JP6649343B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that has a movable body that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launch device, and when a game ball wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined winning value is given to the player. There is one that is configured. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying (also referred to as “fluctuations”) the identification information is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result on the variable display unit, a predetermined game value Is provided to the player.

  The prize value means paying out a prize ball, giving a score, or giving a prize in accordance with a prize of a game ball in a prize area. In addition, the game value means that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine when the specific display result is obtained becomes an advantageous state for a player who can easily win a hit ball, For example, a right to be in an advantageous state for the player is generated, and a condition for paying out prize balls is easily established.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined specific display result is derived and displayed as a variable display of a special symbol (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening. In this case, a "big hit (specific game state)" occurs. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display the symbol. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of 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 if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  In such a gaming machine, before starting the variable display based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening (starting area), it is determined whether or not the display result is a specific display result by using a random number value. There is a configuration in which a notice effect is executed based on a determination result. For example, in Patent Literature 1, when a game ball passes through a starting area, numerical data is stored and displayed as a hold display, and in a predetermined case, any of the hold displays displayed according to a player's operation. Is selected, and whether the variable display based on the selected hold display (numerical data) is determined to be controlled to the specific game state is determined by changing the display mode of the hold display. It is described what to do.

JP 2011-104216 A

  According to the invention described in Patent Literature 1, by changing the display mode of the hold display in accordance with the operation of the player, it is possible to improve the entertainment of the game, but only by determining whether the display mode changes. Interest is not given, and it is not possible to sufficiently enhance entertainment interest.

  Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the interest in a notice effect that changes the display mode of a hold display.

(Means A) The gaming machine according to the present invention performs a variable display (for example, the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the effect symbol are displayed in a variable manner), and enters an advantageous state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine that is controllable and has a movable body, and that is a storage device (for example, a first storage buffer or a storage device) that stores information related to variable display as storage (for example, first storage or second storage). A second holding storage buffer), holding display means (for example, a total holding storage display unit 18c) for displaying a holding display in a predetermined display mode corresponding to each of the holding storages, and whether or not to control to the advantageous state. (For example, a portion where the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S61, S62, and S73) and a result of the determination by the preliminary determining means. Variable display control means for controlling the variable display (for example, the part where the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S1813 and S1845), and whether or not the advantageous state is controlled before the determination by the predetermined means. Based on the determination means (for example, the part where the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S1217 and S1228) for determining whether or not to be controlled to the advantageous state based on the determination result by the determination means, Notice effect execution for executing a notice effect (for example, a look-ahead effect) for giving an advance notice by changing the hold display to a display form different from the normal form (for example, a special form, a first special form, or a second special form) and displaying it. Means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the result of the prefetch effect determination process (step S671). And a suggestion effect execution means for executing a suggestion effect indicating a change in the display mode of the hold display (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs a prefetch effect determination process (step S1813, S1845). A step of executing steps S1813 and S1845 based on the result of the determination in steps S671 and S67110). By changing the display to one of the modes (the first special mode or the second special mode (including the special mode of the present example)) and displaying it, the notice effect can be executed according to the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state. A display mode different from the normal mode when the hold display of the normal mode changes to the special mode (a special mode) Any of a plurality of types of the special modes according to different ratios when the hold display of (including the first special mode of the present example) changes to the special mode (the first special mode or the second special mode). (For example, a part in which the effect control microcomputer 100 executes a look-ahead effect determination process (steps S671, S67106, S67107) for determining a look-ahead effect pattern based on the final display mode; A part for executing steps S1813 and S1845 based on the determination result of the processing. The notice effect performing means may execute the notice effect at a plurality of timings with respect to the target hold display until a variable display corresponding to the hold display targeted for the notice effect is started. Executable, and when the hold display in a display mode different from the normal mode is displayed as the hold display, the hold display in a display mode different from the normal mode is displayed as the hold display. The notice effect is executed such that the ratio of executing the notice effect at a later timing is higher than when no notice effect is present, and the suggestion effect execution means changes the display mode of the hold display after the effect. And a second suggestion effect in which the display mode of the hold display does not change after the effect, and in the hold mode, a display mode different from the normal mode can be executed. It is possible to execute the second suggestion effect at different ratios between when there is a blank display and when there is no blank display, and as the suggestive effect, specify any one of the hold displays, and specify the display mode of the specified hold display. An effect indicating a change can be executed, and the notice effect execution means can execute the notice effect irrespective of execution of the suggestion effect, and determines an abnormality based on an operation state of the movable body. Means (for example, the origin position (for example, the initial position) of the movable body is detected by, for example, a photo sensor or the like, and the origin position could not be detected for a "predetermined period" despite the control for driving the movable body being performed. (A part that is sometimes determined to be abnormal), and an abnormality is reported when an abnormality occurs.
(Means 1) Other gaming machines perform variable display (for example, first special symbol, second special symbol, effect symbol change display) and control to an advantageous state (for example, big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player. A gaming machine having a movable body, which is capable of storing information related to variable display as on-hold storage (for example, first on-hold storage or second on-hold storage) (for example, a first on-hold storage buffer or a second on-hold storage unit). 2 hold storage buffer), hold display means (for example, a combined hold storage display section 18c) for displaying a hold display in a predetermined display mode corresponding to each of the hold storage, and whether or not to control to the advantageous state. (For example, a portion in which the game control microcomputer 560 executes steps S61, S62, and S73) and a result of the determination by the preliminary determination means. Variable display control means for controlling the variable display (for example, the part where the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S1813 and S1845) and whether or not the advantageous state is controlled before the determination by the predetermined means. (For example, a portion in which the game control microcomputer 560 executes Steps S1217 and S1228) and the possibility of being controlled to the advantageous state based on the determination result by the determination unit, Notice effect performing means for executing a notice effect (for example, a look-ahead effect) for giving an advance notice by changing the display to a display form different from the normal form (for example, a special form, a first special form, or a second special form) and displaying the display. (For example, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the pre-reading effect determination process (step S671) based on the determination result. And a suggestion effect execution means for executing a suggestion effect indicating a change in the display mode of the hold display (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs a prefetch effect determination process (step S671). , S67110), based on the determination result of step S1813 and S1845), wherein the hold display is a plurality of types of special modes (first special mode or second special mode) which are display modes different from the normal mode. By changing the display to any one of the special modes (including the special mode of the present example), it is possible to execute a notice effect according to the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state, and to display the hold in the normal mode. Is changed to the special mode, and the display mode (special mode (including the first special mode of this example)) different from the normal mode is changed. When the hold display changes to the special mode (the first special mode or the second special mode), the display can be changed to any one of a plurality of types of the special modes at different rates (for example, the effect control microcomputer). 100 performs steps S1813 and S1845 based on the part that executes the look-ahead effect determination process (steps S671, S67106 and S67107) for determining the look-ahead effect pattern based on the final display mode, and the determination result of the look-ahead effect determination process. The part to execute. The suggestion effect execution means can execute a first suggestion effect in which the display mode of the hold display changes after the effect, and a second suggestion effect in which the display mode of the hold display does not change after the effect. The second suggestion effect can be executed at a different ratio between the time when the hold display having the display mode different from the normal mode and the time when the hold display does not exist in the hold display, and the movable body is provided at a constant cycle. A driving unit (for example, a stepping motor or a solenoid) for driving to operate, and an abnormality determining unit (for example, an origin position (for example, an initial position) of the movable body, which determines an abnormality based on an operation state of the movable body, for example, A portion that determines an abnormality when the origin position cannot be detected for a “predetermined period” despite the fact that control is performed to drive the movable body by detecting with a sensor or the like). The abnormality determination unit determines that the operation of the movable body is abnormal based on the fact that the operation of the movable body has not been completed even if a specific period longer than the operation cycle of the movable body has elapsed (for example, if the operation is a rotation operation, In the case of one rotation per second, a period such as 1.5 seconds is a "predetermined period").
With such a configuration, the interest in the notice effect can be enhanced.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the display mode of the hold display includes a normal mode and a display mode of a plurality of stages different from the normal mode (for example, a special mode, a first special mode, and a second special mode). The effect execution means displays, in a high ratio, a display mode different from the normal mode, when there is a hold display displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode among the hold displays displayed by the hold display module. The suspended display that has been performed is changed and displayed in a display mode of a higher stage than the current stage (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the third look-ahead effect pattern (changes from the normal mode to the special mode)). 2 Using a look-ahead effect pattern determination table that is likely to be determined as a look-ahead effect pattern (a normal mode changes to a special mode and a special mode changes to a special mode), Based on whether or not the pending display change flag is set, the pre-reading effect execution determination table and the pre-reading effect pattern change timing determining table, in which the determination values are set at different rates, are selected and used. Based on a part for executing a look-ahead effect determination process (steps S671, S67104, S67107, S67108) for determining whether or not a look-ahead effect is to be performed and a change timing when the process is performed, and a step based on a determination result of the look-ahead effect determination process. A part for executing S1813 and S1845, and may be configured as shown in FIGS.
According to such a configuration, when there is a hold display displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, the rate of change of the hold display to a display mode of a higher stage than the current stage is high, Enhance the entertainment of the production.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the notice effect performing means changes the hold display to one of a plurality of special modes (first special mode or second special mode) which are display modes different from the normal mode. It is possible to execute a notice effect to be displayed by being displayed, the display mode of the hold display includes a special mode that is easily changed to a special mode as compared with the normal mode, and the notice effect performing means includes a hold mode displayed in the normal mode. Is changed to any one of a plurality of special modes at a different ratio between when displaying and changing the special display to the special mode, and when changing the hold display displayed in the special mode to the special mode. (For example, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the look-ahead effect pattern based on the final display mode, the look-ahead effect determination process (steps S671, S67106, S6 A portion for executing 107), based on the determination result of the look-ahead effect determination process, step S1813, part executes S1845. See Figure 34) may be configured so.
According to such a configuration, the possibility that the display result of the variable display will be the specific display result can be announced with different degrees of expectation, and the interest in the announcement effect can be enhanced.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the suggestion effect execution means may include a plurality of types of suggestion effects (e.g., the first effect) that suggest the possibility of the display mode of the hold display changing with different degrees of expectation. (A suggestion effect of the second effect mode) can be executed, and the suggestion effect of a predetermined degree of expectation (for example, the suggestion effect of the second effect mode) is executed by the suggestion effect execution means, but the display mode of the hold display Suggesting that a suggestion effect having a lower expectation degree than a predetermined expectation degree (a suggestion effect of a first effect mode having a lower degree of expectation than the suggestion effect of the second effect mode) is executed when does not change. It is provided with effect limiting means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a suggestion effect restriction flag (step S1806b), and a suggestion effect state based on the state of the suggestion effect restriction flag. Determining a portion (step S1806). See Figure 51) may be configured so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a sense of expectation from being lost.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko gaming machine from the front. It is a block diagram showing the example of circuit composition of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the example of a circuit structure of an effect control board, a lamp driver board, and a sound output board. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a main process executed by a CPU on a main board. It is a flowchart which shows a 2ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern of the effect symbol prepared beforehand. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows a big hit determination table, a small hit determination table, and a big hit type determination table. It is an explanatory view showing a fluctuation pattern judgment table. It is an explanatory view showing an example of the contents of an effect control command. It is an explanatory view showing an example of the contents of an effect control command. It is an explanatory view showing an example of the content of a winning-time determination result designation command. 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. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hold buffer. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation process at the time of a winning. 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 command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during a special symbol change. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the big winning opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process during opening of a special winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows the process during opening of a special winning opening. It is a flow chart which shows big hit end processing. It is a flow chart which shows the production control main processing which the production control CPU executes. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is an explanatory view showing a configuration example of an area (a winning time determination result storage buffer) for storing a winning time determination result. It is a flowchart which shows a prefetch effect determination process. It is an explanatory view showing a look-ahead effect execution determination table. It is an explanatory view showing a final display mode decision table and a look-ahead effect pattern decision table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st pre-reading effect change timing determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 2nd pre-reading effect change timing determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a 2nd pre-reading effect change timing determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd pre-reading effect change timing determination table. It is an explanatory view showing a suggestion effect mode decision table. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows the effect symbol fluctuation start process. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a stop symbol of an effect symbol. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during the effect symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows the effect symbol fluctuation stop processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end production process. It is an explanatory view showing a specific example of a prefetch effect. It is a flowchart which shows the effect symbol fluctuation start process. It is an explanatory view showing a suggestion effect mode decision table.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as an example of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed 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 openable and closable. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape and provided in a game frame so as to be openable and closable. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that is installed to be freely openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanical components and the like are attached, and various components attached to these components (a (Excluding the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray (upper tray) 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, 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 hitting balls are provided. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure that includes a plate-like body constituting the board and various components attached to the plate-like body. On the front surface of the game board 6, there is formed a game area 7 in which the shot game balls can flow down.

  In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, an effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided. The display screen of the effect display device 9 has an effect symbol display area for effecting variable display of effect symbols in synchronization with 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 variably displays effect symbols. The effect symbol display area has a symbol display area for variably displaying, for example, three decorative symbols (for effect) 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 may not be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, The 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 variable display of the first special symbol is executed on the first special symbol display 8a, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display with the variable display, and the second special symbol is displayed. When the variable display of the second special symbol is being performed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is performed on the effect display device 9 along with the variable display, so that the progress of the game can be easily grasped. .

  A first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8a for variably displaying a first special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6 on the upper left side. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, a 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers from 0 to 9. That is, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) of 0 to 9. On the right side of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6, a second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b for variably displaying a second special symbol as identification information is provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, a 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers from 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) of 0 to 9.

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

  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 may be generically referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  In this embodiment, a case is shown in which two special symbol displays 8a and 8b are provided, but the gaming machine may be provided with only one special symbol display.

  In 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 execution condition of the variable display, is satisfied (for example, the game ball is the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening). 14), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of stored memories is not 0, the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed, and , And the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed when the variable display time (variable time) elapses. Note that the prize means that the game ball has entered an area that is determined in advance as a prize area, such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying a display result means that a symbol (an example of identification information) is finally stopped and displayed.

  Below the effect display device 9, a winning device having a first starting winning opening 13 is provided. The game ball that has won the first start winning port 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6, and is detected by the first start port switch 13a.

  Below the winning device having the first starting winning port (first starting port) 13, a variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 in which a game ball can be won is provided. The game ball that has won the second starting winning port (second starting port) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6, and is detected by the second starting port switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16. When the variable winning prize ball device 15 is opened, the game ball can enter the second starting winning port 14 (the starting winning is easily performed), and the state becomes advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning prize ball device 15 is in the open state, a game ball is more likely to win in the second starting winning opening 14 than in the first starting winning opening 13. Further, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second starting winning port 14. In the state where the variable winning prize ball device 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured such that it is difficult to win, but it is possible to win (that is, it is difficult for the game ball to win).

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

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes only the second starting winning port 14 is provided. A configuration in which a variable winning ball device that opens and closes any of the starting winning ports 14 may be provided.

  When the variable prize ball device 15 is controlled to be in an open state, a game ball heading for the variable prize ball device 15 is extremely easy to win the second starting winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly below the effect display device 9. However, the distance 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 13 is provided. 13 and the arrangement of nails around the first starting winning opening 13 makes it difficult for the game balls to be guided to the first starting winning opening 13, and the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is reduced. May be made higher than the winning rate of the first starting winning opening 13.

  In the lower part of the first special symbol display 8a, the number of effective winning balls entering the first starting winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as a starting memory or a starting winning memory) is displayed. A first special symbol reservation storage display 18a including two displays (for example, LEDs) is provided. The first special symbol hold storage display 18a increases the number of lighted displays by one each time there is a valid start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of illuminated displays is reduced by one. For example, this is realized by executing a process of performing display control in a display control process (step S22) of a timer interrupt process described later.

  Below the second special symbol display 8b, a second special symbol hold consisting of four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of effective winning balls in the second starting winning opening 14, that is, the second number of stored memories. A storage display 18b is provided. The second special symbol hold storage display 18b increases the number of lighted displays by one each time there is a valid start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of illuminated displays is reduced by one. For example, this is realized by executing a process of performing display control in a display control process (step S22) of a timer interrupt process described later.

  In addition, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, a total pending storage display unit 18c that displays the total number (the total pending storage number) that is the total of the first pending storage number and the second pending storage number is provided. ing. In this embodiment, on the combined hold storage display section 18c, the hold displays corresponding to the first hold memory and the second hold memory are displayed side by side in the winning order in the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14. You. In addition, in the combined hold storage display unit 18c, the first hold memory or the second hold memory may be displayed in a recognizable manner (for example, the first hold memory is displayed in red). , The second hold storage may be displayed in blue). Further, instead of the combined reserved storage display unit 18c, a configuration may be adopted in which a first reserved storage display unit for displaying the first reserved storage number and a second reserved storage display unit for displaying the second reserved storage number are provided. Good.

  During the variable display time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a, and during the variable display time of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 is used for decoration (effect). The effect design is displayed variably as the design for ()). 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. 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. Synchronization means that the start and end times of the variable display are substantially the same (or may be completely the same), and the variable display period is substantially the same (or may be completely the same). When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 reminds the user of the big hit. Is stopped and displayed.

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

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

  Hereinafter, the first special variable winning ball device 20a and the second special variable winning ball device 20b may be collectively referred to as special variable winning ball devices, and the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening are referred to as a special winning opening. It may be referred to collectively.

  In this embodiment, when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, and when the specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b. In the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs, the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening are controlled to be alternately opened. For example, when the special winning opening is opened 15 times (15 rounds) in the specific game state, the first special winning opening is controlled to the open state as the first round, and when the winning number reaches a predetermined number (or a predetermined opening). After the time (for example, 29 seconds) elapses, the first winning port is controlled to be closed, and as the second round, the second winning port is controlled to be open.

  For example, if only one special winning opening (for example, a first special winning opening) is provided and the special winning opening is controlled to be opened a predetermined number of times in a specific game state (big hit game state), a special winning opening is provided. The game ball heading to the mouth is taken into the out port 26 as it is when the round is finished and the large winning port is controlled to be closed when the large winning port is reached. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, if the configuration is such that two big winning ports are provided vertically and are controlled to be alternately opened in the specific game state (big hit game state), The game ball heading for the first big winning opening is the second big winning provided immediately below even if the first round is finished and the first big winning opening is controlled to be closed when reaching the first big winning opening. Since the mouth is controlled to be open as the second round, there is a possibility that the mouth will win the second big winning opening. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of game balls taken into the out port 26 without winning the big winning port during the round of the specific game state (big hit game state). In this embodiment, the second special variable prize ball device 20b is provided directly below the first special variable prize ball device 20a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is directed to the first special variable prize ball device 20a. The game ball may be provided at a position where it is easy to win when the first special variable winning ball device 20a is in the closed state. For example, the game ball is formed by a nail arrangement around the first special variable winning ball device 20a. It may be provided at a position where it is easily guided.

  In the lower right part of the game board 6, a normal symbol display 10 is provided. The ordinary symbol display device 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “O” and “X”) called ordinary symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the display of the ordinary symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, the variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols become visible when lit). For example, if the lower lamp is lit at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 is such that when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a hit symbol, the player is in a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state to the player (a state in which game balls can enter the second starting winning port 14). Changes to In the vicinity of the ordinary symbol display 10, an ordinary symbol holding storage display 41 having four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of winning balls passing through the gate 32 is provided. Each time a game ball passes through the gate 32, that is, each time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol hold storage display 41 increases the number of lighted displays by one. Then, each time the variable display of the ordinary symbol display 10 is started, the number of the lighted indicators is reduced by one. Further, in the probable change state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit is higher than in the normal state, the probability that the stop symbol in the ordinary symbol display 10 becomes a hit symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball device 15 The opening time is lengthened and the number of times of opening is increased. That is, the high base state, which is a game state controlled so that the game ball is easily started and won (that is, the execution condition of the variable display in the special symbol displays 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 is easily established). Transition. Further, in this embodiment, even in a time-saving state (a gaming state in which the variable display time of a special symbol is shortened), the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is lengthened and the number of times of opening is increased.

  Note that, instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state (also referred to as the open extended state), the normal symbol display device 10 shifts to the ordinary symbol probable state in which the probability that the stopped symbol hits the symbol is increased. This may cause a transition to a high base state. When the stop symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. In this case, by controlling the transition to the normal symbol probable state, the probability that the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 being opened is increased. Therefore, if the state is shifted to the normal symbol change state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and a state in which starting winning is easy (high base state) is achieved. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a hit symbol or when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a positive variation symbol, and the like, from the disadvantageous state for the player. The state changes to an advantageous state (a state in which the starting winning is easy). Note that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept that also includes changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Further, by shifting to the normal symbol time-saving state in which the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 is shortened, the normal symbol may be shifted to the high base state. In the normal symbol time reduction state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of the normal symbol hitting increases. Therefore, as the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases, the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 opening increases, and the winning prize ball device 15 is in a state (high base state) where it is easy to win.

  In addition, by shifting to the time-saving state in which the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the special symbol and the effect symbol is reduced, the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the effect symbol is shortened, so that an effective start winning is easily generated. The possibility of a jackpot game being played increases.

  Furthermore, by shifting to all of the above-mentioned states (open extended state, ordinary symbol positive change state, ordinary symbol time-saving state, and special symbol time-saving state), it becomes easy to start winning (to shift to the high base state). You may. In addition, by shifting to any one of the above-mentioned states (open extended state, ordinary symbol change state, ordinary symbol time-saving state, and special symbol time-saving state), it becomes easy to start winning (high base State).

  At the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 which are blinkingly displayed during the game, and at the bottom there is an out opening 26 for taking in a hit ball which has not won. In addition, two speakers 27R and 27L that emit sound effects and voices as predetermined voice outputs are provided at upper right and left sides outside the game area 7. A top frame LED 28a, a left frame LED 28b, and a right frame LED 28c provided on the front frame are provided at the upper outer periphery, the left outer periphery, and the right outer periphery of the game area 7. In addition, near the left frame LED 28b, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit when there is a remaining prize ball is provided, and near the right frame LED 28c, a ball out LED 52 that is lit when the supply ball runs out is provided. . The top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED 25 are examples of a light emitting body provided for the pachinko gaming machine 1 for production. Note that, in addition to the various effects (decorative) LEDs described above, LEDs and lamps for effects are provided.

  The gaming machine has a hit ball launching device (not shown) that drives a drive motor in response to a player operating a hit ball operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the drive motor to launch game balls into the game area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through a hit ball rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and thereafter descends from the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first starting winning opening 13 and is detected by the first starting 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 first special symbol display 8a starts the variable display (fluctuation) of the first special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts the variable display of the effect symbol. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to the winning in the first starting winning opening 13. Unless the variable display of the first special symbol can be started, the first reserved storage number is increased by one on the condition that the first reserved storage number has not reached the upper limit value.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 2 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to a 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 according to 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 may have at least the RAM 56 in addition to the CPU 56, and the ROM 54 may be external or internal. Further, the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached. The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a built-in random number circuit 503 for generating hardware random numbers (random numbers generated by hardware circuits).

