JP6666110B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine and a slot machine capable of playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium, which is a game medium, is fired 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 number of winning balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display area 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 is a specific display result in the variable display area, a game state (game The state of the machine, that is, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled.) Is changed to give a predetermined game value to the player (a so-called pachinko machine).

  Further, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player operates a start lever to start variable display of identification information in a variable display area, and the player By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display area, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the predetermined maximum delay time from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display areas is performed. A prize is generated according to the display result derived when the game is stopped, a predetermined predetermined game medium is paid out according to the prize, and when a specific prize is generated, the gaming state is changed to a predetermined game value by the player. (A slot machine).

  Note that the game value means that the state of the payout of prize balls and the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine becomes an advantageous state for a player who can easily win a hit ball, or an advantageous state for the player. In other words, it is necessary to generate a right to be in a state, or to be in a state in which a condition for paying out a prize ball is easily satisfied.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display of the effect symbol (identification information) started in the variable display area based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening. When this is done, a "big hit" occurs. Note that the derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol (final stop 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. A game in a round may be called a round game.

  Further, in the variable display area, a symbol other than the symbol that is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left, middle, and right symbols) is continuously stopped for a predetermined period of time and stops and swings in a state where the symbol matches the specific display result. It is possible for a big hit to occur before the final result is displayed due to movement, enlargement / reduction or deformation, or when multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously with the same symbol, or when the position of the displayed symbol is switched, etc. An effect performed in a state in which sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as a reach state) is referred to as a reach effect. The reach state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach mode. Further, a variable display including a reach effect is called a reach variable display. If the display result of the symbol variably displayed in the variable display area is not a specific display result, the result is “missing” and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In such a gaming machine, there has been a game machine provided with a light guide plate on the front surface (on the player side) of the effect display device to execute an effect using the light guide plate (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-14559 A (FIGS. 22, 62)

  However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, the display pattern of the light guide plate is fixed, so that the effect is restricted and the interest is insufficient.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving interest.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of performing a game, and performs an effect executing means capable of executing an effect related to the game (for example, executes step S705 in the effect control microcomputer 100). Portion), and the effect execution means is configured to visually recognize the predetermined image during execution of a predetermined effect (for example, a normal effect such as a fluctuating effect) for displaying a predetermined image (for example, a normal effect image such as an effect design or background). A specific image (for example, a pseudo light guide plate image) composed of a plurality of elements including at least a picture, a size, and a hue is displayed in a state where the property is reduced (for example, a state in which steps S3703 and S3708 are executed). than the priority of different display layers front side of the display layer than the display layer for displaying a predetermined image in the (e.g., normal display layer for displaying a normal effect image Effect the particular image to be superimposed and displayed on the display layer on the rear side of the display layer for displaying the identification information A is high display priority layer pseudo light guide plate effect for the display layer) (e.g., pseudo light guide plate effect) (For example, the effect control microcomputer 100 can execute steps S3704 and S3709), an effect pattern for displaying the first image as the specific image, and the first image and the first image. And an effect pattern for superimposing and displaying a plurality of images including a second image having a different size and hue and the same picture pattern, the specific image effect can be executed. Can display a first image and a second image that are different from each other, can display an operation promotion image that prompts a player's operation, and can detect a player's operation during a predetermined period. In addition, the specific effect can be executed in any one of a plurality of modes having different degrees of reliability for controlling the player in an advantageous state, and high reliability in controlling the player in the advantageous state is high. When the specific effect of the degree mode is executed, the operation promoting image is displayed on the display layer on the front side of the display layer displaying the specific image among the plurality of display layers having different display priorities, and the display state is controlled to be in an advantageous state. When performing the specific effect of the low reliability mode having low reliability for the thing, among the plurality of display layers having different display priorities, the operation promotion image is displayed on the display layer on the back side of the display layer displaying the specific image. It is characterized by displaying. According to such a configuration, interest can be improved.
The effect execution means may be capable of executing a specific image effect for switching any of the number, size, and transparency of the specific images to be displayed based on the passage of time.

  (Means 2) In the means 1, the effect execution means sets a state in which the visibility of the predetermined image is reduced by masking the predetermined image (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs steps S3703 and S3708 (Executable). According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of producing the specific image.

  (Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect in which the opacity of the specific image is switched and displayed a plurality of times (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the data pattern A It is possible to execute a pseudo light guide plate effect in which the opacity is switched a plurality of times in one layer of the frames 5 to 15 by using the image data of the frames 24 to 35 by using the image data of the data pattern C. It is possible to perform a pseudo light guide plate effect in which the opacity is switched a plurality of times in one layer and one of the frames 50 to 75. In addition, by using the image data of the data pattern D, the first and second layers of the frames 22 to 25 are used. 29 to 1 layer and 2 layers of frame 35, frame 38 to 1 layer of frame 43 Layer, frame 1 four layers of 48 to frame 53, opacity in one layer 5 layer frame 60 frame 68 is capable of executing multiple switches pseudo light guide plate effect) may be. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of producing the specific image.

  (Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect of displaying a specific image having a lower resolution than a predetermined image (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 includes: It is possible to display an effect image of a normal effect having a resolution of 96 ppi (pixel per inch) and to display an effect image of a pseudo light guide plate effect having a resolution of 48 ppi (see FIG. 41 (B3)). Is also good. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of producing the specific image.

  (Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect of displaying a plurality of superimposed images as a specific image (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 By using the image data of the patterns A to D, it is possible to execute a pseudo light guide plate effect of displaying a pseudo light guide plate image on a plurality of layers (base and first to fifth layers) having different display priorities). Is also good. According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of producing the specific image.

  (Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect at a plurality of timings (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 can execute the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing). The pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed at T1 and the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2). According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of producing the specific image.

  (Means 7) In any one of the means 1 to 6, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect in a different effect pattern based on the display color of the specific image (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 In steps S2804 and S2811, the effect patterns (PT1 to PT4) can be determined based on the color tone (blue, red, rainbow). According to such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of producing the specific image.

  (Means 8) In any one of the means 1 to 7, the effect relating to the game (for example, volume adjustment, brightness adjustment, or the like) is adjusted in accordance with the player's operation (for example, the operation of the stick controller 122, the predetermined operation of the player, or the like). A game machine capable of mode switching, etc., and capable of displaying an adjustment state (for example, a volume adjustment state, a luminance adjustment state, a mode switching state, and the like) of the effect adjustment when performing the effect adjustment, and a first state ( For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, in a gaming state other than super-reach production, or in a state where a customer waiting state or the like is not displaying an error, and in a slot machine, in a gaming state other than continuous production, or in a customer waiting state. In the case where there is no error display, etc.), the adjustment status is displayed so as to be visible regardless of the operation of the player (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100). (For example, the volume adjustment status is displayed on the effect display device 9 in accordance with the execution of the process such as the volume status display process (see FIG. 46)), and is in a state different from the first state and a specific effect (for example, in a pachinko game machine, In the second state (for example, a gaming state during a super-reach effect on a pachinko game machine, a gaming state during a continuous effect on a slot machine, etc.) in which a reach effect or a continuous effect is performed on a slot machine, it is difficult to visually recognize the adjustment status. It is determined that visual recognition is not possible (for example, the volume adjustment state is not displayed on the effect display device 9 according to the execution of the processing such as step S614 by the effect control microcomputer 100), and a predetermined condition is established based on the operation of the player. (For example, volume control based on operation of the stick controller 122, etc.). Situation may be only such as is displayed) that a predetermined time period to the effect display device 9. According to such a configuration, it is possible to display the adjustment state of the effect adjustment according to the player's request while suppressing the effect of the specific effect from being reduced, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

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. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 4ms 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 and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the effect control command which the microcomputer for game control transmits. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the effect control command which the microcomputer for game control transmits. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hold buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation command transmission process. It is a flow chart which shows special design stop processing in special design process processing. It is a flow chart which shows big hit end processing in special design processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of special symbol display control 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. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of a command analysis process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of a command analysis process. 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 in the effect display device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a process table. It is an explanatory view showing the concept of the layer structure in the effect display device of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a pseudo light guide plate effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table, a color tone determination lottery table, an effect pattern determination lottery table, and an effect pattern table. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a data pattern A and a data pattern B. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a data pattern C. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a data pattern D. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a data pattern D. It is a flowchart which shows the process during the effect symbol change in the effect control process process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an image data table. It is a timing chart in this Embodiment which shows the execution timing of a pseudo light guide plate effect. It is a flowchart which shows the effect design fluctuation stop processing in the effect control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display in a light guide plate effect, and the example of a display in a pseudo light guide plate effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display in a light guide plate effect, and the example of a display in a pseudo light guide plate effect. It is an explanatory view showing a concrete example of a display in a simulated light guide plate effect. It is an explanatory view showing a concrete example of a display in a simulated light guide plate effect. It is an explanatory view showing a concrete example of a display in a simulated light guide plate effect. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a sound volume state display process according to a third modification. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a temporary display process according to a third modification. 17 shows an example of an effect in the case where a volume change operation is performed in the super reach variation display according to the third modification.

  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 them (game components to be described later). (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.

  The member forming the surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 4 is formed in a stick shape (rod shape) at a predetermined position (for example, a central portion of the lower tray) on the upper surface of the lower tray main body. A stick controller 122 that can be held and tilted in a plurality of directions (front, rear, left, and right) is attached. Note that the stick controller 122 is provided with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger or the like) in a state where the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 122 with the operation hand (for example, the left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of performing an instruction operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a predetermined instruction operation such as a push-pull operation on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operation rod of the stick controller 122. 3). Further, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a tilt operation on the operation rod is provided in the lower portion of the stick controller 122 inside the main body of the lower plate. The stick controller 122 has a built-in vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for causing the stick controller 122 to vibrate.

  The member that forms the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 has a predetermined instruction operation performed by a player at a predetermined position (for example, above the stick controller 122) on the near side on the upper surface of the upper plate main body. A possible push button 120 is provided. The push button 120 may be configured to be able to mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from a player. A push sensor 124 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a player's operation performed on the push button 120 may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 120. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the mounting positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 are in a vertical positional relationship at the center of the upper plate and the lower plate. On the other hand, the mounting position of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 may be set to the position on the upper plate and the lower plate that is shifted to the left or right while maintaining the vertical positional relationship. Alternatively, the mounting positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 may not be in the vertical position but may be in the left and right positional relationship.

  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. .

  Further, in the effect display device 9, a symbol other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol among the left and right middle symbols) continues for a predetermined time, and the big hit symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol becomes the same symbol). (Combination of symbols), stopped, rocked, scaled or deformed, or multiple symbols fluctuated synchronously with the same symbol, or the positions of displayed symbols were switched. An effect performed in a state where the possibility of occurrence of a big hit continues before the final result is displayed (hereinafter, these states are referred to as a reach state) is referred to as a reach effect. The reach state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach mode. Further, a variable display including a reach effect is called a reach variable display. Then, if the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the effect display device 9 is not a big hit symbol, the result is “missing” and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner as the effect of the liquid crystal display in the effect display device 9 is described. However, the effects performed by the effect display device 9 are the same as those described in this embodiment. Instead, for example, an effect having a predetermined story characteristic may be executed, and an effect of displaying the result of the story based on the determination result of the big hit determination or the variation pattern may be executed. For example, while performing a professional wrestling or soccer game or a battle effect where enemy and ally characters fight, a performance that wins the game or battle if it is a big hit, and a performance that defeats the game or battle if it is out of place Is also good. Further, for example, instead of displaying a result such as a win or loss, an effect of sequentially developing a predetermined story such as a story may be executed.

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

  In this embodiment, the effect design change display is executed in synchronization with the special design change display (exactly, however, the effect design change display is changed on the effect control microcomputer 100 side). It is performed by measuring the fluctuation time recognized based on the pattern command.) When performing an effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect contents including the change display of the effect symbol disappear from the screen for a moment. The production mode has been diversified, for example, the production is performed, and the production is performed such that the movable object blocks all or a part of the screen. For this reason, even if the user is looking at the display screen on the effect display device 9, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not the current state is in the variable display state. Therefore, in this embodiment, by performing the variable display of the fourth symbol on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, the state of the fourth symbol is checked to determine whether the current state is the variable display. Whether or not it is possible to recognize it. Note that the fourth symbol is constantly displayed in a variably manner with a fixed operation, and does not disappear from the screen or is shielded by a shield, so that it can always be visually recognized.

  The fourth symbol for the first special symbol and the fourth symbol for the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a fourth symbol, and the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol and the second special symbol are sometimes referred to as the fourth symbol. The fourth symbol display area 9d for symbols may be collectively referred to as a fourth symbol display area.

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

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, it is displayed in a display color (a display color different from a loss) reminiscent of a big hit in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. You. For example, while the color is lost, the color is displayed in blue, while the color of the big hit is displayed in red. The display color may be changed according to the type of the big hit (whether the big hit or the normal big hit). In addition, the display color may be changed depending on whether or not a big hit that can expect a game ball to be hit into the big winning opening. If it is possible to control a plurality of kinds of big hits having different numbers of rounds, The display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the game. Also, even if the number of rounds for each big hit is the same, for example, a big hit in which the opening time of the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second) and a game ball can not be expected to substantially enter the big winning opening. In the case where there is a long winning time per round (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit in which a game ball can be expected to substantially enter the big winning opening, substantially the big winning opening is obtained. The display color may be changed depending on whether or not a winning of the game ball can be expected. Further, for example, when the number of times of opening of the special winning opening per round is different, there is a big winning that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening and a big winning that cannot be expected substantially. The display color may be made different depending on whether or not a winning of a game ball to the mouth can be expected.

  When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, it is displayed in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol in a display color reminiscent of a big hit (a display color different from a loss). You. For example, while the color is lost, the color is displayed in blue, while the color of the big hit is displayed in red. The display color may be changed according to the type of the big hit (whether the big hit or the normal big hit). In addition, the display color may be changed depending on whether or not a big hit that can expect a game ball to be hit into the big winning opening. If it is possible to control a plurality of kinds of big hits having different numbers of rounds, The display color may be changed according to the number of rounds continued in the game. Also, even if the number of rounds for each big hit is the same, for example, a big hit in which the opening time of the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second) and a game ball can not be expected to substantially enter the big winning opening. In the case where there is a long winning time per round (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a big hit in which a game ball can be expected to substantially enter the big winning opening, substantially the big winning opening is obtained. The display color may be changed depending on whether or not a winning of the game ball can be expected. Further, for example, when the number of times of opening of the special winning opening per round is different, there is a big winning that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening and a big winning that cannot be expected substantially. The display color may be made different depending on whether or not a winning of a game ball to the mouth can be expected.

  The display colors of the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d when the lights are turned off are different from the background images (for example, black) in order to prevent the assimilation with the background image from disappearing when the lights are turned off. Desirably.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the fourth symbol display area is provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is shown, but a light emitter such as a lamp or an LED is used separately from the effect display device 9. To realize the fourth symbol display area. In this case, for example, the variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately turned on, and any one of the two LEDs is stopped. It may be configured to indicate whether or not the big hit symbol has been stopped and displayed depending on whether or not it has been displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which separate fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively. However, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbol may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Further, a fourth symbol display area common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be realized by using a light-emitting body such as a lamp or an LED. In this case, when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, For example, by performing a display in which display of different display colors is repeatedly turned on and off at predetermined time intervals, the variable display of the fourth symbol may be executed separately. In addition, when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the first special symbol, and when the variation display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variation display of the second special symbol, for example, Alternatively, by performing a display in which lighting and extinguishing are repeated at different time intervals, the variable display of the fourth symbol may be executed separately. Also, for example, the same big hit symbol is used when deriving and displaying a stop symbol corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol and when deriving and displaying a stop symbol corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol. Alternatively, a stop symbol in a different mode may be stopped and displayed.

  On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display (first variable display section) 8a for variably displaying a first special symbol as identification information is provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 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 (on the right of the first special symbol display 8a), a second special symbol display (second variable display section) 8b for variably displaying a second special symbol as identification information. Is also provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 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.

  The small display is formed, for example, in a square shape. 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 display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b are collectively referred to as a special symbol display (variable display unit). May be.

  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 (including winning), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of storages to be held is not 0, and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) This is started based on the establishment of a state and a state in which the big hit game is not executed), and after a variable display time (variable time) elapses, a display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. The passing of the game ball means that the game ball has passed through an area that is previously determined as a winning area, such as a winning opening or a gate, and includes a concept that the game ball has entered (wins) the winning opening. It is. 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 gaming ball can enter the second starting winning port 14 (the starting winning is facilitated), 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. Therefore, in the state where the variable winning prize ball device 15 is in the closed state, game balls are more likely to win in the first starting winning opening 13 than in the second starting winning opening 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.

  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 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.

  Above the second special symbol display 8b, there is provided a second special symbol hold storage display 18b composed of four displays for displaying the number of effective winning balls in the second starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of second hold storage. 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.

