JP6391335B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result in the variable display device, the game state (game There is a machine configured to give a predetermined game value to a player by changing the state of the machine (specifically, the state where the gaming machine is controlled) (so-called pachinko machine).

  In addition, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player starts variable display of identification information by the variable display device by operating the start lever, and the player By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time determined in advance from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is displayed. In accordance with the display result derived when the game is stopped, a winning occurs, a predetermined game medium determined in advance according to the winning is paid out, and when a specific winning occurs, a player is given a predetermined gaming value as a gaming state. There is one that is configured to be in a state to be given to (so-called slot machine).

  The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode determined in advance is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) that is started in the variable display device based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening. If this happens, a “big hit” will occur. The derived display is to finally stop and display a symbol (final stop symbol). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times of opening the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round. A game in a round may be referred to as a round game.

  In the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left, middle, and right symbols) continue for a predetermined period of time and stop and shake in a state that matches the specific display result. It can be a big hit before the final result is displayed because it is moving, scaling, or deforming, or multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched. An effect performed in a state where the sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of”, and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  As such a gaming machine, the cited document 1 describes that an effect (for example, a specific effect) is executed based on the time information measured by the time measuring means (for example, the RTC device 154). Further, it is described that by applying such a technique to a plurality of gaming machines, a specific effect is simultaneously started based on the timing information in the plurality of gaming machines.

JP 2014-108169 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, after a specific effect is started simultaneously on a plurality of gaming machines, the effect is delayed more than expected due to a processing failure or the like in one of the game machines, or a bug If the production progresses more than expected for some reason, there is a risk that the progress of the specific production will be shifted.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of starting a specific effect based on the timing information and preventing the progress of the specific effect from being shifted.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game, and can measure time (for example, a time measurement timer realized by the real-time clock 108 or the production control CPU 101), based on the timing information timing means has timed the predetermined time period, a specific effect (e.g., simultaneous effect) specific effect execution means for executing (e.g., a portion microcomputer 100 for effect control executes steps S706, S5105) The specific effect execution means matches the scheduled progress of the specific effect with the actual progress at a specific timing when a specific period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the execution of the specific effect was started. whether it determined to, if it is determined not to match, the effect is produced to be executed in the specific timing (e.g., frame L Control. Figure 32 which displays the contents, Figure 33 reference) f, switches the effect mode of running (for example, a microcomputer 100 for the effect control and said partial) executing step S5115～S5116.
With such a configuration, it is possible to start the specific effect based on the timing information and to prevent the progress of the specific effect from being shifted.
In addition, when a specific effect is executed by the specific effect executing unit and a specific effect executing unit for executing a notification effect for notifying the possibility of being controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player, You may make it provide the notice effect execution restriction means which restricts execution of the specific notice effect of them.

(Means 2) Variable display means (for example, first special symbol display) for performing variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the effect symbol) that can be identified in the means 1 Advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state or probability change state) advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed on the device 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the effect display device 9) You may be comprised so that it may control to a time-short state etc.).
According to such a configuration, the progress of the game can be grasped by the variable display of the identification information.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the notice effect is executed to execute a notice effect for notifying the possibility of being controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a look-ahead notice effect or a notice effect for the change (the change display during execution)). When a specific effect is being executed by means (for example, the part in which the production control microcomputer 100 executes steps S908, S8009, and S8106) and the specific effect executing means, a specific notice effect among a plurality of types of notice effects (For example, the part in which the production control microcomputer 100 executes steps S903 to S906, see FIG. 35) for restricting the execution of the pre-reading notice effect (“change in variation form”). It may be configured as follows.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a processing failure from occurring by restricting execution of a specific notice effect.

(Means 4) The means 1 to means 3 are provided with setting means (for example, simultaneous effect setting button 19) capable of setting whether or not to execute the specific effect, and the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect by the setting means. When it is set to not, the specific effect may not be executed (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S711 and S5101).
According to such a configuration, the specific performance can be set according to the preference.

(Means 5) When the power is supplied to the first timing means (for example, the real-time clock 108) capable of timing regardless of whether or not power is supplied to the gaming machine in means 1 to 4, and the gaming machine is powered Second timing means capable of timing (for example, a time measuring timer realized by the CPU 101 for effect control) and reading means for reading time information timed by the first time measuring means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the step S703b, S703e, S753, S758, S759), and the second time measuring means measures time based on the time information measured by the first time measuring means read by the reading means (for example, for effect control) The microcomputer 100 performs steps S703b, S703c, S750b, S753, S754, and S758. Difference measuring means (for example, production control) that measures the difference between the time information measured by the first time measuring means and the time information measured by the second time measuring means when power supply to the gaming machine is started The microcomputer 100 further includes a part for executing steps S703d to S703h (see FIG. 25A), and the specific effect executing means includes at least the time information measured by the second time measuring means and the difference measured by the difference measuring means. On the basis of this, a specific effect may be executed (for example, the part in which the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S759 to S763, S800a, see FIG. 25B).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to accurately manage the start timing of the specific performance.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is the rear view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the back. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows a fluctuation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the determination result designation command at the time of winning. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a winning time determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the read-out timing of time information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the area | region (Winning time determination result storage buffer) which preserve | saves the determination result at the time of winning. It is a flowchart which shows a time measurement process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows simultaneous production processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structural example of the moving image data for simultaneous productions. It is explanatory drawing which shows the switching timing of simultaneous production. It is a flowchart which shows prefetch notice effect determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows a prefetch notice effect determination table. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  The member that forms the extra ball tray (lower tray) 4 is configured in a stick shape (bar shape), for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray main body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray). Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front and rear, left and right). It should be noted that the stick controller 122 has a predetermined operation, for example, by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 122 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 4) capable of performing an instruction operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation or the like on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operation rod of the stick controller 122. 4). Further, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided in the lower pan body inside the stick controller 122 and the like. The stick controller 122 includes a vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 4) for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  The member that forms the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 is subjected to a predetermined instruction operation, for example, by a player pressing a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 122). A possible push button 120 is provided. The push button 120 only needs to be configured to be able to detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 124 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the player's operation action performed on the push button 120 may be provided inside the upper plate body at the position where the push button 120 is installed. In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 1, the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are attached in the vertical position in the center portion of the upper plate and the lower plate. On the other hand, it is good also considering the attachment position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 as the position approached to either right or left in an upper plate and a lower plate, maintaining the vertical relationship. Alternatively, the mounting position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 is not in the vertical positional relationship, but may be in the horizontal positional relationship, for example.

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 includes an effect symbol display area for performing variable display of the effect symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of effect symbols. The effect symbol display area includes a symbol display area for variably displaying, for example, three decorative (effect) effect symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The symbol display area includes “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas, but the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9. Three areas of the display area may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device 9 along with the variable display, so that the progress of the game can be easily grasped. .

  Further, in the effect display device 9, symbols other than the symbol that will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) have continued for a predetermined time, and the jackpot symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol is aligned with the same symbol) Stops, swings, scales, or deforms in a state that matches the symbol combination), or multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously in the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is switched Thus, an effect performed in a state where the possibility of occurrence of a big hit (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) before the final result is displayed is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9 is not a big hit symbol, it becomes “out” and the variation display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  Note that, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which the effect symbol display is performed as a liquid crystal display effect in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed in the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. For example, an effect having a predetermined story characteristic may be executed, and an effect may be executed in which the result of the story is displayed based on the determination result of the jackpot determination or the variation pattern. For example, perform a battle effect where professional wrestling and soccer matches and enemy characters fight, perform an effect to win the game and battle if it is a big hit, and perform an effect to defeat the game and battle if it is off Also good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the result such as winning or losing, an effect may be executed in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

  On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display (first variable display unit) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as identification information is provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9 (next to the right of the first special symbol display 8a), a second special symbol display (second variable display unit) 8b for variably displaying the second special symbol as identification information. Is also provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  The small display is formed in a square shape, for example. In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b are collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator (variable display unit). There are things to do.

  Although this embodiment shows a case where two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided, the gaming machine may be provided with only one special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14 after passing (including winning)), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) The state is started and the big hit game is not executed), and when the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that the passing of a game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined area such as a prize opening or a gate, and that includes a game ball entering (winning) a prize opening. It is. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. Therefore, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, it is easier for the game ball to win the first starting winning port 13 than the second starting winning port 14. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured that the winning is possible (that is, it is difficult for the gaming ball to win) although it is difficult to win a prize.

  Hereinafter, the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14 may be collectively referred to as a start winning opening or a starting opening.

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The winning percentage of the second starting prize opening 14 is such that the nails are densely arranged around 13 or the nail arrangement around the first starting prize opening 13 is difficult to guide the game ball to the first starting prize opening 13. This may be made higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

  Above the second special symbol display 8b, there is a second special symbol hold memory display 18b comprising four displays for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Further, above the second special symbol hold memory display 18b, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first hold memory number (the hold memory is also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). ) Is displayed, a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a is provided. The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. Yes. Hereinafter, the first reserved storage display unit 18c and the second reserved storage display unit 18d may be collectively referred to as a reserved storage display unit. In addition, the display of the first reserved memory number in the first reserved memory display unit 18c may be referred to as a first reserved display, and the display of the second reserved memory number in the second reserved memory display unit 18d may be referred to as a second reserved display. . Further, the first hold display and the second hold display may be collectively referred to as a hold display. In addition, it replaces with the 1st pending | holding memory display part 18c and the 2nd pending | holding memory display part 18d, and displays the total number (sum total pending memory number) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory number and the 2nd pending memory number You may comprise so that a memory | storage display part may be provided. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of established execution conditions that do not satisfy the variable display start condition by providing the total pending storage display unit that displays the total number. . Further, in the case of such a configuration, in the total hold storage display unit, the first hold memory and the second hold memory are displayed side by side in the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, It is configured so that it can be recognized whether it is the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory (for example, the first reserved memory is displayed in red and the second reserved memory is displayed in blue). It is desirable to do.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effects) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. A variable display of the effect symbol as the symbol is performed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the jackpot The combination of is stopped and displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that forms a big winning opening is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and the specific display result (big hit symbol) on the second special symbol display 8b. When the open / close plate is controlled to be open by the solenoid 21 in the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when the symbol is derived and displayed, the big winning opening serving as the winning area is opened. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  On the left side of the effect display device 9, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 10 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the normal symbol display 10 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Moreover, the small display is formed in, for example, a square shape. Note that the normal symbol display 10 may be configured to variably display a number (or a two-digit symbol) of, for example, 00 to 99. In addition, the normal symbol display 10 is not limited to a 7-segment LED or the like, for example, a display capable of lighting a predetermined symbol display (for example, a decoration lamp capable of alternately lighting and displaying “O” and “X”). It may be comprised.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol, for example, a symbol “7”), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. In addition, a probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of fluctuation display of special symbols is increased compared to the normal state). Then, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Even in the short state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) when the symbol variation time is shortened although it is not the probability variation state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out-port 26 through which a hit ball that has not won is taken. In addition, four speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the upper left and right and lower left and right outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 provided on the front frame is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started on the effect display device 9. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  When the game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the second special symbol can be started (for example, the special symbol variable display ends, 2), the second special symbol display 8b starts variable display (variation) of the second special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the effect symbol. That is, the variable display of the second special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the second start winning opening 14. If the variable display of the second special symbol cannot be started, the second reserved memory number is increased by 1 on condition that the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

  In this embodiment, when the probability variation is a big hit, the game state is shifted to a high probability state (probability variation state), and the game ball is likely to start and win (that is, special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and effects). The display device 9 shifts to a high base state (high frequency state) that is a gaming state controlled so that a variable display execution condition on the display device 9 is easily established. In addition, when the gaming state is shifted to the short time state, the state is shifted to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended compared to the case in which the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

  Instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display unit 10 shifts to a normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display unit 10 will be a hit symbol is increased. Depending on the situation, the high base state may be entered. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In this case, by performing the transition control to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency at which the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and a state where it is easy to start a winning (high base state) is achieved. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol, which is disadvantageous for the player. It changes from a state to an advantageous state (a state where it is easy to start a prize). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Moreover, you may transfer to a high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time short state where the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. In the normal symbol short-time state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, when the frequency that the normal symbol is hit increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  In addition, the change time of special symbols and production symbols will be shortened by shifting to the short time state when the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and production symbols is shortened. The frequency of being played (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory becomes faster), and the situation where an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, an effective start winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of a big hit game being increased.

  Furthermore, by making transitions to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it is easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). Transition to a state). In addition, it is easier to win a start by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). You may make it move to a base state.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine as seen from the back side. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there are a variable display control unit including an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer 100 for controlling the effect display device 9 is mounted, a game control microcomputer, and the like. Various boards such as a mounted game control board (main board) 31, an audio output board 70, a lamp driver board 35, and a payout control board 37 mounted with a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control are installed. Yes. The game control board 31 is stored in the board storage case 200.

  The effect control board 80 is provided with a simultaneous effect setting button 19 for setting the execution timing of the simultaneous effect described later. In this embodiment, the administrator of the gaming machine can set the execution timing of the simultaneous effect by operating the simultaneous effect setting button 19.

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a power supply substrate 910 and a touch sensor substrate 91 on which power supply circuits for generating various power supply voltages such as DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V are mounted. The power supply board 910 is supplied with the game control board 31 and each electrical component control board (the effect control board 80 and the payout control board 37) in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and each electrical component (power is supplied) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. A power switch as a power supply permission means for executing or shutting off the power supply to the component), and a clear switch for clearing the RAM 55 of the game control microcomputer 560 of the game control board 31 are provided. ing. Further, a replaceable fuse is provided inside the power switch (inside the substrate).

