JP6487403B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

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

"Pachinko victory guide", Hakuyo Shobo Co., Ltd., issued on May 7, 2011, May 7, 2011 issue, page 14, CR Pachinko Zenjigata Hiji with team Z, "Pending change notice"

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

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

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

A gaming machine (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
Special game determination means (100) for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to execute a special game (big hit game) based on the game information acquired by establishing the start condition;
Storage means (100) capable of storing the game information;
Prior determination means (100) for performing a prior determination as to whether or not to perform a special game before the special game determination based on the game information stored in the storage means is performed;
Production control means (400, 500) for performing production using display means (6) and sound output means (35) for outputting sound,
The production control means includes
The holding symbol (holding image) corresponding to the game information stored in the storage unit can be displayed on the display unit in a normal display mode (default display mode) that does not suggest the possibility of a special game being performed,
Based on the result of the prior determination, the display in a special display mode (color display mode) suggesting that there is a higher possibility that a special game will be performed than when the reserved symbols are displayed in the normal display mode. Can be displayed on the means (see, for example, RI2 in FIG. 35 (1)),
Based on the result of the prior determination, a first sound that expects a special game to be played (Zuburn (super hot sound): see FIG. 36 (1)) or a second sound different from the first sound. Sound (Chillon: see FIG. 35 (1)) can be output from the sound output means,
When outputting the first sound, the reserved symbol can be displayed in the normal display mode (see FIG. 36 (1)),
When outputting the second sound, the reserved symbol can be displayed in the special display mode (see FIG. 35 (1)),
The special display mode includes a first special display mode (e.g., blue, green) and a second special display mode (e.g., suggesting that the special game is more likely to be performed than the first special display mode). Red, gold)
When the reserved symbol is displayed in the normal display mode and the first sound is output, after the special game determination based on the game information corresponding to the reserved symbol is performed, the reserved symbol is As a typical display mode, it is easier to display in the second special display mode than in the first special display mode ( see FIGS . 26 and 36 ( 7)),
The first sound is more strongly expected to play a special game than the second sound.

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

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The figure for demonstrating an example of the game ball passage determination process peculiar to 1st Embodiment. An example of a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the power-off monitoring process in step S911 in FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 The figure for demonstrating the data used when performing a special figure game count process and a usual figure game count process, and the storage area (working area) of RAM103 of the main control part 100 An example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table The figure for demonstrating an example of a fluctuation pattern determination table An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the prefetch notice setting process in step S112 in FIG. An example of a prefetch notice effect determination table according to the first embodiment An example of the intense heat sound notice effect determination table according to the first embodiment An example of the final display mode determination table for the intense heat sound announcement effect execution target reserved image according to the first embodiment An example of a change pattern of a reserved image to be subjected to the intense heat sound announcement effect according to the first embodiment An example of a hold change table that is referred to when determining an initial display mode and a final display mode of a hold change notice effect execution target hold image that is not executed according to the first embodiment. An example of a change pattern of a hold change notice effect execution target hold image for non-execution of intense heat sound notice effect according to the first embodiment An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG. 30 is an example of a detailed flowchart showing the hold image display mode change setting process in step S1153 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing a part of timer interruption processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 in the first embodiment An example of a flowchart showing a part of timer interruption processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 in the first embodiment The figure for demonstrating a hold image and a digestion hold image The figure for demonstrating an example of the production image displayed in the image display part 6 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the production image displayed in the image display part 6 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. An example of a change pattern of a reserved image to be subjected to the intense heat sound announcement effect according to the second embodiment An example of a flowchart showing a part of timer interruption processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 in the second embodiment An example of a flowchart showing a part of timer interruption processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 in the second embodiment The figure for demonstrating an example of the production image displayed in the image display part 6 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the switch processing described above may be configured such that the proximity switch itself converts the analog signal into a binarized signal and outputs it, and the binarized signal is output from the proximity switch.

  This is the end of the description of the switch processing (game ball passage determination processing) of the first embodiment, and the description returns to FIG. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Outline of gaming state in the first embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/300), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/50). In the non-electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and even if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is short (for example, 0.10 seconds). Is a game state in which the release control is performed only once), and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state (for example, 10/10), and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is long (for example, 2.00 seconds). 3), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and it is easy for the game balls to enter the second start port 22 frequently (winning). A gaming state. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time, and the short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is shortened compared to the non-short-time state. The jackpot game state is a game state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 23 is opened. In the first embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. In this gaming state, the gaming ball can easily win the second starting port 22, thereby playing the gaming ball. Thus, a lot of special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled to a low probability state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short time state is referred to as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state that is controlled to a low probability state, an electric support state, and a short time state is referred to as a short time gaming state. A gaming state controlled in a highly accurate state, an electric support state, and a short time state is referred to as a probability variation gaming state. In the first embodiment, there is no latent game state, which is a game state controlled to a high-accuracy state, a non-electric support state, and a non-time-saving state, and if a special symbol lottery is won, the big hit game is terminated. Then, the gaming state is controlled in the probability variation gaming state or the normal gaming state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Restoration process by main control unit 100]
FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S909 of FIG. First, in step S9091 of FIG. 9, the CPU 101 sets a work area of the RAM 103 at the time of restoration, and the process proceeds to step S9092.

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

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

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

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

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 serves as a starting value for updating various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers, and counting up each random number. Random number update processing for updating each initial value random number is executed. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 13 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the variation pattern random number) (that is, the circulation counter). To do). In addition, in the random number update process of step S1, each counter such as a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number is initialized to an initial value corresponding to each random number at that time when the loop counter counts once. A random number is acquired, and the loop counter is newly started using the initial random number as a start value. The random number ranges such as jackpot random numbers, design random numbers, reach random numbers, and fluctuation pattern random numbers may be set arbitrarily, but by setting each to a different range, the counter value (count) (Value) is preferably set so as not to synchronize.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a series of control times of a special symbol game is measured using one timer function (see 11A in FIG. 10 (3)). Here, in the conventional gaming machine, each control time (control time for special symbol variation display, control time for round execution, etc.) constituting the special symbol game was measured using an individual timer function. A separate time count area was provided for each control time constituting the special symbol game in the RAM storage area of the main control unit. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, as described above, the series of control times of the special symbol game is measured using one timer function, so that the calculation load can be effectively reduced. Further, according to the first embodiment, during the execution period of the special symbol variation display, the special symbol display 4a (or 4b) switches the three display modes of the 7-segment display in turn every 48 milliseconds and displays them cyclically. In order to measure the switching time, a timer function (see 12A in FIG. 10 (3)) different from the timer function (see 11A in FIG. 10 (3)) is used. From this, according to 1st Embodiment, the complexity of arithmetic processing can be suppressed effectively.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a conceptual diagram of a variation time table used for setting the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A. This variation time table is stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 for use. As shown in FIG. 11, the variation time table includes a variation pattern identification number, data indicating basic variation time (seconds), and data indicating addition variation time (seconds). The identification number of the variation pattern is a number for identifying the variation pattern included in the variation pattern determination tables HT1-1, HT1-2, HT2-1, and HT2-2, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. The basic variation time is a basic variation time constituting a variation pattern (that is, a special symbol variation time). The added fluctuation time is an added fluctuation time constituting a fluctuation pattern. A time obtained by adding the basic fluctuation time and the addition fluctuation time is a fluctuation pattern (see FIGS. 14 to 17). For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 1 is 90.10 seconds obtained by adding the addition variation time 0.10 seconds to the basic variation time 90 seconds. For example, the variation pattern corresponding to the identification number 21 is the basic variation time. 8 seconds.

  When measuring the special symbol variation display time in the area 11A of FIG. 10 (3), the CPU 101 determines the time data ("seconds") corresponding to the variation pattern determined in step S408 of FIG. (Time indicating data) is read from the fluctuation time table (FIG. 11) of the RAM 103, and the read time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data adapted to time measurement processing executed in a cycle of 4 milliseconds, The converted time data is written in the area 11A of the RAM 103. For example, when the value of the time data indicating the variation pattern “90.10 seconds” corresponding to the identification number 1 is set in the area 11A, the basic variation time 90 seconds and the addition variation time 0.10 from the variation time table of the RAM 103. The time data indicating the second is read and added, and the added time data is multiplied by 250 to be converted into time data “22525” adapted to the arithmetic processing of a cycle of 4 milliseconds, and the converted time data “22525” is converted into the RAM 103. Is written in the area 11A. In addition, for reference, time data that is multiplied by 250 and adapted to a calculation process with a period of 4 milliseconds is described on the side of the variation time table in FIG. Things (see values in parentheses) are adjusted to natural numbers by rounding off.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the time data indicating the change pattern (special symbol change time) of the change time table stored in the ROM 102 and read out to the RAM 103 is changed to the data indicating the time of “second” (that is, Time data of division value (refer to the basic fluctuation time portion in FIG. 11), and time data (ie, multiplication value) that is multiplied by 250 when setting the special symbol fluctuation time and is adapted to arithmetic processing of a period of 4 milliseconds. Time data; refer to the portion on the right side of the variable time table in FIG. 11). From this, according to the first embodiment, the data indicating the special symbol variation time in the variation time table may be suppressed to a data amount of 1 byte or less (see identification numbers 20 to 24 in FIG. 11). The used memory area of the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 can be effectively suppressed. Further, according to the first embodiment, for example, a special symbol variation time of 90.10 seconds, a special symbol variation time in which the data amount exceeds 1 byte even if indicated by the time data of the division value is an addition variation time. The time variation data (time data indicating the time after the decimal point) is divided into a variable time table (see FIG. 11). Here, in FIG. 11, the same time data value is described for each variation pattern in the table of the added variation time portion for convenience of explanation, but actually the same time data value is duplicated in this table. Only one is stored. For example, in the table of the added fluctuation time part, three time data values of 0.01 seconds are shown for convenience of explanation in FIG. 11, but only one is actually stored. From this, according to 1st Embodiment, the use memory area of ROM102 and RAM103 can be suppressed effectively. Here, in the first embodiment, for ease of explanation, 24 variation patterns are used (see FIG. 11). However, in an actual gaming machine, the variation pattern is enormous, 1000 to 10,000. Therefore, the effect of suppressing the used memory area according to the first embodiment is great in an actual gaming machine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  From the above, according to the first embodiment, the same effect as the special figure game count process already described can be realized also in the common figure game count process.