  Further, above the second special symbol hold storage display 18b, the number of effective winning balls in the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first hold memory number (the hold memory is also referred to as a start memory or a start winning memory). ) Is provided with a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a composed of four displays. 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.

  Further, a lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is provided with a first hold storage display part 18c for displaying the first hold storage number and a second hold storage display part 18d for displaying the second hold storage number. ing. Note that an area (summed storage display unit) for displaying the total number (summed suspended storage count) that is the sum of the first suspended storage count and the second suspended storage count may be provided. In this way, by providing the total suspension storage display unit for displaying the total number, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that do not satisfy the start condition of the variable display.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. The effect symbol as the symbol is variably displayed. 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. Also, 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 special variable winning prize ball device 20 that forms a large winning port is provided. The special variable winning ball device 20 includes an opening / closing plate, and when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the specific display result is derived and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, The game state is controlled. The specific display result is a predetermined display result. For example, in the present embodiment, there is a big hit symbol. The specific game state is to change the variable winning means that can be changed between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state disadvantageous to the player to the first state. In the present embodiment, the specific state is the open state. There is a jackpot game state in which the special variable winning ball device 20 that can be changed to a closed state is opened. For example, when a big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a specific display result, the big hit game state is controlled as the specific game state. In each specific game state, the open / closed plate in the closed state is controlled to the open state by the solenoid 21, so that the big winning opening, which is a winning area, is opened. The game ball that has won the special winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  On the left side of the effect display device 9, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying a normal symbol is provided. In this embodiment, the symbol display 10 is generally implemented by a simple and small display (for example, a 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers from 0 to 9. That is, the normal symbol display 10 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) of 0 to 9. The small-sized display is formed, for example, in a square shape. The ordinary symbol display 10 may be configured to variably display, for example, numbers from 00 to 99 (or two-digit symbols). In addition, the ordinary symbol display 10 is not limited to a 7-segment LED or the like. For example, a display capable of lighting and displaying a predetermined symbol display (for example, a decorative lamp capable of alternately lighting and displaying "O" and "X"). May be configured.

  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. When the stop symbol on the ordinary symbol display device 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol, for example, symbol "7"), 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, there is provided an ordinary symbol hold storage display 41 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls passing through the gate 32. 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 symbol holding storage display 41 normally increases the number of lit LEDs by one. Then, every time the variable display of the ordinary symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is decreased by one. Furthermore, a probable change state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit is higher than the normal state (a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit as a result of the fluctuation display of a special symbol is increased compared to the normal state) In this case, the probability that the stop symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the state may shift to the high base state in which the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased.

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out port 26 into which a hit ball that does not win is taken. In addition, four speakers 27 that emit sound effects and voices as predetermined voice outputs are provided on the upper left and right sides and lower left and right sides of the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a frame LED 28 provided on a front frame is 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 a 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, 2), 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.

  In this embodiment, when a 15R probability change hit or a 4R probability change hit occurs, the game state is shifted to the high probability state, and the game ball is easily started and won (that is, the special symbol display 8a, 8b, The state shifts to the high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that the execution condition of the variable display in the effect display device 9 is easily satisfied). In the case of the high base state, for example, as compared with the case of not being in the high base state, the frequency with which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is increased, or the time in which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is extended. It is easy to win the starting prize.

  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. Accordingly, as the frequency of winning the normal symbol increases, the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 being opened increases, and the winning prize ball device 15 becomes easy to win (high base state).

  In addition, by shifting to the time reduction state (special symbol time reduction state) in which the fluctuation time (variable display period) of special symbols and effect symbols is reduced, the fluctuation time of special symbols and effect symbols is shortened. The frequency at which the effect symbols fluctuate is started more frequently (in other words, the retention memory is more quickly consumed), and it is possible to reduce a situation in which an invalid start winning is generated. Therefore, an effective start winning is more likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility that a big hit game is 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). In addition, by shifting to only one of the above-described states (open extended state, ordinary symbol positive change state, ordinary symbol time-saving state, and special symbol time-saving state), the starting prize can be easily made (high). (Transition to the base state).

  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).

  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 the power supply board 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 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 a special symbol process flag or a probable change flag) and data indicating the number of unpaid prize 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.

  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 a random timing. Based on the fact that the winning time is when the numerical data is read (extracted), the read numerical data has a random number generation function that 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, the predetermined calculation is performed using the ID number of the game control microcomputer 560 (an ID number assigned to each product of the game control microcomputer 560 with a different numerical value) stored in a predetermined storage area such as the ROM 54. The numerical data obtained by the execution 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.

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

  The game control microcomputer 560 includes a first special symbol display 8a and a second special symbol display 8b for variably displaying special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying normal symbols, and a first special symbol holding storage. The display control of the display 18a, the second special symbol hold storage display 18b, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 is performed.

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

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (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 of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying the effect symbols is performed.

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

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, 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 includes an effect control CPU 101 and an effect control microcomputer 100 including a RAM for storing information on effects such as effect symbol process flags. Note that the RAM may be externally attached. In this embodiment, the RAM in the effect control microcomputer 100 is not backed up by a power supply. 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.

  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. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9 via the frame memory.

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

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 allows the signal input from the relay board 77 to pass only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (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. In addition, 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 via 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).

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

  Further, effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the LED to lamp driver board 35 via 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 current to a light emitter such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates a voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs to the speaker 27 an audio signal 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 a time-series manner. When receiving a predetermined request from the effect control board 80, the voice synthesis IC 703 generates a voice and outputs the voice to the speaker 27.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 in response to the start of power supply to the game machine and the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 560 becoming high level. It is. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes a security check process which is a process for confirming whether or not the contents of the program are valid. Then, the main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). Note that the CPU 56 may check the state of the clear signal only once through the input port 0, or may check the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is in the off state, after a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second) delay time, the state of the clear signal is confirmed again. At that time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is on, it is determined that the clear signal is on. At this time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is in the OFF state, after a predetermined delay time, the state of the clear signal may be confirmed again. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to one or two, but may be three or more. Alternatively, the check may be performed twice, and the check may be performed again when the check results do not match.

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

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

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

  In the power supply stop processing, a checksum is calculated by the same processing as the above processing, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power 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 may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of stopping the power supply, the initialization processing (the processing of steps S10 to S14) executed at the time of turning on the power other than the recovery from the stop of the power supply is performed. Execute.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply. 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, etc.), an area where the output state of the output port is stored (output port buffer), This is a portion where data indicating the number of payout prize balls is set.

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

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The predetermined data 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 the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a random number counter for ordinary symbol determination, a buffer for ordinary symbol determination, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a prize ball flag, a ball out flag, and the like are selectively processed according to control states. The initial value is set in the flag for performing

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

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

  Then, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a register of a CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 such that the timer interrupt is periodically performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 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 4 ms.

  When the setting of the timer interrupt is completed, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt disabled state (step S17), and executes a random number updating process for initial value (step S18a) and a random number updating process for display (step S18b). The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update processing and the display random number update processing are executed, and sets the interrupt enabled state when the initial value random number update processing and the display random number update processing are completed. To

  The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of a counter for generating an initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining a type of a big hit (for example, a random number for a big hit symbol determining for determining a special symbol for generating a big hit, or determining whether to shift the game state to a certain state. The initial value of the count value of a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining a probability change, a random number for determining a normal symbol hit for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol, and the like. It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process described later (a process in which a game control microcomputer controls a game device such as an effect display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15, and a ball payout device 97 provided in the game machine, or In a process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, also referred to as a game device control process), when the count value of the random number generation counter for determination makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.

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

  Also, the reason why the interrupt prohibition state is set when the display random number update process is executed is that the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are also executed in a timer interrupt process described later (that is, the timer interrupt process is performed). This is because the same processing is executed in steps S26 and S27 of the interrupt processing), thereby avoiding conflict with the processing in the timer interrupt processing. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the processing of steps S18a and S18b and the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, the count The continuity of values may be lost. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of steps S18a and S18b.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for controlling the display of the special symbol display 8, the ordinary symbol display 10, the special symbol storage storage display 18, and the ordinary symbol storage display 41 (step S22). With respect to the special symbol display 8 and the ordinary symbol display 10, control is performed to output a drive signal to each display in accordance with the contents of the output buffer set in steps S36 and S37.

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

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command relating to an effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect symbol command control process: step S30). In addition, that the fluctuation of the effect symbol is synchronized with the fluctuation of the special symbol means that the fluctuation time (variable display period) is the same.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs an information output process of outputting data such as a starting port signal, a symbol determination frequency 1 signal, a symbol determination frequency 2 signal, a big hit 1 to 3 signal, and a time reduction signal supplied to the hall management computer, for example. (Step S31).

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

  In addition, a test terminal process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be checked outside the gaming machine is executed (step S33). Further, in this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 56 outputs the contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 0 to the output port. (Step S34: output processing). Then, the CPU 56 executes a storage process for checking an increase or decrease in the number of reserved storages (step S35).

  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 S36). Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for 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 S37).

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

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

  According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control processing corresponds to the processing of steps S21 to S39 (excluding steps S31 and S33) in the timer interrupt processing. Further, 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, and the game control process is performed in the main process. 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 result is 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 combination of effect symbols 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.

  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, non-reach PA1-1 to non-reach PA1-1 to non-reach PA1-1 to non-reach PA-1 are used as a variation pattern corresponding to the case where the variable display result is “outside” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “non-reach”. A variation pattern of reach PA1-4 is prepared. In addition, as a variation pattern corresponding to a case where the variable display result is “outside” and the variable display mode of the effect symbol is “reach”, normal PA2-1 to normal PA2-2, normal PB2-1 to normal PB2-2 , Super PA3-1 to super PA3-2, and fluctuation patterns of super PB3-1 to super PB3-2. As shown in FIG. 6, the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach PA1-4 that is used when no reach is performed and involves the effect of a pseudo-ream is performed once again. In the case of using the normal PB2-1 among the fluctuation patterns used in the case of the reach and accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-change is performed once. Further, the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach PA1-2 used when no reach is performed is a fluctuation pattern for shortening fluctuation, and the fluctuation time of the effect symbol is reduced to a short time (3.0 seconds in this example). . In addition, when the normal PB2-2 is used among the fluctuation patterns used in the case of the reach and accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-change is performed twice. Furthermore, when the super PA3-1 to the super PA3-2 are used among the fluctuation patterns which are used in the case of the reach and produce the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-variation is performed three times. In addition, the re-variation is to perform the variable display of the production symbol again after temporarily stopping the production symbol that is once out of the range from the start of the variable display of the production symbol until the display result is derived and displayed. .

  Also, 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 becomes a big hit symbol, normal PA2-3 to normal PA2-4, normal PB2-3 to normal PA2 The variation patterns of PB2-4, Super PA3-3 to Super PA3-4, and Super PB3-3 to Super PB3-4 are prepared.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when the normal PB2-3 is used among the fluctuation patterns accompanied by the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-variation is performed once. In addition, when the normal PB2-4 is used among the fluctuation patterns used in the case of the reach and accompanied by the effect of the pseudo ream, the re-change is performed twice. Furthermore, when the super PA3-3 to the super PA3-4 are used among the fluctuation patterns which are used in the case of the reach and produce the effect of the pseudo-run, the re-variation is performed three times.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the fluctuation time is fixedly set according to the type of the reach (for example, in the case of Super Reach A with a pseudo run, the fluctuation time is 32). .75 seconds, and the fluctuation time is fixed at 22.75 seconds in the case of the super reach A without the pseudo run.) For example, even in the case of the same type of super reach, Alternatively, the fluctuating time may be made different according to the total number of stored suspensions. 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 determination table is prepared for each of the values of the first reserved storage number and the second reserved storage number (for example, a variation pattern type determination table for the reserved storage numbers 0 to 2 and the reserved storage numbers 3 and 4). And a variation pattern type determination table is prepared in advance), and a determination table is selected in accordance with the value of the first reserved storage number or the second reserved storage number to vary the variation time.

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 big hit (15R certain variable big hit described later, 4R certain variable big hit) (for big hit type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): Determines the type (type) of the variation pattern (for variation pattern type determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): Determines a variation pattern (variation time) (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine initial value of random 4 (for determining random 4 initial value)

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

  The variation pattern type is obtained by grouping a plurality of variation patterns according to the characteristics of the variation mode. For example, a plurality of fluctuation patterns are grouped by the type of reach, and a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern with normal reach, a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern with super reach A, and a fluctuation pattern with super reach B are included. It may be divided into a variation pattern type. Also, for example, a plurality of fluctuation patterns are grouped by the number of times of re-change of the pseudo run, and a change pattern type including a change pattern without pseudo run, a change pattern type including a change pattern of one re-run, A variation pattern type including a variation pattern with two fluctuations and a variation pattern type including a variation pattern with three re-variations may be used. Further, for example, a plurality of variation patterns may be grouped based on the presence or absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo-run or a sliding effect.

  In step S25 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 controls the counter for generating the big hit type determination random number (1) and the normal symbol hit random number (4). 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 2, random 3) or the random numbers for initial value (random 5). In addition, a random number other than the above-mentioned random number 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. Note that a software random number may be used as the big hit determination random number instead of the hardware 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 (that is, a gaming 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.

  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 for big hit determination (random R). The random number for big hit determination is shown in FIG. If any one of the jackpot determination values is matched, it is determined that the special symbol is to be a jackpot (15R probability variable hit, 4R probability variable hit described later). The “probability” shown in FIG. 8A indicates a probability (ratio) of a big 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 first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It is also to decide whether to make a big hit symbol.

  FIGS. 8B and 8C are explanatory diagrams showing the big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b stored in the ROM 54. FIG. Among these, FIG. 8 (B) determines the type of big hit by using the hold 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. 8C 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 big hit type determination tables 131a and 131b indicate that when the variable display result is determined to be a big hit symbol, the type of the big hit is "15R probability variable big hit" based on the random number (random 1) for the big hit type determination, It is a table referred to in order to determine any of "4R probability change big hit". In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 (B) and 8 (C), 10 judgment values are assigned to “15R probable big hit” in the big hit type judgment table 131a (40 minutes). In contrast to this, 30 determination values are assigned to “15R certainty big hit” in the big hit type determination table 131b (ratio of 30/40). Is determined to be a 15R probability change jackpot). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second start winning opening 14 and the second special symbol of the second special symbol are started rather than the case where the first start winning opening 13 is started and the variable display of the first special symbol is executed. When the variable display is executed, the ratio determined as “15R probability change big hit” is higher.

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

  The “15R probability changing big hit” is a big hit in which the game is controlled to the big hit game state of 15 rounds and shifts to the certain change state after the end of the big hit game state (in this embodiment, the state is shifted to the certain change state and the time saving state is reduced). Will also be migrated.). Until the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (50 times), the probability change state and the time saving state continue. Hereinafter, a game state controlled to the probability change state and the time reduction state may be referred to as a “high probability high base state”, and a state not controlled to any of the probability change state and the time reduction state may be referred to as a “low probability low base state”. .

  The “4R probable big hit” is a big hit that controls the big hit gaming state of four rounds and shifts to the probable change state after the end of the big hit game state. Will also be migrated.). Until the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (50 times), the probability change state and the time saving state continue.

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

  9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. FIG. In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, 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 corresponding 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 available variation patterns, 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 the 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 8C03 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of big hit. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H), and thus the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (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 fourth 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 fourth symbol and derives and displays the display result.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure 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 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The commands A001 to A002 (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). In this embodiment, one of the jackpot start 1 designation command and the jackpot start 2 designation command is used according to the type of the jackpot. More specifically, a big hit start 1 designation command (A001 (H)) is used in the case of "15R probability variable hit", and a big hit start 2 designation command (A002 (H)) in the case of "4R probability change big hit". ) Is used.

  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. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data and transmitted for each round, the special winning opening opening designation command that is different for each round is transmitted. 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. In addition, since the value specifying the round is set in the EXT data and transmitted for each round in the special winning opening specification command, the different special winning opening specification command is transmitted for each round.

  Commands A301 (H) and A302 (H) are for displaying a big hit end screen, that is, an effect control command for specifying the end of the big hit game (big hit end 1 specifying command: ending 1 specifying command, big hit end 2 specifying command: ending) 2 designation command). Note that the big hit end 1 designation command (A301 (H)) is used when a big hit game with “15R probable big hit” is ended. The big hit end 2 designation command (A302 (H)) is used to end the big hit game by “4R probability change big hit”.

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

  The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reservation storage number addition designation command) for designating that the first reservation storage number has increased by one. The command C100 (H) is an effect control command (a second reserved storage number addition designation command) for designating that the second reserved storage number has been increased by one. The command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first subtraction storage number subtraction designation command) for designating that the first reservation storage number has decreased by one. The command C300 (H) is an effect control command (a second reserved storage number subtraction designation command) for designating that the second reserved storage number has decreased by one.

