JP6260289B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine in which the winning probability is shifted to a high probability state after the special game is finished until the number of symbol fluctuations reaches a predetermined number.

  In general, pachinko machines have a predetermined design when a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner after a lottery is performed in response to a game ball entering the starting port, and then a predetermined symbol is variably displayed. When it is a predetermined mode, it is configured to establish a special game (a big hit game) in which a variable winning opening that is normally closed is opened. In the pachinko gaming machine as described above, there is a gaming machine (so-called ST machine) called a frequency cut probability changing machine. This ST machine is a model in which a high probability state (a state in which the probability variation function is activated) continues after the jackpot game is over until the number of symbol variations reaches a predetermined limit number (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

JP 2013-226208 A

  Currently, most of the ST machines, when a big hit occurs, after the end of the special game, there are many models that basically enter the high probability state with a probability of 100%, and until the predetermined limit number of times, Although it is possible to enjoy games aiming for the next big hit, there are already a lot of gaming machines that adopt such a configuration as conventional models, so in order to differentiate from conventional models, There is a need for further improvements in the fun of games.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in a gaming machine that shifts the winning probability to a high probability state from the end of the special game until the number of symbol fluctuations reaches a predetermined number of times. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pachinko gaming machine that can improve the fun of the game.

In order to achieve such an object, a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game board in which a game area is formed, a start port provided at a predetermined position of the game area and into which a game ball can enter, Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number value when a game ball enters the start opening, a correct / inappropriate determination means for executing a correct / incorrect determination based on the random number value, and a design for indicating the result of the correct / incorrect determination The symbol display control means for variably displaying the symbol display means according to the variation mode, the symbol determination means for determining the mode of the stopped symbol in the variation display, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in one of a plurality of types of winning modes. In response to this, special game execution means for executing a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, and identification until the number of times of display change of the symbol reaches a predetermined number of times after the end of the special game Period A game state that controls to shift from a low-probability state where a win is obtained with a normal probability to a high-probability state where a win is obtained with a higher probability compared to the low-probability state, when determining whether or not the winning-judgment means is successful In the transition means, and within the specific period, the first variation period state in which the selection tendency of the symbol variation mode is the first trend, and the second trend in which the selection trend of the symbol variation mode is different from the first trend. A second variation period state that is a trend, and within the specific period, the transition period according to the winning mode is set as the starting point, and the second variation period state is set to the second variation period state less than the predetermined number of times, A variable period state control means for controlling so that the first variable period state can be set in a predetermined period within the specific period until the second variable period state is set; Effect display control means for controlling the effect display section to suggest or notify that the second change period state is displayed on the effect display unit, and any one of the first change period state and the second change period state However, the specific effect can be displayed on the effect display unit, and in the first variation period state, the specific effect may be displayed regardless of whether the result of the success / failure determination is winning or not winning, In the second variation period state, the specific effect is configured to be displayed only when the result of the determination of success / failure is a win, and in the second variation period state, the special effect is executed in the variation display of the symbol. It is configured, in the second variation duration state, the when the specific effect during execution of the special effect in the variable display of the symbols is performed, the symbols non winning status at the end of the variable display Be stopped and displayed in modal are stopped and displayed in the winning aspects without, in the first variation duration state, the spruce result of the determination the specific effect is performed in variable display of the symbols based on the a non-winning If the special effect in the variable display is not performed, in the first variation duration state, when said propriety determination result is the specific effect in variable display of the symbols based on to become a winning is executed configured to the special effect in the variable display it can be executed.

  According to the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, in the gaming machine in which the winning probability is shifted to the high probability state after the special game is finished until the number of times the pattern changes reaches the predetermined number of times, the game is more interesting. It is possible to improve.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a sub control board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a special symbol winning / losing lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the symbol table per special symbol. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the transition process of a fluctuation pattern selection state. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the main process side main process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process following FIG. 9 of the main process on the main control side. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interruption process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the starting port monitoring control process of a pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring control process of a pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol control general purpose process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop symbol display process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 19 of the special symbol stop symbol display process. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory control process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 21 of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control process following FIG. 21 of a special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side main process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side timer interruption process of the pachinko game machine based on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation state transfer process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the pending | holding information management process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the prefetch notice effect determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the pseudo | simulation production mode display setting process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the production content determination process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation production stop process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the hit production | presentation display setting process in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the effect | action of the pachinko game machine which concerns on this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A front view and a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. First, an overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to the drawings. The pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first type pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second Realizes compatibility with games (second special symbol games).

[Basic configuration of pachinko machines]
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured with a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 which forms a vertically fixed holding frame configured in an outer rectangular frame size, and can be opened and closed. The front frame 2 that forms a frame is attached to the front left side edge portion of the front left and right hinge mechanism 3 so that it can be opened and closed sideways and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right side edge portion. The device 4 is always held in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1.

  On the front frame 2, a rectangular glass frame 5 fitted to the upper front area of the front frame 2 is assembled so as to be opened and closed laterally and detachable using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3, and using the locking device 4 It is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. In the front frame 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is faced through the double-layer glass of the glass frame 5 that is always held closed. Yes.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, there are provided an effect lamp 10 that emits light according to the game development status and a speaker 11 that generates sound effects according to the game development status. Upper and lower ball trays (upper ball tray 8 and lower ball tray 9) for storing game balls are provided at the bottom of the glass frame 5, and an effect button 15 is provided at the center of the front of the upper ball tray 8, On the front right side of the ball tray 9 is provided a launch handle 12 for performing a launch operation of the game ball.

  The game board 20 is configured with a decorative board formed by attaching a cell printed with a predetermined pattern on a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the game board 20, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA on which a game ball can roll is defined, and a windmill and a large number of games are formed in the game area PA. In addition to the nail, in addition to various winning ports such as the first starting port 61, the second starting port 62, the operation gate 63, and the big winning port 64, the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first Various display devices such as a special figure hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure hold lamp 76 are provided. A center ornament 22 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is provided so as to be visible through the center opening of the center ornament 22. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 29 through which the game balls that have tumbled down without entering each winning port are discharged to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 is demonstrated in order.

  The first start port 61 is provided as a start winning port corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first start port switch 611 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the first start port 61 triggers the first special symbol lottery.

  The second start port 62 is provided as a start winning port corresponding to the second special symbol game, and includes a second start port switch 621 for detecting the entrance of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the second start port 62 triggers the second special symbol lottery. The second start port 62 includes a normal electric accessory 622 and a normal electric accessory solenoid 623 for opening and closing the normal electric accessory 622. The ordinary electric accessory 622 changes between a closed state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting port 62 and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than this state. Here, the second start port 62 is disposed almost directly below the first start port 61, and if the ordinary electric accessory 622 of the second start port 62 is not opened, the game ball is caused by the presence of the first start port 61. The structure is difficult to enter. On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory 622 is released, the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is increased, and a game ball can be inserted into the second starting port.

  The operation gate 63 is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an operation gate switch 631 for detecting passage of a game ball. Note that the passing of the game ball to the operation gate 63 triggers the normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the normal electric accessory 622 of the second start port 62.

  The big winning opening 64 is a winning opening that is in the shape of a horizontal rectangle and is located below the game area PA, which is opened when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined to be a big or small lottery. . The special prize opening 64 includes a special prize opening switch 641 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 642 called a so-called attacker device, and for opening and closing the special electric accessory 642. The large winning opening solenoid 643 is provided. The special electric accessory 642 changes between a normal state in which a game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the grand prize opening 64 and an open state in which a game ball can enter or can easily enter.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first start port. The first special symbol display device 71 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the fluctuation display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs variation display and confirmation display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second starting port. The second special symbol display device 72 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, and the variation display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The first special figure reservation lamp 73 and the second special figure reservation lamp 74 are each composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is indicated by lighting / flashing display of the lamps. Express (up to 4). The number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is the number of game balls that have entered the first starting port during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. Indicates the number of authorizations once held. The number of suspended balls in the second special symbol is the number of game balls that have entered the second starting port during the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. Indicates the number of authorizations once held.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs normal symbol variation display and fixed display. For example, the regular figure holding lamp 76 is composed of four lamps, and the number of lighting of the lamp corresponds to the number of normal symbol fluctuations held (the number of normal symbol fluctuations not yet executed). On the left side of the normal symbol display device 75, a round indicator 77 for displaying the number of round games in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 operates continuously) is provided.

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative pattern and a notice effect that fluctuately display / stop in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the first special symbol is synchronized with the decorative symbol display unit 700 on which the decorative symbol change display or the notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold lamp 73. The first special figure hold display section 701 that executes the hold display of the second special figure hold display section 702 that executes the hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp 74 Is provided.

  The center decoration 22 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. In addition, the center decoration 22 is provided with a movable accessory 24 that executes a production operation according to the game development status.

  Next, the basic structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the front frame 2, there is a back set board 30, which has a window that communicates with the front and rear in the center and is based on a base frame that is formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2. Via the hinge mechanism 3, it is connected to the back of the front frame 2 so that it can be opened, closed, and detached. A back set cover 30C having a rectangular box shape with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30 and is always disposed to cover the back side of the game board 20 attached to the front frame 2. (The main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 described later are thereby covered by the back set cover 30C).

  Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 with a gentle downward slope to the right, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage 33 extending to the ball, a prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out a game ball guided by the ball supply passage 33, and a prize for guiding the game ball discharged from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball tray 6. A ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, there is a main control board (main control board unit) 100 for comprehensively controlling the operation of the pachinko machine PM, and effects such as image display, effect lighting, and sound effects according to game development. A sub-control board (sub-control board unit) 200 for controlling the above is attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, a payout control board (payout control board unit) 300 that performs control related to the launch and payout of game balls, and various control boards, A power supply board (power supply board unit) 400 for supplying power to the electronic components is attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively placed at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back set board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical / electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine PM can be operated.

[Basic operation of pachinko machines]
The pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above can be used in a game in which the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, the ball tray unit 6 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 8 and rotating the launch handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are launched one by one by a ball feed mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) disposed on the back side of the glass frame 5. 14 (see FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the launch mechanism 14.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area PA enters one of the first start port 61, the second start port 62, the operation gate 63, or the big winning port 64, a winning ball corresponding to the type of the winning port Is paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the prize ball payout unit 33. When a game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72. In synchronism with this, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the decorative symbol display section 700 of the effect display device 70. The variation display of the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the decorative symbol is stopped (determined display) after the lapse of the variation time previously determined by lottery.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 64 starts. Is done. The stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is a mode in which, for example, three types of symbols match. In this embodiment, as a special game, a round game is set to 2 times (2 rounds), a 2R special game, a round game is set to 12 times (12 rounds), and a round game is 16 times. 16R special games set to (16 rounds) are provided.

  In this embodiment, even if the transition is made to any of 2R special game, 12R special game, and 16R special game, the probability variation of the special symbol from the end of the special game until the number of variation of the special symbol reaches a predetermined limit number A function (also called “probability”) is activated. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine called a so-called “ST machine”, which is a time-changing probability changing machine with a probability changing entry rate of 100%. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the state in which the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (also referred to as “special symbol probability variation state”) does not continue until the next big hit, but the special symbol probability variation state is maintained. This period is limited to a predetermined period of time (also referred to as “ST number”).

  When the special symbol probability variation function is activated, a lottery with a special symbol jackpot probability higher than the normal probability state is performed, so that a new special game is generated relatively early. On the other hand, after the special game is over, a special symbol variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “shortening time”) is activated in association with the probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the average variation time of special symbols and decorative symbols tends to be shorter than the normal state, and the number of successful lotteries per unit time is improved compared to the normal state (unit time). Can increase the chance of winning big hits).

  When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the so-called electric chew support function is activated, and the state shifts to the electric chew support state (easy entry state). In the easy-to-enter state, the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is enhanced by the operation of the normal symbol variation time shortening function, the normal symbol probability variation function, and the normal electric accessory opening time extension function. It is a state that can be. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per fixed time will increase more than usual and the ease of entering the second start port 62 will also increase, so that the second start port 62 will be entered. The possibility that the number of balls entering will increase. Therefore, by operating the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function, the chance to obtain a winning ball by entering the second starting port 62 increases during the period, so that the number of possessed balls is hardly reduced. The game can be continued.

[Control configuration of pachinko machines]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each control board mounted in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

  The main control board 100 has a game control microcomputer 101 as a one-chip microcomputer incorporating a CPU 101A, a ROM 101B, and a RAM 101C, and the CPU 101A executes main control related to game progress according to a control program stored in the ROM 101B. It is configured as follows.

  In addition to the game control microcomputer 101, the main control board 100 includes a clock generation circuit 102 that generates a clock signal that is an operation reference of the CPU 101A, a switch circuit 103 that receives detection signals from various switches, and a symbol display device 71. , 72, 75 and holding lamps 73, 74, 76, etc., an LED drive circuit 104, a solenoid circuit 105 for driving each electric accessory solenoid 623, 643, an input / output interface circuit (I not shown) / O) etc. are mounted.

