symbol and the pseudo-continuous symbol in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 24 shows an effect mode that suggests pseudo continuous variation using a drum symbol. The production mode of FIG. 24 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. Corresponding to 4.

  First, as shown in FIG. 24 (1), after the symbol variation display is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the normal symbol temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60a as shown in FIG. 24 (2). The drum symbol 57 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60c. Immediately after the drum symbol 57 is temporarily stopped, the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 rotates, so that the symbol provided on the reel 57a is variably displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 24 (3), the change display of the symbols by the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is stopped, and the symbol including the characters “next” provided on the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is displayed in the symbol display area. Temporarily stop at 60c. The symbol including the character “next time” is a symbol that suggests that re-variation (pseudo continuous variation) is performed after the symbol is temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 24 (4) to (6), the pseudo continuous symbol 56 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b, and the pseudo continuous symbol 56 temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b is enlarged and displayed. An effect is performed in which the character that is the motif of the pseudo-continuous pattern 56 jumps out to the front of the image display unit 6.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 24 (7) and (8), after the symbols are re-varied in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, reach is established (not shown), and thereafter the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. The design stops at this time.

  In FIG. 24, the example in which the pseudo continuous symbol 56 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b by displaying the characters “next” on the drum symbol 57 in FIG. The suggestion content “next time” is not displayed on the reel 57a of the drum, and after temporarily stopping other symbols and suggestions on the temporarily stopped drum symbol 57, the pseudo continuous symbol 56 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b. A pseudo variation may be performed.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using the drum symbol and the button symbol in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 25 shows an effect mode in which after the drum symbol is temporarily stopped, an effect button operation by the player is received and the reel of the drum symbol is rotated in conjunction with the effect button operation. The production mode of FIG. 25 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. Corresponds to 5.

  First, as shown in FIG. 25 (1), after the symbol change display is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the normal symbol temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60a as shown in FIG. 25 (2). The drum symbol 57 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60c. Immediately after the drum symbol 57 is temporarily stopped, the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 rotates, so that the symbol provided on the reel 57a is variably displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 25 (3), the display of the variation of the symbol by the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is stopped, and the drum symbol 57 is displayed as a symbol while one symbol is specified on the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57. Temporarily stop in the region 60c.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 25 (4), the button symbol 59 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60b. When the button symbol 59 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60b, it is suggested that the effect using the effect button is performed. Further, as shown in FIG. 25 (5), the image display unit 6 displays a message that prompts the player to operate the effect button (continuous hit).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 25 (6), an effect of rotating the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 that has been stopped is executed in synchronization with the pressing of the effect button by the player. FIG. 25 (6) shows that the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is rotated forward and backward in small increments as the player presses the effect button, and a symbol with a higher expectation level is selected by operating the effect button by the player. An example in which an effect as if it can be performed is shown. As shown in FIG. 25 (7), after the period for accepting the operation of the effect button, the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 is stopped and the symbol "next time" indicating that pseudo continuous variation is performed is displayed in the symbol display area. Temporarily stop at 60c.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25 (8), the pseudo continuous symbol 56 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b. Thereafter, similar to the example of FIG. 24, the symbols temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c are re-varied.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example of the effect of expanding and displaying the drum symbol in the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 26 shows an effect aspect in which the temporarily stopped drum symbol is expanded to suggest a reach effect. The effect mode of FIG. 26 is effect No. of the effect content table shown in FIG. Corresponds to 6.

  First, as shown in FIG. 26 (1), after the symbol variation display is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, the normal symbol temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60a as shown in FIG. The drum symbol 57 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60c. Immediately after the drum symbol 57 is temporarily stopped, the reel 57a of the drum symbol 57 rotates, so that the symbol provided on the reel 57a is variably displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 26 (3) and (4), the drum symbol 57 temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60c expands to the left and is extended to the symbol display areas 60a and 60b. . As the reels 64a to 64c of the drum 64 displayed in an expanded manner rotate, the symbols are displayed in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 26 (5) to (7), the reels 64a to 64c of the expanded drum 64 are stopped, and the symbol display areas 60a, 60b and 60c are displayed with “Re”, “−” and Each symbol of “chi” stops, suggesting that reach has been established.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 26 (8), the expanded drum 64 is erased, and the same normal symbol is displayed in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c in a temporarily stopped state, thereby informing the establishment of reach. The

  As described above, the drum symbol 57 according to the present embodiment can be used not only to temporarily stop the normal symbol and notify the special lottery result as illustrated in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 26, it can be suggested that the possibility of jackpot and the development will be developed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the gaming machine 1 that can execute a novel effect by using one symbol (drum symbol 57) that is variably displayed in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c of the image display unit 6.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the drum symbol temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60c is expanded and displayed in the other symbol display areas 60a and 60b, so that a wide area on the image display unit 6 is displayed. Various suggestions can be displayed.