  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) hereinafter executes (or performs processing). Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to the microcomputer mounted on a board other than the main board 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit used to generate a random number for determination for determining whether to make a big hit based on the display result of the variable display of the special symbol. The random number circuit 503 updates the numerical data according to the set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at random timing. Based on the fact that the winning time is when the numerical data is read (extracted), the digital camera has a random number generation function in which the read numerical data becomes a random value.

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

  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 operation 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 numerical value for each product of the game control microcomputer 560). The obtained numerical data is set as an initial value of the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 503. By performing such processing, the randomness of the random numbers generated by the random number circuit 503 can be further improved.

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads the numerical data as the random R from the random number circuit 503 when the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a receives a start winning, and starts the fluctuation of the special symbol and the effect symbol. At times, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit display result as a specific display result based on the random R, that is, whether or not to make a big hit. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the game state is shifted to a big hit game state as a specific game state advantageous to the player.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM serving as a non-volatile storage unit, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on a power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 are preserved for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply becomes incapable of discharging the capacitor as the backup power supply). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (such as the value of the special symbol process flag and the total pending storage number counter) and the data indicating the number of outstanding payout balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data according 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. In addition, data corresponding to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating a progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up by a power supply.

  A reset signal (not shown) from a power supply board is input to a reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal to be supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal goes high, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like enter an operable state, and when the reset signal goes low the game control microcomputer 560 and the like enter an operation stop state. Therefore, during the period when the reset signal is at the high level, an allowance signal allowing the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is output, and during the period when the reset signal is at the low level, the game control microcomputer This means that the operation stop signal for stopping the operation such as 560 is output. The reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric components is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors a voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). Power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that the power-off signal is detected. Further, a clear signal (not shown) indicating that a clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to an input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Also, an input driver circuit 58 that supplies detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the first count switch 23a, and the second count switch 23b to the game control microcomputer 560 is mainly used. It is mounted on a substrate 31. Also, a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning prize ball device 15, a solenoid 21a for opening and closing a first special variable prize winning ball device 20a forming a first special winning opening, and a second special variable prize winning ball device for forming a second special winning opening. An output circuit 59 that drives a solenoid 21b that opens and closes 20b in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as big hit information indicating occurrence of a big hit gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (comprising an 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 with the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbols is performed.

  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, a microcomputer is not mounted on the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, but a microcomputer may be mounted. Further, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70.

  The effect control board 80 carries an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. Note that the RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates according to 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. An effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103 in response to the effect control INT signal). 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.

  The RAM included in the effect control microcomputer 100 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage unit, a part of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on a power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, for a predetermined period (until the capacitor serving as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply becomes unable to supply power), a part of the RAM included in the effect control microcomputer 100 is provided. The contents are saved. In particular, at least data indicating a game state (probable change state flag and time saving state flag, which will be described later) are stored in the backup RAM. However, in this embodiment, the value of the after-hours reduction counter for counting the number of fluctuations after the shift to the after-hours saving state described later is not stored in the backup RAM.

  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 effect control microcomputer 100, and maps the VRAM there. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) according to the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing in advance character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, a character, a figure or a symbol (including an effect design). Effect control CPU 101 outputs data read from the character ROM to VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  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 (the signal does not pass 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.

  The relay board 77 serves as a signal direction restricting means for passing a signal input from the main board 31 only in a direction toward the effect control board 80 (not passing a signal in a direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). Is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. Further, a unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Further, the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 through the output port 571 which is a unidirectional circuit, so that the signal from the relay board 77 to the inside of the main board 31 is regulated. 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 which is a unidirectional circuit may be provided outside the output port 571 (on the side of the relay board 77).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. The effect 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 drive signal to each LED provided on the frame side such as the top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28c. In addition, a drive signal is supplied to the decorative LED 25 provided on the game board side. When a light emitting body other than the LED is provided, a driving circuit (driver) for driving the light emitting body is mounted on the lamp driver board 35.

  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 a voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs the generated voice or sound effect to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs to the speakers 27R and 27L audio signals obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706. The sound data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a group of data indicating the output mode of the sound effect or the sound in a predetermined time period (for example, a fluctuation period of the effect symbol) in chronological order.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of a reset terminal to which a reset signal is input becomes high, and the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process from 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 interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After the initialization of the built-in device (initialization of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) as built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) (step S4), the RAM can be accessed. (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This is a mode indicating an interrupt address.

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

  When the clear switch is not in the ON state, it is checked whether or not data protection processing (for example, processing for stopping power supply such as addition of parity data) of the backup RAM area has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine has been stopped. (Step S7). After confirming that such a protection process has not been performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop processing.

  After confirming that the processing at the time of power supply stop has been performed, the CPU 56 checks data in the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power is restored after an unexpected power outage or other power supply interruption, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, and the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of stopping the power supply, the initialization processing executed at the time of turning on the power other than the recovery from the stop of the power supply is executed.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure restoration designation command as an initialization command at the time of restoration of power supply (step S43). Then, control goes to a step S13a. In this embodiment, in the process of step S43, the CPU 56 also transmits to the effect control board 80 a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set. .

  In this embodiment, whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored is confirmed using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, one of the backup flag and the check data may be used as a trigger for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). In the RAM clear processing, predetermined data (for example, data of a count value of a counter for generating a random number for determining a normal symbol hit) is initialized to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value is set. May be initialized. Alternatively, predetermined data (for example, data of a count value of a counter for generating a random number for determining a normal symbol hit) may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. The start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in a work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state, such as a random number counter for determining a normal symbol hit, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball storage buffer, and a special symbol process flag, is initialized. The value is set.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 detects an abnormality of the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening when the power is turned on, and executes a power-on special winning opening abnormality notification process for notifying the special winning opening abnormality (step S13a). ).

  The "large winning opening abnormal" means that the gaming ball has abnormally won the first winning winning opening or the second winning winning opening (specifically, the first winning winning opening or the second winning winning opening is in an open state). When the game ball is detected by the first count switch 23a or the second count switch 23b). In this embodiment, as described above, in the big hit gaming state, the first big winning opening and the second big winning opening are controlled to be alternately opened. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first count switch 23a or the second count switch 23b when the game is not in the jackpot game state, or even when the game is in the jackpot game state, the first big winning opening is closed. When the game ball is detected by the first count switch 23a when the state is controlled, or when the game ball is detected by the second count switch 23a when the second special winning opening is controlled to the closed state. In this case, a special winning opening abnormality is detected, and control for notifying the special winning opening abnormality is performed. In addition, between the time when the game ball wins the first special winning opening or the second special winning opening and the time when it is detected by the first count switch 23a or the second count switch 23b, the first special winning opening or the second special winning opening. Since it is also assumed that the mouth is controlled to be in the closed state, the first count switch 23a or the second count switch may be controlled after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the first or second large winning opening is controlled to be in the closed state. When a game ball is detected by 23b, it may be determined that a special winning opening abnormality has occurred and detected.

  In step S13a, since the big hit game state is not controlled when the power is turned on, the CPU 56 detects that a game ball has been detected by the first count switch 23a or the second count switch 23b, and a big winning hole abnormality occurs. Judge that you have done. When notifying the special winning opening abnormality, for example, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example) in the security signal information timer. In this embodiment, an information output process (see S30) is executed based on the predetermined time set in the security signal information timer in step S13a, so that the security signal is output for a predetermined time (30 in this example). Sec) External output. Further, for example, the CPU 56 may perform control for transmitting a special winning opening abnormality notification designation command for notifying the special winning opening abnormality to the effect control microcomputer 100. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 that has received the special winning opening abnormality notification designation command performs a control to display a screen indicating that a special winning opening abnormality has occurred on the effect display device 9, for example. Notify the winning opening abnormality.

  Further, in step S13a, unlike the special winning opening abnormality notification processing (step S21a) in the timer interrupt processing described later, the CPU 56 determines whether the special winning opening abnormality occurs in either the first special winning opening or the second special winning opening. The notification is performed so that it can be specified whether the error has occurred. Specifically, if a game ball is detected by the first count switch 23a, the CPU 56 performs control to perform the above-described notification and, for example, a specific lamp (for example, a large winning prize opening abnormality in the first large winning opening). Control for turning on a lamp (not shown in FIG. 1 or the like) provided for notifying that the event has occurred (for example, control for displaying a specific screen on the effect display device 9, or specific sound from the speaker 27). Output control). By controlling in this way, it is possible to specify which of the winning prize holes has an abnormal winning prize hole only at the time of power-on, so that when checking the operation of each device at the stage of shipment of the gaming machine, for example, It is possible to confirm whether the abnormality determination for both the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening is made normally. In this embodiment, in the special winning opening abnormality notification processing (step S21a) in the timer interrupt processing described later, which of the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening has the large winning opening abnormality. Is not performed so as to be able to be specified, but may be performed.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 503 (step S14). The CPU 56 makes settings for causing the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R, for example, by executing processing according to a random number circuit setting program.

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

  When the execution of the initialization process (Steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (Step S17) and the initial value random number update process (Step S18) in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt is prohibited (step S16), and when the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are completed, the interrupt is enabled. It is set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining a stop symbol of a special symbol when not a big hit or a random number for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not made. The random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of a counter for generating a display random number. The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of a counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial value of a count value of a counter (normal symbol hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not a symbol is a hit. It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of a game described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls a game display device, a variable prize ball device, a ball payout device, and other game devices provided in the game machine by itself. In this process, the count value of the random number for the normal symbol hit determination is one round (the normal value of the random number for the normal symbol hit determination) in the process of transmitting the command signal to control the other microcomputer, or the game machine control process. When the number of possible values has increased by the number between the minimum value and the maximum value), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using an effect symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a big hit symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a big hit symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute a reach effect by lottery using random numbers. However, it is the effect control microcomputer 100 that actually controls the reach effect.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 detects an abnormality of the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening, and executes a special winning opening abnormality notification process for notifying the special winning opening abnormality (step S21a).

  In step S21a, the CPU 56 determines whether a game ball has been detected by the first count switch 23a in a state where the first special winning opening opening flag indicating that the first special winning opening is open is not set, or When a game ball is detected by the second count switch 23b in a state where the second special winning opening flag indicating that the second special winning opening is open is not set, a special winning opening abnormality occurs. Is determined. When notifying the special winning opening abnormality, for example, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example) in the security signal information timer. In this embodiment, an information output process (see S30) is executed based on the predetermined time set in the security signal information timer in step S21a, so that the security signal is output for a predetermined time (30 in this example). Sec) External output. Further, for example, the CPU 56 may perform control for transmitting a special winning opening abnormality notification designation command for notifying the special winning opening abnormality to the effect control microcomputer 100. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 that has received the special winning opening abnormality notification designation command performs a control to display a screen indicating that a special winning opening abnormality has occurred on the effect display device 9, for example. Notify the winning opening abnormality. In addition, between the time when the game ball wins the first special winning opening or the second special winning opening and the time when the game ball is detected by the first count switch 23a or the second count switch 23b, the first special winning opening or the second special winning opening. Since it is also assumed that the mouth is controlled to be in the closed state, the first count switch 23a or the second count switch 23a or the second count When a game ball is detected by the switch 23b, it may be determined that a special winning opening abnormality has occurred and detected.

  In this embodiment, the power-on special winning opening abnormality notification process (step S13a) is executed in the main process in order to make the notification method of the special winning opening abnormality different at the time of power-on and at another timing. It is configured such that the special winning opening abnormality notification processing (step S21a) is executed in the timer interrupt processing. For example, the large winning opening abnormality notification processing when the power is turned on in the main processing is omitted, and the power If a power-on flag indicating that the power-on flag has been set is set in the special winning opening abnormality notification processing of the timer interrupt processing when the special winning opening abnormality occurs, the power-on flag is set. When the power-on flag is reset and the power-on flag is reset, the notification is made so that it is possible to specify which of the first winning port and the second winning port has a large winning port abnormality. If no lag is set, it may be configured to notify that the special winning opening abnormality occurs. Also, for example, the special winning opening abnormality notification processing at power-on of the main processing is omitted, and when the special winning opening abnormality occurs in the special winning opening abnormality notification processing of the timer interrupt processing, the large winning opening abnormality is already notified. If the abnormality notification flag indicating that the game has been performed one or more times is not set, it becomes possible to identify which of the first winning opening and the second winning opening has the big winning opening abnormality. , An abnormality notification flag may be set, and if the abnormality notification flag is set, it may be configured to notify that a special winning opening abnormality has occurred.

  Next, the CPU 56 includes a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a, a second special symbol reservation storage display 18b, and a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). The first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the ordinary symbol display 10 output a drive signal to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33. Execute control.

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs an information output process of outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability fluctuation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals of the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the first count switch 23a, and the second count switch 23b ( Step S30). More specifically, the payout control board 37 is turned on in response to a winning detection based on that one of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, the first count switch 23a, and the second count switch 23b is turned on. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the mounted payout control microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 according to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output processing).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol display control process for setting special symbol display control data for performing a special symbol effect display according to the value of the special symbol process flag in an output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data ( Step S32). For example, if the start flag set in the special symbol process processing is set and the end flag is set, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 second, every 0.2 seconds elapses Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer, so that the first special symbol display in the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b and The variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process of setting the ordinary symbol display control data for performing the effect display of the ordinary symbol in the output buffer for setting the ordinary symbol display control data according to the value of the ordinary symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“O” and “X”) of the fluctuation speed of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag relating to the fluctuation of the normal symbol is set. At such a speed, the display control data value set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “「 ”and 0 indicating“ x ”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. In addition, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, thereby executing the effect display of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display device 10.

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

  According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. Note that the game control processing corresponds to the processing of steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt processing. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set. May be executed.

  When the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9 are stopped and displayed, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Without reaching the reach state, a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not reach the reach may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normally non-reachable”) variable display mode when the variable display results in a lost symbol.

  When the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9 are stopped and displayed, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. The reach effect is executed after the reach state is reached, and a predetermined effect symbol combination that does not eventually become a big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach lost”) when the variable display result is “losed”.

  In this embodiment, when the big hit 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. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R of "left", "middle", and "right" on the effect display device 9.

  When the small hit "5" is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the variable display mode of the effect symbol is changed to "suddenly probable big hit" on the effect display device 9. After the effect symbols are variably displayed in the same manner as in the case of, a predetermined small hit symbol (suddenly the same symbol as the probable variable big hit symbol, for example, “135”) may be stopped and displayed. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the stop display of the small hit symbol “5” on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is referred to as a “small hit” variable display mode. .

  Here, the small hit is a hit which is permitted up to a smaller number of times of opening of the special winning opening compared to the big hit (in this embodiment, two times of opening for 0.1 second). Note that when the small hitting game ends, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probable state to the normal state or from the normal state to the probable state. Further, the sudden change big hit means that the number of times the big winning opening is released is allowed to be small in the big hit gaming state (in this embodiment, the opening of 0.1 seconds is twice), but the opening time of the big winning opening is extremely large. It is a short big hit and a big hit that shifts the game state after the big hit game to the positive change state (that is, by doing so, the player suddenly appears to be in the positive change state) Is). That is, in this embodiment, the sudden change big hit and the small hit have the same opening pattern of the big winning opening. By performing such control, if the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 second, it is impossible to recognize whether it is a sudden change big hit or a small hit, so that the player has a high probability state. (Probable change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the shortened non-reach loss and the non-reach loss are used as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is "out" and the variable display mode of the effect symbol does not involve the reach state. Is prepared. In addition, as a variation pattern corresponding to a case where the variable display result is “out” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol involves a reach state, a normal out, a pseudo-random 1 normal out, a super-out, a pseudo-ren 2 super-out and a pseudo-ren Three supermarkets are prepared. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when the pseudo run 1 normal deviation is used in the fluctuation pattern accompanied by the pseudo run effect, the re-change is performed once. In addition, in the case of using the pseudo-run 2 super out of the fluctuation pattern accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-change is performed twice. Furthermore, in the case of using a pseudo-run 3 super out of the fluctuation patterns accompanying the effects of the pseudo-run, the re-change is performed three times. The re-variation is to temporarily stop the effect symbol that is once out of the range from the start of the variable display of the effect symbol until the display result is derived and displayed, and then execute the variable display of the effect symbol again. When performing the re-variation, a pseudo-serial-only symbol that appears only during a pseudo-sequence that is not in the effect symbol array may be temporarily stopped. Further, among the fluctuation patterns shown in FIG. 6, the shortened non-reach out-of-reach is a shortening fluctuation pattern provided for the non-reach out-of-reach and having a shorter fluctuation time than the non-reach out-of-reach.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, as a variation pattern corresponding to a case where the variable display result of the special symbol is a normal big hit or a probable big hit, a normal hit, a pseudo hit 1 hit, a super hit, a pseudo hit Two super hits and three pseudo super hits are prepared. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case of using one pseudo-run per normal among the fluctuation patterns accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-change is performed once. In addition, in the case of using the pseudo-run 2 super hit among the fluctuation patterns accompanying the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-change is performed twice. Furthermore, in the case of using three super hits in the pseudo pattern among the fluctuation patterns accompanied by the effect of the pseudo series, the re-change is performed three times.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a special hit is prepared as a variation pattern corresponding to a case where the variable display result of the special symbol suddenly changes to a large hit or a small hit.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the fluctuation time is fixedly determined according to the type of the reach (for example, in the case of the super reach with the pseudo run (three times), The time is fixed at 40 seconds, and the fluctuation time is fixed at 25 seconds in the case of the super reach without the pseudo run.) For example, even in the case of the same type of super reach, The variation time may be made different depending on the number of stored memories. For example, even in the case where the same type of super reach is involved, the fluctuation time may be shortened as the total number of pending storages increases. Also, for example, even in the case of the same type of super reach, when performing the fluctuating display of the first special symbol, the fluctuating time may be made different according to the first number of retained memories. When performing the fluctuation display of the two special symbols, the fluctuation time may be varied according to the second number of reserved storages. In this case, a separate table is prepared for each of the values of the first storage number and the second storage number (for example, a variation pattern determination table for the storage numbers 0 to 2 and a variation pattern determination table for the storage numbers 3 and 4). A variation pattern determination table may be prepared in advance), and the determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved storage number or the second reserved storage number to vary the variation time.

  Further, in this embodiment, the fluctuating time is configured to be different between the case where the gaming state is the normal state and the case where the game time is the time saving state (in the example shown in FIG. Is determined so that the rate of selection of “shortened non-reach out of range” having a shorter variation time than other variation patterns is higher), but is not limited to this, and is not limited to a normal state (or a time reduction state) However, the variation time may be configured to be different (that is, the rate at which the variation pattern having the shorter variation time is selected is different) depending on the total number of stored suspensions. For example, the fluctuation time may be shortened (that is, the rate of selection of a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is increased as the total number of suspended storages increases). In addition, for example, when performing the fluctuation display of the first special symbol, the fluctuation time is made different (that is, the rate at which the fluctuation pattern with the short fluctuation time is selected is made different) in accordance with the first reserved storage number. Alternatively, in the case of performing the variation display of the second special symbol, the variation time is made different (that is, the rate at which the variation pattern with the shorter variation time is selected is made different) in accordance with the second number of reserved storages. You may do so. In this case, a separate table is prepared for each of the values of the first storage number and the second storage number (for example, a variation pattern determination table for the storage numbers 0 to 2 and a variation pattern determination table for the storage numbers 3 and 4). A variation pattern determination table may be prepared in advance), and the determination table may be selected according to the value of the first reserved storage number or the second reserved storage number to vary the variation time.

  When a different variation pattern determination table is used according to the number of reserved storages, for example, the variation pattern determination table used when the display result is wrong and the total number of pending storages is 3 or more is The determination value is assigned so that the ratio of reach (normal reach, super reach) becomes smaller as compared with the variation pattern determination table used when the number of storages is 0 to 2. In addition, the variation pattern determination table used when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more is determined such that the ratio of “shortened non-reach outliers” having a shorter variation time than other variation patterns is increased. Is set. As a result, the average fluctuation time can be shortened as the total number of stored suspensions increases, and the situation in which the operation rate of the variable display decreases can be prevented as much as possible.

  Further, a specific effect (for example, super reach) is included in a fluctuation pattern determination table used when the total number of stored storages is 3 or more and a fluctuation pattern determination table used when the total number of stored storages is 0 to 2. ) Are assigned a common determination value (for example, 950 to 997). Therefore, irrespective of the total number of reserved storages (that is, even if the variation pattern determination table used is different), at the time of the start winning, if only the value of the extracted variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) is confirmed, a specific effect ( For example, it can be easily determined in advance whether or not super-reach is involved. Therefore, before the variable display corresponding to the start winning prize, it can be notified that a specific effect (for example, super reach) is accompanied (for example, an effect control command indicating the effect is sent to the effect control microcomputer 100). The effect is realized by executing an effect such as a pre-reading effect in the effect control microcomputer 100 that has transmitted and received the effect control command), thereby making it possible to improve the interest in the game.

  In addition, although the case where the assignment of the determination values is made different for the two types of the total number of pending storages of 0 to 2 or 3 or more is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the assignment may be made more finely and stepwise. In this case, for example, a variation pattern determination table for the total number of storages 0 and 1 and a variation pattern determination table for the total number 2 of storages, the total number of storages 3 and the total number of storages 4 May be prepared in advance, and the determination values may be assigned to the fluctuation pattern accompanied by the reach or the fluctuation pattern of the shortened fluctuation, and may be made to differ gradually.

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

  In this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined to be one of the variation patterns included in the variation pattern determination table using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3).

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether the large hit type determination random number (1) and the normal symbol hit random number (4) are generated by the counter. Count up (1 addition). That is, these are the random numbers for determination, and the other random numbers are the random numbers for display (random 3) or the random numbers for initial value (random 5). Note that random numbers other than the above-described random numbers may be used in order to enhance the gaming effect. Also, in this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware built in the game control microcomputer 560 (may be hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the big hit determination random number.

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

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

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the random number (random R) for jackpot determination. The random number value for jackpot determination is shown in FIG. If any one of the jackpot determination values is matched, the special symbol is determined to be a jackpot (a normal jackpot, a probable big hit, and a sudden probable big hit described later). When the random number for big hit determination matches one of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, it is determined that a small hit is to be made for the special symbol. The “probability” shown in FIG. 8A indicates a probability (ratio) of a big hit. The “probability” shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C indicates the probability (ratio) of a small hit. To determine whether or not to make a big hit means to determine whether or not to shift to a big hit game state, but to determine whether to stop the symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It is also to decide whether to make a big hit symbol. Determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hitting game state, but the stop in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. That is, it is determined whether or not the symbol is a small hit symbol.