  In the configuration in which the series of control times of the special symbol game described above is measured using one timer function, winning in the big winning opening 23 is effective immediately after the big winning opening effective period in the control of the big hit game. There may be a period of suspension of the extra prize opening that is not considered.

  In addition, a control configuration capable of executing the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the first special symbol lottery and the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the second special symbol lottery in parallel, for example, The control time for special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by one special symbol lottery and the control time for jackpot game by winning the first special symbol lottery are measured using one timer function, while the second The control time for the special symbol variation display and special symbol stop display by the special symbol lottery and the control time for the big hit game by the winning of the second special symbol lottery may be measured using one other timer function.

  In addition, when measuring a series of control times of a special symbol game and a normal symbol game using one timer function, the elapsed time to be measured is measured by “addition” processing instead of “subtraction” processing. It is good. In this case, for example, whether or not the value of the timer (11A) on the special symbol game side has reached the time data value “125” indicating the measurement target time (for example, the special symbol stop display time of 0.5 seconds). It becomes control which judges.

  Further, as described above, in addition to storing the same time data value in the addition variation time portion table of FIG. 11 without storing them in duplicate, in the basic variation time portion table of FIG. However, the same time data value may not be stored redundantly, but only one may be stored, and the effect of suppressing the used memory area may be further enhanced.

  Moreover, you may measure the execution time of the various effects performed by the effect control part 400 grade | etc., By the method demonstrated above.

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

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 12 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  In step S 202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 1 (“4” in the first embodiment) of the number of first special symbol lotteries held from the ROM 102, and the number of first special symbol lottery held U 1 stored in the RAM 103. Is less than the upper limit value Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

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

  In step S204, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 101 performs pre-determination processing, and stores each set of random numbers (game information) acquired in step S204 in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number of the random number set such as the jackpot random number acquired in the processing of the latest step S204 matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102. It is determined in advance whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using random numbers is a big hit, whether or not a reach effect is executed, and the like. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is made in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, each set of random numbers used for prior determination is stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. Each time the value of the holding number U1 of the first special symbol lottery is subtracted by 1 in the process of step S409 in FIG. 13 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S204 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

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

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

  In step S 208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 2 (“4” in the first embodiment) of the number of second special symbol lotteries held from the ROM 102, and the number of second special symbol lottery held U 2 stored in the RAM 103. Is less than the upper limit value Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is YES, the process proceeds to step S209, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

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

  In step S210, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 101 performs pre-determination processing, and stores each set of random numbers (game information) acquired in step S210 in the RAM 103 in chronological order. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines the jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number of the random number set such as the jackpot random number acquired in the processing of the latest step S210 matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102. It is determined in advance whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using a random number is a big hit, whether or not to execute a reach effect. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is made in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, each set of random numbers used for prior determination is stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. Note that each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S409 of FIG. 13 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

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

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

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not it is during the special symbol variable display period by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. The special symbol variation display period here includes the special symbol stop display period (specified time; 0.5 seconds) described with reference to FIG. If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

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

  In step S404, the CPU 101 reads the random number set acquired in steps S210 and S211 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

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

  In step S406, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 in steps S204 and S205 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

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

In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. In the first embodiment, as an example, there are a probabilistic big hit that is set to a probable change game state until the next big hit after the big hit game, and a normal big hit that is set to a normal game state until the next big hit after the big hit game. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of winning the odds of having a relatively large profit for the player than the first special symbol lottery. Specifically, in the second special symbol lottery, 70% is a promising big hit and 30% is a normal big hit, while in the first special symbol lottery, 40% is a promising big hit and 60% is a normal big hit. And
The CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Here, as described in the processing in steps S403 to S406, in the first embodiment, the second special symbol lottery hold is digested in preference to the first special symbol lottery hold. Further, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), as described in the processing in steps S5 and S7 in FIG. 9, the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and the game balls are frequently won at the second starting port 22. Therefore, the second special symbol lottery is executed frequently and continuously. Further, as described in the processing in step S407, the second special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the second starting port 22 is more than the first special symbol lottery by winning the game ball to the first starting port 21. However, the winning ratio of probability variation big hits (big hits where the player's profit is large), which is controlled to the probability variation gaming state (short time state) until the next big hit, is large. Therefore, conversely, in the probability variation gaming state (short time state), when the first special symbol lottery is executed, it is controlled to the normal gaming state (a big hit with a small profit for the player) It can be said that there is a high possibility of winning. In the first embodiment, as described above with reference to HT2-2 in FIG. 17, in the probability variation gaming state (short-time state), the number of the second special symbol lottery hold is 2 to 4 and there is no reach On the other hand, it is easy to select a short-time variation pattern (2.00 seconds, 4.00 seconds), and the second special symbol lottery hold is digested at high speed while executing a game with a sense of speed. When the number of the second special symbol lottery is 1 and there is no reach, it is difficult to execute the first special symbol lottery which is relatively disadvantageous to the player by always selecting a long time fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds). I have control. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above with reference to HT2-1 in FIG. 17, in the probability variation gaming state (time-short state), the first special symbol lottery that is relatively disadvantageous to the player is executed. Even if the number of the first special symbol lottery is 1 to 4, the long-term fluctuation pattern (13.50 seconds) must be selected in the absence of reach, and the game will be played at the second start port 22 Control is performed so as to earn time for the ball to win and the second special symbol lottery that is relatively advantageous to the player to be executed.

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

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. Further, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state (for example, a probable variation gaming state) in the RAM 103. At that time, when the processing of step S407 and step S408 is executed following the processing of step S404, the CPU 101 updates the number of holdings U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 and also executes step S404. The random number set read out in (1) is deleted from the RAM 103. On the other hand, when the processing of step S407 and step S408 is executed subsequent to the processing of step S406, the CPU 101 updates the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting 1 and reads it in step S406. The random number set is deleted from the RAM 103. Further, the notification effect start command and the game state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

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

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

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

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

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 9 when a predetermined time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the stop display of the special symbol was started in the process of step S413. The jackpot game production is started.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “4” or “16” in the first embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, Setting information is set in the RAM 103. By the process of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the jackpot game, the interval time between rounds in the jackpot game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 19, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

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

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. The processing in step S613 is executed each time a game ball wins the big winning opening 23, so that the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. To go. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 9, and the winning process instruction in step S125 in FIG. 22 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

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

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

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

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. 9, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 19, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

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

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

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

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 cancels the setting information (typically, information based on a flag) indicating that a big hit game stored in the RAM 103 is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S623.

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, when the jackpot game is ended in step S622, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of jackpot (hit symbol) of this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27). Switch open settings). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Timer interrupt processing by production control unit]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 20, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 20 at regular time intervals (4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. In addition, the process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 demonstrated based on the flowchart after FIG. 20 is performed based on the program memorize | stored in ROM402.

  First, in step S11, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 9, sets the effect contents according to the received command, A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

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

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

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

  First, in step S111 in FIG. 21, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 ( (See steps S206 and S212 in FIG. 12). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S111, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold increase command, the CPU 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery (first hold data) in chronological order, When the second hold number increase command is received, the RAM 403 accumulates and stores one piece of data indicating the hold of the second special symbol lottery (second hold data) in chronological order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. In the process of step S115, which will be described later, the first reserved data stored first when the notification effect informing the first special symbol lottery result is instructed is deleted from the RAM 403, and the second special symbol lottery is performed. When the execution of the notification effect for informing the result is instructed, the second reserved data stored first is deleted from the RAM 403.