  The switch circuit 103 is electrically connected to the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the big prize port switch 641, and the like, and receives detection signals from various switches to play the game. The data is transmitted to the control microcomputer 101. The LED drive circuit 104 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special figure hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, a general figure hold lamp 76, And various display devices are driven based on control signals from the game control microcomputer 101. The solenoid circuit 105 is electrically connected to the ordinary electric combination solenoid 623 and the special electric combination solenoid 643, and based on the control signal from the game control microcomputer 101, the normal electric combination solenoid 623 and the special electric combination solenoid The object solenoid 543 is driven.

  The game control microcomputer 101 is a CPU 101A that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 101B that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 101C that serves as a temporary storage area, and a clock signal from the clock generation circuit 102 that divides the clock signal. Then, the clock circuit 101D that generates the internal system clock, the WDT circuit (watchdog timer circuit) 101E that resets and returns to the normal state when the CPU 101A malfunctions or goes out of control, the generation of a real-time interrupt, and time measurement A CTC circuit (counter timer circuit circuit) 101F that enables the CPU 101A, a random number generation circuit 101G that operates independently of the timer interrupt processing by the CPU 101A and generates a random number related to a special symbol game, and the like are mounted. Internal bus They are connected with each other.

  The CPU 101A executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading the control program stored in the ROM 101B and performing arithmetic processing based on the detection information from each switch. The RAM 101 </ b> C is a backup RAM as a nonvolatile storage unit that is backed up by a backup power supply (VBB) generated in the power supply substrate 400. The backup area of the RAM 101C is an area for storing data such as a stack pointer and each register held when the power is turned off when the power is turned off. ), The state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before power-off based on the information in the backup area.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 101 has a built-in random number generation circuit 101G for generating a built-in random number forming a part of a random number per special symbol as a separate system from the program processing (software random number) of the CPU 101A. The random number generation circuit 101G generates a predetermined range of random numbers (built-in random numbers) according to a certain rule by updating once based on the clock signal (1 clock) from the clock circuit 101D (1 clock 1 random number generation method). . The initial value of the internal random number is a numerical value calculated by a predetermined calculation based on the ID number (unique identification information given to each microcomputer) of the game control microcomputer 101, and is changed every time the system is reset. .

  Further, the game control microcomputer 101 includes a random number counter for generating various random numbers (software random numbers) by a program process of the CPU 101A in a work area assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 101C. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number and used for the lottery of special symbols. The soft random number per special symbol, the initial value of the soft random number per special symbol, and the initial software per special symbol to determine the end value. In order to determine the initial value and the end value of the special random number per symbol, the random symbol per symbol used to determine the winning symbol (the combination of symbols that will activate the conditional device) as the random symbol, special symbol stop symbol The initial value random number for each special symbol, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number used to select the variation pattern of the special symbol, the random number per ordinary symbol used for the lottery of the normal symbol, the initial value and the end value of the random number per normal symbol The initial value random number per normal symbol to be used, the normal symbol variation pattern random number used for selecting the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol, and the like are included. The update time of these random numbers is updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is also maintained while timer interrupt processing is not being executed for the initial value random number (during loop processing). Use and update.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 101 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit 101G by software as a random number to be used for the special symbol success / failure lottery, and adds the above-described soft random number per special symbol to this. Generate random numbers per special symbol.

  The sub-control board 200 is mainly composed of an effect control microcomputer 201 as a one-chip microcomputer equipped with a CPU 201A, a ROM 201B and a RAM 201C, and the CPU 201A performs main control related to a game effect according to a control program stored in the ROM 201B. It is supposed to be executed.

  In addition to the effect control microcomputer 201, the sub-control board 200 includes a clock generation circuit 202 that generates a clock signal that serves as an operation reference of the CPU 201 </ b> A, an image control circuit 203 for performing display control of the effect display device 70, and the speaker 11. A voice control circuit 204 for performing voice control such as a lighting control circuit 205 for performing lighting control of the effect lamp 10, a motor drive circuit 206 for controlling the operation of the movable accessory 24, and an input not shown. An output interface circuit (I / O) and the like are mounted. The sub control board 200 is electrically connected to an effect button 15 that can be operated by the player, and can receive an operation detection signal from the effect button 15.

  The effect control microcomputer 201 is equipped with a CPU 201A that performs various arithmetic processes related to game effects, a ROM 201B that stores an effect control program and various data, a RAM 201C as a work area serving as a temporary storage area, and the like. They are connected to each other via an internal bus. Although not shown, the production control microcomputer 201 is a clock circuit that divides a clock signal from a clock generation circuit 202 (to be described later) to generate an internal system clock. When the CPU 201A malfunctions or runs out of control. It also includes a WDT circuit (watchdog timer circuit) that resets to a normal state and a CTC circuit (counter timer circuit circuit) that enables real-time interrupt generation and time measurement.

  The effect control microcomputer 201 includes a random number counter for generating various random numbers (software random numbers) by program processing of the CPU 201A in a work area assigned to a predetermined address in the RAM 201C. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. As this software random number, the pre-reading notice random number used for the lottery of the pre-reading notice effect, the decoration design random number used for selecting the stop design of the decoration design, the variation effect pattern random number used for selecting the variation design pattern of the decoration design, The notice effect pattern random number used for selecting the notice effect pattern is included. These random numbers are updated using the remaining time of the command reception interrupt or timer interrupt during the main processing. The sub control board 200 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to allow one-way communication. For this reason, data cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 cannot be requested to transmit data.

  The payout control board 300 is mainly composed of a payout control microcomputer 301 equipped with a CPU 301A, a ROM 301B and a RAM 301C. The payout control board 300 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout control board 300 drives the prize ball payout unit 34 on the basis of a payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out a prize ball. And the ball feed mechanism 13 and the launch mechanism 14 are driven synchronously based on the operation amount of the launch handle 12 to control the launch of the game ball.

  Although not shown in detail, the power supply board 400 includes a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used by each control board based on a primary power supply supplied from a power supply facility on the amusement island, and a backup power supply. (VBB) is generated, and a power-off monitoring circuit for monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop is provided. The electronic / electrical parts such as control boards and game machines Supply the necessary power. The power supply board 400 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device on the amusement island has been cut off, and when the power supply is detected, a power supply cut-off signal (NMI signal) for notifying the fact is provided. And to the payout control board 300. The backup power supply circuit is charged when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PM from the power supply device on the game island. The power supply board 400 is connected to a RAM clear switch 401 for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 101C of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on.

[Main functional configuration of pachinko machines]
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 100 / sub control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 includes a ball entering determination unit 110, a main lottery random number generation unit 120, a hold control unit 130, a special symbol lottery processing unit 140, a normal symbol lottery processing unit 150, and a demonstration effect setting unit 160. , Symbol display control means 165, electric accessory control means 170, gaming state control means 175, main information storage means 180, and command transmission means 190. Note that each of the above-described means in the main control board 100 is configured by CPU 101A, ROM 101B, RAM 101C, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 101B. It is a functional representation of things.

  Based on detection signals from the first start port switch 611, the second start port switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the big winning port switch 641, the entrance determination unit 110 determines whether or not a game ball has entered each winning port. judge.

  The main lottery random number generation means 120, as software random numbers, the above-mentioned special software random numbers, special initial software random numbers, special special design random numbers, special initial design random numbers, special symbol variation pattern random numbers, normal symbols In addition to generating a per-random number, an initial value random number per normal symbol, and a normal symbol variation pattern random number, the above-described built-in random number is generated as a hardware random number. In addition, the lottery random number generating means 120 generates a random number per special symbol by adding a soft random number (software random number) per special symbol to the built-in random number (hardware random number).

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to special symbol games, which is a random number value per special symbol, per special symbol, when the game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62. The design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special design or the second special design. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means that combines the action holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (4) with the entering order of the holding balls. The first special symbol reservation storage area of 180 or the second special symbol reservation storage area is temporarily stored.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set as the operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested in order of area (first-in first-out principle).

  Further, the special symbol hold control means 131 has a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol for counting the number of active hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  Further, when the special symbol holding control means 131 updates the number of the active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the special symbol holding control means 131 includes an effect control command (referred to as a “symbol memory number command”) including update information of the number of held balls. ) And is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This 1 command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the action-reserved balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entry, but in this embodiment, the variable special symbol is displayed with priority over the first special symbol. In order to adopt so-called preferential digestion, while there is an operation reservation ball related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reservation ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reservation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest spheres.

  The normal symbol hold control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game, the random number value per normal symbol, the symbol random value per normal symbol, the normal symbol variation pattern, when the game ball enters the operation gate 63 A random value is acquired, and the random value is managed as the operation reservation ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol holding control unit 132 stores the normal symbol operation holding ball information in the normal symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 180 in a form combined with the order of entering the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (four). Memorize temporarily. Further, the normal symbol hold control means 132 has a normal symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of normal reserved operation balls. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved actuated ball is acquired as the update processing of the number of held normal symbols of the active normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  When the predetermination means 135 acquires the operation reservation ball of the special symbol at a predetermined predetermination timing, the predetermination means 135 executes the advance determination of the pre-reading notice effect for the operation reservation ball. Here, the pre-reading notice effect refers to a preliminary decision such as a lottery for an undigested action-holding ball for which a special symbol variation display is pending, and the result of the judgment is notified to the player in advance. It is an effect to notify. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) when waiting for hitting and when the action holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting and When the support holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the support function is operating, (3) When the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or small hit, When you are satisfied. Specifically, the pre-determination unit 135 reads a random number value corresponding to the currently reserved ball for operation from the special symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180, and pre-determined pre-decision for a lottery (pre-pre- ), Pre-determination of pre-reading symbol lottery (pre-determination of symbol), and pre-determination of pre-reading variation pattern lottery (pre-determination of variation pattern). The prior determination unit 135 sequentially generates an effect control command including information on the result of the previous / failure determination, and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 412, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the random number value per special symbol and the symbol per special symbol stored in the earliest storage area (hold 1 storage area) in the special symbol hold storage area The random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, the special symbol symbol determination region, and the special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 reads a random value per special symbol from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of the success / failure. Decide what to do. The result of this lottery determination is temporarily stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the special symbol is stopped. The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 holds a special symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to in the determination of success / failure.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a special symbol winning / losing lottery table, where (a) is a table referred to in a normal state (low probability state), and (b) is a probability variation state (high probability state). It is a table to be referenced. In this special symbol success / failure lottery table, random values per special symbol are associated with determination results of big hits, small hits, and losing, and the success / failure probabilities for big hits and small hits are determined according to the associated range settings. Determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the special symbol game winning / losing lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), only when the random number value falls within the range of 0 to 163, it is a big hit. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of jackpot is expanded, and not only when the random number value falls within the range of 0 to 163 but also when it falls within the range of 164 to 1639. That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability varies from the low probability state (164/65536) to the high probability state (1640/65536). As described above, the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, but the probability of winning the jackpot is the same in the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In this example, the winning lottery of the first special symbol is a small hit with a higher probability than the winning lottery of the second special symbol. In addition, for example, in the lottery determination of the second special symbol, it may be configured so that there is no small hit.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs, based on the result of the first or second special symbol determination. To do. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 includes a first special symbol per symbol table that is referred to when determining a stop symbol and a symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a big hit, It has a symbol table per second special symbol.

  The upper part of FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a symbol table per first special symbol. In the symbol table per first special symbol, the symbol random number value per special symbol is associated with the contents of the stop symbol, symbol group, and jackpot. The numerical value “100” in parentheses means the number of operations of the special symbol probability variation function and variation time reduction function, that is, the ST number. In this table, the stop symbols “2” to “11” of the first special symbol are classified into five symbol groups A to E according to the type of jackpot. Here, the “specific symbol” is a symbol that triggers the probability variation function of the special symbol to be activated after the special game ends.

  The symbol groups A to D are specific symbols indicating so-called “probable hits” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state). A special symbol probability variation function, variation time reduction function, and electric chew support function are provided only until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs. Will be. The specified number of rounds for the special game is 12 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group E shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to a certain variation state (high probability state), although the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different from the above “probability variation”. It is a specific symbol indicating “sudden probability variation”. The specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “12” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. In the case of a small hit, the game state is not triggered when the game state is changed, and the game state is maintained before and after the winning lottery. When the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “1” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  Subsequently, the lower part of FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a symbol table per second special symbol. In the second special symbol per symbol table, the special symbol per special symbol is associated with the contents of the stop symbol, the symbol group, and the jackpot. In this table, the stop symbols “13” to “22” of the second special symbols are classified into five symbol groups F to J according to the type of jackpot.

  The symbol groups F to I are specific symbols indicating so-called “probability hits” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the probability changing state (high probability state). The specified number of special games is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group J is different from the above “probability variation” in that the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different, but the game state after the special game is finished is shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state). It is a specific symbol indicating “sudden probability variation”. The specified number of rounds for the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “23” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. When the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “1” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  Here, as can be seen from the above description, when a big win is won in the first special symbol winning lottery, a 12R big hit is selected with a probability of 75%, while the second special symbol is true or bad. In the case of a big hit in the lottery, a 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 75%, so that the player who wins the second starting port 62 wins more balls than the first starting port 61. It is advantageous to the player in that it can be acquired.