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

  For example, the game control microcomputer 560 designates a 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 when there is a start winning. 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. 9 and 10, the variation pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed on the first special symbol display 8 a in the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The effect display 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 indicator 8b, and the effect display is performed 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. 11 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 is executed. In the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 detects that a game ball has won the first starting port switch 13a or the second starting winning port 14 for detecting that a game ball has won the first starting winning port 13. If the second starting port switch 14a for turning on the vehicle is turned on, that is, if a winning start in the first starting winning port 13 or a starting winning in the second starting winning port 14 has occurred, the starting port switch passing process is performed. Execute (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processing in steps S300 to S307 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 in a state where the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of stored numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (the total reserved storage number) is confirmed. 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 time when the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) in the fluctuation pattern is determined by the fluctuation time of the special symbol variable display. 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 process elapses (the fluctuation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the fluctuation time timer becomes 0), the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. Control for transmitting the designated command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560.

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

  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 for counting the number of game balls entering the special winning opening) and the like are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. 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 (6 in this example) corresponding to step S306. The pre-winning opening process is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process is also a process of starting a big hit game.

  Big winning opening processing (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 the 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. Control is performed to cause the effect control microcomputer 100 to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag (for example, a probability change 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.

  FIG. 12 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 flow shifts to step S1217. 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 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 flow shifts to step S1217.

  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 incremented by 1 (step S1214). Next, the CPU 56 executes a process of extracting values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers and storing them in a storage area in the first hold storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1215). . In the process of step S1215, a random R (hard hit determination random number) which is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) which is a software random number, a variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and a variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. Note that, instead of extracting the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2) and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in the opening opening switch passing process (at the time of starting winning), the random number is not stored in advance in the storage area. It may be extracted at the start of the change of one special symbol. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 directly extracts a value from a fluctuation pattern type determination random number counter for generating a fluctuation pattern type determination random number (random 2) in a fluctuation pattern setting process described later, A value may be directly extracted from a fluctuation pattern determination random number counter for generating a determination random number (random 3).

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing a random number or the like corresponding to the hold storage. As shown in FIG. 13, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In 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, A random number for pattern type determination (random 2) and a random number for variation pattern determination (random 3) are stored. Note that the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second starting port switch 14a is in an on state (step S1217). If the second opening switch 14a is not on, the process is terminated. If the second starting port 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 or not the value of the number counter is 4 (step S1218). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the 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 S1219), and increases the value of the total reserved storage number counter for counting the total reserved storage number. Is incremented by 1 (step S1220). Next, the CPU 56 executes a process of extracting values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers and storing them in a storage area in the second hold storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1221). . In the process of step S1221, random R (hard hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, jackpot type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and variation pattern A random number for determination (random 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. In addition, instead of extracting the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) in the start-up 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 variation 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.

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

  FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 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 sum reserved storage number is 0, if the customer wait demonstration designation command has not been transmitted yet, control is performed to transmit the customer wait demonstration designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is performed. finish. Note that, for example, upon transmitting the customer waiting demonstration designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration designation command has been transmitted. When the special symbol normal processing is executed after the next timer interrupt after the customer waiting demonstration designation command is transmitted, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completed flag is set and the customer waiting demonstration is repeated. What is necessary is just to control not to transmit a demonstration designation command. In this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag may be reset when the next special symbol change display is started.

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

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

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random 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 of the random numbers 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 1, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved storage number counter by one and stores each of the storage areas in the first reserved storage number buffer. Shift the contents of 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 storage area in the second reserved storage number buffer are shifted.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 reduces the value of the total number of reserved storages 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 a background designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 according to the current game state (step S60). In this case, if the probable change flag indicating the probable change state is set, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the probable change state background designation command. If the probable change flag is not set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the normal state background designation command.

  Note that, in this embodiment, the case where the background designation command is transmitted each time for each change is shown. For example, at the start of the change, it is determined whether or not the game state has changed since the last change, A background designation command corresponding to the changed game state may be transmitted only when the state has changed. With such a configuration, the number of transmissions of the background designation command can be reduced, and the processing load on the game control microcomputer 560 can be reduced.

  Specifically, when transmitting the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets an address of a command transmission table (preset in the ROM for each command) according to the effect control command. Set to pointer. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect symbol command control process (step S30). In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the microcomputer for effect control in the order of the background designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result designation command, and the hold storage number subtraction designation command for each timer interrupt. 100. Specifically, when changing the special symbol, a background designating command is transmitted first, a fluctuation pattern command is transmitted after a lapse of 4 ms, a display result specifying command is further transmitted after a lapse of 4 ms, and after a lapse of 4 ms. A command for subtracting the number of reserved storages is transmitted. At the start of the special symbol variation, a symbol variation designation command (first symbol variation designation command, second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt command as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  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 S307 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. In this case, the CPU 56 reads the random number for jackpot determination extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 of the starting port switch passage process and stored in the first hold storage buffer or the second hold storage buffer in advance, and performs the jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that executes a process of comparing a predetermined jackpot determination value (see FIG. 8) with a jackpot determination random number and, if they match, determining a jackpot. That is, it is a program for executing the process of determining a big hit.

  The big hit determination process is configured so that the probability of a big hit is higher when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state) than when the game state is a non-probable change state (normal game state). More specifically, the probability change large hit determination table in which a large number of the big hit determination values are set in advance (table in the ROM 54 in which the numerical value on the right side of FIG. 8A is set) and the number of the big hit determination values are A normal-time 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 in the probable change state. If the gaming state is in 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 When the game is in a gaming 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 S62. 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 by whether or not the probable change flag is set. The certainty change flag is set when the game state is shifted to the certainty change state, and is reset when the certainty change state ends. Specifically, it is determined to be a 15R probability variable jackpot or a 4R probability variable jackpot, and is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. When it is determined that the jackpot is determined, the special symbol change display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Is reset, or at the timing of ending the special symbol change display of 50 times.

  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 proceeds directly to step S66.

  In step S62, 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 S63). 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. 8B. 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. 8C.

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select the type corresponding to the value that matches the value of the random number (random 1) for the jackpot type determination stored in the random number buffer area (“15R probable big hit”, “ 4R probability change big hit ") is determined as a big hit type (step S64). In this case, the CPU 56 reads out the random number for jackpot type determination extracted in steps S1215 and S1221 of the starting port switch passage processing and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer or the second hold storage buffer, and determines the jackpot type. .

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

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol of the special symbol (step S66). More specifically, if the big hit flag is not set, “-”, which is a lost symbol, is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of the big hit symbols is determined to be a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. In other words, when it is determined to be "15R probable big hit", "7" is determined to be the special symbol stop symbol, and when it is determined to be "4R probable big hit", "3" is determined to be the special symbol stop symbol.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the jackpot type is determined first and the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined jackpot type is determined is shown. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, a table in which a special symbol stop symbol and a jackpot type are associated in advance is prepared, and a special symbol stop symbol is first determined based on the jackpot type determination random number, and a corresponding jackpot is determined based on the determination result. You may comprise so that a type may also be determined.

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

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing 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 determines which one of the large hit variation pattern type determination tables is used as a table used to determine the variation pattern type to one of a plurality of types according to the big hit type. Is selected (step S92). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  If the big hit flag has not been set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not a probability change flag indicating that it is in the probability change state is set (step S93). The probability change flag is set when the game state is shifted to the probability change state, and is reset when the probability change state ends. Specifically, it is determined to be a 15R probability variable jackpot or a 4R probability variable jackpot, and is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. When it is determined that the jackpot is determined, the special symbol change display is terminated and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Reset at the timing when the variable display is performed or when the variable display is completed 50 times. If the probable variation flag is set (Y in step S93), the CPU 56 sets the outlier variation pattern type determination table for probabilistic variation as a table used to determine the variation pattern type to one of a plurality of types. Select (step S97). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  If the probable change flag is not set (N in step S93), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of reserved storages is 3 or more (step S94). If the total number of stored suspensions is less than 3 (N in step S94), the CPU 56 determines whether the variation pattern type is one of a plurality of types as a normal variation pattern type determination table for a loss. Is selected (step S95). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S94), the CPU 56 determines whether the variation pattern type is one of a plurality of types and uses the table for out-of-change time reduction. A variation pattern type determination table is selected (step S96). Then, control goes to a step S98.

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S93 to S96, if the total number of pending storages is three or more, the outlier variation pattern type determination table for shortening the variation time is selected. When the gaming state is the probable change state, the outlier fluctuation pattern type determination table for the probabilistic change is selected. In this case, the non-reach CA2-3 may be determined as the variation pattern type in the process of step S98 described later, and if the variation pattern type of the non-reach CA2-3 is determined, the variation may be determined in the process of step S99. Non-reach PA1-2 of shortened fluctuation is determined as a pattern. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is the probable change state or when the total number of storages to be held is 3 or more, the fluctuation display of the shortened fluctuation may be performed.

  In this embodiment, the case where the variation pattern type determination table for the shortened variation used in the probable variation state and the variation pattern type determination table for the shortened variation based on the number of retained storages are different tables is shown. A common table may be used as the fluctuation pattern type determination table for the fluctuation.

  Even if the game state is the probable change state, if the total number of pending storages is substantially 0 (for example, 0 or 0 or 1), the fluctuation display of the shortened fluctuation is performed. It may not be necessary. In this case, for example, when determining “Y” in step S93, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number of reserved storages is substantially zero. A determination table may be selected.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 determines whether the variation pattern is one of a plurality of types based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S98. One of them is selected (step S99). In addition, the random number 3 (the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern) is read out from the random number buffer area (the first storage buffer or the second storage buffer), and the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the fluctuation pattern determination table selected in the process of step S99. Is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S100). In the case where the random number 3 (the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern) is not extracted at the timing of the start winning prize, the CPU 56 sets the random number counter for the fluctuation pattern determination for generating the random number for the fluctuation pattern determination (random 3). , The fluctuation pattern may be determined based on the extracted random number value.

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

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

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

  Also, when determining whether or not to reach by the lottery process using the random number for reach determination, the reach of the reach is determined in accordance with the total number of reserved storages (the number of first reserved storages or the number of second reserved storages). A reach determination table having a different selection ratio may be selected to determine whether or not reach is performed so that the reach probability decreases as the number of pending storages increases.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission processing, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting any one of the display result 1 designation to the display result 3 designation effect control commands (see FIG. 9) in accordance with the determined type of jackpot and the loss. Do. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether the big hit flag is set (step S105). If not set, the process moves to step S109. If the big hit flag is set and the big hit type is "15R certain big hit", control is performed to transmit the display result 2 designation command (steps S106 and S107). It should be noted that it is determined whether or not the “15R probable big hit” is, specifically, by confirming whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S65 of the special symbol normal processing is “01”. it can. In addition, when the type of the big hit is “4R certain variable big hit”, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the display result 3 designation command (steps S106 and S108). It is to be noted that whether or not the “4R probability variable big hit” is determined by confirming whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S65 of the special symbol normal processing is “02”. it can.

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S105), that is, when the big hit is out, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 1 designation command (step S109).

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the CPU 56 sets the number of times of release according to the type of big hit in the number of times of release counter (step S135). For example, 15 times are set for the 15R probability change hit and 4 times are set for the 4R probability change hit, respectively, to the release number counter.

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

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

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the 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, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted in the case of a 15R probability variation big hit, and a big hit end 2 designation command is transmitted in the case of a 4R probability variation big hit. Then, a value corresponding to a display time corresponding to a time during which the big hit end display is being performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the 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 sets the probability change flag and shifts the gaming state to the probability change state (step S167). Then, "50" is set in the probability change counter (step S168), and the flow shifts to step S171.

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

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

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, whether or not the special symbol stop process is being executed) (step S3203). ). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4, that is, if the process shifts to the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets a special symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol stop symbol set in the special symbol normal process. A process of setting display control data in an output buffer for setting special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the special symbol stop symbol. Then, after that, a display control process (see step S22) is executed, and a drive signal is output to the special symbol display devices 8a and 8b according to the contents of the output buffer for setting special symbol display control data. Stop symbols of the special symbols are stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b. After the process of step S3204 is performed and the special symbol display control data for displaying the stopped symbols is set, the setting data is not changed. Therefore, the latest special symbol display control data is used in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol is continuously stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. If the value of the special symbol process flag is either 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, if it is either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol changing process), the special symbol change display flag is displayed. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, in order to prevent a deviation from occurring between the fluctuation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the fluctuation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side, the fluctuation also occurs in the display result designation command transmission processing. The time timer may be configured to decrement by one.

  In this embodiment, the case where the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag has been described. However, in the special symbol process processing, the start flag is set at the start of the change of the special symbol. At the same time, an end flag may be set at the end of the change of the special symbol. Then, in the special symbol display control process (step S36), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. The special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stopped symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts execution of the main processing when the power is turned on. In the main process, first, an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation interval (for example, 4 ms) of the effect control is performed (step S701). .

  Then, 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, the effect control CPU 101 first 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, the 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, effect control CPU 101 performs a fourth symbol process process (step S706). In the fourth symbol process process, a process corresponding to the current control state (fourth symbol process flag) is selected from among the processes corresponding to the control state, and is selected in the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9. The display control of the fourth symbol is executed.

  In step S706, control relating to the display of the fourth symbol is performed in a special display layer described later.

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

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing one configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six effect control commands having a 2-byte configuration is used. Therefore, the command receiving buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of the receiving command buffers 1 to 12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. 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. 9 and 10) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is. The interrupt processing based on the effect control INT signal is executed in preference to the timer interrupt processing executed every 4 ms.

  FIGS. 23 and 24 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 process, first, effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a received command is stored in the command receiving buffer (step S611). Whether or not it is stored is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where they 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 fluctuation pattern command (step S614), effect control CPU 101 stores the received fluctuation pattern command in a fluctuation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

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

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

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

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

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

  In steps S680 and S683, the background is specifically displayed on a normal display layer described later.

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

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

  FIG. 25 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 S807 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 relating 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. The variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the second special symbol may be executed by different effect control process. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is being executed based on which effect control process process has performed the effect symbol variation display.

  Variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command has been received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is 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 variation of the effect symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change process (step S802).

  Processing during effect symbol fluctuation (step S802): The switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) constituting the fluctuation pattern is controlled, and the end of the fluctuation 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 symbol fluctuation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the fluctuation of the effect symbol and to derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to one of the big hit display processing (step S804) and the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting processing (step S800).

  Big hit display processing (step S804): If it is a big hit, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit after the end of the fluctuation time. For example, when a fanfare designation command designating the start of a big hit is received, a fanfare effect is executed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the processing during the round (step S805).

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

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. For example, when a display command after opening the special winning opening indicating that the special winning opening is open (during closing) is received, the interval display is performed.

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

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process 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 variation pattern command reception flag has been set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start processing, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8001). Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines the display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read in step S8001 and the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). (Symbol) is determined (step S8002). That is, when the processing of step S8002 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. In addition, when the fluctuation pattern designating the pseudo run is also used, and the pseudo run is specified by the fluctuation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 determines in step S8002 the chance eye symbol ( For example, a combination of a symbol that does not become a reach but a big hit symbol and one symbol that is shifted, such as “223” or “445”, is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the determined stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8002, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received fluctuation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based on only the fluctuation pattern command. .

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

  Then, in the case of "missing" (when the received display result specifying command is the display result 1 specifying 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. 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, the stop symbol is determined by selecting the data indicating the combination of the effect symbols corresponding to the numerical values corresponding to the extracted random numbers.

  In addition, also with respect to the effect symbols, a stop symbol (a combination of symbols in which the left middle right is the same symbol) that recalls a big hit is referred to as a large hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that reminds the player of a loss is referred to as a "off symbol".

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for setting a notice effect (step S8003). Here, for example, a predetermined announcement effect (for example, the reliability of the jackpot) is determined based on, for example, whether the variation to be started is a jackpot, if the variation is a jackpot, which jackpot type, or the variation pattern read out. Is determined, whether or not to execute a step-up notice that evolves to a stage corresponding to the step, a button effect that switches the effect screen by receiving an operation on the operation member from the player, and the like.