  In this embodiment, the main board 31 is provided on the game board side, and the payout control board 37 is provided on the game frame side. Even in such a configuration, as will be described later, the communication between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 is performed by serial communication, thereby facilitating the routing of the wiring when replacing the game board. .

  Each control board is equipped with control means including a control microcomputer. The control means is an electrical component (game device: ball payout device 97, effect display device 9, light emission from a lamp, LED, etc.) provided in the gaming machine according to a command signal (control signal) as a command from the game control means or the like. Body, speaker 27, etc.). Hereinafter, the main board 31 may be included in the control board for explanation. In that case, the control means mounted on the control board refers to each of the game control means and the means for controlling the electrical components provided in the gaming machine in accordance with a command signal from the game control means or the like. A substrate on which a microcomputer other than the main substrate 31 is mounted may be referred to as a sub-substrate. The ball payout device 97 is a device for paying out a game ball guided by a passage for guiding the game ball and a sprocket driven by a stepping motor or the like to an upper plate or a lower plate. A payout number counting switch for counting prize balls and rental balls is also configured as part of the unit. In this embodiment, the payout detection means is realized by the payout number count switch 301 and has a function of detecting that a winning ball or a lending ball is actually paid out from the ball payout device 97. In this case, the payout number count switch 301 outputs a detection signal every time one payout of prize balls or rental balls is detected.

  On the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a terminal board 160 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed above. On the terminal board 160, for example, a door opening signal terminal for externally outputting a door opening signal indicating that the game frame is in an open state, or a prize ball that is output every time ten prize balls are paid out are detected. A prize ball information terminal for externally outputting information is provided.

  The game ball stored in the storage tank 38 passes through a guide rail (not shown), and reaches a ball payout device 97 covered with a payout case 40A through a curve rod. Above the ball payout device 97, a ball break switch 187 is provided as a game medium break detection means. When the ball break switch 187 detects a ball break, the payout operation of the ball payout device 97 stops. The ball break switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion of the guide rail (in the storage tank 38). (Proximate part). When the ball break detection switch 167 detects a shortage of game balls, the game balls are replenished to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from the replenishment mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  When a large number of game balls as prizes based on winning a prize or a game ball based on a ball lending request are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 is full, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball receiving tray 4 through the surplus ball guiding path. Further, when the game ball is paid out, a sensing lever (not shown) presses the full tank switch as the storage state detection means, and the full tank switch as the storage state detection means is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device is stopped, and the driving of the ball hitting device is also stopped.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 3 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

  The random number circuit 503 includes a numeric data update range selection setting function (initial value selection setting function and upper limit value selection setting function), numeric data update rule selection setting function, and numeric data update rule selection. It has various functions such as a switching function. With such a function, the randomness of the generated random numbers can be improved.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 has a function of setting an initial value of numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. For example, a predetermined calculation is performed using an ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 (an ID number assigned to each product of the game control microcomputer 560) stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54. The numerical data obtained in this way is set as the initial value of the numerical data that the random number circuit 503 updates. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random number generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 that provides detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, and a first special symbol hold memory. Display control of the display 18a, the second special symbol storage memory display 18b, and the normal symbol storage memory display 41 is performed.

  An information output circuit 64 that outputs information output signals such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer via the terminal board 160 is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. An effect control command is received, and display control of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying effect symbols is performed.

  The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35 and from the speaker 27 via the audio output board 70. Control the sound output.

  The effect control means is also connected to a trigger sensor 125, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 provided in the stick controller 122, a vibrator motor 126, and a push sensor 124 provided in the push button 120, as will be described later. However, the illustration is omitted in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 includes an effect control CPU 101 and an effect control microcomputer 100 including a RAM for storing information related to effects such as effect symbol process flags. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means partially or entirely backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM is stored for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply cannot be supplied because the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged). In particular, simultaneous effect setting data indicating whether or not to execute a simultaneous effect and the start timing is stored in the backup RAM. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. VRAM is a buffer memory for developing image data. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

  In addition, the production control board 80 is equipped with a real time clock 108. The real-time clock 108 has a function of outputting time information including year / month / day / day of the week and hour / minute / second information, and is operated by an independent power source (for example, a button battery).

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols (including effect symbols), and background image data in advance. ROM. The VDP 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 4 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the trigger sensor 125 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's operation action on the push button 120 has been detected from the push sensor 124 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action with respect to the operation stick of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 107. . Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs a signal from the simultaneous effect setting button 19 via the input port 107 in accordance with the operation of the simultaneous effect setting button 19 by the administrator of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the timing for starting the simultaneous effect is changed in accordance with the operation of the simultaneous effect setting button 19 by the administrator of the gaming machine. For example, if an administrator of the gaming machine performs an operation (such as a button pressing operation) for changing the start timing using the simultaneous effect setting button 19, the simultaneous effect setting stored in the RAM of the effect control macro computer 100 is performed. Data is updated. Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105 to cause the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal (clear signal) of a clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer) ), A portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. In addition, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a random number for normal symbol determination) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determining random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state are initialized. Value is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been performed, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether to reach when it is not a big hit, The random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win for a normal symbol (normal random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect by lottery using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process in steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when a power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

  Also, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, the payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. There may be a case where a predetermined combination of effects that does not reach reach is stopped and displayed without reaching reach. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “non-reach” (also referred to as “normally shift”) in a case where the variable display result is a loss symbol.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. After reaching the reach state, a reach effect is executed, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a jackpot symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Eventually, the effect symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R on the effect display device 9.

  When “5”, which is a small hit, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display variable display mode is “suddenly probable big hit” on the effect display device 9. In the same manner as in the case where the effect symbol is variably displayed, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the sudden probability variation big hit symbol, for example, "135") may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the fact that “5”, which is the small hit symbol, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. .

  Here, the small win is a hit that is allowed up to a small number of times that the big winning opening is opened compared to the big win (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability variation state to the normal state or from the normal state to the certain variation state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is allowed up to a small number of times of opening of the big prize opening in the big hit gaming state (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second is twice), but the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely It is a big jackpot that is a short jackpot and the game state after the big jackpot game is shifted to a probabilistic state (that is, by doing so, it appears to the player as if it suddenly became a probable state) Is). In other words, in this embodiment, the sudden winning odds and the small wins have the same opening pattern of the big prize opening. By controlling in such a way, if the winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is impossible to recognize whether it is suddenly a big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(4) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined as any variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination table using a variation pattern determination random number (random 3).

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 6, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the random number for determination per ordinary symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal-time jackpot determination table used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table used in a probability change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 8 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 8 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 8A is a jackpot determination value.

  8B and 8C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and a small hit determination table used when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. (For the second special symbol). Each value described in FIG. 8B is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol), the values shown in FIG. Each numerical value listed is set. Moreover, the numerical values described in FIGS. 8B and 8C are small hit determination values.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (a normal big hit, a probability variation big hit, and a sudden probability variation big hit described later). Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, it is determined to make a small hit for the special symbol. Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 8A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, “probabilities” shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C indicate the probability (ratio) of small hits. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit gaming state, but stopping in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means determining whether or not the symbol is to be a small hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/300. On the other hand, when using the small hit determination table (second special symbol), a case where the small hit is determined at a ratio of 1/3000 will be described. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. The ratio determined as “small hit” is higher than when the variable display is executed.

  FIGS. 8D and 8E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b stored in the ROM 54. FIG. Among these, FIG. 8 (D) determines the jackpot type using the hold memory based on the game ball having won the first start winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). This is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a. Further, FIG. 8E shows a case where the jackpot type is determined using the holding memory based on the fact that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 (that is, when the variation display of the second special symbol is performed). Is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol, based on the random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type, the jackpot type is set to “normal jackpot”, “ This table is referred to in order to determine one of “probability big hit” and “sudden probability big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, ten determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131a (40 minutes). In the jackpot type determination table 131b, four determination values are assigned to the “sudden probability variation jackpot” (a ratio of 4/40). Will suddenly be determined to be a promising big hit). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning prize is given to the first start winning opening 13 and the first special symbol variation display is executed, the start winning prize is given to the second starting winning prize slot 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. Compared with the case where the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “suddenly probable big hit” is high. Note that “sudden probability variation big hit” is assigned only to the first special symbol jackpot type determination table 131a, and “sudden probability variation big hit” is not assigned to the second special symbol big hit type determination table 131b (ie. It may be determined that “suddenly probable big hit” may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed. Note that the determination values set in the table are different from each other and are not assigned redundantly.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, as the first specific gaming state to which a predetermined amount of gaming value is given, there are two rounds of sudden probabilistic big hits and more than the gaming value. The case where 15 rounds of big hit (probable big hit or normal big hit) is determined as the second specific gaming state to which the amount of gaming value is given will be explained. However, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, Although the case where it is determined to be one specific gaming state is shown, the gaming value to be given is not limited to the number of rounds as shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the allowable amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the big winning opening per round is increased as the gaming value is determined. Also good. Further, for example, as compared with the first specific gaming state, the second specific gaming state in which the opening time of the big winning opening per game during the big hit may be determined as the gaming value. In addition, for example, even if the same 15 round big hits, the first specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening once per round and the second specific gaming state that opens the big winning opening multiple times per round It may be prepared to increase the gaming value of the second specific gaming state by substantially increasing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. In this case, for example, in any case of the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state, when the big winning opening is opened 15 times (in this case, all 15 rounds in the case of the first specific gaming state) In the case of the second specific gaming state, there is an undigested round remaining), and it is possible to execute an effect in such a manner as to inquire whether or not the jackpot continues further. And in the case of the first specific gaming state, all the 15 rounds have been finished internally, so the big hit game is finished, and in the case of the second specific gaming state, there remains an undigested round internally. For this reason, the jackpot game may be continued (the effect that the bonus winning opening is additionally started with a bonus after finishing the bonus hit of 15 times).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the types of jackpots include “normal jackpot”, “probability variation jackpot”, and “sudden probability variation jackpot”.

  The “probable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to 15 rounds of the big hit gaming state and shifts to the probable change state after the big hit gaming state is finished (in this embodiment, the game is changed to the probable change state and the short time state is also entered. (See steps S170 and S171 described later). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, the “ordinary big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the big round gaming state of 15 rounds and is not shifted to the probability change state after the big hit gaming state is ended, but is shifted only to the short time state (see step S167 described later). . Then, after shifting to the time reduction state, the time reduction state is maintained until the execution of the variable symbol display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) (see steps S142 to S145 described later). In this embodiment, the time reduction state also ends when a big hit occurs after the transition to the time reduction state and before the execution of the predetermined number of variable displays is ended (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, “suddenly promising big hit” means that the number of times of opening the big winning opening is smaller than in “probable big hit” or “normal big hit” (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second is allowed twice). Is a big hit. In other words, when “suddenly promising big hit”, the game is controlled to a two round big hit gaming state. In this embodiment, after the two-round jackpot gaming state is finished, the state is changed to the probability changing state (in this embodiment, the state is changed to the probability changing state and also to the short time state. Step S170 to be described later). , S171). After the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  As described above, in this embodiment, even in the case of “small hit”, the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, and the big hit gaming state by “suddenly probable big hit” Similar control is performed. In the case of “small hit”, the game state does not change after the opening of the big winning opening twice, and the game state before “small hit” is maintained (described later). Steps S147 to S151). By doing so, it is made impossible to recognize whether it is “suddenly promising big hit” or “small hit”, and the interest of the game is improved.

  The big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with a random 1 value, and corresponding to the “normal big hit”, “probability variable big hit”, and “suddenly probable big hit” (big hit type determination value) ) Is set. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern prepared in advance. In FIG. 9, “EXT” indicates the second byte of EXT data in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of types of variation patterns are prepared according to differences in various production modes, such as whether to be out of play, jackpot, reach, and reach. Has been. The reach effect is executed in the effect display device 9 controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the special symbol variable display result is “out of”, and the variation pattern corresponding to the case where there is no reach effect is “shortened non-reach out” and “non-reach out”. Is prepared. “Abbreviated non-reach” is a variation pattern that is provided in correspondence with “non-reach out” and used in the time-short state.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is “out of”, and as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the reach effect is accompanied, the normal symbol effect is performed and then the normal symbol is derived and displayed. “Leach”, “Leach reach out”, where the outreach symbol is derived and displayed after the long reach effect is performed, and “Super reach out”, where the outreach symbol is derived and displayed after the super reach effect is performed ing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of the special symbol becomes a big hit (excluding the sudden probability change big hit), the big hit symbol is displayed after the normal reach effect is performed. Derived and displayed “per normal reach”, “Long reach” after derivation and display of the big reach after the long reach effect is performed, and “Super reach” where the bonanza symbol is derived and displayed after the super reach effect is performed. "Hit" is prepared.

  The long reach effect may be developed and executed after the normal reach effect is performed, or may be executed without the normal reach effect. In addition, the super reach production may be developed and executed from the normal reach production to the long reach production, or may be executed from the long reach production without the normal reach production. It may be executed without a normal reach effect and a long reach effect.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, “special hit” is prepared as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of the special symbol suddenly becomes a probable big hit or small hit. In addition to the variation pattern shown in FIG. 9, for example, a variation pattern with a pseudo-continuous effect that re-variates after the effect symbol temporarily stops may be included.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 54. The variation pattern determination table is referred to according to the jackpot type, the gaming state, and the like, and is used to determine the variation pattern as one of a plurality of types based on a random number (random 3) for variation pattern determination. Specifically, when the special symbol variable display result is “ordinary big hit” or “probable big hit”, the big pattern (excluding sudden probability big hit) variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. Also, when the special symbol variable display result is “sudden probability variation big hit” or “small hit”, the sudden probability variation big hit / small hit variation pattern determination table of the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10B is referred to. . Further, when the gaming state is the normal state (low base state) and the special symbol variable display result is “out of”, the loss variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10C is referred to. Further, when the gaming state is the short-time state or the probability variation state (that is, the high base state) and the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is “out of”, the variation pattern determination table for deviation shown in FIG. Referenced.