  The game state control means 175 determines the game state after the special game and switches the game state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the jackpot when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big hit. In the present embodiment, as described above, since it is a so-called ST machine with a number cut, the game state after the special game has a predetermined number of end times, that is, the ST number of times, when the special symbol variation counts from the end of the special game. Until it reaches, the probability variation state of the special symbol continues (however, when the next big hit occurs within the ST number, the probability variation state of the special symbol ends with the variation). When the small hit is made during the ST period, the ST number is not reset (revived) to 0, and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the small hit occurs. In the present embodiment, the ST number is set to 100 times, but it is needless to say that the ST number may be set to another number. When the game state shifts to the special symbol probability change state, the special symbol time change state and the electric chew support state continue, and as long as the special symbol probability change state continues, the special symbol time change state and electric Support status also continues. At this time, in the probability variation state of the special symbol, the big win lottery probability is changed from a normal low probability to a high probability, and a high probability state advantageous to the normal gaming state is obtained. In the short time state of the special symbol, the average variation time of the special symbol is shortened. The electric chew support state (easy entry state) is activated by the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol changing time shortening function, and the normal electric accessory opening time extending function. This is a state where the ease of entering the ball is enhanced. If the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big hit, regardless of whether the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a probable change state, the special state is in the normal state and after the special game, depending on the big hit type Normal state or probable change state. On the other hand, if the result of the winning / losing lottery is a small hit, if the gaming state before the small hit is the normal state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also in the normal state. In addition, when the gaming state before the small hit is in the probable change state, the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also in the probable state.

  Further, the game state control means 175 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the big win, and the variation pattern after the special game when the result of the lottery is a big hit. Switch the selection state. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting a variation pattern table to be described later. The gaming state control means 175 refers to the variation pattern selection state table to determine the variation pattern selection state after the special game and the number of times it ends. Note that the switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the final number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the process of transition of the variation pattern selection state. FIG. 7 shows the transition process of the variation pattern selection state after the special game for each type of symbol group (big hit type) at the time of winning the big hit. In this embodiment, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as a probability variation pattern selection state A, a special variation pattern selection state B, and a normal variation pattern selection state C.

  The probability variation pattern selection state A refers to a probability variation pattern table (first limited frequency pattern table) that is allowed to be selected only for a certain period (a predetermined number of variations) when the game state is a special symbol certain variation state. In this state, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. The special variation pattern selection state B refers to a special variation pattern table (second limited frequency pattern table) in which selection is allowed only for a certain period (a predetermined number of variations) when the gaming state is a special symbol probability variation state. In this state, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined. The normal variation pattern selection state C is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to the normal variation pattern table selected when the gaming state is the normal state.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, regardless of which of the symbol groups A to F is selected, the variation pattern selection state is the probability variation pattern when the number of executions is within the ST number (100 times). While the state is switched between the selection state A and the special variation pattern selection state B, the transition to the normal variation pattern selection state C is made after the end of the number of STs, that is, after the 101st execution number. What should be noted here is that, during the ST period, the transition process of the variation pattern selection state differs depending on the type of symbol group A to F as the jackpot type. For example, when the symbol group A (or symbol group F) is selected, the variation pattern selection state after the special game is the probability variation variation pattern selection state A (1 to 30 times) → the special variation pattern selection state B (31 ~ 40 times) → Probability variation pattern selection state A (41 to 80 times) → Special variation pattern selection state B (81 to 90 times) → Probability variation pattern selection state A (91 to 100 times) → Normal variation pattern selection state C (101 times-) and so on.

  Here, when the symbol groups A to C and F to H are selected, the opportunity to shift to the special variation pattern selection state B is provided twice within the ST period. When the symbol groups D and I are selected, the opportunity to shift to the special variation pattern selection state B is provided three times within the ST period. When the symbol groups E and J are selected, an opportunity to shift to the special variation pattern selection state B is provided once within the ST period. As described above, when the selected symbol group A to F is switched to the special variation pattern selection state B, the number of executions of the special variation pattern selection state B is limited to 10 times. The number of transitions to the special variation pattern selection state B and the transition timing are made different from each other according to the types of the symbol groups A to F.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of winning / failing lottery is a small hit, the change of the changing pattern selection state is not triggered, and the changing pattern selecting state is maintained before and after the winning / failing lottery.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when a variation pattern of the special symbol is selected. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143 selects one variation pattern table from among a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a special symbol variation pattern table. Here, (a1) and (a2) in the figure are the probability variation pattern table referenced in the probability variation pattern selection state A, and (b1) and (b2) in the figure are referenced in the special variation pattern selection state B. Special fluctuation pattern tables (c1) and (c2) in the figure are normal fluctuation pattern tables referred to in the normal fluctuation pattern selection state C. Each variation pattern table is associated with a special symbol variation pattern random value and a variation pattern (variation time). Each variation pattern has a variation time for each pattern as a symbol variation end condition, and the variation of the hourly symbol is stopped when the variation time elapses. Specifically, the variation patterns P1 and P2 have a variation time of 5 seconds and 10 seconds, respectively, and can take a non-reachable variation mode as a symbol variation process. The variation pattern P3 has a variation time of 30 seconds, and can take a variation mode with reach as a variation process of symbols. The variation pattern P4 has a variation time of 60 seconds, can take a variation mode with reach as a symbol variation process, and finally develops into super reach. In this example, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but actually there are more than 100 types of variation patterns.

(Probability variation pattern table for big hits)
With reference to FIG. 8 (a1), the probability variation pattern table for big hits will be described. In this table, either the variation pattern P3 (normal reach) or the variation pattern P4 (super reach) is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. In this jackpot probability variation pattern table, the variation patterns P1 and P2 which are non-reach variation modes are not selected. That is, only the variation patterns P3 and P4, which are variation modes with reach, can be selected.

(Probability variation pattern table for loss)
With reference to FIG. 8A2, the probability variation pattern table for deviation will be described. In this table, based on the special symbol variation pattern random value, the variation pattern P1 (non-reach), variation pattern P2 (non-reach), variation pattern P3 (normal reach), and variation pattern P4 (super reach) are selected. , Any one is selected. In the probability variation pattern table for outliers, the probability variation pattern table for jackpots described above is different in that the selected ratio of each variation pattern is different and the variation patterns P1 and P2 which are non-reach variation modes can be selected. Is different.

(Special variation pattern table for big hits)
With reference to FIG. 8 (b1), the special variation pattern table for jackpot will be described. In this table, either the variation pattern P3 (normal reach) or the variation pattern P4 (super reach) is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. In this special variation pattern table for big hits, the variation patterns P1 and P2 which are non-reach variation modes are not selected. That is, only the variation patterns P3 and P4, which are variation modes with reach, can be selected.

(Special variation pattern table for detachment)
With reference to FIG. 8B2, the special variation pattern table for deviation will be described. In this table, either the variation pattern P1 (non-reach) or the variation pattern P2 (non-reach) is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. In this special pattern table for loss, only the fluctuation patterns P1 and P2 which are non-reach fluctuation patterns can be selected (in other words, the fluctuation patterns P3 and P4 which are fluctuation patterns with reach are selected. This is different from the above-mentioned special variation pattern table for big hits. Therefore, as can be seen from the above description, in this special variation pattern table, the variation pattern selected between the big hit time and the off time is clearly distinguished in terms of whether or not the variation pattern has a reach. When the variation mode with reach appears, the big win is deterministic, whereas when the non-reach variation mode appears, the loss is deterministic.

(Normal variation pattern table for big hits)
With reference to FIG. 8C1, the normal variation pattern table for big hits will be described. In this table, based on the special symbol variation pattern random value, the variation pattern P1 (non-reach), variation pattern P2 (non-reach), variation pattern P3 (normal reach), and variation pattern P4 (super reach) are selected. , Any one is selected.

(Normal fluctuation pattern table for loss)
With reference to FIG. 8C2, the normal variation pattern table for deviation will be described. In this table, based on the special symbol variation pattern random value, the variation pattern P1 (non-reach), variation pattern P2 (non-reach), variation pattern P3 (normal reach), and variation pattern P4 (super reach) are selected. , Any one is selected. This normal variation pattern table for loss is different from the above-described normal variation pattern table for big hits in that the selection ratio of each variation pattern is different. Here, compared with the normal fluctuation pattern table for loss, the non-reach fluctuation pattern P1 (fluctuation time: 5 seconds) is selected in the probability variation pattern table for deviation and the special fluctuation pattern table for deviation described above. The average fluctuation time tends to be shortened in that the probability is relatively high.

  Although detailed illustration is omitted, in the case of a small hit, a table equivalent to each variation pattern table for loss is referred to.

  Further, in the above description, the variation pattern table for deviation is expressed by a single table in any case, but when the result of the lottery is lost, the number of reserved balls for special symbols ( Depending on 0-4), different variation pattern tables may be selected. That is, by using a variation pattern table according to the number of reserved balls for special symbols, the proportion of relatively short variation times is increased as the number of activated balls is increased, and the number of reserved operations is small. As a result, a relatively long variation time can be selected.

  Further, the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 selects the special symbol variation pattern and then instructs the sub control substrate 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, so that the communication with the sub control substrate 200 is normally performed. Production control commands (referred to as “communication inspection commands”), production control commands including variation pattern information (referred to as “variation pattern designation commands”), etc. (hereinafter referred to as these) The commands are collectively referred to as “variation start command”) and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The normal symbol lottery means 150 includes a normal symbol appropriateness determination means 151, a normal symbol stop symbol determination means 152, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination means 153. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery means 150 reads the normal symbol random number value and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, The information is stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination region and the normal symbol variation pattern determination region of the information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination means 151 reads a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of success / failure, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. decide. The result of this lottery lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 151 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to at the time of the success / failure lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), for example, the normal symbol success / failure wins with a probability of 160/283. In the probability variation state (high probability state) of the normal symbol with reference to the lottery table, for example, the normal symbol success / failure lottery is executed with reference to the normal symbol success / failure lottery table with a probability of “282/283”.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 152 refers to the symbol lottery table so as to assign a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win and to allocate a predetermined off symbol when the result is wrong. It has become.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 153 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time (for example, “4 seconds” to “10 seconds”) is selected. On the other hand, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected in the short time state (easy entry state) of the normal symbol.

  The demonstration effect setting means 160, when the result of the lottery determination is a big hit, according to the determined symbol group type, the big hit start demonstration effect and the big hit end demo displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game. The demonstration performance time related to the performance is determined. Also, the demonstration performance time setting means 160, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the demonstration performance time related to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the small hit game. To decide.

  The symbol display control means 165 includes a special symbol display control means 166 and a normal symbol display control means 167.

  The special symbol display control means 166 displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and displays the first special symbol after the variation display. Let Also, the special symbol display control means 166 displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 72 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 166 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 are monitored based on the special symbol game status in the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 166 requests the sub-control board 200 to confirm the decoration symbol when the special symbol fluctuation is stopped (that is, when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”). An effect control command (referred to as “variation stop command”) is generated.

  The normal symbol display control means 167 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 75 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and displays the normal symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 167 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the normal symbol display.

  If the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 170 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (2R, 12R, and 16R in this example). . Here, when the big hit type is a so-called 12R big hit (symbol group A to D) or 16R big hit (symbol group F to I), the big winning opening is opened for about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is the so-called 2R big hit (symbol group E, J), the big winning opening is opened for about 0.05 seconds at the maximum in one round game.

  In addition, when the result of the special symbol winning lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 170 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The special electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. The small hit game is composed of one round game, and is distinguished from a special game composed of a plurality of round games. Here, when the 2R special game and the small hit game described above are compared, although they are internally different, the point of the same opening / closing time (0.05 seconds) and the number of times of opening / closing are the same (the former is Since one opening and closing per round is twice in two rounds, and the latter is common in two opening and closing per round twice, a game with an approximate opening time / opening pattern is developed.

  In addition, when the winning combination lottery of the normal symbol is won, the electric accessory control means 170 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 643 to open the ordinary electric accessory 642 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 170 opens the ordinary electric accessory 623 for an extremely short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy to enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 623 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  The main information storage means 180 stores the obtained random number value information, information on the game state (probability change state, short time state, easy entry state) regarding the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, information on the variation pattern selection state, and result information on the pass / fail lottery (Hits, small hits, out of play), information on stop symbols and variation patterns related to special symbols and normal symbols, information on special games (number of rounds, opening time, opening mode (number of times released per round game), etc.), special It is configured to temporarily store status information indicating the operating state of the symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 642, information on the effect control command data, etc., and store each information. A predetermined storage area is provided.