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

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

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b indicate that the type of the jackpot is "normal jackpot" or "normal jackpot" based on the random number (random 1) for jackpot type determination when the variable display result is determined to be a jackpot symbol. This is a table that is referred to to determine one of “probably big hit” and “suddenly big hit”. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, ten determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131a (40 minutes). In contrast to this, three determination values are assigned to “suddenly probable big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131b (ratio of 3/40). Will be suddenly determined as a jackpot). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first start winning opening 13 is started and the first special symbol change display is executed, the second starting winning opening 14 is started and the second special symbol is displayed. Compared to the case where the variable display is executed, the ratio of being determined to be “suddenly variable jackpot” is higher. In addition, "sudden probability change big hit" is allocated only to the big hit type determination table 131a for the first special symbol, and "sudden probability change big hit" is not allocated to the big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol (ie, Only when performing the variable display of the first special symbol, it may be determined that "suddenly variable big hit".) The determination values set in the table are different in number and are not assigned redundantly.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 (D) and (E), the first specific game state in which a predetermined amount of game value is given is two rounds of sudden change big hits, which is larger than the game value. A case in which the 15th round jackpot (probably variable jackpot or normal jackpot) is determined as the second specific game state in which the amount of game value is given will be described. 1 shows a case in which it is determined to be a specific game state, but the game value to be provided is not limited to the number of rounds as shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific game state, the second specific game state in which the permissible amount of the winning number (count number) of game balls to the special winning opening per round is increased as a game value is determined. Is also good. Further, for example, as compared with the first specific game state, the second specific game state in which the opening time of the special winning opening per large hit may be determined as a game value may be determined. Also, for example, even in the same 15 rounds of big hits, a first specific game state in which the big winning opening is opened once per round and a second specific gaming state in which the big winning opening is opened multiple times per round are set. It may be prepared to increase the game value in the second specific game state by substantially increasing the number of times the special winning opening is opened. In this case, for example, in any of the first specific game state and the second specific game state, when the special winning opening is opened 15 times (in this case, in the case of the first specific game state, all 15 rounds are opened) Is ended, and in the case of the second specific game state, unfinished rounds remain), and an effect may be executed in such a manner as to inspire whether or not the big hit continues. Then, in the case of the first specific game state, the jackpot game is ended because all 15 rounds are internally ended, and in the case of the second specific game state, unfinished rounds remain internally. For this reason, the big hit game may be continued (an effect in which the opening of the big winning port is additionally started with a bonus after the big hit of opening 15 times is completed).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the jackpot types include a “normal jackpot”, a “probably large hit”, and a “suddenly variable big hit”.

  The “probable change big hit” is a big hit in which the game is controlled to the big hit game state of 15 rounds and is shifted to the certain change state after the end of the big hit game state. The process proceeds to steps S170 and S171 described later. Then, after shifting to the probable change state, the probable change state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  The “normal jackpot” is a jackpot controlled to a 15-bit jackpot gaming state, and not to a probable change state after the jackpot gaming state is ended, but to a time-saving state only (see step S167 described later). . After shifting to the time saving state, the time saving state is maintained until the execution of the variable display of the special symbol and the effect symbol is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) (see steps S142 to S145 described later). In this embodiment, even if a big hit occurs before the execution of the variable number display of the predetermined number of times after the shift to the time saving state, the time saving state ends (see step S134 described later).

  In addition, the “suddenly variable big hit” is the number of times the large winning opening is opened as compared with the “stable variable big hit” and the “normal big hit” (in this embodiment, 0. 0). This is a big hit that can be allowed up to twice for one second). In other words, when "suddenly changing probability big hit" is achieved, the state is controlled to the two round big hit gaming state. Then, in this embodiment, the state is shifted to the probable change state after the end of the two rounds of the jackpot game state (in this embodiment, the state is changed to the probable change state and also to the time saving state. Step S170 to be described later) , S171). Then, after shifting to the probable change state, the probable change state is maintained until the next big hit occurs (see step S134 described later).

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when the "small hit" occurs, the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 second each time, and the big hit gaming state by the "sudden probability change big hit" is set. Similar control is performed. In the case of "small hit", the game state does not change and the game state before the "small hit" is maintained after the opening of the special winning opening is completed twice (described later). Steps S147 to S151). By doing so, it is impossible to recognize whether it is "suddenly changing big hit" or "small hit", and the interest of the game is improved.

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

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a fluctuation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 54. The variation pattern determination table is a table that is referred to in order to determine a variation pattern to any one of a plurality of types based on random numbers (random 3) for variation pattern determination according to a jackpot type, a game state, and the like. is there. When the value of the extracted random 3 (1 to 997) matches the data (determination value) assigned to each variation pattern, the CPU 56 changes the variation pattern to a pattern corresponding to the determination value of the matched variation pattern. decide. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the ratio of the determination value assigned to each variation pattern is shown. For example, when it is determined that the variable display result is “out” in the normal game state (“out” field in FIG. 9), the determination value corresponding to the value of random 3 (1 to 997) is determined. Of these, 50% are set in the fluctuation pattern “non-reach out of range”. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the values set in the fluctuation pattern determination table are as follows: the variable display result is "out", "out (time saving)", "normal big hit / probable change big hit" or "sudden probable big change big hit / In the case of “small hit”, the ratio determined by the associated variation pattern is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9, for example, in the case where it is determined that the variable display result is “outside” in the normal game state (“outside” field in FIG. 9), among the plurality of types of variation patterns, The rate of determination as "non-reach loss" is the highest, and the rate of determination as "pseudo consecutive 3 super loss" is the lowest. Also, for example, in the case where it is determined that the variable display result is “out” in the time saving state (“outside (time saving)” field in FIG. 9), unlike the “outside” field, The determination value is assigned so that the ratio of “reach non-reach loss” is not determined and the ratio of “reduced non-reach loss” is increased. By setting in this manner, a change pattern with a short change time is easily selected in the time saving state.

  Further, when it is determined that the variable display result is “normal jackpot” or “probable variable jackpot” (the “normal jackpot / probable variable jackpot” field in FIG. 9), the variation pattern with the pseudo continuous effect The determination value is assigned such that the ratio determined as “per pseudo 3 consecutive supermarkets” is the highest and the ratio determined as “per pseudo pseudo 1 normal” is lowest. In other words, in the “normal jackpot / probably variable jackpot” field, a variation pattern with a larger number of pseudo repetitions is likely to be selected from the variation patterns accompanied by the pseudo rendition. Therefore, in the pseudo consecutive production, the higher the number of pseudo consecutive productions, the higher the degree of expectation that the variable display result will be a big hit. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the fluctuation pattern with normal reach (normal out, pseudo-run 1 normal out, normal and per pseudo-run 1 normal) is a fluctuation pattern with super reach (super out, pseudo-run 2 super out). , The variable display result is more likely to be selected as "outside" than in the case of the pseudo-run 3 super-run, super-run, pseudo-run 2 super-run and pseudo-run 3 super-run. Conversely, the fluctuation pattern with super reach (super out, pseudo-run 2 super out, pseudo run 3 super out, super per, pseudo run 2 super per, and pseudo run 3 super per) is a fluctuation pattern with normal reach (normal out) , The pseudo run 1 normal deviation, the normal run and the pseudo run 1 normal run) are more likely to be selected when the variable display result is “normal big hit” or “probably variable big hit”. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern with super reach has a higher expectation that the variable display result will be a big hit than the fluctuation pattern with normal reach.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that the variable display result is “suddenly probable big hit” or “small hit” (“suddenly probable big hit / small hit” field in FIG. 9), The fluctuation pattern is determined to be “special hit”.

  10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of an effect symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variable display of the special symbol. ) (Each corresponds to the variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 6, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by that number. Note that “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. Further, the effect control command for specifying the fluctuation pattern is also a command for specifying the start of fluctuation. Therefore, the effect control microcomputer 100, when receiving the command 80XX (H), controls the effect display device 9 to start the variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether to make a big hit, whether to make a small 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 8C05 (H). Therefore, the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

  The command 8D01 (H) is an effect control command (first symbol change designation command) indicating that variable display (change) of the first special symbol is started. The 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 specification command (or symbol variation designation command). Note that information indicating whether to start variable display of the first special symbol or variable display of the second special symbol may be included in the variation pattern command.

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

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure restoration designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is restarted. When power is supplied to the gaming machine, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, otherwise, the initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  The command 95XX (H) is an effect control command (winning-time determination result designation command) indicating the content of the winning-time determination result. In this embodiment, in a prize-winning effect process described later (see FIG. 16), the game control microcomputer 560 determines which variation pattern will be at the time of the start prize. Then, a value for specifying a fluctuation pattern as a determination result is set in the EXT data of the prize-winning-time determination result specification result command, and control for transmitting to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the winning determination result designation command. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, a value is set in the EXT data in accordance with which variation pattern is determined at the time of the start winning, and a winning-time determination result designation command is transmitted. For example, when it is determined that the fluctuation pattern is "shortened non-reach loss" at the time of starting winning in the first starting winning opening 13, a winning-time determination result designation command in which EXT data is set to "01 (H)" is transmitted. Is done. Further, for example, when it is determined that the variation pattern is “special hit” at the time of starting winning at the first starting winning opening 13, a winning-time determination result designation command in which EXT data is set to “13 (H)” is transmitted. Is done. Further, for example, when it is determined that the variation pattern is “shortened non-reach loss” at the time of starting winning in the second starting winning opening 14, a winning time determination result designation command in which EXT data is set to “21 (H)” is set. Is sent. Further, for example, when it is determined that the variation pattern is “special hit” at the time of starting winning in the second starting winning opening 14, a winning time determination result designation command in which EXT data is set to “23 (H)” is transmitted. Is done.

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

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

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (specifying command during opening of the special winning opening) indicating that the special winning opening is open at the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (specifying command after opening the special winning opening) indicating the closing of the special winning opening at the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot end 1 designation command: ending 1 designation command) for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, for designating the end of the jackpot game and for designating a normal jackpot. is there. The command A302 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot end 2 designation command: an ending 2 designation command) for displaying a jackpot end screen, that is, for designating the end of the jackpot game and designating that the jackpot has been a big hit. is there. The command A303 (H) is an effect control command for specifying the end of the small hit game or the end of the sudden change big hit game (small hit / sudden change probability big hit end command: Ending 3 designation command). Note that the game control microcomputer 560 may be configured to transmit the ending specification command for sudden change big hit end specification in the case of a sudden big hit, but not to transmit the ending specification command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  The command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is the normal state. The command B001 (H) is an effect control command (time reduction state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is the time reduction state (not including the probable change state). The command B002 (H) is an effect control command (probable change state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is the probable change state.

  The command C0XX (H) is an effect control command (first reserved storage number designation command) for designating the first reserved storage number. “XX” in the command C0XX (H) indicates the first reserved storage number. The command C1XX (H) is an effect control command (second reserved storage number designation command) for designating the second reserved storage number. “XX” in the command C1XX (H) indicates the second reserved storage number.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, according to the contents shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the display state of the image display device 9 is changed, the display state of the lamp is changed, and sound number data is output to the audio output board 70. I do.

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

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a two-byte configuration, and the first byte indicates MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of EXT data is always set to “0”. Such a command form is an example, and another command form may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As a method of transmitting 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 by 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-like (rectangular wave) capture signal (effect control INT signal) for instructing the capture of the effect control command data is used. The 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a process of fetching 1-byte data by an interrupt process.

  In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the variation pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed on the first special symbol display 8a in the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. An image display that can be used in common with the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the change of the second special symbol on the symbol display 8b, and performs the effect in conjunction with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When controlling the effect parts such as the device 9, it is possible to prevent the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 from increasing.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for a special symbol process (step S26) 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, processing for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening (the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening) is executed. Is done. In the special symbol process process, the CPU 56 determines whether the first starting port switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first starting winning port 13 is on or the gaming ball is in the second starting winning port 14. If the second start opening switch 14a for detecting the winning is on, that is, if the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening 14 has a start winning, the start opening switch passing processing is performed. Are executed (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processing in steps S300 to S310 is as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 0. When the game control microcomputer 560 is ready to start the variable display of the special symbol, the microcomputer 560 checks the storage number of the numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (the total reserved storage number). The storage number of the numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total reserved storage number counter. If the count value of the total reserved 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 the case of a big hit, a big hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The big hit flag is reset when the big hit game ends.

  Variation pattern setting processing (step S301): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. In addition, a fluctuation pattern is determined, and the fluctuation time (variable display time: the time from the start of the variable display to the derivation display (stop display) of the display result) in the fluctuation pattern is defined as the fluctuation time of the variable display of the special symbol. Decide to do so. Also, a fluctuation time timer for measuring the fluctuation time of the special symbol 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 processing (step S302): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the effect 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 change processing (step S303): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern setting processing elapses (the fluctuation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the fluctuation time timer becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. The value is updated to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

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

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

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

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

  Small hit opening pre-processing (step S308): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the small hit opening pre-processing, control is performed to open a special winning opening (a first special winning opening or a second special winning opening). Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered a special winning opening (a first winning opening or a second winning opening)) and the like are driven, and the solenoid 21a or the solenoid 21b is driven. Then, the first special winning opening or the second special winning opening is opened. The execution time of the special winning opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (9 in this example) corresponding to step S309. Note that the small hit pre-opening process is executed for each round, but when starting the first round, the small hit pre-opening process is also a process for starting a small hit game.

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

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

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the starting port switch passage processing in step S312. In the starting port switch passage processing, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first starting port switch 13a is on (step S1211). If the first starting port switch 13a is not on, the process proceeds to step S1222. If the first startup port switch 13a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first reserved storage number for counting the first reserved storage number). It is checked whether or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S1212). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit, the process moves to step S1222.

  If the first reserved storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increments the value of the first reserved storage number counter by 1 (step S1213), and increases the value of the total reserved storage number counter for counting the total reserved storage number. Is increased by 1 (step S1214). Further, the CPU 56 corresponds to the value of the total reserved storage number counter in the reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area) for storing the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14. Data indicating "first" is set in the area (step S1215).

  In this embodiment, when the first starting port switch 13a is turned on (that is, when a game ball starts to win in the first starting winning port 13), data indicating "first" is set, When the second starting port switch 14a is turned on (that is, when a game ball starts to win in the second starting winning port 14), data indicating "second" is set. For example, the CPU 56 sets 01 (H) as data indicating “first” when the first startup port switch 13 a is turned on in the hold storage specifying information storage area (hold hold specific area), When the second starting port switch 14a is turned on, 02 (H) is set as data indicating "second". In this case, if there is no corresponding pending storage, 00 (H) is set in the pending storage specifying information storage area (pending specific area).

  FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area). As shown in FIG. 15A, an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the value of the total pending storage counter is secured in the reserved specific area. FIG. 15A shows an example in which the value of the total pending storage number counter is 5. As shown in FIG. 15A, an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the value of the total number of held storage counters is secured in the reserved specific area, and the first start winning opening 13 or the first activated winning opening 13 is reserved. Based on the winning in the second starting winning port 14, data indicating "first" or "second" in the winning order is set. Therefore, the order of winning the first start winning port 13 and the second starting winning port 14 is stored in the hold specific information storage area (hold specific area). The reserved specific area is formed in the RAM 55.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a process of extracting values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating a software random number and storing them in a storage area in the first hold storage buffer (see FIG. 15B) (see FIG. 15B). Step S1216). In the process of step S1216, a random R (hard hit determination random number) which is a hardware random number and a jackpot type determination random number (random 1 and a variation pattern determination random number (random 3) which are software random numbers are extracted and stored. Note that the random number (random number 3) for determining the fluctuation pattern is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the start-up switch passing process (at the time of winning a prize), but the fluctuation of the first special symbol is stored. For example, in the variation pattern setting process described later, the microcomputer 560 for game control controls the value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 3). May be directly extracted.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a prize-winning effect process in which a fluctuation display result or a fluctuation pattern when the fluctuation based on the detected start winning is subsequently executed is determined at the time of the start winning (step S1217). Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved storage number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the first reserved storage number counter, and thereafter, based on the determination result of the prize-winning production process, wins. Control for transmitting the time determination result designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S1218).

  By executing the processing of step S1218, in this embodiment, regardless of the gaming state (whether the state is the high probability state or the high base state, or the state of the big hit game), the CPU 56 Every time the first winning entry 13 is started, both the first reserved storage number designation command and the winning determination result designation command are transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  In this embodiment, the first special symbol change display or the second special symbol change display is executed in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls have won the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14. However, a configuration may be adopted in which either one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is displayed with priority. For example, when the state is shifted to the high base state, it is easy to start winning in the second starting winning opening 14 provided with the variable winning ball device 15 and it is easy to accumulate the second holding memory. The variable display may be executed with priority. In this case, the processing in step S1215 can be omitted, and the reserved storage specifying information storage area (reserved specific area) shown in FIG. Also, in this case, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first starting winning opening 13 has been won based on the condition that the game is not in the high base state (when the time reduction flag is not set) and the jackpot game is not being performed. An effect process (step S1217) may be performed. That is, when the condition is not satisfied, the execution of the prize-winning effect process (step S1217) is limited, and the look-ahead effect (for details, see below) that the display result of the specific variable display is a big hit or a super reach. (Described later) may not be executed. In the configuration in which the change display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, in a game state in which the second start winning opening 14 is easily started and won, the change of the first special symbol based on the start winning in the first started winning opening 13 is performed. Since the display may continue to be postponed, there is a possibility that even if the pre-reading effect is executed, a state in which the variable display of the notice target is not easily executed may occur. However, by restricting the execution of the winning effect process (step S1217), it is possible to prevent the first starting winning opening 13 from executing the prefetching effect based on the start winning, thereby avoiding such a state. be able to. In addition, by restricting the prize-winning effect processing during the high base state or the big hit game, it is possible to prevent the game from being played in a state in which it is possible to recognize that the hold memory for the big hit is stored. Whether or not a big hit game is being performed is confirmed by, for example, a value of a special symbol process flag. In that case, the CPU 56 determines that the big hit game is being played when the value of the special symbol process flag is one of 5 to 7. Further, for example, the gaming control microcomputer 560 always performs a winning effect process, and the effect controlling microcomputer 100 determines whether or not the game is in a high base state and whether or not a big hit game is in progress. The execution of the look-ahead effect may be restricted. Further, on the game control microcomputer 560 side, the execution of the prize-winning effect process (that is, the look-ahead effect) based on the fact that the first start winning opening 13 has been started in the high base state or during the jackpot game is restricted. In the case of the configuration, on the side of the effect control microcomputer 100, in the high base state, only the prefetching effect based on the fact that the start winning is achieved in the second starting winning opening 14 can be executed, and in the low base state, the first starting winning opening is enabled. 13 can execute only a prefetch effect based on the fact that the start winning is achieved (that is, in the low base state, the prefetch effect is performed even if a prize determination result designation command based on the fact that the second start winning port 14 has started winning is received). (It is not determined to execute).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the second starting port switch 14a is in an on state (step S1222). If the second starting port switch 14a is not on, the process is terminated. If the second opening switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the number of second reserved storages has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second reserved storage for counting the number of second reserved storages). It is checked whether the value of the number counter is 4) (step S1223). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process is terminated as it is.

  If the second reserved storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved storage number counter by 1 (step S1224), and increases the value of the total reserved storage number counter for counting the total reserved storage number. Is incremented by 1 (step S1225). Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating “second” in an area corresponding to the value of the total number of reserved storage counters in the reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area) (step S1226).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a process of extracting values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating a software random number, and storing them in a storage area in the second hold storage buffer (see FIG. 20B). Step S1227). In the process of step S1227, a random R (hard hit determination random number) which is a hardware random number, a jackpot type determination random number (random 1) which is a software random number, and a fluctuation pattern determination random number (random 3) are extracted. Stored in the storage area. In addition, instead of extracting the fluctuation pattern determination random number (random 3) in the starting opening switch passing process (at the time of starting winning) and storing it in the storage area in advance, the random number is extracted at the start of the fluctuation of the second special symbol. You may. 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.

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a winning effect process (step S1228). Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved storage number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the second reserved storage number counter, and thereafter, based on the determination result of the prize-winning effect processing, wins. Control for transmitting the time determination result designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S1229).

  By executing the process of step S1229, in this embodiment, regardless of the game state (whether the state is the high probability state or the high base state, or the state of the big hit game), the CPU 56 Each time the second start winning port 14 is started, both the second reserved storage number designation command and the winning determination result designation command are transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the prize-winning effect processing of steps S1217 and S1218. In the winning effect production process, the CPU 56 first compares the random number (random R) for jackpot determination extracted in steps S1216 and S1227 with the jackpot determination value in the normal state shown in the left column of FIG. It is checked whether they match (step S220). In this embodiment, at the timing when the change of the special symbol and the effect symbol is started, whether or not to make a big hit or a small hit in the special symbol normal processing described later, the big hit type is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern setting processing. Alternatively, at the timing when the game ball starts and wins in the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, before the fluctuation display based on the starting winning is started, By executing the winning effect process, it is confirmed in advance which variation pattern will be obtained. By doing so, the fluctuation pattern is predicted in advance before the fluctuation display of the effect symbols is executed, and as described later, the jackpot or super Perform a look-ahead effect that gives a preview of reach.

  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 determines whether or not the probability change flag indicating that the gaming state is the probability change state is set. Confirm (step S221). If the probability change flag is set, the CPU 56 compares the big hit determination random number (random R) extracted in steps S1216 and S1227 with the big hit determination value at the time of the probability change shown in the right column of FIG. It is determined whether or not matches (step S222). Note that a plurality of variable displays may be executed between the time when it is determined in step S221 that the winning change is made at the start winning prize and the time when the variable display based on the start winning is actually started. There is. For this reason, the game state has changed between the time when it is determined in step S221 whether or not the winning change is made at the time of the start winning and the time when the change display based on the start winning is actually started (for example, the start of the change). If the probability change jackpot has occurred before, the normal state has changed to the probability change state.) Therefore, the gaming state determined in step S221 at the time of starting winning and the gaming state determined at the start of change (see step S61 described later) do not always match.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the big hit determination value at the time of the probability change (N in step S222), the CPU 56 compares the big hit determination random number (random R) extracted in steps S1216 and S1227 with FIG. ) And (C) to determine whether or not they match (step S223). In this case, if there is a start winning in the first starting winning opening 13 (in the case where the winning effect process (see step S1217) is executed in the starting opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), the CPU 56 proceeds to FIG. It is determined whether or not it matches the small hit determination value set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in (B). In addition, when there is a start winning in the second starting winning opening 14 (when a winning effect process (see step S1228) is executed in the starting-port switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), the process proceeds to FIG. It is determined whether or not it matches the small hit determination value set in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the small hit determination value (N in step S223), the CPU 56 performs a process of determining the current gaming state (step S224). In this embodiment, in step S224, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the gaming state is the probable change state or the time saving state (specifically, whether or not the time saving flag is set). Note that a plurality of variable displays are executed during a period from the confirmation of whether or not the variable state or the time saving state is established in step S224 at the time of the start winning, to the start of the variable display based on the start winning. May be For this reason, the game state has changed between the time when it is determined in step S224 whether or not the player is in the probability change state or the time saving state at the time of the start winning, and the time when the fluctuation display based on the start winning is actually started (for example, However, if a certain-variable big hit occurs before the start of the change, the normal state is changed to the certain-change state.) Therefore, the gaming state determined in step S224 at the time of the start winning is not necessarily the same as the gaming state determined at the start of the change (see step S61 described later).