  When determining the variation pattern, a random number (random 3) for variation pattern determination is extracted, and in the referenced variation pattern determination table, a determination value that matches the extracted random 3 (1-997) value is assigned. Determine the fluctuation pattern that is present. In addition, although the determination value corresponding to each variation pattern is assigned to the variation pattern determination table, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the ratio of the allocated determination value is indicated for the sake of simplicity. Yes. For example, in the variation pattern determination table for big hits (excluding sudden probability variation big hits) in FIG. 10A, 50% of the determination values corresponding to random 3 values (1 to 997) are the fluctuation pattern “super reach”. It is assigned to "big hit". That is, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the value shown for each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination table indicates the ratio determined for the variation pattern.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, when it is determined that the variable display result is “out” in the normal state (low base state) (fluctuation for loss in FIG. 10C). In the case where the pattern determination table is referred to), among a plurality of types of variation patterns, the ratio that is determined as “non-reach out” is the highest, and the ratio that is determined as “super reach out” is the lowest. A judgment value is assigned. Further, for example, when it is determined that the variable display result is “out of” in the time reduction state or the probability variation state (ie, the high base state) (see the variation pattern determination table for deviation in FIG. 10D). In the case of the normal state (low base state), the determination value is not determined as “non-reach out” and the rate of determination as “short non-reach out” is high. Is assigned. By setting the determination value in this way, the variation pattern with a short variation time is easily selected in the time-short state.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, the fluctuation pattern with the normal reach effect (“out of normal reach” or “per normal reach”) is more than the fluctuation pattern with the super reach effect (“out of super reach” or “per super reach”). This is easy to select when the variable display result is “out of”. On the contrary, the fluctuation pattern with super reach production ("Super reach out" or "per super reach") is more variable than the fluctuation pattern with normal reach production ("normal reach out" or "per normal reach"). It is easy to select when it is a big hit (excluding sudden chances big hit). Therefore, in this embodiment, the variation pattern with the super reach effect has a higher expectation that the variable display result is a big hit than the variation pattern with the normal reach effect. Hereinafter, a variation pattern with a high expectation in which the variable display result is a big hit is also expressed as a variation pattern with a high expectation.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 10, when it is determined that the variable display result is “sudden probability change big hit” or “small hit” (the sudden probability change big hit / small hit variation pattern determination in FIG. 10B). When the table is referred to), the variation pattern is determined as “special hit”.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the variation time is fixed according to the type of reach effect (for example, when the super reach effect is involved, the variation time is 25 seconds). For example, even in the case of the same super reach effect, the variation time may be varied depending on the total number of pending storage. For example, even when the same super reach production is involved, the variation time may be shortened as the total number of pending storage increases. For example, even when the same super reach effect is used, when the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the variation time may be varied according to the number of first reserved memories. When changing the special symbol, the change time may be varied according to the second reserved memory number. In this case, a separate variation pattern determination table is prepared for each value of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number (for example, the variation pattern determination table for the reserved memory numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved memory number 3, 4), and a variation pattern determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number to vary the variation time. .

  In this embodiment, the variation time is different between when the gaming state is the normal state (low base state) and when the gaming state is the short-time state or the probability variation state (that is, the high base state). (In the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10, when the time variation state or the probability variation state (that is, the high base state), the rate at which “shortened non-reach out” is selected is shorter than other variation patterns. However, this is not limited to this, and even in the normal state, the fluctuation time differs (that is, the fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected) according to the total number of pending storages. The ratio may be different). For example, the variation time may be shortened (that is, the rate at which a variation pattern having a short variation time is selected increases) as the total number of pending storage increases. Further, for example, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the variable time is varied according to the number of the first reserved memory (that is, the ratio at which the variable pattern with the short variable time is selected is varied). Alternatively, in the case of performing the variation display of the second special symbol, the variation time is varied according to the second reserved memory number (that is, the proportion of variation patterns having a short variation time is selected). You may do it. In this case, a separate variation pattern determination table is prepared for each value of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number (for example, the variation pattern determination table for the reserved memory numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved memory number 3, 4), and a variation pattern determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number to vary the variation time. .

  When configured to use a different variation pattern determination table depending on the number of reserved storage, for example, the variation pattern determination table used when the display result is out of order and the total number of reserved storage is 3 or more is Compared to the variation pattern determination table used when the number of memories is 0 to 2, the determination value is assigned so that the proportion of variation patterns with reach effects (normal reach effect, super reach effect) is selected. . In addition, the variation pattern determination table used when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more has a determination value that increases the rate at which “shortened non-reach out” is selected that has a shorter variation time than other variation patterns. Is set. As a result, the average fluctuation time can be shortened as the total number of pending storage increases, and a situation where the variable display operating rate is reduced can be prevented as much as possible.

  In addition, although the case where the allocation of the determination value is different is shown for two types of the total pending storage number being 0 to 2 or 3 or more, for example, according to the total pending storage number Further, the assignment may be changed in a stepwise manner. In this case, for example, the fluctuation pattern determination table for the total pending storage number 0, 1 and the fluctuation pattern determination table for the total pending storage number 2, the total pending storage number 3 and the total pending storage number 4 May be prepared in advance, and determination values may be assigned to fluctuation patterns with reach and fluctuation patterns of shortening fluctuations, and may be varied in stages.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) that specifies a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of the special symbol. (Corresponding to the variation pattern XX, respectively). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 9, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a big hit, and a big hit type. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

  Command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started. Command 8D02 (H) is an effect control command (second symbol variation designation command) indicating that variable display (variation) of the second special symbol is started. The first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command may be collectively referred to as a special symbol specifying command (or symbol variation designation command). Note that information indicating whether to start variable display of the first special symbol or variable display of the second special symbol may be included in the variation pattern command.

  The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 95XX (H) is an effect control command (winning time determination result designation command) indicating the contents of the winning time determination result. In this embodiment, in the winning determination process (see FIG. 16), which will be described later, the game control microcomputer 560 determines which variation pattern is to be used when starting winning. Then, a value for specifying the variation pattern as the determination result is set in the EXT data of the determination result specifying result command at the time of winning, and control for transmission to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a winning determination result specifying command. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a value is set in the EXT data in accordance with which variation pattern is determined at the time of starting winning and a winning determination result designation command is transmitted. For example, when it is determined that the variation pattern is “out of shortened non-reach” at the time of starting winning at the first starting winning opening 13, a winning determination result specifying command in which “01 (H)” is set in the EXT data is transmitted. Is done. Also, for example, when it is determined that the variation pattern becomes “special hit” at the time of starting winning at the first starting winning opening 13, a winning determination result specifying command in which “09 (H)” is set in the EXT data is transmitted. Is done. Further, for example, when it is determined that the variation pattern is “out of shortened non-reach” at the time of starting winning at the second starting winning opening 14, a winning determination result designation command in which “10 (H)” is set in the EXT data Is sent. Also, for example, when it is determined that the variation pattern becomes “special hit” at the time of starting winning at the second starting winning opening 14, a winning determination result specifying command in which “18 (H)” is set in the EXT data is transmitted. Is done.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation command includes a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start designation 2 designation command, and a small hit / sudden probability sudden change jackpot start designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot. Note that the game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit a fanfare designation command for suddenly probable big hit start designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send a fanfare designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that the jackpot game is normally a big jackpot (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). is there. Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there. Command A 303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) that designates the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability change big hit game. The game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit an ending designation command for suddenly probable big hit end designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state designation command) that designates that the gaming state is a normal state. Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is a time-short state (not including the probability variation state). Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is a probability change state.

  Command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has increased by one.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the image display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  For example, the game control microcomputer 560 designates the variation pattern of the effect symbol every time there is a start prize and variable display of the special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. The variation pattern command and the display result designation command are transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  In addition, as the transmission method of the effect control command, the effect control command data is output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 on the eight parallel signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7, In addition to the effect control command data, a method of outputting a pulse-shaped (rectangular wave-shaped) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing capture of the effect control command data is used. The 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display. The image display device 9 that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol in 8b, and that produces the effect according to the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When controlling the effect parts, it is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 or if the game ball is inserted into the second start winning opening 14. If the second start opening switch 14a for detecting that a winning has been made, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is performed. Are executed (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where variable display of the special symbol can be started, the game control microcomputer 560 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In case of big hit, set big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (in this example, 0). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the effect symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for the big prize opening is executed for each round, but when starting the first round, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). Note that the pre-hit release pre-processing is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the small-hit release pre-processing is also a process for starting a small hit game.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is in an ON state (step S211A). If the first start port switch 13a is not on, the process proceeds to step S211B. If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit (specifically, the first reserved memory for counting the first reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S212A). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S1211B.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213A), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S214A).

  Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 15) (step S215A). . In the process of step S215A, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) that are software random numbers are extracted, and a storage area Stored in It should be noted that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 15, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, and a variation. A random number for pattern determination (random 3) is stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a high base state. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the time reduction flag is set (step S216A). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S219A. When the time reduction flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S217A). When the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (that is, in the big hit gaming state), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S219A.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5, a winning determination process for determining a variation display result and a variation pattern in advance when the variation (variable display) based on the detected start winning is executed in advance at the start winning Is executed (step S218A). And CPU56 performs control which transmits the 1st reserved memory number addition designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for presentation control (step S219A).

  When transmitting an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of a command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command as a pointer. . And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S28).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is on (step S211B). If the second start port switch 14a is not in the ON state, the process is terminated as it is. If the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second reserved memory for counting the second reserved memory number). Whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 is confirmed (step S212B). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S213B), and the value of the aggregate reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S214B).

  Then, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (step S215B). In the process of step S215B, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) that are software random numbers are extracted, and the storage area Stored in It should be noted that the random number for determining the variation pattern (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (when starting winning a prize), but is extracted at the start of variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in the variation pattern setting process.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a winning determination process (step S218B). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control CPU 101 (step S219B).

  Note that the processing in step S218B may not be executed during the big hit game, as in the case of the first start winning. Further, the process of step S218A is executed only in the low base state, but the process of step S218B may be executed only in the high base state.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the winning determination process in steps S218A and S218B. In the winning determination process, the CPU 56 first compares the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in step S215A or step S215B with the normal jackpot determination value shown in the left column of FIG. Are matched (step S220). In this embodiment, at the timing of starting the variation of the special symbol and the production symbol, whether or not to make a big hit or a small hit in the special symbol normal processing described later, determining the type of big hit or changing the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting processing In addition to that, at the timing when the game ball starts and wins at the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, before the change display based on the start winning is started, By executing the winning determination process, it is confirmed in advance which variation pattern is to be obtained. By doing so, the variation pattern is predicted in advance before the variation display of the effect symbol is executed, and, as will be described later, based on the determination result at the time of winning, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs a big hit or super A pre-reading notice effect is executed to predict the reach.

  If the jackpot determination random number (random R) does not match the normal jackpot determination value (N in step S220), the CPU 56 determines whether or not a probability change flag indicating that the gaming state is a probability change state is set. Confirmation (step S221). If the probability change flag is set, the CPU 56 compares the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in step S215A or step S215B with the jackpot determination value at the time of probability change shown in the right column of FIG. It is confirmed whether or not they match (step S222). It should be noted that there is a possibility that a plurality of variation displays will be executed after confirming whether or not the state is surely changed in step S221 at the time of the start winning, until the actual display of the variation based on the start winning is actually started. There is. For this reason, the game state has changed (for example, the start of change) from when it is confirmed whether or not it is in the probable variation state at step S221 at the time of starting winning, until when the fluctuation display based on the starting winning is actually started. If there is a probable big hit before, the normal state has changed to the probable state.). For this reason, the gaming state determined in step S221 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of variation (see step S61 described later) are not necessarily the same.

  If the jackpot determination random number (random R) does not match the jackpot determination value at the time of probability change (N in step S222), the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in step S215A or step S215B and FIG. The small hit determination values shown in B) and (C) are compared, and it is confirmed whether or not they match (step S223). In this case, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when the winning determination process (see step S218A) is executed in the start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), the CPU 56 performs FIG. It is determined whether or not the small hit determination value set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. Also, when there is a start winning at the second start winning opening 14 (when the winning determination process (see step S218B) is executed in the start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), FIG. It is determined whether or not it matches the small hit determination value set in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the small hit determination value (N in Step S223), the CPU 56 performs a process of determining the current gaming state (Step S224). In this embodiment, in step S224, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the gaming state is a certain change state or a short time state (specifically, whether or not a short time flag is set). It should be noted that a plurality of variation displays are executed after confirming whether or not the state of probability variation or time reduction is confirmed in step S224 at the time of starting winning, until the actual displaying of variation based on the starting winning is actually started. There is a possibility. For this reason, the game state has changed from the time when the start winning is confirmed in step S224 to determine whether or not the state is the probability change state or the short time state until the display of the actual variation based on the start winning is actually started (for example, If there is a probable big hit before the start of fluctuation, the normal state changes to the probable state.). Therefore, the gaming state determined in step S224 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of variation (see step S61 described later) do not necessarily match.