  The command transmission unit 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 to the sub-control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. Bit 7 of the MOD data is “1” to distinguish MODE and EVENT. Bit 7 of the EVENT data is “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output to each of MODE and EVENT. In principle, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted for each interrupt period in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

<Sub control board>
As shown in FIG. 4, the sub control board 200 includes a sub lottery random number generation means 210, an effect mode control means 220, a prefetch notice control means 230, a hold information display control means 240, an effect pattern storage means 250, and an effect content determination means 260. , Presentation display control means 270, sub information storage means 280, and command reception means 290. The above-described units of the sub-control board 200 are configured by CPU 201A, ROM 201B, RAM 201C, hardware such as an electronic circuit and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 201B arranged on the sub-control board 200. Is a functional expression.

  The sub lottery random number generation means 210 generates the above-mentioned pre-reading notice random number, decoration design random number, variable effect pattern random number, notice effect pattern random number, etc. as software random numbers. In addition, as a notice effect pattern random number value, a different notice effect pattern random value may be used for each of various notice effects, or a common notice effect pattern random value may be used.

  The presentation mode control means 220 controls the transition of the presentation mode based on the gaming state designation command from the main control board 100 in the form of consistency with the gaming state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side. Execute. In the present embodiment, a probability effect mode A, a special effect mode B, and a normal effect mode C are included as the three types of effect modes. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative symbol) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize which effect mode he is currently staying in from the type of background image. However, although details will be described later, there may be an effect mode in which the effect mode B is concealed while the special effect mode B is staying.

  Next, each production mode will be outlined. First, the normal effect mode C is an effect mode that is set when the game state on the main control board 100 side is the normal state (low probability state) and the normal variation pattern selection state C is selected as the variation pattern selection state. It is. In this normal effect mode C, for example, a background image of “meadow” is displayed. The probability variation effect mode A is an effect that is set when the game state on the main control board 100 side is a probability variation state (high probability state) of a special symbol and the probability variation pattern selection state B is selected as the variation pattern selection state. Mode. In the probability variation effect mode A, for example, a background image of “savanna” is displayed. The special effect mode B is an effect that is set when the game state on the main control board 100 side is a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state) and the special variation pattern selection state B is selected as the variation pattern selection state. Mode. The special effect mode B includes a first special effect mode (also referred to as “invincible effect mode”) B1 and a second special effect mode (also referred to as “secret display effect mode”) B2. That is, when transitioning to the special effect mode B, a transition to either the invincible effect mode B1 or the secret effect mode B2 is made by a predetermined mode transition lottery. In the invincible effect mode B1, for example, a background image of “hidden” is displayed, and in the concealment effect mode B2, a background image (background image of “savanna”) that is common to the probability variation effect mode A is displayed.

  Here, it should be noted that, in the invincible production mode B1, the production mode is different from both the probability variation production mode A and the normal production mode C, while in the secret production mode B2, it is common with the probability variation production mode A. It becomes the production mode to do. That is, when transitioning to the invincible effect mode B1 as the effect mode, the effect mode unique to the invincible effect mode B1 is executed, so that the game state is a special symbol probable state and the effect mode is the special effect mode B ( It can be recognized that the mode is invincible production mode B1). Therefore, in the situation where the special variation pattern table is referred to in the selection of the variation pattern, in the special variation pattern table, when the result of the lottery is a big hit, only the variation mode with reach is selected. Since only the non-reach variation mode is selected, the result of the lottery determination can be notified in a definite manner depending on whether the design variation mode can take reach variation. On the other hand, when the transition is made to the concealment production mode B2 as the production mode, it is possible to recognize that the gaming state is a special symbol certain variation state by executing substantially the same representation mode as the certain variation rendering mode A. The fact that the effect mode is the special effect mode B is concealed (in fact, although it is the special effect mode B, it is visually recognized that the effect effect mode A). Therefore, even when the special effect mode B is limited to a certain period of time, the special effect mode B appears in the effect mode that can be recognized by the player. Since it is only in the case of winning, it is possible to make it appear as if the special effect mode B (the invincible effect mode B1) is randomly generated while keeping the special effect mode B in a concealed state.

  The prefetching notice control means 230 determines whether or not the prefetching notice effect can be executed by lottery when the predetermination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-reading notice control unit 230 temporarily stores in the pre-reading information storage area of the sub information storage unit 280 the information (pre-reading information) of the pre-judgment result included in the pre-judgment command in combination with the entering order of the operation holding balls. In the present embodiment, the pre-reading notice effect is generated as one aspect of a so-called continuous notice effect for notifying the possibility of occurrence of a big win or reach effect over a plurality of fluctuating displays of decorative symbols. When it is determined that the prefetching notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, the prefetching notice control means 230 has information on the predetermination command (prejudgment result) from the main control board 100 and information on the symbol memory number command (existing). The number of operation pending balls) is analyzed, and the content (continuous notice effect pattern) of the continuous notice effect for the action reserved ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) that is the trigger for the occurrence of the current look-ahead notice effect is determined. In other words, the pre-reading notice control unit 230 selects a plurality of types by lottery based on the result of the prior determination (pre-determined / unnecessary determination, symbol preliminary determination, variation pattern preliminary determination) on the main control board 100 side and the number of currently held balls. One of the continuous notice effect patterns is selected from the continuous notice effect patterns. The plural types of continuous notice effect patterns include a pattern in which the display mode of the pre-reading notice effect does not change over a plurality of times of variable display of symbols, and a pattern in which the display form changes in at least one stage. Note that there are various types of look-ahead notice effects (continuous notice effects) such as a hold look-ahead notice effect, a chance look-ahead notice effect, and a background look-ahead notice effect, but in this embodiment, the look-ahead notice effect is taken as an example. I will give you a description.

  The holding information display control means 240 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol, have. When the hold information display control means 240 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball are based on the information of the operation hold ball number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter.

  In addition, the hold information display control unit 240 displays the number of held balls of the first special symbol on the hold display portions 701 and 702 of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first held ball number counter and the second reserved ball number counter. Is controlled to display the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of reserved images and the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of reserved balls of the second special symbol. For example, in a normal display mode, as many reserved images as the display color of “white” appear as many as the number corresponding to the number of operation reserved balls. On the other hand, during the execution period of the pre-reading notice effect, a plurality of types of display modes having different display colors of the hold image corresponding to the trigger hold, for example, “blue”, “green”, and “red” can be taken. The above three types of display modes used in this pre-reading notice effect are related to the reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), and “blue”, “green”, “red” The jackpot reliability is set to be higher step by step.

  Here, the above-described effect mode control means 220 is configured so that, even if the effect mode during the current stay is the certain effect effect mode A (other than the special effect mode B), when the predetermined condition is satisfied, In cooperation with each other, an effect mode of the invincible effect mode B1 (background display corresponding to the invincible effect mode B1) is generated in a pseudo manner. The predetermined conditions are, regardless of whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is executed. 1) When the first symbol group (for example, symbol group A) is selected, the predetermined timing (number of fluctuations: 51 to 51) within the ST period. 60), the special effect mode B is not entered, but when the second symbol group (for example, symbol group B) is selected, the special effect is produced at a predetermined timing (number of fluctuations: 51 to 60) within the ST period. When it is scheduled to shift to mode B, in a situation where it is determined not to shift to special effect mode B at the predetermined timing, 2) either the first special symbol or the second special symbol There are a plurality of operation holding balls, and among these plurality of operation holding balls, there are operation holding balls (trigger holding) corresponding to the big hit result as a result of the determination of success or failure. 4) When there is no operation holding ball related to reach loss before the operation holding ball related to the jackpot among the plurality of operation holding balls (that is, operation holding related to non-reach loss) If there is only a sphere). Such simulated occurrence of the invincible effect mode B1 may be based on the initial point of the predetermined timing (in this example, the number of fluctuations: the 51st). In other words, the pseudo invincible effect mode B1 may be shifted from the 51st fluctuation count. In addition, it is not limited to the operation holding ball related to non-reach deviation, for example, when there is an operation holding ball related to a fluctuation time value equal to or less than a predetermined time regardless of whether the variation mode is reach / non-reach (that is, more than a predetermined time) Or when there is no operation holding ball related to the fluctuation time value. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, even if the plurality of operation holding balls are actually digested, the result of winning / failing lottery and the pattern variation pattern in the progression of the game effect under the invincible effect mode B1 There is no contradiction in the relationship with (e.g., there is no contradiction that the result of the lottery is out of reach despite the reach variation), and the current rendering mode (probability variation rendering mode A) is concealed On the other hand, it is possible to generate a pseudo invincible production mode B1 for production.

  The effect pattern storage unit 250 holds a plurality of effect patterns in which effect image contents to be displayed on the effect display device 70 in the variation of the decorative design and the display process thereof are determined. The production pattern includes a variation production pattern in which the variation process from the start to the end of the variation and the production process in the variation display of the decoration design and the variation display of the decoration symbol are displayed in conjunction with the high expectation of the big hit. A notice effect pattern suggested in advance before the change display is stopped is included.

  The effect content determination means 260 determines various effect contents in the process of changing the decorative symbols based on various information included in the change start command from the main control board 100 (whether the lottery result, the symbol group, the change pattern). The effect content determination means 260 includes a decoration design determination means 261 that determines a combination of stop symbols of the decoration symbols, a variation effect pattern determination means 262 that determines a variation effect pattern that defines a variation pattern of the decoration symbols, and a decoration symbol And a notice effect pattern determining means 263 for determining a notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that is executed in association with the change.

  The decorative design determining means 261 is based on information (variation pattern information, character effect number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, and finally the combination of the decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, The left symbol is determined by lottery. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols. For example, when the result of the winning / failing lottery corresponds to a big hit, a specific combination, for example, three symbols such as “777” and “111” are arranged. A combination is selected. A specific combination, for example, a predetermined combination such as “357” is also selected when the lottery result indicates a shift to 2R special game or a small hit. That is, the specific combination of 2R big hit or small hit does not necessarily have to be a combination of three symbols. When the lottery result is out of place (non-reach out of place), a combination (so-called disjoint) such as “312” or “946” in which three symbols are not aligned is selected. If the lottery result is out of reach (reach out of reach), a combination with only one symbol such as “141” or “787” is selected. In addition, when it is a small hit or 2R big hit, it is good also as a mode of said reach deviation.

  The variation effect pattern determination means 262 determines the variation effect pattern of the decorative symbol based on the information included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. The variation effect pattern determination means 262 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation of a special symbol is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. The variation effect pattern table corresponding to (time) is selected. The variation effect pattern determination unit 262 refers to the variation effect pattern table selected above on the basis of the variation effect pattern random number value acquired from the sub lottery random number generation unit 210, and selects a variety of variation effect patterns by lottery. Select one from. Each variation effect pattern has a decoration symbol variation time (a time that matches the variation time of the special symbol) for each pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation, and the variation of the decoration symbol after the variation time has elapsed. Is stopped.

  Here, while the basic pattern (for example, “normal reach A”) of the symbol variation is determined as the variation pattern on the main control board 100 side, the sub-control board 200 side displays the effect based on the basic pattern as the variation effect pattern. A detailed pattern of design fluctuation (for example, “normal reach A1, A2, A3, A4...”, Etc.) defining the process scenario in detail is determined. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect in the stage is also defined. Fluctuation effect patterns include a non-reach pattern when displaying a normal off-set symbol and a reach pattern when displaying a off-set symbol or a jackpot symbol via a reach state where a big hit will occur if one more symbols are aligned . In particular, the reach pattern includes patterns having various fluctuation times. For example, normal reach (N reach) is a reach production with a relatively short variation time (for example, about 20 to 60 seconds) and low reliability that is a big hit, and two of the three symbol sequences are temporarily stopped. After that, it means a mode in which the remaining one symbol sequence fluctuates (a mode in which the variation time is relatively short). Super reach (SP reach) has a longer variation time than normal reach (for example, about 60 to 120 seconds). ), A reach effect in which the reliability of the big hit is higher than that of normal reach, and after the two symbols of the three symbol sequences temporarily stop, the remaining one symbol sequence fluctuates frame-by-frame (the variation time is relatively Long mode).

  The notice effect pattern determination means 263 determines the notice effect pattern to be executed at each stage during the variation display of the decorative symbols in accordance with the scenario of the change effect pattern described above. The notice effect pattern determining means 263 holds a notice effect pattern table that is referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern according to the type of the notice effect, and according to the scenario of the change effect pattern. A notice effect pattern table is selected. The notice effect pattern determining means 263 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and, based on the notice effect pattern random number value obtained from the sub lottery random number generating means, draws a lot of kinds of notice effect patterns. Choose one.

  The notice effect pattern is an effect pattern in which an image, animation, video or the like of a specific character or motif is displayed on the screen temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern in which a specific sound is output, or the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variation display of the decorative symbol and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the announcement effects has different jackpot reliability. Basically, the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of reach is relatively higher than the announcement effect displayed before the reach occurs. It has become. This notice effect is basically performed by synthesizing the display of the notice effect with the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 70. For this reason, even in the case of the decorative display variation display by the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated depending on the type of the announcement production.