  In step S <b> 112, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the prefetching notice effect, and if so, performs processing for setting the content of the prefetching notice effect. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the intensely hot sound notice effect and the hold change notice effect as the pre-reading notice effect, and if so, the contents of the intense heat sound notice effect and the hold change notice effect Process to set. Here, although the intense heat sound production will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 36, a reserved image indicating that the special symbol lottery is reserved is displayed based on the prior determination information without suggesting the big hit reliability. At the same time as the display in the form, an intense heat sound (for example, a sound effect of “Zuban”) is output from the speaker 35 to suggest that there is a high probability of winning (reliability). Further, the hold change notice effect will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, but based on the preliminary determination information, the hold image and the digestion hold image indicating that the change is being performed (current change is shown). It is an effect that suggests the jackpot reliability by changing the display mode of the image that is the same as or partially different from the held image that indicates that the special symbol lottery related to is held to a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability . The pre-reading notice effect setting process will be described in detail later using FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 displays a hold image indicating the special symbol lottery hold on the image display unit 6 (additional display) to the image sound control unit 500 in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111. The image sound control unit 500 is instructed to do so. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a hold display command in the RAM 403. Here, when it is determined in step S112 that the prefetching notice effect (holding change notice effect, intense hot sound notice effect) is executed and the content of the prefetch notice effect is set, information indicating the setting contents (instruction information) ) Is included in the pending display command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

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

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

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 in FIG. 13 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 ends the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115 with respect to the image sound control unit 500 and the like, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (specified time). An instruction to produce a notice of the result of the special symbol lottery is given (with a fixed stop display (for 0.5 seconds)). Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S120 of FIG. 22, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process of step S414 of FIG. 13 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the big hit game effect is started. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect is an effect of informing the start of the jackpot game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 in FIG. 18 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a round effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during a round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image or the like in which the main character is fighting an enemy character. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 18 and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 9 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the winning process is, for example, a process of counting the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls won in the big winning opening 23 that is opened during the big hit game (during the round). The CPU 501 of the instructed image sound control unit 500 receives a winning command based on the game ball winning to the big winning opening 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, the big winning opening) 23, every time one game ball is won), the number of prize balls “13” corresponding to the 23 winning prizes is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 and updated to update the total number of prize balls. Is displayed on the image display unit 6. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 18 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 19 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the jackpot game effect is ended. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the mark of the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 13 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is YES, the process proceeds to step S131. If this determination is NO, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start the stop state process based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S130. Here, the stop state process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which all decorative symbols are stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the predetermined stop effect, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. Note that the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of causing the image display unit 6 to display a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1, or a predetermined effect (eg, reach effect) executed during the game. ) Is displayed on the image display unit 6. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. However, if the CPU 501 is notified of the information indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 25 or the information indicating that the game ball has won the normal winning opening, the CPU 501 continues without stopping the stop state process. . Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Pre-reading notice effect setting process]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27, the pre-reading notice effect setting process by the effect control unit 400 will be described. Here, the outline of the first embodiment will be described. The gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment changes the hold based on the pre-determined information included in the hold increase command (hold data) as the pre-reading notice effect. The notice effect and the intense heat sound notice effect can be executed. Here, the hold change notice effect is a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability, and is a digestion hold image indicating that the hold image and the same image as the hold image or a part of the hold image is changed. It is an effect that suggests the big hit reliability by displaying. In addition, the intense hot sound announcement effect is a big hit based on the prior determination information included in the hold increase command (hold data) when the hold data is added (when the hold image is first displayed on the image display unit 6). This is an effect that outputs a very hot sound (for example, a sound effect called “Zubarn”) that suggests that the reliability is extremely high. In addition, the hold image indicating the hold data that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is displayed in a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability until the next change of the change that is performed when the hold data is added is started. Control not to display. In addition, the hold image indicating the hold data that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is that the big hit reliability is high in the display mode that suggests the big hit reliability until the change of the hold data is started. Control not to display in the suggested display mode. In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a holding sound that is different for each display mode of the holding image and different from the intense heat sound, and when the holding data that is the execution target of the holding change notice effect is added. When the hold image indicating the hold data is displayed in a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability, it is possible to execute a hold sound effect that outputs a hold sound associated with the display mode of the hold image from the speaker 35.

  FIG. 23 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the prefetch notice effect setting process in step S112 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 23, the prefetching notice effect setting process of step S112 of FIG. 21 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S301, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 acquires prior determination information (that is, hold data) included in the hold increase command determined to be received in step S111 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the CPU 401 confirms (refers to) pre-determination information included in the hold data stored earlier than the current hold data analyzed in step S301 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the latest hold). In other words, the pre-determining information of the pending data already stored in the RAM 403 is confirmed when the current pending data is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the CPU 401 determines a predetermined condition for executing the pre-reading notice effect based on the pre-determined information of the current hold data analyzed in step S301 and the pre-determined information of the stored data that has already been confirmed in step S302. It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied. Here, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 34, in the first embodiment, in the normal gaming state in which the first special symbol lottery is mainly executed (non-electric support state and non-short-time state), the first special symbol lottery. Only the on-hold image indicating the on-hold is displayed on the image display unit 6. On the other hand, in the probability variation gaming state (electric support state and short time state) in which the second special symbol lottery is mainly executed, only the hold image indicating the suspension of the second special symbol lottery is displayed on the image display unit 6. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the pre-reading notice effect of the second special symbol lottery is not executed in the normal gaming state, and the pre-reading notice effect of the first special symbol lottery is not executed in the probability-changing gaming state. In the first embodiment, when the second special symbol lottery is performed during the pre-play notice effect of the first special symbol lottery in the normal gaming state, the background image is selected as the second special symbol lottery. The notification effect for informing the result of the second special symbol lottery is executed by changing the display to an image suggesting that the image is to be displayed and disabling the display of the hold image to interrupt the pre-reading notice effect. And after performing the notification effect which alert | reports the result of a 2nd special symbol lottery, while returning a background image to the display of the image before performing the alerting effect which alert | reports the result of a 2nd special symbol lottery, a hold image is displayed. Let the prefetch notice effect be resumed. In step S303, specifically, the CPU 401 is the special symbol lottery type (that is, the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery) indicated by the preliminary determination information of the current hold data acquired in step S301. Is a special symbol lottery type that can execute the pre-reading notice effect in the current gaming state (condition 1), and two or more hold images including the hold image displayed this time are displayed (condition 2), It is determined whether or not all the conditions that the pending change notice effect is not being executed (condition 3) are satisfied. If the determination in step S303 is YES, the process proceeds to step S304. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S113 in FIG.

  In step S304, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect by performing a lottery with an effect random number using the prefetching notice effect determination table shown in FIG. For example, if the prior determination information of the current pending data analyzed in step S301 indicates “big hit”, the CPU 401 acquires one effect random number that fluctuates from 0 to 99, and FIG. If the acquired value is “30”, for example, it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect is to be executed. In the first embodiment, when it is decided to execute the prefetching notice effect, it is decided to execute the hold change notice effect as the prefetching notice effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the CPU 401 determines whether or not it is determined in step S304 to execute the prefetch notice effect. If the determination in step S305 is YES, the process proceeds to step S306, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S113 in FIG.

  In step S306, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to execute the intense heat sound announcement effect by performing a lottery with an effect random number using the intense heat sound announcement effect determination table shown in FIG. For example, if the prior determination information of the current pending data analyzed in step S301 indicates “big hit”, the CPU 401 acquires one effect random number value that varies in the range of 0 to 99, and FIG. In the case where the acquired value is “50”, for example, it is determined that the intense heat sound notice effect is to be executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307.

  In step S307, the CPU 401 determines whether or not it is determined in step S306 to execute the intense heat sound notice effect. If the determination in step S307 is YES, the process proceeds to step S311. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the CPU 401 determines the initial display mode of the hold image indicating the latest hold as the display mode of the hold image when the hold change notice effect is not executed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a default display mode). In addition, the CPU 401 determines the final display mode of the hold image indicating the latest hold based on the final change mode determination table shown in FIG. 26 in order to determine the change pattern of the hold image to be described later with reference to FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, each final display mode depends on whether the prior determination information of the current pending data analyzed in step S301 indicates “big hit” or “losing”. The lottery ratio is determined, and the final display mode is determined based on the lottery ratio. For example, when the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “blue” and “green” are not determined as the final display mode, and the ratio of “red” is 60%. "Is determined to be 40%. On the other hand, when the prior determination information indicates “losing”, “blue” and “green” are not determined as the final display mode, and the ratio of “red” is 90%, "Is determined to be 10%. Accordingly, “blue” and “green” having relatively low jackpot reliability are not determined as the final display mode of the reserved image that is the execution target of the intense hot sound announcement effect, and the jackpot reliability is relatively high. “Red” and “Gold” will be decided. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S309.

  In step S309, the CPU 401 determines the change pattern of the reserved image whose final display mode has been determined in step S308. Specifically, based on the final display mode of the reserved image determined in step S308, the CPU 401 displays the number of the first special symbol lottery in the normal gaming state in which only the reserved image of the first special symbol lottery is displayed (first 27, the change pattern is determined by lottery with effect random numbers with reference to an inquiry table shown in FIG. 27 in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of hold data. In addition, in the probability variation gaming state in which only the second special symbol lottery hold image is displayed, the CPU 401 determines the number of hold data shown in FIG. 27 according to the number of second special symbol lottery hold (number of second hold data). A change pattern is determined by lottery with a production random number with reference to a reference table in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each. For example, when the number of pending data is four and “gold” is determined as the final display mode in step S308, the CPU 401 selects one of the change patterns “PD9” to “PD16” in (1) of FIG. Determine one of the following: In this case, when the change pattern “PD13” in (1) of FIG. 27 is determined, the hold image is displayed in the default display mode at the start of displaying the hold image (at the time of holding data acquisition), and the next variation ( It changes to “blue” after 3 changes), the next change (before 2 changes) is also displayed as “blue”, changes to “green” at the next change (before 1 change), and then digestion changes The display changes to “gold” which is the final display mode. Here, as shown in FIG. 27, the change pattern of the hold image that is the target of execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect is held until the next change is started from the change that is performed at the start of display of the hold image. It is defined to control that the image is displayed in the default display mode (not displayed in the display mode that suggests the big hit reliability). Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the change pattern of the reserved image that is the execution target of the intensely hot sound notice effect is the intensely hot sound notice after the start of the next change of the change that is performed at the start of displaying the reserved image. Until the change (digestion change) using the pending data that is the target of the production is started, among the display modes that suggest the jackpot reliability, “red”, which indicates that the jackpot reliability is relatively high, It is defined to control that the hold image is not displayed in the display mode of “gold” (the display mode of the hold image is not changed to “red” or “gold”). In the following, the fluctuation (notification effect) using the hold data as the execution target of the pre-reading notice effect is referred to as a digestion change. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S310, the CPU 401 determines an initial display mode and a final display mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a combination mode) of the hold image indicating the latest hold based on the display mode determination table shown in FIG. Here, the display mode determination table shown in FIG. 28 will be described. As shown in (1) of FIG. 28, the display mode determination table includes “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “gold” in which the color of the reserved image changes as the initial display mode and the final display mode. Four display modes are set. When the combination mode is determined based on the display mode determination table, the final display mode is first determined based on the latest pending advance determination information. Specifically, as shown in (2) of FIG. 28, each final display mode is determined depending on whether the pre-determination information indicates “big hit” or “lost”. The lottery ratio is determined, and the final display mode is determined based on the lottery ratio. For example, when the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, the ratio that “blue” is determined as the final display mode is 5%, the ratio that “green” is determined is 25%, and “red”. Is 40%, and the rate at which “gold” is executed is 30%. On the other hand, when the prior determination information indicates “losing”, the ratio of determining “blue” as the final display mode is 50%, the ratio of determining “green” is 35%, and “red”. Is determined at 12%, and “gold” is determined at 3%. Therefore, if “blue” is displayed as the final display mode of the hold image, there is a high possibility of “losing”. Further, at the time of big hit, the rate at which “red” is determined as the final display mode of the reserved image is high (40%), but at the time of loss, the rate at which “red” is determined is low (12%). For this reason, when “red” is displayed as the final display mode of the reserved image, there is a high possibility of being a “big hit” (big hit reliability). On the other hand, at the time of losing, the ratio that “blue” is determined is high (50%), but at the time of big hit, the ratio that “blue” is determined is low (5%). For this reason, when “blue” is displayed as the final display mode of the reserved image, the big hit reliability is low. Thus, in the first embodiment, the reliability of the final display mode shown in (2) of FIG. 28 increases toward the right. Next, an initial display mode is determined based on the determined final display mode. Specifically, as the initial display mode, a display mode in which the jackpot reliability is equal to or lower than the final display mode is determined. For example, when “red” is determined as the final display mode, as the initial display mode, any one of “blue”, “green”, and “red” whose jackpot reliability is “red” or less is selected by lottery. It is determined. The lottery ratio may be set in any way, but may be set according to the current number of holds, for example. Specifically, as the number of holds increases, it is easier to select a display mode with low reliability as the initial display mode of the hold image, and the hold image is gradually stepped toward the final display mode every time the hold is digested. It is good also as what makes it easy to change. As described above, when the display mode determination table shown in (1) of FIG. 28 is referred to and the final display mode and the initial display mode of the hold image are determined, for example, the final display mode “red”, the initial display The combination aspect “BR1” of the aspect “blue” is determined. As described above, after the combination mode of the reserved image is determined in step S308, the process proceeds to step S311.

  In step S <b> 311, the CPU 401 determines to execute the hold sound effect that outputs the hold sound associated with the initial display mode of the hold image determined in step S <b> 310 from the speaker 35. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S312.

  In step S312, the CPU 401 determines a change pattern of the reserved image to be added. Specifically, based on the combination mode of the reserved images determined in step S310, the CPU 401 displays the number of the first special symbol lottery (the first reserved symbol) in the normal gaming state in which only the reserved image of the first special symbol lottery is displayed. In accordance with the number of data), the change pattern is determined by lottery with effect random numbers with reference to the inquiry table shown in FIG. 29 in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of pending data. In addition, the CPU 401 displays the number of second special symbol lotteries (the number of second reserved data) in the probability variation gaming state in which only the reserved images of the second special symbol lottery are displayed based on the combination mode of the reserved images determined in step S308. ), The change pattern is determined by lottery with effect random numbers with reference to the reference table shown in FIG. 29 in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of pending data. For example, when the number of pending data is three and the combination mode “BK1” is determined in step S310, the CPU 401 selects one of the change patterns “PB7” to “PB9” in (2) of FIG. Determine one. In this case, when the change pattern “PB9” in (2) of FIG. 29 is determined, the hold image is displayed in “blue” (initial display mode) from the fluctuation at the start of displaying the hold image (at the time of holding data acquisition). Displayed, changes to “green” at the next change (before two changes), changes to “red” at the next change (before one change), and then changes using the hold data indicated by the hold image ( (Digestion variation) and changed to “gold” which is the final display mode. In this way, the display mode of the hold image changes so that the big hit reliability does not decrease. In other embodiments, the jackpot reliability may change so as to decrease. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S313, the CPU 401 sets the change pattern determined in step S321 as instruction information for the image sound control unit 500. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113 in FIG. 21, and this instruction information is included in the hold display command.

[Notification effect setting processing in the first embodiment]
Next, the notification effect setting process by the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the notification effect setting process in step S115 of FIG.

  First, in step S1151 of FIG. 30, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 analyzes the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. 21, and acquires setting information included in the notification effect start command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1152.

  In step S1152, the CPU 401 determines the effect pattern of the notification effect based on the setting information acquired in step S1151. Specifically, the CPU 401 performs a notification effect effect pattern to be executed by lottery or the like from a lot of notification effect effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the setting information (whether or not a big hit, a notification effect time condition, etc.). To decide. For example, when the variation pattern (special symbol variation time) included in the acquired setting information is 90.05 seconds, the CPU 401 executes up to the first SPSP reach effect among a plurality of SPSP reach effects, and performs the special symbol lottery. An effect pattern (see FIGS. 14 to 17) for notifying that the player has been won is selected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1153.

  In step S1153, the CPU 401 performs a hold image display mode change setting process. Details of the hold image display mode change setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1154.

  In step S1154, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the notification effect with the contents determined (set) in step S1152 and step S1153. This instruction is performed by setting a change start command in the RAM 403.

  As described above, in the command reception process shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 by the effect control unit 400, the effect content is determined based on each command received from the main control unit 100, and the determined content is determined in step S12 of FIG. The image sound control unit 500 is notified by the output process. As a result, an effect using the image display unit 6 or the like is executed and controlled by the image sound control unit 500 or the like.

[Holding image display mode change setting process in the first embodiment]
FIG. 31 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the hold image display mode change setting process in step S1153 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 31, the hold image display mode change setting process of step S1153 of FIG. 30 will be described.

  First, in step S701 in FIG. 31, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 is a target of execution of a pre-reading notice target hold (non-execution hold change notice effect without executing a hot sound sound notice effect) in the currently held data. It is determined whether or not the hold or the hold that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is included. If the determination in step S701 is YES, the process proceeds to step S702. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S <b> 702, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to change the display mode of the hold image with respect to the hold of the prefetch notice target in the notification effect executed this time. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines whether or not to change the display mode of the hold image for the hold of the hold change notice target based on the change pattern set in step S310 or step S312 of FIG. If the determination in step S702 is YES, the process proceeds to step S703. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S1154 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 703, the CPU 401 performs a plurality of types of hold image change effects that change the display mode of the hold image for the hold of the prefetch notice target during the notice effect that is executed before the notice effect using the hold data of the prefetch notice target. Decide which one to execute. Specifically, a reserved image change effect to be executed by lottery or the like is determined based on the effect pattern determined in step S1152 of FIG. Here, as the reserved image change effect, for example, an effect of changing the display mode of the reserved image by the action of the character image, an effect of changing the display mode of the reserved image triggered by the operation of the movable accessory 7, and a variation effect There is an effect of changing the display mode of the hold image at the start timing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1154 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 704, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect (variation) executed this time is the notification effect (digestion change) executed using the hold data subject to the pre-reading notice. If the determination in step S704 is yes, the process moves to step S705. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S1154 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 705, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the display mode of the reserved image that is the execution target of the notification effect to be executed this time is the final display mode before the notification effect is executed. Specifically, based on the content of the change pattern set in step S310 or step S312 of FIG. 23, the CPU 401 uses the hold data indicated by the hold image that is the execution target of the notification effect to be executed this time (digestion). It is determined whether or not the display mode one change before the change and the display mode in the digestion variation are the same. If the determination in step S705 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S706.

  In step S706, the CPU 401 determines which of the digestion pending image change effects is to be executed and which of the multiple types of digestion pending image change effects is to be executed. Here, with the digestion pending image change effect, in the digestion variation, the hold data of the prefetching notice effect execution target is used using an image that is the same as or partly different from the reserved image that indicates the hold of the prefetching notice effect execution target. This is an effect of changing the display mode of the digestion pending image indicating that the change is being performed. Further, the digestion pending image change effect changes the display mode of the digestion pending image to the final display mode determined in step S311 of FIG. Further, when the CPU 401 determines to execute the digestion pending image change effect, the CPU 401 determines which of the plurality of digestion pending image change effects is to be executed. Here, as the digestion pending image change effect, for example, an effect of changing the display mode of the hold image by the action of the character image, an effect of changing the display mode of the hold image triggered by the action of the movable accessory 7, and a change effect There is an effect of changing the display mode of the hold image immediately after the start. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1154 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 707, the CPU 401 determines whether to execute the digestion suspended image change effect by lottery or the like. Further, when the CPU 401 determines to execute the digestion pending image change effect, it determines which of the plurality of digestion pending image change effect is to be executed. Here, as the digestion suspended image change production effect, for example, an effect that the character image performs a predetermined gassing action to change the display mode of the digestion suspended image but does not actually change, the movable accessory 7 There is an effect that does not actually change the display mode of the digestion-pending image, although it is hesitant to change the display mode of the digestion pending image. Note that the digestion suspended image change effect is a gase effect that does not actually change the display mode of the digestion suspended image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1154 in FIG.

[Production control processing by the image sound control unit in the first embodiment]
32 and 33 are an example of a flowchart illustrating a part of the timer interrupt process performed by the image sound control unit 500. FIG. Hereinafter, a part of the timer interruption process performed in the image sound control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33. In the following, the description of the process for the big hit game effect and the like is omitted. The image sound control unit 500 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. To do. Note that the processing performed by the image sound control unit 500 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 32 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 502.

  First, in step S801 in FIG. 32, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether or not the variation start command set in step S1154 in FIG. 30 has been received. If the determination in step S801 is YES, the process proceeds to step S802. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S802, the CPU 501 schedules and starts a notification effect based on the content of the change start command received in step S801. For example, in the case where the content of the change start command is such that the first SP reach effect is executed after the normal reach is established and finally the big hit is notified, the notification effect is started after scheduling these effects. Here, when the content of the change start command is to execute the hold image change effect, the digestion hold image change effect, and the digestion hold image change effect, the CPU 501 also schedules the execution timing of these effects. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S803. Note that after starting the notification effect in step S802, the CPU 501 controls the progress of the notification effect according to the scheduling in step S802.

  In step S803, the CPU 501 executes a hold image movement process. Specifically, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 34, the notification image is started (change start) and the hold image is moved (digested) to change using an image that is the same as or partially different from the hold image. The digestion hold image indicating that the image is stored is displayed, or other hold images are moved and displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the CPU 501 determines whether the start timing of the reserved image change effect scheduled in step S802 has arrived. Here, the reserved image change effect in the first embodiment is an effect that changes the display mode of the displayed reserved image. For example, immediately after the reserved image is moved in the reserved image moving process in step S803. The effect of changing the display mode of the hold image (for example, see (4) in FIG. 35 described later). If the determination in step S804 is YES, the process proceeds to step S805. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S805, the CPU 501 executes a reserved image change effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S806.

  In step S806, the CPU 501 determines whether the start timing of the digestion suspended image change effect scheduled in step S802 has arrived. Here, the digestion suspension image change effect in the first embodiment is an effect of changing the display mode of the displayed digestion suspension image. For example, a character image is displayed, and the character image performs a predetermined operation. This is an effect (for example, see (6) and (7) in FIG. 36 described later) that changes the display mode of the digestion pending image. If the determination in step S806 is yes, the process proceeds to step S807. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S807, the CPU 501 executes the digestion suspended image change effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S808, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the start timing of the digestion pending image change production effect scheduled in step S802 has come. Here, the digestion suspension image change rolling effect in the first embodiment is a gassing effect that encourages changing the display mode of the displayed digestion suspension image. For example, a character image is displayed and the character image is displayed. This is a gassing effect (for example, refer to (7) of FIG. 35 described later) that hesitates to change the display mode of the digestion suspended image by performing a predetermined gassing operation but does not actually change it. If the determination in step S808 is YES, the process proceeds to step S809, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S810.

  In step S809, the CPU 501 executes a digestion suspended image change effect. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S810.

  In step S810, CPU 501 determines whether or not a command instructing the end of the notification effect has been received from effect control unit 400 (see step S117 in FIG. 21). If the determination in step S810 is YES, the process proceeds to step S811, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S812 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 811, the CPU 501 determines and stops the decorative symbol in the notification effect being executed, and ends the notification effect. The display of the fixed stop is executed for a specified time (0.5 seconds). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S812 in FIG.

  In step S812 in FIG. 33, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the hold display command set in step S113 in FIG. 21 has been received. If the determination in step S812 is YES, the process proceeds to step S813. If this determination is NO, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  In step S813, the CPU 501 determines whether or not to execute a hold change notice effect based on the hold display command received and determined in step S812. Specifically, the CPU 501 includes instruction information indicating the setting contents of the hold change notice effect set in the processing of steps S308 to S310 or steps S311 and S312 of FIG. 23 in the hold display command determined to be received in step S812. If so, it is determined to execute the hold change notice effect. If the determination in step S813 is YES, the process moves to step S814. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S817.

  In step S814, the CPU 501 determines whether or not to execute the intense heat sound notice effect based on the hold display command determined to be received in step S812. Specifically, if the hold display command determined to be received in step S812 includes instruction information indicating execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect determined in step S306 in FIG. It is determined that the sound notice effect is executed. If the determination in step S814 is yes, the process moves to step S815. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S816.

  In step S815, the CPU 501 displays the hold image in the default display mode and executes the intense heat sound notice effect (see (1) in FIG. 36 described later). Then, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  In step S816, the CPU 501 displays the hold image in a predetermined initial display mode based on the hold display command determined to be received in step S812, and executes a hold sound effect according to the initial display mode of the hold image. (Refer to (1) in FIG. 35 described later). Then, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  In step S817, the CPU 501 displays the hold image in the default display mode. Then, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  Although not shown, the schedule created in step S802 in FIG. 32 includes effects other than the operation effect and the winning notification effect (for example, reach effect, SP reach effect, SPSP reach effect, cut-in notice effect, group In the case where execution of a notice effect or the like is included, the CPU 501 executes each effect when the execution timing of each effect scheduled in step S802 arrives.

[Outline of display of decorative design and hold image]
Next, with reference to FIG. 34, the main points of display of the decorative symbol and the hold image in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 34 is a specific diagram for explaining the outline of the display of the decorative design and the reserved image. First, with reference to FIG. 34, a state in which the special symbol lottery is performed and the decorative symbol DI is variably displayed in order to notify the result will be described. The decorative symbol DI is a symbol for informing the determination result of the special symbol lottery in an effect. In the first embodiment, the result of the special symbol lottery is produced using a sequence of three decorative symbols DI1 to DI3. To inform. In this way, the effect of notifying the result of the special symbol lottery when the decorative symbol DI is displayed after being variably displayed is referred to as a notification effect (“variable effect” or simply “variable”). The notification effect may include display of various effect images, output of various effect sounds, and the like. In FIG. 34 and subsequent figures, the state in which the decorative design DI varies from top to bottom is represented by arrows. Further, for convenience of explanation, in the example shown in FIG. 34 and subsequent figures, only the holding image RI indicating that the first special symbol lottery is held is described, and the lottery of the second special symbol is held. The reserved image is not displayed. Although not shown, when the second special symbol lottery is held and the second special symbol lottery is performed, the background image is changed to an image that suggests that the second special symbol lottery will be performed and displayed. At the same time, the display of the hold image is not displayed, and a notification effect for notifying the result of the second special symbol lottery is executed. In the following, a case where the first special symbol lottery is performed and the first special symbol is reserved as the reserved image RI will be described as an example. However, the second special symbol lottery is performed and the holding is performed. The same applies when displaying that the second special symbol is reserved as the image RI.

  First, as shown in (1) of FIG. 34, the image display unit 6 includes decorative symbols DI (DI1 to DI3), reserved images RI (RI1 to RI4), digestion reserved images KI, and stages ST (ST0 to ST4). Is displayed. The decorative symbol DI is composed of three (three columns) decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 and is displayed on the image display unit 6. More specifically, the left decorative design DI1 is displayed on the left side, the right decorative design DI2 is displayed on the right side, and the middle decorative design DI3 is displayed on the center. These left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are variably displayed according to the variation display of the special symbol (in synchronization with the variation display).

  When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the display 4 (that is, when the notification effect is started), the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are variably displayed. Thereafter, as shown in (1) of FIG. 34, as the left decorative symbol DI1, for example, a symbol on which a numeral “1” is drawn is temporarily stopped. Thereafter, as shown in (2) of FIG. 34, as the right decorative design DI2, for example, a design on which a numeral “6” is drawn is temporarily stopped. Then, as shown in (3) of FIG. 34, for example, after the symbol on which the numeral “2” is drawn is temporarily stopped as the middle decorative symbol DI3, the three decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are completely stopped (confirmation stop). Is displayed). At this timing, the current special symbol variation display ends (that is, the current notification effect ends), and the player is notified of the result of the first special symbol lottery. Specifically, it is informed that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit by aligning the decorative symbols DI with a specific symbol pattern (typically a doublet “777” or the like) as a hit, It is informed that the result of the first special symbol lottery is a loss due to the lack of specific symbols (losing eyes: typically “254”). Then, as shown in (4) of FIG. 34, thereafter, the variation display of the decorative symbol DI is similarly started in accordance with the variation display of the next special symbol.

  The reserved image RI is an image for indicating the number of the first special symbol lottery held by the player. The image display unit 6 displays a plurality of stages ST1 to ST4 that are positions where the reserved images RI are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 34, the number of times that the first special symbol lottery is held at a position above a plurality of stages ST1 to ST4 arranged in the left and right direction in the lower region of the image display unit 6 respectively. Corresponding reserved images RI (RI1 to RI4) are displayed.

  The digest hold image KI is a notification effect in which a special symbol lottery hold is digested using an image that is the same as or partly different from the hold image, and the digested hold special symbol lottery is executed to notify the lottery result. It is an image for showing that (decorative display of decorative symbols) is performed. Further, on the right side of the stage ST1, the stage ST0 that is the position where the digestion pending image KI is displayed is displayed on the image display unit 6. The digestion suspension image KI is displayed until at least a predetermined time has elapsed since the change of the special symbol in the first special symbol lottery was started. Further, as described above, as the display mode of the hold image RI and the digestion hold image KI, a default display mode (a display mode different from the display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability, for example, a white display mode), blue, green, red, and Although it is displayed in a golden display mode, in FIG. 34 and subsequent figures, for convenience of illustration, a character “de” is added to represent a default display mode, a character “blue” is added to represent a blue display mode, “Green” is added to indicate a green display mode, “Red” is added to indicate a red display mode, and “Gold” is added to indicate a gold display mode. .

  As shown in (1) of FIG. 34, the stage ST0 displays a digestion pending image KI indicating that the special symbol in the first special symbol lottery is currently changing (decorating the decorative symbol). The In addition, the stage ST1 arranged on the left side of the stage ST0 holds the first special symbol lottery, and then holds the first special symbol lottery (the first hold). A corresponding reserved image RI1 is displayed. In addition, on stage ST2 arranged on the left side of stage ST1, there is a holding image RI2 corresponding to the holding (second holding) where the first special symbol lottery is scheduled to be performed next to the first holding. Is displayed. In addition, in the stage ST3 arranged on the left side of the stage ST2, a hold image RI3 corresponding to a hold (third hold) scheduled to be subjected to the first special symbol lottery next to the second hold is provided. Is displayed. On stage ST4 arranged on the left side of stage ST3, hold image RI4 corresponding to the hold (fourth hold) scheduled to be subjected to the first special symbol lottery after the third hold is provided. Is displayed.

  The held images RI displayed on the stages ST1 to ST4 change their display positions sequentially (that is, shift) each time the first special symbol lottery is completed. This will be specifically described below. First, in the variation display (notification effect) of the decorative design DI shown in (1) to (3) of FIG. 34, the digestion suspension image KI corresponding to this variation display is displayed on the stage ST0. When the fluctuating display of the decorative symbols DI shown in (1) to (3) of FIG. 34 is finished, the digestion pending image KI corresponding to the fluctuating display is erased from the stage ST0. Then, as shown in (4) of FIG. 34, the next variation display (next notification effect) of the decorative symbol DI is started, and the hold image RI1 displayed on the stage ST1 is erased to stop the digestion. The image KI is moved to the stage ST0 and displayed. More precisely, the reserved image RI1 is digested in response to the start of the notification effect, and the digestion reserved image KI indicating that the notification effect is displayed in a variable manner is displayed on the stage ST0. Similarly, the reserved images RI2 to RI4 displayed on the stages ST2 to ST4 move from the stages ST2 to ST4 to the stages ST1 to ST3, respectively. In this way, the hold image RI is displayed by sequentially moving the stage ST every time the hold of the first special symbol lottery is digested.

  Here, the digestion pending image KI of (4) in FIG. 34 indicates that a notification effect for notifying the result of the special symbol lottery executed by digesting the pending data corresponding to the pending image RI1 is being executed. Since it is a reserved image, it may be called a digestion-held image KI (RI1). Hereinafter, the digestion pending image KI may be distinguished and called in this way.

[Characteristic Operation According to First Embodiment]
Next, an example of an effect executed by the first embodiment executed by the control described using the above flowchart will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment, as a pre-reading notice effect, the hold image is displayed in a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability based on the advance determination information included in the hold increase command (hold data). Can be executed, and when the hold data is acquired (when the hold image is first displayed on the image display unit 6), the advance determination information included in the hold increase command (hold data) is displayed. Based on the above, a combination of a hot sound sound announcement effect that outputs a hot heat sound that suggests that the jackpot reliability is extremely high and a hold change notice effect that displays a hold image in a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability And a hold change notice effect that displays the hold image in a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability and a hold sound that corresponds to the display mode (initial display mode) of the hold image that is subject to the hold change notice effect execution. There is a case to be executed by a combination of a hold sound arrangement to be. An example of the effect executed and the display of the hold image in these cases will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36.

  Next, FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining an example of the case where the hold change notice effect and the hold sound effect are performed and the intense heat sound notice effect is not performed. First, a second hold is added in a state where there is one hold. Next, the hold change notice effect is executed on the basis of the change pattern PC3 shown in FIG. When the second hold is added (when the hold image for the second hold is displayed), the hold image is displayed in a display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability. At the same time, a hold sound effect for outputting the hold sound associated with this display mode from the speaker 35 is executed. Next, in the next change of the change that was performed when the second hold was added, a hold image change effect that changes the display mode of the hold image immediately after the start of the change is performed, The display mode of the hold image with respect to the hold is changed. Next, during the change for the second hold, the digestion hold image indicating that the change for the second hold is performed using an image that is the same as or partly different from the hold image for the second hold. A gaze effect is sought to change the display mode. For the gaze effect, an effect is performed in which the character image performs a predetermined gaze action. An example in which the series of effects described above are executed will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in (1) of FIG. 35, in the image display unit 6, a game ball wins a prize at the first start port 21 during the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion pending image KI (RI0) (while the notification effect is being executed). The reserved image RI2 of the first special symbol lottery (the reserved image in which the change pattern PC3 shown in FIG. 29 is selected as the change pattern of the reserved image determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect) is displayed on the stage ST2 in a blue display mode. Is done. At the same time that the hold image RI2 is displayed on the image display unit 6, the hold sound prepared for each display mode of the hold image is associated with the display mode (blue display mode) of the hold image RI2. The holding sound (in the first embodiment, the sound “chiron” linked to the blue display mode) is output from the speaker 35 (that is, the holding sound effect is executed).

  Next, as shown in (2) of FIG. 35, the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols (so-called losing eyes) indicating that they are lost (for example, “254”). The result of the special symbol lottery is notified to the player, and the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion hold image KI (RI0) is ended.

  Next, as shown in (3) of FIG. 35, the data corresponding to the reserved image RI1 is digested and the change corresponding to the digested reserved image KI (RI1) displayed using the reserved image RI1 is started. As shown in (4), immediately after the start of the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion hold image KI (RI1), the hold image change effect is executed, and the display mode of the hold image RI2 is changed to the green display mode.

  Next, as shown in (5) of FIG. 35, a special symbol lottery is performed by stopping and displaying a combination of symbols indicating that the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are lost (for example, “382”). The result is confirmed and notified to the player, and the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion suspension image KI (RI1) is terminated.

  Next, as shown in (6) of FIG. 35, the hold data for the hold image RI2 is digested and a change corresponding to the digest hold image KI (RI2) displayed using the hold image RI2 is started.

  Then, as shown in (7) of FIG. 35, the character image CI is displayed in the vicinity of the digestion pending image KI (RI2), the character image CI performs a predetermined gassing operation on the digestion pending image KI (RI2), An effect that changes the display mode of the digestion pending image KI (RI2) and does not actually change it (digestion pending image change effect) is executed.

  Next, the left decorative design DI1 and the right decorative design DI2 are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same numerical design (for example, “4”) to reach a reach state (not shown), and as shown in FIG. 35 (8). When the combination of symbols indicating that the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are lost is stopped (for example, “454”), the result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified to the player, and the digestion pending image KI is displayed. The variation corresponding to (RI2) is terminated. Note that, in the above, after reaching the reach state, the SP reach and the SPSP reach may be developed.

  Next, FIG. 36 is a diagram for explaining an example in the case where the hold change notice effect and the intense heat sound notice effect are performed. First, a second hold is added in a state where there is one hold. Next, the hold image for the hold added to the second is displayed, and at the same time, the intense heat sound notice effect is executed as the prefetch notice effect. Further, the hold change notice effect is executed based on the hold image change pattern PF4 shown in FIG. 27 as the prefetch notice effect. That is, the display mode of the hold image is not changed until the change of the hold image display mode intense heat sound announcement effect execution target hold is started, and the digestion hold image change effect is changed in the change of the hold image display target execution hold. Is performed, and the display mode of the digestion pending image is changed. Moreover, the effect which changes the display mode of a hold image is performed when a character image performs predetermined | prescribed operation | movement as a digestion hold image change effect. An example in which the series of effects described above are executed will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in (1) of FIG. 36, during the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion pending image KI (RI0) in the image display unit 6, the game ball wins the first starting port 21 and the first special symbol lottery. Of the reserved image RI2 (the reserved image in which the change pattern PF4 shown in FIG. 27 is selected as the change pattern of the reserved image and determined to execute the intensely hot sound notice effect) is displayed on the stage ST2 in the default display mode. Further, at the same time that the reserved image RI2 is displayed on the image display unit 6, an intense heat sound (in the first embodiment, a sound effect “Zubarn”) suggesting that the reliability of the big hit is high once from the speaker 35. Is output (that is, the intense heat sound notice effect is executed).

  Next, as shown in (2) of FIG. 36, the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols (so-called losing eyes) indicating that they are lost (for example, “254”). The result of the special symbol lottery is notified to the player, and the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion hold image KI (RI0) is ended.

  Next, as shown in (3) of FIG. 36, the hold data for the hold image RI1 is digested and a change corresponding to the digest hold image KI (RI1) displayed using the hold image RI1 is started. As shown in (4) of FIG. 36, the result of the special symbol lottery is displayed by stopping display with a combination of symbols indicating that the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are lost (for example, “382”). The change notification corresponding to the digestion pending image KI (RI1) is terminated.

  Next, as shown in (5) of FIG. 36, the hold data for the hold image RI2 is digested, and the variation corresponding to the digest hold image KI (RI2) displayed using the hold image RI2 is started.

  Next, as shown in (6) and (7) of FIG. 36, the character image CI is displayed in the vicinity of the digestion pending image KI (RI2), and the character image CI is set to a predetermined value with respect to the digestion pending image KI (RI2). An operation is performed to change the display mode of the digestion pending image KI (RI2) (digestion pending image change effect), and the display mode of the digestion pending image KI (RI2) is changed to the gold display mode.

  Next, the left decorative design DI1 and the right decorative design DI2 are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same numerical design (for example, “5”) to reach a reach state (not shown), and as shown in (8) of FIG. When the combination of symbols indicating that the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are big hits (for example, “555” doublet) is stopped and displayed, the result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified to the player. The fluctuation corresponding to the reserved image KI (RI2) is terminated. Note that, in the above, after reaching the reach state, the SP reach and the SPSP reach may be developed.

  In the first embodiment, the intense heat sound notice effect is an effect of outputting an intense heat sound (for example, a sound effect of “Zuban”) once from the speaker 35, but is not limited thereto. Rather, after the start of displaying the hold image for the hold of the target for execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect, the digestion hold image change effect is executed during the fluctuation for the hold of the target for execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect. Until then, an effect of outputting intense heat from the speaker 35 may be used.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 40.

[Change Pattern Determining Process of Hold Image for Execution of Intense Hot-Sound Notice Effect in Second Embodiment]
The gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment suggests the display of the hold image for the hold that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect until the predetermined time elapses after the intense heat sound effect is executed. The display mode is controlled so as not to be displayed. In addition, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect, a display mode (final) that suggests that the jackpot reliability is high before the start of the change to the hold that is the execution target of the intense heat sound notification effect starts. Control to display the hold image in the display mode).

  The pre-reading notice effect setting process by the effect control unit 400 according to the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 27 when the change pattern of the intense heat sound notice effect execution target reserved image is determined in step S312 of FIG. Instead of referring to a query table in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of pending data, except for referring to a query table in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of pending data shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, a process similar to the process described above with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 39, the change pattern determination process (step S312 in FIG. 23) of the intense heat sound announcement effect execution target reserved image in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an inquiry table in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of hold data as change patterns of the intense heat sound announcement effect execution target hold image.

  In the second embodiment, in step S309 of FIG. 23, the CPU 401 displays the first display in the normal gaming state in which only the reserved image of the first special symbol lottery is displayed based on the final display mode of the reserved image determined in step S308. Depending on the number of reserved special symbol lots (the number of first reserved data), refer to the inquiry table shown in FIG. 37 in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each number of reserved data, and change by lottery with effect random numbers. Determine the pattern. Further, in the probability variation gaming state in which only the second special symbol lottery hold image is displayed, the CPU 401 determines the number of hold data shown in FIG. 37 according to the number of second special symbol lottery hold (number of second hold data). A change pattern is determined by lottery with a production random number with reference to a reference table in which a plurality of change patterns are defined for each. For example, if the number of pending data is four and “gold” is determined as the final display mode in step S311, the CPU 401 selects one of the change patterns “PG2” to “PG5” in (1) of FIG. Determine one of the following: In this case, when the change pattern “PG3” in (1) of FIG. 37 is determined, the hold image is displayed in the default display mode at the start of display (at the time of hold data acquisition), and the intense hot sound announcement effect is displayed. When a predetermined time elapses from the execution, the color changes to “red”, and the next change (before 3 changes) changes to “gold” as the final display mode. Here, as shown in FIG. 37, the change pattern of the reserved image, which is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect, is from the start of display (at the time of holding data acquisition) until a predetermined time elapses after the intense heat sound announcement effect is executed. Is defined to control the display of the hold image in the default display mode (not displayed in the display mode that suggests the jackpot reliability). In addition, as shown in FIG. 37, the change pattern of the hold image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is changed until the change using the hold data that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is started. It is defined to control the display of the hold image in the final display mode (that is, the display mode of “red” and “gold” which are display modes that suggest that the reliability of the big hit is relatively high; see FIG. 26). Has been. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S313.

[Production control processing by the image sound control unit in the second embodiment]
FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are examples of flowcharts showing a part of the timer interrupt process performed by the image sound control unit 500 in the second embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, a part of the timer interruption process performed in the image sound control unit 500 according to the second embodiment will be described. In order to simplify the description, the description of the points common to the processes described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33 may be omitted.

  First, in step S8001 of FIG. 38, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether or not the variation start command set in step S1154 of FIG. 30 has been received, similarly to step S801 of FIG. If the determination in step S8001 is YES, the process moves to step S8002, and if this determination is NO, the process moves to step S8004.

  In step S8002, the CPU 501 schedules and starts a notification effect based on the contents of the change start command received in step S8001, similarly to step S802 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8003.

  In step S8003, the CPU 501 executes the hold image movement process in the same manner as in step S803 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8004.

  In step S8004, the CPU 501 determines whether the start timing of the reserved image change effect scheduled in step S8002 has arrived. If the determination in step S8004 is YES, the process moves to step S8005. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S8006.

  In step S8005, the CPU 501 executes the reserved image change effect as in step S805 of FIG. Thereafter, processing proceeds to step S8006.

  In step S8006, the CPU 501 determines whether the start timing of the digestion suspended image change effect scheduled in step S8002 has arrived. If the determination in step S8006 is YES, the process moves to step S8007. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S8008.

  In step S8007, the CPU 501 executes the digestion pending image change effect, similarly to step S807 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8008.

  In step S8008, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the start timing of the digestion suspended image change production effect scheduled in step S802 has come. If the determination in step S8008 is YES, the process proceeds to step S8009, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8010.

  In step S8009, the CPU 501 executes the digestion suspended image change effect similar to step S809 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8010.

  In step S8010, CPU 501 determines whether a command instructing the end of the notification effect is received from effect control unit 400, as in step S810 of FIG. If the determination in step S8010 is YES, the process proceeds to step S8011, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8012 in FIG.

  In step S8011, similarly to step S811 in FIG. 32, the CPU 501 determines and stops the decorative symbol in the notification effect being executed, and ends the notification effect. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S8012 in FIG.

  In step S8012 of FIG. 39, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the hold display command set in step S113 of FIG. 21 has been received, similarly to step S812 of FIG. If the determination in step S8012 is YES, the process moves to step S8013. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S8016.

  In step S8013, the CPU 501 determines whether or not to execute the hold change notice effect, similarly to step S813 of FIG. 33, based on the hold display command received and determined in step S8012. If the determination in step S8013 is YES, the process proceeds to step S8014. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S8019.

  In step S <b> 8014, the CPU 501 determines whether or not to execute the intense heat sound announcement effect, similar to step S <b> 814 in FIG. 33, based on the hold display command determined to be received in step S <b> 8012. If the determination in step S8014 is YES, the process moves to step S8015. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S8018.

  In step S8015, the CPU 501 displays the reserved image in the default display mode and executes the intense heat sound notice effect as in step S815 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8016.

  In step S8016, the CPU 501 determines whether or not the on-hold image change timing scheduled in step S8002 of FIG. 32 has arrived (whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the intense hot sound notice effect was executed in step S8015). Or not). If the determination in step S8016 is YES, the process proceeds to step S8017. If this determination is NO, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  In step S8017, the CPU 501 changes and displays the display mode of the hold image to a predetermined display mode based on the hold display command received in step S8012. Then, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  In step S8018, the CPU 501 displays the hold image in a predetermined initial display mode based on the hold display command determined to be received in step S8012, similarly to step S8016 in FIG. The holding sound production according to the mode is executed. Then, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  In step S8019, the CPU 501 displays the hold image in the default display mode, similar to step S817 in FIG. Then, the CPU 501 ends the timer interrupt process.

  Although not shown, the schedule created in step S802 in FIG. 38 includes effects other than the operation effect and the winning notification effect (for example, reach effect, SP reach effect, SPSP reach effect, cut-in notice effect, group In the case where execution of a notice effect or the like is included, the CPU 501 executes each effect when the execution timing of each effect scheduled in step S8002 arrives.

[Characteristic Operation According to Second Embodiment]
Next, an effect example executed by the second embodiment executed by the control described using the above flowchart will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40 is a diagram for describing an example in the case where the hold change notice effect and the intense heat sound notice effect are performed. First, a second hold is added in a state where there is one hold. Next, the hold image for the hold added to the second is displayed, and at the same time, the intense heat sound notice effect is executed as the prefetch notice effect. Further, the pending change notice effect is executed based on the change pattern PI3 shown in FIG. 37 as the prefetch notice effect. In other words, the display mode of the hold image is displayed in red after a predetermined time has elapsed since the intense heat sound announcement effect was executed and before the variation being executed when the second hold is added. Change to embodiment. Next, in the next fluctuation after the fluctuation that has been performed when the second hold is added, a hold image change effect that changes the display mode of the hold image immediately after the start of the change effect is performed. An example in which the series of effects described above are executed will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in (1) of FIG. 40, during the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion pending image KI (RI0) in the image display unit 6, a game ball wins the first starting port 21 and the first special symbol lottery is performed. Is held on stage ST2 in the default display mode. The hold image RI2 (the hold image in which the change pattern PI3 shown in FIG. 37 is selected as the hold image change pattern). Further, at the same time as the hold image RI2 is displayed on the image display unit 6, a fierce heat sound (in the second embodiment, a sound effect “Zubarn”) suggesting that the big hit reliability is high once from the speaker 35. Is output (that is, the intense heat sound notice effect is executed).

  Next, when a predetermined time elapses after the intense heat sound announcement effect is performed, as shown in (2) of FIG. 40, the display mode of the reserved image RI2 is changed to a red display mode.

  Next, as shown in (3) of FIG. 40, the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols (so-called losing eyes) indicating that they are lost (for example, “254”). The result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified to the player, and the fluctuation of the digestion suspended image KI digested by the retained image RI0 is terminated.

  Next, as shown in (4) of FIG. 40, the hold data for the hold image RI1 is digested, and a change corresponding to the digestion hold image KI (RI1) displayed using the hold image RI1 is started. As shown in (5), immediately after the change corresponding to the digestion hold image KI is started, the display mode of the hold image RI2 is changed to the gold display mode (that is, the hold image change effect is executed). ).

  Next, as shown in (6) of FIG. 40, a special symbol lottery is performed by stopping and displaying a combination of symbols indicating that the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are lost (for example, “382”). The result is confirmed and notified to the player, and the fluctuation corresponding to the digestion suspension image KI (RI1) is terminated.

  Next, as shown in (7) of FIG. 40, the hold data for the hold image RI2 is digested and a change corresponding to the digest hold image KI (RI2) displayed using the hold image RI2 is started.

  Next, the left decorative design DI1 and the right decorative design DI2 are temporarily stopped and displayed with the same numerical design (for example, “5”) to reach a reach state (not shown), and as shown in FIG. 40 (8). When the combination of symbols indicating that the left and right middle decorative symbols DI1 to DI3 are big hits (for example, “555” doublet) is stopped and displayed, the result of the special symbol lottery is confirmed and notified to the player. The fluctuation corresponding to the reserved image KI (RI2) is terminated. Note that, in the above, after reaching the reach state, the SP reach and the SPSP reach may be developed.

  In the second embodiment, the hold image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is displayed in the final display mode before the start of the change using the hold data that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect. Display of the hold image in red with a relatively high degree of reliability until the start of the change using the hold data for the hold image that is the target of execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect. It is good also as controlling to change the display mode of a digestion pending | holding image to the last display mode after the fluctuation | variation start using the hold data which is the execution object of a intense heat sound announcement effect is controlled. For example, when the final display mode of the hold image that is the execution target of the intense hot sound announcement effect is determined to be the gold display mode, the variation using the hold data that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is started. Until then, the suspended image is displayed in a red display mode, and the digestion suspended image displayed using the suspended image in the variation using the suspended data for the suspended image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect. The display mode may be controlled so as to be changed to the gold display mode.

  In the second embodiment, when a predetermined time elapses after the intense heat sound announcement effect is performed, the display mode of the reserved image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is set to a red or gold display mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode of the hold image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect may be a blue or green display mode. In this case, it is preferable that the hold image, which is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect, is performed with a lower probability than the probability of the red or gold display mode.

  Further, in the second embodiment, after a predetermined time has elapsed after execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect, the display mode of the hold image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is changed to a red or gold display mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode of the hold image is changed at the same time as the end of the intense heat sound announcement effect (for example, at the same time as the output of the sound effect “Zuban” from the speaker 35). You may do it.

  In the first and second embodiments, the initial display mode of the reserved image that is the target of execution of the intense heat sound announcement effect is set as the default display mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The initial display mode of the hold image, which is the execution target of the notice effect, may be a display form (for example, a display form imitating a speaker) that suggests that the intense heat sound notice effect has been executed but does not suggest the jackpot reliability.

  In the first and second embodiments, the reserved image and the digestion suspended image are displayed on the image display unit 6 in order to indicate that the special symbol lottery is suspended or the suspension that has been digested by the current fluctuation. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a hold lamp may be provided, and the hold lamp may be turned on to indicate that the special symbol lottery is held or the hold that has been digested by the current fluctuation. In this case, the jackpot reliability may be suggested by changing the lighting color or lighting mode of the lamp.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, based on prefetching (preliminary determination information), a hold change notice effect that displays a hold image in a display mode that suggests that the reliability of the jackpot is high, and prefetching Based on this, it is possible to execute a fierce heat sound announcement effect that outputs a loud heat sound from the speaker 35 that suggests that the reliability of the big hit is high. Control is performed until the change using the hold data corresponding to the hold image is started so that the display is not performed in a display mode that suggests that the reliability is high. Thus, the display mode of the digestion hold image using the hold image after the start of the change using the hold data corresponding to the hold image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is high hit reliability. Therefore, the player can be given an unexpected sense of expectation. In addition, the hold image is displayed in the default display mode until the change using the hold data corresponding to the hold image that is the execution target of the intense heat sound announcement effect is started, so the player can determine which hold image Since it is difficult to understand whether the big hit reliability is suggested, it is possible to give the player an unexpected sense of expectation. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a gaming machine that attracts the player's interest and performs a novel effect can be realized.

  Further, in the second embodiment, based on prefetching (preliminary determination information), a pending change notice effect that displays a pending image in a display mode that suggests that the reliability of the jackpot is high, and the jackpot reliability based on the prefetching It is possible to execute a fierce heat sound announcement effect that outputs a fierce heat sound suggesting that the degree is high from the speaker 35, and in the case of executing the fierce heat sound warning effect, the reliability of the hold image is high. Is controlled until a predetermined time elapses after the intense heat sound announcement effect is executed. In this way, since the display mode of the hold image is not changed when the intense heat sound announcement effect is executed, it is not known to which hold image the high hit reliability is suggested. When a predetermined time elapses after the notice effect is executed, the display mode of the hold image is changed to a display mode that suggests that the reliability of the jackpot is high, so that the player may expect a big hit. It can be suitably given. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that attracts the player's interest and performs a novel effect.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the intense heat sound announcement effect is performed rather than when the hold image is displayed in a display mode that suggests that the reliability of the jackpot is high without executing the intense heat sound announcement effect. Is executed and the jackpot reliability is increased when the hold image is displayed in the default display mode. As a result, the intense heat sound announcement effect was executed without displaying the hold image in a display mode with a high jackpot reliability, and the player became disappointed despite disappointing expectation. Can be reduced.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, when the hold image is displayed in a display mode that suggests that the reliability of the jackpot is high without performing the intense heat sound announcement effect, depending on the display mode of the hold image The hold sound can be output from the speaker 35.

  In the first and second embodiments, it is possible to execute a reserved image change effect that changes the display mode of the reserved image and a digestion hold image change effect that changes the display mode of the digested image, There is a possibility that a special game will be executed in the hold image change effect or the digestion hold image change effect in the hold image in which the intense hot sound notice effect is executed than in the hold image in which the heat is not executed. It is easy to change to a display mode that suggests that it is high. As a result, it is expected that a player who has an unexpected expectation may win a big hit because a hot sound sound announcement effect is executed without displaying a hold image in a display mode with a high jackpot reliability. A feeling can be held more effectively.

  Further, in the second embodiment, after executing the intense heat sound announcement effect, it is possible to change the display mode of the reserved image to be subjected to the intense heat sound announcement effect to a display mode with high hit reliability. As a result, it is possible to immediately hit a big hit for a player who has an unexpected expectation by executing a fierce heat sound announcement effect without displaying a hold image in a display mode with a high jackpot reliability. You can have a sense of expectation that you can't.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the final display form of the intense heat sound notice effect execution target reserved image is a red or gold display form. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the final display mode of the intense heat sound announcement effect execution target reserved image may be a blue or green display mode with a low probability (for example, at a rate of 1%).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (holding change notice effect) is executed and it is determined that the intense heat sound notice effect is not executed, the holding sound associated with the initial display mode of the holding image is displayed. The holding sound production output from the speaker 35 is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the hold change notice effect is executed without executing the intense hot sound notice effect, the hold sound effect may not be executed. By doing in this way, the diversity of production can be realized.

  In the above-described embodiment, either the digestion pending image change effect or the digestion pending image change effect is performed once within one change. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the digestion pending image change effect and the digestion pending image change effect may be performed a plurality of times within one change. For example, within one change, the digestion suspension image change effect is performed twice, and the first digestion suspension image change effect is performed and the digestion suspension image is changed from green to red and displayed. In this way, the second digestion pending image change effect may be performed to change the digestion pending image from red to gold and display it. Further, within one change, the digestion pending image change effect and the digestion pending image change effect are performed once, and the digestion pending image change effect is first performed to display the digestion pending image from green to red. It is also possible to change the display mode and display it, and then perform the digestion suspended image change effect to display the digestion suspended image without changing the display mode from the red display mode. By adopting such a configuration, by increasing the number of timings for changing the display mode of the digestion pending image, it is possible to increase the variety of effects, and to attract the player's interest effectively.

  Moreover, although the characteristics of the first and second embodiments and the characteristics of the modified examples have been described above, it goes without saying that these characteristics may be appropriately combined.

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

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

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

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to execute a special game based on the game information acquired by establishing the start condition;
Storage means capable of storing the game information;
Prior determination means for performing a prior determination as to whether or not to perform a special game before the special game determination based on the game information stored in the storage means;
Production control means for performing production using display means and sound output means for outputting sound,
The production control means includes
The holding symbol corresponding to the game information stored in the storage means can be displayed on the display means in a normal display mode that does not suggest the possibility of a special game being performed,
Based on the result of the prior determination, the reserved symbol can be displayed on the display means in a special display mode that suggests that there is a higher possibility that a special game will be performed than when the normal display mode is displayed. ,
Based on the result of the pre-determination, the sound output means can output a first sound for expecting a special game to be performed or a second sound different from the first sound,
When outputting the first sound, the reserved symbol can be displayed in the normal display mode,
When outputting the second sound, the reserved symbol can be displayed in the special display mode,
The special display mode includes a first special display mode and a second special display mode that suggests that the special game is more likely to be performed than the first special display mode.
When the reserved symbol is displayed in the normal display mode and the first sound is output, after the special game determination based on the game information corresponding to the reserved symbol is performed, the reserved symbol is As a typical display mode, it is easier to display in the second special display mode than the first special display mode ,
A gaming machine that makes the first sound stronger than the second sound to expect a special game to be played.

Images