JP6616567B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine that can execute a game.

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

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

  The game value means that a prize ball is paid out or that the state of a variable winning ball device provided in a gaming area of a gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball, or advantageous for a player. For example, to generate a right to enter a state, or to enter a state in which a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

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

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

  In such a gaming machine, there is a gaming machine that allows a player to recognize the predetermined information by performing specific notification for notifying predetermined information (for example, a gaming method and production contents) (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP 2002-66045 A (paragraph 0029, FIG. 4)

  However, in the above-described gaming machines, there is one that executes specific notification immediately when the player starts a game. In this case, the notification content is not easily recognized by the player, and the effect of the specific notification is reduced. It was.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of effectively performing specific notification.

(Means 1) A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of executing a game, capable of launching a game medium, and capable of adjusting a launch strength of the game medium, and a game launched by the launch apparatus When it is set to execute a notification effect in step S3916 in the microcomputer 100 for effect control (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100), a game area in which the medium can flow down and a specific notification (for example, notification effect) can be executed. A part that executes steps S8006 and S802 using the process table selected in step S3), and a specific notification execution control unit that controls execution of the specific notification (for example, a part that executes step S3913 in the production control microcomputer 100). the provided specific notification execution control means, player lapse of a predetermined time period from the start of the game until Restricts infeasible specific notification, the player releases the restriction after the lapse of a predetermined time period from the start of the game (for example, effect control microcomputer 100, step S701A, by executing 810B When the power is turned on or when the customer waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds, “0” is set to the fluctuation count K, and “1” is added to the fluctuation count K every time the fluctuation starts by executing steps S3911 to S3913. The notification effect can be executed by setting a notification possible flag when the variation count K becomes “5”), and an explanation effect for notifying information about the game can be executed as the specific notification. And According to such a configuration, specific notification can be effectively performed.
Moreover, it is good also as providing the judgment means which judges that the player was replaced when specific conditions were satisfied.

  (Means 2) In the means 1, the notifying means is capable of executing a specific notice for performing display including characters (for example, when the production control microcomputer 100 has set execution of the notice effect in step S3916). In addition, by executing steps S8006 and S802 using the process table selected in step S8004, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the effect display device 9 is said to have entered 50 probability changes after a big hit! It is also possible to display characters). According to such a configuration, since the player needs to watch carefully in order to recognize the notification content of the specific notification, the specific notification can be performed more effectively.

  (Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the variable display means (for example, the effect display device 9) for performing variable display, and the predetermined display means for performing the predetermined display (for example, the sub-effect display device 51 in the modification 1) The notification means is capable of executing specific notification on the predetermined display means (for example, when the production control microcomputer 100 in the first modification has set execution of the notification effect in step S3916, the step is performed. (The notification effect can be executed on the sub-effect display device 51 as shown in FIG. 34 by executing steps S8006 and S802 using the process table selected in S8004). According to such a configuration, since the predetermined display means is less likely to be noticed by the player than the variable display means, the specific notification can be performed more effectively.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the start condition permitting the start of variable display is satisfied (for example, neither the variable display of the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is executed, and Specific display results (for example, big hits) on the variable display means (for example, the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9) that performs variable display based on the fact that it is not a big hit game state) Reservation storage means for storing a variable display that is in an advantageous state (for example, a big hit game state) advantageous to the player when the symbol is derived and displayed and for which a start condition is not satisfied, as a reserved storage (E.g., first holding storage buffer, second holding storage buffer) and start time determining means (for example, determining whether to enter an advantageous state based on the start condition being satisfied (e.g., The part for executing step S61 in the technique control microcomputer 560) and variable display execution means for executing variable display based on the determination result of the start time determination means (for example, steps S303 and S304 in the game control microcomputer 560) And a pre-determining means for determining whether or not an advantageous state is reached before the determination by the starting time determining means (for example, a winning effect process (see FIG. 37) in the game control microcomputer 560). And a specific effect (for example, pre-reading notice effect (holding notice effect, pre-reading zone effect)) before the variable display start condition to be determined is satisfied, based on the determination result of the prior determination means. Specific effect determining means for determining whether or not to perform (for example, the effect control microcomputer 10 In step S6006) and the specific effect executing means for executing the specific effect based on the fact that the specific effect is determined to be executed by the specific effect determining means (for example, step S6011 in the effect control microcomputer 100). S6020, S6504 to S6513, a portion for executing the effect symbol variation start process and the effect symbol variation in-process of Modification 2) , and the specific effect executing means is determined to execute the specific effect by the specific effect determining means. Sometimes, the execution of the specific effect is started on the basis of the newly stored hold memory (for example, the step of executing steps S6014 to S6020 in the effect control microcomputer 100), and the specific effect is determined by the specific effect determining means. Even when it is decided to execute If no hold memory is stored, the execution of the specific effect is started based on the elapse of the specific period (for example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) (for example, the step in the effect control microcomputer 100). It is good also as a part which performs S6507-S6513). According to such a configuration, since the execution of the specific effect is started based on the fact that the specific period has elapsed even if the holding memory is not newly stored, the interest for the game is not performed without executing the specific effect. Can be suppressed.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit determination table and the big hit classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the presentation control command which the microcomputer for game control transmits. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the presentation control command which the microcomputer for game control transmits. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot end process in the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows a notification production execution lottery table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation symbol fluctuation | variation stop process in an effect control process process. It is a timing chart when the first player starts playing after power is turned on. It is a timing chart when a player starts a game after executing a customer waiting demonstration effect for 30 seconds. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example in Modification 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the fluctuation category command in the modification 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the fluctuation category command in the modification 2. 10 is a flowchart showing a winning effect process in Modification 2. It is a flowchart which shows the hold notice effect process in the modification 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the pending | holding advance notice determination table in the modification 2. It is a flowchart which shows the production time measurement process in the modification 2.

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

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

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

  The member that forms the extra ball tray (lower tray) 4 is configured in a stick shape (bar shape), for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray main body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray). Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front and rear, left and right). It should be noted that the stick controller 122 has a predetermined operation, for example, by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 122 with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of performing an instruction operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation or the like on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operation rod of the stick controller 122. 3) is built-in. In addition, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) that detects a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided in the lower plate main body and the like below the stick controller 122. The stick controller 122 includes a vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

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

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

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

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

  In the upper right part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d for displaying a fourth symbol after the effect symbol, a special symbol described later, and a normal symbol. In this embodiment, a fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol described later, There is provided a fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol in which the variation display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the variation display of the effect symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the special symbol (however, to be precise, the variation display of the effect symbol is varied on the effect control microcomputer 100 side). This is done by measuring the variation time recognized based on the pattern command.) When performing an effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect content including the change display of the effect symbol disappears from the screen for a moment. There are a variety of effects such as effects being performed and effects in which movable objects shield all or part of the screen. For this reason, even if the display screen on the effect display device 9 is viewed, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not the current variation display is in progress. Therefore, in this embodiment, whether or not the state of the present variation is being displayed by confirming the state of the fourth symbol by further displaying the variation of the fourth symbol on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. It is possible to reliably recognize whether or not. Note that the 4th symbol is always variably displayed with a constant operation and does not disappear from the screen or is not shielded by a shielding object, so that it can always be visually recognized.

  The 4th symbol for the first special symbol and the 4th symbol for the 2nd special symbol may be collectively referred to as the 4th symbol, and the 4th symbol display area 9c for the 1st special symbol and the 2nd special symbol The 4th symbol display area 9d for symbols may be collectively referred to as a 4th symbol display area.

  The variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol is realized by continuing the state where the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are repeatedly turned on and off at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined display color (for example, blue). . The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 8a is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the first special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. The variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is synchronized with the variable display of the fourth symbol for the second special symbol in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol. Synchronous means that the variable display start time and end time are the same, and the variable display period is the same.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, it is displayed in the display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (a display color different from the deviation). The For example, it is displayed in blue when it is off, while it is displayed in red when it is a big hit. Note that the display color may be varied depending on the type of jackpot (whether it is probable jackpot or normal jackpot). Also, the display color may be different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win a big winning opening, and if it is possible to control multiple types of big hits with different numbers of rounds, The display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the game. Even if the number of rounds per jackpot is the same, for example, the jackpot opening time per round is short (for example, 1 second), and a jackpot that cannot be expected to win a game ball in the jackpot. If the opening time of the big prize opening per round is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big prize opening substantially, to the big prize opening substantially The display color may be varied depending on whether or not a game ball can be expected to win. In addition, for example, when there is a big hit that cannot be expected and a big hit that cannot be expected due to the difference in the number of times the big winning opening is opened per round, The display color may be varied depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win the mouth.

  When the big win symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, it is displayed in a display color reminiscent of the big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (a display color different from the disparity). The For example, it is displayed in blue when it is off, while it is displayed in red when it is a big hit. Note that the display color may be varied depending on the type of jackpot (whether it is probable jackpot or normal jackpot). Also, the display color may be different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win a big winning opening, and if it is possible to control multiple types of big hits with different numbers of rounds, The display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the game. Even if the number of rounds per jackpot is the same, for example, the jackpot opening time per round is short (for example, 1 second), and a jackpot that cannot be expected to win a game ball in the jackpot. If the opening time of the big prize opening per round is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball to the big prize opening substantially, to the big prize opening substantially The display color may be varied depending on whether or not a game ball can be expected to win. In addition, for example, when there is a big hit that cannot be expected and a big hit that cannot be expected due to the difference in the number of times the big winning opening is opened per round, The display color may be varied depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win the mouth.

  The display colors when the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are turned off are different from the background image (for example, black) in order to prevent the display colors from being assimilated with the background image when the lights are turned off. It is desirable to be.

  In this embodiment, the case where the 4th symbol display area is provided on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is shown, but a light emitter such as a lamp or LED is used separately from the effect display device 9. Thus, the fourth symbol display area may be realized. In this case, for example, the variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately lit, and any of the two LEDs is stopped. Whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed may be indicated depending on whether or not it is displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which separate fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbols may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Moreover, you may make it implement | achieve the 4th symbol display area common with respect to a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol using light-emitting bodies, such as a lamp | ramp and LED. In this case, when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when executing the variation display of the fourth symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, For example, the display of different display colors at certain time intervals may be performed by distinguishing and executing the variation display of the fourth symbol by performing display that repeatedly turns on and off. In addition, when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the variation display of the fourth symbol is performed in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, for example, The display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by performing a display that repeatedly turns on and off at different time intervals. In addition, for example, when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the stop symbol is derived and displayed corresponding to the variation display of the second special symbol, the same big hit symbol is obtained. However, you may make it stop-display the stop symbol of a different aspect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

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

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

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

  Also, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, there are provided a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. ing. In addition, you may make it provide the area | region (sum total pending | holding memory display part) which displays the total number (sum total pending memory count) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory count and the 2nd pending memory count. As described above, if the summation pending storage display section for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition.

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

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that forms a big winning opening is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and is specified when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when a specific display result is derived and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b. Controlled to gaming state. The specific display result is a predetermined display result. For example, in the present embodiment, there is a jackpot symbol. The specific game state is to change the variable winning means that can be changed between the first state advantageous to the player and the second state unfavorable to the player to the first state. There is a big hit gaming state in which the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that can be changed to a closed state is opened. For example, when the big hit symbol is derived and displayed as the specific display result, the big hit game state is controlled as the specific game state. In each specific game state, the open / closed version that is in the closed state is controlled to be in the open state by the solenoid 21, so that the large winning opening that becomes the winning area is in the open state. The game ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

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

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (a winning symbol, for example, a symbol “7”), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol hold storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one. In addition, a probability variation state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state is high (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of fluctuation display of special symbols is increased compared to the normal state). Then, there is a case where the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is shifted to a high base state where the opening time and the number of times of opening are increased.

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, when 15R probability variation big hit or 4R probability variation big hit is achieved, the game state is shifted to a high probability state, and the game ball becomes easy to start winning (that is, special symbol indicators 8a, 8b, A transition is made to the high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that the variable display execution condition in the effect display device 9 is easily established. In the high base state, for example, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is increased or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended compared to the case in which the high base state is not in the high base state. It becomes easier to win a start.

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

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

  In addition, by changing to the short time state (special symbol short time state) in which the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and staging symbols is shortened, the variation time of special symbols and staging symbols is shortened. The frequency at which the production symbol changes is increased (in other words, the reserved memory is quickly digested), and the situation in which an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, an effective start winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of a big hit game being increased.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 2 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit 503 that generates hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by the hardware circuit).

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means that is partially or entirely backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply substrate 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). In particular, at least data (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means, and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs. Further, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 includes an effect control microcomputer 101 including an effect control CPU 101 and an RAM for storing information related to effects such as effect symbol process flags. The RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the production control microcomputer 100 is not backed up. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

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

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

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

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action on the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the trigger sensor 125 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's operation action on the push button 120 has been detected from the push sensor 124 via the input port 106. In addition, the production control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that the player's operation action with respect to the operation rod of the stick controller 122 has been detected from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 106. . Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105 to cause the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

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

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

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time-series manner in a predetermined period (for example, a changing period of the effect design). The voice synthesis IC 703 generates a voice and outputs the voice to the speaker 27 when a predetermined request is received from the effect control board 80.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes a high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the game control microcomputer 560 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S5). By the processing in step S5, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) are set (initialized).

  The game control microcomputer 560 used in this embodiment also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC) 504.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets the RAM 55 in an accessible state (step S6), and proceeds to a clear signal check process.

  Note that a software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game device control process (game control process) for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed. By such software delay processing, the start timing of the game control processing can be delayed as compared with the case where the software delay processing is not executed. When the delay process is executed, a situation occurs in which the microcomputer of the other control board cannot receive the command transmitted from the game control board (main board 31) to the other control board (for example, the payout control board 37). Can be prevented.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). Note that the CPU 56 may confirm the state of the clear signal only once via the input port 0, but may confirm the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is an off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds), the state of the clear signal is reconfirmed. If it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the on state at that time, it is determined that the clear signal is in the on state. Further, at this time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is the off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time, the state of the clear signal may be confirmed again. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to once or twice, but may be three or more times. It is also possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  If the clear switch is not turned on in step S7, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When it is confirmed that such power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 56 determines that the power supply stop processing has been performed, that is, the control state at the time of power supply stop is stored. . When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process is not performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process.

  Whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed is determined by the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process corresponding to the execution of the power supply stop process (for example, 2). ) Is confirmed by whether or not. Note that such a confirmation method is an example. For example, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop process, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that the power supply is stopped, it may be determined that the power supply stop process has been performed.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 56 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as the checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power outage or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped is stopped. Execute.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Also, the initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a winning ball flag, a ball-out flag, and the like are selectively processed according to the control state. An initial value is set in a flag for performing the above.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). As an initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the effect display device 9, an initialization command to the payout control board 37, or the like can be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initially setting the random number circuit 503 (step S15).

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

  When the timer interrupt setting is completed, the CPU 56 first disables the interrupt (step S17), executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b), The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

  The initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (for example, a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a special symbol for generating a jackpot or whether to shift the gaming state to a probable state) Initial value of the count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a probability variation determining random number for generating, a normal random number for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process described later (a process in which a game control microcomputer controls itself a game device such as an effect display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, a ball payout device 97 provided in the gaming machine, or When the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round in a process of transmitting a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a gaming apparatus control process), an initial value is set in the counter.