  FIG. 26 shows an example that suggests the establishment of reach. However, for example, by displaying “ji”, “ka”, or “i” on the expanded drum 64, a pseudo continuous variation is suggested, Various indications can be made by using the drum 64 displayed in an expanded manner, for example, by displaying “Intense”, “A”, and “T”, which indicates that the reliability of the jackpot is extremely high.

  FIG. 26 shows an example in which the drum symbol 57 is extended and displayed across the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. Instead of expanding the drum symbol 57, the same drum is displayed in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. The symbol 57 may be displayed.

  In FIG. 26, the example in which the symbol “reach” is established on the expanded drum 64 has been described. However, when it is determined by the effect control unit 400 that the reach effect is not executed (in step S144 of FIG. 15). No) is a mode in which the extended display drum 64 is erased and the special display lottery is informed in such a manner that the extended display drum 64 is erased and the special display lottery is not performed. The normal symbols may be stopped at each of 60c, and the symbol variation display may be terminated. Also, in this case, after erasing the extended drum 64, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, and then the symbol change display is terminated in such a manner that the special symbol lottery is notified. You may do it.

[Example of production using development suggestion]
Prior to describing the production using the development suggestion symbol, an outline of the jackpot suggestion selection appearance suggested by the development suggestion symbol will be described.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the development suggestion effect and the jackpot suggestion effect in the present embodiment.

  As described briefly in step S113 of FIG. 11, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect control unit 400 spans the special symbol variation display once or a plurality of times, and satisfies a predetermined condition. Points are acquired when the points are satisfied, and a predetermined jackpot suggesting effect can be executed when the predetermined number of points is reached. Each time the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives a hold increase command from the main control unit 100 in step S113 in FIG. 11, the CPU 401 performs pre-determination based on the pre-determination result performed in step S205 or S211 in FIG. It is determined whether or not to execute this jackpot suggesting effect while the special symbol variation display is performed for the hold. When the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines that the jackpot suggestion effect is to be performed, the CPU 401 imposes a jackpot suggestion during the variable display of the special symbol one or more times with the number of holdings at the time of determination in step S113 as the upper limit. A development suggestion that suggests the possibility of the performance being performed. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that no jackpot suggesting effect is to be performed, the CPU 401 performs a jackpot suggesting effect during the one-time or multiple-variable display of the special symbol, with the number of holds at the time of determination in step S113 as the upper limit. It is further determined whether or not a development suggestion effect that suggests the possibility of being played is performed.

  FIG. 27A is a sequence diagram in the case where the fourth hold is added during the N fluctuation, and both the jackpot suggesting effect and the development suggesting effect are performed based on the preliminary determination (prefetching) of the fourth reserved data. In addition, from the (N + 1) fluctuation next to the N fluctuation determined to perform the jackpot suggestion effect and the development suggestion effect, a special symbol variation display is displayed for the pending data determined to perform the jackpot suggestion effect and the development suggestion effect. An example in which the development suggestion effect is performed over the (N + 4) fluctuation to be performed will be shown. In this example, the development suggestion effect for acquiring the above-described points can be performed from the start of the (N + 1) change to the execution of the jackpot suggestion effect during the (N + 4) change (FIG. 27). (A) Point addition possible period). In the example of FIG. 27A, the development suggestion effect may be continuously performed during the variation display of each special symbol of (N + 1) to (N + 4) variation, or among (N + 1) to (N + 4) variation. The development suggestion effect may be performed during the variable display of any special symbol. In the present embodiment, as one aspect of the development suggestion effect, an effect described later in FIG. 28 is performed using the development suggestion symbol (FIG. 13 (i)).

  FIG. 27B is a sequence diagram in the case where the fourth hold is added during the N fluctuation and both the jackpot suggesting effect and the development suggesting effect are performed based on the prior determination (prefetching) of the fourth hold data. Then, an example in which the development suggestion effect is performed only during the variation in which the special symbol variation display is performed on the reserved data determined to perform the jackpot suggestion effect and the development suggestion effect (N + 4) is shown. In this example, from the start of the (N + 4) fluctuation to the execution of the jackpot suggestion effect during the (N + 4) fluctuation, the development suggestion effect for acquiring the above-described points can be performed (FIG. 27 (b) point addition possible period).