  The effect display control means 270 displays the effect image including the decorative design on the effect display device 70 in accordance with the scenario of the change effect pattern selected by the effect content determination means 260, and displays the effect of the selected notice effect pattern. At each stage of the variation display process, the effect is displayed on the effect display device 70 in the form of being superimposed on the effect of symbol variation. The effect display control means 270 starts a new symbol variation when receiving a decoration symbol variation start command from the main control board 100, and stops displaying the decoration symbol when a variation stop command is received. The effect display control means 270 further controls effect processing such as lighting and extinguishing of the effect lamp 10, sound output from the speaker 11, and effect operation by the movable accessory 24.

  Further, the effect content determination means 260 is based on the jackpot effect demo time information from the main control board 100, and the special game including the jackpot start demo and the jackpot end demo displayed during the special game prior to the execution of the special game. The content of the production (big hit game production) is determined. In addition, when receiving the hit start demonstration effect command or the hit end demonstration effect command from the main control board 100, the effect display control means 270 performs the hit start demonstration effect in the effect display device 70 according to the contents of the determined special game effect. Controls the effect processing of the hit end demonstration effect.

  The sub information storage unit 280 is configured to store an effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and information related to the effect control, and includes predetermined storage areas for storing information.

  The command receiving means 290 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100, and the above-described effect mode control means 220, prefetch notice control means 230, hold information display control means 240, effect content determination means 250, effect display. Necessary information is transmitted to the control unit 260, the sub information storage unit 280, and the like. The command receiving unit 290 generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100 and executes a command reception interrupt process (details will be described later), and acquires various effect control commands in the interrupt process. It has become.

[Process on the main control board]
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the main control board 100 side includes a main control side main process and a main control side timer interrupt process.

<Main control side main processing>
9 to 10 are flowcharts showing main processing on the main control board 100. In the main process on the main control side, after the security check of the CPU 101A is performed by reset at power-on, the program starts and the processes after S1 are started.

  First, as an initial setting required when power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (S1), and access to the RAM 101C is permitted (S2). Subsequently, a vector table storing the start address of the program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (S3), and an initial value is set in the internal register of the CPU 101A (S4).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch 401 is turned on (S5). If the RAM clear switch 401 is turned on (S5: YES), the entire area of the RAM 101C is cleared to zero in S9 described later. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 401 is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power-off information flag is read to determine whether or not information on normal power-off is stored (S6).

  Here, when the information indicating that the power is off normally is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM 101C (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). If the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power interruption. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the entire area of the RAM 101C is cleared to zero (S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the RAM 101C (S10). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 70, an effect control command to the sub control board 200 is requested (S11).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, the power-on normal information setting, various error initial settings, and initial communication settings with the payout control board 300 are sequentially performed in the RAM 101C (S12). Next, a data transfer source address, a data transfer destination address, and a transfer byte number are set, and data corresponding to the transfer byte number is transferred (S13). Then, a special symbol game status value at the time of power-off is read, and a power-off recovery process related to the special symbol game is performed (S14). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 70, an effect control command to the sub control board 200 is requested (S15).

  Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information on the number of suspended balls in the first special symbol and the second special symbol at the time of power-off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of suspended balls is requested ( S16). Subsequently, a return setting is made to return the ordinary electric accessory 622 to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the second start port 62 is opened) (S17). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 642 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the big prize opening 64 is opened) (S18).

  Subsequently, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit 101F, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, as a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of a power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read to determine whether or not a power interruption has occurred (S23). If no power interruption has occurred, an initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated.

  Next, interrupt permission is set so as to allow the generation of the timer interrupt process (S25), the process returns to the above-described process for prohibiting the interrupt (S21), and the loop process of S21 to S25 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but using the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process until the next interrupt process occurs, S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, timer interrupt processing is started when interrupt is enabled in S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, if a power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26 to execute the power-off process described below.

  Next, as power-off processing (S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If it is power-on normal information (S27: Yes), power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, if the power-on normal information is not found (S27: No), the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the process proceeds to S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM 101C (S30). Then, a complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM 101C (S31). Subsequently, the access prohibition setting of the RAM 101C is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

《Main control timer interrupt processing》
Next, the main control side timer interruption process of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse from the CTC circuit 101F every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms), and is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side. In addition, as the terms used below, the terms “condition device” and “actual accessory continuous actuating device” mean a conceptual control device, and “condition device” means a big hit in a special symbol game. The “actual accessory continuous actuating device” is capable of operating the special electric accessory 642 continuously a plurality of times.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the CPU 101A are saved in the stack area of the RAM 101C, and then an interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, a clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S52). At this time, the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted by sequentially writing the clear words 1 and 2 into the WDT clear register of the CPU 101A within a preset timeout period. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, input processing is executed (S53). In this input process, input information of switches other than the RAM clear switch 401 is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100, and their state determination is performed, and then the detection information is stored.

  Next, various random number update processes are executed (S54). In these various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. Subsequently, an initial value update type random number update process is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random numbers per ordinary symbol, the soft random numbers per special symbol, and the symbol random numbers per special symbol are updated. Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (S56). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated.

  Next, timer subtraction processing is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. Subsequently, a second start port effective period setting process is executed (S58). In the second starting port effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port 62 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the second starting port 62 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In the winning monitoring process, based on the detection information in the input process (S53), a game ball switch passage inspection is performed. As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, A request for sending out a dispensing control command is made. Subsequently, a prize ball control process is executed (S60). In this prize ball control process, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 300 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of winning prize.

  Next, normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passing of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored. In addition to updating the number of suspended balls for a maximum of 4 balls, random numbers related to normal symbol lottery are stored.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 75 or the ordinary electric accessory 622 is performed, the normal symbol changing process, the normal symbol stop symbol displaying process, according to the value of the normal symbol game status The processing during normal electric accessory operation, the processing during normal electric accessory operation end demonstration, etc. are executed.

  Next, normal symbol variation start monitoring processing is executed (S63). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, when the normal symbol operating state is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol operation holding number of balls is digested by one, and the normal symbol variation is monitored. Determination of success / failure, determination of design, determination of variation pattern, setting of variation time, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (S64). Details of the start port monitoring control process will be described later with reference to FIG. Subsequently, a special symbol control process is executed (S65). Details of the special symbol control process will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (S66). Details of the special electric accessory control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (S67). In this big winning opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the big winning opening 64 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the large winning opening 64 is set as the determination result. Subsequently, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (S68). Details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is executed (S69). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the input process (S53), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state.

  Next, an entrance passage time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In this incoming ball passage time abnormality detection process, an incoming ball passage time abnormality is set when an ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more. Subsequently, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 is continuously operated (the number of prescribed rounds), the number of reserved balls for normal symbols and special symbols is created.

  Next, a handle state signal inspection process is executed (S72). In the handle state signal inspection process, an effect control command (handle state effect command) is generated based on detection information from the touch sensor of the firing handle 12. Subsequently, an LED output process is executed (S73). In this LED output process, the display data created by the special symbol control process (S65), the abnormality detection process (S69), the game state display process (S71), etc. are output to various display devices and the like. Initialize the display on the device.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (S74). In this firing control signal output process, when no communication abnormality with the payout control board 300 or disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a fire permission signal is output to the payout control board 300, and the launch of the game ball is permitted. To do. Subsequently, a test signal output process is executed (S75). In this test signal output process, various test signals indicating the operating state of the gaming machine are created and output to an external testing device in a performance confirmation test for determining whether or not the gaming machine is appropriate.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S76). In this solenoid output process, each electric accessory solenoid is based on the control data acquired in the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special electric accessory control process (S66). An excitation signal is output to 623 and 643.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (S77). In this effect control command transmission process, the command specified by the pointer is read from the commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage means 180 in the above process, and this command is read by the sub control board. 200. Subsequently, external information output processing is executed (S78). In the external information output process, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external terminal board.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the CPU 101A is set to an interrupt enabled state (S79). As a result, the timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  If the main control board 100 detects a power-off (a decrease in supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control-side main process or interrupt process, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power-off confirmation flag is turned on. To do. Then, after returning to the original process, the above-described power-off process (S26 to S32) is executed.

≪Special design game processing≫
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. Here, in order to facilitate the understanding of the explanation, in accordance with the flow of the game, the start port monitoring control process (S64), the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68), the special symbol control process (S65), the special electric role The object control process (S66) will be described in this order.

(Start-up port monitoring control process)
First, the start port monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the start port monitoring control process (S64).

  First, it is determined whether or not a game winning at the first start port 61 has been detected (S201). When a winning is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (S202). If the number of active balls is less than 4 (S202: YES), a random number value per special symbol, a random number value per special symbol, a special symbol variation pattern random value as a lottery random value related to the first special symbol game The random number values are acquired and stored in the first special symbol holding storage area according to the order of entry (S203). Then, as an update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (S204), and the winning check of the first start port 61 is completed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a game winning in the second starting port 62 has been detected (S205). When a winning is detected (S205: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (S206). If the number of active balls is less than 4 (S206: YES), the random number value per special symbol, the random number value per special symbol, the special symbol variation pattern random value as the lottery random number value related to the second special symbol game The random number values are acquired and stored in the second special symbol storage area according to the order of entry (S207). Then, as the update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented by 1 (S208), and the winning check at the second start port 62 is finished.

  Subsequently, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been added in S204 or S208. Is determined (S209). When there is an update of the number of balls with an operating reserve (S209: YES), a symbol memory number command including information on the number of balls with an operating reserve of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is stored as main information storage means. The command is stored in the command storage area 180 (S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is a pre-determination timing of the pre-reading notice effect (S211). If it is a prior determination timing (S211: YES), a random number value per special symbol is read from the random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and a prior determination is made (S212). Then, a validity determination command including the information on the determination result is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S213). Further, the symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and symbol preliminary determination is performed (S214). Then, a symbol predetermination command including the information of the predetermination result is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern prior determination is performed (S216). Then, a variation pattern pre-determination command including the information of the pre-determination result is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S217).

(Special symbol variation start monitoring control process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68) will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S68). In this special symbol fluctuation monitoring and monitoring control process (S68), a special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process to be described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the fluctuation start condition among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. (S310) is executed.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is being made (S301). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change (S302). In the case of waiting for change (S302: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol is “0” (S303), and the number of held balls is not “0”. In (S303: NO), it is assumed that the variation start condition of the second special symbol is satisfied, and the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage areas used in the subsequent processing) Is set (S304), and the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the second special symbol side. That is, in the present embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball of the second special symbol, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is given priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. Digested.

  On the other hand, when the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is “0” (S303: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is “0” (S305). . If the number of reserved balls is not “0” (S305: NO), it is assumed that the first special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (hereinafter referred to as “the first special symbol variation start monitoring table”). After setting the addresses of the various tables used in the processing and the addresses of the RAM storage area (S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the first special symbol side.

  Note that if the variation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (S301: YES, S302: NO, S305: YES), the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) is skipped. .

(Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310). In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310), the first special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table or the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table set in S304 or S306 described above is referred to The special symbol side process will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so the first special symbol side process is the exception unless otherwise specified. Whether or not there is a process on the second special symbol side will be described as a group without distinction.

  First, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls on the special symbol side that is the subject of the current fluctuation start (S311). Then, a symbol memory number command including information on the number of suspended balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the subtraction is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S312).

  Subsequently, the special symbol holding storage area on the side of the special symbol subject to the start of the current change is accessed, and the random number value per special symbol and the special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (holding 1 storage area) In order to sequentially read the design random number value and the special design variation pattern random value and use these random number values for the special symbol success / failure determination processing (S320), the symbol determination processing (S330), and the variation pattern selection processing (S423) described later, Transfer to the special symbol success / failure determination area, special symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (S313). Further, as the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

  Subsequently, a special symbol success / failure determination process is executed (S320). In the special symbol success / failure determination process (S320), first, a special symbol success / failure lottery table is acquired. Next, a random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Then, referring to the special symbol success / failure lottery table, the special symbol success / failure determination is executed based on the random number value per special symbol. Further, the result of this determination is stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Subsequently, a symbol determination process is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), a special symbol stop symbol, a symbol group type, and a character effect number (variable added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the determination. Then, the special symbol stop symbol, the symbol group type, and the character effect number determined this time are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. The character effect number is determined based on a combination of the determined symbol group type and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination is a small hit (S341), and whether or not the result of the determination is a big win (S342). If the result of the determination is a small hit (S341: YES), the process proceeds to S347, and if the result of the determination is out of order (S341: NO, S342: NO), the process proceeds to S349.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a big hit (S341: NO, S342: YES), the special symbol is displayed as the gaming state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group determined in S333 (the jackpot type). It is determined whether or not to operate the probability variation function (S343). In the present embodiment, since it is a so-called ST machine with a probability variation entry rate of 100%, it is decided to activate the probability variation function of a special symbol after a special game, regardless of the type of symbol group, and the number of operations ( ST count: 100 times in this example) is determined. This determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  In addition, based on the symbol group type (big hit type) determined in S333, the number of times the variable time reduction function is activated (100 times in this example) is determined as the gaming state after the special game (S344). The number of times the support function is activated (100 in this example) is determined (S345). This determination result is stored in the short time count storage area and the easy entry state count storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  Subsequently, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 is set based on the type (big hit type) of the symbol group determined in S333 (S346). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, a specified number of rounds of the round game, a maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64, and the like are set. Next, based on the type of symbol group determined in S333 and the current game state, a variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game or after the small hit game is set (S347). Subsequently, based on the type of symbol group determined in S333, the demonstration performance time (the hit start demo time and the hit end demo time) of the special game or the small hit game is set (S348).

  Next, the special symbol success / failure determination region and the special symbol / symbol determination region of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-described special symbol success / failure determination processing (S320) and symbol determination processing (S330) are cleared (S349). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from “00H (standby)” to “01H (change start)” (S350).

(Special symbol control processing)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process (S65).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “00H (waiting for winning)” (S401). Subsequently, when the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)" (S402).

  When the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)” (S402: YES), the second special symbol control table (used in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the processing related to the second special symbol. The addresses of the various tables and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)” (S402: NO), the first special symbol control table (in the subsequent processing) is executed to execute the process related to the first special symbol. The addresses of various tables to be used and the addresses of the RAM storage areas are set (S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410) described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in S403 or S404 described above is used, and the special subject to change this time is used. The process on the symbol side will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so is it the process on the first special symbol side unless otherwise specified? A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether the processing is on the second special symbol side.

(Special design control general-purpose processing)
Subsequently, special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S410). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose process (S410).

  In this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410), branch processing (S411 to S414) is executed to shift to processing according to the special symbol game status values ("01H", "02H", "03H"). First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (S411). If the special symbol game status is not “00H” (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “01H (change start)” (S412). If the special symbol game status is “01H” (S412: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol variation start process (S420). In the case of NO in S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “02H (changed)” (S413). When the special symbol game status is “02H” (S413: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (S430). If NO in S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (stopped symbol display)" (S414). If the special symbol game status is “03H” (S414: YES), the process proceeds to a special symbol stop symbol display process (S440).

(Special symbol variation start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process (S420).

  First, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the lottery determination and the variation pattern selection state (S421). Subsequently, a special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S422). Then, with reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (S423).

  Next, a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected this time is set (S424). Then, as a special symbol variation start setting, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 165 (S425), and a variation start command to the sub-control board 200 is generated and used as the main information. The command is stored in the command storage area of the storage unit 180 (S426). Subsequently, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “01H (change start)” to “02H (change)” (S428).

(Special symbol change processing)
Next, the special symbol variation processing (S430) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol changing process (S430).

  First, a special symbol display pattern number switching process is executed in order to perform a special symbol variable display (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), special pattern display pattern number data is generated for each predetermined switching time. The display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 in the LED output process (S73) in order to display the variable special symbols in a variable manner or in a definite manner.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is completed (S432: YES), a special symbol stop symbol to be fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 is set (S433). Subsequently, a change stop command for instructing the sub-control board 200 to confirm and display the decorative symbol is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S434). Next, “500 (ms)” is stored in the special symbol game timer as a fixed display time (S435). Note that the “determined display time” is a time for definitely stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is suspended. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from “02H (fluctuating)” to “03H (stopping symbol display)” (S436).

(Special symbol stop symbol display processing)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440) will be described. 19 to 20 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has become “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the fixed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (S441). When the special symbol fixed display time is over (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (stopped symbol display)" to "00H (standby)" (S442).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the winning / failing determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 is the big hit data “55H” (S443). When the hit / decision determination data is jackpot data (S443: YES), the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (S444), the special symbol variation time reduction function is deactivated (S445), and the electric support function is activated. Stop (S446) is performed in order.

  Next, as a special game hit start demo setting process, a hit start demo display time is set, and an effect control command (hit start demo command) for instructing start of a hit start demo effect is generated (S447). Subsequently, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (S448). Also, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “01H (special game)” (S449). Then, the contents of the success / failure determination flag are cleared (S450).

  On the other hand, if the determination data is not big hit data (S443: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451). When the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (S451: YES), 1 is subtracted from the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S452). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). When the probability variation counter is zero (S453: YES), the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (S454), assuming that the special symbol variation count has reached the ST count of 100 times. If the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero (S453: NO), S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S455.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455). If the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455: YES), the time-count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digest of the current special symbol variation (step S456). . Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). If the hourly number counter is zero (S457: YES), the special symbol variable time reduction function is deactivated (S458), assuming that the number of times of termination of the special symbol time reduction state (100 times) has been reached. If the time-count counter after subtraction is not zero (S457: NO), S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S459.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is in operation (S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation (S459: YES), 1 is subtracted from the easy-to-enter state counter of the main information storage means 180 as the digest of the number of changes in the special symbol this time (step S460). . Next, it is determined whether or not the easy-to-enter state counter is zero (step S461). If the easy-to-enter state counter is zero (S461: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped (S462), assuming that the number of easy-to-enter states (100 times) has been reached. If the easy-to-enter state counter after subtraction is not zero (S461: NO), S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S463.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180 (S463). Then, the variation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number. If it has been reached, the state is switched to the next specified variation pattern selection state. On the other hand, if the end count has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in the above-described S451 to S464 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (S465). On the side of the sub control board 200, setting and updating of the effect mode is executed based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the small hit data “33H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466). When the small hit data is stored (S466: YES), as the hit start demo setting process of the small hit game, the hit start demo display time is set and the effect control command for instructing the start of the hit start demo effect is given. Is generated (S467). Subsequently, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “02H (small winning game)” (S468). Then, the contents of the success / failure determination flag are cleared (S469).

(Special electric accessory control processing)
Next, the special electric accessory control process (S66) will be described. 21 to 23 are flowcharts showing the details of the electric accessory control process (S66).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “01H (special game)” (S501). When the special electric accessory game status is “01H” (S501: YES), the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (S502). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started in each round game. When it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (S503: YES), the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (S504), and the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is performed as S505 to S509. Execute the process.

  As a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of game balls has been won in the big prize opening 64 (S505), and the operation time (opening time) of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed (S506). At this time, when the game ball has won the maximum winning number 64 in the grand prize opening 64 (S505: YES) or when the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed (S506: YES), the special electric accessory 642 The operation is stopped (S507). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached a predetermined number of rounds (S508). If the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds (S508: NO), the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 is incremented by 1 (S509).

  On the other hand, if the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached the specified number of rounds (S508: YES), the process proceeds to S510, and the winning end demonstration display time is set as the winning end demonstration setting process for the special game. At the same time, an effect control command (hit end demo command) for instructing start of the hit end demo effect is generated (S510). Subsequently, the variable time reduction number information set in S344 is stored in the time reduction number counter (S511). Further, the easy entry state number information set in S345 is stored in the easy entry state number counter (S512).

  Subsequently, with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in S343, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation based on a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) (S513). When the condition device is activated by a specific symbol (S513: YES), the operation time data “7FH” is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180, and the special symbol probability variation function is activated. (S514). On the other hand, when the condition device is not operated by the specific symbol (S513: NO), the non-operating data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter, and S514 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction number counter is the fluctuation time reduction function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S515). If it is the variation time shortening function operation data (S515: YES), the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function is started (S516). On the other hand, when it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data (S515: NO), S516 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number information stored in the easy entry state number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (S517). If it is the electric chew support function operation data (S517: YES), the operation of the electric chew support function is started (S518 to S520). That is, the operation start of the normal symbol probability variation function (S518), the operation start of the normal symbol variation time shortening function (S519), and the operation start of the normal electric accessory 622 open extension function (S520) are sequentially executed. On the other hand, if it is not the electric Chu support function operation data, S518 to S520 are skipped.

  Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S521). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in the above-described S511 to S521 is generated and stored in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the command storage area (S522). On the sub-control board 200 side, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S523).

  On the other hand, when the special electric accessory game status is not “01H (special game)” (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S530 and whether the special electric accessory game status is “02H (small hit game)”. It is determined whether or not (S530). When the special electric accessory game status is “02H” (S530: YES), the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (S531). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (S531: NO), the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 642 is operating (S531: YES), S532 is skipped. Subsequently, as a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of game balls has been won in the big prize opening 64 (S533), and the operation time (opening) of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether or not (time) has elapsed (S534). At this time, when the game ball has won the maximum winning number in the grand prize opening 64 (S533: YES) or when the operating time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed (S534: YES), the special electric accessory 642 The operation is stopped (S535).

  Subsequently, as the hit end demo setting process for the small hit game, the hit end demo display time is set and an effect control command (hit end demo command) for instructing start of the hit end demo effect is generated (S536). Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 is switched to (S537). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 ( S538). Then, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (S538).

[Sub-control board side processing]
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the sub control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the sub-control board 200 side includes an effect control main process, a command reception interrupt process, and an effect control timer interrupt process.

《Direction control side main processing》
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process of the sub control board 200. In this effect control-side main process, after the security check of the CPU 201A is performed by a reset at power-on, the program starts and the processes after S81 are started.

  First, an initial setting process required when the power is turned on is executed (step S81). As the initial setting process, for example, initial setting of a built-in register value of the CPU 201A, initial setting of CTC, timer interrupt setting, power-off recovery setting, and the like are performed.

  Subsequently, an effect random number update process is executed (S82). In this effect random number update process, a decorative design random number, a variable effect pattern random number, a notice effect pattern random number, and the like are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value. Thereafter, unless the power is cut off, the effect random number update process is repeatedly executed. Although illustration is omitted, during the loop processing, confirmation of occurrence of power interruption, interrupt permission setting, interrupt prohibition setting, watchdog timer clear setting, and the like are also executed.

<Command reception interrupt processing>
Next, command reception interrupt processing of the sub control board 200 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing of the sub control board 200.

  First, when an interruption based on the strobe signal from the main control board 100 occurs during the execution of the production control side main process, the contents of the register in the CPU 201A are saved in the stack area of the RAM 201C, and the received production control command is sub-information. Store in the command storage area of the storage means 260 (S83). Then, after restoring the saved register contents, the command reception interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the effect control side main process before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the effect control is performed until an interrupt based on the next strobe signal occurs. The loop processing of the side main processing is repeated. Note that this command reception interrupt process is preferentially executed over the effect control side timer interrupt process described below when an effect control command is received from the main control board 100.

《Timer interrupt processing for production control side》
Next, timer interrupt processing of the sub control board 200 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing of the sub-control board 200. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular time intervals, and is executed by interrupting the above-described production control side main process.

  First, when a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the CPU 201A are saved in the stack area of the RAM 201C, and then a command analysis process (S84) is executed. In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage means 280. If an effect control command is stored, this command is read out, and the read effect control command is read. An effect control process corresponding to the type is executed. Details of this command analysis processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, a button input acceptance process (S85) is executed. In this button input reception process, the presence / absence of an operation input of the effect button 15 is monitored, and if there is an operation input within the operation valid period, this operation input information is stored in a predetermined area of the sub information storage means 280. . This operation input information is used for a button notice effect.

  Next, effect data update processing (S86) is executed. In the effect data update process, the effect data generated in the command analysis process (S84) (effect mode, number of suspended balls, continuous notice effect pattern number, combination of stop pattern of decorative design, variable effect pattern number, notice effect pattern Control signals (display control signal, light emission control signal, voice control signal, motor control) for driving the effect display device 70, the effect lamp 10, the speaker 11, the movable accessory 24, etc. based on the effect content information such as numbers. Signal etc.) is created and stored in the effect data storage area of the sub information storage means 280.

  Subsequently, display output processing (S87) is executed. In this display output process, the display control signal created in the effect data update process (S86) is transmitted to the image display control circuit 203, and the image display control of the effect display device 70 is executed.

  Next, the LED driving process (S88) is executed. In this LED driving process, the light emission control signal created in the effect data update process (S86) is transmitted to the illumination control circuit 205, and the effect lamp 10 is turned on and blinked.

  Subsequently, an acoustic drive process (S89) is executed. In this acoustic drive process, the audio control signal created in the effect data update process (S86) is transmitted to the audio control circuit 204, and the sound corresponding to the effect content is output from the speaker 11.

  Next, the effect accessory driving process (S90) is executed. In this effect accessory driving process, the motor control signal for the movable accessory created in the effect data update process (S86) is transmitted to the motor drive control circuit 206, and is synchronized or independent of the image of the effect display device 70. The movable accessory 24 is caused to perform a production operation.

  Then, after restoring the saved register contents, the timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the effect control side main process before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the effect control side main process loops until the next timer interrupt occurs. Repeat the process.