  The display random number is a random number for determining the display of the special symbol display 8. In this embodiment, as a display random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, or a random number for determining a reach for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not generated, is used. Used. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number.

  In addition, when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is executed by the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process also in the timer interrupt process described later (that is, the timer This is because the same process is executed in steps S26 and S27 of the interrupt process), so as to avoid conflict with the process in the timer interrupt process. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S18a and S18b and the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of values may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of steps S18a and S18b.

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. When a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main process, specifically, in a period during which interruption is permitted during execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether the power-on signal is turned on) (step S20). Then, the CPU 56 inputs detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 through the switch circuit 58, and detects the input of each switch. (Switch process: Step S21). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S36 and S37.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a winning notification process for detecting the occurrence of an abnormal winning at the special winning opening and notifying the abnormality (step S24).

  After step S24, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control (determination random number update process: step S25). ). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number (initial value random number update process: step S26). Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (display random number update process: step S27).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S28). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S29). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command related to the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the special symbol to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect symbol command control process: step S30). It should be noted that the fact that the variation of the effect symbol is synchronized with the variation of the special symbol means that the variation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs an information output process for outputting data such as a start port signal supplied to the hall management computer, a symbol determination number 1 signal, a symbol determination number 2 signal, a jackpot 1 to 3 signal, a short time signal, etc. (Step S31).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S32). Specifically, the payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on any one of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S33). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 56 outputs the contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 0 to the output port. (Step S34: Output processing). And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in a pending | holding memory | storage number (step S35).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S36). Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S37).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a status display lamp display process for setting status display control data for displaying each status display lamp in an output buffer for setting the status display control data (step S38). In this case, when the gaming state is also controlled to a high probability state (for example, a probability variation state), the state display control data for displaying the state indicator lamp indicating the high probability state is set in the output buffer. You may make it do.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S39), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S39 (excluding steps S31 and 33) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

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

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

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

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the non-reach PA 1-1 to the non-reach are used as the variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “out of” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “non-reach”. A variation pattern of reach PA1-4 is prepared. Further, normal PA2-1 to normal PA2-2, normal PB2-1 to normal PB2-2 are variations patterns corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “out” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “reach”. Fluctuation patterns of super PA3-1 to super PA3-2 and super PB3-1 to super PB3-2 are prepared. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, re-variation is performed once for the variation pattern of the non-reach PA 1-4 that is used when the reach is not performed and is accompanied by a pseudo-continuous effect. Of the variation patterns that are used for reaching and have a pseudo-continuous effect, when normal PB2-1 is used, re-variation is performed once. Further, the variation pattern of non-reach PA1-2 used when not reaching is a variation pattern for shortening variation, and the variation time of the effect design is shortened to a short time (3.0 seconds in this example). . Of the variation patterns used for reaching and accompanied by pseudo-continuous effects, when normal PB2-2 is used, re-variation is performed twice. Furthermore, re-variation is performed three times when using the super PA 3-1 to the super PA 3-2 among the variation patterns that are used for reaching and have the effect of pseudo-continuous. Note that the re-variation means that the variable display of the effect symbol is executed again after temporarily stopping the effect symbol that is once deviated from the start of the variable display of the effect symbol until the display result is derived and displayed. .

  Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, normal PA2-3 to normal PA2-4, normal PB2-3 to normal P22-3 as normal patterns corresponding to the case where the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is a big hit symbol. Variation patterns of PB2-4, super PA3-3 to super PA3-4, super PB3-3 to super PB3-4 are prepared.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, when using normal PB2-3 among the fluctuation patterns accompanied with the effect of a pseudo-continuous, re-change is performed once. Of the fluctuation patterns used for reaching and accompanied by pseudo-continuous effects, when normal PB2-4 is used, re-variation is performed twice. Furthermore, when using super PA3-3 to super PA3-4 among the fluctuation patterns that are used for reaching and have the effect of pseudo-ream, re-variation is performed three times.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the variation time is fixedly determined according to the type of reach (for example, the variation time is 32 in the case of Super Reach A with pseudo-ream). In the case of Super Reach A without pseudo-ream, the fluctuation time is fixed at 22.75 seconds). For example, even in the case of the same type of Super Reach Depending on the total number of pending storage, the variation time may be varied. For example, even when the same type of super reach is involved, the variation time may be shortened as the total number of pending storage increases. Further, for example, even in the case of the same type of super reach, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the variable time may be varied according to the first reserved memory number. When performing variable display of two special symbols, the variable time may be varied according to the second reserved memory number. In this case, a separate determination table is prepared for each value of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number (for example, the variation pattern type determination table for the reserved memory numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved memory numbers 3 and 4). For example, a determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number, and the change time may be varied.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (15R probability variation big hit, 4R probability variation big hit, which will be described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): The type (type) of the variation pattern is determined (for variation pattern type determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is first determined by using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and then by using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). One of the variation patterns included in the pattern type is determined. Thus, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-stage lottery process.

  The variation pattern type is a group of a plurality of variation patterns according to the characteristics of the variation mode. For example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by reach type, and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with normal reach, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with super reach A, and a variation pattern with super reach B are included. It may be divided into variation pattern types. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of pseudo-continuations, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern without pseudo-ream, a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of one re-variation, It may be divided into a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of two variations and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of three variations. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns may be grouped according to the presence / absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo ream or a slip effect.

  In step S25 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the random number for determination per ordinary symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 2, random 3) or initial value random numbers (random 5). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number. Note that a software random number instead of a hardware random number may be used as the jackpot determination random number.

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

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, it is decided to make a big hit (15R probability variation big hit, 4R probability variation big hit, which will be described later) for the special symbol. The “probability” shown in FIG. 8A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol.

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

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol, based on a random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type, the jackpot type is set to “15R probability variable big hit”, It is a table that is referred to in order to determine one of “4R probability variation big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, 10 determination values are assigned to “15R probability variation big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131a (40 minutes). Is determined to be a 15R probability variation jackpot at a rate of 10), whereas 30 judgment values are assigned to the “15R probability variation jackpot” in the jackpot type determination table 131b (ratio of 30/40) Will be described as 15R probability variation big hit). Therefore, in this embodiment, the start prize is given to the second start prize port 14 and the second special symbol is displayed rather than the case where the first special symbol variation display is executed after the start prize is given to the first start prize slot 13. When the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “15R probability variation big hit” is higher.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, there are “15R probability variation big hit” and “4R probability variation big hit” as big hit types. In this embodiment, the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is two types of 15 rounds and four rounds, but the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is shown in this embodiment. It can't be limited to things. For example, a 10R probability variable jackpot that is controlled to 10 round jackpot game, a 7R probability variable jackpot that is controlled to 7 round jackpot game, and a 5R probability variable jackpot that is controlled to 5 round jackpot game may be provided. In this embodiment, the case where there are two types of jackpot types, “15R probability variation jackpot” and “4R probability variation jackpot”, is not limited to two types, but for example, three or more types of jackpot types are provided. You may do it. Conversely, the jackpot type may be less than two types, for example, only one type may be provided as the jackpot type.

  The “15R probability variable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to the big round gaming state of 15 rounds and shifts to the probability changed state after the big hit gaming state is finished. Are also migrated). Then, until the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (50 times), the probability variation state and the time reduction state are continued. Hereinafter, the gaming state controlled to the probability variation state and the short time state may be referred to as “high probability high base state”, and the state that is not controlled to either the probability variation state or the short time state may be referred to as “low probability low base state”. .

  “4R probability variable big hit” is a big hit that is controlled to a four-round big hit gaming state, and shifts to the probability changed state after the big hit gaming state is finished. Are also migrated). Then, until the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (50 times), the probability variation state and the time reduction state are continued.

  In the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, numerical values to be compared with a random value of 1, and determination values (big hit type determination values) corresponding to each of “15R probability variation big hit” and “4R probability variation big hit” are set. ing. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as a type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variable symbol display. (Each corresponding to a variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each variation pattern that can be used, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of big hit. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

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

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

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

  Commands A001 to A002 (H) are effect control commands for displaying a fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of a big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). In this embodiment, depending on the type of jackpot, either a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command is used. Specifically, if it is “15R probability variation big hit”, the big hit start 1 designation command (A001 (H)) is used, and if it is “4R probability variation big hit”, the big hit start 2 designation command (A002 (H)) ) Is used.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the command for opening a special prize opening is specified, a different command for opening a special prize opening is transmitted for each round. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data for each round and the designation command after opening the big prize opening is transmitted, a different designation command after opening the big prize opening is transmitted for each round.

  The commands A301 (H) and A302 (H) display a jackpot end screen, that is, an effect control command for specifying the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command, a jackpot end 2 designation command: an ending) 2 designation command). The big hit end 1 designation command (A301 (H)) is used when the big hit game by “15R probability variable big hit” is ended. The big hit end 2 designation command (A302 (H)) is used when the big hit game by “4R probability variable big hit” is ended.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating background display when the gaming state is the normal state. The command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating a background display when the gaming state is the probability change state.

  Command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number addition designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has increased by one. Command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has decreased by one. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the second reserved memory number has decreased by one.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command described above from the game control micro computer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. To do.

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

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

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the change pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (change) and second special display of the effect symbol corresponding to the change of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a. An effect display that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and that produces an effect with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 when controlling the effect parts such as the device 9.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, processing for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 detects that the first start port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning port 13 or that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening 13 or a start winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is performed. Execute (Steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S307 are as follows.

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

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

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the design control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control to transmit the specified command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). In this embodiment, based on the value of the special symbol process flag being 4, the special symbol display control for stopping and displaying the special symbol stop symbol in the special symbol display control process as described later. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data, and the special symbol stop symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

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

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

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

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first start port switch 13a is in an ON state (step S1211). If the first start port switch 13a is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S1217. If the first start port switch 13a is on, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit (specifically, the first reserved memory for counting the first reserved memory number). Whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 is confirmed (step S1212). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process proceeds to step S1217.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1213), and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1214). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1215). . In the process of step S1215, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) are not extracted and stored in advance in the storage area in the start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning). You may make it extract at the time of the change start of 1 special symbol. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 directly extracts a value from a variation pattern type determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) in a variation pattern setting process to be described later, A value may be directly extracted from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a determination random number (random 3).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1216).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second start port switch 14a is in an on state (step S1217). If the second start port switch 14a is not in the ON state, the process is terminated as it is. If the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second reserved memory for counting the second reserved memory number). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S1218). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S1219), and the value of the aggregate reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S1220). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1221). . In the process of step S1221, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. It should be noted that the random number for random pattern determination (random 3) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-port switch passing process (at the time of start winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the second reserved memory number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S222).

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, if the customer waiting demonstration designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. For example, when the CPU 56 transmits a customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interruption is executed after sending the customer waiting demo designation command, the customer waiting demonstration request command is repeatedly set based on the fact that the customer waiting demo designation command transmission completed flag is set. Control should be made so that the demo designation command is not transmitted. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completion flag may be reset when the next special symbol variation display is started.

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

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. In other words, control is performed so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is established in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

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

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

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 saves the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Are stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S58). The CPU 56 stores the value of the total pending storage number counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a background designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 according to the current gaming state (step S60). In this case, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a probability variation state background designation command. Further, if the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state background designation command.

  In this embodiment, the background designation command is transmitted every time for each variation. For example, it is determined at the start of the variation whether or not the gaming state has changed since the previous variation. Only when the state changes, the background designation command corresponding to the changed gaming state may be transmitted. With such a configuration, the number of transmissions of the background designation command can be reduced, and the processing burden on the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) is given. Set to pointer. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect symbol command control process (step S30). In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the effect control microcomputer in the order of the background designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result designation command, and the reserved memory number subtraction designation command for each timer interrupt. 100 will be transmitted. Specifically, when the change of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms elapses, the display result designation command is transmitted after elapse of 4 ms, and further after 4 ms elapses. A pending storage count subtraction designation command is transmitted. In addition, the symbol variation designation command (the first symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted when the special symbol variation starts, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100.

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”, Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S307 can be shared between the case where the first special symbol is the target and the case where the second special symbol is the target.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area, and executes the jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 of the start port switch passage processing and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer, and performs the jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that compares a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 8) determined in advance with a jackpot determination random number, and executes a process of determining a jackpot if they match. In other words, this is a program for executing the big hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is in a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of winning a big hit is higher than in the case where the gaming state is a non-probability change state (normal game state). Specifically, a jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the right side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance and the number of jackpot determination values are definitely changed. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 8A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When in the gaming state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. If it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S62. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. There is also.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be 15R probability variation big hit or 4R probability variation big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. When the big hit is decided, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped. Is reset at a timing to end or 50 times of special symbol variation display.

  If the value of the jackpot determination random number (random R) does not match any of the jackpot determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 proceeds to step S66 as it is.

  In step S62, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected as a table used to determine the jackpot type as one of a plurality of types (step S63). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 8B. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 selects a big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 8C.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select the type corresponding to the value of the random number (random 1) for determining the big hit type stored in the random number buffer area (“15R probability variable big hit”, “ 4R probability variation jackpot ") is determined as the jackpot type (step S64). In this case, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot type determination random number extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 of the start port passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer and the second hold memory buffer, and determines the jackpot type. .

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S65). For example, when the big hit type is “15R probability variable big hit”, “01” is set as data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is “4R positive variable big hit”, “02” is set as the data indicating the big hit type. Is done.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S66). Specifically, when the big hit flag is not set, “−” as a special symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of the big hit symbols is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. That is, when “15R probability variation big hit” is determined, “7” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “4R probability variation big hit” is determined, “3” is determined as a special symbol stop symbol.

  In this embodiment, the case where the jackpot type is determined first, and the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined jackpot type is shown. It is not limited to what is shown in the embodiment. For example, a table in which a special symbol stop symbol and a jackpot type are associated in advance is prepared, and a special symbol stop symbol is first determined based on a random number for determining the big hit type. You may comprise so that a classification may also be determined.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S67).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 determines which of the big hit variation pattern type determination tables as a table used to determine the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types according to the big hit type. Is selected (step S92). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set (step S93). The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be 15R probability variation big hit or 4R probability variation big hit, and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. When the big hit is decided, the special symbol variation display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped. Is reset at the timing of ending or 50 variable display ends. If the probability variation flag is set (Y in step S93), the CPU 56 uses a variation pattern type determination table for deviation for probability variation as a table used to determine one of the plurality of variation pattern types. Select (step S97). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  If the probability variation flag is not set (N in Step S93), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Step S94). If the total number of pending storages is less than 3 (N in step S94), the CPU 56 uses a normal deviation variation pattern type determination table as a table used to determine one of a plurality of variation pattern types. Is selected (step S95). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S94), the CPU 56 uses the table for determining the variation pattern type as one of a plurality of types as a table used for declining the variation time. A variation pattern type determination table is selected (step S96). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  In this embodiment, when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more by executing the processing of steps S93 to S96, the deviation variation pattern type determination table for variation time reduction is selected. Further, when the gaming state is a probability variation state, a probability variation variation pattern type determination table is selected. In this case, non-reach CA2-3 may be determined as the variation pattern type in the process of step S98 described later, and when the variation pattern type of non-reach CA2-3 is determined, the process changes in step S99. Short reach variation non-reach PA1-2 is determined as a pattern. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the probability variation state or when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the variation display of the shortening variation may be performed.