  After step S8003, effect control CPU 101 performs a pseudo light guide plate effect setting process related to the setting of the pseudo light guide plate effect (step S8004A). The pseudo light guide plate effect is an effect in which a display simulating a light guide plate effect using a light guide plate is performed by the effect display device 9 so as to make it appear as if the light guide plate effect is being performed. Here, the light guide plate effect will be briefly described. The light guide plate effect is a gaming machine including a light guide plate (acryl plate) provided on the front side (player side) of the effect display device, and a light emitting member at a position where light can be incident on an end surface of the light guide plate. It is an effect that can be performed, by causing the light emitting member to emit light, the incident light from the light emitting member that has entered the inside from the end face of the light guide plate is guided by the reflecting portion provided inside the light guide plate and from the front. The information is displayed by emitting the light (see FIGS. 41 (A1) to (A3) and FIGS. 42 (C1) to (C3) described later). That is, since the display content of the light guide plate is determined by the reflection portion provided in advance inside the light guide plate, when providing the light guide plate effect of a plurality of effect patterns having different display contents, the effect pattern Of light guide plates need to be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a pseudo light guide plate effect of displaying a pseudo light guide plate image having a similar appearance to the light guide plate effect on the effect display device 9 is executed. Specifically, as the pseudo light guide effect in the present embodiment, the execution timing is before the occurrence of reach, the first pseudo light guide effect in which the display content (picture) is a character, and the execution timing is after the occurrence of reach. There is provided a second pseudo light guide plate effect whose display content (pattern) is a character such as "hot heat". Each pseudo light guide plate effect is configured such that the reliability of the big hit differs depending on the displayed color tone (for example, blue, red, rainbow) and the display mode (for example, enlarged display, blinking display). It will be described later.

  In step S8004, when the effect control CPU 101 executes a variation pattern and a notice effect, it selects a process table corresponding to the notice effect (step S8004). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8005). In addition, the effect which is performed during the fluctuation of the effect design according to the fluctuation pattern or the fluctuation such as the notice effect may be referred to as “fluctuation effect”.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a 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. The display control execution data includes, for example, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (display of the effect display device 9 in addition to the display mode of the effect symbol). (Including an effect mode other than the effect symbol on the screen). Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The effect time in the effect mode is set in the process timer setting value. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, displays the effect design in the mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value, and displays the character image and the background displayed on the display screen. Is displayed. In addition, it controls the flashing of the light emitter in the mode set in the lamp control execution data and the sound number data, and also controls the sound output from the speaker 27.

  The process table shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, the process table is prepared according to each variation pattern and the content of the announcement effect. If it is determined to execute the preview effect in the processing such as step S8004, it is not determined that the process table in which the data corresponding to the preview effect is set is selected and the preview effect is executed. In this case, a process table in which data corresponding to the announcement effect is not set is selected.

  In addition, in the process table used when performing the effect control for the fluctuation pattern accompanying 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.

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

  The effect display device 9 according to the present embodiment can display a plurality of images on different layers. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the concept of the layer structure in the effect display device 9 according to the present embodiment. In the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 30, display contents and display priorities are associated for each layer (display layer). As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, as a layer, the effect content and the background displayed in the normal effect image (normal effect (display of the fourth symbol and small symbol, and effect except for the pseudo light guide plate effect)) are displayed. ), A display layer for pseudo light guide plate effect whose display content is a pseudo light guide plate image (image displayed in the pseudo light guide plate effect), and display contents of the fourth design and the small design (reach effect). For example, at a predetermined timing, there is provided a special display layer which is an effect design which is displayed in a size smaller than usual. The display priority is as follows: special display layer> pseudo light guide plate effect display layer> normal display layer. That is, when the pseudo light guide plate effect is executed during the execution of the normal effect, the pseudo light guide plate image is displayed with priority over the normal effect image, and during the execution of the pseudo light guide plate effect, the fourth symbol or the small symbol is displayed. When the display is executed, the fourth symbol or the small symbol is displayed with priority over the pseudo light guide plate image. The pseudo light guide plate effect display layer includes a base and one to five layers, and the display priority is 5 layers> 4 layers> 3 layers> 2 layers> 1 layer> base. Specific display contents on the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer will be described later.

  In step S8006, as the control of the effect display device 9, specifically, the control of displaying the effect symbols and the announcement effect on the normal display layer and the control of displaying the image of the small symbol on the special display layer are performed.

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

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the pseudo light guide plate effect setting process. In the pseudo light guide plate effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first performs a first pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery to determine whether or not to execute the first pseudo light guide plate effect (step S2801). Specifically, using the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (A1), it is determined whether to execute the first pseudo light guide effect.

  FIG. 32 (A1) is an explanatory diagram showing a first pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table. In the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (A1), the first pseudo light guide plate effect is executed in accordance with the fluctuation pattern (SP reach hit, normal reach hit, SP reach off, normal reach off, non-reach off). The determination value corresponding to the presence or absence of the determination value is assigned. In the example shown in FIG. 32 (A1), for simplification of the description, the ratio of the assigned determination value is shown. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery, and determines a decision item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the fluctuation pattern is a SP reach jackpot, it is determined that executing the first pseudo light guide effect at a rate of 90% and not executing the first pseudo light guide effect at a rate of 10%, respectively. . Further, for example, when the variation pattern is a normal reach big hit, it is determined that the first pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a rate of 70% and the first pseudo light guide plate effect is not executed at a rate of 30%. You.

  Further, for example, when the variation pattern is out of SP reach, it is determined that the first pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a rate of 50%, and that the first pseudo light guide plate effect is not executed at a rate of 50%. Is done. Further, for example, when the fluctuation pattern is out of normal reach, it is determined that the first pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a rate of 30% and the first pseudo light guide plate effect is not executed at a rate of 70%, respectively. You. Further, for example, when the variation pattern is non-reach loss, it is determined that the first pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a rate of 10% and the first pseudo light guide plate effect is not executed at a rate of 90%. Is done.

  After step S2801, effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the first pseudo light guide plate effect (step S2802). If not, the process proceeds to step S2807. If it is determined to be executed, the effect control CPU 101 performs a first color tone determination lottery for determining the color tone of the first pseudo light guide plate effect to be executed (step S2802). Specifically, the color tone of the first pseudo light guide plate effect is determined using the first color tone determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (B1).

  FIG. 32 (B1) is an explanatory diagram showing a first color tone determination lottery table. The first color tone determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (B1) corresponds to the color tone of the first pseudo light guide plate effect according to the variation pattern (SP reach hit, normal reach hit, SP reach off, normal reach off, non-reach off). Although determination values are assigned, in the example shown in FIG. 32 (B1), 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 the first color tone determination lottery, and determines the determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the fluctuation pattern is a SP reach hit, “blue” is determined at a rate of 10%, “red” is determined at a rate of 30%, and “rainbow” is determined at a rate of 60%. Further, for example, when the fluctuation pattern is a normal reach hit, “blue” is determined at a rate of 20%, “red” is determined at a rate of 30%, and “rainbow” is determined at a rate of 50%.

  Further, for example, when the variation pattern is out of SP reach, “blue” is determined at a rate of 30%, and “red” is determined at a rate of 70%. Further, for example, when the fluctuation pattern is out of the normal reach, “blue” is determined at a rate of 50%, and “red” is determined at a rate of 50%. Further, for example, when the fluctuation pattern is out of reach, “blue” is determined at a rate of 80%, and “red” is determined at a rate of 20%.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the reliability of the big hit indicated by the color tone of the first pseudo light guide plate effect is “rainbow”> “red”> “blue”. In the present embodiment, “rainbow” can be selected as the color tone of the first pseudo light guide plate effect only when the variable display result is a big hit, that is, the first color tone “rainbow” is selected. If a pseudo light guide plate effect occurs, it is reported that a big hit will occur. In addition, even when the variable display result is out of order, “rainbow” may be selectable as the color tone of the first pseudo light guide plate effect.

  After step S2803, the effect control CPU 101 performs a first effect pattern determination lottery for determining an effect pattern in the first pseudo light guide plate effect to be executed (step S2804). Specifically, the effect pattern of the first pseudo light guide plate effect is determined using the first effect pattern determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (C1).

  FIG. 32 (C1) is an explanatory diagram showing a first effect pattern determination lottery table. The first effect pattern determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (C1) is assigned a determination value corresponding to the effect pattern of the first pseudo light guide plate effect according to the color tone (blue, red, rainbow). In the example shown in (C1), 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 a first effect pattern determination lottery, and determines a determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the color tone is "blue", PT1 is a production pattern at a rate of 40%, PT2 is a production pattern at a rate of 30%, and PT3 is a production pattern at a rate of 20%. PT4 is determined as a pattern. For example, when the color tone is “red”, any one of PT1 to PT4 is determined as the effect pattern at a rate of 25%. Further, for example, when the color tone is “rainbow”, PT1 is a production pattern at a rate of 10%, PT2 is a production pattern at a rate of 20%, PT3 is a production pattern at a rate of 30%, and a ratio is 40%. , PT4 is determined as an effect pattern.

  As a result, the reliability with respect to the big hit indicated by the effect pattern in the first pseudo light guide plate effect is PT4> PT3> PT2> PT1.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the first pseudo light guide plate effect in which the color tone is “rainbow” occurs, it is notified that a big hit will occur, so that the color tone is “rainbow”. In the first pseudo light guide plate effect in the case of "", the effect pattern selection ratio may be equal, or a fixed effect pattern (for example, PT4) may always be selected.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, PT1 to PT4 are provided as the effect patterns of the pseudo light guide plate effect. Here, the effect pattern of the pseudo light guide plate effect indicates a transition of an image data pattern reproduced in the pseudo light guide plate effect. The image data pattern is obtained by patterning image data in the pseudo light guide plate effect for each display mode. For example, data patterns A to D described later with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36 are provided as image data patterns. In the present embodiment, for these four types of image data patterns, the combination of the pseudo light guide plate effect type (the pattern to be displayed) and the color tone (blue character, red character, rainbow character, blue character, red character) Image data for each character (rainbow-colored character). Details of the image data will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32D, PT1 reproduces image data of data pattern A as image data corresponding to frames 0 to 15, and data pattern C as image data corresponding to frames 16 to 80. Is an effect pattern indicating that the image data is reproduced. PT2 is an effect pattern indicating that image data of data pattern B is reproduced as image data corresponding to frames 0 to 15 and image data of data pattern C is reproduced as image data corresponding to frames 16 to 80. is there. PT3 is an effect pattern indicating that image data of data pattern A is reproduced as image data corresponding to frames 0 to 15 and image data of data pattern D is reproduced as image data corresponding to frames 16 to 80. is there. PT4 is an effect pattern indicating that image data of data pattern B is reproduced as image data corresponding to frames 0 to 15 and image data of data pattern D is reproduced as image data corresponding to frames 16 to 80. is there.

  Here, specific examples of the data patterns A to D will be described with reference to FIGS. In each data pattern shown in FIGS. 33 to 36, the display mode (opacity, enlargement ratio) of an image corresponding to a frame is shown for each layer. "Opacity" is a numerical value of the degree of see-through of an image superimposed and displayed on the next lower layer. For example, if the value is “0”, it indicates that the display image of the corresponding layer is not visible and the image superimposed and displayed on the layer below is visible, and if the value is “100”, This indicates that only the display image of the corresponding layer is visible, and the image superimposed and displayed on the layer below is not visible. The “magnification ratio” represents the size of an image to be displayed, with the predetermined size of the original image being “100”. For example, if the value is “50”, it indicates that the image is displayed at half the size of the original image, and if the value is “270”, the size of the original image is displayed. This indicates that the image is displayed in a size 2.7 times larger than the image.

  Note that “↓” in the data pattern indicates that the value is the same as the value immediately above. For example, the opacity of the base of the data pattern A in frames 5 to 15 is “50”.

  Further, “(UP)” in the data pattern indicates that the value is higher than the value of the immediately preceding frame, and when “(UP)” is indicated in the consecutive frames, Indicates that the value increases. For example, the values of the base enlargement rates of the data pattern B in the frames 6 to 12 are values that increase by an equal amount between “110” in the frame 5 and “270” in the frame 13. That is, the difference between the enlargement ratios of the base frames in data frame B from frame 6 to frame 12 is “20”, the enlargement ratio of frame 6 is “130”, the enlargement ratio of frame 7 is “150”, and the frame 8 Of the frame 9 is “190”, the magnification of the frame 9 is “190”, the magnification of the frame 10 is “210”, the magnification of the frame 11 is “230”, and the magnification of the frame 12 is “250”. It is shown.

  Also, “(DOWN)” in the data pattern indicates that the value is lower than the value of the immediately preceding frame, and if “(DOWN)” is indicated in a continuous frame, Indicates that the value falls. For example, the values of the opacity of the base of the data pattern B in the frames 6 to 12 are values that fall between “100” in the frame 5 and “0” in the frame 13 by an equal difference, respectively. That is, the difference between the opacity of each base frame in frames 6 to 12 of data pattern B is “12.5”, the opacity of frame 6 is “87.5”, and the opacity of frame 7 is “75”. , The opacity of frame 8 is “62.5”, the opacity of frame 9 is “50”, the opacity of frame 10 is “37.5”, the opacity of frame 11 is “25”, and the opacity of frame 12 is The transparency is shown to be "12.5".

  The image data in the present embodiment is such that 30 frames of data per second are expanded in the frame memory by the VDP 109 and displayed on the effect display device 9 during reproduction.

  Further, the pseudo light guide plate image displayed in the pseudo light guide plate effect according to the present embodiment has a lower resolution than the effect image of the normal effect. Specifically, the resolution of the effect image of the normal effect is 96 ppi (pixel per inch), while the resolution of the pseudo light guide plate image is 48 ppi. The resolution of the simulated light guide plate image corresponds to the value of the resolution of the image displayed on the light guide plate (that is, the resolution of the picture (including characters and characters) processed on the acrylic plate) (an approximate value, Or the same value). If the gaming machine includes a light guide plate and is capable of performing the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect, an image having a resolution corresponding to the resolution of the image displayed on the light guide plate to be mounted is displayed on the pseudo light guide plate image. May be displayed.

  In addition, a common pattern (character, character) according to the pseudo light guide plate effect type is displayed on the base and the first to fifth layers, but the size of the original image displayed in the pseudo light guide plate effect (The magnitude of the enlargement factor 100) differs for each layer. Specifically, “the size of an image displayed on one layer <the size of an image displayed on two layers <the size of an image displayed on three layers <the size of an image displayed on four layers <display on five layers Size of the image to be performed ". Therefore, even when the enlargement ratios have the same value in the same frame, the actually displayed image is different for each layer. For example, in the frame 59 of the data pattern D shown in FIG. 36, the enlargement ratios of the first to fifth layers have the same value of “124”, but since the size of the original image is different, the size of the image actually displayed is different. The size increases as the layer has a higher display priority (see FIG. 45).

  Further, in a frame in which display is performed on the base and one layer, a pattern is displayed on the base at a position hidden by the pattern displayed on one layer. That is, in a frame in which display is performed on the base and one layer, the display of the base can be visually recognized by the player only when the opacity of one layer is low.

  Note that, as described above, in the present embodiment, “blue”, “red”, and “rainbow” are provided as the color tone of the pseudo light guide plate effect. When displaying a pseudo light guide plate image (character, character) on a plurality of layers, the saturation of the displayed pseudo light guide plate image is different for each layer. For example, when the set color tone is “blue”, the higher the display priority of the layer, the higher the saturation and the more vivid the display is in blue. When the number of display layers increases or decreases in the middle frame (for example, data patterns B and D), it is assumed that the color of the layer having the highest display priority among the layers used for display is always constant. Specifically, the saturation is blue A> blue B> blue C, and two layers are displayed in the next frame in which blue A is displayed on one layer and blue B is displayed on the base. When starting, the display color of the two layers is switched to blue A, the display of one layer is switched to blue B, and the display of the base is switched to blue C, so that the color of the pseudo light guide plate image in the most visible layer is switched. Is always constant.

  FIG. 33A is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the data pattern A. As described above, the data pattern A is a data pattern of image data corresponding to frames 0 to 15. As shown in FIG. 33A, in the data pattern A, the display of the base and the first layer is started in the frame 5, and the opacity of the one layer is repeatedly increased and decreased in the frames 5 to 15. Thus, when the image data of the data pattern A is used, it is possible to make the pseudo light guide plate image appear as if blinking. As shown in the figure, when the image data of the data pattern A is used, only the base and one layer are displayed.

  FIG. 33B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the data pattern B. As described above, the data pattern B is a data pattern of image data corresponding to frames 0 to 15. As shown in FIG. 33B, in the data pattern B, the display of the base is started at frame 0, and the opacity and enlargement ratio of the base in frames 0 to 5 are increased. Thus, when the image data of the data pattern B is used, the display is started while being enlarged, and the display can be made to appear darker. As described above, when the image data of the data pattern B is used, the pseudo light guide plate effect is started from the display of a stronger impression than when the image data of the data pattern A is used. In addition, by starting the display of the first layer and the second layer in the frame 6, the display of the pseudo light guide plate effect is performed in the three layers.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the data pattern C. As described above, the data pattern C is a data pattern of image data corresponding to the frames 16 to 80. As shown in FIG. 34, in the data pattern C, the opacity of one layer in the frames 24 to 35 and the frames 50 to 75 repeats rising and falling. Accordingly, when the image data of the data pattern C is used, it is possible to make the pseudo light guide plate image look as if blinking. Further, as shown in FIG. 34, in the data pattern C, the opacity of one layer in the frames 75 to 80 decreases and the enlargement ratio increases. Accordingly, when the image data of the data pattern C is used, it is possible to make the pseudo light guide plate image appear to fade out. As shown in the figure, when the image data of the data pattern C is used, only the base and one layer are displayed.