  FIG. 27 (c) shows a big hit determination of game information relating to a winning game ball when a game ball wins the first winning port 21 or the second winning port 22 and N variation starts when the number of holds is zero. It is a sequence diagram in the case of performing both the jackpot suggestion effect and the development suggestion effect during N variation based on the result (random number set). In this example, the development suggestion effect for acquiring the above-described points can be performed from the start of the N variation to the execution of the jackpot suggestion effect during the N variation (FIG. 27C). Points can be added).

  In FIG. 27D, (N-1) the second hold is added while the number of holds is 1 during the fluctuation, and the jackpot suggesting effect is shown based on the prior determination (prefetching) of the second hold data. Although not performed, it is a sequence diagram when it is determined by the effect control unit 400 that only the development suggestion effect is performed. In the example of FIG. 27D, the pending data in which it is determined whether or not to execute the jackpot suggestion effect and the development suggestion effect from the N variation next to the (N-1) variation determined to perform the development suggestion effect. A special symbol variation display is performed for (N + 1). In this example, since the jackpot suggesting effect is not performed during the (N + 1) fluctuation, the development suggesting effect for acquiring the above-described points (however, from the start of the N fluctuation to the end of the (N + 1) fluctuation (however, In this case, it is possible to perform an effect of encouraging a jackpot suggesting effect (a point addition possible period in FIG. 27D). In the example of FIG. 27 (d), the development suggestion effect may be continuously performed during the variation display of each of the special symbols of N to (N + 1) variation, or any one of the N to N + 1 variations. The development suggestion effect may be performed during the special symbol variation display.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 27A and 27C, the development suggestion effect can be performed as the prefetching effect based on the preliminary determination of the hold data, and FIG. And as demonstrated in (d), the development suggestion effect can also be performed during the fluctuation display of the special symbol in which the jackpot suggestion effect is executed. In any case, the development suggestion design 58, which is one of the special symbols, is used as an opportunity for acquiring points in the development suggestion production.

  In the example of FIG. 27B, it is necessary to execute the development suggestion effect for acquiring a predetermined number of points during (N + 4) fluctuation. As described above, in order to acquire a predetermined number of points during one special symbol variation, a plurality of pseudo variations are executed by temporarily stopping the pseudo-continuous symbol 56 in the symbol display area 60b and re-variing it. The development suggestion symbol 58 may be temporarily stopped in one or both of the symbol display areas 60a and 60c during the plurality of pseudo fluctuations.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining an example of an effect using the development suggestion symbol in the present embodiment, and only two development suggestion effects are performed according to the sequence diagram shown in FIG. Indicates. The production mode of FIG. 28 is the production No. of the production content table shown in FIG. Corresponding to 1.

  First, after it is determined that the development suggestion effect is performed with (N-1) variation (see FIG. 27D), in N variation, as illustrated in FIG. 28A, the symbols are displayed in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c. After the variable display starts, as shown in FIGS. 28 (2) and (3), the normal symbols temporarily stop in the symbol display areas 60a and 60c. The meter 65 displayed at the lower right of the image display unit 6 is for displaying the accumulation status of points acquired during the game.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 28 (4), the development suggestion symbol 58 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b. When the development suggestion symbol 58 is temporarily stopped, the possibility of executing the jackpot suggestion effect is suggested.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 28 (5), the points acquired by the temporary stop of the development suggestion symbol 58 are added to the meter 65. At this time, an effect may be executed in which the development suggestion symbol 58 temporarily stopped is sucked into the meter 65 and accumulated. The symbols temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c are then stopped in the form shown in FIG. 28 (5). Further, as described with reference to FIG. 27D, the development suggestion effect is executed even during the special symbol fluctuation display for the hold data related to the hold image (also for the next (N + 1) fluctuation). The points accumulated in the meter 65 are maintained as they are.

  Next, in (N + 1) variation, as shown in FIG. 28 (6), after the symbol variation display starts in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, as shown in FIG. 28 (7), the symbol display area 60a and The normal symbol temporarily stops at 60c, and the development suggestion symbol 58 temporarily stops in the symbol display area 60b. In FIG. 28 (7), points are added to the meter 65 by temporarily stopping the development suggestion symbol 58.