  Then, the CPU 56 selects a field of the variation pattern determination table according to the determination result of step S224 (step S225). Specifically, when the CPU 56 determines that the gaming state is the probable change state or the time reduction state, the CPU 56 selects the “missing (time reduction)” field of the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. When it is determined that the gaming state is the normal state, the "outside" field of the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9 is selected.

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) matches the small hit determination value (Y in step S223), the CPU 56 selects the "suddenly probable big hit / small hit" field in the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. . (Step S226).

  If the big hit determination random number (random R) matches the big hit determination value in step S220 or step S222, the CPU 56 determines the big hit type based on the big hit type determination random number (random 1) extracted in steps S1216 and S1227. Is determined (step S227). In this case, if there is a start winning in the first starting winning opening 13 (in the case where the winning effect process (see step S1217) is executed in the starting opening switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), the CPU 56 proceeds to FIG. Using the big hit type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a shown in (D), it is determined whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probable variable big hit” or “sudden probable big hit”. In addition, when there is a start winning in the second starting winning opening 14 (when a winning effect process (see step S1228) is executed in the starting-port switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), FIG. Using the big hit type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b shown, it is determined whether the big hit type is “normal big hit”, “probably variable big hit” or “sudden positive big hit”.

  Then, the CPU 56 selects a field of the variation pattern determination table according to the type of the big hit determined in step S227. (Step S228). Specifically, when the CPU 56 determines “normal big hit” or “probable changing big hit”, the CPU 56 selects the “normal big hit / probable changing big hit” field of the fluctuation pattern determination table. If it is determined to be “suddenly large hit”, the “suddenly large hit / small hit” field of the fluctuation pattern determination table is selected.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern using the variation pattern determination table fields set in steps S225, S226, and S228 and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) extracted in steps S1216 and S1227 (step S125). S229).

  Then, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the determined variation pattern in the winning-time determination result designation command (step S230). Specifically, the CPU 56 wins one of the values “00 (H)” to “33 (H)” as shown in FIG. A process for setting the EXT data of the time determination result designation command is performed.

  For example, when there is a start winning in the first starting winning opening 13 (when a winning effect process (see step S1217A) is executed in the starting-port switch passing process shown in FIG. 14), “non-reach” is performed in step S229. If it is determined that the variation pattern will be “outside”, “02 (H)” is added to the EXT data of the prize-winning-time determination result designation command composed of MODE data “95 (H)” (the starting port switch shown in FIG. 14 is passed). In the case where the winning effect process (see step S1217A) is executed in the process, a process of setting “22 (H)” is performed. If it is determined in step S229 that the variation pattern type is “pseudo consecutive 3 super hits”, the EXT data of the prize-winning determination result designation command composed of MODE data “95 (H)” is “12 (H)”. ) "(In the case of executing the prize-winning effect process (see step S1217A) in the start-up switch passing process shown in FIG. 14, the process of setting" 32 (H) ") is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the variation pattern is determined using the same variation pattern determination table even if the number of pending storages is different, but a different variation pattern determination table may be used according to the number of pending storages. . In this case, regardless of the number of retained memories, for example, it is determined from a random number for determining a variable pattern (or a random number for determining a type of variable pattern) whether or not a variable pattern accompanies normal reach, super reach, or the like. The prize-winning-time determination result designation command may be transmitted based on the command, or it is determined that a specific variation pattern (for example, a variation pattern for performing a specific reach effect or a variation pattern for a specific number of pseudo-repetitions) is obtained. At this time, a prize winning determination result designation command indicating the determination result may be transmitted. Also, for example, it is determined whether or not the display result is a “normal jackpot” or a “probably variable jackpot”, and a command indicating the determination result is used as a prize-time determination result designation command or separately from a prize-time determination result designation command. You may make it transmit.

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

  If the total reserved storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether the first data among the data set in the reserved specific area (see FIG. 15A) is the data indicating “first”. (Step S52). When the first data set in the reserved specific area is not the data indicating “first” (that is, the data indicating “second”) (N in step S52), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol pointer (No. Data indicating "second" is set in a flag indicating whether the special symbol process processing is performed for one special symbol or the special symbol process processing is performed for the second special symbol (step S54). If the first data set in the reserved specific area is data indicating "first" (Y in step S52), the CPU 56 sets data indicating "first" in the special symbol pointer (step S53). ).

  By executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, in this embodiment, the variation of the first special symbol in accordance with the starting winning order in which the game balls have won the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 in this embodiment. The display or the change display of the second special symbol is executed. In this embodiment, the first special symbol variation display or the second special symbol variation display is executed in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls have won the first start winning opening 13 and the second start winning opening 14. Although a case is shown in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed, the variable display may be performed with priority. For example, when the variable display of the second special symbol is executed with priority, it is checked in step S52 whether or not the second reserved storage number in the second reserved storage number buffer is 1 or more. If it is 0, the process proceeds to step S54, and if it is 0, the process proceeds to step S53.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (Step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines that each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = 1 in the first reserved storage number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = 1 in the second reserved storage number buffer. 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 by one and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the count value of the first reserved storage number counter, and sets the value in the reserved specific area and the first reserved storage buffer. Shift the contents of each storage area. When the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the count value of the second reserved storage number counter is decremented by one and the contents of each reserved area in the reserved specific area and the second reserved storage buffer are shifted. I do.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the first reserved storage number in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55. Each of the stored random numbers is stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n-1. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, each of the symbols stored in the second reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55 in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4). The random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved number of storage = n-1. Further, the CPU 56 sums the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total number of reserved storages = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. It is stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storages = m-1.

  Therefore, the order in which the random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective first reserved storage numbers (or the respective second reserved storage numbers) are always the first reserved storage number (or (The number of second reserved storages) = 1, 2, 3, and 4. In addition, the order in which the values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective summed pending storage numbers are extracted always coincides with the order of the summed suspended storage number = 1 to 8.

  When the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer by one in step S56, the first special symbol reserved storage display 18a based on the subtracted count value of the reserved storage number counter. Alternatively, control for changing the display of the second special symbol hold storage display 18b is also performed.

  Then, the CPU 56 saves the count value of the total pending storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S57), and thereafter reduces the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is decremented by 1 (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 of transmitting the reserved storage number designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer after the subtraction. (Step S59). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first reserved storage number designation command. When a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved storage number designation command.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out a random R (random hit determination random number) from the random number buffer area, and executes the big hit determination module. Note that, in this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination extracted in step S214A of the first starting port switch passing process or step S214B of the second starting port switch passing process and stored in the first holding buffer or the second holding buffer in advance. The random number is read, and a big hit is determined. The big hit determination module compares a predetermined big hit determination value or a small hit determination value (see FIG. 8) with the big hit determination random number, and executes a process of deciding to determine a big hit or a small hit if they match. It is a program to do. In other words, it is a program for executing the processing of the big hit determination and the small hit determination.

  The big hit determination process is configured so that the probability of a big hit is higher when the game state is in the probable change state (high probability state) than when the game state is in the non-probable change state (normal game state and time saving state). ing. More specifically, a large-hit-judgment-judgment table (a table in the ROM 54 in which a numerical value on the right side of FIG. 8A is set in the ROM 54) in which a large number of big-hit determination values are set in advance, A normal jackpot determination table (a table in the ROM 54 in which numerical values on the left side in FIG. 8A are set) that is set smaller than the jackpot determination table is provided. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is the probable change state. When the gaming state is the probable change state, the CPU 56 performs a process of determining a big hit using the probable change time big hit determination table, and the game state is normally set. During the gaming state or the time saving state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the random number for random determination (random R) matches any one of the jackpot determination values shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is to be a jackpot. When it is determined that a big hit is to be made (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. In addition, to determine whether or not to make a big hit means to determine whether or not to shift to a big hit gaming state, but to determine whether or not the stop symbol in the special symbol display is a big hit symbol. But also.

  It should be noted that whether or not the current gaming state is in the probable change state is determined based on whether or not the probable change flag is set. The probable change flag is set when the game state is shifted to the probable change state, and is reset when the probable change state ends. Specifically, it is determined to be a probability change big hit or sudden change probability big hit, is set in the process of ending the big hit game, and when it is determined to be a big hit, the special symbol change display is ended and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Reset at the timing.

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

  If the value of the random R does not match any of the big hit determination value and the small hit determination value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of the range, the process directly proceeds to step S75.

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

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol of the special symbol (step S75). More specifically, if neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, "-", which is a missing symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of the big hit symbols “1”, “3”, and “7” is determined as the special symbol stop symbol according to the result of the determination of the big hit type. In other words, if the jackpot type is determined to be "Suddenly probable big hit", "1" is determined to be the special symbol stop symbol, and if it is determined to be "Normal big hit", "3" is determined to be the special symbol stop symbol. However, if it is determined to be "probable change big hit", "7" is determined to be the stop symbol of the special symbol. When the small hit flag is set, the small hit symbol "5" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol.

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

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether the big hit flag is set (step S91). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the “normal big hit / probable big hit” field of the fluctuation pattern determination table if the big hit type is the normal big hit or the probable big hit (Y in step S92). If the big hit type is not the normal big hit or the probable big hit (N in step S92), the “suddenly big hit / small hit” field of the fluctuation pattern determination table is selected (step S94). Then, control goes to a step S101.

  If the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether the small hit flag is set (step S93). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the "suddenly probable big hit / small hit" field of the fluctuation pattern determination table (step S96). Then, control goes to a step S101.

  If the small hit flag has not been set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time saving flag indicating that it is in the time saving state has been set (step S97). The time reduction flag is set when the game state is shifted to the time reduction state (including when the game state is shifted to the probable change state), and reset when the time reduction state is ended. Specifically, it is determined to be a normal jackpot, a probability variable jackpot, or a sudden probability variable jackpot, and is set in a process of ending the jackpot game. It is reset at the timing when the display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. If the time reduction flag is set (Y in step S97), the CPU 56 selects the "missing (time reduction)" field in the fluctuation pattern determination table (step S98). Then, control goes to a step S101.

  If the time reduction flag is not set (N in step S97), the CPU 56 selects the "outside" field of the fluctuation pattern determination table (step S99). Then, control goes to a step S101.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out the random number 3 (the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern) from the random number buffer area (the first storage buffer or the second storage buffer) (step S101), and performs the processing of step S93, S94, S96, S98 or S99. The variation pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of types by referring to the field of the variation pattern determination table selected in (step S102).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (a fluctuation pattern command) corresponding to the determined fluctuation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S103). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol change designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104).

  Also, the change of the special symbol is started (step S105). For example, a start flag corresponding to the special symbol referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the fluctuation time corresponding to the selected fluctuation pattern is set in the fluctuation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S106). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission processing (step S302) (step S107).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits any one of display result 1 to display result 5 designation effect control commands (see FIG. 10) in accordance with the determined type of big hit, small hit, or missing. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process moves to step S116. If the big hit flag is set and the big hit type is the probable big hit, control is performed to transmit the display result 3 designation command (steps S111 and S112). It is to be noted that whether or not the big hit is a big hit can be determined by confirming whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “02”. Further, when the type of the big hit is the sudden change big hit, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 4 designation command (steps S113 and S114). In addition, it can be determined whether or not it is a sudden change big hit, specifically, by confirming whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is “03”. Then, when it is neither the probable jackpot nor the sudden probable jackpot (that is, when it is a normal jackpot), the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 2 designation command (step S115).

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

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

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

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process of step S32 to end the change of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. The control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). When data indicating "first" is set in the special symbol pointer, the change of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is ended, and "second" is indicated on the special symbol pointer. If the data is set, the change of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is ended. In addition, control is performed to transmit a design confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S132). If the big hit flag is not set, the process shifts to step S140 (step S133).

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

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

  In addition, a value corresponding to a big hit display time (a time for notifying the occurrence of the big hit, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in a big hit display time timer (corresponding to a big winning opening control timer described later) (step). S137). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times in the case of a normal big hit or a probable change big hit, and 2 times in the case of a sudden change big hit) is set in the big win opening counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening process (step S305) (step S139).

  In step S140, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not a probable change flag indicating a probable change state is set. If the probable change flag has not been set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time saving flag indicating that it is in the time saving state has been set (step S141). If the time reduction flag is set (that is, if control is performed only in the time reduction state without the probability change state), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is set to − 1 (step S142).

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

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

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

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening process (step S305) in the special symbol process. In the special winning opening control process, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the special winning opening control timer by one (step S401). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special winning opening control timer is 0 (step S402), and if the value of the special winning opening control timer is not 0, the process is terminated.

  When the value of the special winning opening control timer is 0, the CPU 56 sets the special winning opening opening designation command (A1XX) for specifying a display state according to the number of rounds during opening of the special winning opening (during round). (H)) is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S403). Note that the CPU 56 recognizes the number of rounds by checking the value of the opening number counter for counting the number of rounds during the big hit game. Then, the CPU 56 sets a first special winning opening opening flag indicating that the first special winning opening is open or a second special winning opening opening flag indicating that the second special winning opening is open. It is checked whether or not there is any of them (step S404), and if none is set, the first big winning opening opening flag is set (step S406a). If any one of them is set and the first big win opening flag is not set (N in step S405), that is, if the second big winning opening flag is set, the second big winning opening is set. The winning opening flag is reset, and the first winning opening flag is set (step S408). Then, control is performed to drive the solenoid 21a to open the first special winning opening (special variable winning prize ball device 20a) (step S407). On the other hand, if the first special winning opening opening flag is set in step S405 (that is, if the second special winning opening opening flag is not set), the first special winning opening opening flag is reset, and the second special winning opening is set. The mouth opening flag is set (step S408). Then, control is performed to open the second big winning opening (special variable winning ball device 20b) by driving the solenoid 21b (step S409).

  In this embodiment, the first special winning opening and the second special winning opening are alternately opened, and which of the special winning opening is opened is determined by a first special winning opening opening flag and a second special winning opening. It is grasped by the state with the flag. The state in which it is determined in step S405 that the first special winning opening flag is set is a state in which the first special winning opening has been opened in the previous round. The mouth opening flag is reset, the second winning port opening flag is set, and control for opening the second winning port is performed. In addition, the state in which it is determined in step S404 that neither the first special winning opening opening flag nor the second special winning opening opening flag is set is a big hit game in which none of the special winning opening has been opened yet. Since it has been started, the first round winning opening opening flag is set and the control for opening the first winning opening is performed as the first round.

  Thereafter, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the release counter by one (step S410). In addition, a value according to the maximum time during which the special winning opening can be opened in each round is set in the special winning opening control timer (step S411). For example, the maximum time is 29 seconds for a 15 round big hit, and 0.5 seconds for a sudden change big hit or small hit. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value according to the processing during opening of the step winning winning opening (step S306) (step S412).

  FIGS. 24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the special winning process opening process (step S306) in the special symbol process process. In the special winning opening opening process, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the special winning opening control timer by one (step S420).

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special winning opening control timer has become 0 (step S421). When the value of the special winning opening control timer has not become 0, it is checked whether or not the count switch 23 has been turned on (step S432). If the count switch 23 has not been turned on, the process is terminated. When the count switch 23 is turned on, the value of the winning number counter for counting the winning number of game balls to the special winning opening is incremented by 1 (step S433). Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number (for example, 10) (Step S434). If the value of the winning number counter has not reached the predetermined number, the process ends. Note that the determination order of S421 and S432 may be reversed.

  When the value of the special winning opening control timer is 0 or the value of the winning number counter is a predetermined number, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first special winning opening opening flag is set. (Step S435a) If it is set, control is performed to drive the solenoid 21a to close the first winning port (step S435b). If not, that is, open the second winning port. If the flag has been set, control is performed to close the second winning opening by driving the solenoid 21b (step S435c). Then, the value of the winning number counter is cleared (set to 0) (step S436).

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the value of the opening number counter (Step S438). If the value of the opening number counter is not 0, the CPU 56 sets the special winning opening after opening command (A2XX (H)) for specifying a display state according to the number of rounds after opening of the special winning opening (after the end of the round). ) Is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S439). Then, a value corresponding to the time (interval period) from the end of the round to the start of the next round is set in the special winning opening control timer (step S440), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the special winning opening flag. The value is updated to a value according to the pre-opening process (step S305) (step S441). The interval period set in step S440 is, for example, 5 seconds. In the case of sudden change big hit or small hit, the period may be shorter than 15R big hit. In step S440, for example, the interval period is set to a very short period (for example, 1 second) in the case of a 15R big hit, and to a longer period in the case of a sudden change big hit or a small hit. Is also good. By doing so, in the case of a 15R jackpot, the period from when the first winning port is controlled to the closed state to when the second winning port is controlled to the open state can be shortened. It is possible to increase the possibility that a game ball that has reached the first special winning opening at the timing when the first special winning opening is controlled to be in the closed state will win the second special winning opening without being taken into the out opening 26. It should be noted that the interval when switching the target to be controlled to the open state from the second special winning opening to the first special winning opening is set to be shorter than the interval when switching from the first special winning opening to the second special winning opening. May be configured. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence rate of the situation where the game ball does not win any of the big winning ports.

  When the value of the opening number counter is 0, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the big hit end time (for example, a time for notifying the end of the big hit game in the effect display device 9) to the big winning port control timer. Then (step S442), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value according to the big hit end processing (step S307) (step S443).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S307) in the special symbol process process. In the big hit end processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a big hit end display timer is set (step S160). If the big hit end display timer is set, the CPU 56 shifts to step S164. If the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a big hit end designation command is performed (step S162). Here, if it is a normal big hit, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted, if it is a probability variable big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is transmitted, and if it is a sudden variation big hit, a small hit / sudden Send the command to specify the end of the jackpot. Then, a value corresponding to a display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is being performed on the image display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the process ends.

  In step S164, the value of the big hit end display timer is decremented by one. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the big hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the big hit end display time has elapsed (step S165). If not, the process ends.

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

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

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

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

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. When the power is turned on, effect control CPU 101 starts execution of the main process. In the main process, first, an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining an activation interval (for example, 2 ms) of the effect control is performed (step S701). . Thereafter, effect control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt processing. 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, first, effect control CPU 101 analyzes the received effect control command, and performs a process of setting a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs an effect control process (step S705). In the effect control process process, a process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from among the processes corresponding to the control state, and the display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, a random number updating 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 S706). After that, the procedure moves to step S702.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration 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 ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six effect control commands having a 2-byte configuration is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of the reception command buffers 1 to 12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is to be stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format.

  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. 10 and 11) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  FIGS. 29 and 30 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the received command buffer. In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 checks the contents of the command stored in the command receiving buffer.

  In the command analysis processing, first, effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a received command is stored in the command receiving 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. If 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). After reading, the value of the read pointer is set to +2 (step S613). The reason for adding +2 is that two bytes (one command) are read at a time.

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

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

  If the received effect control command is a symbol determination designation command (step S627), effect control CPU 101 sets a determination command reception flag (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved storage number designation command (step S651), the production control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the first reserved storage number designation command in the first reserved storage. The number is stored in the first reserved number storage area (step S652).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved storage number designation command (step S654), the production control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the second reserved storage number designation command in the second reserved storage. The number is stored in the second reserved storage number storage area as a number (step S655).

  Next, if the received effect control command is any of the prize time determination result designation commands (step S664), the effect control CPU 101 determines the prize time determination result according to the received prize time determination result designation command as a prize time determination. The result is stored in an area associated with the total number of reserved storages in the result storage buffer (step S665), and a prefetch effect determination process is performed (step S671). In addition, when it is configured to determine the presence or absence of a big hit and the fluctuation pattern at the time of the start winning, and to transmit the determination results by different commands, in step S664, the result is transmitted based on the determination processing at the time of the starting winning. By confirming whether or not all commands have been received, it can be determined whether or not command transmission / reception processing has been performed normally.

  In this embodiment, in the effect control microcomputer 100, the total number of reserved storages is stored in the first reserved storage number stored in the first reserved storage number storage area and in the second reserved storage number storage area. It is obtained by adding the second reserved storage number. The first reserved storage count is updated in step S652 after receiving the first reserved storage designation command, and the second reserved storage count is updated in step S655 after receiving the second reserved storage designation command. Therefore, the total number of pending storages is also updated at the same timing. Also, the winning determination result specifying command is transmitted after transmitting the first reserved storage number specifying command in step S1218 of the starting port switch passing process, and in step S1228, transmitting the second reserved storage number specifying command. Sent later. Therefore, the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the prize-winning-time determination result designation command after updating the total number of pending storages. In the process of step S665, the effect control CPU 101 sets, for example, the data of the second byte of the prize-winning-time determination result designation command in the storage area associated with the total number of reserved storages in the winning-time determination result buffer. This is because the winning determination result is specified by the second byte data (EXT data) of the winning determination result specifying command (see FIG. 12). The data set in the prize-winning result storage buffer is sequentially deleted in the effect symbol change start processing (such as the timing at which the processing of step S1800 is executed), which will be described later, starting from the one set first. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 manages the first reserved storage number, the second reserved storage number, and the total reserved storage number. In the effect control microcomputer 100, the game control microcomputer 560 Based on the transmitted command specifying the first or second reserved storage number, the first reserved storage number, the second reserved storage number and the total reserved storage number are recognized, and the recognized reserved storage numbers are recognized. Is used in the processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100. In other words, the total pending storage number used in the effect control microcomputer 100 has the same name as the total pending storage number managed by the game control microcomputer 560, but is managed by the game control microcomputer 560. The total number of stored storages is not used as it is, but is recognized based on a command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560.

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area for storing a prize-winning determination result (winning-time determination result storage buffer). As shown in FIG. 31, in this embodiment, eight storage areas associated with the total number of reserved storages are secured in the winning determination result storage buffer. Further, in the present embodiment, based on the prize-winning determination result, the possibility that the variable display specified by the prize-winning determination result may be a big hit is determined by a hold display corresponding to the specified variable display in a normal mode. By changing the display mode to a display mode other than the above, the pre-reading effect is announced. Therefore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 31, the data related to the prefetch effect that can be associated with the winning determination result (that is, the variable display specified by the winning determination result and the hold display corresponding to the specified variable display). , A hold display mode indicating the display mode of the current hold display, a final display mode indicating which display mode is finally changed to be displayed by the prefetch effect, and a look-ahead effect pattern indicating a pattern of the look-ahead effect to be executed And a shift number counter indicating the timing at which the hold display changes when the look-ahead effect is executed (in this example, how many times the hold display shifts), and the possibility that the display mode of the hold display changes (In the example of FIG. 31, the suggested effect mode executed at the timing when the hold display changes). It is shown.