  35 and 36 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the data pattern D. As described above, the data pattern D is a data pattern of image data corresponding to the frames 16 to 80. As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, in the data pattern D, only the base and one layer are displayed in frames 16 to 29, the display of two layers is started in the frame 30, and the three layers are displayed in the frame 39. Is started, the display of four layers is started at frame 48, and the display of five layers is started at frame 59. Thus, the display of the layers with the higher priority is sequentially started. In the data pattern D, the opacity of each layer increases and decreases in the frames 22 to 25, the frames 30 to 35, the frames 38 to 43, the frames 48 to 53, and the frames 60 to 68. Repeat. Thus, when the image data of the data pattern D is used, it is possible to make the pseudo light guide plate image appear as if blinking. Further, as shown in FIG. 36, in the data pattern D, in the frames 75 to 80, the opacity of the first to fifth layers decreases and the enlargement ratio increases. Thus, when the image data of the data pattern D is used, it is possible to make the pseudo light guide plate image appear to fade out.

  After step S2804, the effect control CPU 101 sets the pseudo light guide plate effect by storing the lottery results of the first color tone determination lottery and the first effect pattern determination lottery (step S2805), and the first pseudo light guide plate effect. Is set (step S2806), and the flow shifts to step S2807.

  In step S2807, effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not reach fluctuation is present (step S2807). If it is not reach fluctuation (that is, non-reach is out of range), pseudo light guide plate effect setting processing ends as it is. . In the case of the reach fluctuation, a second pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery for determining whether or not to execute the second pseudo light guide plate effect is performed (step S2808). Specifically, using the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (A2), it is determined whether to execute the second pseudo light guide effect.

  FIG. 32 (A2) is an explanatory diagram showing a second pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table. The second pseudo light guide plate effect execution lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (A2) corresponds to the presence / absence of execution of the second pseudo light guide plate effect according to the variation pattern (SP reach big hit, normal reach big hit, SP reach out, normal reach out). However, in the example shown in FIG. 32 (A2), the ratio of the assigned determination values is shown in order to simplify the description. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for a second pseudo-light guide plate effect execution lottery, and determines a decision item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the fluctuation pattern is the SP reach jackpot, it is determined that executing the second pseudo light guide plate effect at a rate of 95% and not executing the second pseudo light guide plate effect at a rate of 5%, respectively. . Further, for example, when the variation pattern is a normal reach big hit, it is determined that the second pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a rate of 75% and the second pseudo light guide plate effect is not executed at a rate of 25%. You.

  Further, for example, when the variation pattern is out of SP reach, it is determined that the first pseudo light guide effect is executed at a rate of 45% and the second pseudo light guide effect is not executed at a rate of 55%. Is done. Further, for example, when the variation pattern is out of normal reach, it is determined that the second pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a rate of 25% and the second pseudo light guide plate effect is not executed at a rate of 75%. You.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 32 (A1) and (A2), in the case of a big hit, the second pseudo light guide effect is performed at a higher rate than the first pseudo light guide effect. , The first pseudo light guide plate effect is executed at a higher rate than the second pseudo light guide plate effect. Thereby, the reliability of the occurrence of the big hit is such that the first pseudo light guide plate effect <the second pseudo light guide plate effect. It should be noted that the first pseudo light guide plate effect may have a higher reliability with respect to the big hit than the second pseudo light guide plate effect, or the first pseudo light guide plate effect and the second pseudo light guide plate effect may have a higher reliability with respect to the big hit. A configuration that does not change the degree may be used.

  After step S2808, effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the second pseudo light guide plate effect (step S2809), and if not, ends the pseudo light guide plate effect setting process as it is. I do. If it is determined to be executed, a second color tone determination lottery for determining the color tone of the second pseudo light guide plate effect to be executed is performed (step S2810). Specifically, the color tone of the second pseudo light guide plate effect is determined using the second color tone determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (B2).

  FIG. 32 (B2) is an explanatory diagram showing a second tone determination lottery table. A determination value corresponding to the color tone of the second pseudo light guide plate effect is assigned to the second color tone determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (B2) in accordance with the variation pattern (SP reach big hit, normal reach big hit, SP reach off, normal reach off). However, in the example shown in FIG. 32 (B2), the ratio of the assigned determination value is shown for simplification of the description. The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for a second tone determination lottery, and determines the determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the fluctuation pattern is the SP reach hit, “blue” is determined at a rate of 5%, “red” is determined at a rate of 30%, and “rainbow” is determined at a rate of 65%. Further, for example, when the fluctuation pattern is a normal reach big hit, “blue” is determined at a rate of 15%, “red” is determined at a rate of 30%, and “rainbow” is determined at a rate of 55%.

  Further, for example, when the variation pattern is out of SP reach, “blue” is determined at a rate of 35%, and “red” is determined at a rate of 65%. Further, for example, when the fluctuation pattern is out of normal reach, “blue” is determined at a rate of 55%, and “red” is determined at a rate of 45%.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the reliability for the big hit indicated by the color tone of the second pseudo light guide plate effect is “rainbow”> “red”> “blue”. In the present embodiment, “rainbow” can be selected as the color tone of the second pseudo light guide plate effect only when the variable display result is a big hit, that is, the second color tone is “rainbow”. If a pseudo light guide plate effect occurs, it is reported that a big hit will occur. In addition, even when the variable display result is out of order, “rainbow” may be selectable as the color tone of the second pseudo light guide plate effect.

  After step S2810, the effect control CPU 101 performs a second effect pattern determination lottery for determining an effect pattern in the second pseudo light guide plate effect to be executed (step S2811). Specifically, the effect pattern of the second pseudo light guide plate effect is determined using the second effect pattern determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (C2).

  FIG. 32 (C2) is an explanatory diagram showing a second effect pattern determination lottery table. The second effect pattern determination lottery table shown in FIG. 32 (C2) is assigned a determination value corresponding to the effect pattern of the second pseudo light guide plate effect according to the color tone (blue, red, rainbow). In the example shown in (C2), 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 a second effect pattern determination lottery, and determines a determination item to which a determination value matching the extracted random number is assigned.

  For example, when the color tone is “blue”, the effect pattern is PT1 at a rate of 45%, the effect pattern is PT2 at a rate of 35%, the effect pattern is PT3 at a rate of 15%, and the effect pattern is PT5 at a rate of 5%. PT4 is determined as a pattern. Further, for example, when the color tone is “red”, PT1 or PT2 is determined as an effect pattern at a rate of 20%, and PT3 or PT4 is determined as an effect pattern at a rate of 30%. Further, for example, when the color tone is “rainbow”, PT1 is a production pattern at a rate of 5%, PT2 is a production pattern at a rate of 15%, PT3 is a production pattern at a rate of 35%, and a proportion is 45%. , PT4 is determined as an effect pattern.

  Thereby, the reliability of the big hit shown by the effect pattern in the second pseudo light guide plate effect is PT4> PT3> PT2> PT1. In the present embodiment, the effect pattern in the first pseudo light guide plate effect and the effect pattern in the second pseudo light guide plate effect are common (PT1 to PT4), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first pseudo light guide plate effect may have PT1 to PT4 as effect patterns, and the second pseudo light guide plate effect may have PT5 to PT12 as effect patterns.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the second pseudo light guide plate effect in which the color tone is “rainbow” is generated, it is notified that a big hit occurs, and thus the color tone is “rainbow”. In the second pseudo light guide plate effect in the case of "", the effect pattern selection ratio may be equal, or a fixed effect pattern (for example, PT4) may always be selected.

  After step S2811, the effect control CPU 101 sets the pseudo light guide plate effect by storing the lottery results of the second color tone determination lottery and the second effect pattern determination lottery (step S2812), and the second pseudo light guide plate effect. Is set (step S2813), and the pseudo light guide plate effect setting process ends.

  FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the effect symbol effect change process (step S802) in the effect control process process. In the effect design fluctuation process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the first effect flag is set (step S3701). If the first effect flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S3706. If it is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1 (step S3702). In the present embodiment, specifically, one second after the start of the fluctuation is defined as the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1, but any timing as long as the timing is before the occurrence of the reach, the first pseudo light guide plate production execution timing T1. The light guide plate effect execution timing T1 may be used. For example, the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1 may be different or the same for each variation pattern. Further, the first pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed at a plurality of timings before the reach, and the reliability may be different depending on the execution timing of the first pseudo light guide plate effect. If it is not the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1, the flow shifts to step S3706.

  If it is the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1, the effect control CPU 101 starts mask display for masking the display content (normal effect image) displayed on the normal display layer (step S3703). Thereby, the visibility of the normal effect image is reduced. In the present embodiment, a mask for reducing the visibility of the effect image is usually reduced by 70%. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The mask is reduced by 100% (that is, blackout is performed to make the image invisible). It may be something. After that, the effect control CPU 101 starts executing the first pseudo light guide plate effect based on the set effect pattern and color tone (step S3704). Specifically, effect control CPU 101 selects image data for each frame with reference to the image data table shown in FIG. 38, and causes VDP 109 to perform image display using the image data.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an image data table. The image data table shown in FIG. 38 includes, for each pseudo light guide plate effect type (first pseudo light guide effect, first pseudo light guide effect), color tone (blue, red, rainbow), and effect patterns (PT1 to PT4). The selected image data is associated. In the present embodiment, 24 types of image data are provided. Specifically, gd11 to gd16 are image data patterns of image data pattern A, gd21 to gd26 are image data of data pattern B, gd31 to gd36 are image data of data pattern C, and gd31 to gd36 are image data of data pattern D. Gd41 to gd46 are provided as data. Note that the parentheses in “image data for each frame” in the figure indicate which data pattern the image data is. For example, gd11 (A) indicates image data of the data pattern A, and gd42 (D) indicates image data of the data pattern D.

  gd11, 21, 31, and 41 are image data when the pseudo light guide plate effect type is the first pseudo light guide plate effect (that is, the display content is a character) and the color tone is blue. gd12, 22, 32, and 42 are image data when the pseudo light guide plate effect type is the first pseudo light guide plate effect (that is, the display content is a character) and the color tone is red. gd13, 23, 33, and 43 are image data in the case where the pseudo light guide plate effect type is the first pseudo light guide plate effect (that is, the display content is a character) and the color tone is rainbow.

  gd14, 24, 34, and 44 are image data when the pseudo light guide plate effect type is the second pseudo light guide plate effect (that is, the display content is a character such as "hot") and the color tone is blue. . gd15, 25, 35, and 45 are image data when the pseudo light guide plate effect type is the second pseudo light guide plate effect (that is, the display content is a character such as "hot heat") and the color tone is red. . gd16, 26, 36, and 46 are image data when the pseudo light guide plate effect type is the second pseudo light guide plate effect (that is, the display content is a character such as "hot") and the color tone is rainbow. .

  After step S3704, effect control CPU 101 resets the first effect flag (step S3705), and proceeds to step S3706.

  In step S3706, effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the second effect flag has been set (step S3706). If the second effect flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S8101. If it is set, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not it is the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2 (step S3707). In the present embodiment, specifically, one second after the occurrence of the reach is defined as the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2, but any timing as long as the timing is after the occurrence of the reach is performed. The second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2 may be used. For example, the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2 may be different or the same for each variation pattern. Further, the second pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed at a plurality of timings after the reach, and the reliability may be different depending on the execution timing of the second pseudo light guide plate effect. If it is not the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2, the flow shifts to step S8101.

  If it is the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2, the effect control CPU 101 starts mask display for masking the display content (normal effect) displayed on the normal display layer (step S3708). Thereby, the visibility of the normal effect is reduced. After that, the effect control CPU 101 starts executing the second pseudo light guide plate effect based on the set effect pattern and color tone (step S3709). Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 selects image data to be displayed as the second pseudo light guide plate effect using the image data table shown in FIG. 38, and causes the VDP 109 to perform image display using the image data.

  After step S3709, effect control CPU 101 resets the second effect flag (step S3710), and proceeds to step S8101.

  The effect control CPU 101 decrements the value of the process timer by one (step S8101) and decrements the value of the variable time timer by one (step S8102). When the process timer times out (step S8103), 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 S8104). In addition, 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 set next (step S8105).

  In step S8105, as the control of the effect display device 9, specifically, display of an effect symbol and a preview effect on the normal display layer, and control of displaying a small symbol on the special display layer are performed.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S8111), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S8032) (step S8112).

  By executing steps S3701 to S3710, in the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a pseudo light guide plate effect at a plurality of timings. For example, FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing the execution timing of the simulated light guide plate effect in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, the first pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed from the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1 before the reach timing Tr at which the reach occurs, and the reach timing Tr The second pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed from the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2 later than the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2. Thereby, the pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed before and after the reach, and the interest can be improved.

  FIG. 40 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, first, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that a stop symbol of the effect symbol is displayed is set (step S861). Then, if the stop symbol display flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S867. In this embodiment, as described later, when a big hit symbol is displayed as a stop symbol of an effect symbol, a stop symbol display flag is set in step S866. Then, when executing the fanfare effect, the stop symbol display flag is reset in step S868. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set in step S861 means that the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, but the fanfare effect has not yet been executed. Therefore, the process of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S862. The process moves to step S867 without repeatedly executing.

  If the stop symbol display flag has not been set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the stored stop symbol (losing symbol or big hit symbol) (step S862). The effect control CPU 101 may perform control to stop and display the effect symbols in response to receiving the symbol confirmation designation command from the game control microcomputer 560.

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

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

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

  Then, 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 S865).

  Next, a specific display example of the pseudo light guide plate effect will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a display example in the pseudo light guide plate effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42 in comparison with a display example in the light guide plate effect. 41 and 42 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a display example in the light guide plate effect and a display example in the pseudo light guide plate effect. In the explanatory view shown in FIG. 41, FIGS. 41 (A1) to (A3) show display examples of a light guide plate effect, and FIGS. 41 (B1) to (B3) show display examples of a pseudo light guide plate effect. . In the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 42, display examples of the light guide plate effect are shown in FIGS. 42 (C1) to (C3), and display examples of the pseudo light guide plate effect are shown in FIGS. 42 (D1) to (D3). ing.

  First, a specific example of the light guide plate effect will be described. The gaming machine shown in FIGS. 41 (A1) to (A3) and FIGS. 42 (C1) to (C3) has an effect display device 9, a light guide plate X arranged on the player side of the effect display device 9, and the light guide plate X. A light emitting member (not shown) is provided at a position where light can enter the end face of the light plate X. The light guide plate X is provided with a reflective portion that displays display information by guiding incident light from a light emitting member that has entered the inside from the end surface of the light guide plate X and emitting the light from the front surface. In this gaming machine, by causing the light emitting member to emit light, the incident light from the light emitting member which has entered the inside from the end face of the light guide plate X is guided by the reflecting portion and emitted from the front surface so that display information is displayed. Light board effects can be performed.

  For example, FIGS. 41 (A1) to (A3) are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the light guide plate effect of displaying a character as display information. The light guide plate X shown here is provided with a reflection portion so that a character can be displayed in the light guide plate effect. As shown in FIG. 41 (A1), the effect display device 9 performs a variable display of the effect symbol. At this time, the effect symbols are displayed as small symbols (effect symbols displayed in a size smaller than usual), but are not limited thereto, and effect symbols of a normal size are displayed. May be available. Then, when it is time to perform the light guide plate effect, as shown in FIG. 41 (A2), by masking the display image of the effect display device 9, it is easy for the player to visually recognize the display content in the light guide plate effect. I do. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 41 (A3), the light emitting member emits light, and the character is displayed on the light guide plate X as display information. At this time, since the light guide plate X is provided closer to the player than the effect display device 9, the visibility of the small symbol is reduced by the display of the light guide plate X.

  Further, for example, FIGS. 42 (C1) to (C3) are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the light guide plate effect of displaying characters such as “hot heat” as display information. The light guide plate X shown here is provided with a reflection portion so that characters such as "hot heat" can be displayed in the light guide plate effect. As shown in FIG. 42 (C1), the effect display device 9 is performing a variable display of the effect symbol. At this time, the effect symbol is displayed as a small symbol, but is not limited to this, and an effect symbol of a normal size may be displayed. Then, when it is time to perform the light guide plate effect, as shown in FIG. 42 (C2), by masking the display image of the effect display device 9, it is easy for the player to visually recognize the display content in the light guide plate effect. I do. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 42 (C3), the light emitting member emits light, and a character such as "hot heat" is displayed on the light guide plate X. At this time, since the light guide plate X is provided closer to the player than the effect display device 9, the visibility of the small symbol is reduced by the display of the light guide plate X.