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation used in the probability variation state and the variation pattern type determination table for shortening variation based on the number of reserved storages are different tables. A common table may be used as the variation pattern type determination table for variation.

  Even if the gaming state is a probable change state, if the total number of pending storage is almost 0 (for example, 0, 0, or 1), a change display of a shortened change is performed. It may not be possible. In this case, for example, when the CPU 56 determines Y in step S93, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total pending storage number is almost zero. A determination table may be selected.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads random 2 (random number for variation pattern type determination) from the random number buffer area (the first reserved storage buffer or the second reserved storage buffer) and selects it in the process of steps S92, S83, S97, S95 or S96. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S98). In the case where the random number 2 (variation pattern type determination random number) is not extracted at the start winning timing, the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for generating the random number for variation pattern type determination (random 2). A value may be directly extracted from the random number counter for use, and the variation pattern type may be determined based on the extracted random value.

  Next, based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S98, the CPU 56 uses a jackpot variation pattern determination table and a loss variation pattern determination table as tables used to determine one of a plurality of variation patterns. One of them is selected (step S99). Further, the random pattern 3 (random number for variation pattern determination) is read from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and the variation pattern is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in the process of step S99. Is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S100). When the random number 3 (variation pattern determination random number) is not extracted at the start winning timing, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). It is also possible to extract the value directly from and to determine the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S101). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first symbol variation designation command. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S102).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S103). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S104).

  In the case where it is determined to be out of place, instead of suddenly determining the variation pattern type, first, it may be determined whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a random number for reach determination. Then, based on the determination result as to whether or not to reach, the processing of steps S93 to S96 and S98 may be executed to determine the variation pattern type. In this case, a variation pattern type determination table for non-reach and a variation pattern type determination table for reach are prepared in advance, and one of the variation pattern type determination tables is selected based on the reach determination result. The variation pattern type may be determined.

  Also, when determining whether or not to reach by a lottery process using reach determination random numbers, depending on the total number of reserved memories (which may be the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number), Reach determination tables with different selection ratios may be selected, and it may be determined whether or not to reach so that the reach probability decreases as the number of reserved memories increases.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit any effect control command (see FIG. 9) of display result 1 designation to display result 3 designation according to the determined type of jackpot or loss. Do. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S105). If not set, the process proceeds to step S109. When the big hit flag is set, if the big hit type is “15R probability variation big hit”, control for transmitting a display result 2 designation command is performed (steps S106 and S107). Whether or not it is “15R probability variation big hit” is specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S65 of the special symbol normal processing is “01”. it can. Further, when the big hit type is “4R probability variation big hit”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 3 designation command (steps S106 and S108). Whether or not it is “4R probability variation big hit” is specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S65 of the special symbol normal processing is “02”. it can.

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N of step S105), that is, when it is out of place, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S109).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S110).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S131). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state if it is set (step S132).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a big hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S133). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is a 15R probability variable jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. When the jackpot type is 4R probability variation jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. Whether the jackpot type is a 15R probability variation jackpot or a 4R probability variation jackpot is determined based on data indicating the jackpot type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the jackpot type buffer).

  In addition, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (time for notifying that the jackpot has occurred, for example, in the effect display device 9) in the timer before opening the big prize opening (step S134). Note that the pre-winner pre-opening timer is a timer for measuring the time until the big winning opening is opened during the big hit game. Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, in step S134, the time required from the start of the variable display to the start of the first round (the variable display is stopped on the effect control microcomputer 100 side and the jackpot symbol is displayed). The time before the first round is started until the start of the first round is set as the pre-opening timer. For the first and subsequent rounds, the interval time between the rounds (apparatus at the time of performing the interval effect between the rounds on the effect control microcomputer 100 side) is set as the timer before opening the big prize opening.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the number of releases corresponding to the jackpot type in the number-of-release counter (step S135). For example, 15 times is set in the open count counter for 15R probability variation big hit, and 4 times is set for 4R probability variation big hit.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S137).

  If the big hit flag is not set in step S131, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the probability variation flag is set (step S141). If it is not set, that is, if it is in the normal state, step 56 is performed. The process proceeds to S150. When the probability variation flag is set, that is, when the probability variation state is set, the value of the probability variation counter is decremented by 1 (step S142), and it is determined whether or not the value of the probability variation counter is 0 (step S143). . If not 0, the process proceeds to step S150. If it becomes 0, the probability variation flag is reset (step S144), and the process proceeds to step S150. As a result, the state is changed from the certain change state to the normal state when triggered by a predetermined number of times (50 times). In step S150, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S150).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, in the case of 15R probability variation big hit, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted, and in the case of 4R probability variation big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is transmitted. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  If the big hit end display time has elapsed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 sets the probability change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probability change state (step S167). Then, “50” is set in the probability variation counter (step S168), and the process proceeds to step S171.

  In step S171, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S171).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the special symbol display control process (step S36) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, whether or not the special symbol changing process is being executed) (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the special symbol variation processing is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for special symbol variation display for setting the special symbol display control data. Processing for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates the special symbol display control data for performing variable symbol special display. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. Then, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b according to the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol display on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPU 56 checks whether the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, whether the special symbol stop process is being executed) (step S3203). ). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, when the special symbol stop process is started), the CPU 56 stops the special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol normal process. A process of setting the display control data in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the special symbol stop symbol. Then, display control processing (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol displays 8a and 8b according to the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The special symbol stop symbols are stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b. In addition, since the setting data is not changed after the process of step S3204 is executed and the special symbol display control data for the stop symbol display is set, the latest special symbol display control data is displayed in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol is stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. If the value of the special symbol process flag is 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, if either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol variation process), the special symbol variation display is performed. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, in order to prevent a deviation between the variation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the variation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side, the display result designation command transmission processing also varies. What is necessary is just to comprise so that 1 may subtract a time timer.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag. However, in the special symbol process, the start flag is set at the start of the variation of the special symbol. In addition, an end flag may be set at the end of the variation of the special symbol. In the special symbol display control process (step S36), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. Thus, special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 4 ms), and the like (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 sets “0” as the number of fluctuations K (step S701A). The number of changes K indicates the number of changes executed after the player started the game. In the present embodiment, when the power is turned on and when the customer waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds, the value of the variation count K is reset (“0” is set) assuming that the player has been replaced. (See steps S701A and S810B).

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

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step) S704).

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

  Next, the production control CPU 101 performs the fourth symbol process (step S706). In the 4th symbol process, the process corresponding to the current control state (4th symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the 4th symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9 are selected. The display control of the 4th symbol is executed.

  After step S706, a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing an effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer in the form of a ring buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIGS. 9 and 10) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is. Note that the interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal is executed in preference to the timer interrupt process executed every 4 ms.

  23 and 24 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the contents of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 10 designation command) in the RAM. Is stored in the display result designation command storage area (step S618A).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S620). The confirmation command reception flag is a flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been normally received.

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S622). In this embodiment, the jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag and the jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag set in step S622 are also referred to as fanfare flags.

  If the received effect control command is a normal state background designation command (step S679), the effect control CPU 101 changes the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 to a background screen corresponding to the normal state (for example, a blue display color). Background screen) (step S680).

  If the received effect control command is the probability change state background designation command (step S682), the effect control CPU 101 displays the background screen displayed on the effect display device 9 as a background screen (for example, a red display). Color background screen) (step S683).

  If the received effect control command is a customer waiting demonstration designation command (step S685), the effect control CPU 101 controls to display the customer waiting demonstration screen on the effect display device 9 after 30 seconds (step S687). . Specifically, a timer for measuring 30 seconds is set, and when the timer times out, a customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. If a variation pattern command or the like is received during measurement, the timer is reset and the measurement ends. After step S687, the number of reserved memories stored in each reserved memory number storage area is cleared (step S688).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag according to the received effect control command or executes a process (step S691). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the customer waiting demonstration effect (step S810A). Specifically, a timer that measures the elapsed time when the customer waiting demonstration effect is started is set, and when the timer indicates 30 seconds, 30 seconds have passed since the customer waiting demonstration effect was started. It is determined that In addition, when the customer waiting demonstration effect is finished before 30 seconds elapses (for example, when a start winning is generated during the customer waiting demonstration effect or when an operation by the player is detected), the timer is reset. To do.

  When 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of the customer-waiting demonstration effect, the effect control CPU 101 sets “0” to the number of fluctuations K (step S810B), and if it is set, the notification enable flag is reset. (Step S810C). The notification possible flag is a flag indicating that the restriction state that restricts the execution of the notification effect has been released. That is, when the notification enable flag is not set, the control is performed in a restricted state that restricts the execution of the notification effect. When the notification enable flag is set, control is performed so that the notification effect can be executed. It is what has been. The notification flag is set when the player starts the fifth change after starting the game (when the change count K reaches “5”), when the power is cut off, or the customer It is reset when the waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds.

  The “notification effect” is an effect of notifying predetermined information (in this example, the fact that the game will shift to 50 probability change states after the big hit game is over). Specifically, the notification effect is executed by displaying character information in a predetermined display area of the effect display device 9. Since the player is controlled to be in a restricted state until a predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game, the execution of the notification effect is restricted.

  When 30 seconds have not elapsed since the start of the customer waiting demonstration effect in step S810A, or after step S810C, the effect control CPU 101 selects one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. Do the process. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control relating to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process. It should be noted that the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol may be executed by separate effect control process processing. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed depending on which representation control process processing is performing the variation display of the representation symbol.

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

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

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

  Effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to either the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): When the big hit is reached, after the variation time is over, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. For example, when a fanfare designation command designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the in-round processing (step S805).

  In-round processing (step S805): Display control during round is performed. For example, if a display command indicating that the special winning opening is open is received, the display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the big prize opening indicating that the big prize opening is after being opened (closed), an interval display is performed.

  Big hit end effect process (step S807): In the effect display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. For example, when an ending designation command for designating the end of a big hit is received, an ending effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8001). Next, the CPU 101 for effect control displays the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read in step S8001 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Design) is determined (step S8002). That is, when the CPU 101 for effect control executes the process of step S8002, the display result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the effect symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means. A display result determining means for determining (design) is realized. If a variation pattern that designates a pseudo-ream is also used and the pseudo-ream is designated by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101, in step S8002, obtains a chance eye symbol (as a temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-ream) ( For example, a combination of symbols that are not reachable, such as “223” and “445”, but that is not one reach and one symbol is shifted) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined effect stop symbols in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8002, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. .

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 28, when the received display result designation command indicates “15R probability variation big hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 A combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols are arranged in the same odd number as the stop symbols is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates “4R probability variation big hit” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses 3 symbols as stop symbols. Determines the combination of performance symbols arranged with the same even number of symbols.

  In the case of “out of” (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol.

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

  In addition, as for the effect symbols, a stop symbol reminiscent of a big hit (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right are all the same symbols) is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for setting the notice effect (step S8003). Here, for example, whether or not the starting change is a big hit, if it is a big hit, which type of big hit, or a predetermined notice effect (for example, reliability for the big hit) Whether or not to perform step-up advancement that develops to a stage corresponding to the player, button effect that switches the effect screen by receiving an operation from the player to the operation member, etc.) is determined.

  After step S8003, the production control CPU 101 determines whether or not the notification enable flag is set (step S3910), and if it is set (that is, if the notification enable state is controlled), the step is performed. The process moves to S3914. When not set (that is, when controlled to the restricted state), the production control CPU 101 adds “1” to the variation count K (step S3911), and whether or not the variation count K is “5”. Is determined (step S3912). If it is not “5”, that is, if the player starts the first to fourth changes after starting the game, the process proceeds to step S8004. In this way, when the player starts the first to fourth fluctuations after starting the game, the restricted state is realized by avoiding the process (steps S3913 to S3916) for executing the notification effect. ing.

  In step S3912, when the variation count K is “5”, that is, when the player starts the fifth variation after starting the game, the effect control CPU 101 sets the notification possible flag (ie, Control is performed in a notification enabled state (step S3913), and a notification effect execution lottery for determining whether to execute the notification effect is executed (step S3914). Specifically, the notification effect execution lottery is executed using the notification effect execution lottery table shown in FIG.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a notification effect execution lottery table. In the notification effect execution lottery table shown in FIG. 29, a determination value corresponding to the presence or absence of the notification effect is assigned according to the variable display result, but in the example shown in FIG. 29, to simplify the explanation, The ratio of the assigned judgment value is shown. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for notification effect execution lottery, and determines the determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the variable display result is a big hit, it is determined to execute the notification effect at a rate of 30/100, and it is determined not to execute the notification effect at a rate of 70/100. When the variable display result is out of place, it is determined to execute the notification effect at a rate of 20/100, and it is determined not to execute the notification effect at a rate of 80/100. As described above, in this embodiment, the case where the variable display result is a big hit is configured to execute the notification effect at a higher rate than the case where the variable display result is out of place, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the variable display result is not limited thereto. It is good also as a structure which performs an alerting | reporting effect at a lower rate than the case where it is a big hit, and the case where a variable display result is different from the case where it is a big hit, and the execution rate of an alerting effect differ. It is good also as a structure which does not do. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which makes the execution rate of alerting | reporting effect differ with big hit type (15R probability variation big hit, 4R probability variation big hit), and the presence or absence of reach.

  After step S3914, when it is determined not to execute the notification effect (N in step S3915), the process proceeds to step S8004. When it is determined to execute the notification effect (Y in step S3915), the effect control CPU 101 sets execution of the notification effect (step S3916), and proceeds to step S8004.

  In step S8004, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process pattern corresponding to the change pattern, the notice effect when the notice effect is executed, and the notice effect when execution of the notice effect is set in step S3916. (Step S8004). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8005).

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 in accordance with the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data obtained by collecting a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data. The display control execution data includes, for example, data indicating each variation aspect constituting the variable aspect during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (display of the effect display device 9 in addition to the effect symbol display mode) (Including other aspects of production on the screen). Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, the production time in the production mode is set in the process timer set value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, displays the effect design in the form set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and displays the character image or background displayed on the display screen. Control to display. Further, the flashing of the light emitter is controlled in a manner set in the lamp control execution data and the sound number data, and the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled.

  The process table shown in FIG. 30 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to the contents of each variation pattern, the notice effect, and the notification effect. If it is decided to execute the notice effect in the process of step S8004 or the like, it is not decided to select the process table in which data corresponding to the notice effect is set and to execute the notice effect. In this case, a process table for which data corresponding to the notice effect is not set is selected.

  In addition, when execution of the notification effect is set in the process of step S3916, a process table in which data corresponding to the notification effect is set is selected and execution of the notification effect is not set. The process table in which data corresponding to the notification effect is not set is selected.

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

  After step S8005, the CPU 101 for effect control controls the effect device (the effect display device 9, the speaker 27, the LED, and the accessory) according to the contents of the process data 1 (step S8006).

  After step S8006, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command in the variation time timer (step S8007). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8008).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is being displayed is set (step S861). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S867. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when a jackpot symbol is displayed as a stop symbol of the effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S866. When the fanfare effect is executed, the stop symbol display flag is reset in step S868. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set in step S861 is a stage in which the fanfare effect is not yet executed although the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, and therefore the processing of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S862 Without moving to step S867.