  The data set in the prize-winning result storage buffer is deleted in order from the one set first in the effect symbol change start processing (the timing at which the processing of step S1800 is executed) described later, and the corresponding hold display is also displayed. Shifted and displayed at the same time. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 31 (A), once the effect symbol variation start process (such as the timing at which the process of step S1800 is executed) is performed once, the data set in the prize time determination result storage buffer becomes Then, the state shifts to the state shown in FIG. Further, when the effect symbol variation start processing (such as the timing at which the processing of step S1800 is executed) is performed twice, the data set in the winning determination result storage buffer shifts to the state shown in FIG. 31 (C).

  In the example shown in FIG. 31, it is specified whether the winning determination result is based on the first starting winning or the second starting winning. Therefore, in the processing of step S67111 described later, the first starting is determined. The hold display based on the prize and the hold display based on the second start prize are displayed in different display modes (for example, the hold display based on the first start prize is displayed in red, and the hold display based on the second start prize is displayed in blue. (Displayed).

  In addition, in the case where the variable display of one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is configured to be executed with priority, in order to distinguish which of the winning determination results, A first prize determination result storage buffer for storing a prize determination result at the time of a start prize to the first start prize opening 13, and a second for storing a prize determination result at the time of a start prize to the second start prize opening 14 A winning determination result storage buffer may be prepared. In this case, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first winning determination result storage buffer. Further, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the second reserved storage number is secured in the second prize time determination result storage buffer. Further, in this case, the EXT data of the received prize-time determination result designation command is stored in the first prize-time determination result storage buffer and the second prize-time determination result storage buffer. The winning determination result storage buffers (the first winning determination storage buffer and the second winning determination storage buffer) are formed in the RAM of the effect control microcomputer 100.

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S683). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  Next, a prefetch effect will be described. The look-ahead effect is executed before the start of the variable display to be directed, and the variable display to be directed is a big hit or a specific change (for example, including a reach effect). It is a notice production that gives a notice. In this embodiment, as the pre-reading effect, the hold display corresponding to the variable display (hold storage) to be notified is different from the normal display mode (hereinafter, the normal mode) in the combined hold storage display unit 18c. (A special mode described later or a first special mode or a second special mode) is performed.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the prefetching effect determination processing. In the pre-reading effect determination process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the total number of reserved storages is greater than 1 (step S67101). In this embodiment, in the effect control microcomputer 100, the total number of reserved storages is stored in the first reserved storage number stored in the first reserved storage number storage area and in the second reserved storage number storage area. It is obtained by adding the second reserved storage number. If the total number of pending storages is not greater than 1, the effect control CPU 101 displays a new suspension display corresponding to the latest suspension storage in the normal mode on the total suspension storage display unit 18c (step S67111). For example, when the first to fifth hold displays of the combined hold storage display unit 18c are displayed, the effect control CPU 101 controls the sixth hold display to be displayed in a normal mode. . In this embodiment, the timing of changing the display mode of the hold display as the look-ahead effect is limited to the timing of shifting the hold display. Although the effect is not executed, if it is allowed to change the display mode (or display from the beginning in a display mode other than the normal mode) even at the time of the start winning as a pre-reading effect, even if the total number of reserved storages is 1, Since a prefetch effect can be executed, the process of step S67101 is omitted. Further, even when the execution of the look-ahead effect is permitted even when the total number of reserved storages is 1, for example, the look-ahead effect is performed based on a second look-ahead effect pattern (the display mode of the hold display changes twice) described later. The execution of the effect may be restricted.

  If the total number of pending storages is greater than 1, the effect control CPU 101 stores the latest prize time determination result stored in the prize time determination result storage buffer (the prize time determination result indicated in the prize time determination result designation command received this time). It is extracted (step S67102).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute a prefetch effect based on the extracted winning determination result (step S67104).

  In the present embodiment, effect control CPU 101 determines that the hold display is being changed to a display mode other than the normal mode (that is, the hold display is displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode on combined sum storage display unit 18c). ) Is determined using the look-ahead effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 33 in accordance with the state of the pending display changing flag.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a look-ahead effect execution determination table. In the look-ahead effect execution determination table, a determination value corresponding to a determined item (“execute a look-ahead effect” or “do not execute a look-ahead effect”) is assigned to each prize-winning determination result. In order to simplify the description, the ratio of the assigned determination value is shown. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining whether or not to execute a look-ahead effect, and determines a determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned (“execute a look-ahead effect” or "Do not execute prefetching effect"). Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 33, the numerical values corresponding to “execute the look-ahead effect” and “do not execute the look-ahead effect” in the determination results at the time of winning are “execute the look-ahead effect” or “execute the look-ahead effect”. "Do not perform effect" indicates the selection ratio (%).

  In this embodiment, in addition to the look-ahead effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 33, a final display mode determination table shown in FIG. 34A, and a look-ahead effect pattern determination table shown in FIGS. The determination values assigned to the look-ahead effect change timing determination tables shown in FIGS. 35 to 38 and the suggested effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 39 are actually assigned, but are assigned to simplify the explanation. The percentage of the value is indicated. Also in the later-described steps S67106, S67107, S67108, and S67110 in which these tables are used, similarly to step S67104, the effect control CPU 101 determines, for example, the final display mode, the look-ahead effect pattern, the change timing (the number of shifts) or A random number for determining an effect mode of the suggested effect is extracted, and the item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned is determined.

  In step S67104, effect control CPU 101 displays the look-ahead effect execution determination table (when the pending display changing flag is not set) or FIG. 33B according to the state of the pending display changing flag according to the state of the pending display changing flag. The selected look-ahead effect execution determination table (when the flag during the pending display change is set) is selected. Then, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute a prefetch effect at a rate determined for each prize time determination result in the selected look-ahead effect execution determination table based on the extracted latest prize time determination result. I do. For example, when the prize-winning determination result indicates that "shortened non-reach loss", the effect control CPU 101 does not execute the look-ahead effect at a rate of 100% regardless of the state of the pending display changing flag. Is determined. In addition, the effect control CPU 101 indicates, for example, that the result of the winning determination is “pseudo consecutive 3 super hits”, and when the pending display changing flag is not set, the look-ahead effect at a rate of 99%. Is performed, and when the pending display changing flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines to execute the prefetch effect at a rate of 50%.

  What is characteristic in the look-ahead effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 33 is that the display result is “outside” (corresponding to the prize-winning determination result 1 (21) to the prize-winning determination result 7 (27)). In the case where the display result is "normal big hit" or "probable change big hit" (corresponding to the prize judgment result 8 (28) designation to the prize judgment result 12 (32) designation), the prefetch effect is executed. That is, the determination value is set so as to increase the ratio. Further, what is characteristic in the look-ahead effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 33 is that, even with the same display result, a reach effect with a high degree of expectation is performed (for example, a super reach is performed rather than a normal reach). That is, the determination value is set so that the ratio of the execution of the prefetch effect is increased. By providing such a feature, when the look-ahead effect is executed, the rate of occurrence of the jackpot in the variable display of the notice target is increased as compared with when the look-ahead effect is not executed. It is possible to increase the ratio of high-reach productions. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation for the execution of the prefetching effect.

  A characteristic of the look-ahead effect execution determination table shown in FIG. 33 is that the pending display changing flag is set (that is, in the combined pending storage display unit 18c, any pending display is in a mode other than the normal mode). When the display is in the display mode, when the pending display changing flag is not set (that is, in the combined pending storage display unit 18c, none of the pending displays is displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode). That is, the determination value is set so that the ratio of executing the pre-reading effect is lower than that of (time). With such a feature, when one of the pending displays is already displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode in the combined pending storage display unit 18c, a new look-ahead effect is rarely executed. Therefore, for example, when a suggestion effect indicating that the display mode of the hold display is likely to be changed is performed, the hold displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode than the hold display displayed in the normal mode is performed. The rate of change of the display mode of the display can be further increased (that is, the display mode is changed from the special mode to the special mode by the prefetching effect based on the second prefetching effect pattern started earlier (details will be described later). Can be higher). Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, a special mode, a first special mode, and a second special mode are provided in addition to the normal mode as the display mode of the hold display, and the degree of expectation of a big hit differs from each other. (Strictly speaking, in this embodiment, if the final display mode is the special mode, the expectation of the big hit is 0, but the reserved display of the special mode is the first special mode or the second special mode. Since it is possible to change to the special mode, it can be said that there is also a high expectation that the hold display is displayed in the special mode. Therefore, it is desirable for the player to change to a display mode having a higher expectation of a big hit. Therefore, when any of the hold displays is already displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode in the combined hold storage display unit 18c, the hold mode is likely to change to a display mode with a high expectation of a bigger hit. The display mode of the hold display when the look-ahead effect (suggested effect) is executed can also be of interest, and the interest of the look-ahead effect can be enhanced.

  Note that in the example shown in FIG. 33, it is determined that the pre-reading effect is to be executed at a rate of 1% even when the result of the prize-winning determination is “non-reach loss”, but “non-reach” (“short non-reach loss”) Alternatively, in the case of "non-reach loss"), it may not be determined to execute the prefetching effect. In the example shown in FIG. 33, a determination value (ratio) for determining whether or not to execute a prefetch effect is set for each variation pattern indicated by the prize-winning determination result. A determination value (ratio) for determining whether or not to execute a look-ahead effect is set for (for example, "outside", "normal big hit" or "probable big hit" or "sudden positive big hit" or "small hit"). It may be.

  Next, when the effect control CPU 101 determines to execute the prefetch effect (Y in step S67105), the process proceeds to step S67106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the prefetch effect is not to be executed (N in step S67105), the effect control CPU 101 displays a new hold display corresponding to the latest hold memory in the normal mode on the combined hold memory display unit 18c. (Step S67111).

  Next, in the pre-reading effect, the effect control CPU 101 determines in what display mode the suspension display corresponding to the variable display (suspension information) to be announced is finally displayed (step S67106). In this embodiment, as the display mode of the hold display, in addition to the normal mode (displayed as “○” in this example (see FIG. 49)), a special mode (“×” is displayed in “○” in this example) ), A first special mode (“で は” is included in “○” in this example), and a second special mode (“○” is included in “○” in this example). I have. However, as will be described later, the hold display displayed in the special mode changes from the special mode to the first special mode or the second special mode until the variable display based on the hold information corresponding to the hold display is started. May be displayed.

  FIG. 34A is an explanatory diagram showing a final display mode determination table. In step S67106, effect control CPU 101 determines which display mode is to be finally displayed (hereinafter, also referred to as final display mode) using the final display mode determination table shown in FIG. More specifically, the final display mode is determined based on the extracted latest winning mode determination result in the final display mode determination table at a rate determined for each winning mode determination result (display result of variable display). For example, when the prize-winning determination result indicates that the display result of the variable display is “outside” (corresponding to the prize-winning determination result 1 (21) designation to the prize-winning determination result 7 (27) designation) The effect control CPU 101 determines the final display mode to be the special mode at a rate of 60%, the first special mode at a rate of 30%, and the second special mode at a rate of 10%. Also, for example, when the result of the prize-winning determination indicates that the display result of the variable display is “normal big hit” or “probable variable big hit” (prize-winning judgment result 8 (28) designation to prize-winning judgment result 12 ( 32) The effect control CPU 101 determines the final display mode to be the first special mode at a rate of 20%, and the final display mode to the second special mode at a rate of 80%.

  What is characteristic in the final display mode determination table shown in FIG. 34A is that the display result is “outside” (corresponding to the prize-winning determination result 1 (21) to the prize-winning determination result 7 (27)). ), The case where the display result is “normal big hit” or “probable change big hit” (corresponding to the prize judgment result 8 (28) designation to the prize judgment result 12 (32) designation) is the second special That is, the determination value is set so that the ratio determined in the mode is high. With such a feature, when the hold display is displayed in the second special mode, the rate of occurrence of a big hit in the variable display of the notice target is higher than when the hold display is displayed in the first special mode. can do. Therefore, the degree of expectation of a big hit can be increased when displayed in the second special mode than in the first special mode, and in which display mode the suspended display is displayed when the pre-reading effect is executed Can be focused on. In addition, when the final display mode is the special mode, the display result of the variable display is always “out”, so the hold display displayed in the special mode is liable to change to the special mode (see the second prefetching effect described later). If there is no change, the display result of the corresponding variable display will always be "miss". Therefore, when the hold display is displayed in the special mode, it is possible to give an interest in whether or not the display mode of the hold display changes, and it is possible to enhance amusement of the game.

  In the example shown in FIG. 34A, the final result is displayed for each of the display results indicated by the prize-winning determination result ("out", "normal big hit" or "probable big hit" or "sudden positive big hit" or "small hit"). Although the judgment value (ratio) for determining the display mode is set, different judgment values (ratio) may be set for "normal big hit" and "probable change big hit", or the display result may be "normal". Even if it is "big hit" or "probably big hit" or "suddenly big hit" or "small hit", the judgment value (ratio) is set so that the final display mode is determined to be a special mode if the ratio is small. You may. Further, for example, similarly to the look-ahead effect execution determination table in FIG. 33, a determination value (ratio) for determining the final display mode may be set for each variation pattern indicated by the winning-time determination result. By doing so, when the hold display is displayed in the second special mode, in addition to increasing the rate of occurrence of big hits in the variable display of the notice target, the rate of performing a reach effect with high expectation is performed Can also be higher. Further, when the final display mode is determined for each variation pattern indicated by the prize-time determination result, the final display mode is determined to be the special mode because the variation pattern indicated by the prize-time determination result is the prize-time determination result 2 (22) Only in the case of “non-reach loss”. By doing so, the hold display displayed in the special mode is easily changed to the special mode (by the prefetching effect based on the second prefetching effect pattern described later), but if it does not change, the corresponding variable display is reached. It will be out of place without becoming a state. Therefore, depending on whether or not the display mode of the hold display displayed in the special mode changes, the content of the variable display and the display result can be greatly different from each other, and the interest in the game can be enhanced.

  In this embodiment, two types of display modes, a first special mode and a second special mode, are provided as final display modes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more types of display modes are provided. The degree of expectation may be different (the ratio selected according to the display result may be different).

  Next, effect control CPU 101 determines an effect pattern of a prefetch effect (hereinafter, also referred to as a prefetch effect pattern) (step S67107).

  In this embodiment, a first look-ahead effect pattern, a second look-ahead effect pattern, and a third look-ahead effect pattern are provided as the look-ahead effect patterns. In the first look-ahead effect pattern, the hold display corresponding to the notice display change display (hold information) is displayed in a normal manner at the timing of the start winning, and at any shift timing until the notice display change display is started. Is changed from the normal mode to the special mode and displayed. Further, in the second look-ahead effect pattern, a hold display corresponding to the change display (hold information) of the notice target is displayed in the normal mode at the timing of the start winning, and changes from the normal mode to the special mode at an arbitrary first shift timing. The display is changed from the special mode to the first special mode or the second special mode at an arbitrary second shift timing until the change display of the notice target after the first shift timing is started. In the third look-ahead effect pattern, a hold display corresponding to the change display (hold information) of the notice object is displayed in a normal manner at the timing of the start winning, and an arbitrary shift is performed until the change display of the notice object starts. At the timing, the display is changed from the normal mode to the first special mode or the second special mode.

  The shift timing of the hold display is a timing at which a new change display is started. In the effect symbol change start process described later, the first hold display in the combined hold storage display unit 18c is deleted, and the remaining hold display is changed. This is the timing of shifting the display one by one and updating the total pending storage number display in the total pending storage display unit 18c (specifically, the timing at which step S1800 is executed). For example, when the first to fifth hold displays on the combined hold storage display unit 18c are displayed, the first hold display is deleted at the shift timing (ie, the timing at which a new variable display is started). At the same time, the second hold display is shifted to the first display area, the third hold display is shifted to the second display area, and the fourth hold display is shifted to the fourth display area. The displayed hold display is shifted to the third display area, and the hold display displayed fifth is shifted to the fourth display area.

  FIGS. 34 (B) and 34 (C) are explanatory diagrams showing a look-ahead effect pattern determination table. In step S67107, the effect control CPU 101 selects a look-ahead effect pattern determination table based on the total number of reserved storages, and determines a look-ahead effect pattern using the selected look-ahead effect pattern determination table. Specifically, when the total number of pending storages is 2, the effect control CPU 101 selects the look-ahead effect pattern determination table (total number of pending storages = 2) shown in FIG. Is larger than 2, the look-ahead effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the second look-ahead effect pattern changes the display mode in two stages (from the normal mode to the special mode and from the special mode to the special mode). If there is no shift timing of at least two times, the hold display is deleted before all the changes are completed, and the shift display cannot be executed. Therefore, when the total number of reserved storages is two (that is, when there is no more than two shift timings in the suspension display corresponding to the latest winning determination result), the determination value is set so as not to be determined as the second look-ahead effect pattern. The set look-ahead effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 34 (B) (total number of stored memories = 2) is used. Then, the effect control CPU 101 uses the selected look-ahead effect pattern determination table to change the look-ahead effect pattern into the first look-ahead effect pattern and the second look-ahead effect pattern at a rate determined for each final display mode determined in step S67106. And the third look-ahead effect pattern.

  For example, if the final display mode determined in step S67106 is the first special mode or the second special mode, and the total number of reserved storages is 2, the effect control CPU 101 sets the look-ahead effect pattern to a 100% ratio. Determines the third look-ahead effect pattern. If the final display mode determined in step S67106 is the first special mode, and the total number of reserved storages is greater than 2, the effect control CPU 101 sets the prefetch effect pattern to the second prefetch effect at a rate of 80%. A pattern is determined, and a third look-ahead effect pattern is determined at a rate of 20%. If the final display mode determined in step S67106 is the second special mode, and the total number of reserved storages is greater than 2, the effect control CPU 101 sets the look-ahead effect pattern to the second look-ahead effect at a rate of 60%. A pattern is determined, and a third look-ahead effect pattern is determined at a rate of 40%. Further, for example, when the final display mode determined in step S67106 is a special mode, the effect control CPU 101 determines the prefetch effect pattern as the first prefetch effect pattern regardless of the total number of reserved storages. In this embodiment, the timing at which the display mode of the hold display changes is only the shift timing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The change may be made at any timing before the second effect symbol stops, during the reach, during the fluctuation stop, or the like. In this case, it is only necessary to determine at what timing the shift timing is to be changed, as well as at what timing to make the change. Further, when the display mode of the hold display can be changed at an arbitrary timing, the second look-ahead effect pattern (that is, the display mode of the hold display changes twice, even when the total number of storages to be held is two). ) May be allowed to execute the prefetching effect.

  What is characteristic in the look-ahead effect pattern determination tables shown in FIGS. 34B and 34C is that the final display mode is the second special mode compared to the first special mode. (3) The determination value is set so that the ratio determined as the prefetching effect pattern is high. By providing such a feature, when a prefetch effect is performed in the third prefetch effect pattern (that is, when the hold display is displayed in the normal mode at the time of starting winning, and then changed and displayed in the special mode) ), When a prefetch effect is performed in the second prefetch effect pattern (that is, when the hold display is changed from the normal mode to the special mode and displayed, and further changed from the special mode to the special mode). In comparison, the ratio of the final change to the second special mode in which the degree of expectation of a big hit is higher than that of the first special mode is increased. Therefore, the degree of expectation of a big hit can be made different for each look-ahead effect pattern, and attention can be paid to which look-ahead effect pattern the look-ahead effect is executed. In this embodiment, the second special mode having a higher expectation of a big hit is higher when a prefetch effect is performed in the third lookahead effect pattern than when a prefetch effect is performed in the second prefetch effect pattern. Is set so that the ratio of the final look-up effect is increased, but the present invention is not limited to this. As compared with the case where the operation is performed, the ratio finally changed and displayed in the second special mode having a high degree of expectation of a big hit may be increased. That is, the expectation that the second look-ahead effect pattern is a big hit may be higher than the third look-ahead effect pattern.

  Further, what is characteristic in the look-ahead effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 34C is that the hold display in the special mode changes to the special mode, compared to the third look-ahead effect pattern in which the hold display in the normal mode changes to the special mode. The second look-ahead effect pattern is that the ratio determined as the look-ahead effect pattern is higher. By setting in this way, the rate of change to the special mode and display of the special mode on hold display becomes higher than that of the normal mode on hold display. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the hold display of the special mode to the special mode than the hold mode of the normal mode, and it is possible to increase the sense of expectation when the hold mode is displayed in the special mode.

  In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, in the first look-ahead effect pattern, the timing at which the hold display is changed from the normal mode to the special mode is displayed, and in the second look-ahead effect pattern, the hold display is performed. In the first timing displayed by changing from the normal mode to the special mode, the second timing displayed by changing from the special mode to the first special mode or the second special mode, and the third pre-reading effect pattern Is changed from the normal mode to the first special mode or the second special mode, and is displayed as an arbitrary shift timing until the variable display of the notice target is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be timing. For example, the display mode may be changed at an arbitrary timing during the variable display (a period spanning one variable display or a plurality of variable displays) executed before the variable display of the notice target is started. In this case, for example, even when the total number of pending storages is 1, the prefetching effect can be executed, and the second prefetching effect pattern can be determined regardless of the total number of pending storages. In this manner, the display is changed in the normal mode to the special mode until the variable display corresponding to the hold display (hold information) is started, and the special mode is changed to the first special mode or the second special mode. May be displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, three patterns of a first look-ahead effect pattern to a third look-ahead effect pattern will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the normal mode is changed to the first special mode, and the second special mode is further changed. A pattern that changes to the mode, a pattern that changes from the normal mode to the special mode, a mode that changes from the special mode to the first special mode, and a pattern that changes to the second special mode may be used. In other words, a plurality of stages of display modes of the hold display having different expectation degrees of the big hit are provided, and the look-ahead effect in which the display mode of the hold display changes stepwise is displayed, and an upper limit is provided for the number of changes. Absent.

  When the prefetch effect pattern is determined, the effect control CPU 101 determines a change timing (in this example, the number of shifts of the hold display) for changing the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the fluctuating display (hold information) to be notified, The determined change timing (number of shifts) is set in a shift number counter for specifying the change timing (number of shifts) (step S67108). In this embodiment, the timing at which the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the variable display (hold information) of the notice target changes is the shift timing of an arbitrary hold display. Therefore, by determining the change timing (the number of shifts), it is determined at what timing the shift is performed with respect to the hold display corresponding to the variable display to be notified at which timing the display mode is changed. For example, if the change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 2, the display mode of the suspended display is changed at the timing when the second shift is performed with respect to the suspended display corresponding to the variable display to be notified.