  Next, a specific example of the pseudo light guide plate effect will be described. For example, FIGS. 41 (B1) to (B3) are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the first pseudo light guide plate effect for displaying a character as a pseudo light guide plate image. As shown in FIG. 41 (B1), the effect display device 9 performs a variable display of the effect symbol. At this time, the effect symbol is displayed as a small symbol. Then, when the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1 is reached, as shown in FIG. 41 (B2), the display image of the normal display layer in the effect display device 9 is masked to thereby produce the first pseudo light guide plate effect. To make it easier for the player to visually recognize the display content in. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 41 (B3), the character is displayed on the effect display device 9 as a pseudo light guide plate image. At this time, the special display layer on which the small symbol is displayed has a higher display priority than the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer on which the pseudo light guide plate image is displayed (see FIG. 30), and thus has a higher priority than the pseudo light guide plate image. Then, a small symbol is displayed. Therefore, a pseudo light guide plate effect similar to the light guide plate effect can be executed without hindering the visual recognition of the small symbols. Further, by displaying an image having a lower resolution than the normal effect image on the effect display device 9 as a pseudo light guide plate image, it is possible to perform a display with a higher similarity to the light guide plate effect.

  Further, for example, FIGS. 42 (D1) to (D3) are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the second pseudo light guide plate effect of displaying characters such as “hot heat” as a display information pseudo light guide plate image. As shown in FIG. 42 (D1), the effect display device 9 is performing a variable display of the effect symbol. At this time, the effect symbol is displayed as a small symbol. Then, when the second pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2 is reached, as shown in FIG. 42 (D2), the display image of the normal display layer in the effect display device 9 is masked, so that the second pseudo light guide plate effect is performed. To make it easier for the player to visually recognize the display content in. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 42 (D3), characters such as "hot heat" are displayed on the effect display device 9 as a pseudo light guide plate image. At this time, the special display layer on which the small symbol is displayed has a higher display priority than the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer on which the pseudo light guide plate image is displayed (see FIG. 30), and thus has a higher priority than the pseudo light guide plate image. Then, a small symbol is displayed. Therefore, a pseudo light guide plate effect similar to the light guide plate effect can be executed without hindering the visual recognition of the small symbols. Further, by displaying an image having a lower resolution than the normal effect image on the effect display device 9 as a pseudo light guide plate image, it is possible to perform a display with a higher similarity to the light guide plate effect.

  Thus, when comparing the light guide plate effect with the pseudo light guide plate effect, the pseudo light guide plate effect performs a display similar to the light guide plate effect without lowering the visibility of the small pattern unlike the light guide plate effect. Is possible. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a light guide plate in the simulated light guide plate effect, it is possible to prevent an increase in the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine.

  43 to 45 are explanatory diagrams showing specific display examples in the pseudo light guide plate effect. In the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 43, a display example of the second pseudo light guide plate effect when PT1 (an effect pattern in which the image data of the data pattern A transits to the image data of the data pattern C) is selected as the effect pattern is shown. ing. As shown in FIG. 43 (1), the execution of the second pseudo light guide plate effect is started when the effect symbol display is performed on the effect display device 9, and in frame 5, as shown in FIG. 43 (2). In the first layer, the character of "super heat" is displayed. At this time, although the character of "hot heat" is also displayed on the base, it is difficult to visually recognize it due to the display of one layer. Thereafter, in the frames 6 to 15, the frames 24 to 35, and the frames 50 to 75, as shown in FIG. 43 (3) to FIG. Is displayed with the word "heat". Then, in the frames 76 to 80, as shown in FIGS. 43 (7) and 43 (8), the display fades out as the enlargement ratio increases while the opacity decreases. Also in this case, a display similar to the light guide plate effect can be performed while ensuring the visibility of the small symbols.

  In the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 44, a display example of the second pseudo light guide plate effect when PT2 (an effect pattern that transits to the image data of the data pattern C after the image data of the data pattern B) is selected as the effect pattern is shown. ing. As shown in FIG. 44 (1), the execution of the second pseudo light guide plate effect is started when the effect symbol display is performed on the effect display device 9, and in frames 0 to 5, FIG. Are displayed while increasing the opacity and the enlargement rate from the state shown in FIG. 4 (the state in which the character of “hot heat” is lightly reduced and displayed on the base). In the frames 6 to 13, as shown in FIG. Display of one layer and two layers is performed. In the frames 24 to 35 and the frames 50 to 75, as shown in FIG. 44 (4) to FIG. 44 (8), the “hot heat” Characters are displayed. Then, in the frames 76 to 80, as shown in FIG. 44 (9) and FIG. 44 (10), the display fades out as the enlargement ratio increases while the opacity decreases. Also in this case, a display similar to the light guide plate effect can be performed while ensuring the visibility of the small symbols.

  The explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 45 shows a display example of the second pseudo light guide plate effect when image data of the data pattern D is used. In the frames 16 to 29, as shown in FIG. 45 (1), the character of "hot heat" is displayed in one layer. At this time, although the character of "hot heat" is also displayed on the base, it is difficult to visually recognize it due to the display of one layer. In the frame 30, the character “super heat” is displayed in two layers as shown in FIG. 45 (2), and in the frame 39, the character “super heat” is displayed in three layers as shown in FIG. 45 (3). Is displayed, in the frame 48, the character of "super heat" is displayed in four layers as shown in FIG. 45 (4), and in the frame 59, "super heat" is displayed in five layers as shown in FIG. 45 (5). Is displayed. In this way, it is possible to execute a pseudo light guide plate effect similar to display by a plurality of light guide plates. Also in this case, a display similar to the light guide plate effect can be performed while ensuring the visibility of the small symbols.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is a gaming machine capable of performing a game, and an effect executing means capable of executing an effect related to the game (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 100). , Step S705), and the effect execution means includes a predetermined effect (in this example, a normal effect such as an effect during a change) in which a predetermined image (a normal effect image such as an effect design or a background) is displayed. ), The specific image (in this example, the pseudo light guide plate image) is set to be lower than the predetermined image in a state where the visibility of the predetermined image is lowered (in this example, steps S3703 and S3708 are executed). A specific image effect (in this example, a pseudo light guide plate effect display layer which is a layer having a higher display priority than a normal display layer displaying a normal effect image) superimposed and displayed on the front side (in this example, Is capable of executing Nishirube light plate effect) (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 100, step S 3704, S3709 is capable of executing) was decided. As a result, the number of types of effects can be increased, and interest can be improved.

  Further, if various patterns are displayed by the light guide plate effect, it is necessary to provide the light guide plates by the number of the display patterns, thereby increasing the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine. Therefore, by performing the pseudo light guide plate effect by the effect display device 9 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an effect similar to the effect by the light guide plate while preventing an increase in manufacturing cost.

  Note that the “state in which the visibility of the predetermined image is reduced” is a state in which the predetermined image is visually recognizable as in the present embodiment as long as the predetermined image is less visible than normal (for example, FIG. 41 (B2) and (B3)), or the predetermined image may not be visible. Further, in the present embodiment, the visibility of the predetermined image is reduced by applying a mask, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the visibility of the predetermined image may be reduced by switching the predetermined image itself to one having low visibility (for example, an image having low brightness).

  In the present embodiment, by displaying a predetermined image (normal effect image) on a layer with a low display priority and displaying a specific image (pseudo light guide plate image) on a layer with a low display priority, It is realized that "the image is superimposed and displayed on the front side of the predetermined image", but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one image provided in advance so that the specific image (for example, the pseudo light guide plate image) is superimposed on the front side of the predetermined image (for example, the normal effect image) is displayed (that is, actually, the specific image is displayed. Instead of displaying the image and the predetermined image in an overlapped manner, the specific image is displayed as a single image that appears to be superimposed on the front side of the predetermined image). "Display on the front side in a superimposed manner" may be realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as the image data corresponding to the data patterns A to D, each pseudo light guide effect (first pseudo light guide effect, second pseudo light guide effect) and color tone (blue, red, rainbow) Are provided with different gd11 to gd16, gd21 to gd26, gd31 to gd36, and gd41 to gd46, and the pseudo light guide plate effect is executed using any of the image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pseudo light guide plate effect is performed using the data patterns A to D regardless of the type of the pseudo light guide plate effect (first pseudo light guide effect, second pseudo light guide effect) and color tone (blue, red, rainbow). It may be that. Specifically, the user selects which of the data patterns A to D is to display an image corresponding to the data pattern, and selects the image pattern corresponding to the pseudo light guide plate effect type and color tone based on the opacity and magnification of the selected data pattern. The pseudo light guide plate effect may be executed by repeating the process of combining and displaying the patterns (blue, red or iridescent characters or characters) for each frame. In this case, as the image data corresponding to the pattern according to the pseudo light guide plate effect type and the color tone, six types of data (blue character, red character, rainbow character, blue character , Red characters, iridescent characters) is sufficient, so that the storage capacity can be reduced as compared with the present embodiment.

  Note that, in the present embodiment, a description has been given using a gaming machine without a light guide plate, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a light guide plate may be provided, and a gaming machine capable of executing a light guide plate effect may be capable of executing a pseudo light guide plate effect. In that case, the same display may be performed in the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect. For example, the display contents are all characters of "hot", and six light guide plates having different display contents are arranged such that the larger the display contents, the closer to the front side (player side). The light guide plate A at the farthest back is a base, the second light guide plate B from the back side is one layer, the third light guide plate C from the back side is two layers, and the third light guide plate D from the near side is D Is regarded as three layers, the second light guide plate E from the near side as four layers, and the first light guide plate F as five layers to perform display control (light emission of the light emitting members provided on each end face). If this is the case, it is possible to execute a light guide plate effect that performs the same display as the pseudo light guide plate effect described in the present embodiment. At this time, by sequentially performing the display control of the light guide plate from the back side to the front side, it is possible to make the character that is the display content look as if it is enlarged, and conversely, the display of the light guide plate from the front side to the back side By performing the control sequentially, it is possible to make the character as the display content look as if it is reduced. In addition, if the light guide plate arranged closer to the front side is configured so that the saturation of the emission color of the light emitting member provided on the end face is higher, the similarity of the display of the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect is improved. Can be enhanced. In addition, by adjusting the brightness of light by the light emitting member, a display similar to the display when adjusting the opacity in the pseudo light guide plate effect can be performed. Further, if the light guide plate arranged closer to the front side is configured such that the saturation of the emission color of the light emitting member provided on the end face is higher, the similarity between the display of the light guide plate effect and the display of the pseudo light guide plate effect is further enhanced. be able to.

  As for the execution timing of the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect appearance, each effect may be executed in parallel or independently. In addition, a stepwise effect of controlling the display of the light guide plate after displaying the pseudo light guide plate image may be performed, or a step effect of displaying the pseudo light guide plate image after performing the display control of the light guide plate. May be executed. Thereby, the production effect can be improved.

  Further, the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect may be performed in combination (that is, an effect combining display control of the light guide plate and display of the pseudo light guide plate image) may be performed. For example, three light guide plates whose display contents are all “hot” and whose display contents are different in size are arranged such that the larger the display contents, the closer to the front side (the player side). The three light guide plates and the three display layers of the effect display device 9 may be used to execute an effect that looks like a light guide plate effect using six light guide plates. For example, one layer of the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer, two layers of the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer, three layers of the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer, the innermost light guide plate, and the second innermost light guide plate. By performing display control in the order of the light plate and the light guide plate on the front side, it is also possible to execute an interlocking effect so that the display content is enlarged. Conversely, the first light guide plate on the front side, the second light guide plate on the front side, the three light guide plates on the innermost side, the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer, the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer two layers, the pseudo light guide plate effect display layer By performing display control in the order of one light guide plate effect display layer, it is also possible to execute an effect that is linked so that the display content is reduced.

  Further, a light guide plate effect, a pseudo light guide plate effect, a stepwise first effect of performing display control of the light guide plate after displaying the pseudo light guide plate image, and a pseudo light guide plate image after performing the display control of the light guide plate. The reliability of the displayed second effect and the third effect of simultaneously performing the display control of the light guide plate and the display of the pseudo light guide plate image may be different. For example, the reliability may be such that pseudo light guide plate effect <light guide plate effect <first effect <second effect <third effect, or vice versa.

  Also, if the gaming machine is capable of performing both the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect, the light guide plate effect only is executed, the pseudo light guide plate effect is executed only, and the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect are performed. Is executed in parallel, the reliability of the jackpot, the reliability of the jackpot that is advantageous to the player, and the reliability of being controlled to the gaming state that is advantageous to the player are different. Is also good. For example, when the game state is controlled to an effect mode that does not notify whether or not the high-probability state, if the high-probability state, it is easy to execute the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect most in parallel, Next, only the light guide plate effect may be easily executed, and only the pseudo light guide plate effect may not be easily executed. In addition, in the low probability state, only the pseudo light guide effect may be most easily executed, then only the light guide effect may be easily executed, and the light guide effect and the pseudo light guide effect may not be executed in parallel. .

  Although description is omitted in the present embodiment, a pseudo light guide plate suggestion effect that suggests execution of a pseudo light guide plate effect may be executable. As a result, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the pseudo light guide plate effect will be performed, thereby improving the interest. Further, as long as the gaming machine can execute the light guide plate effect, the light guide plate suggestion effect indicating the execution of the light guide plate effect may be executable. As a result, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the light guide plate effect will be performed, thereby improving the interest. Further, as long as the gaming machine is capable of performing the pseudo light guide plate effect and the light guide plate effect, it may be possible to execute a suggestive effect that suggests execution of any of the pseudo light guide plate effect and the light guide plate effect. . As a result, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that any of the effects will be performed, and it is possible to improve the interest.

  Further, in a gaming machine provided with a light guide plate and an effect display device, the positional relationship between the light guide plate and the effect display device is provided at a position where the light guide plate and the effect display device overlap (the light guide plate is on the near side, and the effect display device is on the back side (z-axis direction)). It is not limited to what is being done. For example, the light guide plate may be provided on the left or right side (x-axis direction) of the effect display device, or may be provided on the upper side or lower side (y-axis direction). . For example, the effect display device A, the light guide plate provided on the front side of the effect display device, and the effect display provided on the right side of the effect display device A and the light guide plate (a position not overlapping with the effect display device A and the light guide plate). And a light guide plate effect using the light guide plate, and a pseudo light guide plate effect using the effect display device B. The display content in the light guide plate effect and the display content in the pseudo light guide plate effect are provided. The light guide plate effect and the simulated light guide plate effect may be executable such that the images and patterns become a common picture or pattern or a series of pictures and patterns. In this case, at normal times (when the light guide plate effect is not executed), the symbols (including the effect symbol, the small symbol, and the fourth symbol) displayed on the effect display device A, the abnormality notification, and the launch of the game ball are instructed. An image such as an instruction notification image to be performed may be moved to the special display layer of the effect display device B and displayed during the execution of the light guide plate effect. This makes it possible to execute the light guide plate effect and the pseudo light guide plate effect without hindering visual recognition of images such as symbols, abnormality notification, and instruction notification images.

  Further, as described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of types of specific image effects having different effect modes (in this example, a plurality of types of pseudo light guide plate effects having different patterns, execution timings, color tones, or effect patterns) ) Is feasible. Thereby, the effect of producing the specific image can be improved. Alternatively, as an effect mode, a plurality of types of pseudo light guide plate effects with different display positions and display image sizes may be executable.

  Further, as described above, according to this embodiment, identification information (fourth design, small design in this example) can be displayed on the front side of the specific image. Thereby, it is possible to improve the rendering effect while ensuring the visibility of the identification information. The “identification information” does not need to correspond to the special symbol, and when the symbol corresponding to the ordinary symbol can be displayed, the symbol corresponding to the ordinary symbol is located on the front side of the pseudo light guide plate image. May be displayed. Also, an operation instruction display for urging the player to operate an operation member such as the push button 120 may be displayed on the front side of the specific image. Thereby, the pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed without obstructing the operation instruction display.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect execution unit sets a state in which visibility of the predetermined image is reduced by masking the predetermined image (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs step S3703). S3708 can be executed). Thereby, the effect of producing the specific image can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect in which the opacity of the specific image is switched and displayed a plurality of times. By using the image data, it is possible to execute a pseudo light guide plate effect in which the opacity is switched a plurality of times in one layer of the frames 5 to 15. Also, by using the image data of the data pattern C, one of the frames 24 to 35 can be performed. It is possible to perform a pseudo light guide plate effect in which the opacity is switched a plurality of times in one layer of the layers 50 to 75. In addition, by using the image data of the data pattern D, one layer of the frames 22 to 25 and the frame 29 are used. 1 to 2 layers of frame 35, 1 to 3 layers of frames 38 to 43, frame 1 four layers of 48 to frame 53, possible it executes the Produce multiple switched pseudo light guide plate opacity in one layer 5 layer frame 60 frame 68) was decided. Thereby, the effect of producing the specific image can be improved.