(Command analysis processing)
Next, the command analysis process (S84) will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing (S84). In this command analysis process, whether or not an effect control command from the main control board 100 is stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage means 280 is monitored every time an interrupt occurs, and the type of the stored effect control command is determined. The corresponding production control process is executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage means 280 (S601). When the game state designation command is stored (step S601: YES), the process proceeds to the production state transition process (S602). Details of the effect state transition process (S602) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a hold related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage unit 280 (S603). Here, the hold-related commands include a symbol memory number command and a prior determination command. When this symbol storage number command is stored (S603: YES), the process proceeds to the hold information management process (S604). Details of the hold information management process (S604) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage means 280 (S605). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored (step S605: YES), the process proceeds to the effect content determination process (S606). Details of the effect content determination process (S606) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an effect-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage unit 280 (S607). Here, the winning effect related commands include a winning start demonstration effect command and a winning end demonstration effect command. When the winning effect related command is stored (step S607: YES), the process proceeds to the winning effect display setting process (S608) of the big hit effect and the small hit effect. Details of the winning effect display setting process (S608) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the sub information storage unit 280 (S601: NO, S603: NO, S605: NO, S607: NO), the command analysis process is terminated without doing anything.

(Production state transition process)
Next, the production state transition process (S602) will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing details of the effect state transition process (S602).

  First, the contents of the game state designation command from the main control board 100 are analyzed, and information regarding the game state and the variation pattern selection state included in the contents of this command is acquired (S611). Subsequently, based on the information regarding the variation pattern selection state acquired in S611, it is determined whether or not the trigger for transition to the production mode has arrived (S612). When the timing for transition to the effect mode has arrived (S612: YES), the transition setting to the predetermined effect mode is performed in S613 and thereafter.

  First, it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side is the normal variation pattern selection state C (S613). When the transition destination is the normal variation pattern selection state C (S613: YES), the normal rendering mode C is set as the transition destination of the rendering mode (S614). Then, when the mode is shifted to the normal effect mode C, for example, a background image of “meadow” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation under the effect mode. On the other hand, when the transition destination is not the normal variation pattern selection state C (S613: NO), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the probability variation pattern selection state A (S615). When the transition destination is the probability variation pattern selection state A (S615: YES), the probability variation effect mode A is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (S616). Then, when the mode changes to the probability change effect mode A, for example, a background image of “savanna” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation under the effect mode.

  If the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is not the probability variation variation pattern selection state A (S615: NO), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the special variation pattern selection state B (S617). ). When the transition destination is the special variation pattern selection state B (S617: YES), the special effect mode transition lottery for determining whether to shift to the invincible effect mode B1 or the secret effect mode B2 as the special effect mode B Is executed (S618). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the special effect mode transition lottery is won (S619). When the special effect mode transition lottery is won (S619: YES), the invincible effect mode B1 is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (S620). Then, when the mode shifts to the invincible effect mode B1, for example, a background image of “hidden” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation under the effect mode. On the other hand, when the special effect mode transition lottery is not won (S619: NO), the secret effect mode B2 is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (S621). Then, when shifting to the concealment effect mode B2, for example, a background image of “savanna” on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation (substantially the same background image as in the probability variation effect mode A) under the effect mode. ) Is displayed.

(Pending information management process)
Next, the hold information management process (S604) will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing details of the hold information management process (S604).

  First, it is determined whether or not a symbol storage number command is stored in the sub information storage means 280 (S631). When the symbol memory number command is stored (S631: YES), the contents of this symbol memory number command are analyzed, and the number of operation-pending balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol included in the contents of this command Information is acquired (S632). Subsequently, the first reserved ball number counter or the second reserved ball number counter is updated based on the operation reserved ball number information acquired in S632 (S633). As a result, the operation reserved ball number information of the special symbol managed on the sub control board 200 side coincides with the operation reserved ball number information of the special symbol managed on the main control board 100 side. Next, effect data relating to the hold display of the hold display portions 701 and 702 is set based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter updated in S633 (S634). As a result, the number of hold images displayed on the hold display portions 701 and 702 is updated.

  On the other hand, when the symbol storage number command is not stored (S631: NO), it is determined whether or not a prior determination command is stored in the sub information storage means 280 (S635). If the advance determination command is stored (S635: YES), the contents of the advance determination command are analyzed, and the advance determination result information included in the contents of the command is acquired (S636). Subsequently, this prior determination result information is stored in the prefetch information storage area of the sub information storage means 280 (S637).

  Subsequently, a prefetch notice effect determination process is executed (S640). In this pre-reading notice effect determination process (S640), when it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect can be executed, a continuous notice for notifying the possibility of winning a big win or reaching effect over a plurality of fluctuating display of decorative symbols. Determine the production pattern. The details of the pre-reading notice effect determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, effect data related to the hold display of the hold display portions 701 and 702 is set based on the content of the continuous notice effect pattern selected in S640 (S634). Thereby, the display color of the hold image displayed on the hold display portions 701 and 702 is changed according to the content of the continuous notice effect pattern.

(Pre-reading notice determination process)
Next, the prefetch notice effect determination process (S640) will be described. Here, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing details of the prefetch notice effect determination process (S640).

  First, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice counter of the sub information storage means 280 is zero (S641). The continuous notice counter is a decrement counter for managing the number of executions of the continuous notice effect. When the continuous notice counter is zero (S641: YES), that is, when the continuous notice effect is not being executed, referring to the reserved ball number counter, whether or not the number of reserved balls in the special symbol is two or more. Is determined (S642). Here, the number of the operation holding balls is set to 2 or more in order to execute the continuous notice effect, at least one operation holding ball is present before the operation holding ball to be pre-read this time. It is necessary. When the number of the operation reservation balls is 2 or more (S642: YES), referring to the pre-read information storage area of the sub information storage means 280, before the operation reservation balls of the current pre-read target are digested, It is determined whether or not there is an operation holding ball that causes reach fluctuation (S643).

  When there is no operation holding ball that becomes a big hit or reach fluctuation (S643: YES), a pre-reading notice lottery process is executed (S644). In this pre-reading notice lottery process, whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery based on the prior determination result stored in the prefetch information storage area of the sub information storage unit 280. The winning probability of the pre-reading notice lottery is relatively higher when the result of the success / failure judgment is “big hit” than “out of” and when the result of the fluctuation pattern prior judgment is reach fluctuation rather than non-reach fluctuation. It is a probability, and the degree of expectation for the big hit is indicated by whether or not the pre-reading notice lottery is won. Note that the winning probability of the pre-reading notice lottery may be determined based on at least one or more pre-determined results among the results of the pre-judgment determination, the design pre-determination, and the variation pattern pre-determination.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pre-reading notice lottery is won (S645). When the pre-reading notice lottery is won (S645: YES), it is determined that the operation-preserving ball to be pre-read this time is a holding (trigger holding) that triggers the pre-reading notice effect, and the sub information storage unit 280 continues. The notice flag is turned on (S646). Next, a continuous notice effect pattern selection process for determining the content of the continuous notice effect is executed (S647). In the continuous notice effect pattern selection process, one of the continuous notice effect pattern tables is selected by lottery from a plurality of types of continuous notice effect pattern tables based on the number of suspended balls (number of consecutive notices) and the result of prior determination. . Subsequently, the numerical value of the current number of suspended balls is set in the continuous notice counter (S648).

  Next, a pseudo effect mode display setting process (S650) is executed. In this pseudo effect mode display setting process (S650), when the pre-determined result of the action-holding ball related to the current look-ahead target is a big hit while staying in the probability change effect mode A, the effect mode notification image is displayed in the effect change effect mode A. A process of switching from the background display (background image of “savanna”) to the background display (background image of “unexplored”) of the invincible effect mode B is performed. The details of the pseudo effect mode display setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Pseudo effect mode display setting process)
Next, the pseudo effect mode display setting process (S650) will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing details of the pseudo effect mode display setting process (S650).

  First, based on the pre-determination result stored in the pre-reading information storage area of the sub information storage unit 280, it is determined whether or not the current operation-preserving ball to be pre-read is an operation holding ball that is a big hit (S651). . In the case where the operation holding ball is a big hit (S651: YES), the operation holding ball to be prefetched this time (the big hit holding) is scheduled to be digested within the predetermined timing described above and the operation holding ball is digested. It is determined whether or not the time is scheduled to be in the probability variation effect mode A (S652). When it is scheduled that the operation-reserved sphere to be read-ahead is digested and is in the probability change effect mode A (S652: YES), the operation that causes reach fluctuations before the operation-retained sphere to be pre-read this time It is determined whether or not the holding ball exists (S653). When there is no operation holding ball that causes reach fluctuation (S653: YES), when the above-mentioned predetermined timing is reached, the production mode while staying is maintained as the probability variation production mode A internally, and the production mode. In order to switch to the background display of the invincible effect mode B1 as the notification image, effect data related to the background display of the invincible effect mode B1 is set (S654). Thereby, the background display of the invincible effect mode B1 appears in a pseudo manner in the effect display device 70 while keeping the effect mode currently staying in the probability variation effect mode A in a concealed state. Therefore, there is no contradiction in the relationship between the pattern variation mode and the lottery result even when the big hit is determined based on the occurrence of reach under the situation where the background display related to the invincible effect mode B1 is executed in a pseudo manner. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of exhilaration and superiority in generating a big hit under the invincible production mode B1, thereby further improving the fun of the game.

(Production content determination process)
Next, the effect content determination process (S606) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing details of the effect content determination process (S606).

  First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the sub information storage unit 280 (S661). When a variation start command is stored (S661: YES), the contents of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation additional symbol information designation command, character effect number designation command) are analyzed, and the contents of this command are analyzed. As a result of the lottery determination, information indicating a symbol group, a variation pattern (variation time), a gaming state, and the like is acquired (S662). This acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the sub information storage means 280.

  Next, a decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (S663). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, based on the symbol group information and variation pattern information acquired in S662, the combination of stop symbols of the decorative symbol to be finally stopped (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) is selected by lottery. decide. The decorative symbol data determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the sub information storage means 280.

  Subsequently, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (S664). In this variation effect pattern selection process, a variation effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by lottery based on the variation pattern information acquired in S662. In the variation effect pattern, as a scenario of the effect display process, the variation pattern of the decorative pattern, the presence / absence of the reach effect, the type / occurrence time of the notice effect, etc. are defined. The changed effect pattern data determined here is temporarily stored in the changed effect pattern storage area of the sub information storage means 280.

  Next, a notice effect pattern selection process is executed (S665). In this notice effect pattern selection process, the notice effect pattern that defines the details of the notice effect that appears at each stage of the decorative symbol change process is determined by lottery in accordance with the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in S664. The notice effect pattern data determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect pattern storage area of the sub information storage means 280.

  Then, various kinds of effect data (data acquired in S663 to S665) required for the decoration pattern variation effect are set (S666), and then the decoration symbol variation is started. On the other hand, when the change start command is not stored (S661: NO), it is determined whether or not the change stop command is stored in the sub information storage unit 280 (S667). If the change stop command is stored (S667: YES), change effect stop processing is executed (S670). Details of the change effect stop process will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Variation production stop processing)
Next, the variation effect stop process (S670) will be described. Here, FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the variation effect stop process (S670).

  First, the contents of the variable stop command stored in the sub information storage means 280 are analyzed, and symbol stop information included in the contents of this command is acquired (S671). Next, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice flag is on (during execution of the continuous notice effect) (S672). If the continuous notice flag is ON (S672: YES), the continuous notice counter is decremented by 1 as the digestion of the currently activated ball (S673). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the continuous notice counter is zero (S674). If the continuous notice counter is zero (S674: YES), the continuous notice flag is turned off (S675).

  On the other hand, when the continuous notice flag is off (S672: OFF) or when the continuous notice counter is zero (S674: OFF), the process proceeds to S676. Then, the effect data required to stop the variation of the decoration symbol is set (S676), and then the variation of the decoration symbol is stopped (the stop symbol of the decoration symbol is confirmed and displayed).

(Hit effect display setting process)
Next, the winning effect display setting process (S608) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing details of the hit effect display setting process (S608).

  First, it is determined whether or not a hit start demo command is stored in the sub information storage means 280 (S681). When the winning start demo command is stored (S681: YES), the contents of the winning start demo command are analyzed, and information indicating the display time of the hit starting demo effect included in the contents of the command is acquired. (S682). Subsequently, based on the information acquired in S682, various effect data required for the hit start demonstration effect is set (S683), and then the hit start demonstration effect is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the end demo command is stored in the sub information storage means 280 (S684). When the winning end demo command is stored (S684: YES), the content of the winning end demo command is analyzed, and information indicating the display time of the winning end demo effect included in the content of this command is acquired. (S685). Subsequently, based on the information acquired in S685, various effect data required for the hit end demonstration effect is set, and then the hit end demonstration effect is executed.

[Action]
Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment, the characteristic action of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with additional reference to FIG.

  First, in the present example, after the special game is over, regardless of the jackpot type at the time of winning, the state is shifted to a special symbol probability change state (high probability state). When this special symbol is in a probable change state, the probable change state until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches the ST number (100 times) or until the next big hit occurs within the ST number. If the ST period ends without generating a big hit within the number of STs, the probability variation state ends and the next change of the special symbol shifts to the normal state (low probability state). Become. In this example, the effect mode after the end of the special game transitions from “probability effect effect mode A (30 times)” → “special effect mode B (10 times)” →... (Design group A is selected. )) As a representative example.