  Then, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern determination table according to the determination result of step S224 (step S225). Specifically, when the CPU 56 determines that the gaming state is the probability changing state or the time saving state, the CPU 56 selects the time variation changing pattern determination table shown in FIG. Further, when it is determined that the gaming state is the normal state, the deviation variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10C is selected.

  When the big hit determination random number (random R) matches the small hit determination value (Y in step S223), the CPU 56 selects the sudden probability variation big hit / small hit variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. . (Step S226).

  When the jackpot determination random number (random R) matches the jackpot determination value in step S220 or step S222, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type determination random number (random 1) extracted in step S215A or step S215B. The type is determined (step S227). In this case, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when the winning determination process (see step S218A) is executed in the start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), the CPU 56 performs FIG. Using the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a shown in (D), it is determined whether the jackpot type is “normal jackpot”, “probable variation jackpot”, or “sudden probability variation jackpot”. In addition, when there is a start winning at the second start winning opening 14 (when a winning determination process (see step S218B) is executed in the start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), FIG. It is determined whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “sudden probability big hit” using the big hit type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b shown.

  Then, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern determination table according to the jackpot type determined in step S227 (step S228). Specifically, when the CPU 56 determines that the big hit type is “normal big hit” or “probable big hit”, the CPU 56 selects a big pattern (excluding sudden positive odd big hit) variation pattern determination table. If it is determined that “sudden probability change big hit”, the sudden probability change big hit / small hit variation pattern determination table is selected.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern using the variation pattern determination table set in step S225, step S226, or step S228 and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) extracted in step S215A or step S215B ( Step S229).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the determined variation pattern as a winning determination result designation command (step S230). Specifically, the CPU 56 wins a value from “01 (H)” to “18 (H)” as shown in FIG. 12 according to which variation pattern is determined in step S229. Processing to set the EXT data of the hour determination result designation command is performed.

  For example, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when the winning determination process (see step S218A) is executed in the start opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), “non-reach” is performed at step S229. If it is determined that the fluctuation pattern is “out of”, “02 (H)” (passing the start port switch shown in FIG. 14) is added to the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command configured by the MODE data “95 (H)”. When the winning determination process (see step S218B) is executed, “13 (H)”) is set.

  In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the same fluctuation pattern determination table even if the number of reserved memories is different. However, a different fluctuation pattern determination table may be used depending on the number of reserved memories. . In this case, for example, it is determined from the random number for determining the variation pattern (or random number for determining the variation pattern type) whether the variation pattern is accompanied by normal reach, super reach, etc. The winning determination result designation command may be transmitted based on a specific variation pattern (for example, a variation pattern for performing a specific reach effect or a variation pattern for a specific number of simulated consecutive times). Sometimes, a winning determination result specifying command indicating the determination result may be transmitted. In addition, for example, it is determined whether the display result is “ordinary big hit” or “probability big hit”, and a command indicating the determination result is used as a winning determination result specifying command or separately from the winning determination result specifying command. You may make it transmit.

  17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second pending storage number is 0 (step S52). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter is zero. If the second reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 has a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed for the first special symbol or the special symbol process is being performed for the second special symbol). Is set to data indicating “second” (step S53). If the second reserved memory number is 0 (that is, only the first reserved memory number is accumulated), the CPU 66 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. That is, control is performed so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is established in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol. In this embodiment, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed in preference to the variation display of the first special symbol. However, a game ball is provided at the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. In accordance with the start winning order in which the first prize is won, the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the fluctuation display of the second special symbol may be executed. Also, for example, the first special symbol variation display may be executed in preference to the second special symbol variation display.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines each disturbance stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory number buffer. And stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the count value of the first reserved memory number counter, and in the reserved specific area and the first reserved memory buffer. Shift the contents of each storage area. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area in the reserved specific area and the second reserved memory buffer are shifted. To do.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. Each stored random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, each stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory buffer of the RAM 55. The random value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1. In addition, the CPU 56 adds the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total reserved storage number = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. Store in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storage = m−1.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order.

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the number of lighting of the special symbol reservation storage display (the first special symbol reservation storage display 18a or the second special symbol reservation storage display 18b) indicated by the special symbol pointer by 1 (step S57).

  Further, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the reserved memory number counter (the first reserved memory number counter or the second reserved memory number counter) indicated by the special symbol pointer by 1 (step S58).

  Further, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S59).

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case of targeting the first special symbol and the case of targeting the second special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination that is extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. A random number is read and a big hit judgment is performed. The big hit determination module compares the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (see FIG. 8) determined in advance with the big hit determination random number, and if they match, executes the process of determining the big hit or the small hit It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes a big hit determination or a small hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state and short-time state). ing. Specifically, a jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the right side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance and the number of jackpot determination values are definitely changed. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state or the short-time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be a probable big hit or suddenly probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Reset at timing.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 8B and 8C). Then, the small hit determination process is performed. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. ) To determine whether or not to make a small hit. If the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “second”, it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. . If it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating a small hit (step S63), and proceeds to step S75.

  If the random R value does not match either the big hit determination value or the small hit determination value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S75 as it is.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 8D. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type (“normal jackpot”, “probability change”) corresponding to the value of the random number for random determination (random 1) stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit" or "Suddenly probable big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The random number is read and the type of jackpot is determined. Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the rate at which suddenly probable big hits are selected is high.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “probable big hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit type, When the big hit type is “suddenly probable big hit”, “03” is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, “−” which is a loss symbol is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of “1”, “3”, and “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when the big hit type is determined to be “suddenly promising big hit”, “1” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “normal big hit” is decided, “3” is decided as a special symbol stop symbol. If “probable big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, “5” as the small hit symbol is determined as the special symbol stop symbol.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S76).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the sudden probability change big hit / small hit variation pattern determination table if the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit (Y in step S92) (step S93). When the big hit type is not suddenly probable big hit (that is, when normal big hit or probable big hit) (N in step S92), the big pattern (excluding sudden probable big hit) is selected (step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S95). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the sudden variation / big hit variation pattern determination table (step S96). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  If the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S97). The time reduction flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the time reduction state (including the time of shifting to the probability change state), and is reset when the time reduction state is ended. Specifically, it is usually decided to be a big hit, a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. It is reset when the display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S97), the CPU 56 selects the shift pattern determination table for deviation from time reduction (step S99). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  If the time reduction flag is not set (N in Step S97), the CPU 56 selects the deviation variation pattern determination table (Step S98). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In step S100, the CPU 56 reads random 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and selects it in the process of steps S93, S94, S96, S98 or S99. With reference to the variation pattern determination table, the variation pattern is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S100).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S101). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S102).

  Also, the special symbol change is started (step S103). For example, a start flag corresponding to the special symbol referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S104). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S105).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission processing, the CPU 56 transmits any one of the presentation control commands (display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation) (see FIG. 11) according to the determined type of big hit, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the big hit flag is set, when the big hit type is a probable big hit, control is performed to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Specifically, whether or not it is a probable big hit can be determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “02”. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 4 designation command when the big hit type is suddenly probable big hit (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not it is a sudden probability variation big hit can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal process is “03”. Then, when neither the probability variation big hit nor the sudden probability variation big hit is obtained (that is, when it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S115).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S110), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S116). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set (N in Step S116), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (Step S118).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S125), and when the variable time timer times out (step S126), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S127). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets the end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display unit 8a or the second special symbol display unit 8b. Then, a control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). If data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is terminated, and “second” is indicated in the special symbol pointer. When data is set, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). If the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S140 (step S133).

  If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S134). Control to send a big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. If the jackpot type is a probabilistic jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. When the big hit type is sudden probability change big hit, a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is the normal big hit, the probability variation big hit or the sudden probability variation big hit is determined based on the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer). .

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S136).

  In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the jackpot has occurred) is set in the jackpot display time timer (corresponding to a jackpot control timer to be described later) (step) S137). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit, 2 times in the case of a sudden probable big hit) is set in the big prize opening number counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-winner opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139).

  In step S140, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation state is set. If the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag indicating that the time reduction state is set (step S141). When the time reduction flag is set (that is, when the time change state is not controlled and only the time reduction state is controlled), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is- 1 (step S142).

  Next, when the value of the time reduction counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S145). Further, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting a normal state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S146).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S147). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S148). In addition, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (for example, the time when the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S149). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 2 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S150). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S151).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S147), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S152).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted when it is a normal big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is sent when it is a probable big hit, and a small hit / abrupt is sudden when it is a sudden probable big hit. Send a probable jackpot end designation command Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is being performed in the image display device 9 (the big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

  In step S164, 1 is subtracted from the value of the jackpot end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S165). If not, the process ends.

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether the big hit type is a probability change big hit or a sudden probability change big hit (step S166). Note that whether or not the probability change big hit or sudden probability change big hit is, specifically, whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “02” to “03”. This can be determined by checking. If neither the probability change big hit nor the sudden probability change big hit is present (that is, if it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 sets the time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in a time reduction number counter for counting the number of time reductions (step S168). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time reduction state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S169). Then, control goes to a step S173.

  If the probability change big hit or the sudden probability change big hit, the CPU 56 sets the probability change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probability change state (step S170). Further, the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag (step S171). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a probability change state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S172). Then, control goes to a step S173.

  In this embodiment, the time reduction flag set in steps S167 and S171 is also used to determine whether or not to increase the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 or increase the number of times of opening. In this case, specifically, in the normal symbol process (see step S27), the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time reduction flag is set when the normal symbol variation display result is a win. If so, control is performed to open the variable winning ball device 15 by extending the opening time or increasing the number of times of opening. The time reduction flag set in steps S167 and S171 is used to determine whether or not to shorten the special symbol variation time.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S173).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. First, simultaneous production will be described. In this embodiment, a simultaneous effect is executed over a predetermined period based on the predetermined condition being satisfied. The simultaneous performance is simultaneously executed in a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game store at a timing when a predetermined condition is established. Specifically, the predetermined condition is established based on the fact that 60 minutes have passed since the power was turned on or the previous simultaneous production start, and predetermined video playback is started all at once for a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes). The production is executed as a simultaneous production. That is, a simultaneous effect is executed every 60 minutes after the power is turned on. Although it is expressed that the production is executed at the same time by a plurality of gaming machines, specifically, each gaming machine executes the same production at the same timing, and a plurality of gaming machines are arranged side by side. It is that the production seems to be performed all at once as a phenomenon. For example, each gaming machine acquires time information from the real-time clock 108 and measures time, and when the timed result satisfies a predetermined condition (when the power is turned on or when 60 minutes have elapsed since the start of the last simultaneous effect) By starting the production, the production can be started at the same timing in a plurality of gaming machines.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (in this example, 20 ms) (steps). S701). In this embodiment, the simultaneous effect setting data stored in the RAM area of the effect control microcomputer 100 is not set to the initial value in the initialization process.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703), and executes the effect control process of steps S703a to S711.

  With the above control, the effect control process is activated every 20 ms in this embodiment. The effect control process corresponds to steps S702 to S711 in the effect control main process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the time measurement timer has been set (step S703a). If the time measurement timer has not been set, the effect control CPU 101 reads the full time information (day / hour / minute / second) from the real-time clock 108 (step S703b). In step S703b, the read time information is stored as reference time information. Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a time measurement timer based on the simultaneous effect setting data (step S703c). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702. Note that the processing in step S703a may be executed only once when the power is turned on.

  The time measurement timer is realized by the effect control CPU 101, and is used to time the timing for starting the simultaneous effect. In this embodiment, in step S703c, time is set so that the time measurement timer times out at the timing determined in the simultaneous performance setting data (the initial value is the timing when 60 minutes have elapsed since the power was turned on or the previous simultaneous performance started). A value is set in the measurement timer. For example, if the time information read from the real-time clock 108 is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, a value corresponding to 60 minutes until 10:30 is measured in step S703c. Set to timer. Specifically, the time measurement timer is set to 180000 as a value corresponding to 60 minutes in step S703c, and the value is 1 in step S750b of the time measurement process (details will be described later) executed every 20 ms. Subtracted. Then, when the value of the time measurement timer becomes 0, that is, when the time measurement timer times out, it indicates that 60 minutes (20 ms × 180000) has elapsed. Be started. In this embodiment, since the simultaneous effect is executed every time the initial period is 60 minutes after the power is turned on, the time read at the time of power-on in step S703b. Based on the information and the period indicated in the simultaneous performance setting data, each timing (hour / minute / second) at which the simultaneous performance is started may be stored. For example, if the time information read in step S703b is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, 10 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, 11 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, 12:00 Each timing (hour / minute / second) at which simultaneous production starts may be stored, such as 30 minutes, 0 seconds,..., 23 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds.

  When the time measurement timer has been set (Y in step S703a), the presentation control CPU 101 checks whether or not the difference count data used for managing the time to the unit of seconds or less has been set. (Step S703d).

  If the difference count data has not been set, the effect control CPU 101 reads time information (seconds) from the real-time clock 108 (step S703e). In addition, the effect control CPU 101 adds 1 to the value of the read timing counter (initial value 0) used for specifying the timing for reading time information (that is, the read cycle) (step 703f). Then, the production control CPU 101 compares the second information of the time information (for example, reference time information) read from the real-time clock 108 in step S703b with the second information read from the real-time clock 108 this time, and whether or not they match. By confirming, it is confirmed whether or not there is a change in the second information (step S703g). If it is determined that there is no change in the second information, the process proceeds to step S702.

  As already described, in this embodiment, the effect control process is executed every 20 ms. Therefore, time information (seconds) is read from the real-time clock 108 every 20 ms by executing the processing of steps S703d to S703g until the difference count data is set after the power is turned on.

  When it is determined that there is a change in the second information (Y in step S703g), the effect control CPU 101 sets 50− (value of the readout timing counter) as the difference count data (step S703h). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In this embodiment, the real time clock 108 has fewer measurement errors than the time measurement timer. However, the real-time clock 108 can be read only up to a second. For this reason, the time cannot be managed to a unit of seconds or less, and in the effect control process activated every 20 ms, the start timing of the simultaneous effects may be shifted and executed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25A, when the power is turned on, the process of reading the time information (seconds) of the real-time clock 108 every 20 ms is repeated until the read second information changes. . Then, the value obtained by subtracting the value of the read timing counter at the time when the read second information is changed from 50 is stored as the difference count data.

  For example, it is assumed that the time information read in step S703b is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds. When the time is not managed to a unit of less than a second, simultaneous production is started when 60 minutes have passed since the power was turned on, that is, on June 11, 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds.

  Here, it is assumed that the value of the read timing counter is 5 when the second information read in step S703g changes. In this case, the second information is changed 5 × 20 ms = 100 ms after the time information is read in step S703b. Therefore, when the time information read in step S703b is shown to the unit of second or less, it can be estimated that it is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms. Then, it is necessary to manage the time so that the simultaneous production starts on June 11, 10 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms when 60 minutes have elapsed since the power was turned on. Therefore, in order to manage the measurement difference of 900 ms, 45 (× 20 ms = 900 ms) is obtained by subtracting the read timing counter value 5 (× 20 ms = 100 ms) from 50 (× 20 ms = 1 second). Is stored as the difference count data. When the time information of the read real-time clock 108 indicates 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds, the count is performed every 20 ms, and when the count number becomes 45 that is the value of the difference count data, that is, 10 o'clock.・ When 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms are reached, simultaneous production starts. By doing in this way, time can be managed to the unit of a second or less.

  Note that the real-time clock 108 has less measurement error than the time measurement timer, but operates by an independent power source (for example, a button battery). However, if it is about one day, it can be said that there is almost no error. Therefore, using the real-time clock 108 and the time measurement timer makes it possible to perform simultaneous production accurately. In other words, simultaneous effects can be performed simultaneously on a plurality of gaming machines that are powered on simultaneously.

  When the difference count data has been set (Y in step S703d), the effect control CPU 101 analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command ( Command analysis processing: Step S704).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs time measurement processing (step S704a). In the time measurement process, a time measurement process is performed using a time measurement timer.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control operation processing (step S706). The effect control operation process is a process for expanding image data of an image (effect image or background image) used in a display effect or a simultaneous effect accompanying the change display of the effect symbol in the frame buffer. For example, the effect control CPU 101 creates drawing list data including which image is to be displayed at which coordinates, and gives a command to the VDP 109 to develop the image data in the frame buffer based on the drawing list data.

  In this embodiment, the VDP 109 expands the image data stored in the VRAM in the frame buffer in accordance with a command from the effect control CPU 101, and displays an image on the effect display device 9 based on the image data expanded in the frame buffer. Is displayed. At a predetermined time, image data is read from the CGROM and written to the VRAM in accordance with a command from the CPU 101 for effect control. When the image data is compressed (encoded), a process for expanding (decoding) the image data read from the CGROM is performed.

  In this embodiment, two areas (areas 0 and 1) corresponding to the screen of the effect display device 9 are secured in the frame buffer. Areas 0 and 1 are called virtual areas or frame memories. In the areas 0 and 1 in the frame memory, component images such as effect design images and background images are developed from CGROM via VRAM as appropriate (for example, when image data is required). Is done. If image data exists in the VRAM area, the image data is expanded from the area to areas 0 and 1. When the component image is developed in the area 0, an image signal based on the image data of the area 1 is output to the effect display device 9, and when the component image is expanded in the area 1, the image based on the image data of the area 0 is output. A signal is output to the effect display device 9. When the component image is expanded in the area 0, the area 0 is a drawing area, and when the component image is expanded in the area 1, the area 1 is the drawing area. When image data is read from area 0 and an image signal based on the image data is output to the effect display device 9, area 0 is a display area, image data is read from area 1, and the image When an image signal based on the data is output to the effect display device 9, the region 1 is a display region. Thus, the areas 0 and 1 are used as a double buffer. In this embodiment, a double buffer is used, but the frame memory may be a single buffer.

  In this embodiment, an image is displayed on the effect display device 9 at 30 frames per second. Therefore, drawing for one frame is performed at a cycle of 33 ms. Further, since the double buffer is used, for example, the role of the area 0 in the frame memory is switched between the drawing area and the display area at a cycle of 33 ms. Here, in order to perform drawing for one frame at a period of 33 ms, the rendering control CPU 101 creates processing for creating drawing list data including which image is displayed at which coordinates in 33 ms, and the VDP 109 Based on the drawing list data, the process of reading the image data and developing it in the drawing area must be completed. However, when the amount of image data to be displayed is large or when the number of displays is large, both the processing for creating the drawing list data and the processing for developing in the drawing area increase the load. May not be able to complete the process. In other words, it may not be possible to perform drawing for one frame at a cycle of 33 ms.

  For example, it is assumed that it takes 50 ms to develop image data in the area 1 when the area 0 in the frame memory is a display area and the area 1 is a drawing area. In such a case, that is, when the process of expanding the image data into the region 1 in the 33 ms cycle is not completed, the image signal based on the image data read from the region 0 is also displayed in the effect display device 9 in the next 33 ms cycle. Is output. That is, the same frame is displayed for 66 ms. Thereafter, an image signal based on the image data read from the area 1 where the process of developing the image data has been completed is output to the effect display device 9. That is, the effect display device 9 displays an image with a delay of 33 ms. As described above, when the process of expanding the image data into the drawing area at a cycle of 33 ms is not completed, an image is not displayed at an assumed timing, and a process drop occurs. In addition, the process omission includes a phenomenon in which the process stops in addition to the process being delayed.

  In particular, in the effect display device 9, in the case of performing effect display by simultaneous effect (for example, moving image reproduction described later) and pre-reading notice effect (for example, “change of variation form” described later) together with the effect symbol change display, In the drawing area, a plurality of image data (for example, image data of effect designs and image data of backgrounds with different scenes) needs to be developed. Further, due to the difference in the data amount, the time required for developing the image data of the effect design is shorter than the time required for developing the background image data. Therefore, in the case of performing an effect display by a simultaneous effect (for example, moving image reproduction to be described later) or a pre-reading notice effect (for example, “change in variation form” to be described later) in addition to the variation display of the effect symbol, especially while changing the background screen In the case of display, processing loss tends to occur.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number used for determining the effect mode and the like (step S709).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 uses the simultaneous production setting button 19 by the manager of the gaming machine to determine whether or not to execute the simultaneous production (that is, whether or not to execute), and the start timing (that is, the execution cycle) for execution. When an operation to change (such as a pressing operation of the simultaneous effect setting button 19) is performed (Y in step S710), whether or not the simultaneous effect is executed according to the operation and the start timing when executing the simultaneous effect are indicated. Update production setting data. At this time, the update contents of the simultaneous performance setting data may be notified (for example, notified by voice or screen display). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  Note that the operation for changing the start timing of the simultaneous effect using the simultaneous effect setting button 19 may be effective only during the demonstration screen display (a state in which no change display is performed), for example. Further, for example, when the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is pressed once during the effective period, the effect control CPU 101 delays the timing at which the simultaneous effect is started (that is, the execution cycle) by 60 minutes, and sets the simultaneous effect. Data may be updated. In addition, the upper limit of the period in which the simultaneous effect is executed is 120 minutes, and if the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is pressed once while the 120-minute period is set, 0 indicating that the simultaneous effect is not executed. You may make it set to a minute cycle. Specifically, as the initial value, when the simultaneous production setting data is set such that the simultaneous production is started when 60 minutes have elapsed since the power was turned on or when the previous simultaneous production was started, that is, the production is started in a cycle of 60 minutes. When the simultaneous production setting button 19 is pressed once, the control CPU 101 performs simultaneous production so that the simultaneous production is started when power is turned on or 120 minutes have elapsed since the start of the previous simultaneous production, that is, at a cycle of 120 minutes. When the effect setting data is updated and the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is pressed twice, the effect setting data is updated so that the simultaneous effect setting data is set to the zero minute cycle indicating that the simultaneous effect is not executed. In addition, when the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is pressed three times, the simultaneous effect setting data is set such that when the power is turned on or 60 minutes have elapsed since the start of the previous simultaneous effect, that is, the simultaneous effect is started at a period of 60 minutes. Update. In the simultaneous effect process (step S800b) described later, when the simultaneous effect setting data is set to a zero minute period indicating that the simultaneous effect is not executed, the process after the start of the simultaneous effect is not executed. Has been. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to set whether or not to execute the simultaneous effect (that is, whether or not to execute the simultaneous effect) together with the timing at which the simultaneous effect is started (that is, the execution cycle).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the simultaneous effect setting button 19 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine. Therefore, the manager of the gaming machine can operate the simultaneous effect setting button 19 but the player cannot operate it. Therefore, only the manager of the gaming machine can set whether or not to execute the simultaneous effect (that is, whether or not to execute the simultaneous effect) together with the timing at which the simultaneous effect is started (that is, the execution cycle). However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be configured to accept a setting change by a player. For example, based on the player performing a predetermined operation with the stick controller 122 or the push button 120 (it may be effective only during the demonstration screen display (a state in which no variable display is performed)), as described above. The contents of the effect setting data may be updated. By configuring in this way, the administrator of the gaming machine and the player can make a setting that suits the preference for the simultaneous performance. When accepting a setting change by a player, it is only possible to change whether or not a simultaneous effect is executed (that is, whether or not it can be executed), and a change in timing (that is, an execution cycle) at which the simultaneous effect is started is not allowed. You may do it. This is because if the simultaneous performance is executed at a timing different from that of other gaming machines, it may be contrary to the purpose of the simultaneous performance. Further, by operating the simultaneous effect setting button 19, it may be possible to determine whether or not the setting change by the player is allowed and the content of the setting change to be allowed. That is, the administrator of the gaming machine may be able to determine them.

  Further, in this embodiment, the simultaneous effect is executed in a single aspect, but the simultaneous effect may be executable in a plurality of aspects. In this case, the mode of the simultaneous performance to be executed may be selected by a manager of the gaming machine or the player, or may be selected by lottery. For example, the manager (player) of the gaming machine or the player may be able to select from a plurality of sounds (music) that are output during the simultaneous performance, or may be selected by lottery.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 11) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S622). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S623).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) in the RAM. Is stored in the display result designation command storage area (step S626).

  If the received effect control command is the first winning determination result specifying command (a winning determination result specifying command with EXT of “01” to “09”) (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 receives the received first winning determination result specifying command. The winning determination result designation command is stored in an empty first storage area of the first winning determination result storage buffer formed in the RAM (step S652).

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a winning determination result storage buffer (a first winning determination result storage buffer and a second winning determination result storage buffer). As shown in FIG. 28, each of the first winning determination result storage buffer and the second winning determination result storage buffer has a command storage area (storage area) corresponding to the maximum value (4 in this example) of the pending storage number. 1-4) are secured.

  If the received effect control command is the second winning determination result specifying command (a winning determination result specifying command with EXT of “10” to “18”) (step S653), the effect control CPU 101 receives the received second winning determination result specifying command. The winning determination result designation command is stored in an empty first storage area (storage area with a large number) in the second winning determination result storage buffer formed in the RAM (step S654).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number addition designation command (step S661), the effect control CPU 101 increases the first reserved memory number by 1 (step S662). Further, the production control CPU 101 newly displays the first hold display on the first hold storage display unit 18c (step S663). The first reserved storage number is stored in the RAM.

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number addition designation command (step S664), the effect control CPU 101 increases the second reserved memory number by 1 (step S665). Further, the effect control CPU 101 newly displays the second hold display on the second hold storage display unit 18d (step S666). The second reserved storage number is stored in the RAM.

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S667), the effect control CPU 101 performs a process of initializing the simultaneous effect setting data stored in the backup RAM (step S668). ).

  In this embodiment, the simultaneous production setting data is stored in the backup RAM area of the production control microcomputer 100, and is initialized when a power-on designation command (initialization designation command) is received (as an initial value). When the power is turned on or when 60 minutes have elapsed since the start of the previous simultaneous production, the simultaneous production is set to start), and when a power failure recovery designation command is received, it is not initialized. Therefore, the data indicating whether or not to execute the simultaneous performance and the start timing when it is executed is initialized when the game machine is cold-started, and the backed-up settings are taken over when the game machine is hot-started.

  If the received command read in step S612 is another effect control command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S669).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the time measurement process (step S704a) in the main process shown in FIG. In the time measurement process, the effect control CPU 101 first adds 1 to the value of the readout timing counter (step S750a) and subtracts 1 from the value of the time measurement timer (step S750b). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the remaining period until the simultaneous effect start timing is less than one minute (step S751). Whether or not it is less than 1 minute can be determined to be less than 1 minute when the value of the time measurement timer is less than 3000 (= 1 minute (60000 ms) / 20 ms), for example. In this embodiment, the remaining time is confirmed using a time measuring timer. For example, when the power is turned on, a predetermined counter is set to 180000 as an initial value, and the value is subtracted by 1 every 20 ms. In this case, when the value of the predetermined counter is less than 3000, it can be determined that the value is less than 1 minute. Further, when the timing (hour / minute / second) at which the simultaneous production is started is stored based on the time information read at the time of power-on in step S703b and the period indicated in the simultaneous production setting data. When the stored timing is compared with the time indicated by the time information read from the previous real-time clock 108 and the time obtained by multiplying the time indicated by the time measurement timer by 20 ms, and the difference is greater than 1 minute. Is determined to be less than 1 minute, and when the difference is 1 minute or when there is no difference, it can be determined to be less than 1 minute.