  35 to 38 are explanatory diagrams showing a change timing determination table. In step S67108, effect control CPU 101 selects and selects the change timing determination table based on the final display mode determined in step S67106, the look-ahead effect pattern determined in step S67107, and the state of the pending display change flag. The change timing (number of shifts) of the hold display corresponding to the variable display to be notified is determined based on the change timing determination table thus obtained and the total number of storages to be held. Specifically, effect control CPU 101 sets the final display mode determined in step S67106 to the special mode, the prefetching effect pattern determined in step S67107 to the first prefetching effect pattern, and sets the pending display changing flag. If not, the first look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table shown in FIG. 35 (A) (when the pending display changing flag is not set) is selected, and when the pending display changing flag is set, FIG. ), The first look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table (when the flag during the change of the hold display is set) is selected. Then, the effect control CPU 101 determines the change timing (shift count) of the hold display corresponding to the change display of the notice target at a rate determined for each total hold storage number in the selected first look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table. 1 to 7 is determined.

  Further, effect control CPU 101 determines that the pre-reading effect pattern determined in step S67107 is the second pre-reading effect pattern, the pending display changing flag is not set, and the final display mode determined in step S67106 is the first special In the case of the mode, the second look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table shown in FIG. 36 (A) (when the pending display changing flag is not set) (the first change timing from the normal mode to the special mode and the special mode to the first special mode) When the final display mode determined in step S67106 is the second special mode, the second look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table shown in FIG. (When flag is not set) (first change timing from normal mode to special mode and special mode) Selecting a second change timing) to La second special aspect. If the look-ahead effect pattern determined in step S67107 is the second look-ahead effect pattern and the pending display changing flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the final display mode determined in step S67106. First, the second look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table shown in FIG. 37A (when the flag during the hold display change is set) (first change timing from the normal mode to the special mode and from the special mode to the first special mode or the second special mode) (Second change timing to the special mode) is selected. Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first change timing (the number of shifts) of the suspended display corresponding to the variable display of the notice target at a rate determined for each total suspended memory number in the selected second look-ahead effect pattern variation timing determination table. ) Is determined to be one of 1 to 6, and the second change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be any of 2 to 7.

  As described above, the ratio of the determination value corresponding to the random number is shown in the second look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination tables shown in FIGS. 36 to 37. When a random number is used, a judgment value of 1 to 1000 corresponding to the random number is assigned. Therefore, for example, if the ratio of the determination values is 0.5 (first shift timing: 6, first shift timing: 7 in FIG. 36A), determination values 1 to 5 are assigned. In this embodiment, the first change timing and the second change timing are determined at the same time using the second look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination tables shown in FIGS. 36 to 37, but are determined separately. You may do so.

  Further, effect control CPU 101 determines that the look-ahead effect pattern determined in step S67107 is the third look-ahead effect pattern, the pending display changing flag is not set, and the final display mode determined in step S67106 is the first special In the case of the mode, the third look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table (when the flag during the change of the hold display is not set) (change timing from the normal mode to the first special mode) shown in FIG. 38A is selected, and step S67106 is performed. When the final display mode determined in step (2) is the second special mode, the third look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table shown in FIG. 38 (B) (when the pending display changing flag is not set) (from the normal mode to the second special mode) Change timing). If the look-ahead effect pattern determined in step S67107 is the third look-ahead effect pattern and the pending display changing flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the final display mode determined in step S67106. Instead, the third look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table shown in FIG. 38 (C) (when the flag during the change of the hold display is set) (the second change timing from the normal mode to the first special mode or the second special mode) is selected. . Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the change timing (shift count) of the hold display corresponding to the variable display of the notice target at a rate determined for each total hold storage number in the selected third look-ahead effect pattern change timing determination table. 1 to 7 is determined.

  For example, when the first look-ahead effect change timing determination table shown in FIG. 35 (A) (when the pending display changing flag is not set) and the total number of pending storages is 3, the effect control CPU 101 The change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 1 at a rate of 70%, and the change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 2 at a rate of 30%. When the first look-ahead effect change timing determination table shown in FIG. 35B (when the hold display changing flag is set) is used and the total number of held memories is 3, the effect control CPU 101 The change timing (number of shifts) is determined to be 1 at a rate of%, and the change timing (number of shifts) is determined to be 2 at a rate of 70%.

  In addition, for example, the second look-ahead effect change timing determination table shown in FIG. 36A (when the hold display flag is not set) (first change timing from the normal mode to the special mode and from the special mode to the first special mode) When the total number of pending storages is 4 when using the second change timing), the effect control CPU 101 sets the first change timing (the number of shifts) to 1 and the second change timing (the shift number) at a rate of 30%. 2), the first change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 1 at a rate of 50%, the second change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 3, and the first change timing (the number of shifts) is determined at a rate of 20%. ) Is determined as 2, and the second change timing (the number of shifts) is determined as 3.

  Also, for example, the second look-ahead effect change timing determination table shown in FIG. 36B (when the hold display flag is not set) (the first change timing from the normal mode to the special mode and the change from the special mode to the second special mode) When the total number of pending storages is 4 when using the second change timing), the effect control CPU 101 sets the first change timing (the number of shifts) to 1 and the second change timing (the shift number) at a rate of 50%. 2), the first change timing (the number of shifts) is determined as 1 at a rate of 30%, the second change timing (the number of shifts) is determined as 3, and the first change timing (the number of shifts) is determined at a rate of 20%. ) Is determined as 2, and the second change timing (the number of shifts) is determined as 3.

  Also, for example, the second look-ahead effect change timing determination table shown in FIG. 37 (A) (when the flag is set during the hold display) (first change timing from the normal mode to the special mode, and from the special mode to the first special mode or the second special mode) If the total number of pending storages is 4 when the second change timing to the special mode is used, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first change timing (the number of shifts) to 1 and the second change timing at a rate of 20%. The change timing (number of shifts) is determined to be 2, the first change timing (number of shifts) is determined to be 1 at a rate of 30%, the second change timing (number of shifts) is determined to be 3, and the first change is determined to be 50%. The timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 2, and the second change timing (the number of shifts) is determined to be 3.

  For example, when using the third look-ahead effect change timing determination table (when the hold display flag is not set) (change timing from the normal mode to the first special mode) shown in FIG. Is 3, the effect control CPU 101 determines the change timing (the number of shifts) to be 1 at a rate of 50%, and determines the change timing (the number of shifts) to be 2 at a rate of 50%. Also, for example, when the third look-ahead effect change timing determination table (when the hold display flag is not set) (change timing from the normal mode to the second special mode) shown in FIG. Is 3, the effect control CPU 101 determines the change timing (the number of shifts) to be 1 at a rate of 70%, and determines the change timing (the number of shifts) to be 2 at a rate of 30%. Also, for example, when using the third look-ahead effect change timing determination table (when the flag is set during suspension display) (change timing from the normal mode to the first special mode or the second special mode) shown in FIG. If the total number of pending storages is 3, the effect control CPU 101 determines the change timing (the number of shifts) to be 1 at a rate of 30%, and determines the change timing (the number of shifts) to be 2 at a rate of 70%. I do.

  What is characteristic in the look-ahead effect change timing determination tables shown in FIGS. 35 to 38 is that when the pending display changing flag is set (that is, in the combined pending storage display unit 18c, any pending display is in the normal mode). When the hold display changing flag is not set (that is, when the hold display changing flag is not set), one of the hold displays is displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode. That is, the determination value is set so that the rate at which the change timing is delayed (the number of shifts until reaching the change timing is increased) is higher than when the change is not performed. With such a feature, when any of the pending displays is displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode in the combined pending storage display section 18c, the newly executed look-ahead effect has a change timing. It is likely to be determined later (the number of shifts until the change timing is reached is likely to increase), and the rate of change after the hold display already displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode is deleted is increased. That is, when any of the hold displays is displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode (for example, a special display) in the combined hold storage display unit 18c, the hold display displayed in the normal mode is different from the hold display displayed in the normal mode. The rate at which the display mode of the hold display displayed in the display mode (for example, the special display) changes further can be increased. Therefore, when any of the hold displays is displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode in the combined hold storage display section 18c, the hold display is likely to change to a display mode having a higher expectation of a bigger hit, so that the look-ahead is performed. Interest can also be given to the display mode of the hold display when the effect (suggested effect) is executed, and the interest of the look-ahead effect can be enhanced.

  Also, what is characteristic in the look-ahead effect change timing determination tables shown in FIGS. 35 to 38 is that when the final display mode is the first special mode, the second special mode having a higher degree of expectation of a big hit than the first special mode is performed. The determination value is set so that the rate at which the change timing is delayed (the number of shifts until reaching the change timing is increased) is higher than in the case of the aspect. With such a feature, when the display mode of the hold display changes at an earlier timing (small number of shifts), the rate of change to the second special mode having a higher expectation of a big hit is increased. Can be. Therefore, it is possible to give an interest to the timing at which the reserved display changes (that is, at what number the reserved display changes), and it is possible to enhance the interest in the game. The change timing is earlier than when the final display mode is the first special mode (when the final display mode is the second special mode) (the number of shifts until the change timing is reached is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 35 to 38). The determination value may be set so that the ratio increases. In this case, when the display mode of the hold display is changed at a later timing (many shift times), the display mode can be easily changed to the second special mode having a higher expectation of a big hit. Further, in this embodiment, if the pending display changing flag is set, the same look-ahead effect change timing determination table (in this example, the second look-ahead effect pattern change in FIG. 37A) regardless of the final display mode. The timing determination table (when the flag during the change of the hold display is set) or the third look-ahead effect change timing determination table (when the flag during the change of the hold display) of FIG. 38C is used, but the flag during the change of the hold display is set. Also, the pre-reading effect change timing determination table to which the determination values are assigned so as to be determined at different change timings depending on the final display mode may be used.

  In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the timing for changing the display mode of the hold display is an arbitrary shift timing until the change display of the notice target is started. When the display mode can be changed at an arbitrary timing until the display of the change of the notice is started, for example, the timing of the change (at the time of starting winning, a specific shift timing, during the display of the specific change, etc.) is specified. A plurality of possible change timing patterns may be provided, and any one may be selected according to the result of the winning determination.

  In addition, in this embodiment, regardless of which one of the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is won, the fluctuation display is performed in the winning order, and the high starting (ie, the second starting winning opening 14 is won). (Easy to perform), the pre-reading effect can be executed based on winning in one of the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. Therefore, in the process of determining the look-ahead effect pattern in the look-ahead effect determination process (step S67107) and the process of determining the change timing (step S67108), as shown in FIGS. The look-ahead effect pattern and the change timing are determined based on the sum of the number of pending storages and the sum of the number of pending storages. However, as described above, in the case where the execution of the look-ahead effect based on one of the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is limited depending on the gaming state. For example, the variable display based on winning in the second start winning opening 14 is preferentially performed, and in the high base state, the execution of the look-ahead effect based on winning in the first starting winning opening 13 is limited, and the low base In the state, if the execution of the look-ahead effect based on winning in the second start winning opening 14 is restricted, the process of determining the look-ahead effect pattern (step S67107) and the change timing are determined. In the processing (step S67108), instead of the total number of reserved storages, the number of reserved storages (the first number of reserved storages or the number of second reserved storages) to be subjected to the prefetch effect is set. In Zui and may be determined and the change timing and prefetching performance pattern.

  When the change timing (the number of shifts) is determined, the effect control CPU 101 determines the effect mode of the suggested effect performed at the change timing of the hold display (step S67110). In this embodiment, a suggestion effect indicating that the display mode of the hold display may change can be executed at the shift timing. In addition, the suggested effect may be a first effect mode (in this example, a character of “chance!” Is displayed in an elliptical frame) or a second effect mode (in this example, a character of “chance!” In a rectangular frame). Is displayed). In step S67110, the effect mode of the suggested effect executed at the change timing of the hold display is determined to be either the first effect mode or the second effect mode.

  In this embodiment, the hold display changes to the special mode, the first special mode, or the second special mode at different rates according to the effect mode of the suggested effect. Specifically, when the suggestion effect is executed in the second effect mode, the rate at which the display mode of the hold display changes is higher than when the suggestion effect is executed in the first effect mode. Although the details will be described later, the suggestion effect is also executed at a shift timing other than the change timing of the hold display. Therefore, in order to distinguish them, a suggestive effect performed at the timing of the change of the hold display is also referred to as a suggestive effect (success pattern), and a suggestive effect performed at the shift timing other than the change timing of the hold display (failure effect). Pattern). In this embodiment, both the suggestion effect (success pattern) and the suggestion effect (failure pattern) are executed in the first effect mode or the second effect mode.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing the suggested effect mode determination table. In step S67110, the effect control CPU 101 determines the effect mode of the suggested effect performed at the change timing of the hold display using the suggested effect mode determination table illustrated in FIG. Specifically, effect control CPU 101 determines the effect mode as the first effect mode at a rate of 20%, and determines the effect mode as the second effect mode at a rate of 80%.

  What is characteristic in the suggested effect mode determination table shown in FIG. 39 is that, at the change timing, the ratio determined in the second effect mode is higher than that in the first effect mode. Also, the determination value is set such that the ratio determined in the first effect mode becomes high. By providing such a feature, it is possible to suggest at a different rate a possibility that the display mode of the hold display changes depending on the effect mode of the suggested effect. Therefore, it is possible to give diversity to the suggested effects, and it is possible to focus on which of the effect types the suggested effects are to be executed. Note that the present invention is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 39. For example, when the value of any one of the shift number counters stored in the winning determination result storage buffer is 0 or more, that is, the display mode of the hold display will change. It is also possible to further provide a suggestion effect mode determination table used in the case where there is, and set the determination value such that the ratio of executing the suggestion effect (failure pattern) at the non-change timing increases. In this way, even for a suggestive effect (failure pattern), expectations can be given depending on the frequency of execution.

  In this embodiment, the possibility that the display mode of the hold display is changed is suggested at a different rate in accordance with the production mode of the suggested effect. Which of the display modes is changed may be indicated at different rates. For example, when the suggestion effect is executed in the first effect mode A (for example, the character “chance!” In the oval frame is displayed in red), the first effect mode B (for example, the elliptical frame) (The character of “chance!” Is displayed in white) in the second special mode having a higher jackpot expectation rate.

  In addition, in the suggestion effect, any one of the hold displays displayed on the combined hold storage number display unit 18c is specified, and it is suggested that the display mode of the specified hold display may change. An effect may be performed. In this case, an effect mode is determined using a suggested effect mode determination table in which different determination values (ratio) are set according to which of the hold displays is specified (the specified hold display state). You may do so.

  Further, in this embodiment, the suggestion effect is always executed at the shift timing when the display mode of the hold display changes, but the suggestion effect may not be executed in some cases. In this case, the display mode of the hold display can be suddenly changed without being suggested by the suggestion effect, so that a sense of surprise can be enhanced.

  Further, in this embodiment, two types of production modes, that is, a first production mode and a second production mode, are provided as production modes of the suggested production, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more production modes are provided. Alternatively, the degree of expectation that the display mode changes may be different (the selection ratio may be different depending on whether or not it is the change timing).

  When the effect mode of the suggested effect is determined, the effect control CPU 101 controls the combined hold storage number display section 18c to display a new hold display in the normal mode (step S67111). In step S67111, effect control CPU 101 controls the new hold display to be displayed in the normal mode, and displays data indicating the hold display mode (normal mode in this example) and the final display determined in step S67106. The data indicating the mode, the data indicating the look-ahead effect pattern determined in step S67107, the number-of-shifts counter set in step S67108, and the data indicating the effect mode of the suggested effect determined in step S67110, It is stored in the winning determination result storage buffer (FIG. 31) in association with it. By storing these data, it is possible to specify the final display mode, the prefetching effect pattern, the change timing, and the suggestive effect mode determined in the prefetching effect determining process in the effect symbol change start process described later.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the prize-winning-judgment-result designation command is received, in the prefetching effect determination process, whether or not to execute the prefetching effect and the content of the execution are determined, and a new hold display is displayed. Processing for controlling display in a normal mode is performed. In this embodiment, the change timing of the hold display in the pre-reading effect is not determined at the time of the start winning, but if it is permitted to be determined at the time of the start winning, a new hold display is set at step S67111. Is controlled to be displayed in a display mode (special mode or special mode) other than the normal mode.

  In addition, in this embodiment, even when any of the hold displays is displayed in a special mode (or a special mode), or when it is determined that the pre-reading effect is to be executed in advance, a new display is performed. It is permissible to execute the look-ahead effect, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the execution of the look-ahead effect repeatedly is restricted at a fixed rate (for example, when any of the hold displays is displayed in a special mode). In this case, it is also possible to limit the execution of the prefetch effect three times or more. By making such a restriction, it is possible for the player to easily understand which hold display should be focused on.

  Further, in this embodiment, the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed in the order of winning, but the variable display of one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is prioritized. (1) to perform a pre-reading effect only for the variable display of the first special symbol, and (2) only for the variable display of the second special symbol. There are three types of configurations: a configuration in which a prefetch effect is performed for a target, and a configuration in which (3) a prefetch effect is performed for a variable display of a first special symbol and a second special symbol. .

  When the configuration of (1) is added to the configuration in which the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, the shift number counter is set in accordance with the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number. Is set to a maximum of 4. However, in the configuration of the above (1), even if a look-ahead effect that changes the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the change display of the first special symbol is executed, if a win in the second start winning opening 14 occurs, (2) Since the variable display of the special symbol is interrupted (prioritized instead of the winning order) and executed, for example, when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, even if it is a shift timing, an effect symbol to be described later is used. It is desirable to configure so as not to subtract the value of the shift number counter in step S1802 of the fluctuation start processing. Further, in the above configuration (3), similarly, when the pre-reading effect of changing the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, similarly, when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. Is desirably configured not to subtract the value of the number-of-shifts counter in step S1802 of the effect symbol variation start process described later.

  When the configuration of (2) is added to the configuration in which the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, the shift is performed in accordance with the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the second reserved storage number. A maximum of 4 is set in the number counter. In this case, unlike the configuration of the above (1), the value of the shift number counter is decremented when the shift timing comes, regardless of whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed. Similarly, in the case of executing the look-ahead effect of changing the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the change display of the second special symbol in the configuration of the above (3), either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is executed. Even when the variable display is performed, the value of the shift counter is decremented when the shift timing comes.

  In the case where the variation display of the second special symbol is configured to be executed with priority, the pre-reading effect is not performed for the variation display of the first special symbol during the high base. You may. In addition, in a case where the variable display of the second special symbol is configured to be executed with priority, the prefetching effect based on the winning in the first starting winning opening 13 during the big hit game is not performed. Is also good. With such a configuration, for example, during a high base or a big hit game, even if a prize occurs in the first start winning opening 13 in the game control microcomputer 560, a prize-winning effect process of step S1217 is executed. This can be realized by not performing the prefetch effect, discarding the prize-winning-time determination result designation command received by the effect control microcomputer 560, or not executing even if it is decided to execute the pre-reading effect. . In addition, when the configuration of the above (3) is added to the configuration in which the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, during the high base or the big hit game, the prefetching based on the winning in the first starting winning opening 13 is performed. Although no effect is performed, a look-ahead effect based on winning in the second start winning opening 14 may be performed. With such a configuration, for example, during a high base or a big hit game, even if a prize occurs in the first start winning opening 13 in the game control microcomputer 560, a prize-winning effect process of step S1217 is executed. Even if it is decided not to execute, or to discard the prize-winning-time determination result designation command based on the winning in the first start winning port 13 received by the effect control microcomputer 560, or to execute the prefetch effect, it is not executed. Such control can be realized. Further, on the game control microcomputer 560 side, the execution of the prize-winning effect process (that is, the look-ahead effect) based on the fact that the first start winning opening 13 has been started in the high base state or during the jackpot game is restricted. In the case of the configuration, on the side of the effect control microcomputer 100, in the high base state, only the prefetching effect based on the fact that the start winning is achieved in the second starting winning opening 14 can be executed, and in the low base state, the first starting winning opening is enabled. 13 can execute only a prefetch effect based on the fact that the start winning is achieved (that is, in the low base state, the prefetch effect is performed even if a prize determination result designation command based on the fact that the second start winning port 14 has started winning is received). (It is not determined to execute).

  In addition, in the case where the configuration of the above (1) is added to the configuration in which the change display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, in a state where the hold storage based on the winning in the second starting winning opening 14 exists. When a winning in the first starting winning opening 13 occurs, the prefetching effect for the hold storage based on the winning in the first starting winning opening 13 may not be executed. In addition, when the configuration of (1) is added to the configuration in which the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed, in the case of adding the configuration of (1), the prefetching effect for the holding memory based on the winning in the first starting winning opening 13 is performed. In the state where the execution is determined, when the winning in the second start winning opening 14 occurs, the execution of the pre-reading effect which has been already determined may be canceled.

  In this embodiment, the variable display is executed in the winning order of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. 1)) or a configuration for performing a pre-reading effect only for the variable display of the second special symbol ((2) above) may be added. Further, in this embodiment, the variable display is executed in the winning order of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The pre-reading effect based on the winning of the prize may not be performed.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an effect control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled, and the variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, the control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also performed in the second control. The 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.

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

  Effect symbol variation start process (step S801): Control is performed so that the effect symbol variation 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).

  Processing during effect symbol variation (step S802): The switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern is controlled, and the end of the variation time is monitored. Then, when the fluctuation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803).

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

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

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

  Big hit end effect processing (step S806): The effect display device 9 performs display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the fluctuation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the fluctuation pattern command reception flag has been set, the fluctuation 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 change start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol change start process, the effect control CPU 101 first deletes various data associated with the first prize time determination result (oldest determination result) stored in the prize time determination result storage buffer, The contents of the prize-time determination result storage buffer are shifted, the first hold display in the combined hold storage display section 18c is erased, and the remaining hold displays are shifted one by one. The display of the number of reserved storages is updated (step S1800). For example, when the first to fifth hold displays of the combined hold storage display unit 18c are displayed, the first hold display is erased at the shift timing, and the second hold display is displayed. The hold display is shifted to the first display area, the hold display displayed at the third is shifted to the second display area, and the hold display displayed at the fourth is displayed at the third display area. The display is shifted to the area, and the hold display that has been displayed fifth is shifted to the fourth display area. In addition, in a case where the variation display of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is configured to be executed with priority, the effect control CPU 101 is synchronized with the variation display of the first special symbol. When the effect symbol variation display is executed (specifically, when the first symbol variation designation command receiving flag is set), the first winning determination result storage buffer stores the first symbol. The winning determination result is deleted, and the contents of the first winning determination storage buffer are shifted. Further, when performing the variation display of the effect symbol in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol (specifically, when the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set), the second winning The first winning determination result stored in the determination result storage buffer is deleted, and the contents of the second winning determination result buffer are shifted.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the shift number counter for specifying the change timing (the number of shifts) associated with any one of the prize time determination results in the prize time determination result storage buffer (see FIG. 31). It is checked whether it is greater than 0 (step S1801). If the value of the shift number counter is greater than 0, it means that it is determined that a look-ahead effect that changes the display mode is executed for any of the hold displays displayed on the total hold storage display unit 18c. Is shown. Therefore, in step S1801, it is confirmed whether or not execution of a prefetch effect (changing the display mode of the hold display) has been determined.