  Under the situation where the special symbol is in a probable variation state, the first variation of the special symbol during the ST period is started at the timing T1 in the diagram. After that, the special symbol variation is repeatedly executed one after another. However, since the first to 30th variation of the special symbol during the ST period, the probability variation effect mode A stays. Even if the lottery result is out of place, not only non-reach variation but also reach variation can be selected as the pattern variation mode. For this reason, under the probability variation effect mode A, even if a reach variation appears, the lottery result may be lost (see timings T2 and T3 in the figure). I can say that.

  Next, at the timing T4 in the figure, the probability variation effect mode A is ended and the special effect mode B limited to 10 times is shifted to when the special symbol and the decorative symbol fluctuate 30 times. When shifting to the special effect mode B, a special effect mode transfer lottery is executed to determine whether the transfer destination is the invincible effect mode B1 or the secret effect mode B2.

  When winning in the special effect mode transition lottery, that is, when shifting to the invincible effect mode B1, the variation of the special symbols after the 31st time in the ST period is started at the timing T5 in the figure. While staying in the invincible production mode B1, only the reach variation is selected when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a big hit, whereas the reach variation is selected when the result is a loss, unlike the other production modes. Only non-reach fluctuations are selected. Therefore, while staying in the invincible presentation mode B1, at the timing T6 in the figure, the player can grasp that the big win is definitive at the time when the variation pattern of the decorative symbol has developed to reach.

  On the other hand, although not shown, when the special effect mode transition lottery is not won, that is, when the special effect mode B shifts to the concealment effect mode B2, the background effect substantially the same as the probability change effect mode A is displayed. By making it display, it is set as a concealment state that the production mode currently staying is the special production mode B. Therefore, the game is advanced while the fact that the mode is changed from the probability variation effect mode A to the special effect mode B is kept secret. Therefore, the player can be recognized as if the special effect mode B (invincible effect mode B1) is generated randomly throughout the ST period, and the regularity of appearance of the special effect mode B (invincible effect mode B1) is A new sense of taste removed and a sense of superiority in shifting to the special performance mode B can be given, and the player's willingness to play can be maintained throughout the entire ST period. Of course, even when the mode is not shifted to the invincible mode B1 (when the lottery is not selected in the mode shift lottery), the secret mode B2 is not changed. Therefore, even if the appearance is substantially the same mode effect (background effect) as the probability variation effect mode A, it is still a big hit decision when reach occurs.

  As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when the transition to the high probability state (probability change state of the special symbol) with a limited number of times after the end of the special game, the success / failure determination is performed within the specific period (ST period) When the result is winning, the specific effect (reach variation mode) may be selected, while when the result is non-winning, the specific variation (reach variation mode) is not selected. Mode state) is randomly generated by the winning type (symbol group) and lottery, and when the specific effect (reach variation mode) appears under the first variation period state (invincible effect mode state) It is configured to win. Therefore, while maintaining the basic game characteristics of the conventional ST machine that the transition to the high probability state becomes definite after a special game if a win occurs within the specific period (ST period), this specific period ( The first variation period state (invincible production mode state) is randomly generated until the end of the (ST period), and the specific production (reach variation mode) appears in the first variation period state (invincible production mode state). By adding a new game characteristic that the winning is decisive when it is issued, it becomes possible to improve the fun of the game over the entire ST period.

  In the past, when an action-holding ball (trigger hold), which is likely to be a big hit in a pre-ready pre-determination, has occurred, the pre-reading notice effect that suggests the result of this pre-determination is performed multiple times. A special zone effect is known in which, after changing to a special background display that is different from the normal over the fluctuation, the big hit is usually denied if the fluctuation of the pattern develops to reach. Since this conventional special zone effect is triggered by prior determination in the existing operation hold ball, the operation hold is confirmed by confirming the display mode of other pre-read notice effect (pre-read hold change). It is possible to somehow infer whether or not a reach will occur in the ball (there is a sense of advance), and although there is a certain effect of raising the player's expectation due to the occurrence of special zone effects, If reach does not occur when the reserved ball is digested, even if the special zone production continues, the expectation for the big hit will fade at a stretch, the sustainability of the effect is low, the significance of providing the special zone production There was a problem that would be lost. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the special effect mode B (special zone effect) is not generated in response to the pre-reading advance determination, but as described above, during the specific period (during the ST period). ), A specific performance (reach variation mode) may occur at the time of winning, while a limited frequency state in which a specific performance (reach variation mode) does not occur at the time of non-winning, The player is not aware of the occurrence of a specific effect (reach variation mode) that will be a winning finalization effect (a jackpot finalized effect), and the specific effect (reach variation) during the entire first variation period state (special effect mode B). Aspect) Since the expectation of the occurrence can be maintained, the problem of the conventional model that gives the player a sense of disappointment and disappointment is avoided, and there are many special zone effects. An effect that allows creation of sex.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, If it is a range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can improve suitably.

  In the embodiment described above, the probability variation pattern selection state A (probability variation effect mode A) and the special variation pattern selection state B (special effect mode B) are two during the operation of the probability variation function of the special symbol (during the ST period). Although the configuration is such that transition control is performed between the types of variation pattern selection states (production modes), the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a plurality of types of variation patterns can be used as transition destinations of the variation pattern selection states (production modes). A selection state (effect mode) may be provided. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reference destination variation pattern table in each variation pattern selection state is configured to be always constant. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the reference destination variation in each variation pattern selection state. A plurality of pattern tables may be prepared, and the reference variation pattern table may be changed as appropriate.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, during the operation of the special symbol probability variation function (during the ST period), the transition opportunity to the special variation pattern selection state B (special effect mode B) depends on the jackpot type (symbol group). Although it is provided in the range of 1 to 3 times, it is not limited to this configuration, and for example, a transition opportunity of 4 times or more may be provided. In addition, the number of executions of the special variation pattern selection state B (special effect mode B) is set to 10 per transition, but is not limited to this configuration, and is less than 10 times, 10 times. It is possible to appropriately set the number of times exceeding. Further, the number of executions of the special variation pattern selection state B (special effect mode B) does not always have to be constant, and increases or decreases according to the number of transitions to the special variation pattern selection state B (special effect mode B) during the ST period. Or may be increased or decreased depending on the jackpot type (symbol group). Furthermore, the winning probability of the special effect mode transition lottery described above may always be constant. For example, the jackpot type (symbol group), the number of transitions (first transition, second transition, third transition,...), Execution It is good also as variable according to time (initial: 1-30 times, middle period: 31-70 times, final period: 71-100 times), etc. In other words, the winning probability may be increased as the jackpot that can be expected to appear, the winning probability may be increased as the number of transitions increases, or the winning probability may be increased as the execution time approaches the final stage.

  In the above-described embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine (so-called ST machine) having a probability variation rush rate of 100% has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and naturally, the probability variation rush rate is 100%. It may be configured to shift to a normal state (non-probability change state) after a special game when it is set to less than normal hits.

  In order to make the technical significance of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, the constituent features of the embodiment illustrating the present invention are listed based on the above-described embodiment. However, the configuration requirements listed below are merely examples, and the configuration requirements listed above are added to these configuration requirements as well as the combination and separation (higher level conceptualization) of these configuration requirements. May be.

The pachinko gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (1) is
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting opening provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and allowing a game ball to enter;
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value triggered by a game ball entering the start opening,
Correct / incorrect determination means for executing the correct / incorrect determination based on the random number value;
A symbol display control means for variably displaying on the symbol display means according to a predetermined variation mode a symbol for indicating the result of the determination of success or failure;
A symbol determining means for determining a mode of a stopped symbol in the variable display;
Special game execution means for executing a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by the symbol being stopped and displayed in any of a plurality of types of winning modes,
In a specific period from the end of the special game to the predetermined number of times that the number of times the symbol has been changed, the determination of whether or not the winning / non-necessity determining means determines whether or not the winning is obtained with a normal probability. A gaming state transition means for controlling transition to a high probability state where a winning is obtained with a high probability compared to a low probability state;
Within the specific period, the first variation period state in which the selection trend of the symbol variation mode is the first trend, and the second trend in which the selection trend of the symbol variation mode is different from the first trend. 2 variable period states, and within the specific period, the second variable period state is continuously set for a specific number of times less than the predetermined number of times, starting from a different transition time according to the winning mode. A variable period state control means for controlling to be in the first variable period state;
Effect display control means for controlling so as to be able to display the effect content that suggests or informs that the current variation period state is the second variation period state on the effect display unit,
In either the first variation period state or the second variation period state, a specific effect can be displayed on the effect display unit,
In the first variation period state, the specific effect may be displayed regardless of whether the result of the success / failure determination is a winning or non-winning result, while in the second variation period state, the result of the determination of success / failure is a winning result. The pachinko gaming machine is configured to display the specific effect only in the case of.

The pachinko gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (2) is
Execution of a specific effect that determines whether or not to display the content of the effect on the effect display unit when shifting to the second variation period state that occurs continuously the specified number of times within the specific period at least a plurality of times A determination means,
A pachinko gaming machine according to the invention (1), characterized in that.

The pachinko gaming machine of the aspect illustrating the present invention (3) is
When a random number value is acquired by the random number acquisition unit, a storage unit that stores the acquired random number value as a hold until the determination of success / failure by the determination unit is permitted.
Pre-decision means for performing a pre-judgment regarding the success / failure based on the random number value related to the hold stored in the hold storage means,
The winning mode includes at least a first winning mode and a second winning mode,
In the case of the first winning mode, the state does not shift to the second variable period state at a predetermined timing within the specific period, but in the case of the second winning mode, the state changes to the second variable period state at the predetermined timing. Under circumstances where it is planned to migrate,
When winning is scheduled after the predetermined timing as a result of the prior determination, the content of the effect can be displayed on the effect display unit even when the state does not shift to the second variation period state at the predetermined timing. did,
A pachinko gaming machine according to the invention (1) or (2), characterized in that.

PM Pachinko machine PA Game area 10 Game board 61 First start port 62 Second start port 70 Production display device (symbol display unit, production display unit)
71 1st special symbol display device (symbol display unit)
72 2nd special symbol display device (symbol display unit)
100 Main control board (main control means)
110 Main lottery random number generation means (random number acquisition means)
130 Hold control means (hold storage means)
135 Pre-determination control means (pre-determination means)
141 Special symbol success / failure determination means (win / fail determination means)
142 Special symbol stop symbol judging means (design determining means)
166 Special symbol display control means (symbol display control means)
170 Electric character control means (special game execution means)
175 Game state control means (game state transition means, variable period state control means)
200 Sub-control board (sub-control means)
220 effect mode control means (variation period state control means, specific effect execution determination means)
230 Pre-reading notice control means (specific effect execution determination means)
270 effect display control means

Claims (1)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting opening provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and allowing a game ball to enter;
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random value triggered by a game ball entering the start opening,
Correct / incorrect determination means for executing the correct / incorrect determination based on the random number value;
A symbol display control means for variably displaying on the symbol display means according to a predetermined variation mode a symbol for indicating the result of the determination of success or failure;
A symbol determining means for determining a mode of a stopped symbol in the variable display;
Special game execution means for executing a special game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game, triggered by the symbol being stopped and displayed in any of a plurality of types of winning modes,
In a specific period from the end of the special game to the predetermined number of times that the number of times the symbol has been changed, the determination of whether or not the winning / non-necessity determining means determines whether or not the winning is obtained with a normal probability. A gaming state transition means for controlling transition to a high probability state where a winning is obtained with a high probability compared to a low probability state;
Within the specific period, the first variation period state in which the selection trend of the symbol variation mode is the first trend, and the second trend in which the selection trend of the symbol variation mode is different from the first trend. 2 variation period states, and within the specific period, the second variation period state is set to a specific number of times less than the predetermined number of times, starting from the transition time according to the winning mode, and the second variation period state A variable period state control means for controlling so that the first variable period state can be set in a predetermined period within the specific period until the state is set;
Effect display control means for controlling so as to be able to display the effect content that suggests or informs that the current variation period state is the second variation period state on the effect display unit,
In either the first variation period state or the second variation period state, a specific effect can be displayed on the effect display unit,
In the first variation period state, the specific effect may be displayed regardless of whether the result of the success / failure determination is a winning or non-winning result, while in the second variation period state, the result of the determination of success / failure is a winning result. The specific effect is configured to be displayed only in the case of
In the second variation period state, a special effect is configured to be executed in the variation display of the symbol,
In the second variation duration state, when the specific effect during execution of the special effect in variable display of the symbols is performed, rather than that the symbol at the end of the variable display is stopped and displayed in a non-winning manner Stopped in the winning mode,
In the first variation duration state, if the propriety of the decision result the specific effect is performed in variable display of the symbols based on the a non-winning, the no special effect is performed in the variable display,
In the first variation duration state, if the propriety of the decision result the specific effect is performed in variable display of the symbols based on the the winning is configured to the special effect in the variable display can be executed A pachinko machine characterized by

Images