  In this example, it is determined that the jackpot suggesting effect is not executed in the (N + 1) change, and the special symbol change is terminated for the game information for which it is determined whether or not the jackpot suggesting effect and the development suggesting effect are executed. Therefore, the meter 65 is reset from the temporary stop of the development suggestion symbol in the (N + 1) fluctuation to the start of the (N + 2) fluctuation or after the (N + 2) fluctuation starts.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 28 (8), in the (N + 2) variation, the symbol variation display is started in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the development suggestion symbol is included as one of the symbols to be temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c of the image display unit 6, and this development suggestion during the pre-reading notice effect is included. By temporarily stopping the symbol (or the actual stop), it is possible to suggest the possibility that an effect with higher jackpot reliability (an effect that is executed when the points reach a predetermined number) is executed. In other words, since it is possible to suggest the possibility that an effect with a higher jackpot reliability will be executed later by temporary stop or main stop of the development suggestion symbol, it is possible to realize a gaming machine 1 that can execute a novel effect using a symbol that is variably displayed. it can.

  In FIG. 28, the example in which one type of development suggestion symbol 58 is included as one of the symbols temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c of the image display unit 6 has been described, but two or more types of development suggestion symbols are included. The symbol array may be configured to include the In this case, a plurality of jackpot suggestion effects, which are executed when a predetermined condition (for example, the total number of points reaches a predetermined number) in the prefetch notice effect, are prepared, and for each type of the development suggestion symbol, A production suggesting a different type of jackpot possibility may be associated.

  In addition, in FIG. 28, the example in which the development suggestion image 58 is temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60b on the image display unit 6 has been described. However, the development suggestion effect 58 can be temporarily stopped in the symbol display area 60a or 60c. Moreover, you may comprise the symbol arrangement | sequence which carries out the variable display in the symbol display area 60a or 60c. Moreover, you may comprise the symbol arrangement | sequence which is variably displayed in each of the symbol display area 60a-60c so that the development suggestion effect 58 can be temporarily stopped in all or two of the symbol display regions 60a-60c.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of special symbols each associated with a predetermined effect in the symbol array to be variably displayed in each of the symbol display areas 60a to 60c of the image display unit 6. It is included. By temporarily stopping any one of these special symbols alone or in combination with a plurality of special symbols in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c, it is possible to realize a novel effect using the symbols that are variably displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the symbols are temporarily stopped in the symbol display areas 60a to 60c of the image display unit 6 is described as the symbol display areas 60a (left), 60b (middle), and 60c (right). The temporary stop order of symbols may be arbitrary.

  In this embodiment, an example in which a specific special symbol is temporarily stopped in a specific symbol display area has been described. However, the symbol display area in which the special symbol is stopped may be arbitrary. For example, the drum symbol 57 may be temporarily stopped in the symbol display region 60a or 60b, and the pseudo-continuous symbol 56, the development suggestion symbol 58, and the button symbol 59 may be temporarily stopped in the symbol display region 60a or 60c.

  Although the features of the present embodiment and the features of each modification have been described above, it goes without saying that these features may be combined.

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st start opening 22 ... 2nd start opening 23 ... Grand prize 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 50, 51, 52 ... Normal design 53, 54, 55 ... Twin design (special design)
56 ... Pseudo-continuous design (special design)
57 ... Drum design (special design)
58 ... Development suggestion design (special design)
59 ... Button design (special design)
100: Main control unit 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)

Acquisition means for acquiring game information when a predetermined start condition is established;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
Production control means for controlling the production ,
The production is
Fluctuation effect for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means by causing the symbols to be variably displayed in each of the plurality of symbol display areas in the effect display means and then stopping the display.
A pseudo-continuous production that suggests that the possibility that the special game will be executed every time the number of executions increases,
Including a suggestion effect that suggests an effect to be executed later,
The suggestion production is
An effect in which the display is expanded from a specific symbol display area to another symbol display area, and a first suggestion effect suggesting that the pseudo-continuous effect is executed and an effect different from the pseudo-continuous effect are executed. And a second suggestion effect suggesting that
The production control means includes
When the first suggestion effect is executed, the pseudo-continuous effect is executed with the first suggestion effect hidden.
A gaming machine in which, when the second suggestion effect is executed, the pseudo suggestion effect is not executed while the second suggestion effect is not displayed .