  If the stop symbol display flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the stored stop symbol (out-of-line symbol or jackpot symbol) (step S862). The production control CPU 101 may perform control to stop and display the production symbol in response to the reception of the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560.

  When the big hit symbol is displayed in step S862 (Y in step S863), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S866) and the fanfare flag (big hit start 1 designation command reception flag or big hit start 2). It is confirmed whether or not the (specified command reception flag) has been set (step S867). When the fanfare flag is set (Y in step S867), the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S868) and selects process data corresponding to the fanfare effect (step S869). Then, the process timer is started (step S870).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S871).

  When the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S863 (that is, when the off symbol is displayed: N in step S863), the presentation control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S864). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the command reception flag. The effect control CPU 101 may reset the command reception flag immediately after being referred to in the effect control process or the fourth symbol process (for example, immediately after confirming the variation pattern command reception flag, the variation pattern command The reception flag may be reset).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S865).

  FIG. 32 is a timing chart when the first player starts playing after the power is turned on. The timing chart shown in FIG. 32 shows control at each timing and notification effect.

  First, at timing t0, the power is turned on and “0” is set to the number of fluctuations K. Then, the fluctuation is started at a predetermined timing t1, and “1” is added to the number of fluctuations K every time the fluctuation is started. During the four fluctuations including the fluctuation started at the timing t1, the notification possible flag is not set because the fluctuation count K has not reached “5”, and the notification effect is not executed. Then, at the timing t2 when the fluctuation number K becomes “5” (fifth fluctuation) is started, the restriction state is released by setting the noticeable flag (controlled to the noticeable state). . Then, when it is determined to execute the notification effect by the notification effect execution lottery, the notification effect is executed. At this time, character information such as “I have entered 50 probability changes after a big hit!” Is displayed in a predetermined display area of the effect display device 9. Thereafter, a notification effect execution lottery is performed every time a change is made, and the notification effect is executed when it is determined to be executed. In the example shown in the figure, the execution of the notification effect is determined even in the second fluctuation after the control to the notification enabled state.

  FIG. 33 is a timing chart when the player starts playing after executing the customer waiting demonstration effect for 30 seconds. The timing chart shown in FIG. 33 shows control of the customer waiting demonstration effect, fluctuation, and notification effect at each timing.

  First, a customer waiting demonstration effect is started at timing t11. Then, at timing t12 30 seconds after timing t11, “0” is set to the variation count K, assuming that the player has been replaced. By detecting the occurrence of the start prize at timing t13 after timing t12, the customer waiting demonstration effect ends. Then, the variation corresponding to the start winning is started at timing t14, and “1” is added to the variation count K every time the variation is started. During the four fluctuations including the fluctuation started at the timing t14, since the number of fluctuations K has not reached “5”, the notification possible flag is not set and the notification effect is not executed. Then, at the timing t15 at which the fluctuation number K becomes “5” (fifth fluctuation) is started, the restriction state is released by setting the noticeable flag (controlled to the noticeable state). . Then, when it is determined to execute the notification effect by the notification effect execution lottery, the notification effect is executed. At this time, character information such as “I have entered 50 probability changes after a big hit!” Is displayed in a predetermined display area of the effect display device 9. Thereafter, a notification effect execution lottery is performed every time a change is made, and the notification effect is executed when it is determined to be executed. In the example shown in the figure, the execution of the notification effect is determined even in the second fluctuation after the control to the notification enabled state.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the gaming machine is capable of executing a game, and is a notification means (in this example, for effect control) capable of executing a specific notification (in this example, a notification effect). When the microcomputer 100 is set to execute the notification effect in step S3916, the process table selected in step S8004 is used to execute steps S8006 and S802), and the state of restricting the execution of the specific notification ( In this example, it is provided with release means (in this example, the part for executing step S3913 in the production control microcomputer 100) for releasing the restriction state, and the release means is for a predetermined period after the player starts the game. (In this example, after the player starts the game (specifically, after the power is turned on or the customer waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds) On the condition that the period until the fifth change is started) is released (in this example, the production control microcomputer 100 performs step S701A, By executing 810B, when the power is turned on or when the customer waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds, “0” is set in the fluctuation count K, and by executing steps S3911 to S3913, the fluctuation count K is set at each fluctuation start. “1” is added, and when the number of fluctuations K becomes “5”, a notification effect can be executed by setting a notification flag. This restricts the execution of the specific notification until a predetermined period has elapsed after the player starts playing the game, thereby preventing the execution of the specific notification with a low production effect and effectively performing the specific notification. Can do.

  Generally, since the position and speed at which a game ball is launched differ depending on the operation mode of the ball operation handle 5 (to which position it is rotated), the player who has started the game (game ball launch) First, while confirming the position and speed of the game ball to be launched, the operation mode of the hitting operation handle 5 is adjusted to an appropriate mode, and after the adjustment is finished, the effect display device 9 is started to be seen. Therefore, even if the specific notification is executed between the start of the game and the end of the adjustment, the player may miss the specific notification, and the effect of the performance may not be fully exhibited. Therefore, as in this embodiment, if the state that restricts the execution of the specific notification is canceled on the condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game, the effect of the specific notification effect can be improved. Reduction can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, as the “specific notification”, the notification effect for notifying the game description (intention to shift to the 50 probability change state after the big hit) is executed, but the notification content is not limited thereto. is not. For example, “specific notification” can be made by notifying about the contents of effects such as notice and reach, information about the area where game balls should be launched, the fact that an error has occurred, game history, advertisement, etc. It may be executed.

  Further, for example, as “specific notification”, a predetermined reliability (for example, a big hit gaming state, a small hit gaming state, a type of big hit gaming state in which the player can obtain more balls, a probable change state or a short time state) In such a gaming machine capable of executing an effect (so-called latent effect) that makes it difficult for the player to recognize whether it is controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to the player, or whether it is controlled to a certain change state. (If any, the reliability for controlling to a certain change state) can be performed, and the execution of the notification effect is restricted on the condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game. May be canceled. In that case, whether to restrict execution may be different depending on the type and reliability of the notice effect. For example, during the period from when a player starts playing until a predetermined period elapses, the execution of the announcement effect with low reliability for controlling to the advantageous state is limited, while the control to the advantageous state is performed. Execution may not be limited for a highly reliable notice effect.

  In addition, the notification content in the “specific notification” is not limited to one type, and any notification content may be selected from a plurality of types of notification content to execute the notification effect. For example, from the notification effect A for notifying the explanation about the super reach A, the notification effect B for notifying the explanation about the super reach B, and the notification effect C for notifying that the transition to the probability variation state 50 times after the big hit, One notification effect may be selected and executed by a predetermined lottery. In that case, it is good also as composition which can perform easily the information production which reports the explanation about the production (for example, reach, notice production) decided to perform. For example, when the variation pattern corresponds to the super reach A, the notification effect A may be selected at a high rate.

  In the present embodiment, the notification effect (specific notification) can be executed only during a change. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be executed even while the change is stopped. The notification effect may be executed during medium, small hit, opening, ending, or during a customer waiting demonstration. Moreover, it is good also as a notification production | presentation being executable only when it is controlled by the specific production | presentation mode. Also, when a specific effect such as reach occurs during the execution of the notification effect, the execution of the notification effect is interrupted or the display area of the notification effect is changed to a mode different from the normal mode (for example, reduced). Thus, the player may be caused to pay attention to a specific performance. In that case, the execution of the notification effect may be resumed after the end of the specific effect, or the normal effect may be changed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the “state in which execution of specific notification is restricted” is realized by not performing any notification effect until a predetermined period has elapsed after the player started the game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the notification effect is more effective before the predetermined period elapses after the player starts the game than after the predetermined period elapses after the player starts the game. The “state in which execution of specific notification is restricted” may be realized by lowering the execution rate. For example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the player started the game, the presence / absence of the notification effect is determined at the rate described above with reference to FIG. 29 (the rate of 30/100 when the variable display result is a big hit) On the other hand, if the variable display result is out of order, it is determined that the notification effect is executed at a ratio of 20/100). Before the period elapses, it is determined that the notification effect is executed at a rate of 10/100 if the variable display result is a big hit, and the notification effect is executed at a rate of 5/100 when the variable display result is out of sync. It may be determined to be executed.

  Further, in the fluctuation after the “predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game”, the notification effect can be executed at the rate shown in FIG. 29, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as what performs a notification effect in all the fluctuation | variations, and it is good also as a notification effect being executable only when it is a specific fluctuation pattern.

  In the present embodiment, the period until the predetermined number of times (five times) of fluctuation is started is the “predetermined period”. However, the period is not limited to this, and a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses. This period may be a “predetermined period”. Specifically, instead of the process of setting “0” to the number of fluctuations K (steps S701A and S810B), a process of setting a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) to the timer and starting the measurement of the timer is performed. , Before executing steps S800 to S807 in the production control process shown in FIG. 25, a process for subtracting the timer value and a notification possible flag when the subtracted timer value becomes 0 (timeout) is set. This can be realized by executing the processing. In addition, a period until the start winning is generated a predetermined number of times or a period until a predetermined operation by the player is accepted may be a “predetermined period”.

  Further, when the predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) from when the player starts the game to the “predetermined period” is detected, it is detected that the player touches the hitting operation handle 5. In other words, the detection of the launch of the game ball, the occurrence of the first start winning, or the like may be used as an opportunity to start measuring the elapsed time.

  Further, in this embodiment, when 30 seconds have passed since the execution of the customer waiting demonstration effect is started (that is, 60 seconds after the fluctuation is stopped), it is assumed that the player has been switched to the restricted state. The restriction state is released after the lapse of the predetermined period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the execution of the customer waiting demonstration effect is started, the restriction state is immediately controlled and the lapse of the predetermined period. The restriction state may be canceled. Specifically, when the execution of the customer waiting demonstration effect is started without performing the processing of steps S810B and S810C (when a timer for measuring 30 seconds is set in step S687 and the timer times out), the number of changes This can be realized by setting “0” to K and resetting the notification enable flag if it is set. In addition, when the fluctuation is stopped in a state where no hold storage is stored, the restricted state may be controlled and the restricted state may be released after a predetermined period. Specifically, without performing the processing of steps S810B and S810C, it is realized by setting “0” to the number of fluctuations K after N of step S811, and resetting the notification enable flag if it is set. it can.

  Further, in this embodiment, a customer waiting demonstration designation command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100, and after 30 seconds have elapsed since the effect control microcomputer 100 received the command. The waiting demonstration production is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the production control microcomputer 100 independently measures the elapsed time from the change stop and the next change is not started. When the time reaches 30 seconds, a customer waiting demonstration effect may be executed. Specifically, it can be realized by starting the measurement of the elapsed time when N in Step S811, and starting the execution of the customer waiting demonstration effect when the elapsed time reaches 30 seconds without starting the fluctuation. It is. Even in that case, “0” is set to the number of fluctuations K at the time when 30 seconds (that is, 60 seconds after the fluctuations have stopped) have passed since the execution of the customer waiting demonstration effect is started. If it has been done, the notification enable flag may be reset to control the restricted state, and the restricted state may be released after a predetermined period. Alternatively, when the execution of the customer-waiting demonstration effect is started, “0” is immediately set to the number of fluctuations K, and if it is set, the notification enable flag is reset to control the restricted state so that the predetermined period has elapsed. The restriction state may be released later. In addition, when the fluctuation is stopped in a state in which no storage is stored, “0” is set to the fluctuation count K, and if it is set, the notification possible flag is reset to control to the restricted state for a predetermined period. The restriction state may be canceled after elapse of time.

  In addition, when it is detected that a player has left the seat using a non-contact sensor such as an infrared sensor or a camera, the player is switched to a restricted state, and the restricted state is set after a predetermined period. It is good also as canceling.

  Further, the degree of limiting the execution of the specific notification may be changed based on a period (elapsed time, number of fluctuations) that has elapsed since the player started the game. For example, the specific notification execution rate may be increased (the degree of restriction is decreased) as the period elapsed since the player started the game is longer.

  In the present embodiment, the control is always performed in the restricted state when the power is turned on, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the power is cut off during a game due to a power outage etc., the player is not switched between when the power is turned off and when it is restored. It may be a thing. In addition, when the power is turned off during fluctuation, during big hits, or when there is a pending memory, or when the game state is controlled to be advantageous to the player (for example, a short time state or a probable change state), or an error is being reported. When the power source is cut off, the player may not be switched between when the power source is turned off and when the power source is restored, and the player may not be controlled to the restricted state even after the power source is restored.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the customer waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds, the limited state is always controlled. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the customer is limited to a specific gaming state. It is good also as controlling to a restriction | limiting state, when waiting demonstration production is performed for 30 seconds. Specifically, since it is unlikely that the player will be switched when the gaming state is controlled to be advantageous to the player (for example, the short-time state or the probability variation state), it is limited even when the customer waiting demonstration effect is executed for 30 seconds. It is good also as controlling to a restriction | limiting state only when a customer waiting demonstration effect is performed for 30 seconds, when not controlling to a state and being controlled to a normal state. In addition, even in the production mode (so-called latent production mode) that makes it difficult for the player to recognize whether or not the state is controlled to a certain change state, even if the customer waiting demonstration production is executed for 30 seconds, the restriction state is not controlled. When it is not in the production mode, it may be controlled to a restricted state when the customer waiting demonstration production is executed for 30 seconds.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the notification means can execute specific notification that performs display including characters (in this example, the microcomputer 100 for effect control is set to execute the notification effect in step S3916). In such a case, by executing steps S8006 and S802 using the process table selected in step S8004, as shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. "" Is displayed). As a result, the player needs to watch carefully in order to recognize the notification content of the specific notification. Therefore, even if the specific notification is given until the predetermined period has elapsed after the game is started, the player has enough notification content. May not be recognized. Therefore, the specific notification can be performed more effectively by canceling the state where the execution of the specific notification is restricted on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game. Even when specific notifications that display characters are displayed, commentary on the content of the presentation such as notice and reach, information on the area where the game ball should be launched, that an error has occurred, Any information such as history and advertisement may be targeted for notification.

  In the present embodiment, the notification effect for displaying only characters on the effect display device 9 is executed as “specific notification”, but the notification effect for displaying images and characters other than characters is “specific notification”. The notification effect that displays only images other than characters may be executed as “specific notification”. In addition, the notification effect may be executed using an effect member other than the effect display device 9, and for example, the notification effect may be executed using a lamp, an LED, a speaker 27, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the notification effect is executed by the effect display device 9 that performs variable display of the effect symbols. However, the notification effect may be executed by a display device different from the effect display device 9. Good. Specifically, a description will be given using Modification 1 below. Note that description of the same portions as those in the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  In the first modification, a sub-effect display device 51 is arranged in the lower right corner of the effect display device 9, and this sub-effect display device 51 is controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100. The sub-effect display device 51 is composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD). The sub-effect display device 51 is not limited to the one arranged at the lower right corner of the effect display device 9, and may be arranged at any place such as the upper part or the lower part of the effect display device 9. Further, the process table in the first modification includes a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and display control execution data in the effect display device 9, display control execution data in the sub-effect display device 51, lamp control execution data, and sound number data. Data. The display control execution data in the sub-effect display device 51 describes data used for the notification effect.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing a display example in the first modification. As shown in FIG. 34, in the first modification, the timing after a predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game (for example, after turning on the power or executing the customer waiting demonstration effect for 30 seconds). The notification effect can be executed by displaying a character such as “I have entered 50 probability changes after the big hit!” On the secondary effect display device 51 at the timing of starting the fifth fluctuation).

  As described above, in Modification 1, variable display means for performing variable display (effect display device 9 in this example) and predetermined display means for performing predetermined display (sub-effect display device 51 in this example) And the notification means can execute specific notification by the predetermined display means (in this example, the production control microcomputer 100 sets the execution of the notification effect in step S3916, step S8004). By executing Steps S8006 and S802 using the process table selected in (2), the notification effect can be executed on the sub-effect display device 51 as shown in FIG. As a result, the predetermined display means is less noticeable by the player than the variable display means, so even if a specific notification is given until the predetermined period has elapsed since the game was started, the player fully recognizes the notification contents. There is a possibility that it cannot be done. Therefore, the specific notification can be performed more effectively by canceling the state where the execution of the specific notification is restricted on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed since the player started the game.

  In the first modification, a single subsidiary effect display device is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of subsidiary effect display devices are provided, and a notification effect is provided by the plurality of subsidiary effect display devices. May be executable.

  In addition, although the description is omitted in the above-described embodiment and modification example 1, before the variable display for the reserved memory is started, a pre-reading notice effect for the reserved memory can be executed. Also good. Specifically, a description will be given using Modification 2 below. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the same location as embodiment and the modification 1 mentioned above.

  In the second modified example, unlike the above-described embodiment, the first special symbol change display or the second special symbol is displayed in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls have won the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. A special symbol variable display is executed. Further, in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, instead of the first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. An area (total pending storage display section) for displaying the total number (total pending storage count) that is the sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count is provided.

  In the second modification, the small hit game state is provided as an advantageous state advantageous to the player different from the big hit game state, and when the small hit symbol is derived and displayed, the small hit game state is shifted to. In addition, as the big hit types, “probable big hit” that shifts to the probability variation state, “normal big hit” that shifts to the normal state after shifting to the short-time state, and the probability variation state after showing the same behavior as when the small hit occurs There is a “suddenly promising big hit” that shifts to.

  In the second modification, when the variation pattern type is a normal big hit or a probable big hit, normal CA3-1, which is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with only normal reach, and variation with normal reach and pseudo-continuity. It is classified into a normal CA 3-2 that is a variation pattern type including a pattern and a super CA 3-3 that is a variation pattern type with super reach. In addition, in the case of sudden probability variation big hit, it is classified into special CA4-1 that is a variation pattern type including a non-reach variation pattern and special CA4-2 that is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with reach. ing. Further, in the case of small hit, it is classified into special CA4-1 that is a variation pattern type including a non-reach variation pattern. Further, in the case of a deviation, it is a non-reach CA 2-1 that is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern that does not involve reach and a specific effect, and a variation pattern type that includes a variation pattern that does not involve reach but has a specific effect. Non-reach CA2-2, non-reach CA2-3 which is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern of a shortened variation without reach and specific production, and normal CA2-4 which is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with only normal reach And normal CA2-5, which is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with a pseudo reach of normal reach and two re-variations, and normal CA2 which is a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with a pseudo sequence of normal reach and one re-variation -6 and super CA2-7 which is a variation pattern type with super reach Are the type divided into.

  In the second modification, the game control microcomputer 560 can transmit commands in addition to the commands shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. For example, the command C4XX (H) and the command C6XX (H) are effect control commands (winning determination result designation command) indicating the contents of the determination result at the time of winning. Of these, the command C4XX (H) is an effect control command (symbol design command) that indicates whether or not a big hit, a small win or not, and a big hit type determination result among the winning determination results. is there. The command C6XX (H) is an effect control command indicating a determination result (variation pattern type determination result) of which determination value range is included in the variation pattern type determination random number among the winning determination results. (Variation category command). In addition, for example, the command C500 (H) is an effect control command (first start winning designation command) for designating that there is a first starting prize. Command C501 (H) is an effect control command (second start winning designation command) for designating that there has been a second starting win. In the second modification, hereinafter, the first start prize designation command and the second start prize designation command may be collectively referred to as a start prize designation command.

  Further, for example, the command C7XX (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number designation command) that designates the total number (total pending storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. is there. “XX” in the command C7XX (H) indicates the total number of pending storage. Command C800 (H) is an effect control command (total pending storage number subtraction designation command) that specifies that 1 is added to the total pending storage number. The total pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (not shown) in the special symbol changing process. If the received effect control command is a combined hold memory count subtraction designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 erases one hold display in the combined hold storage display section and shifts the remaining hold display one by one. The total pending storage number display in the total pending storage display section is updated. In addition, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the total reserved memory number stored in the total reserved memory number storage area.

  In this modified example 2, in the winning effect processing described later (see FIG. 37), the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not it will be a big hit, a small hit or not, Then, it is determined in which determination value range the random value for determining the variation pattern type falls. Then, in the EXT data of the symbol designating command, a value for designating the big hit or the small hit or a value for designating the type of the big win is set, and control for transmission to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Further, a value for designating a range of a determination value as a determination result is set in the EXT data of the variation category command, and control to transmit to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize whether the display result is a big hit or a small hit based on the value set in the symbol designation command, and the type of the big hit, Based on the variation category command, the variation pattern type can be recognized when the value of the variation pattern type determination random number becomes a predetermined determination value.

  Although illustration is omitted, in this embodiment, EXT data is set and a symbol designating command is transmitted according to whether or not a big hit or a small hit is made and the type of the big hit.

  For example, when it is determined that “out of the game” is given in the winning effect processing described later, the CPU 56 transmits a symbol designating command (design 1 designating command) in which “00 (H)” is set in the EXT data. For example, when it is determined that the “normal big hit” is reached, the CPU 56 transmits a symbol designation command (design 2 designation command) in which “01 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Further, for example, when it is determined that “probability big hit”, the CPU 56 transmits a symbol designation command (design 3 designation command) in which “02 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Further, for example, when it is determined that “suddenly promising big hit”, the CPU 56 transmits a symbol designation command (design 4 designation command) in which “03 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Further, for example, when it is determined that the “small hit” is reached, the CPU 56 transmits a symbol designation command (design 5 designation command) in which “04 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Note that the EXT data set in the symbol designation command and the EXT data set in the display result designation command may be shared. With such a configuration, it is possible to share data to be read when setting a symbol designating command and when setting a display result designating command.

  FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the variable category command in the second modification. As shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, in this modified example 2, which gaming state is displayed, which display result is the display result of the special symbol or effect symbol, the random number for determining the variation pattern type at the time of starting winning A value is set in the EXT data according to whether it is determined that any of the determination values falls within the range of the determination value, and a variation category command is transmitted.

  For example, when it is determined that the gaming state is in the normal state and out of place at the time of starting winning, in step S232 of the winning effect processing described later, the CPU 56 first determines whether the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 79. Determine whether or not. When the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is 1 to 79, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 1 command in which “00 (H)” is set in the EXT data. In the second modification, when the gaming state is the normal state, the variation pattern type of non-reach CA 2-1 is commonly assigned to the range of determination values 1 to 79 regardless of the total number of pending storage. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize that at least the variation pattern type is non-reach CA2-1 based on the reception of the variation category 1 command. Next, when the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 80 to 89, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 2 command in which “01 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Next, when the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 90 to 99, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 3 command in which “02 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Next, when the random number for determining the variation pattern type is between 100 and 169, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 4 command in which “03 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Next, when the random number for variation pattern type determination is 170 to 199, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 5 command in which “04 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Next, when the random number for variation pattern type determination is 200 to 214, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 6 command in which “05 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Next, when the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is between 215 and 229, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 7 command in which “06 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Next, when the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 230 to 251, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 8 command in which “07 (H)” is set in the EXT data. In the second modification, when the gaming state is the normal state, the variation pattern type of the super CA 2-7 is commonly assigned to the range of the determination values 230 to 251 regardless of the total number of pending storage. Therefore, the production control microcomputer 100 can recognize that at least the variation pattern type is super CA2-7 based on the reception of the variation category 8 command.

  Note that the threshold values 79, 89, 99, 169, 199, 214, and 229 used for determining which of the above-described variation categories belong to the variation pattern type determination table for deviation (not shown). The values that can be the boundary of the range of the judgment value assigned to each variation pattern type in FIG. The same applies to the subsequent variation categories 9 to 10 and 21 to 29, and values that can be boundaries of the range of determination values assigned to each variation pattern type in the variation pattern type determination table (not shown). A threshold value that is picked up and used for category determination is derived.

  Further, for example, when it is determined that the gaming state is in a probable change state or a short time state and out of place at the time of winning a start, in step S232 of the winning effect processing described later, the CPU 56 first sets the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type to 1. It is determined whether or not 219. When the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 219 (that is, when the variation pattern type is non-reach CA2-3), the CPU 56 performs the variation in which “08 (H)” is set in the EXT data. Send a category 9 command. Next, the CPU 56 sets “09 (H)” to the EXT data when the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 220 to 251 (that is, the variation pattern type of the super CA 2-7). Send a variable category 10 command.

  Note that the variation pattern type of the super CA 2-7 may be assigned to the range of the determination values 230 to 251 even when the gaming state is the probability variation state or the short time state. By doing so, a common determination value can be assigned to the variation pattern type of the super CA 2-7 regardless of the gaming state. For this reason, when executing the process of step S232 of the winning effect process described later, if it is out of place, the common determination process may be performed regardless of the gaming state, and the program capacity can be further reduced. In this case, the game state determination process in step S226 can be made unnecessary.

  Also, for example, when it is determined that the “usual big hit” is made at the time of starting winning, in step S232 of the effect processing at the time of winning to be described later, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 74. Determine whether. When the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 74 (that is, when the variation pattern type is normal CA3-1), the CPU 56 sets the variation category in which “10 (H)” is set in the EXT data. 21 commands are transmitted. Next, the CPU 56 sets “11 (H)” in the EXT data when the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 75 to 149 (that is, when the variation pattern type is normal CA3-2). A variation category 22 command is transmitted. Next, the CPU 56 sets “12 (H)” in the EXT data when the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 150 to 251 (that is, the variation pattern type of the super CA3-3). A variable category 23 command is transmitted.

  Further, for example, when it is determined that “probability big hit” is obtained at the time of starting winning, in step S232 of the effect processing at the time of winning to be described later, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the random pattern type determination random number is 1 to 38. Determine whether. When the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 38 (that is, when the variation pattern type is normal CA3-1), the CPU 56 sets the variation category in which “13 (H)” is set in the EXT data. 24 commands are transmitted. Next, the CPU 56 sets “14 (H)” in the EXT data when the value of the random number for variation pattern type determination is 39 to 79 (that is, when the variation pattern type is normal CA3-2). A variable category 25 command is transmitted. Next, the CPU 56 sets “15 (H)” in the EXT data when the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 80 to 251 (that is, when the variation pattern type is super CA3-3). A variation category 26 command is transmitted.

  Also, for example, when it is determined that the winning odds are suddenly won at the time of starting winning, in step S232 of the winning effect processing described later, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 100. Determine. When the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 1 to 100 (that is, when the variation pattern type is special CA4-1), the CPU 56 sets the variation category in which “16 (H)” is set in the EXT data. 27 commands are transmitted. Next, when the random number for determining the variation pattern type is 101 to 251 (that is, when the variation pattern type is special CA4-2), the CPU 56 sets the variation category in which “17 (H)” is set in the EXT data. 28 commands are transmitted.

  Further, for example, when it is determined that a small hit is made at the time of starting winning, the CPU 56 transmits a variation category 29 command in which “18 (H)” is set in the EXT data.

  Note that the total number of pending storage is not always the same when the winning determination is made at the time of starting winning and when the variable display is actually started, so the fluctuation indicated by the winning determination result designation command There may be a case where the pattern type does not coincide with the variation pattern type actually used in the variation display. However, in the second modification, since at least the non-reach CA 2-1, super CA 2-7 and super CA 3-3 fluctuation pattern types are assigned a common determination value regardless of the total number of pending storages. Inconsistency does not occur between the winning determination result and the variation pattern type of the variation display actually executed. For this reason, in the second modification, the pre-reading notice such as the holding notice effect or the prefetch zone effect described later based on the determination result at the time of winning that the variation pattern type is non-reach CA2-1, super CA2-7 or super CA3-3. Production is performed. Only when it is determined that the variation pattern type is non-reach CA 2-1, super CA 2-7, and super CA 3-3, the variation category command (specifically, variation category 1 command, (Variation category 8 command, variation category 23 command, variation category 26 command only) may be transmitted, and the variation category command may not be transmitted in the case of winning determination results of other variation pattern types. If it is determined at the time of winning that it is other than non-reach CA2-1, super CA2-7 and super CA3-3, a variation category command indicating that the variation pattern type cannot be specified may be transmitted. Good.

  The “prefetching notice effect” is a notice effect that is executed before the start of the variable display that is the target of the notice effect. In this modified example 2, as will be described later, when the execution of the holding notice effect, which is a kind of pre-reading notice effect, is determined when the start prize is generated, the timing at which the next start prize is generated (or a specific period ( In this example, if the next start prize is not generated by the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time), the hold display is changed to a display mode different from the normal display mode at the timing when the specific period has passed). The execution of the notice effect is started. In addition, after starting the holding notice effect, the execution of the pre-read zone effect in the form of changing the background screen of the effect display device 9 to a screen different from the normal screen is started at the timing of starting the next variable display. It should be noted that the effect of the pre-reading notice effect is not limited to the aspect of changing the background screen as shown in the second modification. For example, as the pre-reading notice effect, a special feature such as a chance eye symbol is continuously provided over a plurality of variations. Various aspects are conceivable, such as performing an effect that stops and displays the display result, or performing an effect that counts down over multiple variations.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a winning effect process in the second modification. The winning effect process is a process executed after step S1215 and after S1221 in the start port switch passing process. In the winning effect process, the CPU 56 first compares the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 with the normal jackpot determination value shown in the left column of FIG. It is confirmed whether or not they match (step S220). In the second modification, at the timing of starting the variation of the special symbol and the effect symbol, whether or not to make a big hit or a small hit in the special symbol normal process, whether to determine the big hit type or the variation pattern in the variation pattern setting process Separately, at the timing when the game ball is started and won at the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14, before the display of fluctuation based on the start winning is started, By executing the effect processing, it is confirmed in advance whether or not the big hit or the small hit is made, and in which judgment value range the value of the big hit type or the variation pattern type determination random number falls. By doing so, the variation display result and variation pattern type are predicted in advance before the variation display of the effect symbol is executed, and the effect control microcomputer is based on the determination result at the time of winning as will be described later. When 100 is performed, the pending notice effect and the pre-read zone effect for notifying that the game will be a big hit or super reach will be executed during the variation display of the effect symbol.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the normal big hit determination value (N in step S220), the CPU 56 sets a probability change flag indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state (probability change state). It is confirmed whether or not (step S221). If the probability change flag is set, the CPU 56 compares the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 with the jackpot determination value at the time of probability change shown in the right column of FIG. Are matched (step S222). It should be noted that there is a possibility that a plurality of variation displays will be executed after confirming whether or not the state of probability variation has been made in step S221 at the time of starting winning, until the actual display of variation based on the starting winning is actually started. There is. For this reason, the game state has changed (for example, the start of change) from when it is confirmed whether or not it is in the probable change state at step S221 at the time of starting winning, until when the change display based on the starting winning is actually started. If there is a probable big hit or sudden probable big hit before, the normal state changes to the probable state.) For this reason, the gaming state determined at step S221 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of variation (see step S61) are not necessarily the same. In order to prevent such a discrepancy, a game with a change of the game state in the currently stored storage is specified, and the determination at the time of starting winning is made based on the changed game state. Also good.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the big hit determination value at the time of probability change (N in step S222), the CPU 56 determines the big hit determination random number (random R) extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 and the small hit determination value. And confirms whether or not they match (step S223). In this case, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when executing the winning effect processing after S1215), the CPU 56 determines the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) (illustrated). It is determined whether or not it matches the small hit determination value set in () is omitted). In addition, when there is a start winning at the second start winning opening 14 (when the winning effect processing after S1221 is executed), the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) (illustration is omitted). It is determined whether or not it matches the set small hit determination value.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the small hit determination value (N in step S223), the CPU 56 sets EXT data “00 (H)” indicating “out of” in the symbol designation command. Is performed (step S224).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process for determining the current gaming state (step S225). In the second modification, in step S225, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the gaming state is a certain change state and whether or not it is a short time state. It should be noted that there are a plurality of times during the period from the confirmation of whether or not the engine is in a promiscuous state and the short-time state at the time of starting winning, until the start of the variable display based on the starting winning. Variable display may be performed. Therefore, the game state changes between the time when the start winning is confirmed in step S225 and whether or not the state is the short time state and the time when the variation display based on the start winning is actually started. (For example, when a probable big hit or a sudden probable big hit occurs before the start of fluctuation, the normal state may change to a probable state). For this reason, the gaming state determined at step S225 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of variation (see step S61) are not necessarily the same. In order to prevent such a discrepancy, a game with a change of the game state in the currently stored storage is specified, and the determination at the time of starting winning is made based on the changed game state. Also good.

  Then, the CPU 56 sets each threshold for detachment according to the determination result of step S225 (step S226). In this modified example 2, a threshold determination program for performing threshold determination in advance is incorporated, and by determining whether or not the threshold value is larger than the threshold value, the value of the variation pattern type determination random number falls within any determination value range. Is determined, and the value of the EXT data to be set in the variation category command shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 is determined.

  For example, the CPU 56 sets the threshold value 219 when it is determined that the gaming state is the probability variation state or the time saving state. In this case, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is equal to or less than the threshold value 219 in step S232 to be described later. Is determined to set “08 (H)” as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If it is not less than or equal to the threshold value 219 (that is, if it is 220 to 251), it is determined that “09 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35).

  For example, if the CPU 56 determines that the gaming state is the normal state, the CPU 56 sets the threshold values 79, 89, 99, 169, 199, 214, and 229 regardless of the total number of pending storages. In this case, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is equal to or less than the threshold value 79 in step S232 described later. Is determined to set “00 (H)” as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold value is 89 or less (that is, 80 to 89), it is determined that “01 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold value is 99 or less (ie, 90 to 99), it is determined that “02 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold value is 169 or less (that is, 100 to 169), it is determined that “03 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold is 199 or less (that is, 170 to 199), it is determined that “04 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold is 214 or less (that is, 200 to 214), it is determined that “05 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold value is 229 or less (that is, 215 to 229), it is determined that “06 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35). If the threshold value is not less than 229 (that is, 230 to 251), it is determined that “07 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 35).

  In the threshold determination example described above, 79, 89, 99, 169, 199, 214, and 229 are determined in order from the smallest threshold value. It will never fall within the range below the previous order threshold. That is, after determining whether or not the threshold value is 79 or less, when determining whether or not the threshold value is 89 or less, it does not fall within the range of 1 to 79 that is equal to or less than the threshold value in the previous order. It is determined whether it is in the range. In the second modification, the case where the threshold values are determined to be 79, 89, 99, 169, 199, 214, and 229 in order from the smallest value is shown. Conversely, 229, 214, 199, 169, 99, 89 and 79 may be determined. The same applies to the determination using other threshold values shown below.

  Note that the threshold value in the normal state may always be set without determining the gaming state in step S225. Even in such a configuration, the range of determination values is shared by at least the variation pattern type that is “non-reach” and the variation pattern type that is “super-reach”. It can be determined whether or not it is “out of” or “out of super reach”.

  When the big hit determination random number (random R) matches the small hit determination value (Y in step S223), the CPU 56 uses the symbol designating command for the EXT data “04 (H)” indicating “small hit”. Is set (step S227).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a threshold for small hits (step S228). In the second modification, the CPU 56 sets the threshold value 251 and determines that the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is equal to or less than the threshold value 251 (1 to 251) in step S232 described later. It is determined that “18 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variation category command (see FIG. 36). In the case of a small hit, it may be determined that the EXT data “18 (H)” is set as it is without performing the threshold determination.

  When the jackpot determination random number (random R) matches the jackpot determination value in step S220 or step S222, the CPU 56 determines the type of jackpot based on the jackpot type determination random number (random 1) extracted in steps S1215 and S1221. Is determined (step S229). In this case, when there is a start winning at the first start winning opening 13 (when executing the winning effect processing after step S1215), the CPU 56 uses the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol). It is used to determine whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable big hit” or “suddenly probable big hit”. Further, when there is a start winning at the second starting winning opening 14 (when the effect processing at the time of winning after step S1221 is executed), the big hit type determination table (for second special symbol) 131b is used. It is determined whether the type is “ordinary big hit”, “probable big hit” or “sudden probability big hit”.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs processing for setting the EXT data corresponding to the determination result of the jackpot type in the symbol designation command (step S230). In this case, when it is determined that the “normal big hit” is reached, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the EXT data “01 (H)” indicating the “normal big hit” in the symbol designation command. If it is determined that “probability big hit”, the CPU 56 performs processing for setting EXT data “02 (H)” indicating “probability big hit” in the symbol designation command. If it is determined that “suddenly probable big hit” is determined, the CPU 56 performs processing for setting EXT data “03 (H)” indicating “suddenly probable big hit” to the symbol designation command.

  And CPU56 sets each threshold value for jackpots according to the jackpot classification determined by step S229 (step S231).

  For example, the CPU 56 sets the thresholds 74 and 149 when it is determined as “normal big hit”. In this case, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is equal to or smaller than the threshold 74 in step S232 described later. Is determined to set “10 (H)” as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36). If the threshold value is 149 or less (that is, 75 to 149), it is determined that “11 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36). If it is not less than or equal to the threshold value 149 (that is, 150 to 251), it is determined to set “12 (H)” as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36).

  Further, for example, when the CPU 56 determines “probability big hit”, the thresholds 38 and 79 are set. In this case, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is equal to or less than the threshold 38 in step S232 described later. Is determined to set “13 (H)” as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36). If the threshold value is 79 or less (that is, 39 to 79), it is determined that “14 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36). If the threshold value is not 79 or less (that is, 80 to 251), it is determined that “15 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36).

  Further, for example, when the CPU 56 determines “suddenly probable big hit”, it sets the threshold 100. In this case, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the value of the variation pattern type determination random number is less than or equal to the threshold value 100 in step S232 to be described later. Is determined to set “16 (H)” as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36). If the threshold is not less than 100 (that is, 101 to 251), it is determined that “17 (H)” is set as the EXT data of the variable category command (see FIG. 36).

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the threshold set in steps S226, S228, and S231 and the random number for variation pattern type determination (random 2) extracted in steps S1215 and S1221, to determine which value of the random number for variation pattern type determination. It is determined whether it falls within the determination value range (step S232).

  In steps S226, S228, and S231, instead of setting a predetermined threshold value, a variation pattern type determination table is set. In step S232, using the set variation pattern type determination table, a variation pattern is determined. You may make it determine the range of the value of the random number for classification determination, and which variation pattern classification it becomes.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs processing for setting the EXT data corresponding to the determination result to the variable category command (step S233). Specifically, the CPU 56 determines “00 (H)” to “09 (H)”, “10” as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 according to which variation pattern type is determined in step S232. A process of setting any value of (H) "to" 18 (H) "to the EXT data of the variable category command is performed.

  In the second modification, even when it is determined that the big win or the small win is determined in the determination at the time of winning, the range in which the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type is uniformly determined is shown. When it is determined that the game is a big hit or a small hit, the determination of the range of the random number for determining the variation pattern type may not be performed. Then, when a big win or a small win is received, a symbol designating command indicating that the determination was made at the time of winning is transmitted, and a variation category command comprehensively indicating that the variation pattern type is a big hit or small winning may be transmitted. . For example, although the production control microcomputer 100 does not specifically indicate which variation pattern type, the variation shown to be comprehensively one of the big hit variation pattern types. Based on the reception of the category command, a hold notice effect and a prefetch zone effect, which will be described later, may be executed.

  In the second modification, the effect control CPU 101 performs the advance notice before performing any one of steps S800 to S807 in the effect control process shown in FIG. 25 (for example, before step S810A). An effect process and an effect time measurement process are executed.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the hold notice effect process in the second modification. In the hold notice effect process, the effect control CPU 101 first sets a set of start winning commands (that is, a design designation command, a variable category command, a start prize designation command (a first start prize designation command or a second start prize designation). Command) and a set of combined pending storage number designation commands) are checked (step S6001). Specifically, one set of symbol designation command, variable category command, start prize designation command (first start prize designation command or second start prize designation command), and total pending storage number designation command in the command prize storage area at the start prize Can be confirmed by determining whether or not is newly stored. If a command for starting winning a set is not newly received, the process is terminated as it is.

  If a command at the time of starting a winning prize is newly received, the CPU 101 for effect control has a hold notice execution flag (a hold notice A execution flag to be described later) indicating that any of the hold notice effects is already being executed. It is confirmed whether or not the hold notice B execution flag or the hold notice C execution flag is set (step S6002). If no hold notice execution flag is set (that is, if the hold notice effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 has already decided to execute any hold notice effect, but the hold notice effect. It is checked whether or not a hold notice determination flag (hold notice A decision flag, hold notice B decision flag, or hold notice C decision flag, which will be described later) is set (step S6003).

  If none of the hold notice determination flags are set (that is, if the execution of the hold notice effect has not been decided yet), the effect control CPU 101 enters the summed hold memory number storage area (see steps S633 and S636). It is confirmed whether or not the stored total pending storage number is 2 or more (step S6004). If the total number of reserved memories is not 2 or more (that is, if there is no reserved memory or only one), the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the total pending storage number is 2 or more, the production control CPU 101 reads all the variation category commands stored in the start winning command storage area and stores them before the latest variation category command received this time. It is confirmed whether or not all the determination results of the variation pattern type indicated by the variation category command indicate non-reach deviation (step S6005). Specifically, it is determined whether or not all the variation category commands stored before the latest variation category command are variation category 1 commands indicating that it is determined that the variation pattern type is non-reach CA2-1. If there is at least one variation category command as a determination result other than non-reach, the process is terminated.

  By executing the processing of steps S6004 and S6005, in this second modification, there are two or more pending memories that are currently being subjected to the variable display, and the pending memories up to one before the newly generated pending memory are stored. On the condition that all are non-reachable, the process of step S6006 described later is executed, and execution of the hold notice effect may be determined.

  If all the previous hold memories are non-reachable (Y in step S6005), the effect control CPU 101 determines the presence and type of the hold notice effect based on the latest received variable category command. Determination is made (step S6006). In step S6006, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on random numbers using the hold notice determination table for determining the presence and type of the hold notice effect and determines the presence and type of the hold notice effect. .

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the hold notice determination table in the second modification. As shown in FIG. 39, in the second modification, determination values are assigned to the hold notice effect table, the hold notice effect A, the hold notice effect B, and the hold notice effect C, respectively. ing. As shown in FIG. 39, in the second modification, there are three types of the hold notice effect A, the hold notice effect B, and the hold notice effect C as types of the hold notice effect.

  In the second modification, when the execution of the “holding notice effect A” is determined when the start winning is generated, the generation of the next start winning or the specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) is further determined. At the elapsed time, the hold display is changed to the special hold display, and the execution of the hold notice effect is started. In addition, after starting the hold notice effect, the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone A is changed to the start of execution of the prefetch zone A at the timing when the next variable display is started.

  In addition, when it is determined to execute the “holding notice effect B” when the start prize is generated, the next start prize is generated or at the timing of the elapse of a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time). The hold display is changed to the special hold display and the execution of the hold notice effect is started (up to here, the same as “hold notice effect A”). In addition, after starting the hold notice effect, the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone B is changed to the execution of the prefetch zone B effect at the timing when the next variable display is started.

  In addition, when the execution of the “holding notice effect C” is determined when the start winning is generated, the next start winning is generated or at the timing of the elapse of a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time). The hold display is changed to the special hold display and the execution of the hold notice effect is started. In addition, after starting the hold notice effect, the display is changed to the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone A at the timing of starting the next variable display, and the execution of the prefetch zone A effect is started. Almost the same as “A”). Next, at the timing of the next start prize or the elapse of a predetermined time period (in this example, 5 seconds), the special hold display increases by 1 and the door is closed to respond to the pre-read zone A. The door closing effect is executed such that the background screen is hidden. Then, at the timing when the next variable display is started, the door opening effect in such a manner that the door is opened is executed, and the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone B is changed to start execution of the prefetch zone B effect. .

  As shown in FIG. 39, in the second modification, when the determination result indicated by the variation category command is out of super reach (the variation category 8 designation indicating that the determination result is the variation pattern type of the super CA 2-7). When the command is received), or when the determination result indicated by the variable category command is a super reach jackpot (the variable category 23 designation command or the variable category 26 indicating that it is a determination result with the variation pattern type of super CA3-3. When the command is received), the execution of the hold notice effect may be determined.

  In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 39, when the super reach big hit, the execution of the hold notice effect B is determined at a higher rate than the hold notice effect A compared to the case where the super reach is lost. And the ratio which determines execution of the hold notice effect A is lower than the hold notice effect B. Therefore, in the second modification, when the execution of the pre-read zone B effect is started at the timing when the next variable display is started after the execution of the hold notice effect, the pre-read zone A effect is executed. Compared with the case where it is started, the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit is high.

  Further, in the second modification, as shown in FIG. 39, there is a case where execution of the hold notice effect C is determined only when the super reach big hit. Therefore, in the second modification, the execution of the prefetch zone A effect is started, and the expectation (reliability) for the big hit is not high, and then the prefetch zone B effect is changed to the super reach big hit. May be determined. In addition, even if it is a case where super reach is lost, it may be configured such that execution of the hold notice effect C may be determined at a low rate.

  Further, in the second modification, the case where the execution of the hold notice effect is determined only when the super reach big hit or the super reach is lost is shown, but the determination result indicated by the variable category command is non-reach. Even in the case (when a variation category 1 designation command indicating that it is a determination result with the variation pattern type of non-reach CA 2-1 is received), a determination value is allocated and execution of the hold notice effect can be determined. May be. Further, for example, when it is possible to determine in advance that the variation pattern type with normal reach is determined in the determination at the time of starting winning, it may be configured to execute the hold notice effect with the reserved memory as the normal reach as the notice target.

  When execution of the hold notice effect is determined (Y in step S6007), the effect control CPU 101 sets a hold notice determination flag corresponding to the determined type of the hold notice effect (step S6008). Specifically, when the execution of the hold notice effect A is decided, the hold notice A decision flag is set. When the decision of the hold notice effect B is decided, the hold notice B decision flag is set, and the hold notice effect is set. If execution of C is decided, a hold notice C decision flag is set.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 uses a time corresponding to the remaining variation time in the time measurement timer for measuring the time until the pending notice effect is started and the time until the pending notice effect being executed or the prefetch zone effect is changed. (A value corresponding to a specific period) is set (step S6009). In the second modification, a value corresponding to a time shorter by one second than the remaining fluctuation time is set in the time measurement timer as a value corresponding to the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time. For example, when the remaining fluctuation time is 20 seconds, a value corresponding to 19 seconds is set to the time measurement timer, and when the remaining fluctuation time is only 5 seconds, a value corresponding to 4 seconds is set to the time measurement timer. . Note that the remaining fluctuation time can be specifically determined by checking the value of the fluctuation time timer set in step S8019 of the effect symbol fluctuation start process described later.

  If the remaining fluctuation time is less than 1 second, it may be determined not to forcibly execute the hold notice effect, or a value corresponding to a time shorter than 1 second is set in the time measurement timer. You may make it do.

  Further, for example, instead of setting different values in the time measurement timer according to the remaining fluctuation time, a fixed value may be set in the time measurement timer. For example, it may be configured such that the hold notice effect can be determined on condition that the remaining fluctuation time is 10 seconds or more, and a value corresponding to 8 seconds or 9 seconds may be set as a fixed value in the time measurement timer.

  Further, in the second modification, a case is shown in which the specific period does not end until the next fluctuation display is started. However, in step S6009, a plurality of fluctuations are displayed. A value corresponding to the time spanning the display may be set, and a plurality of variable displays may be passed through until a specific period elapses.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 performs control for starting the chance display superimposed display on the effect display device 9 (step S6010). In the second modification, for example, when the display of a character string such as “Chance may!” Is started as a chance display, there is a possibility that the hold notice effect will be started when the next start prize is generated. Informed.

  When one of the hold notice execution flags is set in step S6002 (that is, when the hold notice effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 determines to execute the hold notice effect C. In this case, it is confirmed whether or not a flag before changing the hold notice indicating that the display mode of the hold display is changed after the execution of the prefetch zone A effect is started (step S6011). ). Note that the pre-holding notice change flag is set in an effect symbol variation start process described later.

  If the pre-holding notice change flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 increases the special hold display displayed in the combined hold storage display unit by 1 (step S6012). In this modified example 2, as will be described later, when the execution of the hold notice effect C is determined, the timing of the occurrence of a further start winning prize or the elapse of a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) In step S6012, the display of the hold notification effect is changed to the special hold display until the hold display immediately before the hold display of the notice target is started (see steps S6015 and S6508). By changing the display to the special hold display, the effect in a mode in which the number of executions of the hold notice effect is increased by one is executed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 resets the flag before the hold notice change, and also indicates that the hold notice change indicating that the execution of the hold notice effect C is determined and the display mode of the hold display has been changed. A post flag is set (step S6013). Then, control goes to a step S6021.

  If any of the hold notice determination flags is set in step S6003 (that is, if the execution of the hold notice effect is determined but the execution of the hold notice effect has not yet started), the effect is given. The control CPU 101 checks whether or not the set hold notice determination flag is a hold notice C decision flag (step S6014). If the hold notice C determination flag is set (that is, if execution of the hold notice effect C is determined), the effect control CPU 101 causes the sum hold storage display unit to display the last hold display two times before the latest hold display. Is changed from a normal hold display (in this example, a white round display) to a special hold display (in this example, a red round display), and execution of the hold notice effect is started (step S6015). ). In this case, after the execution of the hold notice effect C is decided, the start winning is generated and the hold memory is incremented by one, so the hold display one previous from the latest hold display is the notice target hold display. It is a trap. Therefore, by executing the processing in step S6015, the hold display up to the previous hold display to be notified is changed to the special hold display, and the hold notice effect is started.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets the hold notice C execution flag (step S6016) and resets the hold notice C determination flag (step S6017). Then, control goes to a step S6021.

  If the set hold notice determination flag is not the hold notice C decision flag (that is, if the hold notice A decision flag or the hold notice B decision flag is set (hold notice effect A or hold notice effect B) The execution control CPU 101 displays the hold display from the latest hold display to the previous hold display in the normal hold display (in this example, white display). ) Is changed to a special hold display (in this example, a red circle display), and the execution of the hold notice effect is started (step S6018). In this case, after the execution of the hold notice effect A or the hold notice effect B is decided, the start winning is generated and the hold memory is increased by one, so that the hold display immediately before the latest hold display is displayed. It should be a pending display for the notice. Therefore, by executing the processing of step S6018, the hold display for the advance notice target is changed to the special hold display, and the hold advance notice effect is started.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets the hold notice A execution flag when the hold notice A determination flag is set, and sets the hold notice B execution flag when the hold notice B determination flag is set. (Step S6019). Further, the production control CPU 101 resets the set hold notice A decision flag or hold notice B decision flag (step S6020). Then, control goes to a step S6021.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 resets the time measurement timer (step S6021). That is, a start prize is generated before the specified period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) and the specified period (in this example, 5 seconds) have elapsed, and the execution of the hold notice effect is started or changed. In this case, the time measurement timer is reset and the measurement for the specific period or the specified period is ended.

  The effect control CPU 101 deletes the chance display displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S6022).

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing effect time measurement processing in the second modification. In the effect time measurement process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the value of the time measurement timer is 0 (step S6501). If the value of the time measurement timer is not 0, the CPU 101 for effect control subtracts 1 from the value of the time measurement timer (step S6502) and confirms whether or not the value of the time measurement timer after the subtraction is 0. (Step S6503).

  If the value of the time measurement timer after subtraction is 0 (that is, when a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) or a specified period (in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed ), The effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the pre-holding notice change flag is set (step S6504).

  If the pre-change notice flag is set, the production control CPU 101 increments the special hold display displayed on the combined hold storage display unit by 1 (step S6505). In the second modification, as described above, when the execution of the holding notice effect C is determined, further start winnings are generated or a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) has elapsed. The timing is changed to the special hold display until the hold display immediately before the hold display of the notice target at the timing and the execution of the hold notice effect is started (see steps S6015 and S6508). By changing the hold display to the special hold display, the effect in a manner that the number of executions of the hold notice effect is increased by one is executed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 resets the pre-holding notice change flag and sets the post-holding notice change flag (step S6506). Then, control goes to a step S6514.

  If the pre-holding notice change flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the holding notice C determination flag is set (step S6507). If the hold notice C determination flag is set (that is, if execution of the hold notice effect C has been determined), the effect control CPU 101 causes the sum hold storage display unit to display the latest hold display one before. Is changed from a normal hold display (in this example, a white round display) to a special hold display (in this example, a red round display), and execution of the hold notice effect is started (step S6508). ). In this case, since it is a case where a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) has elapsed without determining the start winning after the execution of the hold notice effect C, a new hold is made. There is no memory, and the latest hold display should still be the hold display for the notice. Therefore, by executing the processing in step S6508, the hold display up to the previous hold display to be notified is changed to the special hold display, and the hold notice effect is started.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets the hold notice C execution flag (step S6509) and resets the hold notice C determination flag (step S6510). Then, control goes to a step S6514.

  If the set hold notice determination flag is not the hold notice C decision flag (that is, if the hold notice A decision flag or the hold notice B decision flag is set (hold notice effect A or hold notice effect B) In the case where the execution is determined)), the production control CPU 101 displays all the hold displays displayed in the combined hold storage display unit in the normal hold display (in this example, the white round display). Is changed to special hold display (in this example, red round display), and execution of the hold notice effect is started (step S6511). In this case, after the execution of the hold notice effect A or the hold notice effect B is determined, a specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) has elapsed without a start winning. Therefore, no new hold storage has occurred, and the latest hold display should still be the hold display for the notice. Therefore, by executing the process of step S6511, the hold display for the advance notice is changed to the special hold display, and the hold notice effect is started.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 sets the hold notice A execution flag when the hold notice A determination flag is set, and sets the hold notice B execution flag when the hold notice B determination flag is set. (Step S6512). Further, the production control CPU 101 resets the set hold notice A decision flag or hold notice B decision flag (step S6513). Then, control goes to a step S6514.

  By performing the above processing, a specific period (in this example, a time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) or a specified period (in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed even if execution of the hold notice effect is determined. Even if no new start prize is generated, the execution of the hold notice effect is started or the hold notice effect is changed based on the elapse of the specific period or the specified period.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 deletes the chance display displayed on the effect display device 9 (step S6514).

  Here, an effect symbol variation start process (not shown) in Modification 2 will be described. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the set hold notice execution flag when the hold notice execution flag is set. For example, if the reserved preliminary execution A execution flag is set, the process table corresponding to the prefetch zone effect A is selected, and if the reserved preliminary execution B execution flag is set, the process table corresponding to the prefetch zone effect B is selected. If the execution of the hold notice effect A is determined by executing the process of step S8006 described above in accordance with the process table selected here, the execution of the hold notice effect is started and then started. The background display corresponding to the prefetch zone A is changed from the variable display, and the prefetch zone A effect is executed. When execution of the hold notice effect B is determined, the execution of the hold notice effect B is started, and then the change display to be started next is changed to the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone B, and the prefetch zone B effect is changed. Executed.

  In addition, the holding preliminary execution C execution flag is set, and a flag before door opening (a flag indicating that the door opening effect is performed after the door closing effect is executed) and a door opening flag (holding notice effect). When execution of C is determined and the flag indicating that the stage after the door opening effect is executed is not set, the effect control CPU 101 displays a process table corresponding to the pre-read zone effect A. select. By executing the process of step S8006 described above in accordance with the process table selected here, the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone A is changed and the prefetch zone A effect is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 101 sets the flag before the hold notice change and also sets a value corresponding to 5 seconds (a value corresponding to the specified period) in the time measurement timer, and the effect display device 9 displays the chance. The control to start the superimposed display is performed.

  In addition, when the hold preliminary execution C execution flag is set and the flag before door opening is set, the CPU 101 for effect control selects a process table corresponding to the door opening effect and the pre-read zone effect B. By executing the process of step S8006 described above according to the process table selected here, the door opening effect is executed, the background screen is changed according to the prefetch zone B, and the prefetch zone B effect is changed. At this time, the production control CPU 101 resets the door opening flag and sets the door opening flag.

  In addition, when the holding preliminary execution C execution flag is set and the door opening flag is set, the process table corresponding to the prefetch zone effect B is selected. By performing the process of step S8006 described above according to the process table selected here, the prefetch zone B effect is executed until the hold notice effect is finished.

  In this way, when the execution of the hold notice effect C is determined, after the start of the hold notice effect, the change display to be started next is changed to the background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone A and prefetched. Zone A effect is executed. Next, the special hold display is incremented by 1 due to the occurrence of further start winnings or the lapse of the specified period, and when the door closing effect is executed, the door opening effect is then executed in the next variable display to be started, The background screen corresponding to the prefetch zone B is changed to the prefetch zone B effect. In the variable display started thereafter, the prefetch zone B effect is executed until the hold notice effect ends.

  Further, in the effect symbol variation start process in the modified example 2, the effect control CPU 101 uses the start winning command (symbol designation command, variation category command, start prize designation) stored in the storage area of the start winning command storage area. Delete one command at the time of start winning stored in the first storage area from the commands (first start winning designation command or second start winning designation command) and total pending storage number designation command), A process of shifting the contents of the command storage area at the time of starting winning a prize is performed.

  Further, in the effect symbol variation processing (not shown) in Modification 2, the effect control CPU 101 is in the case where the hold notice change after flag is set (that is, the execution of the hold notice effect C is determined). If the display mode of the hold display is changed (after the special hold display is incremented by 1), the effect control CPU 101 switches to the process data corresponding to the door closing effect and restarts the process timer. Start it. In addition, the effect control CPU 101 resets the flag after the pending notice change and sets the flag before opening the door. Thereafter, the door closing process is executed by controlling the effect device in accordance with the process data corresponding to the switched door closing effect.

  It should be noted that the flag after the hold notice change is set because the execution of the hold notice effect C is decided and the pre-read zone A effect is once started, and then a new start prize is generated or a specific period has passed and the information is held. This is after the display mode of the display is changed (the special hold display is incremented by 1). In this case, after the display mode of the hold display is changed in the effect time measurement process shown in FIG. 40 or the hold notice effect process shown in FIG. 38, the process of changing the effect symbol in step S802 is performed in the same timer interruption. Therefore, on the display in the effect display device 9, the display mode of the hold display is changed (the special hold display is increased by 1) and the door closing effect is executed at the same time.

  As described above, in the second modification, the start condition that allows the start of variable display is satisfied (in this example, neither variable display of the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is executed, And a special display result (in this example, the first special symbol display device 8a, the second special symbol display device 8b, and the effect display device 9) that performs variable display based on the fact that the game state is not a big hit game state) In this example, it is a gaming machine that is in an advantageous state (in this example, a big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player when the big hit symbol) is derived and displayed, and a variable display that does not satisfy the start condition is suspended On-hold storage means for storing as memory (in this example, a first on-hold storage buffer and a second on-hold storage buffer) and start time determination means for determining whether or not to enter an advantageous state based on the start condition being satisfied ( In the example, a part for executing step S61 in the game control microcomputer 560 and variable display execution means for executing variable display based on the determination result of the start time determination means (in this example, in the game control microcomputer 560). Steps S303 and S304) and prior determination means for determining whether or not an advantageous state is obtained before the determination by the start time determination means (in this example, a winning effect process in the game control microcomputer 560 ( 37) and a specific effect (in this example, a pre-reading notice effect (holding notice) in accordance with the determination result of the prior determination means before the variable display start condition to be determined is satisfied. Effect, pre-read zone effect)) specific effect determining means (in this example, an effect control microphone) Based on the execution of step S6006 in the computer 100 and the execution of the specific effect by the specific effect determination means, the specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 100). Steps S6011 to S6020, S6504 to S6513, and a portion for executing the effect symbol variation start process and the effect symbol variation process of Modification 2), and the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect by the specific effect determining means. When determined, the execution of the specific effect is started based on the newly stored hold memory (in this example, the step of executing steps S6014 to S6020 in the effect control microcomputer 100), and the specific effect is determined. It was decided to execute a specific performance by means Even if the hold memory is not newly stored, the execution of the specific effect is started based on the elapse of the specific period (in this example, the time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time) (this book In an example, it is good also as the part which performs step S6507-S6513 in the microcomputer 100 for production control). According to such a configuration, since the execution of the specific effect is started based on the fact that the specific period has elapsed even if the holding memory is not newly stored, the interest for the game is not performed without executing the specific effect. Can be suppressed.

  In the second modification, the case where the holding notice effect is started as the specific effect at the timing when the new start prize is generated or the specific period elapses is shown. At the same time, it is not limited to the case where the execution of the specific effect is started. For example, after it is determined that a new start prize has been generated or the specific period has elapsed, a certain period has elapsed (for example, after one second or the next You may comprise so that execution of a specific effect may be started (at the time of a fluctuation | variation start).

  In the second modification, the “specific period” is not limited to a specific time such as 5 seconds or 10 seconds, and the number of fluctuations (for example, until two fluctuation displays are completed). It is a concept that includes those that are measured by counting.

  Also, in this modified example 2, when the execution of the hold notice effect is decided, the hold notice effect is not started immediately, but the hold notice effect is started after waiting for a new start prize to occur or until a specific period elapses. Although the case where it carries out was shown, you may comprise so that a hold notice effect may be started immediately with the determination of execution of a hold notice effect. In this case, the expectation for the big hit is the case where the hold notice effect is started immediately with the decision to execute the hold notice effect, and the case where the hold notice effect is started after waiting for a new start prize or a specific period to elapse. The degree (reliability) may be different. For example, when the hold notice effect is started immediately after the execution of the hold notice effect, the expectation degree (reliability) for the big hit may be higher, or the occurrence of a new start prize or a specific period of time has elapsed. In the case where the on-hold notice effect is started after waiting, the expectation level (reliability) for the big hit may be higher.

  Moreover, in this modification 2, although the case where the pre-reading notice effect of the hold notice effect and the prefetch zone effect is executed as the specific effect is shown, the present invention is not limited to such a case. You may comprise so that pre-reading notice effect other than may be performed. For example, as a specific effect, a pre-reading notice effect may be provided by turning on or blinking LEDs or lamps other than the liquid crystal screen such as the effect display device 9 with a predetermined light emission pattern or moving a movable member provided in the gaming machine. It may be executed.

  Further, according to the second modification, when the reserved storage is newly stored or when the specific period has elapsed, the execution of the specific effect is started, and after the execution of the specific effect is started, the variable display of the identification information is newly performed. When is started, an expectation notification effect (in this example, a prefetch zone effect) for notifying the expectation degree for the specific effect is executed. Therefore, the player's sense of expectation can be increased step by step.

  In the second modification, after starting the hold notice effect as the specific effect at the timing when a new start winning or a specific period has elapsed, the prefetch zone effect is started at the timing when the next variable display is started. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and it may be configured to start the hold notice effect at the timing when a new start prize is generated or when a specific period has elapsed and immediately start the prefetch zone effect.

  Further, according to the second modification, the execution of the specific effect is started based on the fact that the game ball has newly passed through the start area (in this example, the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14). A possibility notification effect (in this example, a chance display for starting display of a character string such as “Chance may!”) Is executed. Therefore, the player's willingness to pass the game ball through the start area can be improved.

  Further, according to the second modification, a plurality of types of specific effects (in this example, the prefetch zone A effect and the prefetch zone B effect) having different degrees of expectation can be executed, and a new hold is made during the execution of the specific effect. Based on the stored memory, the execution is changed to the execution of the specific effect having a higher expectation than the specific effect being executed (in this example, when the execution of the hold notice effect C is determined, the prefetch zone A effect) May be changed to pre-read zone B production). Therefore, if the reserved memory increases, the expectation may be changed to a specific effect, so that it is possible to prevent the player from stopping the game ball after starting the execution of the specific effect.

  Further, according to the second modification, when the reserved storage is not newly stored, the degree of expectation is higher than the specific effect being executed based on the elapse of the specified period (in this example, 5 seconds). (In this example, when the execution of the holding notice effect C is determined, the execution control microcomputer 100 executes the pre-read zone A effect, and the step is performed when the specific period elapses.) (S6505 is executed to increase the special hold display by 1, and the door closing effect is executed, and the door opening effect is further executed to change to the pre-read zone B effect). Therefore, even if the hold memory is not newly stored, the specific effect is changed based on the elapse of the specified period, so that the interest for the game is not reduced without the specific effect being changed. can do.

  In the second modification, the door closing effect is executed at the timing when a new start prize is generated or the specified period elapses, and then the door opening effect is executed at the timing when the next variable display is started and the prefetch zone B Although the case of changing to production was shown, this is not necessarily the case when the door closing production is performed at the same time as the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of the specified period, for example, the occurrence of a new start prize or the specified period has elapsed After the determination, the door closing effect may be executed at a timing when a certain period of time has passed (for example, one second later or at the timing of the next change start). For example, conversely, it may be configured to change to the pre-read zone B effect immediately upon occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of a specified period.

  In the second modification, the “specified period” is not limited to a specific time such as 5 seconds or 10 seconds, and the number of times of change (for example, until 2 times of change display is finished). It is a concept that includes those that are measured by counting.

  In the second modification, the case where the “specific period” and the “specified period” are different periods has been shown (specifically, the specific period is a time corresponding to the remaining fluctuation time, and the specified period is Although the case of 5 seconds is shown), the “specific period” and the “specified period” may be the same period. For example, the same value corresponding to 5 seconds as the “specific period” and the “specified period” may be set in the time measurement timer to measure the time, and the execution of the specific effect may be started or changed.

  Moreover, in this modification 2, although the case where the prefetch zone effect as a specific effect was two types, a prefetch zone A effect and a prefetch zone B effect, was not restricted to the aspect shown in this modification 2, For example, Three or more types of pre-read zone effects may be executed.

  Further, in the second modification, the case where the change of the specific effect (in this example, the increase in the special hold display, the change from the prefetch zone A effect to the prefetch zone B effect) occurs only once, the specific effect is shown. May be configured to be changed a plurality of times. For example, when three or more types of pre-read zone effects can be executed, after the pre-read zone A effect is changed to the pre-read zone B effect, the pre-read zone B effect is further changed to the pre-read zone C effect. May be.

  Further, in the second modification, a case where the look-ahead zone A effect with a low expectation level is changed to a look-ahead zone B effect with a high expectation level is shown, but conversely, the expectation level is low due to the look-ahead zone B effect with a high expectation level. You may comprise so that it may be changed into prefetch zone A production.

  Further, according to the second modification, the specific effect can be executed a plurality of times, and the effect is changed to a specific effect having a higher expectation level than the specific effect being executed and the number of executions of the specific effect is increased. (In this example, when the execution of the hold notice effect C is determined, an effect in which the special hold display is increased by 1 is executed). For this reason, the number of executions of the specific effect increases, so that the interest in the game can be improved.

  In the second modification, the actual number of executions of the hold notice effect is already determined when the execution of the hold notice effect C is decided, and by changing the hold display of the notice object from the middle to the special hold display, Although the case where the number of executions is shown as if the number of executions has increased is shown, the number of executions may be changed afterwards. For example, a lottery process using a random number may be performed at a timing when a new start prize is generated or a specified period elapses, and it may be determined whether to increase the number of executions of a specific effect. When it is determined that the number of executions is to be increased, the special hold display may be increased by one and the number of executions may be changed afterwards.

  Moreover, you may comprise not only when increasing the frequency | count of execution of a specific effect, but providing also when decreasing conversely.

  Further, according to the second modification, when the hold storage is newly stored or when the specified period has elapsed, the specific effect being executed is changed, the specific effect being executed is changed, and then the identification information is newly added. When the variable display is started, an expectation notification effect (in this example, a pre-read zone B effect) for notifying the expectation for the changed specific effect is executed. Specifically, when execution of the hold notice effect C is determined, an effect in which the special hold display is increased by 1 is executed, and then an effect that the prefetch zone B effect is changed is executed. . Therefore, the player's sense of expectation can be increased step by step.

  In the second modification, after changing the hold notice effect as a specific effect at the timing when a new start winning or a specified period has elapsed (in this example, the special hold indication is increased by 1), the next variable display is displayed. Although the case where the pre-read zone effect is changed at the start timing (in this example, the pre-read zone effect is changed) is shown, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. You may comprise so that a look-ahead zone effect may be changed immediately while changing a reservation notice effect.

  Further, according to the second modified example, the specific effect that is being executed based on the fact that the game ball has newly passed through the starting area (in this example, the first starting winning port 13 and the second starting winning port 14). A possibility notification effect (in this example, a chance display in which display of a character string such as “Chance may!”) Is performed to notify that there is a possibility that the expectation will be changed to a specific effect. Therefore, the player's willingness to pass the game ball through the start area can be improved.

  Although the description is omitted in the second modification, a predetermined correspondence display corresponding to the variable display of the identification information during execution of the variable display of the identification information (the predetermined display corresponding to the normal display or the special hold display). ) May be performed in a predetermined area (active display area). In addition, based on the determination result at the time of winning determination, it is possible to take over the corresponding display displayed in the predetermined area and execute control for performing the corresponding display corresponding to the variable display of the identification information to be newly executed in the predetermined area. Good. Specifically, during execution of the hold notice effect, the predetermined display in the same manner as the special hold display is incremented by 1 (that is, the predetermined display in the same manner as the previous special hold display is displayed while taking over). An effect may be executed. Therefore, based on the contents of the hold storage, the corresponding display displayed in the predetermined area is taken over, and the corresponding display corresponding to the variable display of the identification information to be newly executed is controlled in the predetermined area. With the corresponding display being taken over, the interest of the game can be improved over the variable display of the identification information a plurality of times.

  Although an active display area may be provided on the display screen of the effect display device 9, it is not limited to such an aspect. For example, when a gaming machine includes a sub liquid crystal display device separately from the effect display device 9, the display screen of the sub liquid crystal display device may be used as the active display area. In addition, for example, when the sub liquid crystal display device is configured as a movable member, the timing at which a new start prize is generated or a specific period elapses, or at the timing when the next variable display is started. The sub liquid crystal display device as a movable member may be moved to the vicinity of the effect display device 9 and display of a predetermined display corresponding to the special hold display may be started to be an active display region.

  In the second modification, the “specific effect” is a concept including both the hold notice effect and the prefetch zone effect. For example, in the above-described modified example 2, the case where the pending notice effect is started as the specific effect that is started based on the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of the specific period has been described. It may be configured to start the prefetch zone effect based on the progress of. Also, in the case where the specific performance is changed based on the occurrence of a new start prize or the passage of a specified period, in this second modification, a special hold display is displayed at the timing of the occurrence of a new start prize or the passage of a prescribed period. The pending notice effect is changed by an increment of 1, and a case is shown in which a change to the pre-read zone B effect is started at the timing when the next variable display is started after the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of a specified period. Yes. In addition, it is configured that the pre-read zone effect is changed by increasing the special hold display by 1 at the timing of the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of the specified period, or the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of the specified period It may be configured such that the hold notice effect is changed at the timing when the next variable display is started later.

  In the second modification, the method of executing the process based on the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of the specific period (or the specified period) is performed when the specific effect is started and after the specific effect is started. However, it is not always necessary to apply to both processes. For example, the process may be executed based on the occurrence of a new start prize or the elapse of a specific period only when starting a specific effect, or the occurrence of a new start prize only when changing the specific effect, The processing may be executed based on the passage of the specified period.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a case where a plurality of types of special symbols and production symbols “1” to “9” are variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed is shown. It cannot be caught. For example, the symbol that is variably displayed and the symbol that is derived and displayed are not necessarily the same, and a symbol that is different from the symbol that is variably displayed may be derived and displayed. Further, it is not always necessary to variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and variable display may be executed using only one type of symbols. In this case, for example, variable display may be executed by alternately turning on and blinking one kind of symbol display. Even in this case, one type of symbol used for the variable display may be derived and displayed last, or a symbol different from the one type of symbol may be derived and displayed last. It may be a thing.

  In addition, about embodiment mentioned above, although the game machine (what is called a 1st type game machine) which transfers to a jackpot game state based on the variable display result of a special symbol and an effect design was demonstrated, the variable provided in the game area | region was demonstrated. A gaming machine (so-called second type gaming machine) that shifts to a big hit gaming state based on the winning of a gaming ball (V winning) in a specific winning opening (V winning opening) in a winning ball apparatus (so-called role) It is good also as applying in the game machine which combined 1st type and 2nd type.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to shift to the probability change state based on the type of jackpot that has occurred, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a specific area through which a game ball can pass is provided in the big winning opening, and when the game ball passes through the specific area during a big hit, the game moves to a probable change state, while the specific area is played during the big hit. It is also possible to shift to the normal state when does not pass. In that case, substantial probability variation big hit and non-probability big hit may be realized by changing the ease of passing of the game ball to the specific area according to the big hit type. For example, the easiness of passage of the game ball to the specific area may be changed by changing the opening time of the big winning opening according to the big hit type. Specifically, a big hit type with a long opening time of the big winning opening is set as a big hit (substantial probable big hit) that allows a game ball to easily pass to a specific area, and a big hit type with a short opening time of the big winning opening is set to a specific area It is good also as a big hit (substantial non-probable big hit) that a sphere does not easily pass.

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

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

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 side determines whether or not the game is a big hit and determines whether or not the variation pattern type is winning (pre-reading determination), and shows a command (symbol designation command) indicating the winning determination result. , A variation category command) is transmitted, and the pre-run announcement effect is executed on the effect control microcomputer 100 side based on the command indicating the determination result at the time of winning. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. Further, it may be configured such that determination at the time of winning (pre-reading determination) is performed on the production control microcomputer 100 side. In this case, for example, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a command for designating only the values of the jackpot determination random number (random R) and the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) extracted at the time of starting winning. In addition, the presentation control microcomputer 100 side may be configured to make a winning determination (pre-reading determination) based on random number values specified by these commands.

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 27 Speaker 31 Game control board (main board)
51 Sub-effect display device 56 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 Audio | voice output board | substrate 560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (3)

A gaming machine capable of executing a game,
A launching device capable of launching a game medium and capable of adjusting a launch intensity of the game medium;
A gaming area in which the gaming media launched by the launching device can flow down;
A notification means capable of executing specific notification;
And a particular notification execution control means for controlling the execution of the specific broadcast,
The specific notification execution control means, said after the player from the start of the game until a predetermined period elapses limits so as not to execute the specific notification, the player has passed a predetermined time period from the start of the game Remove the restriction ,
As the specific notification, an explanation effect that notifies information related to a game can be executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising determination means for determining that the player has been replaced when the specific condition is satisfied. A gaming machine that is in an advantageous state for a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on variable display means for performing variable display based on establishment of a start condition that allows the start of variable display,
With respect to the variable display in which the start condition is not satisfied, a hold storage unit that stores as a hold storage;
Starting time determining means for determining whether to enter the advantageous state based on the establishment of the starting condition;
Variable display execution means for executing variable display based on the determination result of the start time determination means;
Prior determination means for determining whether or not the advantageous state is reached before determination by the start time determination means;
Based on the determination result of the prior determination means, a specific effect determining means for determining whether or not to execute the specific effect before the start condition of the variable display that is the determination target is satisfied;
Wherein based on the specific effect determination unit that is determined to execute the specific effect, and a specific effect execution unit configured to execute the specific effect,
The specific effect executing means is
When it is determined by the specific effect determining means to execute the specific effect, the execution of the specific effect is started based on the newly stored hold memory,
Even if it is determined that the specific effect is to be executed by the specific effect determining means, if the reserved memory is not newly stored, the execution of the specific effect is started based on the elapse of the specific period. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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