  The specific value of the opacity is not limited to the above. For example, by repeating the switching of the opacity value to “0” and then to the predetermined value a plurality of times, the substantial display may be intermittently switched ON / OFF to blink the specific image. Further, the specific image may be blinked by intermittently switching the presence or absence of the display of the specific image itself.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect executing means can execute a specific image effect displaying a specific image having a lower resolution than the predetermined image (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 100 has a resolution of 96 ppi. An effect image of a certain normal effect can be displayed, and an effect image of a pseudo light guide plate effect with a resolution of 48 ppi can be displayed (see FIG. 41 (B3)). This makes it possible to make the display look like a light guide plate, so that it is possible to provide the same effect as the effect by the light guide plate, and it is possible to improve the effect of the specific image effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect execution means can execute a specific image effect in which a plurality of superimposed images are displayed as specific images (in the present example, the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the data patterns A to D). By using the image data of (1), it is possible to execute a pseudo light guide plate effect of displaying a pseudo light guide plate image on a plurality of layers (base and first to fifth layers) having different display priorities). Thereby, it is possible to make the display look like a display by a plurality of light guide plates, and it is possible to improve the effect of the specific image effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect execution means can execute the specific image effect at a plurality of timings (in the present example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the first pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T1 and the second The pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed at the pseudo light guide plate effect execution timing T2). Thereby, the effect of producing the specific image can be improved.

  Note that the execution timing of the pseudo light guide effect is not limited to the first pseudo light guide effect execution timing T1 before the reach and the second pseudo light guide effect execution timing T2 after the reach. For example, a pseudo light guide plate effect may be executable during a big hit. For example, a pseudo light guide plate effect as an effect indicating that a big hit of a type that shifts to a high probability state, an effect indicating that a round is continued, or an effect indicating that a hold memory that becomes a big hit is stored. It may be performed during a big hit. Also, any type of gaming machine that shifts to a certain state of change based on the passing of a game ball to a specific area. A pseudo light guide plate effect may be executed during a big hit as an effect indicating that a game ball has passed through the specific area. Even when the pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed during the big hit, different degrees of reliability may be shown depending on the color tone and the effect pattern as in the present embodiment.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed regardless of any fluctuation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a game state is controlled to a specific game state (for example, a high base state, a low base state, a high probability state, a low probability state) or a specific effect mode (for example, whether a game is in a high probability state) (A latent mode or a mission mode, which makes it difficult for a user to recognize), the pseudo light guide plate effect may be executable. In addition, a pseudo light guide plate effect may be executable as an effect for a variation that has not yet been started (a so-called look-ahead effect).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect execution means can execute the specific image effect with a different effect pattern based on the display color of the specific image (in the present example, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs step S2804 In S2811, the effect patterns (PT1 to PT4) can be determined based on the color tone (blue, red, rainbow). Thereby, the effect of producing the specific image can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in the pseudo light guide plate effect, each effect pattern can be selected regardless of the color tone. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a special effect pattern for each color tone May be provided. For example, if the color tone is "blue", an effect pattern in which the pseudo light guide plate image blinks at a low speed is selected, and if the color tone is "red", an effect pattern in which the pseudo light guide plate image blinks at a high speed is selected, and "rainbow" is selected. If so, an effect pattern in which the pseudo light guide plate image is turned on may be selected. Further, a plurality of special effect patterns are provided for one color tone, and the pseudo light guide plate effect may be executed using any of the special effect patterns.

  In the present embodiment, the layers of the effect display device 9 are provided as shown in FIG. 30, but a specific example is not limited to this. For example, the special display layer may include a plurality of layers having different display priorities. For example, a first special display layer for displaying a fourth symbol, a second special display layer for displaying a small symbol, and a third special display layer for displaying an abnormality notification image are provided, and the display priority is set to the third special display. Layer> second special display layer> first special display layer.

  Similarly, for example, the normal display layer may include a plurality of layers having different display priorities. For example, a first normal display layer for displaying the background, a second normal display layer for displaying the effect design, a third normal display layer for displaying the image of the notice effect A, and a fourth normal layer for displaying the image of the notice effect B. A normal display layer, a fifth normal display layer for displaying a hold display or an active display (display corresponding to a change during execution), a sixth normal display layer for displaying an effect on the hold display or the active display, A seventh normal display layer for displaying a mask to be used for the effect is provided, and the display priority is the seventh normal display layer> the sixth normal display layer> the fifth normal display layer> the fourth normal display layer> the third normal display layer> Second normal display layer> First normal display layer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pattern in the first pseudo light guide plate effect that can be executed before the reach is different from the pattern in the second pseudo light guide plate effect that can be executed after the reach. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, a common light guide plate effect before reach and a pseudo light guide plate effect after reach may be able to display a common pattern.

  In the present embodiment, one pseudo light guide plate image (character, character) is determined for each type of pseudo light guide plate effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of simulated light guide plate images may be provided in the first simulated light guide plate effect, and different simulated light guide plate images may be displayed based on the degree of reliability for a big hit.

  Although not described in the present embodiment, an operation promotion display prompting the player to perform an operation (for example, an operation of pressing the push button 120 or the trigger button 121, an operation of tilting the stick controller 122, or an operation of the touch panel) is displayed. It may be performed by the effect display device 9. In that case, the operation promotion image may be displayed on the special display layer, or the operation promotion image may be displayed on the normal display layer.

  For example, the display layer for displaying the operation promotion image may be different depending on the type of the operation promotion effect for displaying the operation promotion image. Specifically, when a motion of the player is detected, a high-reliability motion effect indicating that the reliability of the big hit is high is performed, while displaying the motion instruction image on the special display layer, When a low-reliability operation effect that does not indicate that the reliability of the big hit is high when the is detected is executed, the operation instruction image may be displayed on the normal display layer. Accordingly, when the operation instruction image and the pseudo light guide plate image are displayed in a superimposed manner, the operation instruction image can be displayed with higher priority than the pseudo light guide plate image if the operation is highly reliable, and the low reliability In the case of an operation effect, the pseudo light guide plate image can be displayed with priority over the operation instruction image.

  Further, for example, the display layer for displaying the operation promotion image may be different depending on the timing at which the operation promotion image is displayed. Specifically, when the operation promotion display is performed when the pseudo light guide plate effect is not being performed, the operation instruction image is displayed on the special display layer, while the operation promotion display is performed during the execution of the pseudo light guide plate effect. May display the operation instruction image on the normal display layer. Thereby, when the operation instruction image and the pseudo light guide plate image are displayed in an overlapping manner, when the operation instruction display is performed first, the operation instruction image can be displayed with priority over the pseudo light guide plate image. When the pseudo light guide plate effect is being executed, the pseudo light guide plate image can be displayed with priority over the operation instruction image.

  Further, although the description is omitted in the present embodiment, in the case of a fluctuation accompanied by a pseudo run, the pseudo light guide plate effect may be repeatedly executed each time the fluctuation is performed again. In this case, it is preferable that a color tone or an effect pattern having a lower reliability than the reliability of the pseudo light guide plate effect performed immediately before is not selected. Specifically, when the re-variation is performed after performing the first pseudo light guide plate effect in which the color tone is "red", the first pseudo light guide plate effect in which the color tone is "blue" is not performed after the re-change. It may be. For example, in a variation in which the re-variation is performed twice, before the first re-variation, after the first re-variation and before the second re-variation, and after the second re-variation, the first pseudo Although the light guide plate effect can be executed, the color tone of the first first pseudo light guide plate effect is “blue”, the color tone of the second first pseudo light guide plate effect is “red”, and the third first pseudo light guide plate effect The color tone of the effect may be “rainbow”, the color tone of the first and second first pseudo light guide plate effects may be “blue”, and the color tone of the first first pseudo light guide plate effect may be “red”. Thus, it is possible to prevent the player from being discouraged even though the player once gives a sense of expectation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pseudo light guide plate effect using a plurality of display layers among the pseudo light guide plate effect display layers (base, 1 layer to 5 layers) is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, a pseudo light guide plate effect of displaying only one of the display layers may be executable.

  Although description is omitted in the present embodiment, a detection unit that detects the occurrence of an abnormality is provided, and the effect execution unit can display an abnormality notification image on the front side of the specific image during execution of the specific image effect. It may be. Specifically, description will be made using the following first modification. The description of the same parts as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  For example, in the first modification example, the CPU 56 determines that an abnormal winning (for example, a winning in a special winning opening when a big hit is not in progress), the opening of the glass door frame 2, an excessive accumulation of gaming balls in the upper plate, or an abnormal magnetism or abnormal It is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality such as a radio wave, and the effect control CPU 101 displays, on the special display layer of the effect display device 9, an abnormality notification indicating that the abnormality has occurred, when the occurrence of the abnormality is detected. I do. Thereby, the pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed without hindering the visual recognition of the abnormality notification, and the effect of the specific image effect (pseudo light guide plate effect) can be improved.

  In the first modification, the display layer for displaying the abnormality notification may be made different depending on the type of abnormality that has occurred. For example, when a minor abnormality occurs (for example, game balls are excessively accumulated in the upper plate), an abnormality notification is displayed on the normal display layer, while a serious abnormality (other abnormality) occurs. The notification may be displayed on a special display layer. As described above, when a minor abnormality occurs, the pseudo light guide plate image is displayed with priority over the abnormality notification, so that the effect of the pseudo light guide plate effect can be prevented from being reduced. In the case where an error has occurred, the occurrence of the abnormality can be reliably notified by displaying the abnormality notification prior to the pseudo light guide plate image.

  Although description is omitted in the present embodiment, a launching unit that can launch a game medium toward the game area is provided, and the effect execution unit is configured to execute the first path and the first path in the game area during execution of the specific image effect. An instruction notification image for instructing which of the second paths different from the one path to fire the game medium may be displayed on the front side of the specific image. Specifically, description will be made using the following modified example 2. The description of the same parts as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  For example, in the second modification, the gaming machine has a first start winning opening 13 on a first path along which a gaming ball launched almost to the left of the gaming area 7 flows down, and a game launched almost right of the gaming area 7. The gate 32 and the second starting winning opening 14 are respectively arranged on the second path on which the ball flows, and an instruction notification image (so-called right-hit notification image) for instructing launch of the game ball on the second path in the high base state. ) May be displayed on the special display layer of the effect display device 9. In addition, an instruction notification image for instructing launching of a game ball on the first path may be displayed on the special display layer of the effect display device 9 for a predetermined period after switching to the low base state. Thereby, the pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed without hindering the visual recognition of the instruction notification image, and the effect of the specific image effect (pseudo light guide plate effect) can be improved.

  Further, although the description is omitted in the present embodiment, a gaming machine capable of effect adjustment (for example, volume adjustment, brightness adjustment, mode switching, and the like) related to a game in accordance with an operation of a player may be used. Specifically, description will be given using the following modified example 3. The description of the same parts as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  In the third modification, the effect control CPU 101 executes the sound volume state display process before executing any one of the steps S800 to S807 of the effect control process process illustrated in FIG. The volume status display process includes a process for displaying an adjustment status of the volume adjustment. More specifically, in the volume state display processing, in a game state other than the super reach effect, or in a state of waiting for a customer or the like and not displaying an error (first state), whether or not the player operates the stick controller 122 or the like Regardless, the processing includes a process for visually displaying a volume status display image VL indicating the adjustment status of the volume adjustment on the display screen of the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating the sound volume status display process according to the third modification. In the sound volume state display processing shown in FIG. 46, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not a super reach effect is being performed (step S601). In the process of step S601, for example, it may be checked whether the change is a super reach change pattern and is a reach effect period.

  If the super-reach effect is not being performed in step S601 (step S601; No), it is determined whether or not the super-reach-time operation flag is set to the on state (step S602). The super reach operation flag is a flag that is turned on when the player operates the stick controller 122 during the super reach effect.

  If the super-reach operation flag is not set to the ON state in step S602 (step S602; No), display control for displaying the volume status display on the effect display device 9 is executed (step S603). For example, a volume status display image VL as a volume status display is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, as shown in FIG. That is, a volume status display image VL indicating the current volume output level is displayed. For example, the volume status display image VL is an image display in a form in which five rectangular image display sections arranged side by side are lit left-justified, and in FIG. 48, five image display sections are three from the left end. The image is displayed in the mode in which the minute is lit.

  Specifically, when the sound volume is at a predetermined minimum level (a low sound level at which the sound volume output is suppressed lower than usual and not a muffling level), the image display is such that all five image display sections are turned off. Note that the lowest level may be the mute level. In the case of the first level which is one level higher than the lowest level, the image display is such that the leftmost image display section is turned on. In the case of the second level which is one level larger than the first level, the image display is such that the two image display sections from the left end are turned on. In the case of the third level which is one level larger than the second level (that is, the normal level), the image display is such that the three image display sections from the left end are turned on. In the case of the fourth level, which is one level larger than the third level, the image display is in a mode in which the four image display sections from the left end are turned on. In the case of the maximum level (fifth level), the image display is such that all five image display sections are lit. Thus, the player can grasp the current volume output level by looking at the volume status display image VL. In the third modification, the volume status display image VL is a meter-type display mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to use a numerical or numerical expression display mode or a color-type display mode (for example, blue → green). , A display that changes in the order of yellow to red and indicates that the color becomes larger as the color becomes redder).

  If the super reach operation flag is set (ON state) in step S602 (step S602; Yes), display control for continuing the volume status display (display of the volume status display image VL) on the effect display device 9 is performed. Is executed (step S604), and the super reach operation flag is reset to an off state (step S605). Steps S604 and S605 are processing for continuing the sound volume state display when the sound volume changing operation is performed immediately before the end of the super reach effect. Thereby, the volume status display image VL displayed by performing the volume change operation immediately before the end of the super reach effect can be continuously displayed even after the end of the super reach effect, and once at the end timing of the super reach effect. It can be prevented from being erased.

  After executing the processing of step S603 or after executing the processing of step S605, it is determined whether or not there is a volume change operation (step S606). If there is a volume change operation (step S606; Yes), the CPU 101 executes the changed volume status display (display of the changed volume status display image VL) and the changed volume setting (step S607). Specifically, when the tilt direction sensor unit 123 detects that the player has operated the stick controller 122 (step S606; Yes), the effect display device 9 displays the changed volume status display image VL. While performing the display control, the changed volume setting such as storing the changed volume setting value in the RAM 122 and controlling the audio output board 70 so as to output the changed volume from the speaker 27 is executed (step S607). ).

  For example, the stick controller 122 can be operated in the left-right direction. When the player operates the stick controller 122 once in the right direction, the changed volume status display image VL in which the lighting mode of the image display section is increased by one. While being displayed on the effect display device 9, the volume output from the speaker 27 is raised by one level. Conversely, when the player operates the stick controller 122 once to the left, the changed volume status display image VL in which the lighted mode of the image display section is reduced by one is displayed on the effect display device 9. , The volume output from the speaker 27 decreases by one level.

  After executing the processing of step S607, it is determined whether or not the operation flag other than super reach is set to the ON state (step S608). The non-super-reach operation flag is a flag that is turned on when the player operates the stick controller 122 at times other than during super-reach production.

  On the other hand, when there is no volume change operation (step S606; No), it is determined whether or not the operation flag other than the super reach is set to the ON state (step S609).

  After executing the processing of step S608, or when the operation flag other than the super reach is set to the ON state in step S609 (step S609; Yes), a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the operation. It is determined whether or not (Step S610). When a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation (Step S610; Yes), the operation flag is reset to the off state except for the super reach mode (Step S611). Note that the predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) after the operation may be performed until the predetermined period (3 seconds) elapses after the first operation, or when the operation is performed a plurality of times within the predetermined period, the operation is performed from the last operation. It may be until a predetermined period (3 seconds) elapses. In the third modification, the predetermined period is set after the operation. However, the predetermined period may be set until the predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) elapses from the start of the display of the volume status display image VL.

  Returning to step S601, when the super-reach effect is being performed (step S601; Yes), it is determined whether or not the operation flag other than super-reach is set to the ON state (step S612). When the operation flag other than the super-reach mode is in the off state (step S612; No), it is determined whether the super-reach operation flag is set to the on state (step S613). If the super reach operation flag is in the off state (step S613; No), a process of deleting the volume status display is executed (step S614). Steps S613 and S614 are processing for not displaying the sound volume state during the super reach effect in principle. Specifically, in the second state in which the super-reach effect (specific effect) is executed, that is, in the game state during the super-reach effect, the volume state display image VL is not displayed on the effect display device 9 unless requested by the player. (The volume status display image VL is deleted). This makes it possible not to display the volume status display image VL during the execution of the super reach effect, which is an example of a game effect (an effect including an important notice) that the player particularly wants to show, and the effect of the super reach effect Can be suppressed.

  If the operation flag other than the super reach mode is in the off state in step S609 (step S609; No), and if the predetermined period has not elapsed after the operation in step S610 (step S610; No), the processing of step S611 is executed. After that, if the operation flag other than the super reach is set to the on state in step S612 (step S612; Yes), if the super reach operation flag is set to the on state in step S613 (step S613) Yes), after executing the processing of step S614, terminates the sound volume state display processing.

  According to the volume status display process (step S162) shown in FIG. 46, the volume status display image VL can be displayed even in the customer waiting state.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the temporary display processing in the third modification. The temporary display process is a process executed when performing a super-reach effect during a change. In the temporary display process shown in FIG. 47, the effect control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the operation flag other than super reach is set to the ON state (step S701). When the operation flag is set to the ON state when the operation is not in the super reach mode (step S701; Yes), it is determined whether a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the operation (step S702). If the predetermined period has not elapsed after the operation (step S702; No), it is determined whether or not there is a volume change operation (step S703).

  If there is a volume change operation (step S703; Yes), a post-change volume status display (display of a post-change volume status display image VL) and a post-change volume setting are executed (step S704). In this step S704, when the tilt direction sensor unit 123 detects that the player has operated the stick controller 122 (for example, leftward or rightward), the effect display device 9 displays the changed volume status display image VL. Is displayed, the changed sound volume setting value is stored, and the changed sound volume setting such as controlling the audio output board 70 so that the changed sound volume is output from the speaker 27 is executed (step S1). S704).

  On the other hand, when a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation (step S702; Yes), a volume status display erasing process for deleting the volume status display image VL displayed on the effect display device 9 is executed (step S705). The operation flag is reset to the off state at the time other than super reach (step S706).

  If the operation flag other than super reach is off in step S701 (step S701; No), if there is no volume change operation in step S703 (step S703; No), or after the processing of step S704 is executed, After executing the processing of step S706, it is determined whether or not the super reach operation flag is set to the ON state (step S707).

  If the super reach operation flag is in the off state in step S707 (step S707; No), it is determined whether an operation start for volume change has been accepted (step S708). If the operation start is accepted in step S708 (step S708; Yes), that is, if the tilt direction sensor unit 123 detects that the player has operated the stick controller 122, the current volume is displayed on the effect display device 9. The display control for displaying the status display image VL is executed (step S709). As shown in FIG. 48 (D), during the super reach effect, the current volume status display image VL is displayed on the effect display device 9 according to the operation of the stick controller 122. After executing the processing in step S709, the super reach operation flag is set to the on state (step S710).

  If the super reach operation flag is on in step S707 (step S707; Yes), or after executing the processing in step S710, it is determined whether a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the operation (for example, 3 seconds). Step S711). If the predetermined period has not elapsed after the operation (step S711; No), it is determined whether or not a volume change operation has been performed (step S712). If there is a volume change operation (step S712; Yes), display of the changed volume status display image VL and volume setting after the change are executed (step S713). Specifically, when the tilt direction sensor unit 123 detects that the player has operated the stick controller 122 in the left-right direction (step S712; Yes), the number of times the stick controller 122 has been operated in the left-right direction is determined. Display control for displaying the changed volume status display image VL on the effect display device 9 is executed, and the changed volume set value corresponding to the number of operations is stored in the RAM 122, and the changed volume is output from the speaker 27. The sound volume setting after the change, such as controlling the audio output board 70, is executed (step S607).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 48 (E), when the player operates the stick controller 122 once in the right direction, the changed volume state display image VL (the fourth level) in which the lighting mode of the image display section is increased by one Is displayed on the effect display device 9, and the volume output from the speaker 27 increases by one level. Contrary to the above, when the player operates the stick controller 122 once to the left, the changed volume status display image VL in which the lighting mode of the image display section is reduced by one is displayed on the effect display device 9. At the same time, the volume output from the speaker 27 decreases by one level.

  If a predetermined period has elapsed after the operation (step S711; Yes), a process of deleting the volume status display is executed (step S714). For example, as shown in FIG. 48 (F), when a predetermined period elapses after the operation, the display of the volume status display image VL is deleted. That is, the volume status display is not displayed. As described above, during the super-reach effect, the volume status display image VL is temporarily displayed when the player performs an operation, and when the predetermined time period has elapsed after the operation, the super-reach effect is still being displayed. The image VL is erased.

  After executing the processing of step S714, the super reach operation flag is reset to the off state (step S715). Then, in step S708, when there is no operation start reception (step S708; No), in step S712, there is no volume change operation (step S712; No), after executing the processing of step S713, or in step S715. After executing the processing of (1), the temporary display processing ends.

  Next, a case where a volume change operation is performed in the super reach fluctuation display will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 48 shows an example of an effect in the case where a volume change operation is performed in the super reach variation display according to the third modification. In this execution example, the active display change effect is executed, and the display mode of the active display becomes “red” as shown in FIG. 48A, and the variable display state of the decorative symbol reaches the reach as shown in FIG. Explanation will be given from the fact that the state (reach established). In addition, by the sound volume status display processing, the sound volume status display image VL is displayed on the effect display device 9 as shown in FIG.

  Through FIG. 48 (B), a reach effect in super reach as shown in FIG. 48 (C) is executed. By displaying an effect image as shown in FIG. 48C (for example, an image using characters of “super reach”) on the screen of the effect display device 9, the super reach is notified. The player can understand that the super reach effect is performed. Also, as shown in FIG. 48 (C), the variable display of the decorative symbol is reduced and displayed in the upper left portion of the screen of the effect display device 9. Further, the volume status display image VL is deleted from the screen of the effect display device 9 by the volume status display erasing process (step S614), as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 48 (C), the hold display is deleted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 48 (D), when the stick controller 122 is operated during the super reach effect, the volume status display image VL is displayed. Then, when the player operates the stick controller 122 once to the right, as shown in FIG. 48 (E), the changed volume status display image VL in which the number of lit-up image display sections is increased by one. (The fourth-level volume status display image VL) is displayed on the effect display device 9, and the volume output from the speaker 27 is increased by one level (a fourth-level volume output). Then, when a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after the operation, the volume status display image VL is deleted as shown in FIG.

  After the battle effect result (here, for example, the battle defeat result) is displayed as shown in FIG. 48 (H) via FIG. 48 (D), the super reach effect ends, for example, as shown in FIG. 48 (I). The final stop symbol of the reach combination is derived and displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 48 (I), since the super reach effect has been completed, the changed volume status display image VL is displayed and the hold display is restored.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 48 (D) and (E), the volume status display image VL in the gaming state (second state) during the super-reach effect is other than the super-reach effect as shown in FIG. 48 (I). Is displayed in the same manner as the display state of the volume state display image VL in the gaming state (first state), so that the display of the volume state display image VL in the second state can be easily understood. Note that the first state and the second state do not have to be the same as described above. For example, the volume status display image VL in the second state may display a different display from the volume status display image VL in the first state at the same display location as in the first state, or [2]. The same display as the volume status display image VL in the first state may be displayed at a different display location from that in the first state, or [3] a display different from the volume status display image VL in the first state may be the first display. It may be displayed at a different display location than in the state.

  As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the third modification, in the gaming state (first state) other than the super reach effect, regardless of whether or not the player operates the stick controller 122 (operation of the player), Since the status display image VL (volume adjustment status) is displayed on the effect display device 9 so as to be visually recognizable, the volume status display image VL can always be visually recognized in a game state other than the super reach effect. Also, in the gaming state (second state) during the super-reach production (super-reach production) to execute the super-reach production (specific production), the volume status display image VL is made invisible and the player operates the stick controller 122 when the player operates the stick controller 122. Displays the volume status display image VL based on the operation of the stick controller 122 by the player until a predetermined period elapses after the operation (until a predetermined condition is satisfied). That is, in the gaming state during the super-reach effect, the display of the volume status display image VL can be kept to the minimum necessary. This makes it possible to display the volume situation display image VL in accordance with the player's request while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the super reach effect (specific effect), thereby improving the interest of the game.

  The specific effect is an effect (for example, a super-reach effect) that suggests that the player will be in an advantageous state. For this reason, it is possible to display the volume status display image VL in accordance with the player's request while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the super-reach effect, thereby improving the interest of the game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 48 (I), since the sound volume status display image VL is displayed at a position where it does not cover the decorative symbol at the time of the fluctuation stop, the final stop symbol of the decorative symbol, that is, the visual recognition of the game result is performed. The sound volume can be adjusted without disturbing the sound.

  In the gaming state (second state) during the super-reach effect, the volume status display image VL is displayed for a predetermined period (or a predetermined period from the start of display of the volume status display image VL) after the player detects the operation of the stick controller 122. Since the display is performed, the display of the volume status display image VL can be minimized. This makes it possible to display the volume situation display image VL in accordance with the player's request while suppressing a decrease in the effect of the super reach effect (specific effect), thereby improving the interest of the game.

  In the third modification, the first state is a game state other than the super-reach effect, but is a period before the super-reach effect is executed (before the start) or a period after the super-reach effect is executed (after the end). Either state may be set. In addition, the first state may be at least one of a period before execution of a super reach effect in one change (before start) or a period after execution of a super reach effect in one change (after end). The second state may be a state during a period in which a super-reach effect in one change is performed.

  In addition, before a transition from a game state other than the super reach effect (first state) to a game state during the super reach effect (second state), the player operates the stick controller 122 (operation of the player). When the display of the volume status display image VL of the volume adjustment (effect adjustment) is started and the predetermined condition is not satisfied when shifting from the first state to the second state, that is, the super reach effect is being performed, but a predetermined period after the operation. If (3 seconds) has not elapsed, the display of the volume status display image VL is extended until a predetermined period elapses from the detection or transition of the player's operation, so that the display of the volume status display image VL is superimposed. The extended display can be performed for a predetermined period even after the reach effect has been made. That is, it is possible to prevent the volume status display image VL for the volume adjustment started immediately before the start of the super reach effect from ending halfway at the start timing of the super reach effect, and the display of the volume status display image VL is erased halfway. It is possible to prevent a sense of incongruity of being performed. Further, it is not necessary for the player to operate the stick controller 122 again immediately after the super-reach effect has started, so that a user-friendly gaming machine can be provided.

  Conversely, before shifting from the gaming state during the super-reach production (second state) to the gaming state other than the super-reach production (first state), the player operates the stick controller 122 (the player's operation). The display of the volume status display image VL of the volume adjustment (effect adjustment) is started in response to the (operation), and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied when shifting from the second state to the first state, that is, the super reach effect ends. If the game state is changed to a state other than the super reach effect but the predetermined period (3 seconds) has not elapsed after the operation, the display of the volume status display image VL is continued after the shift to the first state. The process of deleting the display of the volume status display image VL when the period has elapsed can be eliminated. In other words, since the volume status display image VL is always displayed in the first state, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary processing of once deleting the volume status display image VL after a predetermined period has elapsed and restarting the display. In addition, it is possible to prevent an uncomfortable feeling that the display of the volume status display image VL disappears for a moment at the timing when the predetermined period has elapsed.

  Further, the control content of the gaming machine described in the above-described embodiment (during the execution of the predetermined effect for displaying the predetermined image, the specific image is placed on the front side of the predetermined image while the visibility of the predetermined image is reduced. That the specific image effect that is superimposed on and displayed can be executed) may be applied to the gaming machine described in the third modification. For example, a pseudo light guide plate effect can be executed, and in the first state, the adjustment state is displayed so as to be visible regardless of the operation of the player, and a second state different from the first state and executing a specific effect. In this case, the adjustment state may be made difficult to view or not to be viewed, and the adjustment state may be displayed based on the operation of the player until a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, when the display of the volume status display image VL and the display of the pseudo light guide plate effect are performed in an overlapping manner, the display of the volume status display image VL is displayed with a higher priority than the pseudo light guide plate image (pseudo light guide plate image). The volume status display image VL may be displayed on a layer having a higher display priority than the light guide plate effect display layer.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a case has been described in which a plurality of types of special symbols and effect symbols “1” to “9” are variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed. It is not limited. For example, the symbol variably displayed and the symbol derived and displayed are not necessarily the same, and a symbol different from the symbol variably displayed may be derived and displayed. Further, it is not always necessary to variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and the variable display may be executed using only one type of symbol. In this case, for example, variable display may be performed by alternately turning on and blinking the one type of symbol display. Also in this case, one type of symbol used for the variable display may be finally derived and displayed, or a symbol different from the one type of symbol may be finally derived and displayed. It may be something.

  In the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine (a so-called first-type gaming machine) that shifts to a jackpot game state based on a variable display result of a special symbol or an effect symbol has been described. A gaming machine (so-called second-type gaming machine) that shifts to a jackpot game state based on a gaming ball winning (V winning) at a specific winning opening (V winning opening) in a winning ball device (so-called accessory) or Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine combining a first type and a second type.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a transition to the probable change state based on the type of the big hit that has occurred, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a specific area through which a game ball can pass is provided in the special winning opening, and when a game ball passes through the specific area during a big hit, the game state shifts to a positive change state. May be changed to a normal state when does not pass through. In this case, by changing the ease with which the game ball passes to the specific area depending on the type of the big hit, a substantial probability-change big hit and a non-probability-variable big hit may be realized. For example, by making the opening time of the special winning opening different depending on the type of the big hit, the ease with which the game ball can pass to the specific area may be changed. Specifically, a jackpot type in which the opening time of the special winning opening is long is set to a large hit (substantially variable large hit) in which the game ball can easily pass to the specific area, and a large hitting type in which the opening time of the special winning opening is short is played in the specific area. It may be a big hit (substantially non-probable variable hit) in which the ball hardly passes.

  In the above embodiment, in order to notify the production control microcomputer 100 of a fluctuation pattern indicating a fluctuation mode such as a fluctuation time, a type of reach effect, and the presence / absence of a pseudo-run, when the fluctuation is started, 1 Although an 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 game control microcomputer 560 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 indicates 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 100 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 microcomputer 100 for effect control selects the specific fluctuating mode executed at each timing. It may be. 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 appropriately changed. As described above, the variation pattern is notified by two or more commands, whereby the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the effect control board 80, the sound output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as boards on which circuits for controlling the effect device are mounted. It may be mounted on one substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted, and a first effect control board on which a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamp, LED, speaker 27, etc.) are mounted. Two boards including two effect control boards may be provided.

  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 = 30%: 70%. 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). Or 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 furthermore, 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 this 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.

  In the above-described embodiment, the microcomputer 560 for game control determines whether or not a big hit is to be made and a prize-winning determination of a variation pattern type (pre-reading determination), and a command indicating the prize-winning determination result (a symbol designation command). , The variable category command), and the effect control microcomputer 100 executes the prefetching notice effect on the basis of the command indicating the result of the prize-winning determination. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. Alternatively, the effect control microcomputer 100 may be configured to make a prize-winning determination (pre-reading determination). In this case, for example, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a command for designating only the value of the random number for random determination (random R) or the random number for variation pattern type determination (random 2) extracted at the time of occurrence of the start winning. The effect control microcomputer 100 may be configured to make a prize-winning determination (pre-reading determination) based on a random number value specified by the command.

  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 the above-described embodiment, an example in which a game medium is used as a game machine is described. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes. The present invention can also be applied to a sealed-type gaming machine in which a score is given when a condition for giving a prize is satisfied by enclosing a game medium such as.

  The present invention is applicable to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot 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 port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 special variable winning ball device 27 speaker 31 game control board (main board)
51 Secondary production display device 56 CPU
Reference Signs List 70 sound output board 560 game control microcomputer 80 effect control board 100 effect control microcomputer 101 effect control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
It is provided with an effect execution means capable of executing an effect related to a game,
The effect executing means,
During execution of the predetermined effect of displaying the predetermined image, in a state where the visibility of the predetermined image is reduced, a specific image composed of a plurality of elements including at least a picture, a size, and a hue is displayed at a different display priority. Of a plurality of display layers, it is possible to execute a specific image effect that is a display layer on the front side of the display layer displaying the predetermined image and superimposed and displayed on a display layer on the back side of the display layer displaying the identification information. And
As the specific image, the effect pattern for displaying the first image, rendering the first image and the first image and the size and hue pattern with different superimpose a plurality of images including the second image is the same A specific image effect can be executed in any of a plurality of effect patterns including a pattern,
It is possible to display a motion promotion image that prompts the player to perform a motion,
When detecting the action of the player during the predetermined period, it is possible to execute the specific effect in any one of a plurality of modes having different degrees of reliability for controlling to an advantageous state advantageous to the player,
When performing a specific effect of a high reliability mode having a high degree of reliability for controlling to the advantageous state, among a plurality of display layers having different display priorities, a front side of the display layer that displays the specific image is displayed. Display a motion promotion image on the display layer,
When performing the specific effect of the low reliability mode having a low reliability for controlling to the advantageous state, among a plurality of display layers having different display priorities, a rear side of the display layer displaying the specific image is used. A gaming machine characterized by displaying an operation promotion image on a display layer. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect execution means is capable of executing a specific image effect of switching any one of the number, size, and transparency of the specific images to be displayed based on a lapse of time.