  When the value of any of the shift number counters is not larger than 0 (N in step S1801), that is, the value of the shift number counter is 0 or not set, and the prefetch effect is executed (change the display mode of the hold display). If it is not determined, the effect control CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S1803a.

  On the other hand, if the value of the shift number counter is greater than 0 (Y in step S1801), that is, if it is determined that the prefetch effect is to be executed (to change the display mode of the hold display), the effect control The CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the values of all the shift counters (step S1802). Next, effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the number-of-shifts counter after subtraction is 0 (step S1803). As a result of subtracting 1 from the value of the shift number counter in step S1802, the fact that the value of the shift number counter has become 0 means that any one of the display modes of the hold display displayed on the combined hold storage display section 18c is changed. This indicates that it is time to execute the prefetching effect to be changed. Therefore, in step S1803, it is confirmed whether or not it is the change timing of the prefetch effect that changes the display mode of the hold display.

  If the value of the shift number counter is not 0 in step S1803, that is, if it is not the change timing of the look-ahead effect for changing the display mode of the hold display, the effect control CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S1803a. On the other hand, if the value of the shift number counter is 0, that is, if it is the change timing of the look-ahead effect that changes the display mode of the hold display, the process proceeds to step S1808. In step S1808, the shift number counter whose value has become 0 is set to a state in which nothing is set (for example, Null). By performing such a process, it is possible to avoid that an item that has already reached the change timing (a value obtained by subtracting the value of the shift number counter to 0) from being changed again in step S1803.

  In addition, when the display mode of the hold display is allowed to be changed at the time of the start winning, a change in the display mode of the hold display at the change timing is realized by performing the following process, for example. When the prefetch effect pattern is a second prefetch effect pattern, the first change timing is a start winning prize, and the second change timing is a first shift timing, the effect control CPU 101 determines in step S67108 of the prefetch effect determination process that The value of the 1-shift counter is set to 0, and the value of the second shift counter is set to 1. Then, in step S67111 of the look-ahead effect determination process, effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a new hold display in a special mode based on the value of the first shift number counter being 0, and The shift number counter is set to a state in which nothing is set (for example, Null). By performing the process in this manner, in the effect symbol variation start process performed thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts only 1 from the value of the second shift counter in steps S1801 and S1802 to 0, and proceeds to step S1803. Thus, based on the fact that the value of the second shift number counter has become 0, it can be determined that it is the second change timing for changing from the special mode to the special mode.

  In step S1803a, effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not there is a special mode or a special mode in the special mode or the special mode among the special modes or the special mode or the special mode (step S1803a). ). For example, it can be confirmed by referring to the hold display mode of the winning determination result storage buffer (FIG. 31). The data indicating the hold display mode stored in the winning determination result storage buffer (FIG. 31) is registered, for example, in the prefetching effect determination process, and is updated in step S1808 described later. If it is determined in step S1803a that there is no hold display displayed in the special mode or the special mode, the effect control CPU 101 determines that one of the hold displays indicates that the hold display is being displayed in the special mode or the special mode. If the display change flag is set, it is reset (step S1803b). In this way, by updating the state of the pending display changing flag according to whether any of the pending displays is displayed in the special mode or the special mode, any of the pending displays has already been changed to a mode other than the normal mode. When displayed in the display mode, the hold display displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode can be more easily changed than the hold display displayed in another normal mode (pre-reading effect determination processing, 33, 35 to 38).

  Next, effect control CPU 101 reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S1804).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 responds to the variation pattern command read out in step S1804 and the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (that is, the received display result designation command) to display the effect symbol display result ( A stop symbol) is determined (step S1805). That is, when the processing of step S1805 is executed by the effect control CPU 101, the display result of the variable display of the identification information (the stop of the effect symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variable pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determining means. A display result determining means for determining a symbol is realized. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a stop symbol of an effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 43, when the received display result designation command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which three symbols are arranged in even-number symbols (usually a stop symbol reminiscent of a big hit) is determined. If the received display result designation command indicates a probability change jackpot (if the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 determines that the three symbols are odd symbols as stop symbols (probable variation). A combination of effect symbols aligned with a stop symbol that recalls the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. Then, in the case of a loss (when the received display result designation command is the display result 1 designation command), combinations of effect symbols other than the above are determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols having two left and right symbols is determined. If the received display result specifying command suddenly indicates a probability change big hit or a small hit (if the received display result specifying command is a display result 4 specifying command or a display result 5 specifying command), the effect control CPU 101 Determines a combination of effect symbols such as "135" as a stop symbol. 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 symbol for determining a stop symbol, and uses a stop symbol determination table in which data indicating a combination of the effect symbols and a numerical value are associated with each other, to determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, a stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating a combination of effect symbols corresponding to a numerical value that matches the extracted random number.

  In addition, also about the effect design, the stop design which reminds of the big hit is called the big hit design. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a probability variable jackpot is called a probability variable jackpot symbol, and a stop symbol that recalls a normal jackpot is called a normal symbol jackpot symbol. Then, a stop symbol that reminds the user of a loss is referred to as a “miss symbol”.

  Next, effect control CPU 101 determines an effect mode of a suggested effect indicating that the display mode of the hold display changes (step S1806). Here, the processing of step S1806 is not executed at the timing when the display mode of the hold display changes due to the pre-reading effect. Therefore, in step S1806, although it is suggested that the display mode of the hold display changes, the effect mode of the suggested effect (failure pattern) executed when the display mode does not change eventually is determined.

  In step S1806, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether the pending display changing flag is set, that is, if no pending display is displayed in the special pending mode or the special pending mode in the combined pending display unit 18c. ), The suggestion effect (failure pattern) is not to be executed, or the execution is to be executed in the first effect mode or the second effect mode at the ratio of the non-change timing suggestion effect mode determination table (when the pending display changing flag is not set). I do. When the pending display changing flag is set, that is, when any pending display is displayed in the special mode or the special mode in the combined pending display section 18c, the non-change timing suggested effect shown in FIG. It is determined not to execute the suggestion effect (failure pattern) or to execute it in the first effect mode or the second effect mode at the ratio of the mode determination table (when the pending display changing flag is set). In the non-change timing suggested effect mode determination table, a determination value corresponding to a determination item (“no effect”, “first effect mode” or “second effect mode”) is assigned to the determination table. In the examples shown in FIGS. 39 (B) and (C), the ratio of the assigned determination values is shown for simplification of the description. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining the effect mode of the suggested effect (failure pattern), and determines a determination item (“no effect”, “No. "1st production mode" or "2nd production mode").

  For example, when the pending display changing flag is not set, that is, when none of the pending displays is displayed in the special mode or the special mode in the combined pending display unit 18c, a suggestion effect (failure pattern) is generated at a rate of 80%. It is determined not to be executed, it is determined that the suggested effect is to be executed in the first effect mode at a rate of 15%, and the suggested effect is determined to be executed in the second effect mode at a rate of 5%. When the pending display changing flag is set, that is, when any pending display is displayed in the special mode or the special mode in the combined pending display section 18c, the suggestion effect (failure pattern) is made at a rate of 0%. Is determined not to be performed, the suggested effect is determined to be executed in the first effect mode at a rate of 80%, and the suggested effect is determined to be executed in the second effect mode at a rate of 20%.

  As shown in FIGS. 39 (B) and 39 (C), in this embodiment, when the pending display changing flag is set, that is, one of the pending displays in the combined pending display section 18c is a special mode or a special mode. In the case where is displayed, the suggested effect is executed at a higher rate than in the case where it is not displayed. Therefore, it is possible to increase the sense of expectation when the hold display is displayed in a special mode, and it is possible to enhance the entertainment of the game. In this embodiment, the suggestion effect is executed even when the display mode of the hold display changes, so that the suggestion effect is always executed when the hold display is displayed in the special mode. However, even when the hold display is displayed in a special mode, the suggested effect may not be executed. However, also in this case, it is desirable that the suggestion effect is executed at a higher rate than when the suspended display is not displayed in the special mode.

  If the pending display changing flag is set, that is, if any pending display is displayed in a special mode or a special mode in the total pending display section 18c, the final display mode of the pending display is the second mode. The effect mode of the suggested effect may be determined to be the first effect mode A or the first effect mode B at a different ratio depending on whether it is the first special mode or the second special mode. For example, when the final display mode is determined to be the second special mode having a higher degree of expectation than the first special mode, the effect mode of the suggested effect is determined to be the first effect mode A than the first effect mode B. May be increased.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table according to the effect mode and the variation pattern of the determined suggested effect (failure pattern) (step S1807). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S1812).

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data to be referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls the effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table is configured by data in which a plurality of combinations of a process timer set value, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data representing the mode of each variation constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variable time) of the variable display of the effect symbol, the data indicating the mode of the look-ahead effect in the combined hold storage display unit 18c, and the suggestion effect And the like are described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. In the process timer set value, a variation time in the variation mode is set. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control for displaying the effect symbols in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value. It should be noted that data corresponding to an effect component that does not become a control target even if it corresponds to the effect control process timer determination value (for example, a look-ahead effect described in display control execution data of a process table used when a look-ahead effect is not executed) Dummy data (data for which control is not specified) may be set as the data indicating the aspect of (1).

  The process table shown in FIG. 44 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, a process table is prepared according to each variation pattern.

  In the process table used when performing the effect control for the fluctuation pattern accompanied by the reach effect, the left symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation, and the right symbol is stopped when the predetermined time has elapsed. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. Instead of setting the symbol to be stop-displayed in the process table, an image for displaying the symbol is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the pseudo-run or the temporary stop symbol in the slide effect. You may.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 generates the effect device (the effect display device 9 as the effect component and the effect component as the effect component) in accordance with the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). The control of the various lamps and the speakers 27R and 27L as effect parts is executed (step S1827). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the fluctuation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to control the turning on / off of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the audio output board 70 in order to output audio from the speakers 27R and 27L.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control such that the effect pattern is variably displayed according to the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. May be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value corresponding to the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern command in the fluctuation time timer (step S1814), and sets the value of the effect control process flag during the effect symbol fluctuation process (step S802). (Step S1815).

  If it is determined in step S1803 that the value of any of the shift counters is 0, that is, if it is the change timing of the look-ahead effect for changing the display mode of the hold display, the effect control CPU 101 If the medium flag has been set, it is set (step S1808). In step S1808, the effect control CPU 101 sets the shift number counter, whose value has become 0, to a state in which nothing has been set (for example, Null) in the winning determination result storage buffer, and sets the corresponding hold display. The data indicating the mode is updated. For example, if the value of the first shift number counter becomes 0, and if the value of the second shift number counter is 0 (that is, if it is not the second prefetch effect pattern), the corresponding hold display mode is changed to the normal mode. To the display mode shown in the final display mode, and if the value of the second shift counter is not 0 (that is, if it is the second look-ahead effect pattern), the corresponding suspended display mode is changed from the normal mode to the special mode. Update. When the value of the second shift counter becomes 0 (that is, the second change timing of the second look-ahead effect pattern), the corresponding hold display mode is displayed from the special mode to the final display mode. Update to display mode. By executing such a process, in the pre-reading effect determination process, it is possible to determine whether or not to perform the pre-reading effect based on the display mode of the currently displayed hold display.

  Next, effect control CPU 101 reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S1809). Next, the effect control CPU 101 responds to the variation pattern command read in step S1809 and the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (that is, the received display result designation command) to display the effect symbol display result ( A stop symbol) is determined (step S1810).

  Next, effect control CPU 101 selects a process table for changing the display mode according to the look-ahead effect pattern, the final display mode and the suggestive effect mode, and the variation pattern (step S1811). Then, control goes to a step S1812.

  The process table for changing the display mode is to perform a suggestion effect (success pattern) at the start of the change of the effect symbol, and to execute a look-ahead effect of changing the display mode of the specific hold display together with the effect symbol change display. 4 is a table in which process data for performing control is set. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of process tables for changing the display mode are provided according to the type of the suggestion effect (success pattern) to be executed and the look-ahead effect. Further, in this embodiment, an effect mode (in this example, the first effect mode or the second effect mode) of the suggested effect (success pattern) determined in the pre-reading effect determination process and stored in the winning-time determination result storage buffer. And a pre-reading effect pattern (in this example, one of the first pre-reading effect pattern to the third pre-reading effect pattern) and a final display mode (in this example, the first display mode or the second display mode), It is possible to specify in what manner the suggestion effect (success pattern) is to be executed and which look-ahead effect is to be executed to change which pending display to what display mode. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 selects one of a plurality of types of process tables for changing the display mode according to the effect mode of the suggestion effect (success pattern), the look-ahead effect pattern and the final display mode, and the variation pattern. Is selected, and the control of the rendering device is executed in accordance with the content of the process data 1 in the selected process mode when the display mode is changed, thereby performing the suggestion rendering (success pattern) in the rendering mode determined in the look-ahead rendering determining process. Then, it is possible to execute a look-ahead effect in which the suspended display corresponding to the variable display of the notice target is changed to the determined display mode.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol change process (step S802) in the effect control process process. In the effect symbol fluctuation process, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the value of the process timer by 1 (step S1841) and decrements the value of the fluctuation time timer by 1 (step S1842). When the process timer times out (step S1843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer set value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S1844). Further, the control state of the effect device is changed based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data which are set next (step S1845).

  Next, if the fluctuation time timer has timed out (step S1849), effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol fluctuation stop process (step S803) (step S1851). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received has been set (step S1850), the flow shifts to step S1851. Even if the fluctuation time timer has not timed out, the control shifts to the control for stopping the fluctuation when the symbol confirmation designation command is received. For example, a fluctuation pattern command indicating a long fluctuation time due to noise between boards is received. Even in such a case, the fluctuation of the effect symbol can be ended when the normal fluctuation time has elapsed (at the end of the fluctuation of the special symbol).

  In this embodiment, the determination process including whether or not to perform the look-ahead effect based on the reception of the prize-time determination result designation command is executed in the look-ahead effect determination process. It may be executed in the symbol change processing. For example, in the effect symbol fluctuation process, a determination process including whether or not to perform a prefetch effect can be executed by including a process of monitoring a winning determination result storage buffer.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the effect design change stop process (step S803) in the effect control process process. In the effect symbol variation stop processing, effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the fixed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the fixed command reception flag is set, resets the fixed command reception flag. Then, control is performed to derive and display a stop symbol in accordance with the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S852). Next, effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit (step S855). Whether it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result designation command stored in a display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it is also possible to confirm whether or not a big hit or a small hit is determined based on the determined stop symbol.

  If it is determined to be a big hit or a small hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to the big hit display processing (step S804) (step S856).

  When it is determined that neither the big hit nor the small hit is performed, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S800). S857).

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 terminates the fluctuation (variable display) of the effect symbols on condition that the symbol confirmation designation command is received (see steps S851 and S853). However, if the fluctuation time timer based on the received fluctuation pattern command times out, control may be performed so as to end the fluctuation of the effect symbol without receiving the symbol confirmation designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of the variable display.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether any of the jackpot start designation command reception flags (the jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag indicating that the jackpot start 1 designation command has been received, and the jackpot start 2 designation command have been received). It is checked whether the big hit start 2 designation command reception flag shown or the small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that the small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command has been received is set (step S871). . If any of the jackpot start designation command reception flags has been set, control is performed to display a game start screen corresponding to the set flag on the effect display device 9 (step S872). Also, the set flags (big hit start 1 designation command reception flag, big hit start 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / suddenly changing big hit start designation command reception flag) are reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805) (step S874).

  It should be noted that a small hit display process is provided separately from the big hit display process, and in the case of a small hit, for example, a predetermined period (for example, when the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 second). For a sufficient time (for example, 0.5 seconds), the effect in the same manner as that at the time of sudden change big hit may be performed.

  Further, in the case of a small hit or a sudden change big hit, instead of executing an effect based on the reception of the small hit / sudden change big hit start designation command, the effect control CPU 101, for example, performs a small hit / sudden sudden change big hit. Based on the reception of the fluctuation pattern command, an effect that suggests a small hit or a sudden change big hit may be executed for a predetermined period. In this case, the effect control CPU 101 switches, for each process time, process data for performing an effect that suggests a small hit or a sudden change big hit, and performs an effect according to the switched process data.

  In step S872, the effect control CPU 101 controls the effect display device 9 to display a screen for notifying the start of the big hit game.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end effect process (step S806) in the effect control process process. In the big hit end effect process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a big hit end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer has been set, the flow shifts to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag, a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag, a small hit / sudden It is confirmed whether or not the variable hit jackpot end designation command reception flag) is set (step S881). If the big hit end designation command reception flag is set, the big hit end designation command reception flag (big hit end 1 designation command reception flag, big hit end 2 designation command reception flag, or small hit / suddenly sudden change big hit end designation command reception flag ) Is reset (step S882), a value corresponding to the big hit end display time is set in the big hit end effect timer (step S883), and the big hit end screen (a screen for notifying the end of the big hit game) is displayed on the effect display device 9. Is displayed (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In step S885, the value of the big hit end effect timer is decremented by one. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the big hit end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the big hit end effect time has elapsed (step S886). If not, the process ends. If the big hit end effect time has elapsed, the effect control CPU 101, if set, resets the prefetch effect limit flag (step S887).

  Then, 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 S892).

  Next, a specific example of the pre-reading effect will be described. FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the prefetch effect. As shown in FIG. 49A, in the effect display device 9, when three holding displays are displayed in the normal holding mode (“○” in this example) on the total holding storage display unit 18 c, the lost symbol is displayed. When the derived display is performed, a new variable display is started. Next, if the timing at which the hold display is shifted is the change timing, a suggested effect of the second effect mode determined in advance (in this example, the character “chance!” Is displayed in a rectangular frame). Is executed (FIG. 49 (B)). When the predetermined look-ahead effect pattern is the third look-ahead effect pattern and the final display mode is the first special mode, the second reserved display is the first special mode (in this example, “○”). (Indicated by “△”) (FIG. 49 (C1)), and when the final display mode is the second special mode, the second reserved display is the second special mode (in this example, "O" is included in "O") and displayed (Fig. 49 (C2)).

  Further, when the predetermined look-ahead effect pattern is the first look-ahead effect pattern or the second look-ahead effect pattern, the second hold display is in a special mode (in this example, “×” is indicated in “O”). (Included) is displayed (FIG. 49 (C3)). Next, when derivation display of a lost symbol is performed (FIG. 49 (D)), a new variable display is started. Then, if the timing at which the hold display is shifted is the change timing, and the production mode of the predetermined suggested performance (success pattern) is the second production mode, the second production mode (in this example, a rectangular shape) A suggestion effect of “chance!” Is displayed in the frame is executed (FIG. 49 (E1)). When the predetermined look-ahead effect pattern is the second look-ahead effect pattern and the final display mode is the first special mode, the first hold display is the first special mode (in this example, “「 ”). Is displayed (Fig. 49 (F1)), and when the final display mode is the second special mode, the first hold display is the second special mode (in this example, “O” is included in “O”) and displayed (FIG. 49 (F2)). Further, if the timing at which the new variable display is started and the shift of the hold display is performed is the non-change timing, and the production mode of the determined suggested performance (failure pattern) is the first production mode, the first production mode A suggestion effect of a mode (in this example, a character of “chance!” Is displayed in an oval frame) is executed (FIG. 49 (E2)), but the display mode of the hold display does not change (FIG. 49 (F3)). )).

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the effect symbol variation start process. FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the suggested effect mode determination table. In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, when the effect mode of the suggested effect (failure pattern) at the non-change timing is determined in step S1806 of the effect symbol change start process, the effect control CPU 101 determines the determined effect. It is confirmed whether or not the mode is the second effect mode with a high degree of expectation, and whether the pending change flag is set (step S1806a). Then, in the second effect mode, and when the pending change flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 sets a suggested effect restriction flag for restricting the execution of the suggested effect (step S1806b).

  In addition, in step S1806 of the effect symbol variation start process, if the pending display changing flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 sets the non-display state shown in FIG. 51 (C1) according to the state of the suggested effect restriction flag. Suggestion effect mode determination table at the time of change timing (when the pending display change flag is set) (when the suggestion effect restriction flag is not set), or the suggestion effect mode determination table at the time of non-change timing shown in FIG. The effect mode of the suggestive effect (failure pattern) is determined using (when set) (when the suggestive effect restriction flag is set). As shown in FIGS. 51 (C1) and (C2), when the suggested effect restriction flag is set, execution of the suggested effect of the first effect mode having a lower degree of expectation than the second effect mode is restricted. ing. In this manner, when the hold display is displayed in the special mode or the special mode, after the suggestion effect (failure pattern) of the second effect mode having a high degree of expectation is executed, the degree of expectation is low. It is possible to limit the execution of the suggestion effect (failure pattern) in one effect mode, and to prevent a sense of expectation from being lost. Since the suggestion effect restriction flag set is reset at the same time as the hold display changing flag is reset (step S1803c), the hold display of the special mode or the special mode being displayed is deleted, and the hold display is newly added. When displayed in the mode or the special mode, the suggested effect (failure pattern) in the first mode can be executed. In the example shown in FIG. 51, the suggested effect mode determination table in which the determination value is set at the same ratio is used at the change timing regardless of the state of the suggested effect restriction flag. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Also, according to the state of the suggestion effect restriction flag, the suggestion effect mode determination table in which the determination value is set at a different ratio (for example, the suggestion effect mode determination table used when the suggestion effect restriction flag is set, The determination value may be set so as not to be determined in the first production mode, but to be determined to be no production or the second production mode).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 determines the display result and the fluctuation pattern of the fluctuation display at the time of the start prize, which is realized by executing the prize production process and the like. A determination means is provided. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 100 is configured to execute a look-ahead effect determination process, an effect symbol change start process, and the like. By changing the display on the display unit 18c) to a display mode other than the normal mode (in this example, the special mode, the first special mode, or the second special mode) and displaying, the variable display based on the hold storage becomes a big hit. Notice effect execution means for executing a look-ahead effect for announcing the possibility, and suggestion effect execution means for executing a suggestion effect indicating that the display mode of the hold display changes (it may change). It has. Then, the notice effect execution means, depending on whether or not there is a hold display displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode among the hold displays being displayed, the display of the hold display displayed at a different ratio. Any one of them is changed to a display mode different from the normal mode and displayed. For example, when there is a hold display displayed in a display form different from the normal form, the display form of the hold display is more likely to change than other hold displays. This is based on whether or not a pending change flag indicating that any of the pending displays displayed on the combined pending storage display unit 18c is displayed in the special mode or the special mode is set. Determining whether or not to execute a look-ahead effect at a different rate (decrease the rate at which a new look is performed when set), and determining a change timing of a new look-ahead effect at a different rate (set In such a case, the change timing is delayed (the rate of change after the suspended display displayed in the special mode or the special mode is deleted is increased). With such a configuration, it is possible to interest the display mode of the hold display when the prefetch effect is executed, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the prefetch effect.