  If the remaining period is not less than 1 minute, the CPU 101 for effect control confirms whether the value of the read timing counter is 3000 (step S752). If the value of the read timing counter is not 3000, the process ends.

  If the value of the readout timing counter is 3000 (Y in step S752), the production control CPU 101 reads time information (hour / minute / second) from the real-time clock 108 (step S753), and the read time information is added. Based on this, the value of the time measurement timer is corrected (step S754). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 resets the value of the readout timing counter (step S755) and ends the process. In step S754, for example, a value obtained by dividing the difference between the time information (for example, steps S703b and S764) stored as the reference time information and the time information read in step S753 by 20 ms is calculated, and the calculated value is time-measured. Set as a timer correction value. Specifically, when the reference time information is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and the time information read out in step S753 is 9 hours, 40 minutes, 0 seconds, the difference is 10 Minute (600,000 ms), which is divided by 20 ms is 30000. Therefore, the correction value 30000 is set in the time measurement timer. Thus, the accuracy of the time measurement timer can be ensured by reading the time information from the real-time clock 108 and correcting the time measurement timer every predetermined period (1 minute or 1 second in this example). it can.

  That the value of the read timing counter has reached 30000 (Y in step S752) indicates that 20 ms × 30000 = 60000 ms, that is, 1 minute has elapsed. Accordingly, when the period from the time S751 to S754 is executed, and the time period until the simultaneous production starts is 1 minute or longer, the time information (hour / minute / second) is obtained from the real-time clock 108 every minute. Is read and the time measurement timer is corrected. In addition, although the example which always corrects a time measurement timer was demonstrated about step S754, the time information read by S753 or step S758 is temporarily memorize | stored, for example, the time information read last time and the time read this time The time measurement timer may be corrected only when the difference from the information is not the correct period (1 second or 1 minute). In addition, the time measurement timer is not limited to be corrected using the reference time information. If the period indicated by the previously read time information and the currently read time information does not match the correct period, the difference is set to 20 ms. It is also possible to correct by calculating the value divided by, and adding the calculated value to the value of the time measurement timer. Specifically, when the time information read last time is 9 hours, 50 minutes, 00 seconds, and the time information read after 1 minute measured by the read timing counter is 9 hours, 51 minutes, 10 seconds, As a value corresponding to +10 seconds, 10000 ms / 20 ms = 500 is subtracted from the value of the time measurement timer. If the time information read last time is 9 hours, 50 minutes, 00 seconds and the time information read after 1 minute measured by the read timing counter is 9 hours, 50 minutes, 50 seconds, −10 seconds. As a value corresponding to, 10000 ms / 20 ms = 500 is added to the value of the time measurement timer. Correcting the time measurement timer in this way can also ensure the accuracy of the time measurement timer.

  If the period until the simultaneous effect start timing is less than 1 minute (Y in step S751), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether the period until the simultaneous effect start timing is less than 1 second (step S756). Whether or not it is less than 1 second can be determined to be less than 1 second, for example, when the value of the time measurement timer is less than 50 (= 1000 ms / 20 ms). In this embodiment, the remaining time is confirmed using a time measuring timer. For example, when the power is turned on, a predetermined counter is set to 180000 as an initial value, and the value is subtracted by 1 every 20 ms. In this case, when the value of the predetermined counter is less than 50, it can be determined that it is less than 1 second. Also, for example, when the timing (hour / minute / second) for starting the simultaneous production is stored based on the time information read at the time of power-on in step S703b and the period indicated in the simultaneous production setting data. Compares the stored timing with the time indicated by the time information read from the previous real-time clock 108 and the time obtained by adding the time indicated by the time measurement timer multiplied by 20 ms. If it is larger, it is determined that it is not less than 1 second, and if the difference is 1 second or there is no difference, it can be determined that it is less than 1 second.

  If the period until the simultaneous effect start timing is not less than 1 second, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the readout timing counter is 50 (step S757). If the value of the read timing counter is not 50, the process is terminated.

  If the value of the read timing counter is 50 (Y in step S757), the effect control CPU 101 reads time information (minute / second) from the real-time clock 108 (step S758), and based on the read time information. Then, the time measurement timer is corrected (step S754). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 resets the value of the readout timing counter (step S755) and ends the process.

  That the value of the read timing counter has reached 50 (Y in step S757) indicates that 20 ms × 50 = 1000 ms, that is, 1 second has elapsed. Accordingly, by executing the processing of steps S756 to S758, when the time period until the simultaneous production starts is less than 1 minute and 1 second or more, the time information (minute / Second) is read and the time measurement timer is corrected.

  If the period until the simultaneous production start timing is less than 1 second (Y in step S756), the production control CPU 101 reads time information (seconds) from the real-time clock 108 (step S759), and second information of the read time information. However, it confirms whether it coincides with the timing (seconds) at which the simultaneous effect indicated by the reference time information and the simultaneous effect setting data is started (step S760).

  When the second information of the read time information coincides with the timing (second) for starting the simultaneous effect indicated by the reference time information and the simultaneous effect setting data, the effect control CPU 101 is used to measure the number of differences. It is confirmed whether or not the difference reference value is stored (step S761a). If the difference reference value is not stored, the effect control CPU 101 stores the value of the readout timing counter as the difference reference value (step S761b), and ends the process. If the difference reference value is stored, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the difference between the value of the readout timing counter and the difference reference value matches the value of the difference count data (step S762). If they do not match, the process ends. If they match, a simultaneous start condition establishment flag is set (step S763), and a time measurement timer is set based on the simultaneous effect setting data (step S764). In step S764, time information obtained by adding the period indicated by the simultaneous effect setting data to the time indicated by the reference time information is stored as new reference time information.

  As already described, for example, the time information read in step S703b is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and the value of the read timing counter when the second information read in step S703g changes. Is 5. In this case, the second information is changed 5 × 20 ms = 100 ms after the time information is read in step S703b. Therefore, when the time information read in step S703b is shown to the unit of second or less, it can be estimated that it is June 11, 9 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms. Therefore, in order to manage the measurement difference of 900 ms, 45 (× 20 ms = 900 ms), which is a value obtained by subtracting the read timing counter value 5 (× 20 ms = 100 ms) from 50 (× 20 ms = 1 second). Is stored as difference count data. In such a case, if the time information read from the real-time clock 108 indicates 10 hours, 30 minutes, and 0 seconds after 60 minutes have passed since the power was turned on, the value of the read timing counter at that time (for example, 10) is set. Stored as a difference reference value. Then, 1 is added to the value of the read timing counter every 20 ms, and when the value of the read timing counter matches the sum of the difference reference value (10) and the difference count data value (45), that is, 45 × 20 ms. = When 900 ms elapses and 10 hours, 30 minutes, 0 seconds, and 900 ms are reached, simultaneous production starts. By doing in this way, it is possible to start the simultaneous production by managing the time to a unit of seconds or less. In the example shown in FIG. 25B, the case where the difference count data = 5 is shown. In this case, the time information read from the real-time clock 108 is the simultaneous production start time (when power is turned on at 9: 30: 0 and the simultaneous production is performed at a period of 60 minutes, 10:30:30) Then, the difference reference value is set, and then the value of the read timing counter is incremented by 1 every 20 ms as the difference count. Then, at the timing when the difference between the value of the reading timing counter and the difference reference value matches the value of the difference count data, that is, when the process of adding 1 to the value of the reading timing counter is performed five times, Has been started.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), after the difference count data is set, the time information (hour / minute / second) of the real-time clock 108 is read every minute (steps S751 to S755). ). Also, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the time information (minute / second) of the real-time clock 108 is read every second when one minute before the start of the simultaneous performance (steps S756 to S758). Furthermore, when it is 1 second before the start of simultaneous production, the time information (seconds) of the real-time clock 108 is read every 20 m (steps S756 and S759). Thus, in this embodiment, the content of the time information to be read and the read cycle are made different as necessary, so that it is possible to prevent an increase in processing load.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first executes a simultaneous effect process (step S800a). In this embodiment, when a predetermined condition (in this example, the simultaneous effect start condition establishment flag is set) is satisfied, the process of step S800a is executed, and the variable display is executed. Regardless of whether or not there is a simultaneous production. Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes a pre-reading notice effect process (step S800b). Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the change pattern command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value (“1”) corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801).

  Production symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the production symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (“2”) corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

  Production symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (“3”) corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing stop of all symbols, the variation of the effect symbol is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (“4” or “0”) corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (“5”) corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (“6”) corresponding to the big hit end effect process (step S806).

  Big hit end effect processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value (“0”) corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the simultaneous effect process (step S800a) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the simultaneous effect process, the effect control CPU 101 first confirms whether or not the setting content of the simultaneous effect setting data permits execution of the simultaneous effect (step S5101). Specifically, if the start timing (cycle) of the simultaneous effect set by the simultaneous effect setting data is a 0 minute period, that is, if it is set not to execute the simultaneous effect, the execution of the simultaneous effect is permitted. Judge that it is not. If execution of the simultaneous performance is not permitted, the process is terminated as it is.

  If the execution of the simultaneous effect is permitted, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the simultaneous effect execution flag indicating that the simultaneous effect is being executed is set (step S5102). If the simultaneous effect execution flag is not set (that is, if the simultaneous effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the simultaneous effect start condition establishment flag is set (step S5103). . If the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag is not set, the processing is ended as it is.

  If the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag is set (that is, if the simultaneous production start condition is established), the production control CPU 101 resets the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag (step S5104).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to start the simultaneous effect moving image reproduction on the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step S5105). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a simultaneous effect execution flag (step S5106), and the simultaneous effect period measurement timer for measuring the execution time of the simultaneous effect corresponds to a predetermined period (in this example, 5 minutes). A value is set (step S5107).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds) to a switching timer for measuring the timing for forcibly switching the production contents of the simultaneous production (step S5108) and the switching destination. An initial value (for example, 1) is set to the switching pointer indicating the frame (effect content) (step S5109).

  In this embodiment, a moving image is reproduced in the background of the effect display device 9 as a simultaneous effect. Further, along with the reproduction of the moving image, light emission from a predetermined lamp and audio output are performed. At this time, the change display of the effect design is executed in the same manner as in the normal time when the simultaneous effect is not executed. Note that the present invention is not limited to the example shown in this embodiment, and for example, a simultaneous effect is realized by any one of reproduction of a moving image (or display of a still image), light emission of a lamp and sound output, or a combination thereof. May be.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, simultaneous production is performed over 5 minutes, and the switching point is provided for every predetermined period (10 seconds in this example). FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration example of simultaneous effect moving image data stored in the CGROM. As shown in FIG. 32, the simultaneous effect moving image data has a configuration in which a file header is set at the first address, and then a frame header and compressed data of each frame are sequentially set. In the stream, a frame header of frames 1 to N and compressed data (background image) are set in order. Then, switching points (1) to (n) associated with the frames are provided every 10 seconds from the start of the simultaneous performance. Specifically, the frame L and the switching point (1) are associated with each other, and the frame M and the switching point (2) are associated with each other. The value of the switching pointer is used to specify the frame associated with the switching point.

  The moving image data is encoded by, for example, MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2) encoding method. Since the amount of image data before encoding is reduced by encoding, the encoded image data is referred to as compressed data.

  In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 32, only the data configuration example of the moving image data for simultaneous production is shown. However, in this embodiment, as the simultaneous production, as a moving image is reproduced, Since sound output is performed, lamp emission control data and sound output data associated with each frame of the simultaneous effect moving image data are separately provided.

  When the simultaneous effect execution flag is set (Y in step S5102), that is, when the simultaneous effect is being executed, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the simultaneous effect period measurement timer. (Step S5110). Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the simultaneous effect period measurement timer after subtraction has timed out (step S5111). If not timed out, the process proceeds to step S5114. If the simultaneous production period measurement timer has timed out (that is, if a predetermined period (in this example, 5 minutes) has elapsed and the simultaneous production end condition is satisfied), the production control CPU 101 performs the production display device 9. In step S5112, control is performed to end the reproduction of the simultaneously produced moving image on the display screen. Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets the simultaneous effect execution flag (step S5113) and ends the process.

  When the simultaneous production period measurement timer after subtraction has not timed out (N in S5109), the production control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the switching timer (step S5114). Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the switching timer after subtraction has timed out (step S5115). If it has not timed out, the process is terminated as it is. If the switching timer has timed out, that is, if a predetermined period (10 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the simultaneous performance (or the previous switching timing), the performance control CPU 101 displays the simultaneous performance as a switching pointer. The control is executed by forcibly switching to the contents of the frame corresponding to (step S5116). Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 10 seconds) in the switching timer (step S5117) and adds 1 to the value of the switching pointer (step S5118). Then, the process ends.

  In step S5116, the control for forcibly switching the simultaneous effect to the content of the frame corresponding to the switching pointer may be realized, for example, by giving a cancel command to the VDP 109 from the effect control CPU 101. Specifically, the content control CPU 101 gives the VDP 109 an instruction to cancel the already given instruction (for example, an instruction to display the contents of the frame L-1), and then the contents of the frame corresponding to the pointer. This is realized by giving a command to display (for example, a command to display the contents of the frame L). In this case, only the command related to the simultaneous performance may be canceled.

  As already described, in the case of effect display by simultaneous effect or pre-reading notice effect (for example, “change in change mode” to be described later) in addition to effect symbol change display, an image is not displayed at an assumed timing. Processing failure may occur. Then, in a plurality of gaming machines, after a simultaneous production is started at the same time, if a processing failure occurs in any of the gaming machines, the progress status of the subsequent simultaneous production will be shifted.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, by executing the processes of steps S5114 to S5118, when performing a simultaneous effect, the frame corresponding to the timing is determined at each timing when a predetermined period (in this example, 10 seconds) has elapsed. It is configured to forcibly switch to the production contents. By comprising in this way, it can prevent that the shift | offset | difference arises in the progress condition of simultaneous production.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the switching timing of simultaneous effects. FIG. 33A shows an example in the case where no processing loss occurs. As shown in FIG. 33 (a), when a simultaneous effect is started, eight circular images are displayed as background images on the effect display device 9 so as to surround the variable display of effect symbols. If no processing loss occurs, eight pentagons are displayed as background images at the timing when 10 seconds have elapsed.

  FIG. 33 (b) is an example of a case where a processing failure occurs after applying the technique described in the prior art and starting a simultaneous performance. As shown in FIG. 33 (b), when a simultaneous effect is started, eight circular images are displayed as background images on the effect display device 9 so as to surround the variable display of effect symbols. Here, when processing loss occurs, at the timing when 10 seconds have elapsed, when eight pentagons are originally displayed as a background image, eight circles are still displayed. Then, after a lapse of 10 seconds, eight pentagons are displayed as background images. That is, the image corresponding to the frame L in FIG. 32 must be displayed 10 seconds after the simultaneous production starts. For example, in the production operation control process (step S706), the image data is developed in the frame buffer. If it takes more time than expected to perform the processing, it will be displayed with a delay. For this reason, if a processing failure occurs after applying the technique described in the prior art and starting the simultaneous effect, the progress of the simultaneous effect is shifted.

  FIG. 33 (c) is an example in the case where a processing failure occurs after the simultaneous production is started in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33 (c), when the simultaneous effect is started, eight circles are displayed as background images so as to surround the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9. Here, if processing loss occurs, a delay occurs in the progress of the simultaneous performance. However, in this embodiment, the content (frame corresponding to the switching pointer (1)) originally displayed as the background image at the timing when a predetermined period (in this example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the simultaneous production was started. Control to forcibly switch to L) is performed. Therefore, at the timing when a predetermined period (10 seconds in this example) elapses, eight pentagons are displayed as the background image, and it is possible to prevent the progress of the simultaneous performance from being shifted.

  In this embodiment, it has been described that by responding to a delay due to processing failure, it is prevented that the progress of the simultaneous performance progresses. However, for example, the performance advances more than expected due to a bug or some factor. There is a case. However, in this case as well, it is possible to prevent the progress of the simultaneous performance from being deviated by configuring so as to forcibly switch to the contents of the frame according to the timing at the timing when the predetermined period has elapsed. .

  In addition, in this embodiment, it is configured to forcibly switch to the content of the frame according to the timing at the timing when the predetermined period has elapsed, regardless of whether or not the progress of the simultaneous performance is misaligned. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is determined whether or not there is a shift at a timing when a predetermined period has elapsed, and only when it is determined that there is a shift, the content of the frame according to the timing is forcibly switched. Good.

  In this embodiment, when the simultaneous production start condition establishment flag is set in the simultaneous production process, an initial value is set in the switching timer (step S5107). Subtraction of the value is started (step S5114). For example, in the time measurement process, the initial value is set in the switching timer and the subtraction is started at the timing of setting the simultaneous effect start condition establishment flag (step S763). May be. That is, the measurement of the switching timing may be started from the timing when the simultaneous effect start condition establishment flag is set.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the simultaneous effect process of step S800a is executed before the processes of steps S800 to S806 in the effect control process shown in FIG. 30, the start condition of the simultaneous effect is satisfied. Even if it is a big hit game, simultaneous production is executed. In this case, since the effect during the big hit game is executed in the effect display device 9, the execution of the simultaneous effect is continued by, for example, reducing the video playback of the simultaneous effect on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. You just have to do it. Then, for example, when a predetermined period (5 minutes in this example) has elapsed during the big hit game and the end condition of the simultaneous performance is satisfied, the video playback that has been displayed in a reduced size is terminated and the simultaneous performance is executed. Should be terminated.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the pre-reading notice effect determining process (step S800a) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the pre-read notice effect determination process, the effect control CPU 101 first confirms whether any winning determination result designation command has been received (step S902). In order to determine whether or not any winning determination result designation command has been received, for example, a flag indicating that the command has been received in the processing of steps S652 and S654 of the command analysis processing shown in FIG. 27 is set. To do. By doing so, it is possible to confirm whether or not any winning determination result designation command has been received in the process of step S902 depending on whether or not the flag is set. If any winning determination result designation command has not been received, the process ends.

  If any winning determination result designation command is received, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the simultaneous effect execution flag is set (step S903). It is determined whether or not to execute the prefetching notice effect using the normal prefetching notice effect determination table (step S904).

  When the simultaneous effect execution flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 uses the special prefetch notice effect determination table to determine whether or not to execute the prefetch notice effect and the kind of notice to be executed. (Step S906).

  FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of a prefetch notice effect determination table. In the pre-reading notice effect determination table, a determination item (decided item: “do not execute”, “pending display change”, or “change in change mode”) is determined for each determination result at the time of winning indicated by the winning determination result designation command. Although the corresponding determination value is assigned, in the example shown in FIG. 35, the ratio of the assigned determination value is shown for the sake of simplicity. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for the pre-reading notice effect, and determines the determination item to which a determination value that matches the extracted random number is assigned. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 35, the numerical value corresponding to the determination item (determination item: “do not execute”, “pending display change”, or “change in change mode”) in each winning determination result is as a determination item. This indicates the percentage (%) at which “do not execute”, “pending display change” or “change in change form” is selected. Note that the decision to “do not execute” means that the pre-reading notice effect is not executed.

  In this embodiment, when “change on hold display” is determined as a decision item, a pre-reading notice effect in which the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the determination result at the time of winning changes is executed. In addition, if the decision item is changed to “change in variation mode”, the variation pattern (for example, the background screen or the design of the design changes) is changed until the reserved memory corresponding to the determination result at the time of winning is consumed. The pre-reading notice effect in which the variation display of the effect symbol is performed is executed.

  In the prefetch notice effect determination tables shown in FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b), what is characteristic is that the display result is a big hit rather than a loss, and the higher value big hit is more than “not executed”. In other words, the determination value is set so that the ratio determined as “pending display change” or “change in change form” becomes high. By having such a feature, when the pre-reading notice effect is not executed, the rate at which the display result is a big hit or the rate at which the higher value is a big hit is increased. Can do. That is, the degree of expectation is higher when the prefetching notice effect is executed than when the prefetching notice effect is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the pre-reading notice effect is executed.

  35 (a) and 35 (b) is characterized in that the special prefetching notice effect determination table shown in FIG. 35 (b) is the normal prefetching notice determination table shown in FIG. 35 (a). That is, the determination value is set so as not to be determined as “change in variation form” which can be determined in the effect determination table. The special prefetch notice effect determination table shown in FIG. 35B is used only when the simultaneous effect execution flag is set. Therefore, the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation mode” is not executed while the simultaneous effect is being executed.

  The pre-reading notice effect “change in variation mode” is an effect of performing variation display of the production symbol in a variation form different from normal (for example, the design of the background screen or production design changes, etc.). Compared with the changing “pending display change”, the amount of image data to be displayed is large and the processing load is large. For this reason, processing failure may occur when the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation mode” is executed simultaneously with the simultaneous effect.

  Therefore, this embodiment is configured to limit the execution of the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation mode” when the simultaneous effect is being executed. By comprising in this way, it can suppress that a process omission generate | occur | produces during execution of simultaneous production.

  In this embodiment, it is configured to limit the execution of the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation mode” that has a large processing load when the simultaneous effect is being executed. There are also restrictions on the execution of effects that are likely to cause large processing loss, such as effects that draw large images, effects that draw many images, and effects that combine image drawing with audio output, lamp lighting, etc. You may make it do. Further, the restricted effects are not limited to the pre-reading notice effects, and may include effects such as a notice effect and a demonstration effect for the change (that is, a change display during execution).

  Further, in this embodiment, when a simultaneous effect is being executed, the execution of other effects with a large processing load is restricted, but not limited to the processing load, there is a possibility of overlapping with the effect of the simultaneous effect. You may make it restrict | limit execution of a certain production. For example, if a prefetching notice effect that outputs a predetermined sound effect or a prefetching notice effect that hides the background screen can be executed, it may overlap with the sound output or video playback by the simultaneous effect. Execution of the production may be limited.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the simultaneous production is being executed, it is configured to completely restrict (that is, not to execute) the pre-reading notice effect “change of variation mode”. When the judgment result indicates a specific fluctuation pattern (super reach, etc.) or when it indicates a big hit, that is, when the expectation is extremely high, The pre-reading notice effect “change in variation mode” may be executable. In this case, not only the pre-reading notice effect but also the notice effect for the change (that is, the change display being executed) may be executable.

  When the process of step S904 or S906 is terminated and it is determined to be “pending display change” (Y in step S907), the production control CPU 101 corresponds to the determination result at the time of winning that is the determination target in step S904 or S906. The display mode of the hold display to be performed is changed from the normal mode to the specific mode (step S908). Thereafter, the process ends. In addition, you may make it change to a different display mode by using which table of a normal prefetch notice effect determination table and a special prefetch notice effect determination table is used, and it is determined to be "pending display change". That is, a display mode of a hold display that can be displayed only during simultaneous production may be provided.

  In addition, when it is determined not to be “pending display change” (N in step S907) but to “change in change mode” (Y in step S910), the effect control CPU 101 determines the pre-reading notice effect “change mode change”. The current number of reserved memories is set in the pre-reading notice effect counter for specifying the period for executing “change” (step S911). In the processing of step S911, the effect control CPU 101 receives the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation form” based on the reception of any one of the winning determination result 1 designation command to the winning determination result 9 designation command shown in FIG. When it is decided to execute the first preserving notice effect counter, the first reserved memory number is set. In addition, when it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect “change of variation form” based on receiving any of the winning determination result 10 designation command to the winning judgment result 18 designation command, the pre-reading notice effect The second reserved memory number is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the value of the pre-reading notice effect counter is set in step S911, and 1 is subtracted in step S8303b of the effect symbol stop process (or reset in the case of big hit or small hit (step S8303a)). . Then, in the effect symbol start process, if the value of the pre-reading notice effect counter is larger than 0, the effect symbol is displayed in a variation form different from normal. In this way, when the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation pattern” is executed, the variation display of the effect symbol is performed in a variation pattern different from normal until the reserved memory corresponding to the determined winning determination result is consumed. .

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 shifts the display so as to erase the hold display corresponding to the variable display to be started, thereby reducing the hold display by 1 (step S8000b). In the process of step S8000b, when the variable display of the first special symbol is started (when the first symbol variation designation command is received), the effect control CPU 101 displays the hold display on the first hold memory display unit 18c. When the variable display of the second special symbol is started (when the second symbol variation designation command is received), the hold display in the second hold storage display unit 18d is shifted.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the winning determination result designation command stored in the storage area # 1 of the winning determination result storage buffer, and shifts the contents of the winning determination result storage buffer (step S8000c). That is, the contents of the storage area #n (n: 2 to 4) are shifted to the storage area (n−1). Also, the first reserved memory number (when the variation of the first special symbol is executed) or the second reserved memory number (when the variation of the second special symbol is executed) is decremented by 1 (step S8000d). In the process of step S8000b, when the variable display of the first special symbol is started (when the first symbol variation designation command is received), the effect control CPU 101 uses the contents of the first winning determination result storage buffer. When the variable display of the second special symbol is started (when the second symbol variation designation command is received), the contents of the second winning determination result storage buffer are shifted.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area, and uses the read variation pattern command and the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (that is, the received display result designation command). In response, the display result of the effect symbol (stop symbol) is determined (step S8001). That is, the display control result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the design symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means by executing the process of step S8001 by the CPU 101 for the effect control. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 38, when the received display result designation command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol that usually reminds of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses odd symbols (probability variation) as 3 symbols as stop symbols. The combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. When the received display result designation command suddenly shows a probable big hit or small hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 4 designation command or a display result 5 designation command), the CPU 101 for effect control Determines a combination of effect symbols such as “135” as stop symbols. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of effect symbols and numerical values are associated with each other to generate the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating the combination of effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value matching the extracted random number.

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the presence / absence of simultaneous effects, a variation pattern, and a prefetching notice effect determination result (for example, whether the value of the prefetching notice effect counter is greater than 0) (step S8007). . Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8008).

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, there are described, for example, each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbols, the data indicating the presence / absence of the background effect and the effect mode. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value. In addition, even if it corresponds to the production control process timer determination value, the data corresponding to the production parts that are not to be controlled (for example, the suggested production described in the display control execution data of the process table used when the suggested production is not executed) Dummy data (data for which no control is specified) may be set in (data indicating the mode).

  The process table shown in FIG. 39 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to each variation pattern and the effect setting result. In this embodiment, when the simultaneous effect is being executed, the effect display device 9 performs background screen display and sound output for simultaneous effect, light emission control of the lamp, etc. Is performed in the same manner regardless of whether or not simultaneous production is being executed. However, even when simultaneous effects are being executed, if the variation pattern is in a specific mode (for example, super reach), background screen display, audio output, lamp emission control, etc. are performed according to the content of the variation pattern. Is called. In other words, when the variation pattern of the variation display that is started during the execution of the simultaneous performance is not a specific mode (for example, super reach), the effect display device 9 uses the background screen display or audio output for normal simultaneous performance, When the variation display of the design pattern is performed together with the light emission control of the lamp and the specific mode (for example, super reach), the background screen display and the audio output for simultaneous production according to the content of the variation pattern of the specific mode, Along with the light emission control of the lamp and the like, the variation display of the effect design is performed. In order to perform such control, when simultaneous production is being executed and the variation pattern is in a specific mode, data corresponding to the simultaneous production in accordance with the content of the variation pattern in the specific mode is set. When the process table is selected and the simultaneous production is being executed, and the variation pattern is not in a specific form, the process table in which data corresponding to the normal simultaneous production is set is selected. In addition, when it is determined to execute the prefetching notice effect “change in variation form” in the prefetching notice effect process, that is, when the value of the prefetching notice effect counter is larger than 0, the prefetching notice effect “change in variation form”. ”Is set, the process table is selected, and it is not decided to execute the pre-reading notice effect“ change of variation form ”, that is, when the value of the pre-reading notice effect counter is 0, A process table in which data corresponding to the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation form” is not set is selected. According to the process table in which data corresponding to the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation form” is set, for example, in the effect display device 9, the design of the background screen or effect symbol is changed to a dedicated one. Fluctuation display is performed. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the example of this embodiment. For example, when a simultaneous effect is being executed, in order to focus attention on the video playback by the simultaneous effect, the change in effect design is greater than when the simultaneous effect is not being executed. The display may be performed by reducing in the lower area of the effect display device 9.

  In addition, in the process table used when effect control is executed for a variation pattern with reach effect, the left symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time further elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the process table, an image for displaying the symbols is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream and the sliding effect. May be.

  In addition, the CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), effects device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component as an effect component) Control of various lamps and speakers 27R and 27L as effect parts is executed (step S8009). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the audio output board 70 in order to output audio from the speakers 27R and 27L.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8010), and the value of the effect control process flag is processed during the effect symbol variation (step S802). (Step S8011).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8101) and subtracts 1 from the value of the change time timer (step S8102).

  Next, when the process timer times out (step S8104), the effect control CPU 101 switches the process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8105). Further, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S8106).

  Next, if the confirmation command reception flag is set or the variation time timer has timed out (Y in step S8107, Y in S8108), the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to the effect symbol fluctuation stop. The value is updated to a value according to the process (step S803) (step S8111), and the effect symbol changing process is terminated.

  If the confirmation command reception flag is not set and the variation time timer has not timed out (N in step S8107, N in step S8108), the effect symbol variation process is terminated.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S8305. In this embodiment, when a big hit symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Accordingly, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set is a stage where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed but the fanfare effect is not yet executed, and therefore the processing of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S8305.

  When the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the determined stop symbol (offset symbol, jackpot symbol) (step S8302).

  Next, when neither the big winning symbol nor the small winning symbol is displayed in the process of step S8302 (that is, when a loss symbol is displayed) (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 reads the pre-reading notice effect counter. If the value of is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted (step S8302b), and the process proceeds to step S8311.

  When the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the value of the prefetch notice effect counter is reset (step S8302a). If the value of the prefetch notice effect counter is 0, the process of step S8302a may be omitted.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets a stop symbol display flag (step S8304), and receives a big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that a big hit start designation command has been received or a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command. It is confirmed whether or not a small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set (step S8305). When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S8306), and responds to the fanfare effect. A process table is selected (step S8307). When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / sudden probability sudden change big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the set flag.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 starts the process timer by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S8308), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number) Control of the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component, the various lamps as the effect component, and the speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed according to the data 1 and the movable member control data 1) (step S8309). Thereafter, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S8310).

  When it is determined that neither big hit nor small hit is made (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8311). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag and the second symbol variation designation command reception flag. If it is set, the switched flag is also reset.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S8312).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the clocking means capable of timing (for example, the time measurement timer realized by the real-time clock 108 or the effect control CPU 101) and the clocking information clocked by the clocking means, Specific effect execution means (for example, the part in which the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S706 and S5105) for executing a specific effect (for example, simultaneous effect) by performing a series of controls for a predetermined period is provided. Then, the specific effect executing means performs control (for example, a frame) at a specific timing in a series of controls at a specific timing when a specific period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the execution of the specific effect is started. The control for displaying the contents of L. See FIG. 32 and FIG. 33). (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 executes steps S5115 to S5116). With such a configuration, it is possible to start the specific effect based on the time information and to prevent the progress of the specific effect from being shifted.

  Further, in this embodiment, variable display means (for example, first special symbol display) for performing variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the effect symbol) that can be identified. Advantageous state (for example, jackpot gaming state or probability change state) advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, jackpot symbol) is derived and displayed on the device 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the effect display device 9) It is configured to control to a short time state or the like. With such a configuration, the progress of the game can be grasped by the variable display of the identification information.

  Further, in this embodiment, a notice effect execution means (for example, a notice effect for predicting the possibility of being controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a notice effect for a pre-read notice effect or a change display during execution)) When the specific effect is executed by the specific effect executing means when the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S908, S8009, and S8106, and the specific effect is executed (for example, Preliminary effect execution restricting means (for example, a portion in which the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S903 to S906 (see FIG. 35)) for limiting the execution of the pre-reading notice effect “change in variation form”) is configured. Has been. By being configured in this way, it is possible to make it difficult for a processing failure to occur by restricting the execution of a specific notice effect.

  Further, in this embodiment, setting means (for example, simultaneous effect setting button 19) that can set whether or not to execute the specific effect is provided, and the specific effect executing means is set unless the specific effect is executed by the setting means. In this case, the specific effect is not executed (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S711 and S5101). With such a configuration, it is possible to make a setting according to the preference for the specific effect.

  In this embodiment, the first time measuring means (for example, the real-time clock 108) capable of timing regardless of whether power is supplied to the gaming machine, and time can be measured when power is supplied to the gaming machine. Second time measuring means (for example, a time measuring timer realized by the CPU for effect control 101) and reading means for reading time information timed by the first time measuring means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs steps S703b, S703e, S753). , S758 and S759). The second time measuring means measures time based on the time information measured by the first time measuring means read by the reading means (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 performs steps S703b, S703c, S750b, S753, S754, S758). Part to execute). Also, difference measuring means for measuring the difference between the timing information measured by the first timing means and the timing information measured by the second timing means when the power supply to the gaming machine is started (for example, an effect control microcomputer) 100 further includes a portion for executing steps S703d to S703h (see FIG. 25A). Then, the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect based on at least the time information measured by the second time measuring means and the difference measured by the difference measuring means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs steps S759 to S763). , S800a is executed (see FIG. 25B). With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately manage the start timing of the specific effect.

  In this embodiment, the first time measuring means (for example, the real-time clock 108) capable of timing regardless of whether power is supplied to the gaming machine, and time can be measured when power is supplied to the gaming machine. Identified based on second time measuring means (for example, a time measuring timer realized by the CPU 101 for effect control), reading means for reading time information timed by the first time measuring means, and at least time information measured by the second time measuring means A specific effect executing means for executing an effect (for example, simultaneous effect), the second time measuring means measures time based on the time information measured by the first time measuring means read by the reading means, and the reading means includes: When the period until the timing at which the specific effect execution means executes the specific effect is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute or more), the first period (for example, every minute) When the period from the time information is read and the specific effect execution means executes the specific effect is less than the predetermined period (for example, less than 1 minute), the second period (for example, every second) shorter than the first period. ) To read timing information. With such a configuration, time information is read out as necessary, so that time can be accurately measured and an increase in processing load can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the first time measuring means (for example, the real time clock 108) is configured to have a time measuring error smaller than that of the second time measuring means (for example, the time measuring timer). With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively time using the first time measuring means and the second time measuring means.

  Further, in this embodiment, the reading means reads the timing information in a third period (for example, every 20 ms) shorter than the second period after reading the timing information in the second period (for example, every second). When measuring the difference (for example, difference count data) between the timekeeping information timed by the first timekeeping means and the timekeeping information timed by the second timekeeping means when reading and power supply to the gaming machine is started, The time measurement information is read out in the third period. With such a configuration, time information is read out as necessary, so that time can be accurately measured and an increase in processing load can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the setting means (for example, the simultaneous effect setting button 19) that can set the timing at which the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect, and the setting means even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. A backup storage means (for example, a backup RAM of the production control microcomputer 100) capable of holding backup data including the setting result for a predetermined period is provided. By comprising in that way, the production effect of a specific production can be improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to match the number of reserved memories stored in the game control microcomputer 560 and the effect control microcomputer 100, the game control microcomputer 560 and the effect control microcomputer at the time of starting winning a prize. A command indicating that the number of reserved memories has increased (first reserved memory number addition designation command or second reserved memory number addition designation command) is transmitted to 100, and the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the command. In some cases, the number of reserved memories is incremented by one, and the number of reserved memories is decremented by one at the start of variation of the effect design, but a different configuration may be used. For example, a command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command or second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) indicating that the number of reserved memories has decreased is provided, and the game control microcomputer 560 is used for effect control at the start of special symbol variation. You may make it transmit to the microcomputer 100. FIG. In this case, in the production control microcomputer 100, when the command indicating that the reserved memory number is increased is added when the command indicating that the reserved memory number is increased, and when the command indicating that the reserved memory number is decreased is received. The pending storage number is decremented by 1.

  Note that the structure described in the above embodiment can also be applied to a game system called a so-called portable interlocking system. A gaming system called a mobile-linked system generally has a gaming machine that outputs predetermined information based on establishment of a predetermined condition, and a predetermined privilege for a player based on the predetermined information output by the gaming machine. A privilege granting device for performing the granting process.

  Specifically, in the gaming system as described above, the gaming machine has a predetermined condition such as the number of fluctuations, the number of jackpots, the so-called consecutive resort number (the number of jackpots during the probability variation state), the number of mission achievements, etc. It is stored as a history, and a two-dimensional code or the like is displayed as predetermined information at the end of the game. Further, the player uses a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone with a camera function to photograph the two-dimensional code displayed on the gaming machine and transmits it to a Web server (privilege granting device) on the Internet. Then, the Web server manages the game history of the player based on the received information, and performs a process of giving a predetermined privilege according to the game history. For example, as a predetermined privilege, the Web server transmits digital content such as image content and music content to the player's mobile terminal, or transmits a predetermined password to the player's mobile terminal and the player next time When a game is played, processing is performed so that the display screen of the gaming machine can be customized according to the player's preference.

  When the configuration shown in the above embodiment is applied to the gaming system as described above, for example, it is assumed that a predetermined condition is established when the pre-reading notice effect is executed and a big hit is made, and the number of times is determined by the Web server. It may be managed as a game history. Then, according to the number of times that the pre-reading notice effect is executed and a big hit is made, digital contents may be transmitted as a predetermined privilege or the display screen of the gaming machine may be customized.

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the change pattern indicating the change mode such as the change time, the type of reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, etc., 1 is used when the change is started. Although an example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the first command to indicate whether there is a pseudo-ream, a slip effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reach). A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command has reached the reach such as the type of reach and presence / absence of re-lottery effect (if the reach is not reach, so-called first) You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and fluctuation | variation aspect (after 2 stop). In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 notifies the change time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 selects the specific change mode executed at each timing. It may be. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After sending the first command, a certain period of time has passed (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. In this way, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, “the ratio is different” is not limited to only those having different ratios such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%, This is a concept including a ratio that is different in a relationship of A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

  In the above-described embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 5). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of the gaming machine. However, according to the present invention, a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types are set according to the operation of the operation lever by the player. When the symbol is rotated and the symbol is stopped according to the stop button operation by the player, if the combination of the stop symbol becomes a specific symbol combination, it applies to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player It is also possible.

  In the above embodiment, the game machine uses a game medium as an example. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media, and a game ball The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that encloses game media such as the above and gives a score when a prize granting condition is satisfied.

  Also, in the above embodiment, the gaming machine controlled to the probable change state after the big hit game is shown based on the fact that the big hit type is a probable big hit or a normal big hit and the big hit type is determined to be a promiscuous big hit. It is not limited to such a gaming machine. For example, a special variable winning ball apparatus in which a predetermined probability changing area is provided (a certain variable winning ball apparatus may be provided in a single special variable winning ball apparatus, or a plurality of special variable winning balls may be provided. A probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device), and the probability variation is determined based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the big hit game. The configuration described in the above embodiment can also be applied to a gaming machine that is controlled to a certain change state after the completion.

  The present invention is applicable to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (3)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A timing means capable of timing;
Based on the timing information the clock means is clocking, and a predetermined time period, the specific effect execution means for executing a specific effect,
The specific effect execution means determines whether or not the progress status of the scheduled specific effect matches the actual progress status at a specific timing when the specific period has elapsed since the execution of the specific effect was started , If it is not a match is to effect mode to be executed in the specific timing, and switches the representation embodiment running. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when a specific display result is derived and displayed on variable display means for performing variable display of a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each of them, the gaming machine is controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player. A notice effect execution means for executing a notice effect for notifying the possibility of being controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player;
When a specific effect is being executed by the specific effect executing means, a notice effect execution restricting means for restricting execution of a specific notice effect among a plurality of types of the notice effects is provided.
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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