JP6177371B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that performs an effect that suggests the possibility of a big win in a special symbol lottery (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

“Pachinko winning guide”, Hakuyo Shobo Co., Ltd., December 17, 2011 issue, December 17, 2011 issue, page 14, Pachinko CR Saten no Ken, “Soryu & Tenra Mode”

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

  Therefore, a main object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a highly interesting performance.

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

A gaming machine (1),
Acquisition means (100, S204, S210) for acquiring game information (a set of random numbers) upon establishment of a start condition;
Special game determination means (100, S407) for determining whether or not to execute a special game (big hit game) based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
Notification effect control means (400, 500) for executing and controlling a notification effect (variation effect) for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means;
Effect mode control means (400) for executing and controlling a specific effect mode (character introduction effect mode) continued over a plurality of notification effects controlled by the notification effect control means;
Operating means (37) operated by the player,
The production mode control means includes
Condition determining means for determining whether or not a specific condition (see S715 in FIG. 25) is satisfied;
When it is determined by the condition determining means that the specific condition is satisfied, an effect mode end selection display (b, c, d) indicating that an operation to the operation means for ending the specific effect mode is possible. Effect mode end selection display control means to be executed (see FIGS. 26 and 28).

  The effect mode end control means does not execute the effect mode end selection display when a predetermined condition different from the specific condition is satisfied (during the execution period of a specific effect such as an SP reach effect). (See FIG. 29).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a highly interesting performance.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of the game ball passage determination process in this embodiment An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 The figure for demonstrating the data used when performing a special figure game count process and a usual figure game count process, and the storage area (working area) of RAM103 of the main control part 100 An example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the effect control process in step S11-1 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect control process in step S16 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution instruction process in step S115 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the rendering mode setting process in step S502 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the rendering mode setting process in step S502 of FIG. Example of lottery table used to determine whether or not to enter the character introduction effect mode The figure for demonstrating concretely about switching of the production mode characteristic of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating concretely about switching of the production mode characteristic of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating concretely about switching of the production mode characteristic of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating concretely about switching of the production mode characteristic of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating concretely about switching of the production mode characteristic of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating concretely about switching of the production mode characteristic of 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 the first 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 performs an effect display associated with the effect displayed on the image display unit 6. 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 examples of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The game state display 4g displays a game state (normal game state or the like) at the time 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. (16 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop 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 sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the winning of the game ball to the first start port 21. The second start port switch 111 b sends a signal corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the second start port 22 to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 sends a signal corresponding to the game ball passing through the gate 25 to the main control unit 100. The big winning opening switch 114 sends a signal corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 23 to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 sends a signal to the main control unit 100 in response to the winning of the game ball to the normal winning port 24.

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

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

  Then, as part of each process in the timer interrupt process executed at intervals of 4 milliseconds (4 ms) by the main control unit 100 described later with reference to FIG. 9, the binarized signal shown in FIG. By determining ON / OFF, the game ball is determined to pass. This will be specifically described below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  This is the end of the description of the switch process (game ball passage determination process) of the present embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 operated by the player, and the lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to the operation of the effect button 37 by the player. Then, the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400. Furthermore, the lamp control unit 600 can control the operation of the effect button 37 as a movable accessory by causing the effect button 37 to project based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400.

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

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/300), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/50). In the non-electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and the electric tulip 27 is short for a period of time (for example, 0.10 seconds) even when the symbol lottery is won. Is a game state in which the release control is performed only once), and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state (for example, 10/10), and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is long (for example, 2.00 seconds). 3), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and it is easy for the game balls to enter the second start port 22 frequently (winning). A gaming state. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time (see FIG. 14), and the short-time state is a shorter execution time of the special symbol lottery than the non-short-time state. It is a gaming state (see FIG. 17). The jackpot game state is a game state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 23 is opened. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. However, in this gaming state, the gaming ball is likely to win a prize at the second starting port 22, so that the gaming ball is mostly Many special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled to a low-probability state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is referred to as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state that is controlled to a high-probability state, an electric support state, and a short-time state is a probabilistic gaming state. That's it. In the present embodiment, there is no latent game state that is a gaming state that is controlled in a highly accurate state, a non-electric support state, and a non-time-saving state.

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

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

  In step S901 in FIG. 6, first, the CPU 101 waits, for example, 2000 ms, and the process proceeds to step S902. Although not shown, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 can receive a signal from the main control unit 100 without performing standby processing. . That is, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is in a state where processing can be started before the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S909, the CPU 101 executes a recovery process (see FIG. 8) described later, and the process proceeds to step S910.

In step S910, the CPU 101 sets a cycle (4 ms) of a built-in CTC (timer counter). Note that the CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, using the period set here. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S911.

  In step S911, the CPU 101 executes a power shutdown monitoring process (see FIG. 7) described later, and the process proceeds to step S912.

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

  In step S913, the CPU 101 updates the initial value random number, and the process proceeds to step S914. Here, the initial value random number is used to determine the start value of various random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number) that are counted up and updated in timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 9) described later. It is a random number, and a plurality of initial value random numbers are prepared corresponding to these various random numbers. The initial value random number includes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 9) that occurs every predetermined CTC period (4 ms) and the remaining time (that is, the processing time required for the timer interrupt process from the predetermined CTC period). It is counted up and updated both in the main process (see FIG. 6) processed during the subtracted time and returns to the minimum value (for example, 0) again after reaching the maximum value (for example, 299) of the set random number. Further, since this remaining time differs depending on the processing status of the CPU 101, it is a random time, and the number of updates of the initial value random number updated with this remaining time is also random. On the other hand, although details will be described later, other random numbers (big hit random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, fluctuation pattern random numbers) are updated only by timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 9). The processing cycle is different. In this way, due to the difference in processing cycle, for example, even if the random number range of the initial value random number and the big hit random number is the same (for example, 0 to 299), the initial value random number acquired as the start value of the big hit random number The value is random every time. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to predict the timing at which a jackpot random number value that generates a jackpot is acquired.

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

[Power-off monitoring process by the main control unit 100]
FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. In step S9111, the CPU 101 prohibits the interrupt process, and the process proceeds to step S9112.

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

  In step S9113, the CPU 101 permits the interrupt process and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S912 in FIG. 6).

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

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

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

  In step S 9117, the CPU 101 prohibits access to the RAM 103 and ends the power shutdown monitoring process (the process moves to step S 912 in FIG. 6).

[Restoration process by main control unit 100]
FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 8, the CPU 101 sets a work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

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

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

  In step S9094, the CPU 101 sets the backup flag to “OFF” and ends the recovery process (the process moves to step S910 in FIG. 6).

[Timer interrupt processing of main control unit]
Next, a timer interrupt process executed in the main control unit 100 will be described. FIG. 9 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. 9 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that the processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 9 and subsequent figures is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 updates various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number, and a start value when each random number is counted up and updated. A random number update process is performed to update each initial value 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 the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are set in step S4 of FIG.
Used in 08 processing. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc., and the value of each initial value random number are respectively added and updated. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 (that is, circulates) again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). ). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc., when the count of the loop counter completes, the initial value random number corresponding to each random number at that time And the count of the loop counter is newly started using the initial value random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily. However, by setting each range to a different range (for example, the range of jackpot random numbers is 0 to 299). And the reach random number range is 0 to 99, etc.), and the counter value (count value) is preferably set not to be synchronized between these random numbers.

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 determines that a game ball has won the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 by monitoring the states of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b. At this point, a start port switch process is executed to perform processing related to the number of holdings U1 for the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 for the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, so that when the game ball is determined to have passed through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery holding number is less than the upper limit (for example, 4). If it is determined that the number of pending is less than the upper limit value, a gate switch process for acquiring a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later is executed.

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

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the non-short-time state / non-electric support state, and to 0.5 in the short-time state / electric support state. Shorten to seconds. Further, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery), and the low probability (1 / 10), it is increased to a high probability (10/10) in the short time state / electric support 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 a big hit is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to the big prize opening 23. A predetermined opening / closing operation is performed, and a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to a so-called jackpot game effect or the like to the effect control unit 400 is executed. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  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 to open the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once every 0.10 seconds) in the non-short-time state / non-electric support state, and keeps the electric tulip 27 for a long time (2 in the short-time state / electric support state). Open control for 3 times (0.00 seconds). In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

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

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

[About control time count processing]
Here, the description of the timer interrupt process described above with reference to FIG. 9 is omitted, but in this timer interrupt process, the CPU 101 uses a single timer function to measure a series of control times on the special symbol game side. Control time count processing on the game side (referred to as “special game count processing”), and control time count processing on the normal symbol game side that measures a series of control times on the normal symbol game side using one timer function (“ The usual game count process ”is executed. For example, the special game count process and the normal game count process are executed in order between the process of step S7 and the process of step S8 in FIG. In addition, the special symbol game waits for the winning of the game ball to the start opening (21 or 22), repeatedly executes the special symbol lottery in response to the winning of the game ball, and notifies the lottery result, When the special symbol lottery is won, the game is a big hit game. The normal symbol game waits for the game ball to pass to the gate 25, repeats the normal symbol lottery according to the passing of the game ball and informs the lottery result, and wins the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the opening / closing control of the electric tulip 27 (electric chew opening game) is executed.

  In the following, first, the special game count process will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining data used when executing the special game count process and the normal game count process, and the storage area (work area) of the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100.

  FIG. 10A shows the types of data (referred to as “special drawing side setting data”) for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the special symbol game side. The special figure side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the special symbol game is measured. In each period (time) of this special symbol game, as shown in FIG. 10 (1), “Waiting for start opening prize”, “Displaying special symbol variation”, “Displaying special symbol stop”, "Opening display", "Rounding", "Large winning slot validity period", and "Ending display" are included.

  “Waiting for start entrance prize” is a state (period) in which a special symbol lottery related to the start entrance prize can be immediately executed to start displaying the variation of the special design when there is a start entrance prize. It is not a big hit game, and it is in a state where neither a special symbol change display nor a specified time stop display is displayed. “During special symbol variation display” is a state (period) in which special symbol lottery is executed according to the start opening winning and the special symbol variation display is performed on the display 4. “During special symbol stop display” is a state (period) in which the special symbol variably displayed on the display unit 4 is completely stopped and displayed for a specified time (0.5 seconds) in a display mode for notifying the special symbol lottery result. It is. “Opening display” is a state (period) in which an opening effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 informing that the special symbol lottery is won and that the big hit game has started. “During round” is a state (period) in which a round (round game) in which the big winning opening 23 is opened in the big hit game is being executed. “During the grand prize winning period” is a period of time that is arranged immediately after each round, and that the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is recognized as being valid despite the end of the round and the closing of the big prize opening 23 Thus, a so-called over-winning is recognized (in the big winning opening process described in detail later with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the processing content of the over-winning is omitted for the sake of simplicity). ). In addition, in the period excluding the period during the round and the grand prize winning period, the winning of the game ball to the big prize opening 23 is not recognized as valid. “During ending display” is a state (period) in which an ending effect is displayed on the image display unit 6 to notify the end of the big hit game.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (1), for example, the special figure side setting data “00H” is data for setting “waiting for start opening prize”, for example, the special figure side setting data “01H” is “ This is data for setting “special symbol variation display”. These special figure side setting data are stored in the ROM 102.

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 10 (3)). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time (control time for special symbol variation display, control time for round execution, etc.) constituting the special symbol game was measured using an individual timer function. A separate time count area was provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation load can be effectively reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the special symbol display 4a (or 4b) in the execution period of the special symbol variation display is configured to cyclically display three 7-segment display modes in turn every 48 milliseconds. For the switching time measurement, a timer function (see 12A in FIG. 10 (3)) different from the timer function (see 11A in FIG. 10 (3)) is used. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress the complexity of the arithmetic processing.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A. This variation time table is stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 for use. As shown in FIG. 11, the variation time table includes a variation pattern identification number, data indicating basic variation time (seconds), and data indicating addition variation time (seconds). The identification number of the variation pattern is a number for identifying the variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. The basic variation time is a basic variation time constituting a variation pattern (that is, a special symbol variation time). The added fluctuation time is an added fluctuation time constituting a fluctuation pattern. A time obtained by adding the basic fluctuation time and the addition fluctuation time is a fluctuation pattern (see FIGS. 14 to 17). For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 1 is 90.06 seconds obtained by adding the addition variation time 0.06 seconds to the basic variation time 90 seconds. For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 21 is the basic variation time. 8 seconds.

When measuring the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A of FIG. 10 (3), the CPU 101 determines the time data ("seconds") corresponding to the variation pattern determined in step S408 of FIG. The data indicating the time is stored in the variation time table (FIG. 11) of the RAM 103.
), The read time data is multiplied by 250 and converted to time data suitable for the time measurement process executed in a cycle of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. For example, when the value of the time data indicating the variation pattern “90.06 seconds” corresponding to the identification number 1 is set in the area 11A, the basic variation time 90 seconds and the addition variation time 0.06 from the variation time table of the RAM 103. The time data indicating the second is read and added, and the added time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “22515” adapted to the arithmetic processing with a period of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data “22515” is converted into the RAM 103. Is written in the area 11A. In addition, for reference, time data that is multiplied by 250 and adapted to a calculation process with a period of 4 milliseconds is described on the side of the variation time table in FIG. Things (see values in parentheses) are adjusted to natural numbers by rounding off.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the time data indicating the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) of the variation time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is changed to the data indicating the time of “second” (that is, the division value). Time data (refer to the basic variation time portion of FIG. 11), and when setting the special symbol variation time, multiply by 250 to adapt to the calculation process of the cycle of 4 milliseconds (that is, the time of the multiplication value) Data; see the right side of the variable time table in FIG. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table may be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less (see identification numbers 20 to 24 in FIG. 11). The used memory area of the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Also, according to the present embodiment, for example, a special symbol variation time of 90.06 seconds, a special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte even if indicated by the time data of the division value, is the time of the additional variation time. A variable time table is configured by dividing the data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point) (see FIG. 11). Here, in FIG. 11, the same time data value is described for each variation pattern in the table of the added variation time portion for convenience of explanation, but actually the same time data value is duplicated in this table. Only one is stored. For example, in the table of the added variation time part, five time data values of 0.01 seconds are shown for convenience of explanation in FIG. 11, but only one is actually stored. From this, according to this embodiment, the memory area used by the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Here, in this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, 24 variation patterns are used (see FIG. 11). However, in an actual gaming machine, the variation pattern is enormous, 1000 to 10,000. For this reason, the above-described effect of suppressing the used memory area according to the present embodiment is enormous in an actual gaming machine.

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

  FIG. 10 (2) shows the types of data (hereinafter referred to as “normal map side setting data”) for setting (specifying) the time to be counted on the normal symbol game side. The normal-side setting data is data for setting which period of each period (time) of the normal symbol game is measured. In each period (time) of this normal symbol game, as shown in FIG. 10 (2), “Waiting for passing the gate”, “Displaying normal symbol change”, “Displaying normal symbol stop”, “ “During electric Chu open / close control” and “during the second start port effective period” are included.

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

  As shown in FIG. 10 (2), for example, the normal setting data “00K” is data for setting that “waiting to pass through the gate”. Further, the normal setting data is stored in the ROM 102.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 12 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. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  In step 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. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the first starting port 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S210, the CPU 101 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. Note that each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 in FIG. 13 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest stored time. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

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

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. In addition, the 2nd reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 9, and the lottery result with respect to the 2nd special symbol lottery hold becomes the symbol in the 2nd special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 13 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 13, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 9 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 9, 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. Here, during the special symbol variation display, the special symbol stop display period (specified time; 0.5 seconds) described with reference to FIG. 10 is included. If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

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

  In step S <b> 404, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 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, there is no special symbol lottery to be executed, and therefore the process proceeds to step S415.
Move on.

  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 the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and 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, if the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. In this embodiment, as an example, there are a probabilistic big hit that is set to a probable change game state until the next big hit after the big hit game, and a normal big hit that is set to a normal game state until the next big hit after the big hit game. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of winning the odds of having a relatively large profit for the player than the first special symbol lottery. Specifically, in the second special symbol lottery, 70% is a promising big hit and 30% is a normal big hit, while in the first special symbol lottery, 40% is a promising big hit and 60% is a normal big hit. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

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

First, a case where a variation pattern is selected using HT1-1 and HT1-2 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state) will be described. FIG. 14 is a table used for determining a variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state). FIG. 15 is a table used for determining the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-time saving state).

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

  In step S408, if the CPU 101 determines in the jackpot determination process of step S407 that the first special symbol lottery has been won, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern (special symbol variation time) based on the variation pattern random number. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines that the variation pattern random number (any one of 0 to 299) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is the “big hit” of HT1-1. The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on which of the random number values assigned to each variation pattern of the portion of (). For example, when the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S407 is “78”, the CPU 101 determines that the variation pattern “90.01” of the “big hit” portion of HT1-1. Since it matches the random value “75 to 124” assigned to “second”, “90.01 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation pattern of the “big hit” portion “15.01 seconds”, “20.01 seconds”, “25.01 seconds”, “40.01 seconds”, “40. “02 seconds”, “40.03 seconds”, “90.01 seconds”, “90.02 seconds”, and “90.03 seconds” are the types of production patterns of notification effects “per normal reach” and “pseudo fluctuation”, respectively. Corresponds to "per 2 times", "per 3 pseudo fluctuations", "per 1st SP", "per 2nd SP", "per 3rd SP", "per 1st SPSP", "per 2nd SPSP" and "per 3rd SPSP" To do. “Per normal reach” is a type that hits a big hit after reaching reach without executing any of “second to pseudo fluctuation” to “third SPSP” described later. The “per two pseudo fluctuations” is a type of hitting a big hit after finally executing the second pseudo fluctuation. The “per three pseudo fluctuations” is a type that finally hits after the third pseudo fluctuation is executed. “Per first SP” to “per third SP” is a type that hits big after finally developing into SP reach. “Per first SPSP” to “per third SPSP” is a type that hits big after finally developing to SPSP reach.

  Note that the reach (reach establishment, reach production) is a decorative design that has already been stopped (temporarily stopped) in the notification production, for example, if the remaining one of the decorative design sequences that are changing is stopped. This is an effect that gives a special symbol status informing the jackpot in relation to the column (an effect that expects a jackpot). Typically, the right and left decorative symbol sequences are already stopped at the same symbol (for example, 7). If the remaining central decorative symbol sequence stops at the same symbol (for example, 7), the effect becomes a doublet (for example, 777). In addition, the pseudo variation (pseudo continuous variation) is an effect that expects a big hit by making it appear that the decorative symbol sequence fluctuates a plurality of times in one notification effect. It is an effect that restarts the fluctuation once or more after a pseudo stop (temporary stop). The second pseudo variation is the second variation (pseudo variation) of the decorative symbol sequence in the pseudo variation effect, and the third pseudo variation is the third variation of the decorative symbol sequence in the pseudo variation effect ( (Pseudo fluctuation). SP reach is generally referred to as super reach or special reach, and is a reach effect that further expects a big hit than reach, for example, an effect of a moving image in which the main character gets an oval. The SPSP reach is generally called a super super reach or a special special reach, and is a reach production that further expects a big hit than the SP reach production. For example, the production of a moving image in which the main character fights an enemy character. It is.

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

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

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

  On the other hand, when the read reach random number is included in the reach random number value range “70 to 99”, the CPU 101 reads the variation pattern random number (0) read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407. ˜299) is included in the variation pattern random value range assigned to each variation pattern in the above reach random value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. Then, the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined. For example, when the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process in step S407 is “260”, the CPU 101 sets the fluctuation pattern random value assigned to the fluctuation pattern “25.02 seconds”. Since it is included in the range “256 to 271”, “25.02 seconds” is determined as the variation pattern. Here, as indicated by HT1-1, the fluctuation patterns “15.02 seconds”, “20.02 seconds”, “25.02 seconds” of the above-described reach random number value range “70 to 99” of HT1-1. ”,“ 40.04 seconds ”,“ 40.05 seconds ”,“ 40.06 seconds ”,“ 90.04 seconds ”,“ 90.05 seconds ”, and“ 90.06 seconds ” Types of production patterns “Normal reach loss”, “Pseudo variation two times loss”, “Pseudo variation three times loss”, “First SP loss”, “Second SP loss”, “Third SP loss”, “First SPSP loss”, “ This corresponds to “second SPSP loss” and “third SPSP loss”. “Normal reach loss” is a type that loses after reaching reach without executing any of “second pseudo fluctuation” to “third SPSP”. “Pseudo-variation twice loss” is a type in which after the second pseudo-variation is finally executed, the loss occurs. The “pseudo fluctuation three-time loss” is a type in which the third time of the pseudo fluctuation is finally executed and then lost. “First SP Loss” to “Third SP Loss” are types that finally lose after being developed into SP reach. “First SPSP Loss” to “Third SPSP Loss” are types that eventually lose after being developed into SPSP reach.

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

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

  As described above with reference to the variation pattern determination table HT1-1 shown in FIG. 14, when the first special symbol lottery is lost in the normal gaming state (non-time-short state), the number of first special symbol lottery holds The smaller the variation is, the easier it is to select the variation pattern with reach, and when the variation pattern without reach is selected, the smaller the number of the first special symbol lottery is, the easier the variation pattern is selected.

[Big hit reliability]
Here, the jackpot reliability (expectation for jackpot) will be described. An effect with a high jackpot reliability is an effect that is highly likely to be notified of a big hit when the effect is executed, and an effect with a low jackpot reliability is a notification of a big hit when the effect is executed. It is a production that is unlikely to be performed. Hereinafter, this will be specifically described with reference to HT1-1 shown in FIG. As can be seen from the “big hit” portion of HT1-1, in the case of big hit, “per normal reach”, “per two pseudo fluctuations”, “per three pseudo fluctuations”, “per first SP”, “second SP” The variation pattern random value range becomes larger in the order of "per hit", "per third SP", "per first SPSP", "per second SPSP", and "per third SPSP" (partially the same). On the other hand, as can be seen from the “losing” portion of HT1-1, in the case of losing, “normal reach losing”, “pseudo variation losing twice”, “pseudo variability three times losing”, “first SP losing”, In the order of “second SP loss”, “third SP loss”, “first SPSP loss”, “second SPSP loss”, “third SPSP loss”, the variation pattern random value range becomes smaller (some are the same). As can be seen from the above, the performance that is easy to execute in the case of a big hit and difficult to execute in the case of a loss is high in the reliability of the big hit, while the effect that is difficult to execute in the case of big hit and is easy to be executed in the case of a loss has a big hit reliability. Low. That is, “normal reach production”, “pseudo variation 2 production”, “pseudo variation 3 production”, “first SP reach production”, “second SP reach production”, “third SP reach production”, “first SPSP reach production” The jackpot reliability increases in the order of “second SPSP reach production” and “third SPSP reach production”.

[Non-time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
The determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the normal gaming state (non-short-time state) will be described below with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 14, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed on the second special symbol lottery using HT1-2 shown in FIG. Here, HT1-2 shown in FIG. 15 is different from HT1-1 shown in FIG. 14 in that “the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery” is replaced with “the number of holdings of the second special symbol lottery”. Only different. In other words, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 14 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the first special symbol lottery]
The determination of the variation pattern when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described below with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using the HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 14, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It differs by the point which processes with respect to a 1st special symbol lottery using HT2-1 shown. Here, HT2-1 shown in FIG. 16 is different from HT1-1 shown in FIG. 14 in relation to the number of holdings of the first special symbol lottery when “no reach” is selected by “reach random number” in “losing”. The difference is that the variation pattern “13.50 seconds” (corresponding to immediate loss) is selected.

[Time-short state / variation pattern selection process in the second special symbol lottery]
Hereinafter, the determination of the variation pattern when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the process of step S407 in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) will be described with reference to FIG. In step S408, the CPU 101 determines a variation pattern by performing basically the same processing as the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. However, the CPU 101 performs processing for the first special symbol lottery using HT1-1 in the variation pattern determination processing described with reference to FIG. 14, whereas in the variation pattern determination processing illustrated in FIG. It is different in that processing is performed for the second special symbol lottery using HT2-2 shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 17, HT2-2 replaces “Holding number of first special symbol lottery” with “Holding number of second special symbol lottery” with respect to HT1-1 shown in FIG. ing. In other words, while the variation pattern determination process described with reference to FIG. 14 takes into account the number of first special symbol lottery holds, the variation pattern determination process takes into account the number of second special symbol lottery holds. The Also, as shown in FIG. 17, in HT2-2, when the number of holds in the second special symbol lottery “1” in “losing” is “1” and no reach is selected by the reach random number, the variation pattern “13” is uniform. .50 seconds "is determined. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, in HT2-2, when no reach is selected by the reach random number in the case of the holding number “2-4” of the second special symbol lottery in “losing”, the fluctuation pattern random value The variation pattern “2.00 seconds” is determined in the range “0 to 239”, the variation pattern “4.00 seconds” is determined in the variation pattern random value range “240 to 269”, and the variation pattern random value range “270 to 270”. In “299”, the fluctuation pattern “10.00 seconds” is determined.

Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406 of FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery hold is digested in preference to the first special symbol lottery hold. Further, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), as described in the processing in steps S5 and S7 in FIG. 9, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and the game balls are frequently won at the second starting port 22. Therefore, the second special symbol lottery is executed frequently and continuously. Further, as described in the processing in step S407, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. However, there are many winning ratios of probability variation big hits (big hits with a large profit for the player) that are controlled in the probability variation gaming state (short time state) until the next big hit. Therefore, conversely, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the first special symbol lottery is executed, the normal big hit (big hit with a small profit for the player) that will be controlled to the normal gaming state It can be said that there is a greater possibility of winning. In the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-2 of FIG. 17, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the number of second special symbol lottery hold is 2 to 4 and there is no reach While it is easy to select a short-time fluctuation pattern (2.00 seconds, 4.00 seconds) and the second special symbol lottery is suspended at high speed, 2 When the number of special symbol lotteries held is 1 and there is no reach, be sure to select a long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) to control the first special symbol lottery that is relatively unfavorable to the player. ing. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above using HT2-1 in FIG. 16, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), it is assumed that the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player is executed. However, in all of the first special symbol lottery holding numbers 1 to 4, when there is no reach, a long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) must be selected, and a game ball is placed in the second starting port 22. Control is performed so as to earn time for the second special symbol lottery that is relatively advantageous to the player by winning a prize.

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

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

  In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start 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 for instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 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 finishes the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410 and notifies the special symbol lottery result for a predetermined time. Stop display (for 0.5 seconds) is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, C
When the PU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in the big hit determination process in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag) is changed to one indicating that the big hit game is in progress (a big hit gaming state). Then, an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This opening command is executed at a timing when a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed from the time when the special symbol stop display is started in the process of step S413 (that is, the special symbol stop display time of 0.5 seconds elapses). At the timing when the big hit game is started), it is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 9, and the big hit game effect is started.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step 416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is transmitted when there is no special symbol lottery hold at the time when the special symbol stop display for a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) started in the process of step S413 is completed. This command is a command for notifying that a customer waiting state in which a notification effect for notifying the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not executed is entered. If the determination in step S415 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 9, and a predetermined stop effect (for example, an effect of displaying a decorative symbol stop) is started based on the customer waiting command. Is done. When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the above-described predetermined stop effect is started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
18 and 19 are an example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. The round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. 9, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S612.

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

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

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 17, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

In step S612, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big win game round, and based on the output signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether or not the game ball has won the big prize opening 23. Determine whether. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S614.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 updates the number C of winning game balls to the big winning opening 23 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. By executing the processing of step S613, the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 9, and the winning process in step S123 in FIG. 20 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

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

  In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number C of winning game balls in the current round has reached 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. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

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

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. 9, 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. 19, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 19, the CPU 101 resets the round number R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

In step S620, the CPU 101 sets an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game in the RAM 103. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. Note that, as the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol (that is, the type of jackpot) and the game state controlled after the jackpot game ends is transmitted, and the effect control unit 400 performs the ending effect based on the ending command. The effect after the end (after the end of the big hit game effect) is controlled. Specifically, when the ending command corresponding to the jackpot symbol indicating the probability variation jackpot is transmitted, the effect control unit 400 notifies in the effect mode indicating the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot game effect is ended based on the ending command. Perform the production. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in step S604 in FIG. 18 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process moves to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game 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 jackpot (the jackpot symbol) this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27) Switch open settings). More specifically, when the current big hit is a normal big hit, control is performed in the normal gaming state, and when the current big hit is a probable big hit, control is performed in the positive variation gaming state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 20, 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. 20 at regular time intervals (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. 20 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. 9, sets the effect contents according to the received command, A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S11-1, the CPU 401 executes an effect control process for controlling the progress of the effect during the execution of the effect instructed by the command reception process in step S11. This effect control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S12, the CPU 401 executes output processing for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 to the image sound control unit 500 or the like in steps S11 and S11-1. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the process of step S11 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the like.

Note that each time the timer interrupt process described above is executed, the CPU 401 performs a random number update process for updating various effect random numbers used for determining the effect content. In this random number update process, a loop counter is typically used as in the random number update process in step S1 of FIG. 9, and the count value (updated random number value) is set to the maximum value (for example, 99). After reaching, it returns to 0 again (that is, it circulates). Also, in this random number update process, each effect random number counter updates the initial value (the value that is the starting point of circulation) at random once it circulates. As a result, the counter value (count value) can be prevented from synchronizing between these effect random numbers.

[Command reception processing]
21 and 22 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 21 and FIG.

  First, in step S111, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 12). (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, in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, the CPU 401 causes the image sound control unit 500 to additionally display a hold image indicating a special symbol lottery hold on the image display unit 6, An instruction is given to change the hold image additionally displayed using the pre-determination information included in the hold increase command to the pre-read display mode. The displayed reserved images are digested in order from the one displayed earlier when the notification effect is started in the process of step S115 described later. Also, the instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 stores the special symbol lottery holding number (the number of holding data) stored in the RAM 403 more than 2 including the holding added in step S112, and stores it in the RAM 403 most recently. Based on prior determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data), whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery using the effect random number. Set. Note that the pre-reading notice effect is a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 13 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S115, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like in response to the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and instructs the start of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like. Perform instruction processing. Here, the notification effect (variation effect) is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like according to the variation display of the special symbol to notify the result of the special symbol lottery, and in the present embodiment, a decorative symbol DI (described later). 27) is displayed in a variable manner, and the decorative symbol DI displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed (determined stop display), whereby the result of the special symbol lottery is notified. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a change start command in the RAM 403. This notification effect execution instruction 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. 13 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 ends the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115 with respect to the image sound control unit 500 and the like, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (specified time). An instruction to produce a notice of the result of the special symbol lottery is given (with a fixed stop display (for 0.5 seconds)). Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S118 in FIG.

  In step S118 in FIG. 22, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 13 has been received. If the determination in step S118 is YES, the process proceeds to step S119, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S119, 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 of the jackpot game effect is an effect of informing the start of the jackpot game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in step S608 of FIG. 18 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 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 S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 18 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 to start a winning process. Here, the winning process is, for example, a process of counting the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls won in the big winning opening 23 that is opened during the big hit game (during the round). The CPU 501 of the instructed image sound control unit 500 receives a winning command based on the game ball winning to the big winning opening 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, the big winning opening) 23, every time one game ball is won), the number of prize balls “13” corresponding to the 23 winning prizes is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503, and the updated total number of prize balls is updated. The image is displayed on the image display unit 6. 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. 18 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 and the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 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 manufacturer name of the gaming machine 1. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 13 have been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129. If this determination is NO, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the stop state process based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S128. Here, the stop state process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the predetermined stop effect, the CPU 501 starts 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. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 22-1 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the effect control process of step S11-1 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 22-1, the effect control process of step S11-1 of FIG. 20 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S15, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 controls the progress of the prefetching notice effect in the currently executing notification effect based on the contents of the prefetching notice effect set in step S113 of FIG. For example, the CPU 401 performs execution control of the pre-reading notice effect that displays the cut-in notice image at the timing when the second pseudo-variation is executed in the notification effect being executed, and suggests the possibility of a big hit in the later notification effect. . This control is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the CPU 401 executes the notification effect control process for instructing the execution in step S <b> 115 of FIG. 21 and controlling the progress of the notification effect currently being executed. This process is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This notification effect control process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 17, the CPU 401 controls the progress of each production in each production (round production etc.) constituting the jackpot game production currently being executed by instructing execution in steps S <b> 119, S <b> 121 and S <b> 126 in FIG. 21. For example, the CPU 401 controls to execute an effect of displaying a predetermined image (for example, a photographic image of a specific person) at a timing when 2 seconds have elapsed since the start of the 5R round effect being executed. This control is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Notification effect control processing]
FIG. 22-2 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the notification effect control process in step S16 of FIG. 22-1. Below, with reference to FIG. 22-2, the alerting | reporting effect control process of step S16 of FIG. 22-1 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S20, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not it is in the character introduction effect mode. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the character introduction mode flag stored in the RAM 403 is ON. When the character introduction mode flag is NO, the character introduction effect mode is controlled. When the character introduction mode flag is OFF, the character introduction mode flag indicates that the character introduction effect mode is not controlled. The character introduction effect mode is an effect mode that is executed in the normal gaming state, and is a movie background effect mode that introduces one of a plurality of characters. If the determination in step S20 is yes, the process proceeds to step S21. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S21, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the end of the character introduction effect mode is established in the notification effect in the character introduction effect mode in which the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is executed. Here, as will be described in detail later using FIG. 28 and the like, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect can be selected by the player pressing the effect button 37 to end or continue the character introduction effect mode. If the “mode end” image c is selected at the end of the operation effective period of the effect button 37 related to this effect, the character introduction effect mode is ended and the “mode continuation” image is established. If d is selected, the continuation of the character introduction effect mode is established. As another embodiment, the player operates the effect key 38 to shift the selection state between the [mode end] image and the [mode continuation] image, and the selection button 37 is pressed to change the selection state. It is good also as a control structure which determines (confirms) operation. If the determination in step S21 is YES, the process proceeds to step S22. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG.

  In step S22, the CPU 401 sets the character introduction mode flag to OFF. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the CPU 401 sets the character introduction mode end flag stored in the RAM 403 to ON. The character introduction mode end flag is a flag for executing the basic effect mode from the next notification effect by ending the character introduction mode until the notification effect being executed in the normal gaming state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG.

  By the processing in steps S20 to S23 described above, setting control for shifting to the basic effect mode is performed during the notification effect in the character introduction effect mode.

  In step S24, the CPU 401 performs effect control during execution of the notification effect in the basic effect mode. For example, in the notification effect in the basic effect mode, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to execute the notice effect at the execution timing of the notice effect that expects a big hit. This instruction is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. It should be noted that also in the notification effect in the character introduction effect mode, an instruction to execute the notice effect may be given to the image sound control unit 500 at the execution timing of the notice effect that expects a big hit.

[Notification effect execution instruction processing]
FIG. 23 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the notification effect execution instruction process in step S115 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 23, the notification effect execution instruction process of step S115 of FIG. 21 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S501, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 analyzes the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command received in the process of step S114 in FIG. That is, information on the variation pattern indicated by the setting information included in the notification effect start command (see FIG. 14 and the like), information indicating whether the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery has been executed, In this case, information indicating the type of jackpot is acquired, and information indicating the gaming state included in the gaming state notification command is acquired. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, based on the analysis result in step S501, the CPU 401 executes effect mode setting processing for determining the effect mode of the notification effect to be executed this time. The effect mode setting process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S503.

In step S503, the CPU 401 determines the effect pattern of the notification effect to be executed this time based on the analysis result in step S501. Specifically, the CPU 401 constructs and sets an effect pattern of the effect pattern type of the notification effect corresponding to the variation pattern acquired in step S501 by lottery using effect random numbers. For example, when the variation pattern acquired in step S501 is 40.04 seconds (see FIG. 14 and the like), the CPU 401 displays the type of the effect pattern of the notification effect corresponding to this variation pattern (“first SP loss”; first SP reach effect). To the first SP reach effect (for example, cut-in notice effect, pseudo-variable effect, mini character effect) and the execution order of the effects are determined. At that time, if the CPU 401 is set to execute the pre-reading notice effect in the notification effect to be executed this time by the process of step S113 in FIG. 21, the CPU 401 sets the execution of the pre-reading notice effect. Further, the CPU 401 sets the effect mode set in step S502 (typically, the background image of the set effect mode) as the effect mode of the notification effect to be executed this time. Specifically, based on the setting in step S502, either the basic effect mode or the character introduction effect mode is set as the notification effect effect mode to be executed this time in the normal game state, and the probability change effect mode is set in the probability change game state. This is set as a production mode for the notification effect to be executed this time. The basic effect mode is a blue background effect mode, the character introduction effect mode is a movie background effect mode that introduces one of a plurality of characters, and the probability change effect mode is a red background effect mode. It is. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute a notification effect with the content determined in step S502. This instruction is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403.

  As described above, in the command reception process of FIG. 20 by the effect control unit 400, the effect content is determined based on various commands received from the main control unit 100, and the determined content is determined by the output process of FIG. 500 etc. are notified. As a result, an effect using the image display unit 6 or the like is executed and controlled by the image sound control unit 500 or the like.

[Production mode setting process]
24 and 25 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the effect mode setting process in step S502 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the effect mode setting process of step S502 of FIG. 23 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S701 in FIG. 24, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the gaming state indicated by the gaming state notification command received in step S114 in FIG. 21 is the normal gaming state. If the determination in step S701 is YES, the process proceeds to step S702. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 401 determines whether the character introduction mode end flag stored in the RAM 403 is ON. That is, it is determined whether or not to execute the basic effect mode from the notification effect to be executed this time. If the determination in step S702 is YES, the process proceeds to step S703. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S709 in FIG.

  In step S703, the CPU 401 determines to execute the current notification effect in the basic effect mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the CPU 401 sets the character introduction mode flag to OFF. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S503 in FIG.

  Through the processes in steps S701 to S705 described above, the notification effect in the basic effect mode immediately after the end of the character introduction effect mode is executed.

  In step S706, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the character introduction mode flag stored in the RAM 403 is ON. If the determination in step S706 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S707, the CPU 401 sets the character introduction mode flag to OFF. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S708, the CPU 401 determines to execute the current notification effect in the probability variation effect mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S503 in FIG.

  When the normal game state is changed to the probability change game state by the processing of the above steps S706 to S708, the character introduction mode flag is turned off to set the end of the character introduction effect mode and the probability change effect mode is started. .

  In step S709 in FIG. 25, the CPU 401 determines whether or not it is in the basic effect mode. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the character introduction mode flag stored in the RAM 403 is OFF. If the determination in step S709 is YES, the process proceeds to step S710, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S715.

  In step S710, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the variation pattern indicated by the setting information included in the variation start notification command received in step S114 of FIG. 21 is a specific variation pattern. Specifically, the CPU 401 indicates that the variation pattern indicated by the setting information is a variation pattern of “13.50 seconds” (that is, a variation pattern corresponding to an immediate loss notification effect production pattern with an execution time of 13.50 seconds; Whether or not) (see FIG. 14). If the determination in step S710 is yes, the process proceeds to step S711. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S718.

  In step S <b> 711, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to enter the character introduction effect mode from the current notification effect by lottery based on effect random numbers. Specifically, the CPU 401 is more likely to enter the character introduction effect mode as the number of continuous executions (number of continuous fluctuations) of the notification effect in the most recent basic effect mode is increased, and the character introduction effect mode is set as the number of continuous executions decreases. Whether or not to enter the character introduction effect mode in the current notification effect is determined by a lottery based on the effect random number using the lottery table set to be difficult to enter. For example, the ROM 403 stores the first lottery table to the third lottery table shown in FIG. 25A. The CPU 401 stores the number of continuous executions of the notification effect in the latest basic effect mode (the latest character introduction effect mode is The first lottery table is used when the number of rotations in the basic effect mode after the end is 1 to 100 revolutions, and the second lottery table is used when the number of continuous executions is 101 to 200 revolutions. When the number of continuous executions is 201 revolutions or more, the third lottery table is used to determine whether to enter the character introduction effect mode with the current notification effect by performing a lottery with effect random numbers. Thereby, the variation in the number of fluctuations before entering the character introduction effect mode can be adjusted appropriately. When determining whether to enter the character introduction effect mode using the first lottery table to the third lottery table shown in FIG. 25-1, the number of continuous executions of the notification effect in the latest basic effect mode is For example, in the case of 1 to 50 rotations, it may be controlled not to enter the character introduction effect mode even if it is determined to enter the character introduction effect mode by lottery using the first lottery table. Alternatively, when determining whether to enter the character introduction effect mode using the first lottery table to the third lottery table shown in FIG. 25-1, the number of continuous executions of the notification effect in the latest basic effect mode is For example, in the case of 1 to 50 rotations, it is decided not to enter the character introduction effect mode without performing a lottery, and when the number of continuous executions is 51 to 100 rotations, control is performed using the first lottery table. Also good. Thereby, it is possible to prevent entering the character introduction effect mode until 50 rotations. In addition, as described above, the ratio of entering the character introduction effect mode is not changed according to the number of rotations. For example, only the second lottery table of FIG. 25-1 is always used (that is, only one lottery table is used). It may be determined whether or not to enter the character introduction effect mode with a uniform probability. If the determination in step S711 is YES, the process moves to step S712. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S718.

In step S712, the CPU 401 selects three characters to be displayed in the current notification effect to enter the character introduction effect mode by lottery using effect random numbers. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 27, there are many characters (characters A to I) introduced in the character introduction effect mode, and the CPU 401 selects three characters to be displayed in the notification effect to enter the character introduction effect mode. Specifically, a large number of characters introduced in the character introduction directing mode are divided into a first group of characters A to C, a second group of characters D to F, and a third group of characters G to I. The CPU 401 selects three characters to be introduced in the character introduction effect mode by selecting any group by lottery using effect random numbers. In this selection, the previously selected group may be controlled to be difficult to select. Further, for example, a large number of characters introduced in the character introduction effect mode may be selected one by one by lottery. In this case, the already selected character is controlled to be excluded from the next selection target (lottery target). Further, for example, the information of the above-described characters A to I is stored in the ROM 403, and based on the time measurement by the RTC 404, the range of characters that can be selected in step S705 is changed every predetermined time from the initial characters A to C. It may be controlled so that a predetermined number (for example, one by one) is added (for example, every week). In addition, for example, the information on the above-described characters A to I is stored in the ROM 403, and the three characters selected in step S705 based on the time measurement by the RTC 404 are displayed every predetermined time (for example, every week). In addition, it may be controlled so that a new character can be selected in place of the character that can be selected at the earliest time (for example, three characters from which characters A to C are selected in a certain week). Each week, the first character is controlled to be updated to a new character so that the character D can be selected instead of the character A that became available the earliest in the next week. May be). In this case, in step S712, the control configuration is such that the lottery for selecting three characters is not executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S713.

  In step S713, the CPU 401 performs the current notification effect in the character introduction effect mode, and also uses the three characters determined in step S712 to notify the entry into the character introduction effect mode (see FIG. 27). ) Is determined to be executed in this notification effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S714.

  In step S714, the CPU 401 sets the character introduction mode flag to ON. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S503 in FIG.

  The character introduction effect mode is started by the processes in steps S710 to S714.

  Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 27, in the notification effect that enters the character introduction effect mode, three characters appear in order and characters introduced in the character introduction effect mode are selected by the player's operation. . For this reason, the execution time of the notification effect that enters the character introduction effect mode needs to be long to some extent. Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed to enter the character introduction effect mode in the case of the fluctuation pattern of 13.50 seconds (see step S710). In addition, when a big hit is made in the current announcement production, the entry into the character introduction production mode is notified in this announcement production, and then the big hit game production is executed, and the character introduction production mode immediately after entering the character introduction production mode. In this embodiment, in the case of a loss (see step S710), control is performed so that the character introduction effect mode can be entered. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 27, when the player presses the effect button 37, the selection state is switched among the three characters, and at the end of the operation effective period related to the selection effect. The selected character is determined as the character introduced in the character introduction effect mode. As another embodiment, a control configuration in which the player operates the effect key 38 to shift the selected state between the three characters and determines (determines) the character introduced by pressing the effect button 37. It is good.

  In step S718, the CPU 401 determines to execute the current notification effect in the basic effect mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S503 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 715, the CPU 401 determines whether or not there is a specific rotation change (notification effect) from the start of the current character introduction effect mode. Specifically, the CPU 401 counts the number of rotations (the number of fluctuations) from the fluctuation at which the character introduction effect mode has started, and will be described later with reference to FIG. It is determined that the notification effect for every 10th change thereafter is the change (notification effect) of the specific rotation. If the determination in step S715 is yes, the process proceeds to step S716, and if this determination is no, the process proceeds to step S717.

  In step S716, the CPU 401 determines execution of the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect in the current notification effect. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 28 and the like, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is an effect that allows the player to select the end or continuation of the character introduction effect mode by pressing the effect button 37. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S717.

  In step S717, the CPU 401 determines to execute the current notification effect in the character introduction effect mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S714.

  Through the processes in steps S715 to S717, in the character introduction effect mode, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is executed and the character introduction effect mode can be selected to be ended or continued in accordance with the change of the specific rotation described above. It becomes.

  Note that, in the above, the control for executing the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is always performed for the above-described fluctuation of the specific rotation. However, in other embodiments, even if the above-described fluctuation of the specific rotation is, the effect pattern of this change is a specific effect pattern (for example, an effect pattern that is executed up to normal reach or more; see FIG. 14 and the like). The control configuration may be such that the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is not executed and the character introduction effect mode end or continuation cannot be selected.

  Here, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 27 to 28, the entry effect to the character introduction effect mode determined to be executed in step S 713 and the end of the character introduction effect mode determined to be executed in step S 716. In the continuous selection effect, control is performed to select (highlight) the display image in accordance with the pressing operation of the effect button 37 by the player during the notification effect. This control is executed by the image sound control unit 500 in response to the operation signal of the effect button 37 input via the lamp control unit 600 and the effect control unit 400, and the control result of the image sound control unit 500 (whichever (Including information on whether a display image is selected) is notified to the effect control unit 400 (see FIG. 4). By such control, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 27 to 28, etc., control according to the pressing operation of the effect button 37 during execution of the notification effect is realized.

[Production Mode Switching Process Characteristic in this Embodiment]
Below, the characteristic mode switching process characteristic in this embodiment performed by the control demonstrated above is demonstrated concretely using FIGS.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the switching timing between the basic effect mode and the character introduction effect mode in the normal gaming state. In the present embodiment, the notification effect may be referred to as fluctuation. As shown in FIG. 26, the first fluctuation that is switched from the fluctuation in the basic presentation mode to the fluctuation in the character introduction presentation mode is referred to as an entry fluctuation. In this entry variation, an effect (introduction character selection effect; mode entry effect) for notifying that the character introduction effect mode has been entered is executed.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram for specifically explaining the introduction character selection effect in the entry variation to the character introduction effect mode. The introduction character selection effect in the entry change to the character introduction effect mode will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 27 (1), the entry variation to the character introduction effect mode is started, and the variation display of the decorative symbol DI is started on the image display unit 6. In the drawings after FIG. 27, the decorative symbol DI is variably displayed by a downward arrow. In addition, in the drawings after FIG. 27, a holding image indicating holding of the special symbol lottery is omitted.

  Next, the decorative pattern DI is reduced and displayed at the lower left of the screen, the first character A is displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (2), and then the second character B is displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (3). After that, the third character C is additionally displayed as shown in FIG. 27 (4).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (5), the button image b prompting the player to press the effect button 37 is displayed, and the emphasis indicating that one of the characters A to C is selected. Displayed in the display mode, the display in this highlighted display mode is cyclically switched in the order of characters A to C in response to the pressing operation of the effect button 37.

  Next, when the operation effective period during which the pressing operation of the effect button 37 for switching the highlighting is valid ends, the effect button 37 is not displayed at the timing when the operation effective period ends, as shown in FIG. To produce an effect indicating that the highlighted character has been selected. In FIG. 27 (6), only character B is displayed, indicating that character B has been selected. Note that an image (gauge image or the like) in which the remaining operation valid period can be seen at a glance may be displayed near the button image b.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (7), in response to the selection of character B, display of a character introduction effect mode for introducing character B (a moving image background introducing character B) is started. At this timing, the decorative pattern DI that has been reduced and displayed at the lower left of the screen is enlarged and displayed at the center of the screen, and returns to the original display mode.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (8), all the decorative symbols DI are completely stopped and displayed (determined stop), and it is instructively notified that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the rush variation. Even during the period when all the decorative symbols DI are completely stopped and displayed, the display of the character introduction effect mode (the moving image background introducing character B) is continued.

  As described above, in the rush fluctuation, characters introduced in the character introduction effect mode are selected by the player's operation after three characters appear in order. For this reason, as described above, the execution time of the notification effect that enters the character introduction effect mode needs to be somewhat long. Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed to enter the character introduction effect mode in the case of a fluctuation pattern of 13.50 seconds (see step S710 in FIG. 25). In addition, if the control configuration is such that a big hit can be made by the rush fluctuation, the big hit game production is executed after the rush fluctuation is notified of the rush to the character introduction directing mode, and the character is introduced immediately after entering the character introduction directing mode. Since the introduction effect mode is interrupted, in the present embodiment, in the case of a loss (see step S710 in FIG. 25), control that can enter the character introduction effect mode is performed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 26, the character introduction effect mode starts from the entry change, and every fifth change after the start of the character introduction effect mode and every 10th change thereafter (“
Execute the character introduction effect mode end / continue selection effect).

  FIG. 28 is a diagram for specifically explaining the end of the character introduction effect mode / continuation selection effect. FIG. 29 is a diagram for specifically explaining the end of the character introduction effect mode / continuation selection effect, where the SP reach effect (specific effect) is started and the end of the character introduction effect mode / continuation selection effect ends. It is a figure for demonstrating to the specific example of. FIG. 30 is a time chart showing a specific example of FIGS. The character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 28 (1), a button image b that prompts the user to press the effect button 37 and a [mode end] image c from the start of the change of the specific rotation (notification effect) in the character introduction effect mode. And [continue mode] image d are displayed. Here, at the start of the display of these images, the [Mode End] image c is displayed in a highlighted manner indicating that it is in a selected state. When the effect button 37 is pressed, the display of the highlight mode is alternately switched between the “mode end” image c and the “mode continuation” image d according to the pressing operation.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 28 (2-1), at the end of the change (the end point of the notification effect), the operation valid period during which the operation for switching the above-described highlighting mode is valid ends. When the image c is in the selected state (highlighted display mode), as shown in FIG. 28 (3-1), the character introduction effect mode is ended, and the next change is switched to the basic effect mode.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 28 (2-2), at the end of the change (the end point of the notification effect), the operation valid period for validating the operation for switching the above-described highlighting mode ends. ] When the image d is in the selected state (highlighted display mode), as shown in FIG. 28 (3-2), the character introduction effect mode is continued and the next change is executed.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 29, a specific example in the case where the SP reach effect is started and the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect ends will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 29 (1), as in FIG. 28 (1), the button image b prompting the pressing operation of the effect button 37 at the start of the change of the specific rotation (notification effect) in the character introduction effect mode. Then, the [mode end] image c and the [mode continuation] image d in a highlighted manner are displayed. When the effect button 37 is pressed, the display of the highlight mode is alternately switched between the “mode end” image c and the “mode continuation” image d according to the pressing operation.

  After that, in the fluctuation shown in FIG. 29 (1), after reaching reach, the first SP reach effect is developed and the first SP reach effect is greatly executed at the center of the screen, and the decorative design DI is reduced and displayed at the lower left of the screen. The At this timing, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect ends, and the button image b, the [mode end] image c, and the [mode continue] image d are hidden and the operation of switching the highlight mode is enabled. The operation validity period ends. At the end timing of the operation valid period, when the [mode end] image c is in a selected state (highlighted display mode), the character introduction effect mode is ended and the next change is switched to the basic effect mode. Mode Continuation] When the image d is in the selected state (highlighted display mode), the character introduction effect mode is continued and the next change is executed.

Next, the time chart in the case of FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 (1) is a time chart in the case of FIG. 28, and the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection in the immediate lose notification effect effect pattern (see FIG. 14 etc.) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of 13.50 seconds. This shows a case where the production is executed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 30 (1), the button image b, the [mode end] image c, and the [mode continuation] image d are displayed from the variation start to the variation stop (definite stop), and the character introduction effect mode is displayed. An end / continuation selection effect is executed. Here, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is not executed during the period in which the decorative symbol is confirmed and stopped for a specified time (0.5 seconds) after the change stop. FIG. 30 (2) is a time chart in the case of FIG. 29, and the character introduction effect mode end / continuation in the effect pattern of the notification effect per first SP (see FIG. 14 etc.) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of 40.01 seconds. A case where the selection effect is executed is shown. In this case, as shown in FIG. 30 (2), the button image b, the [mode end] image c, and the [mode continuation] image d are displayed from the start of the variation, and the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is executed. The character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is ended at the timing when the first SP reach effect that causes the player to expect a big hit is started.

  As explained above, in this embodiment, the character introduction effect mode can be ended by the player's operation. Here, in the conventional gaming machine, the control configuration is such that the effect mode is switched according to the lottery result or the game state. However, in this control, even if the player gets tired of the effect mode, the effect mode is terminated by the user's own operation. I couldn't. According to the present embodiment, the character introduction effect mode can be ended by the player's operation, so this problem can be effectively solved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, at the start of the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, the [mode end] image c is highlighted and set to the selected state (see FIG. 28 (1)). Therefore, if the player has not pressed the effect button 37 even once from the start of the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, the character introduction effect mode ends. By adopting such a control configuration, according to the present embodiment, only a player who wants to continue the character introduction effect mode can operate and continue the character introduction effect mode, so a game that is not interested in the character introduction effect mode. So that the user does not have to spend time and effort on the operation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after the character introduction effect mode is started, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is executed in the notification effect of the specific rotation so that the player can select the mode end or the mode continuation. Control (see FIG. 26). By adopting such a control configuration, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid making the player feel annoyed by executing an effect that can select mode end or mode continuation with each change (all changes). it can. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the character introduction effect is provided by changing the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect every predetermined rotation so that the player can end the character introduction effect mode. There is an opportunity to end the mode. Further, in the present embodiment, from the start of the character introduction effect mode, the end of the character introduction effect mode cannot be selected until the fourth change (see FIG. 26). Control is performed so that the player can select the end or continuation of the character introduction effect mode after sufficiently showing the player.

  In the present embodiment, in the notification effect for executing the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, when an effect of high player interest such as an SP reach effect is executed, the button image b and [Mode End] ] Control to end the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect by hiding the image c and the [mode continuation] image d (see FIG. 29). By adopting such a control configuration, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent an effect that is highly interested by the player, such as an SP reach effect.

[Modification]
In the present embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 28 (1), at the start of the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, the [mode end] image c is highlighted to be in the selected state. Is set. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 31, at the time of the end of the character introduction effect mode / continuation selection effect, it may be controlled so that the [mode continuation] image d is highlighted and set to the selected state. . By controlling in this way, if the player has not pressed the effect button 37 once from the start of the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, the character introduction effect mode will continue. Only the player who wants to end the character introduction effect mode performs an operation to end the character introduction effect mode, which is effective when the character introduction effect mode is to be shown to the player for a long time.

  Further, in the present embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 30A, the decorative symbol fixed stop period (0.5 seconds) is not set as the operation effective period of the effect button 37. However, the decorative symbol fixed stop period may also be the operation effective period of the effect button 37. In this way, the player can operate the effect button 37 when the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is executed in the notification effect of a very short variation pattern (for example, 3 seconds; see FIG. 14). Can secure a long time even a little.

  In the present embodiment described above, in order to execute a mode entry effect (introduction character selection effect) that requires a certain amount of effect time to select a character with the first variation of the character introduction effect mode, The variation pattern of the first variation was a variation pattern (immediately lost) of 13.5 seconds (see S703 in FIG. 24). However, for example, the variation pattern of the first variation may be a variation pattern corresponding to an effect pattern of normal reach or more, for example, to secure the effect time (see FIG. 14 and the like). Furthermore, the variation pattern of the first variation is changed to a variation pattern corresponding to a loss effect pattern of normal reach or more, for example, so that the character introduction effect mode is not interrupted immediately after entering the character introduction effect mode. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, when the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect of the fifth change (and fifteenth change) in the character introduction effect mode starts, the [mode continuation] image d is highlighted and selected. At the start of the subsequent character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, the [mode end] image c may be highlighted and controlled to be set to the selected state. Thereby, the average of the period (number of fluctuations) in which the character introduction effect mode is continued can be controlled.

  In the above-described embodiment, at the start of the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect, the [mode end] image c is highlighted and set to the selected state, and the player is selected in the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect. When the mode continuation is selected by the operation of, the “mode continuation” image d may be highlighted and set to the selected state at the end of the subsequent character introduction effect mode / continuation selection effect. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is resumed when a specific effect (see FIG. 29 (2)) such as an SP reach effect that is highly interested by the player ends. The player may be able to select the end or continuation of the character introduction effect mode again.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect can be executed to select the end or continuation of the character introduction effect mode in all changes after the fifth change of the character introduction effect mode. Also good.

In the present embodiment described above, the specific effect that ends (or interrupts) the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is a specific effect that suggests the execution of pseudo-variation in the cut-in notice effect, the normal reach effect, or the pseudo-change effect. An effect that is highly interested by the player, such as a design stop effect (or a spear effect that expects a specific symbol stop), an SP reach effect, an SPSP reach effect, an effect for notifying a big hit, and an effect for notifying a loss.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation effective period in the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect (see FIG. 30) is started after a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) after the fluctuation starts. Alternatively, it may be ended before the fluctuation is stopped.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to set the execution time of the fluctuation at the specific rotation speed at which the character introduction effect mode end / continuation selection effect is executed to a fixed time, a fluctuation pattern dedicated to the fluctuation at the specific rotation speed (for example, , A dedicated variation pattern of 20 seconds) may be provided (see FIG. 14 and the like). In this case, in the variation pattern selection process in step S408 of FIG. 13, the above-described variation pattern is always selected for the variation of the specific rotation number.

  Further, it goes without saying that various features described in the above-described embodiment and modification examples may be arbitrarily combined.

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

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

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

Claims (1)

Obtaining means for obtaining game information by passing a game ball through a predetermined area;
Special game determination means for determining whether to execute a special game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means;
Notification effect control means for executing and controlling a notification effect for notifying the determination result by the special game determination means;
Effect mode control means for executing and controlling a specific effect mode that can be continued over a plurality of notification effects controlled by the notification effect control means;
Operating means operated by a player,
The notification effect control means performs execution control of the notification effect in any of a plurality of effect patterns,
The production mode control means includes
Condition determining means for determining whether or not a specific condition is satisfied;
An effect mode end selection display for displaying an effect mode end selection display indicating that an operation to the operation means for ending the specific effect mode is possible when the condition determining means determines that the specific condition is satisfied. Control means,
The production mode end selection display control means hides the production mode end selection display when the notification production controlled to be executed with a specific production pattern is performed,
Switch means for outputting a signal of a level corresponding to the passing state of the game ball with respect to the predetermined area;
Determination means for determining whether or not the game ball has passed through the predetermined area by repetitive processing repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals based on a signal output by the switch means;
The determination means includes
A first determination for determining that the level of the signal output by the switch means is located in a first direction with respect to a predetermined threshold level, or the level of the signal is higher than the predetermined threshold level or the predetermined threshold level. Signal level determination means for performing determination of any one of the second determinations to determine that the second direction is opposite to the first direction;
When the signal level determination means performs the first determination in the nth (n is a natural number) iteration process and then performs the second determination a plurality of times in the (n + 1) th iteration process, the predetermined level Passage determining means for determining that the game ball has passed through the area,
The signal level determination means includes
When the first determination is performed in one iteration, no further determination is performed in the iteration,
A gaming machine in which when the first determination is performed in the n-th iteration process and then the second determination is performed in the (n + 1) -th iteration process, one more determination is performed in the iteration process.

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