  Note that, in this embodiment, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, when the flag during the change of hold is set (that is, one of the hold displays is displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode). In some cases, there is a pending display that is displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode by changing the ratio of executing a new prefetching effect or delaying the change timing of the newly executing prefetching effect. In addition, it has been realized that the display form of the hold display is more likely to change than the other hold displays, but the realization method is not limited to this. For example, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, the latest display result at the time of the prize is determined whether or not the look-ahead effect can be executed. Is determined, and a pre-reading effect pattern is determined, and in the effect symbol change start process in which a new variable display is started, the display mode of any pending display is changed (and the display mode is changed to any of the display modes). Is determined, and the display mode is changed based on the determination result (that is, the change timing is not determined for each prize-winning determination result in the prefetching effect determination process). In this configuration, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not there is a special mode hold display in the effect symbol variation start processing. A hold display in a special mode rather than a hold display is determined as a target for changing the display mode. By doing so, when there is a hold display displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, the display mode of the hold display can be changed more easily than other hold displays. . Further, for example, in the effect symbol variation start process in which the prefetching effect determination process is omitted and a new variation display is started, which of the corresponding display modes of the hold display is changed based on all the prize-winning determination results. (For example, the display mode is determined based on each prize-winning determination result whether or not to execute the prefetching effect and the display mode after the change). Then, in this configuration, in the effect symbol variation start processing, it is checked whether or not there is a special mode hold display, and if there is a special mode hold display, the special mode is displayed at a higher rate than the normal mode hold display. Is determined as a target to change the display mode, when there is a hold display displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, the display mode of the hold display is compared to other hold modes. It can be changed easily.

  Further, in this embodiment, the announcement effect execution means includes a plurality of types of special modes (for example, a first special mode or a second special mode, in which the hold display corresponding to the hold storage is a display mode different from the normal mode. The display result of the variable display based on the hold storage may be a specific display result by changing the display to any one of which may include a special mode (details will be described later). (For example, when the display is changed to the second special mode and displayed, the big hit and the big change are displayed). The higher the percentage, the higher the expectation.) In addition, the notice effect execution means is different from the normal mode when the hold display displayed in the normal mode is changed to the special mode and displayed (when the prefetch effect is executed based on the third prefetch effect pattern). When the hold display displayed in the display mode (for example, the special mode; the first special mode may be included (the details will be described later)) is changed to the special mode and displayed (second look-ahead effect) (When a prefetching effect is performed based on a pattern), and displayed at a different rate by changing to one of a plurality of special modes (when a prefetching effect is executed based on a third prefetching effect pattern) (The ratio of changing to the second special mode having a high degree of expectation and being displayed is higher than when the prefetching effect is executed based on the second prefetching effect pattern.) With such a configuration, the possibility that the display result of the variable display will be the specific display result (big hit) can be announced with different degrees of expectation, so that the interest in the pre-reading effect can be enhanced.

  As described above, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, the latest display result at the time of the prize is determined whether or not the look-ahead effect can be executed. The upper limit, which does not need to be changed) and the look-ahead effect pattern are determined, and in the effect symbol change start process in which a new change display is started, the display mode of any of the hold displays is changed (and any Is determined, and the display mode is changed based on the determination result (that is, the change timing is not determined for each prize winning determination result in the pre-reading effect determination process). By determining the final display mode and the look-ahead effect pattern based on the winning determination result, the notice effect can be executed with different degrees of expectation. Both can be displayed first is changed to the special mode or the second special aspect in different proportions in the case of changing from a special manner when changing from normal mode. Further, for example, in the effect symbol variation start process in which the prefetching effect determination process is omitted and a new variation display is started, which of the corresponding display modes of the hold display is changed based on all the prize-winning determination results. (For example, whether or not to execute a pre-reading effect based on each prize-time determination result and the display mode after the change) are determined, and the display mode after the change is determined based on the prize-time determination result. , It is possible to execute a notice effect with different degrees of expectation. Further, by determining the display mode after the change based on the winning determination result and the display mode of the hold display, the first special mode or the first special mode or the second special mode is changed at a different rate when changing from the normal mode and when changing from the special mode. The display can be changed to two special modes.

  It should be noted that, among the display modes of the plurality of types of hold display used in this embodiment, the special mode may be changed to the special mode, and thus, the special mode has been described as being a different category from the special mode. The special category having the lowest expectation degree of big hits may be positioned in the same category as the special mode. That is, in this embodiment, the special mode and the special mode are described separately, and the look-ahead effect pattern changed from the special mode to the special mode (the first special mode or the second special mode) is displayed in the second prefetch mode. Although the effect pattern was used, the look-ahead effect may be changed from a display mode having a large jackpot expectation to a display mode having a large jackpot expectation, and may be displayed from the special mode to the first special mode or the second special mode. Alternatively, the first special mode may be changed to the second special mode having a higher jackpot expectation.

  Further, in this embodiment, even if the hold display changes to the special mode, the special mode may not change from the special mode to the special mode thereafter (by the prefetching effect based on the first prefetching effect pattern). When it changes, the special mode may be changed to the first special mode or the second special mode. By doing so, the degree of expectation when the display mode is changed to the special mode can be increased.

  Further, in this embodiment, the notice effect performing means changes the display result of the variable display to the specific display result (big hit) depending on which of the held displays being displayed is changed and displayed. It is possible to execute a look-ahead effect that gives a notice of the possibility of becoming different with different degrees of expectation. This is because, for example, when the change timing is early, the rate of change to the second special mode with a high jackpot expectation is high, and when the change timing is late, the rate of change to the first special mode with a low jackpot expectation is low. Is determined by determining the change timing so that the value becomes higher. In addition, in this embodiment, the display mode of the hold display is changed only up to two times, but the number of times that the display mode can be changed stepwise may be increased by increasing the type of the display mode. . In this case, if the change timing is early, the chances (for example, the number of shift timings) of changing to a display mode having a higher expectation after that are increased, so that the expectation can be increased. With such a configuration, the possibility that the display result of the variable display will be the specific display result can be announced with different degrees of expectation, so that the interest of the pre-reading effect can be enhanced.

  As described above, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, the latest display result at the time of the prize is determined whether or not the look-ahead effect can be executed. The upper limit, which does not need to be changed) and the look-ahead effect pattern are determined, and in the effect symbol change start process in which a new change display is started, the display mode of any of the hold displays is changed (and any Is determined, and the display mode is changed based on the determination result (that is, the change timing is not determined for each prize winning determination result in the pre-reading effect determination process). For example, the hold display corresponding to the prize-winning determination result indicating a big hit is changed in an early stage (a stage in which the number of shifts is small). By increasing the coupling, it is capable of executing prefetch effect that notified by a different degree of expectation or display mode of one of the hold display is changed. Similarly, in the effect symbol variation start process in which the pre-reading effect determination process is omitted and a new variation display is started, which of the corresponding display modes of the hold display is changed based on all the winning-time determination results is determined. In the case of determining (for example, determining whether or not to execute a prefetch effect based on each winning determination result and determining a display mode after a change), a winning determination result that indicates a big hit is also obtained. For the hold display corresponding to, by increasing the rate of change at an early stage (a stage where the number of shifts is small), it is possible to execute a look-ahead effect that gives a preview with different degrees of expectation depending on which display mode of the hold display changes. It is.

  Further, in this embodiment, the display mode of the hold display includes the normal mode and a plurality of display modes (special mode, first special mode, and second special mode) different from the normal mode, and The means is configured such that, when there is a hold display displayed in a display mode (special mode or first special mode) different from the normal mode, the display different from the normal mode at a high rate The hold display displayed in the mode is changed and displayed in a display mode (a first special mode or a second special mode) of a higher level than the current level. This is based on whether or not a pending change flag indicating that any of the pending displays displayed on the combined pending storage display unit 18c is displayed in the special mode or the special mode is set. Determining whether or not to execute a look-ahead effect at a different rate (decrease the rate at which a new look-ahead effect is executed when it is set), and determining a change timing of a newly executed look-ahead effect at a different rate (set In addition, in addition to delaying the change timing (increase the rate of change after the suspended display displayed in the special mode or the special mode is erased), the change timing from the special mode to the special mode is displayed. (2) The ratio of the determined look-ahead effect pattern is higher than that of the third look-ahead effect pattern displayed by changing from the normal mode to the special mode. It is realized Te. With such a configuration, if there is a pending display that is displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, the rate at which the pending display changes to a display mode of a higher stage than the current stage is high, It is possible to enhance the interest of look-ahead production.

  As described above, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, the latest display result at the time of the prize is determined whether or not the look-ahead effect can be executed. The upper limit, which does not need to be changed) and the look-ahead effect pattern are determined, and in the effect symbol change start process in which a new change display is started, the display mode of any of the hold displays is changed (and any Is determined, and the display mode is changed based on the determination result (that is, the change timing is not determined for each prize winning determination result in the pre-reading effect determination process). In the effect symbol variation start processing, it is checked whether or not there is a special mode hold display. If there is a special mode hold display, a higher percentage of the normal mode hold display is performed. Also, to determine the hold display of the special mode as a target for changing the display mode, and to make the ratio of the second prefetch effect pattern higher than the third prefetch effect pattern in the prefetch effect determination process Accordingly, when there is a suspended display displayed in a display mode different from the normal mode, the rate at which the suspended display changes to a display mode of a higher stage than the current stage can be increased. Further, for example, in the effect symbol variation start process in which the prefetching effect determination process is omitted and a new variation display is started, which of the corresponding display modes of the hold display is changed based on all the prize-winning determination results. (For example, whether or not to perform a pre-reading effect based on each prize-winning determination result and a display mode after the change) are also determined. Confirm whether there is, if there is a special mode hold display, by determining the special mode hold display than the normal mode hold display at a higher rate as a target to change the display mode, usually If there is a pending display displayed in a display mode different from the mode, the rate at which the pending display changes to a display mode of a higher stage than the current stage can be increased. .

  Further, in this embodiment, the notice effect performing means can execute a notice effect in which the hold display is changed to one of a plurality of types of special forms, which are display forms different from the normal form, and displayed. Further, the display mode of the hold display includes a special mode that is more easily changed to a special mode than the normal mode. Then, the notice effect executing means is configured to change the hold display displayed in the normal mode to the special mode and display the special mode, and to change the hold display displayed in the special mode to the special mode and display the special mode. , And are displayed by changing to any one of a plurality of special modes at different ratios. For example, when the hold display displayed in the normal mode is changed to the special mode and displayed, the jackpot expectation is higher than when the hold display displayed in the special mode is changed to the special mode and displayed. The rate of change to the second special mode is high. According to such a configuration, the possibility that the display result of the variable display will be the specific display result can be announced with different degrees of expectation, and the interest in the announcement effect can be enhanced.

  As described above, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, the latest display result at the time of the prize is determined whether or not the look-ahead effect can be executed. The upper limit, which does not need to be changed) and the look-ahead effect pattern are determined, and in the effect symbol change start process in which a new change display is started, the display mode of any of the hold displays is changed (and any Is determined, and the display mode is changed based on the determination result (that is, the change timing is not determined for each prize winning determination result in the pre-reading effect determination process). By determining the final display mode and the look-ahead effect pattern based on the winning determination result, the hold display displayed in the normal mode is changed to the special mode. The display may be changed to the first special mode or the second special mode at a different rate between the time when the display is changed to the special mode and the time when the hold display displayed in the special mode is changed to the special mode and displayed. it can. Further, for example, in the effect symbol variation start process in which the prefetching effect determination process is omitted and a new variation display is started, which of the corresponding display modes of the hold display is changed based on all the prize-winning determination results. (For example, whether or not to execute the pre-reading effect based on each prize-winning determination result and the display mode after the change) are also determined. By determining the display mode after the change based on the change, the hold mode displayed in the normal mode is changed to the special mode and displayed, and the hold mode displayed in the special mode is changed to the special mode and displayed. Then, the display can be changed to the first special mode or the second special mode at a different ratio.

  Further, in this embodiment, the suggestion effect execution means includes a plurality of types of suggestion effects (suggestion effects of the first effect mode or the second effect mode) that suggest the possibility that the display mode of the hold display changes with different degrees of expectation. Can be executed, and the suggestion effect having a predetermined degree of expectation (for example, the suggestion effect of the second effect mode) is executed by the suggestion effect execution means, but the predetermined expectation is not obtained when the display mode of the hold display does not change. There is provided a suggestion effect restricting means for restricting execution of a suggestion effect having an expectation degree lower than the degree (for example, a suggestion effect of the first effect mode having a lower expectation degree that changes than the second effect state). For example, when the suggestion effect of the second effect mode is executed, but the display mode of the hold display does not change, the suggestion effect restriction flag is set, and while the suggestion effect restriction flag is set, the second effect mode is set. The execution of the suggestion effect of the first effect mode having a lower expected degree of change than that is limited. Further, the suggested effect restriction flag is reset when the hold display displayed in a display mode other than the normal mode is deleted. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the expectation from being lost.

  As described above, in the look-ahead effect determination process executed at the time of the start winning, the latest display result at the time of the prize is determined whether or not the look-ahead effect can be executed. The upper limit, which does not need to be changed) and the look-ahead effect pattern are determined, and in the effect symbol change start process in which a new change display is started, the display mode of any of the hold displays is changed (and any Is determined, and the display mode is changed based on the determination result (that is, the change timing is not determined for each prize winning determination result in the pre-reading effect determination process). To determine which display mode of the hold display is to be changed (and to which display mode to change), and to determine the effect mode of the suggested effect. It is possible to perform a plurality of types of suggested effect suggesting the possibility of changing the display mode of hold display in a different degree of expectation by. Further, for example, in the effect symbol variation start process in which the prefetching effect determination process is omitted and a new variation display is started, which of the corresponding display modes of the hold display is changed based on all the prize-winning determination results. (For example, the display mode is determined based on each prize-winning determination result and the display mode is determined after the change), and the display mode of any corresponding suspended display is changed. In addition to the above, it is possible to execute a plurality of types of suggestion effects that suggest the possibility that the display mode of the hold display changes with different degrees of expectation by determining the effect mode of the suggestion effect.

  Further, in this embodiment, the pre-reading effect is allowed to be executed repeatedly, and it is also allowed that the display modes of the plurality of hold displays are changed at the same time. It may be. For example, when the change timing of the new look-ahead effect is determined, the data indicating the change time of the previously determined look-ahead effect is referred to the winning time determination result storage buffer. The change timing of the look-ahead effect may be determined again. By doing so, the display mode of the plurality of hold displays simultaneously changes, so that it is possible to focus on each effect.

  Further, in this embodiment, a predetermined display control is performed in the effect display device 9 as a suggestive effect, but together with (or instead of) the effect of outputting sound from a speaker or turning on a lamp. It may also be possible to perform an effect such as causing the user to perform an action.

  In the above embodiment, “different ratios” means not only those having different ratios in a relationship such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 40%: 60%. It is a concept that includes ones with different ratios in a relationship such as A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one with 100% allocation and the other with 0% allocation).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a command directly to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 may use another board (for example, FIG. 3). (A sound / lamp board having a function provided by the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 and a function provided by the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). The control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or a control unit such as a microcomputer is mounted on the audio output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board, and the control unit receives the command. In response to this, control relating to voice control and lamp control is executed, and further, the effect control microcomputer 100 that controls the effect display device 9 by changing the received command as it is or, for example, to a simplified command. May be transmitted. 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 according to a command received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of a fluctuation pattern indicating a fluctuation mode such as a fluctuation time, a type of a reach effect, and the presence or absence of a pseudo-run, when the fluctuation is started, 1 Although the example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted has been described, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the microcomputer 560 for game control uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-run, whether or not there is a slide effect, etc. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command is used to indicate the type of reach and the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode after 2 stops) may be transmitted. In this case, the effect control microcomputer may perform the effect control in the fluctuation display based on the fluctuation time derived from the combination of the two commands. In addition, the microcomputer 560 for game control notifies the fluctuating time by each of the two commands, and the specific fluctuating mode executed at each timing is selected by the microcomputer 100 for effect control. You may. When two commands are sent, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is sent, a predetermined period 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 changed as appropriate. As described above, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  Further, the configuration described in the above embodiment can be applied to various types of gaming machines, not limited to pachinko gaming machines. For example, the configuration shown in each of the above embodiments may be applied to an enclosed circulation type pachinko machine. In a sealed circulation type pachinko machine, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of game balls used in the pachinko machine are enclosed in an enclosed area (for example, in a pachinko machine), and a game area provided in the pachinko machine is provided. In order to fire game balls through the game area, collect game balls passing through the game area through the collection unit (for example, each winning opening, out port, foul ball return port), and fire the collected game balls again in the game area. In the enclosed area. Further, in such a closed-loop pachinko machine, when a prize is won in each winning opening, a point corresponding to the number of prize balls is added to the card inserted in the card unit instead of the prize ball. Processing is performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine is used as an example of the gaming machine. However, the present invention is applied to a case where a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types of gaming machines are operated in accordance with the operation of the operating lever by the player. When a combination of stopped symbols becomes a specific symbol combination when the symbol is rotated and the symbol is stopped in response to the operation of the stop button by the player, the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player. It is also possible.

  Further, in addition to the above-described embodiment, a predetermined movable body (for example, a movable body for production used for production, a plurality of passages (regions) provided in a winning opening such as a large winning opening, or at a predetermined location in a game area). ), A game device as a game medium is distributed to any of the devices (for example, when the game device is provided in a special winning opening, a transition to a certain change state (may be a time saving state) as a special game state based on passing. (Which may be a detection switch) and a distribution device for distributing game media to other paths (e.g., a detection switch) that satisfy the special conditions for performing the operation, etc.). (Repeat). The operation referred to here includes an opening / closing operation such as a rotating operation of a rotating body, an operation of a special winning opening, and the like, and an advancing / retreating operation of advancing and retreating in the front-back direction of the game board. In this case, the movable body is driven by a stepping motor or a solenoid. In order to ensure normal operation, the origin position (for example, an initial position) of the movable body is detected by, for example, a photo sensor, and the movable body is detected. The driving control (the control subject may be, for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 if the above-described effect movable body, or the game control microcomputer 560 if the above-described sorting device). Nevertheless, it is preferable to determine an abnormality when the origin position cannot be detected for a “predetermined period”. Then, based on the determination that there is an abnormality, at least one processing such as an abnormality notification, an external output of an abnormality signal to the outside of the gaming machine, and a stop of the game may be performed. Here, the "predetermined period" is a predetermined period longer than a fixed period in which the movable body operates (for example, a period such as 1.5 seconds if one rotation per second is performed in a rotating operation, is defined as a "predetermined period"). Period). In this way, for example, in the case of a sorting device, a game ball serving as a game medium collides, so that the operation of the movable body is impeded despite normal drive control, and the origin is detected. May be slightly delayed (for example, the movable body may deviate from the position controlled by the collision of the ball). However, by setting the “predetermined period” to be a specific period longer than the operation cycle, it is determined that an abnormality occurs when the detection timing is slightly delayed due to the collision of the game medium, even though a normal game is played. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation. Note that the specific period is not limited to the above-described period, and may be any period that is at least longer than the operation cycle. However, if the period is too long, it will not be possible to determine that the operation is abnormal even though an operation abnormality (for example, the movable body has been caught on something and the operation has stopped) has occurred. In consideration of the shape, the operation speed, the frequency with which the game medium collides, and the like, it is desirable to set the period in which the origin detection can be sufficiently performed even if the timing of the origin detection is delayed in a normal operation. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described method of determining an abnormality. For example, the determination of whether or not the origin has been detected is performed when a specific period has elapsed. (The information indicating that the detection is performed at the timing of (i) is stored.) Other methods may be used, such as determining that there is no abnormality. Also, regardless of the method of detecting the origin, for example, in the case of an opening / closing operation or an advancing / retreating operation, a sensor is provided for detecting that the initial state is a closed state (an egress state) if the initial state is a closed state (an egress state), The abnormality determination may be performed based on the detection by the sensor. Further, a plurality of detection positions may be provided in one unit operation of the repeated operation. For example, in the case of a rotating operation, a plurality of detection positions in one rotation may be provided. In this case, the presence or absence of the detection serving as a criterion for abnormality determination may be whether or not one rotation has been detected (that is, all of the detection positions have been detected). Then, whether or not a detection position to be subsequently detected is detected may be used as a reference. In other words, it is only necessary to determine an abnormality based on the operating state of the movable body, and the present invention is not limited to a method for determining whether or not one unit of operation has been completed. If so, it may be determined that there is an abnormality when detection is not performed for a period longer than the detection would be possible.

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

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

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that performs variable display and can be controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player, and includes a movable body,
Holding storage means for storing information relating to the variable display as holding storage;
Hold display means for displaying a hold display in a predetermined display mode corresponding to each of the hold storage,
Predetermination means for determining whether to control the advantageous state,
Variable display control means for controlling variable display based on the determination result by the pre-determination means,
A determination unit that determines whether or not to be controlled to the advantageous state before the determination by the preliminary determination unit,
A notice effect execution for executing a notice effect of giving a notice by displaying the possibility of being controlled to the advantageous state based on the judgment result by the judgment means by changing the hold display to a display form different from a normal form. Means,
And a suggestion effect execution means for executing a suggestion effect indicating a change in the display mode of the hold display,
The notice effect performing means is configured to change the hold display to one of a plurality of types of special modes, which are display modes different from the normal mode, and display the changed display. A notice effect can be performed,
When the reserved display of the normal mode changes to the special mode, and when the reserved display of a display mode different from the normal mode changes to the special mode, a plurality of types of the special mode are displayed at different rates. Can be changed to either,
The notice effect performing means can execute the notice effect at a plurality of timings with respect to the target hold display until a variable display corresponding to the hold display targeted for the notice effect is started, When the hold display of the display mode different from the normal mode is displayed as the hold display, compared to when the hold display of the display mode different from the normal mode is not displayed as the hold display Executing the notice effect so that the ratio of executing the notice effect at a late timing is increased,
The suggestion effect execution means,
A first suggestion effect in which the display mode of the hold display changes after the effect, and a second suggestion effect in which the display mode of the hold display does not change after the effect,
It is possible to execute the second suggestion effect at a different ratio between when the suspended display has a display mode different from the normal mode and when the suspended display is not present in the suspended display,
As the suggestion effect, it is possible to specify any of the on-hold displays, and to perform an effect that indicates a change in the display mode of the on-hold display that has been specified,
The notice effect performing means is capable of executing the notice effect regardless of execution of the suggestion effect,
An abnormality determination unit that determines an abnormality based on an operation state of the movable body is further provided, and when an abnormality occurs, the abnormality is notified.
A gaming machine characterized by that: