JP6674935B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with an operation input means for effect that can be operated by a player.

Conventionally, a display device capable of displaying a variable display game and various effect images, and a push-type effect button operable by a player, so that the operation result of the effect button can be reflected in the effect being executed. Known gaming machines are known.
For example, in Patent Literature 1, after once displaying an identification symbol in a predetermined stop mode, the identification symbol is changed and stopped again to perform a re-lottery effect for deriving a final result mode. A gaming machine that sets a predetermined operation validity period in which the operation of the operation is valid, and performs a probable change promotion effect that determines whether or not the fluctuating display game being executed is a probable big hit when the effect button is operated. Is described.
Further, in Patent Literature 2, when the variable display game reaches a reach, a continuous hit game in which a character or a symbol is operated based on a continuous hit of a staging button by a player (input of an operation signal) is started, and the character or the symbol is displayed. A gaming machine is described in which, when the number of operations reaches a predetermined number, a continuous hitting game is terminated and a big hit symbol or a missing symbol is displayed.

JP 2006-319661 A JP 2005-143819 A

  However, in the gaming machines described in the above-mentioned patent documents, it has become common to use the effect buttons.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to enhance the interest of a game in a gaming machine provided with operation input means for production which can be operated by a player.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is
Operation input means for production that can be operated by a player;
Effect control means capable of executing a specific effect, in a gaming machine comprising:
The effect control means,
In addition to displaying an image related to the effect on the display device in connection with the game, executing a promotion effect capable of instructing the user to operate the operation input means at a timing related to the image display on the display device in the specific effect. ,
As the specific effect, a first specific effect and a second specific effect can be executed,
In the first specific effect, instruct the operation at a timing related to the image display of the promotion effect, execute the first effect according to the operation,
In the second specific effect, the image display of the promoted effect is performed in a mode different from that of the image display of the promoted effect in the first specific effect, and in the second specific effect, the timing related to the image display of the promoted effect. Instruct the operation in the, it is possible to execute a second effect different from the first effect according to the operation ,
The promotion effect includes an image related to the operation input unit and an image related to the timing,
The operation of the operation input means can be performed even in a predetermined state in which the image display of the promotion effect during the game is not displayed, and the predetermined effect is executed in accordance with the operation of the operation input means in the predetermined state. It is characterized by being possible .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the interest of a game can be raised in the game machine provided with the operation input means for effects which a player can operate.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board provided in the game machine of the embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a control system and a game control device provided in a game machine of the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a game microcomputer of the game control device of FIG. 3. 5 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the main processing of FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed by the game microcomputer of the game control device of FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a special figure game process in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 6. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a start-up switch monitoring process in the special figure game process of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a special-purpose start-port switch common process in the start-port switch monitoring process of FIG. 8. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure hold information determination processing in the special figure starting port switch common processing of FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special figure ordinary process in the special figure game process of FIG. 7. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 1 fluctuation | variation start process in the special figure ordinary processing of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the special figure 2 change start processing in the special figure usual processing of FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a latter half variation pattern setting process in the special figure 1 variation start process of FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern setting process in the special figure 1 variation start process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the change start information setting process in the special figure 1 change start process of FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special figure displaying process in the special figure game processing of FIG. 7. 18 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the special figure displaying process of FIG. 17. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an effect control device in the control system of FIG. 3. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific procedure of a first main process executed by the main control microcomputer of the effect control device of FIG. 19. 21 is a flowchart showing a first scene control process in the first main process of FIG. 20. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a hold number command receiving process in the first scene control process of FIG. 21. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a second main process executed by the video control microcomputer of the effect control device in FIG. 19. It is a flowchart which shows the normal game process in the 2nd main process of FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a hold display process in the normal game process of FIG. 24. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display apparatus provided in the game board of FIG. It is a figure showing an example of a display of a hold display displayed on a display of the embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the embodiment. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a prefetch command reception process in the first scene control process of FIG. 21. 21 is a flowchart showing a button operation input process in the first main process of FIG. 20. 34 is a flowchart showing a prefetch pending display change process in the button operation input process of FIG. 33. 22 is a flowchart showing a changing process in the first scene control process of FIG. 21. 36 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern information setting process in the variation process of FIG. 35. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the game machine concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a level meter and an operation validity period meter displayed on the display device of the embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the specific button operation effect displayed on the display of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the prefetch command reception process performed by the main control microcomputer of the effect control device of the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the button operation input process performed by the main control microcomputer of the effect control device of the same embodiment. 43 is a flowchart showing a specific effect preparation process in the button operation input process of FIG. 42. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the specific effect preparation effect displayed on the display device of the embodiment. FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of an increase pattern of a level meter used in the specific effect preparation processing of FIG. 43. 43 is a flowchart showing a variable effect process in the button operation input process of FIG. 42. FIG. 47 is a view showing a variation effect pattern used in the variation effect process of FIG. 46. It is a flowchart which shows the process during a change performed by the main control microcomputer of the effect control device of the embodiment. FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern information setting process in the variation process of FIG. 48.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a main body frame (outer frame) 11 and a front frame (inner frame) 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to the main body frame 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. . The game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in a storage section (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame 12.

  In addition, an illumination device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and a motor therein and a lamp (LED) 17 for annunciation abnormality notification are provided above the glass frame 15. On the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, there are provided a frame decoration device 18 having a built-in lamp and the like for emitting light for decoration and performance, and a speaker (upper speaker) 19a for emitting sound (for example, sound effect). I have. Further, a speaker (lower speaker) 19b is provided below the front frame 12.

  Further, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launching device, and a game ball paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 are provided below the front frame 12. A dish ball outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state where the upper dish 21 is full, an operation section 24 of the hitting ball firing device, and the like are provided. Further, on the upper edge portion of the upper plate 21, an effect button (operation unit) 25 having an operation switch for receiving an operation input from a player is provided. Further, on the lower right side of the front frame 12, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided.

  In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball firing device causes the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 to face the game area 32 on the front of the game board 30. Fire. In addition, when the player operates the effect button 25, in the variable display game (decorative special figure variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2), an effect or the like in which the operation of the player is interposed is performed. Can be. Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 27 which is operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, for discharging a prepaid card from a card unit of the ball lending machine. And a balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card.

  Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.

  A substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 is formed on the surface of the game board 30. The game area 32 is configured to be surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at four corners of the game board 30, respectively. In the game area 32, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 at substantially the center is arranged. The display device 41 is mounted in a recess provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the display area of the display device 41 and protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device (variable display device) 41 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a CRT (CRT). In an area (display area) where an image on the display screen can be displayed, a plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variable display game, a background image that enhances the rendering effect, and the like are displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are displayed in a variable manner (variable display), and a decorative special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure variable display game is performed. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

On the left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, a normal symbol starting gate (ordinary symbol starting gate) 34 is provided. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40.
At the general winning ports 35,..., There are provided winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) for detecting game balls entering the general winning ports 35.

  Further, below the center case 40, a start winning opening 36 for providing a start condition of the special figure change display game is provided. Immediately below the start winning opening 36, a game ball is easily opened by opening an inverted "C" shape at the upper portion. A normal variable winning device (Public) 37 having a pair of movable members 37b, 37b for converting into a state and having a second starting winning opening therein is provided therein.

The pair of opening / closing members 37b, 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 normally keeps a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of a game ball. However, since the starting winning port 36 is provided above the normal variable winning device 37, the game balls cannot be won in the closed state.
Then, when the result of the normal-figure fluctuation display game is in a predetermined stop display mode, the general-figure solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device opens in the shape of an inverted "C" to win a normal fluctuation win. The device 37 can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to a player) in which a game ball easily flows into the device 37.

  Further, below the normal fluctuation winning device 37, a special fluctuation winning device (large winning opening) 38 is provided which can be converted into a state in which game balls are not accepted and a state in which game balls are easily accepted depending on the result of the special figure fluctuation display game. I have.

The special fluctuation prize winning device 38 has an attacker type opening / closing door 38c which can be opened by rotating in the direction in which the upper end side is tilted forward, and depending on the result of the special figure fluctuation display game as an auxiliary game. The large winning opening is converted from a closed state (a closed state disadvantageous to the player) to an open state (a state advantageous for the player).
That is, the special variable winning device 38 has, for example, a special winning opening that is opened and closed by an opening and closing door 38c driven by a special winning opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. By converting the state of the mouth from the closed state to the open state, the inflow of the game ball into the special winning opening is facilitated, and a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player.
Note that a count switch 38a (see FIG. 3) serving as a detecting means for detecting a game ball having entered the special winning opening is provided inside the special winning opening (winning area).
Below the special fluctuation winning device 38, an out port 39 for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port or the like is provided.

  Outside the game area 32 (for example, on the upper part of the game board 30), the first special figure change display game and the second special figure change display game, which constitute the special figure change display game, and a prize to the general figure start gate 34 are won. A collective display device 50 is provided for executing a general-purpose variation display game triggered by a single point.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure change display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special figure for a first special figure change display game, which includes a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) and the like. A second special figure change display unit (special figure 2 display) 52 for the change display game, a change display unit (general figure display) 53 for the general figure change display game, and each change also configured by an LED lamp It is provided with storage display units 54 to 56 for informing the start storage number of the display game. In addition, the collective display device 50 lights up when a big hit occurs and notifies the occurrence of the big hit by displaying a first game state display unit (first game state display) 57. When a time-saving state occurs, it lights up to notify the occurrence of the time-saving state. A second gaming state display unit (second gaming state indicator) 60, an error display unit 58 for displaying an error in which the jackpot probability state becomes a high probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, and the number of rounds at the time of the jackpot A round display section 59 for displaying (the number of times the special fluctuation winning device 38 is opened and closed) is provided.

  The special figure variable display game on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 is, for example, during the execution of the variable display game, that is, while the decorative special figure variable display game is being performed on the display device 41, The segment is driven to blink to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “losing”, for example, the center segment is turned on as a result of the loss, and when the result of the game is “hit”, the result of the hit (special result) is determined. A game result is displayed by turning on a result mode other than the result mode (for example, the number “3” or “7”).

  The general-purpose indicator 53 blinks the lamp during the change to indicate that the change is being made. When the result of the game is "losing", for example, the lamp is turned off, and when the result of the game is "hit", the lamp is turned on and the game result is displayed.

  The special figure 1 hold display 54 displays the number of undigested balls (starting storage number = hold number) among the number of winning balls to the starting winning port 36 which is a change start condition of the special figure 1 display 51. Specifically, when the number of reservations is “0”, all four lamps are turned off, and when the number of reservations is “1”, only lamp 1 is turned on. When the number of reservations is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on, when the number of reservations is “3”, the lamps 1, 2 and 3 are turned on, and when the number of reservations is “4”, 4 is set. All the lamps 1 to 4 are turned on.

  The special figure 2 hold display 55 indicates the number of start storages (= number of holds) of the second start winning opening (ordinary change winning device 37) which is a change start condition of the special figure 2 display 52, and the special figure 1 hold display. It is displayed in the same manner as 54.

  The general-figure hold display 56 displays the number of stored memories (= reservation number) of the general-figure start gate 34, which is a variation start condition of the general-figure display 53. For example, when the hold number is “0”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned off, and when the hold number is “1”, only the lamp 1 is turned on. When the number of reservations is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on. When the number of reservations is “3”, the lamp 1 blinks and the lamp 2 is turned on. When the number of reservations is “4”, Make lamps 1 and 2 blink.

For example, the first game state indicator 57 turns off the lamp in a normal game state, and turns on the lamp when a big hit occurs.
For example, the second game state indicator 60 turns off the lamp in a normal game state, and turns on the lamp when a time saving state occurs.

  The error indicator 58 turns off the lamp when the big hit probability state is the low probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, and when the big hit probability state is the high probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on. Turns the lamp on.

  For example, the round display unit 59 turns off the lamp in a normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp (2 rounds or 15 rounds) corresponding to the number of rounds of the big hit when a big hit occurs. Note that the round display section 59 may be constituted by a 7-segment display.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from the launching device (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of directional change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various places in the game area 32, and a general-purpose starting gate 34, a general winning opening 35 The player wins the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37 or the special variable winning device 38, or flows into the out port 39 provided at the lowermost portion of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins in the general winning opening 35, the starting winning opening 36, the normal variable winning device 37 or the special variable winning device 38, the payout control device 200 generates a number of prize balls according to the type of the winning opening. The paper is discharged from the controlled payout unit to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 12.

On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball passing through the general-purpose starting gate 34 is provided in the general-purpose starting gate 34, When a game ball driven into the area 32 passes through the general-purpose starting gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a general-purpose variation display game is performed.
In addition, a state in which the general figure variable display game cannot be started, for example, a state in which the general figure variable display game is already performed and the general figure variable display game is not finished, When the game ball passes through the general-purpose starting gate 34 in the case where 37 is converted to the open state, if the general-purpose starting memory number is less than the upper limit number of the general-purpose starting memory number, the general-purpose starting memory number is added (+1) to increase One diagram starting memory is stored. The stored number of the start winning prize is displayed on the storage display unit 56 of the collective display device 50 for informing the starting prize number.
In addition, the hit figure starting memory stores a hit determination random value for determining the hit / miss of the hit figure variation display game, and when the hit determination random value matches the determination value. Then, the specific figure variation display game wins, and a specific result mode (specific result) is derived.

The general-floor variation display game is executed by a variation display section (general-figure display) 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The ordinary figure display 53 is composed of an LED that indicates a hit in a lighting state as an ordinary identification information (an ordinary figure and an ordinary design) and indicates a deviation in an off state, and blinks this LED to display the ordinary identification information. Is displayed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the result is displayed by turning on or off the LED.
It should be noted that, for example, a number, a symbol, a character pattern, or the like may be used as the normal identification information, and the information may be displayed for a predetermined period of time, followed by a stop display. If the stop display of the normal-floating fluctuation display game is a specific result, it is a normal-figure hit, and the pair of movable members 37b of the normal-variation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). State. This makes it easier for the game ball to win the second start winning port inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure fluctuation display game is executed increases.

  When the ordinary figure random number value extracted at the time of detection of passage to the ordinary figure starting gate 34 is a hit value, the ordinary symbol displayed on the ordinary figure display 53 stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, the ordinary fluctuation winning device 37 is set in a state where the movable member 37b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3). It is converted and the winning of the game ball is allowed.

  The winning ball in the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball in the normal variable winning device 37 are detected by a starting port 1 switch 36a and a starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside, respectively. The game ball that has won the starting winning opening 36 is detected as the starting winning ball of the first special figure variable display game, and up to four game balls are stored, and the game ball that has won the normal variable winning device 37 is the second special figure. It is detected as the starting winning ball of the variable display game, and is stored up to four balls. At the time of detection of the starting winning ball, a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, and a variation pattern random number are extracted, and the extracted random numbers are stored in a special figure in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Each of them is stored in the area (part of the RAM) as a special figure start memory up to a predetermined number of times (for example, up to four times). The stored number of the special figure start storage is displayed on the storage display units 54 and 55 for informing the number of start winnings on the collective display device 50 and also on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

The game control device 100 changes the first or second special figure variation on the special figure display (variable display device) 51 or 52 based on the winning in the start winning prize port 36 or the ordinary variable prize winning apparatus 37 or the start memory thereof. Play the display game.
The first special figure change display game and the second special figure change display game are performed by changing and displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures and identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result mode. Further, a decorative special figure variation display game in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) are varied and displayed on the display device 41 corresponding to each special figure variation display game is executed. ing.
When the display mode of the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 becomes a special result mode as a result of the special figure change display game, a special hit state (so-called big hit state) is achieved. ). Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.

  In the decorative special figure variation display game on the display device 41, the decorative special design (identification information) composed of, for example, the above-mentioned numbers and the like includes a left (first special design), a right (second special design), and a middle (third special design). (Variable symbols) in this order, the symbols that fluctuate after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special figure variable display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game using a decorative special symbol corresponding to the number of special figure start storages, and also performs various effect displays such as appearance of a character to enhance interest.

Note that the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be separate displays or the same display. However, each special figure change display may be performed independently or not simultaneously. The game is displayed. Also, the display device 41 may use different display devices or different display areas in the first special figure change display game and the second special figure change display game, or use the same display device or display area. However, the decoration special figure variation display game is displayed independently or not simultaneously. In addition, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may not be provided in the gaming machine 10, and the special figure change display game may be executed only by the display device 41.
In addition, the second special figure change display game is executed prior to the first special figure change display game. That is, when there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and when the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is executed. Is to be executed.

Also, in a state where the first special figure change display game (second special figure change display game) can be started and the number of start memories is 0, the start winning prize port 36 (or the normal change winning apparatus 37) is set. When the game ball is won, the starting memory is stored with the generation of the starting right, the starting memory number is incremented by one, and the first special figure change display game (the second special figure) is immediately based on the starting memory. (Variation display game) is started, and at this time, the starting storage number is decremented by one.
On the other hand, a state where the first special figure change display game (second special figure change display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure change display game has already been performed, and the special figure change display game ends. When a game ball wins in the starting winning port 36 (or the normal variable winning device 37) in a state where the starting memory has not been entered or in a special game state, if the starting memory number is less than the upper limit number, the starting memory number is 1 One start memory is stored by the addition. Then, in a state in which the number of start memories is 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure change display game (second special figure change display game) can be started (the last special figure change display game is ended or the special game state) When the end is reached, the start memory number is decremented by one, and the first special figure change display game (second special figure change display game) is started based on the stored start memory.
In the following description, when the first special figure variable display game is not distinguished from the second special figure variable display game, it is simply referred to as a special figure variable display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the count The switch 38a includes a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a coil for magnetic detection and detects a game ball using a phenomenon that a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Have been. A micro switch having mechanical contacts is used as the front frame open detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 or the game frame open detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like. be able to.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) that controls the game in a comprehensive manner, and includes a game microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a game microcomputer) 111. The CPU 110 includes an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port and a driver, and a data bus 140 connecting the CPU unit 110 with the input unit 120 and the output unit 130.

  The CPU section 110 receives a signal (start winning detection signal) from a game microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inverting circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like for inverting the logic and inputting it to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided, and generate an operating clock of the CPU, a timer interrupt, and a clock which is a reference of the random number generating circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 and the like are provided. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400, so that they can operate. Is done.

  The power supply device 400 includes a normal power supply including an AC-DC converter that generates the DC voltage of 32 V DC from a 24 V AC power supply and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower-level DC voltage such as 12 V DC and 5 V DC from the 32 V DC voltage. Unit 410, a backup power supply unit 420 for supplying a power supply voltage to the RAM inside the gaming microcomputer 111 at the time of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch to notify the game control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure. A control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or with the game control device 100, that is, the main unit. You may comprise so that it may be provided on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, as in the embodiment, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on the power supply device 400 or a board different from the main board. With the provision, the cost can be reduced by excluding the replacement.

  The backup power supply unit 420 can be constituted by one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (especially the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, so that the data stored in the RAM is retained even during a power failure or after the power is cut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32 V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when the voltage drops to 17 V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the reset signal after a predetermined time. Is output. Also, at the time of turning on the power or recovering from the power failure, the reset signal is output after a lapse of a predetermined time from that point.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of a forced interrupt signal, and resets the entire control system.

  The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written at any time.

  The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number determination values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area of the CPU 111A and a storage area for various signals and random numbers during game control. Used as An electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used as the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C.

In addition, the ROM 111B stores, for example, a fluctuation pattern table for determining a fluctuation pattern that defines the execution time of the special figure fluctuation display game, the effect contents, the presence / absence of the reach state, and the like.
The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine a variation pattern by referring to variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as start-up memory. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a deviation fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is out of order, a big hit fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is per 15R or 2R, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a second half variation pattern table and a first half variation pattern table.

  The reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can be changed, the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state (special gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when the special result mode is reached, a part of the plurality of display results has already been derived at a stage where the display result has not been displayed yet. It refers to a display state in which the displayed result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state deviates from the display condition of the special result mode even when the variable display control of the display device progresses to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed. No display mode. Then, for example, a state in which a variable display is performed by a plurality of variable display areas while maintaining a state in which the special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. Further, the reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. It means a display state in which at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfy a condition for a special result mode.

  Therefore, for example, the decorative special figure variation display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure variation display game fluctuates a plurality of pieces of identification information in each of the left, middle, and right variation display areas on the display device for a predetermined time. In the case where the variable display is stopped in the order of left, right and middle after the display and the result mode is displayed, the state where the condition for the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, any one of the left, middle, and right variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode (for example, the same state). The state that has become the identification information (excluding the special result mode) may be the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state. The reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and reach effects having different possibilities (different degrees of reliability) of deriving special result modes include normal reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, and premium reach. Is set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <premier reach. The reach state is included in the variable display mode at least when a special result mode is derived (a big hit) in the special figure variable display game. That is, the special display mode may be included in the variable display mode when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (in the case of a loss). Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state in which the jackpot is more likely to be a big hit than the case where the reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B to generate control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, and to generate and output drive signals for solenoids and display devices, and output the game machines. 10 overall control.
Also, although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 generates a big hit random number for the special figure change display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, a hit determination random number for the ordinary figure change display game, and the like. For generating a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock for giving an update timing of the random number generation circuit based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113. It has a clock generator.

  Further, the CPU 111A performs any one of a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B in the start port switch monitoring processing (step A1) and the special figure ordinary processing (step A9) in the special figure game processing described later. Obtain one variation pattern table. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure change display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure change display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operating state (normal operating state or time-saving operating state) of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 as the state, the number of starting memories, and the like, one of the plural fluctuation pattern tables is selected and acquired. I do.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of a payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , Control for paying out the prize balls. Further, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball loan request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the ball rental.

  The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, a starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the ordinary figure starting gate 34, a general winning port. Interfaces that are connected to the switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a, receive a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches, and convert the signal to a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. A chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided. The proximity I / F 121 has an input range of 7V to 11V, so that the lead wire of the proximity switch is short-circuited improperly, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is cut off and becomes floating. It is configured to detect an abnormal state and output an abnormality detection signal.

  All the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and are also supplied from the main board 100 to the not-shown test test apparatus via the relay board 70. It has become. The detection signals of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided assuming that the signal input terminal of the game microcomputer 111 receives a signal from a microswitch or the like, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to be.

  Therefore, when micro switches are used as the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the game microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a to the game microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, a voltage of 12 V is supplied to the proximity I / F 121 from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage of, for example, 5 V required for normal operation of the IC. Has become.

  The input unit 120 also includes signals from the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 for detecting fraud provided on the front frame 12 and the like of the gaming machine 10 and the start winning port 36 converted by the proximity I / F 121. In this case, signals from the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, and the count switch 38a in the normal variable prize winning device 37 are taken in and the game is performed via the data bus 140 via the data bus 140. A second input port 122 for supplying to the microcomputer 111 is provided. The data held by the second input port 122 is read out by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122 to assert (change to an effective level) the enable signal CE1. be able to. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 120 includes signals and payouts from a front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 and the like of the gaming machine 10 and a game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 and the like. A status signal indicating an abnormal payout from the control device 200, a shot ball out switch signal indicating an insufficient shortage of game balls before the payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating an overflow are taken and supplied to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. One input port 123 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (that is, when the game balls are full).

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting a signal such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the game microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Among the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are temporarily input to the first input port 123, and are taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because there is a limit on the number of terminals provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 for receiving signals from outside.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the game microcomputer 111 and is also supplied to each port of the output unit 130. In addition, the reset signal RST is output directly to the relay board 70 without passing through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in a port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test test apparatus. It is configured as follows. Further, the configuration may be such that the reset signal RST can be output to the trial test apparatus via the relay board 70. Note that the reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset in order to prevent malfunction of the system. However, each data of the input unit 120 immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded by resetting the gaming microcomputer 111.

  The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity / invalidity of data, and a data strobe signal SSTB to be output to the effect control device 300. , And a second output port 132 that generates an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication. In addition, the output unit 130 is configured to prevent a signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the effect control device 300 side, that is, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 in order to ensure one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. Note that a buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  Further, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and transmits data indicating the special symbol information of the variable display game to the test shooting test device of the accredited organization (not shown), a signal indicating the probability state of the big hit, and the like via the relay board 70. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. The buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine as an actual machine (mass-produced product) installed in a game store. Note that a detection signal of a switch that does not require processing, such as a start-up switch, output from the proximity I / F 121 is supplied to the test firing test device via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, a detection signal which cannot be directly supplied to the test shooting test device, such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62, is once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control cannot be performed is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port for taking in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplying the signal to the test test apparatus, a connector for relaying and transmitting a signal line of a detection signal of the switch without passing through the buffer, and the like. ing. The chip enable signal CE output from the game microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selectively controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the trial shooting test apparatus.

  The output unit 130 has a solenoid (large winning opening solenoid) 38b connected to the data bus 140 for opening the special variable winning device 38 and a solenoid (generic solenoid) 37c for opening the movable member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37. And a third output port 135 for outputting on / off data of a digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. A fourth output port 136 for outputting on / off data of the segment line to which the anode terminal is connected, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information on the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71 are provided. Have been. The information on the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 71 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal installed in a game arcade or a game hall internal management device (not shown).

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the special winning opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal or the opening / closing data signal of the ordinary solenoid 37c to generate a solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 output from a third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 A third driver 138c for outputting an on / off drive signal for a segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external display device, and an external information signal supplied from the fifth output port 137 to an external device such as a management device. A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 71 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with 32V DC from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so as to drive a solenoid operated at 32V. Further, 12 V DC is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. The dynamic driving method is achieved by applying a current to the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line by the third driver 138c that outputs 12V and extracting the current from the cathode terminal via the segment line by the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the sequentially selected LEDs to light them. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. The buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output unit 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be communicable with each other so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 by serial communication. Since such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in a general-purpose microprocessor, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

  The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number value for judging the hit of the general figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the general figure starting gate 34, and reads the ROM 111B. Is compared with the judgment value stored in the game, and a process of judging a hit or miss of the ordinary figure change display game is performed. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed on the general symbol display 53 for a predetermined time, a process of displaying a general symbol variance display game to be stopped and displayed is performed. If the result of the normal-floating display game is a hit, a special result mode is displayed on the general-figure display 53, the general-purpose solenoid 37c is operated, and the opening and closing members 37b, 37b of the normal-variation winning device 37 are set to predetermined positions. Control for opening for a time (for example, 0.3 seconds) as described above is performed. When the result of the general-floor variation display game is out of control, control is performed on the general-purpose display 53 to display the result mode of the out-of-position.

In addition, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and based on the starting memory, the first special figure fluctuation display game is started. The random number value for the jackpot determination is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B to determine whether or not the first special figure variable display game is a hit.
In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the big hit determination of the second special figure fluctuation display game is performed based on the start memory. The random number value is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B to perform a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game has been hit.

  Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs to the effect control device 300 a control signal (effect control command) including the determination result of the first special figure change display game and the second special figure change display game. Then, after the identification symbol is fluctuated and displayed on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 for a predetermined time, a process for displaying a special figure change display game to be stopped and displayed is performed.

Then, when the result of the special figure change display game is a hit, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 and generates the special game state. Is performed. That is, the game control device 100 functions as a game control unit that generates a special game state advantageous to the player when the result of the variable display game is a special result.
In the process of generating the special gaming state, the CPU 111A controls the large winning opening solenoid 38b to open the opening / closing door 38c of the special variable winning device 38, for example, to allow the game balls to flow into the special winning opening. .
Either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is won in the special winning opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses after the opening of the special winning opening is achieved. Opening the special winning opening until the game is completed is defined as one round, and a control (cycle game) that continues (repeats) the predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 or 2 times) is performed.
Further, when the result of the special figure change display game is out of control, control is performed to display the result mode of the out of control on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52.

  Further, the game control device 100 can generate a certain change state as the game state after the end of the special game state, based on the result mode of the special figure change display game. This probability variation state is a state (high probability state) in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. In addition, regardless of which of the first special figure change display game and the second special figure change display game results in the positive change state, the first special figure change display game and the second special figure change display game do not change. Both of the displayed games are in a probable state.

Further, the game control device 100 can generate a time-saving state as a game state after the end of the special game state, based on the result mode of the special figure variable display game.
In this time saving state, control is performed to set the ordinary figure fluctuation display game and the normal fluctuation winning device 37 to the time reduction operation state. Specifically, in the time-saving state, control is performed so that the execution time of the above-described general-purpose variable display game is a second variable display time shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10 seconds is equal to 1 second). Thus, the number of times of opening the normal fluctuation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially increased. In addition, in the time saving state, when the normal fluctuation display game is a hit and the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened, the opening time is set to the second opening time longer than the first opening time in the normal state. (For example, 0.3 seconds is 1.7 seconds). In addition, in the time saving state, the number of times the normal variable prize winning device 37 is opened is not the first number of open times but a plurality of times of two or more (for example, (3 times) is set as the second release number.
It should be noted that the control for setting the execution time of the normal figure variable display game to the second variable display time (for example, 1 second) and the open mode of the normal variable winning device 37 to be the second open time (for example, 1.7) Second) and the number of times of release for one hit result of the normal-floating display game is the second number of times of release (for example, three times). May be. Further, in the time saving operation state, control may be performed so that the probability of a winning result of the normal figure fluctuation display game is higher than that in the normal operation state.
This makes it easier for game balls to win the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and facilitates starting the second special figure fluctuation display game.

  Note that the probable change state and the time-saving operation state of the normal figure fluctuation display game and the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37 can be generated independently, both can be generated simultaneously, or only one of them can be generated. It is possible.

Next, control executed by the game microcomputer (game microcomputer) 111 of the game control device 100 will be described.
The control process by the game microcomputer 111 mainly includes a main process shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and a timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 6 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing]
First, the main processing will be described.
The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 4, first, a process for inhibiting interrupts (step S1) is performed, and then, an interrupt vector setting process (step S1) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs. S2) Stack pointer setting processing for setting a stack pointer, which is the start address of an area for saving values of registers and the like when an interrupt occurs (step S3), and interrupt mode setting processing for setting an interrupt processing mode (step S4) )I do.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control device (payout board) 200 to start normally, a wait time of, for example, 4 ms is performed (step S5). Thus, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 starts up and sends a command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, so that the payout control device 200 avoids missing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable and writable RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or an EEPROM is permitted, and off data is output so that all output ports have no output (steps S6 and S7). In addition, the serial port (a port mounted in the gaming microcomputer 111 in this embodiment, which is not used because the parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 is performed) is set to be not used. Is performed (step S8).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch in the power supply device 400 is ON (step S9). Here, if it is determined that the initialization switch is OFF (Step S9; No), in Step S10, the data value of the power failure inspection area 1 among the plurality of power failure inspection areas provided in the RWM is checked (Step S10). It is determined whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 is the normal power failure inspection area check data 1 (step S11). If it is determined in step S11 that the value of the power failure inspection area 1 is the normal power failure inspection area check data 1 (step S11; Yes), the data value of the power failure inspection area 2 is checked (step S12). It is determined whether the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal power failure inspection area check data 2 (step S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal power failure inspection area check data 2 (step S13; Yes), a process of calculating data called a checksum (step S14) is performed. The calculated checksum is compared with the checksum when the power is turned off (step S15), and it is determined whether the values match (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S9 that the initialization switch is ON (step S9; Yes), if it is determined in step S11 that the value of the power failure inspection area 1 is not normal (step S11; No), the power failure inspection area is determined in step S13. If it is determined that the value of 2 is not normal (step S13; No), or if it is determined that the checksums do not match (step S16; No), the process jumps to step S24 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the checksums match (step S16; Yes), the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. 5 to clear all power failure inspection areas (step S17), and the checksum area is cleared. After performing the clearing process (step S18), the area related to the error or the illegal monitoring is reset (step S19). Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is checked to determine whether the gaming state is a high probability state (step S20). Here, if it is determined that the probability is not high (step S20; No), steps S21 and S22 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the probability is high (step S20; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high-probability notification flag area (step S21). The ON data for turning on (lighting) the probability notification LED (error indicator) is saved in the area (fourth output port 136) corresponding to the segment (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, a power outage recovery command corresponding to the special figure game processing number is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S29.

  On the other hand, when the process jumps from step S9, S11, S13, S16 to step S24, first, a process of clearing all work areas in the RAM used by the CPU 111A before the access prohibition area (step S24). After performing the process of clearing all subsequent stack areas (step S25), the initial value at power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (step S26). Then, the time value (output timer initial value) of the period during which the external information (security signal) relating to the clearing of the RWM is output is set in the security signal control timer area (step S27), and the command at the time of turning on the power is given to the effect control device. The process of transmitting to S300 (step S28) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S29.

In step S29, a process of activating a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is performed.
The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the game microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113 into a frequency dividing circuit, and provides the CPU 111A with a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 ms) and a random number based on the frequency-divided signal. A CTC circuit for generating a signal CTC for triggering a random number update to be supplied to the generation circuit.

  After the CTC activation process in step S29, a process for activating and setting the random number generation circuit is performed (step S30). Specifically, the CPU 111A sets a code (designated value) for activating the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Then, the value of a predetermined register (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on is changed to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining a big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2) Then, after saving in a predetermined area of the RWM as an initial value (start value) of a random number (hit random number) for determining a hit in a normal figure (step S31), an interrupt is permitted (step S32). The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in the present embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes each time the power is turned on. By setting the (start value), the regularity of the random numbers generated by software can be broken, and it is difficult for a player to obtain an illegal random number.

  Subsequently, an initial value random number update process (Step S33) for updating the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers is performed. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number and the hit random number are soft random numbers generated by software.

  After the initial value random number updating process in step S33, the number of times the power failure monitoring signal is checked is set (step S34). Then, the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 is read via the port and the data bus and checked, and it is determined whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35). If it is determined in step S35 that the power failure monitoring signal is not ON (step S35; No), the process returns to step S33, and the above-described initial value random number update processing and power failure monitoring signal check (loop processing) are repeatedly performed. By allowing an interrupt (step S32) before the initial value random number updating process (step S33), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number updating process, the interrupt process is executed with priority, and the timer interrupt is executed. Is kept waiting by the initial value random number update process, thereby avoiding pressure on the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number updating process in step S33, there is also a method of performing the initial value random number updating process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid the execution of the value random number update process, when performing the initial value random number update process in the main process, it is necessary to prohibit the interrupt and then update and release the interrupt. If the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process is not performed and only the main process is performed, there is no problem if the interrupt is released before the initial value random number update process. It has the advantage of being simplified.

  In step S35, when it is determined that the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes), it is determined whether the ON is continued for the set number of checks (step S36). When it is determined that the power failure has not been continued (Step S36; No), the process returns to Step S35, and the determination (loop processing) as to whether or not a power failure has occurred is repeated. If it is determined in step S36 that the process has been continued (step S36; Yes), that is, if it is determined that a power failure has occurred, the process of temporarily prohibiting an interrupt (step S37) is performed, and all output ports are turned off. A process for outputting data (step S38) is performed. After that, the process of saving the power failure restoration inspection area check data 1 in the power failure restoration inspection region 1 (step S39), the process of saving the power failure restoration inspection region check data 2 in the power failure restoration inspection region 2 (step S40), the power supply of the RWM After performing the process of calculating the checksum at the time of interruption (step S41), the calculated checksum is saved in the checksum area (step S42), and the process of prohibiting access to the RWM (step S43) is performed. Wait for the power of the gaming machine to be shut off. In this manner, by saving the check data in the power failure restoration inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power failure, the information stored in the RWM before the power failure of the gaming machine 10 due to the power failure or the like can be correctly corrected. Whether or not backup has been performed can be determined when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the timer interrupt process is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 6 is started.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 first performs a register evacuation process of transferring a value held in a predetermined register to the RWM (step S51). In the present embodiment, in the Z80 microcomputer used as a game microcomputer, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, inputs from various sensors (starting port 1 switch 36a, starting port 2 switch 37a, gate switch 34a, count switch 38a, etc.), that is, input processing for reading the state of each input port (step S52) )I do. Then, based on the output data set in the various processes, an output process (step S53) for performing drive control and the like of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL 38b, ordinary SOL 37c) is performed.

Next, a command transmission process of outputting the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 300, the payout control device 200, and the like (Step S54), a random number update process 1 (Step S55), a random number update process 2 (Step S55) S56) is performed.
Thereafter, the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switches 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a as shown in FIG. A winning opening switch / error monitoring process (step S57) for performing an open / close frame or a glass frame is performed. In addition, a special figure game process (step S58) for performing a process related to the special figure change display game and a general figure game process (step S59) for performing a process related to the general figure change display game are performed.

  Next, a segment LED editing process (step S60), which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED for displaying a special figure variable display game and displaying various information related to the game so as to display desired contents, a magnetic sensor switch. A magnetic error monitoring process (step S61) is performed by checking detection signals from the vibration sensor switch 12b and the vibration sensor switch 12c to determine whether there is any abnormality. Then, an external information editing process (step S62) for setting signals to be output to various external devices in an output buffer is performed. Subsequently, a process of clearing the interrupt request and declaring the end of the interrupt is performed (step S63), a process of restoring the data of the register saved in step S41 (step S64), and a process of permitting the interrupt (step S64) Step S65) is performed, and the timer interrupt process ends.

[Special figure game processing]
Next, details of the special figure game process (step S48) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described.
In the special figure game processing, the input of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the input of the starting port 2 switch 37a are monitored, the entire process related to the special figure change display game is controlled, and the setting of the special figure display is performed.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the special figure game process, first, a start switch monitoring process (step A1) for monitoring winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is performed.
In the starting port switch monitoring process, when a game ball is won in the starting winning port 36 and the ordinary variable winning device 37 serving as the second starting port, various random numbers (such as a big hit random number) are extracted, and special features based on the winning are obtained. At the stage before the start of the figure change display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which the game result based on the winning is determined in advance.
The details of the starting port switch monitoring process (step A1) will be described later.

Next, a count switch monitoring process (step A2) is performed. In the count switch monitoring process, a process of monitoring the count number of the count switch 38a provided in the special variable winning device 38 is performed.
The details of the count switch monitoring process (step A2) will be described later.

Next, the special figure game processing timer is updated (−1), and it is checked whether or not the game processing timer has timed out (step A3), and the special figure game processing timer has timed out (step A4; If the determination is Yes, a special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to the processing corresponding to the special figure game processing number is set in the register (step A5), and the special figure game using the table is performed. A process (step A6) of acquiring a branch destination address of the process corresponding to the process number is performed.
Then, after performing processing (step A7) for saving the return address after the completion of the branch processing to the stack area, the game branch processing (step A8) is performed according to the game processing number.

  In step A8, if the game processing number is "0", the start of the change of the special figure change display game is monitored, and the setting of the change start and the effect of the special figure change display game and the processing during the change of the special figure are performed. A special map ordinary process (step A9) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed. The details of the special figure ordinary processing (step A9) will be described later.

  If the game processing number is "1" in step A8, the special figure changing process for setting the special figure stop display time and setting information necessary for performing the special figure displaying process is performed. (Step A10) is performed. The details of the special figure changing process (step A10) will be described later.

  In step A8, if the game processing number is "2", if the game result of the special figure change display game is a big hit, setting of a fanfare command according to the type of the big hit (2R big hit or 15R big hit), Special figure display processing (step A11) for setting the fanfare time according to the big win opening pattern of each big hit (2R big hit or 15R big hit) and setting information necessary for performing the processing during the fanfare / interval. Do. The details of the special figure displaying process (step A11) will be described later.

  If the game processing number is "3" in step A8, setting of the opening time of the special winning opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. The processing during the fanfare / interval (step A12) is performed.

  In step A8, if the game processing number is "4", an interval command is set if the big hit round is not the last round, whereas if the game round is the last round, a command for setting a big hit end screen is set. A special winning opening opening process (step A13) for setting information necessary for performing the winning opening residual ball processing is performed.

  If the game processing number is “5” in step A8, if the big hit round is the last round, the processing for setting the time for discharging the remaining balls in the big winning opening and the big hit end processing are performed. A special winning opening remaining ball process (step A14) for setting information necessary for performing the process is performed.

  If the game processing number is "6" in step A8, a big hit end processing (step A15) for setting information necessary for performing the special figure ordinary processing (step A9) is performed.

  Then, after preparing a table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51 (step A16), the symbol fluctuation control processing (step A17) related to the special figure 1 display 51 is performed. Then, after preparing a table for controlling the variation of the special figure 2 display 52 (step A18), the symbol variation control processing (step A19) related to the special figure 2 display 52 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step A4 that the special figure game processing timer has not timed out (step A4; No), the process proceeds to step A16, and the subsequent processes are performed.

[Start port switch monitoring processing]
Next, the details of the starting port switch monitoring processing in the above-described special figure game processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the starting port switch monitoring process, the gaming microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 first prepares a table for setting a starting port winning effect command by the starting port 36 (starting port 1). After preparing a table for setting the information of the hold by the starting port 1 (step A111), the common process for the special figure starting port switch (step A112) is performed.
The details of the common process for the special figure starting port switch in step A112 will be described later together with the common processes for the special figure starting port switch in step A117.

Next, it is checked whether or not the normal electric winning combination (the normal variable winning device 37) is operating, that is, whether the normal variable winning device 37 is operating and the game ball is in an open state in which it is possible to win a game ball. (Step A113) When it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory is operating (Step A113; Yes), the process proceeds to Step A116, and the subsequent processes are performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step A113 that the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (step A113; No), it is checked whether or not the number of illegal winnings in the normal variable winning device 37 is equal to or greater than the number of illegal occurrence determinations (step A113). A114), a process (step A115) of determining whether or not the number of illegal winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud occurrence determinations.
In the normal variable winning device 37, a game ball cannot be won in a closed state, and a game ball can be won only in an open state. Therefore, when a game ball wins in the closed state, it is a case where some abnormality or injustice has occurred. Then, it is determined whether or not the counted number of illegal winnings is equal to or greater than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit).

If it is determined in step A115 that the number of unauthorized winnings is not equal to or greater than the number of unauthorized determinations (step A115; No), a table for setting a starting opening winning effect command by the normal variable winning device 37 (starting opening 2) is prepared, and starting is performed. After preparing a table for setting the information of the hold by the mouth 2 (step A116), the special figure startup port switch common processing (step A117) is performed, and the startup port switch monitoring processing is ended.
Also, in step A115, when it is determined that the number of illegal winnings is equal to or greater than the number of illegal determinations (step A115; Yes), the start-up switch monitoring process is terminated. That is, the second start memory is not generated any more.

[Tokuzu start switch common processing]
Next, details of the special figure startup port switch common processing (steps A112 and A117) in the above-described startup port switch monitoring processing will be described.
The special process start port switch common process is a process that is commonly performed for each input when there is an input from the start port 1 switch 36a or the start port 2 switch 37a.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the common process for the special figure starting port switch, the gaming microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 first starts the monitoring target starting port switch (of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a). For example, it is checked whether or not there is an input to the starting port 1 switch 36a (step A201), and if it is determined that there is no input to the monitoring target starting port switch (step A202; No), the special figure starting port switch is determined. The common processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step A202 that there is an input to the start-up switch to be monitored (step A202; Yes), the start-up winning flag of the start-up switch to be monitored is saved (step A203). Is loaded with the extracted jackpot random numbers into the hard random number latch register (step A204).

  Subsequently, information on the number of winnings to the monitored start switch (for example, the start 1 switch 36a) of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is transmitted to the management device outside the gaming machine 10. The loaded number (starting port signal output number) is loaded (step A205), the loaded value is updated (+1), and it is checked whether the output number overflows (step A206). If it is determined that the output count does not overflow (step A207; No), the updated value is saved in the start port signal output count area of the RWM (step A208), and the process proceeds to step A209. On the other hand, when it is determined in step A207 that the number of outputs has overflowed (step A207; Yes), the process proceeds to step A209.

  Then, in step A209, of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a, the update target special drawing reservation corresponding to the monitored starting port switch (for example, the starting port 1 switch 36a) (start storage). A check is made to determine whether the number is less than the upper limit (step A209), and a process is performed to determine whether the number of reserved special figures is less than the upper limit (step A210).

If it is determined in step A210 that the number of special figure reservations is less than the upper limit (step A210; Yes), the number of special figure reservations to be updated (for example, the number of special figure 1 reservations) is updated (+1) ( Step A211) is performed.
Subsequently, after preparing the decoration special figure reservation number command (MODE) of the monitoring target starter switch (for example, the starter 1 switch 36a) among the starter 1 switch 36a and the starter 2 switch 37a (step A212). ), And prepares a decoration special figure reservation number command (ACTION) corresponding to the special figure reservation number (step A213), and performs a command setting process (step A214).

  Subsequently, after performing a process of calculating the address of the random number save area corresponding to the special figure reservation number (step A215), the big hit random number is saved in the big hit random number save area of the RWM (step A216). Then, the jackpot symbol random number of the starting port switch to be monitored is extracted and prepared (step A217), and the jackpot symbol random number is saved in the jackpot symbol random number save area of the RWM (step A218). Next, the corresponding variation pattern random number 1 is extracted and saved in the RWM variation pattern random number 1 save area (step A219). Next, the corresponding variation pattern random number 2 is extracted and the RWM variation pattern random number 2 save area is saved. (Step A220), and further extracts the corresponding variation pattern random number 3, and saves it in the RWM variation pattern random number 3 save area (step A221).

The set of the big hit random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 saved here becomes one start memory. Accordingly, the game control device 100 extracts a predetermined random number in response to the winning of the game ball in the start winning area, and stores the random number as a start memory having a right to execute the variable display game with a predetermined number as an upper limit. It will function as a winning storage means.
Thereafter, the special figure suspension information determination processing (step A222) is performed, and the common processing for the special figure starting port switch ends. The details of the special figure suspension information determination process will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A210 that the number of reserved special figures is not less than the upper limit value (step A210; No), it is checked whether or not the input of the starting port switch according to step A202 is the input of the starting port 1 switch 36a. Then, when it is determined that the input is the input of the starting port 1 switch 36a (Step A224; Yes), a decoration special figure reservation number command (overflow command) is prepared (Step A225), and the command setting process (Step A226) ) To end the common process for the special figure starting port switch.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A223 that the input is not the input of the start port 1 switch 36a (step A224; No), the special drawing start port switch common process is terminated.

[Special figure pending information judgment processing]
Next, details of the special figure hold information determination processing (step A222) in the above-described special figure starting port switch common processing will be described.
The special figure suspension information determination processing is a look-ahead processing for determining the result related information corresponding to the start memory before the start timing of the special figure change display game based on the corresponding start memory.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the special figure reservation information determination process, the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 first checks whether a condition for executing a prefetch effect is satisfied (step A231).
Here, the “conditions under which the look-ahead effect can be executed” means that the input of the starting port switch according to step A202 of the special figure starting port switch common process is the input of the starting port 2 switch 37a, or the starting port switch Is the input of the starting port 1 switch 36a, the opening extension function of the normal variable prize device 37 is not operating, that is, the normal variable prize device 37 is not supported (during the time saving operation state), and It means that you are not in a big hit. That is, when the input of the starting port switch according to step A202 of the special figure starting port switch common processing is the starting port 2 switch 37a, the starting is performed regardless of whether the normal variable winning device 37 is supporting or a big hit. Pre-reading processing for determining the result-related information corresponding to the storage is performed.

Then, in step A232, if the condition for executing the prefetching effect is not satisfied (step A232; No), the special figure suspension information determination processing ends.
On the other hand, if the condition for executing the prefetching effect is satisfied (step A232; Yes), the big hit determination that determines the result of the special figure change display game based on the start memory from the big hit random number stored as the start memory. The processing (step A233) is performed. Therefore, the game control device 100 functions as a preliminary result determination unit that determines a random number stored in the start winning storage unit corresponding to the start storage before the execution of the variable display game based on the start storage. Become.

If the result of the jackpot determination process in step A233 is a jackpot (step A234; Yes), a jackpot symbol random number check table corresponding to the start-up switch to be monitored is set (step A235), and the jackpot symbol random number is set. Is checked, the corresponding big hit information table is obtained and set (step A236), and the process proceeds to step A238.
On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination process in step A233 is not a jackpot (step A234; No), a miss information table is set (step A237), and the process proceeds to step A238.

  Subsequently, in step A238, symbol information is acquired from the set information table (big hit information table or outlier information table), and the acquired symbol information is saved in the symbol information (work) area (step A238). Next, the starting opening winning effect design command is acquired from the set information table, and the acquired starting opening winning effect design command is saved in the winning effect design command area (step A239).

Subsequently, a starting port winning flag of the starting port switch to be monitored is prepared (step A240), a starting port winning effect command setting table to be monitored is prepared (step A241), and a special figure information setting process (step A242) is performed. The latter half variation pattern setting process (step A243) and the variation pattern setting process (step A244) are performed.
Then, a starting opening winning effect command (MODE) corresponding to the first variation number is calculated and prepared (step A245), and the value of the second half changing number is prepared as a starting opening winning effect command (ACTION) (step A246). , A command setting process (step A247).
Subsequently, the starting opening winning effect symbol command is loaded and prepared (step A248), a command setting process (step A249) is performed, and the special figure suspension information determination process ends.

(Tokuzu usual processing)
Next, details of the special figure ordinary processing (step A9) in the above-described special figure game processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the special figure ordinary processing, first, it is checked whether or not the number of special figure 2 reservations (the number of second startup storages) is 0 (step A271).
When it is determined that the number of reserved special figure 2 is 0 (step A272; Yes), it is checked whether the number of reserved special figure 1 (first start storage number) is 0 (step A273).
If it is determined that the number of reserved special figure 1 is 0 (step A274; Yes), it is checked whether or not the customer waiting demonstration has already been started (step A275), and the customer waiting demonstration has not been started. That is, if it is determined that the process has not started (step A276; No), a process of saving the customer waiting demonstration flag in the customer waiting demonstration flag area (step A277) is performed.

Subsequently, a customer waiting demonstration command is prepared (step A278), and a command setting process (step A279) is performed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A275 that the customer waiting demonstration has already been started (step A276; Yes), the customer waiting demonstration flag is already set during the customer waiting demonstration (step A277), and a customer waiting demonstration command is also prepared (step A277). Since the command setting process (step A279) is also executed (step A278), the process proceeds to step A280 without performing these processes. Then, the special figure ordinary processing shift setting processing 1 (step A280) is performed, and the special figure ordinary processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A272 that the special figure 2 suspension number is not 0 (step A272; No), special figure 2 change start processing (step A281) is performed. The details of the special figure 2 change start process in step A281 will be described later.
After that, a special figure changing process transition setting processing (step A282) of the special figure 2 is performed, and the special figure ordinary processing ends.
If it is determined in step A274 that the number of reserved special figure 1 is not 0 (step A274; No), special figure 1 change start processing (step A283) is performed. The details of the special figure 1 change start process in step A283 will be described later.
Thereafter, the special figure changing process transition setting processing (step A284) of the special figure 1 is performed, and the special figure ordinary processing ends.
As described above, the check of the special figure 2 reservation number in steps A271 and A272 is performed before the check of the special figure 1 reservation number in steps A273 and A274. Means that the special figure 2 change start process (step A281) is executed. That is, the second special figure change display game is executed prior to the first special figure change display game.

[Special figure 1 fluctuation start processing]
Next, details of the special figure 1 change start processing (step A283) in the above-described special figure ordinary processing will be described.
The special figure 1 change start processing is processing performed at the start of the first special figure change display game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, first, whether the first special figure change display game is a big hit or not is determined. A jackpot flag 1 setting process (step A301) for setting deviation information and jackpot information is performed on the jackpot flag 1 for determining whether or not it is.

Next, after performing the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process (step A302) related to the setting of the first special figure stop symbol (special figure 1 stop symbol), the first special figure stop symbol number (special figure 1 stop symbol number) ) Is saved in the test signal output data area (step A303).
Subsequently, after loading the stop symbol pattern information set in the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process, the stop symbol pattern information is saved in a work symbol information area of the RWM (step A304).

Next, the special figure 1 change flag is set and prepared (step A305), and the special figure 1 change flag is saved in the change symbol discrimination flag area of the RWM (step A306).
Thereafter, a table (for special figure 1) for setting information on the variation pattern is prepared (step A307), and special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information (step A308) is performed. Subsequently, of the variation modes in the first special figure variation display game, after performing the latter half variation pattern setting process (step A309) for setting the latter variation pattern, the variation setting the variation aspect of the first special figure variation display game is performed. A pattern setting process (step A310) is performed. After that, a fluctuation start information setting process (step A311) for setting information on the fluctuation start of the first special figure is performed, and the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing is ended.

[Special figure 2 fluctuation start processing]
Next, details of the special figure 2 change start processing (step A281) in the above-described special figure ordinary processing will be described.
The special figure 2 change start processing is performed at the start of the second special figure change display game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, first, whether the second special figure change display game is a big hit is determined. A jackpot flag 2 setting process (step A321) for setting deviation information and jackpot information is performed on the jackpot flag 2 for determining whether or not it is.

Next, after performing the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process (step A322) related to the setting of the second special figure stop symbol (special figure 2 stop symbol), the second special figure stop symbol number (special figure 2 stop symbol number) ) Is saved in the test signal output data area (step A323).
Subsequently, after loading the stop symbol pattern information set in the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process, the stop symbol pattern information is saved in a symbol information area for work of the RWM (step A324).

Next, a special figure 2 change flag is set and prepared (step A325), and the special figure 2 change flag is saved in a change symbol discrimination flag area of the RWM (step A326).
Thereafter, a table (for special figure 2) for setting information on the fluctuation pattern is prepared (step A327), and special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information (step A328) is performed. Subsequently, of the variation modes in the second special figure variation display game, after performing the latter half variation pattern setting process (step A329) for setting the latter variation pattern, the variation setting the variation aspect of the second special figure variation display game is performed. A pattern setting process (step A330) is performed. After that, a fluctuation start information setting process (step A331) for setting information on the fluctuation start of the second special figure is performed, and the special figure 2 fluctuation start processing ends.

Hereinafter, each of the latter half variation pattern setting process (step A330), the variation pattern setting process (step A331), and the variation start information setting process (step A332) in the special figure 1 variation start process shown in FIG. 12 will be described.
Note that the second half variation pattern setting process (step A350), the variation pattern setting process (step A351), and the variation start information setting process (step A352) in the special figure 2 variation start process shown in FIG. The second half variation pattern setting process (step A330), the variation pattern setting process (step A331), and the variation start information setting process (step A332) in the variation start process are almost the same, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Latter half variation pattern setting process]
First, details of the latter half variation pattern setting process (step A309) in the above-described special figure 1 variation start process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the latter half variation pattern setting process, first, the special figure information (for example, the first special figure, etc.) set in the special figure information setting processing among the first special figure and the second special figure. Is performed (step A341) to calculate the address of the fluctuation group selection table corresponding to.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the stop symbol pattern set in the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process is a lost symbol pattern (step A342), and the stopped symbol pattern is a lost symbol pattern (step A343; Yes). ), The pending number pointer is loaded from the variable selection group information 1 to be set (step A344), and then the address of the variable group selection table corresponding to the pending number pointer is calculated and prepared as the variable group selection table. The processing (step A345) is performed.

Subsequently, as a random number for determination for selecting a second half variation pattern group of the special figure variation display game, a variation pattern random number 1 composed of 2 bytes (a plurality of bytes) is prepared by loading from the target area (step A346), a variable group selection table whose address is calculated in step A455 is prepared (step A347), and a 2-byte distribution process (step A348) for specifying the second half fluctuation selection table is performed.
If it is determined in step A343 that the stopped symbol pattern is not a lost symbol pattern (step A343; No), the process proceeds to step A346, in which the variable pattern random number 1 is loaded from the target area and prepared. Thereafter (step A346), a two-byte distribution process (step A347) for specifying the second half variation selection table is performed.

Next, after obtaining and preparing the address of the second half variation selection table obtained by performing the two-byte distribution process (step A348), it is used as a determination random number for selecting the second half variation pattern of the special figure variation display game. Then, the variation pattern random number 2 is loaded from the target area and prepared (step A349), and the distribution process (step A350) for specifying the second half variation number is performed.
Then, a process of acquiring the second half variation number obtained by performing the sorting process (step A351) is performed, and the second half variation number is saved in the second half variation number area to be subjected to the RWM (step A352). The variation pattern setting process ends.

[Variation pattern setting processing]
Next, details of the variation pattern setting process (step A310) in the above-described special figure 1 variation start process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the variation pattern setting process, first, the first variation group information is loaded from the target first variation group information area (step A361), and the address of the first variation group table corresponding to the first variation group information is calculated. (Step A362).

  Next, the latter half variation number is loaded from the target area (step A363), and the address corresponding to the latter half variation number is calculated using the calculated table (step A364). Then, it is checked whether the second-half variation number is the number of the reach-less variation (step A365), and when it is determined that it is the number of the reach-less variation (step A366; Yes), the first-half variation information 1 area of the target first-half variation information 1 1 is loaded (step A367), and the process proceeds to step A369. If it is determined that the number is not the number of the change without reach (step A366; No), the first half fluctuation information 2 is loaded from the target first half fluctuation information 2 area (step A368), and the process proceeds to step A369.

  In step A369, the address corresponding to the first half variation information is calculated using the calculated table (step A369), and the address of the first half variation selection table is acquired from the calculated address to prepare (step A370). Subsequently, the variation pattern random number 3 is loaded from the target area and prepared (step A371). Then, a distribution process (step A372) is performed, a first half variation number obtained as a result of the distribution is obtained and prepared (step A373), and the variation pattern setting process is ended.

[Change start information setting process]
Next, details of the change start information setting process (step A311) in the above-described special figure 1 change start process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the change start information setting processing, first, the random number save areas of the target change pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are cleared to 0 (step A381). Next, a first half fluctuation time value table is set (step A382), and a first half fluctuation time value corresponding to the first half fluctuation number is acquired (step A383). Further, a second half variation time value table is set (step A384), and a second half variation time value corresponding to the second half variation number is obtained (step A385).

  Then, the first half fluctuation time value and the second half fluctuation time value are added (step 386), and the added value is saved in the special figure game processing timer area (step A387). Thereafter, a variation command (MODE) corresponding to the first half variation number is calculated and prepared (step A388), the value of the first half variation number is prepared as a variation command (ACTION) (step A389), and a command setting process is performed (step A389). Step A390). Then, a symbol information command is loaded and prepared from the decoration special figure command area (step A391), and a command setting process is performed (step A392).

  Thereafter, a decoration special figure reserved number command (MODE) corresponding to the variable symbol discrimination flag is prepared (step A393), the address of the random number save area corresponding to the variable symbol discrimination flag is set (step A394), and the variable symbol discrimination is performed. The number of reserved special figures corresponding to the flag is updated by -1 (step A395). Then, a decoration special figure reservation number command (ACTION) corresponding to the special figure reservation number is prepared (step A396), and a command setting process is performed (step A397). Thereafter, the random number save area corresponding to the fluctuating symbol discrimination flag is shifted (step A398), the empty area after the shift is cleared to 0 (step A399), and the fluctuating start information setting processing ends.

[Processing during special map display]
Next, the details of the special figure displaying process (step A11) in the above-described special figure game processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 17, in the special figure displaying process, first, the big hit flag 2 set in the big hit flag 2 setting process in the special figure 2 change start process is loaded (step A501), and the big hit flag 2 of the RWM is loaded. A process of clearing the area (step A502) is performed.

Next, the loaded jackpot flag 2 is checked (step A503), and if it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step A504; Yes), the process of clearing the jackpot flag 1 area of the RWM (step A510) is performed, and the second A test signal related to the big hit of the special figure change display game (the special figure 2 big hit) is saved in the RWM (step A511), and the process proceeds to step A512.
On the other hand, as a result of checking the big hit flag 2 in step A504, if it is determined that the big hit is not a big hit (step A504; No), the big hit flag 1 set in the big hit flag 1 setting processing in the special figure 1 change start processing is loaded. (Step A505), a process of clearing the big hit flag 1 area of the RWM (Step A506) is performed.
Subsequently, the loaded jackpot flag 1 is checked (step A507), and if it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step A508; Yes), a test signal relating to the jackpot (the special figure 1 jackpot) of the first special figure variable display game is generated. The data is saved in the RWM (step A509), and the process proceeds to step A512.

Then, after the saving of the test signal for the special figure 1 big hit in step A509 or the saving of the test signal for the special figure 2 big hit in step A511, a process of setting the round number upper limit table (step A512) is performed.
Next, after obtaining the round number upper limit corresponding to the round number upper limit determination flag, the round number upper limit is saved in the round number upper limit area of the RWM (step A513). Subsequently, after obtaining the round LED pointer corresponding to the round number upper limit determination flag, the round LED point is saved in the round LED pointer area of the RWM (step A514).

Next, a probability information command relating to information for setting the probability of a winning result in the normal figure variation display game and the special figure variation display game to a normal probability state (low probability state) is prepared (step A515), and a command setting process is performed. (Step A516) is performed.
Subsequently, a fanfare command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern number set in the stop symbol information setting process is prepared (step A517), and a command setting process (step A518) is performed.
Thereafter, a decoration special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern information relating to the decoration special figure change display game is loaded from the decoration special figure command area of the RWM to prepare (step A519), and a command setting process (step A520) is performed.

Next, after saving the special winning opening information and the signal corresponding to the state of the probability of winning in the special figure change display game in the external information output data area of the RWM (step A521), the special winning opening opening information is saved. Is set (step A522), and the fanfare time is saved in the special figure game processing timer (step A523).
Then, after resetting the number of illegal winnings to the special winning opening (step A524), the flag outside the illegal monitoring period is saved in the special winning opening illegal monitoring period flag (step A525).
Then, a process of preparing a table for shifting to the fanfare / interval processing (step A526), specifically, the processing number “3” related to the fanfare / interval processing and the switching of various states are stored in the table. A process for setting information and the like are performed, and the special figure fluctuation process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A508 that the big hit flag 1 is not checked as a result of the check of the big hit flag 1 (step A508; No), as shown in FIG. A time-saving operation state is set, and a process (step A527) for determining whether or not the time-saving state in which the opening time of the ordinary fluctuation winning device 37 is extended is performed.
Here, if it is determined that the gaming state is not the time reduction state (step A527; No), a process for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure ordinary processing (step A528), specifically, the special figure ordinary A process for setting a process number “0” or the like relating to the process is performed, and the special figure displaying process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step A527 that the gaming state is the time saving state (step A527; Yes), the number of time reduction fluctuations related to the number of times (for example, 100 times) the special figure fluctuation display game is performed in the time reduction operation state is determined. After the update (−1) (step A529), a process (step A530) of determining whether or not the number of times of time reduction change after the update is 0 is performed.
Here, if it is determined that the number of times of time shortening change is not 0 (Step A530; No), the process proceeds to Step A528, and the subsequent processes are performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A530 that the number of times of the time shortening change is 0 (step A530; Yes), that is, the predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in the special figure change display game in the time saving operation state in the time saving state Is completed, the probability information command for ending the time-saving operation state of the special figure fluctuation display game and the ordinary figure fluctuation display game and the state of extending the opening time of the ordinary fluctuation winning device 37 (time-saving state) are transmitted. After preparing (step A531), a command setting process (step A532) is performed.
Next, a process (step A533) for preparing a table (for time saving end) for shifting to the special figure ordinary processing, specifically, the processing number “0” related to the special figure ordinary processing is stored in the table. Processing for setting information and the like relating to the end of the time reduction operation state of the figure fluctuation display game and the normal figure fluctuation display game and the state of extending the open time of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 (time reduction state) is performed, and the special figure display processing is performed. To end.

<Direction control device>
Next, a configuration of the effect control device 300 and a control process executed in the effect control device 300 will be described.

First, the configuration of the effect control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 composed of an amusement chip (IC), like the game microcomputer 111, and a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 that performs video control exclusively under the control of the 1stCPU 311. A VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor for performing image processing for displaying images on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the second CPU 312, and various melodies and sound effects are reproduced from the speakers 19a and 19b. A sound source LSI 314 for controlling the output of a sound for causing the sound source to be provided.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are connected to program ROMs 321 and 322 each comprising a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program to be executed by each CPU. Is connected to an image ROM 323 in which character images and video data are stored, and a sound ROM 324 in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 analyzes commands from the game microcomputer 111, determines the effect contents, and instructs the image control microcomputer 312 on the contents of the output image, and instructs the sound source LSI 314 on the reproduction sound. And processing such as turning on the decorative lamp, controlling the drive of the motor, and managing the production time. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are provided inside the respective chips. The RAM for providing the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, a serial system is used between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, and between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the sound source LSI 314, respectively. Data transmission and reception are performed, and data transmission and reception are performed in parallel with the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the VDP 313. By transmitting and receiving data in a parallel manner, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial transmission. The VDP 313 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 313a used for expanding and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and a scaler for enlarging and reducing images. 313b, a signal conversion circuit 313c for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like are provided.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 41 with the lighting of the decorative lamp provided on the front frame 12 and the game board 30. Further, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is in a state of waiting for reception of an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify processing status such as completion of drawing in the VRAM. Wait signal WAIT is input. Further, a synchronization signal SYNC for notifying that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and for giving a command transmission timing is input from the video control microcomputer 312 to the main control microcomputer 311. An interrogation (call) signal CTS and a response (response) signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data by a handshake method.

  It should be noted that the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 uses a CPU that is faster than the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311, that is, an expensive CPU. By providing an image control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 separately from the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and sharing the processing, a large-screen, fast-moving image that cannot be realized by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 alone is obtained. The image can be displayed on the display device 41, and the increase in cost can be suppressed as compared with a case where two CPUs having the same processing capacity as the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are used. Further, by providing two CPUs, control programs for the two CPUs can be separately developed in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of a new model.

  Further, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 100. Via the command I / F 331, the fluctuation start command, the customer waiting demo command, the fanfare command, the probability information command, the error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 as the effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC5V and the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.

  The effect control device 300 includes a board decoration LED control circuit 332 that drives and controls a board decoration device 42 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for driving and controlling a frame decoration device (for example, the frame decoration device 18 or the like) having the provided LED (light emitting diode), a board effect provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board production motor / SOL control circuit 334 for driving and controlling a device (for example, an electric accessory that enhances the production effect in cooperation with the production display on the display device 41), and a motor (for example, a moving light) provided on the front frame 12 A frame effect motor control circuit 335 for driving and controlling the motor 45 for operating the motor 16 is provided. These control circuits 332 to 335 for driving and controlling the lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 via an address / data bus 304.

  Further, in the effect control device 300, an operation input to a switch 25a built in an effect button 25 provided on the front frame 12 and an effect motor switch for detecting an initial position of a motor in the panel effect device 44 are turned on. A switch input circuit (operation input detecting means) 336 for detecting the ON / OFF state and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311, an audio power amplifier for driving the upper speaker 19 a provided on the front frame 12, and the like. And an amplifier circuit 337b for driving the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 12 are provided.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400 supplies a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 300 having the above-described configuration and the electronic components controlled thereby, and drives the motor and the solenoid. In addition to DC32V, DC12V for driving the display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal panel, DC5V for the power supply voltage of the command I / F 331, DC18V for driving an LED and a speaker, and a reference for these DC voltages and a power supply It is configured to generate a voltage of 24V NDC used to turn on the monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 or the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, DC3. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3 V or DC 1.2 V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 includes a main control microcomputer 311, a video control microcomputer 312, a VDP 313, a sound source LSI 314, control circuits 332 to 335 for driving and controlling a lamp and a motor, and a speaker. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b for driving the same and reset them. Further, in this embodiment, a configuration is employed in which a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 313. Thereby, the cooperation between the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 can be improved.

In the effect control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the display device 41 performs a process of displaying a decorative special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure variable display game. Therefore, the effect control device 300 functions as an effect control unit that performs display control of the variable display device.
Further, the effect control device 300 performs a process of controlling sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b and light emission of various LEDs based on a control signal from the game control device 100.
Further, the effect control device 300 performs a process of reflecting the operation input to the effect button 25 on the display content of the display device 41.

  Next, control in the effect control device 300 will be described. As described above, the effect control device 300 includes the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 that performs video control under the control of the main control microcomputer 311.

[1st main processing]
The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 performs a 1st main process shown in FIG. In the first main processing, processing at the start of the program is first performed. As a process at the start of the program, first, an interrupt is prohibited (step B11), the RAM is cleared to 0 (step B12), and a CPU initialization process (step B13) for initializing the CPU is performed. Next, an initial value of the RAM is set (step B14), random number initialization processing for initializing random numbers (step B15) is performed, timers for various interrupts are started (step B16), and interrupts are permitted (step B16). B17).

  Next, a loop process is performed as a main loop process. In this loop process, first, a WDT (watchdog timer) is cleared (step B18), and a button operation input process (step B19) for creating input information from an input signal (rising edge) based on the operation of the effect button 25 is performed. . The details of the button operation input processing (step B19) will be described later. Thereafter, a game control command analysis process (step B20) is performed. In this game control command analysis processing (step B20), it is determined whether or not a command related to the game transmitted from the game control device 100 has been correctly received. If the command has been correctly received, the command is determined, and scene control described later is performed. A process for classifying commands for processing is performed.

  Next, a test mode process (step B21), which is a process related to a test mode for testing the display device 41, the decoration device, the effect device, and the like, is performed. When the test mode is set by the test mode process (step B21), the subsequent processes related to the game are not performed. However, when the display on the display device 41, the output of the sound from the speaker, the emission of the LED of the decoration device, the operation of the effect device, and the like are performed in the test mode, the control is performed in the process for controlling these. The test mode ends when the power of the gaming machine is turned off.

  Then, a first scene control process (step B22) relating to the control of the game effect is performed. Details of the first scene control process (step B22) will be described later. Next, based on an error notification command transmitted from the game control device 100 when an error occurs in the gaming machine, a gaming machine error monitoring process (step B23) for performing a corresponding notification is performed. The display on the display device 41 and the output of sound from the speaker, the light emission of the LED of the decoration device, the operation of the effect device, and the like for performing the corresponding notification are controlled in a process for controlling these.

  Then, a sound command processing is performed to perform a production command editing process (step B24) for editing a command to be output to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, and to control a sound output from the speakers (the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b). (Step B25) is performed. Next, a decoration control process for controlling the LEDs of the board decoration device 42 and the frame decoration device 18 (step B26), and a motor / SOL control process for controlling the motors and solenoids of the board production device 44 and the frame presentation device 45 (step B26) B27) is performed. Then, a random number updating process (Step B28) for updating random numbers for determining details of the variation mode of the decorative special figure variation display game is performed, and the process returns to the process of clearing the WDT (Step B18).

[1st scene control processing]
FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the first scene control process (step B22) in the first main process (see FIG. 20). In the first scene control process, first, it is determined whether or not the test mode is being performed (step B61). If the test mode is being performed (step B61; Yes), the first scene control process ends. If it is not in the test mode (step B61; No), it is determined whether a scene change command has been received (step B62).

  The scene change command is various commands related to the game transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300. When the scene change command is received (step B62; Yes), the game state to be updated (current game state) is acquired (step B63), and it is determined whether the command is a valid command (step B64). In the determination as to whether the received command is a valid command (step B64), it is determined whether the received scene change command is valid for the acquired current gaming state. If the command is valid (step B64; Yes), the received command is saved (step B65), an effect request flag is set (step B66), and the branching process is performed using the command identifier of the received command (step B67). )I do.

  On the other hand, when a scene change command has not been received (step B62; No) or when the command is not a valid command (step B64; No), a branching process (step B67) using the command identifier of the received command is performed. In this case, branching is performed using the identifier of the most recently valid command.

  In the branch process based on the command identifier (step B67), a process to be executed is selected based on the received command. When a power-on command is received, power-on processing (step B68) for performing necessary processing at power-on is performed. If a power failure recovery command is received, a power failure recovery (other than waiting for a customer) process (step B69) for performing a process necessary for power failure recovery is performed. When a customer waiting demo command is received, a customer waiting process (step B70) for performing a process related to the display of the customer waiting demo is performed.

  When a variation pattern command is received, a variation process (Step B71) for performing a process related to the execution of the decorative special figure variation display game is performed. In the changing process (step B71), information necessary for performing the decorative special figure changing display game is set. In the setting of the information necessary for performing the decorative special figure change display game, for example, an effect (such as a big hit or not and change pattern information) included in the change pattern command transmitted from the game control device 100 is performed ( Effect pattern and effect time). When the fluctuating time of the special figure fluctuating display game is over, the fluctuating display of the identification information in the fancy special figure fluctuating display game is stopped, and the stop display time is set. The details of the in-flight processing (step B71) will be described later.

  When a fanfare command is received, a fanfare process (step B72), which is a process related to the start of a special game state or a specific game state, is performed. When the n-th command is received, the in-round process (step B73), which is a process related to the round game, is performed. When an interval command is received, an interval process (step B74), which is a process related to an interval between rounds, is performed. When an ending command is received, an ending process (step B75), which is a process related to the end of the special game state or the specific game state, is performed.

  After performing each of the above-described processes selected by the branching process using the command identifier (step B67), a process based on a command that is not immediately reflected in the video is performed. As this process, first, a symbol command receiving process (step B76) for performing a process based on a decoration special figure command including information on a stop symbol of the special figure change display game is performed, and a hold number command (information on increase / decrease of the start memory) is executed (step B76). The number-of-reserved-commands receiving process (step B77) for performing processing based on the special figure 1 reserved number command and the special figure 2 reserved number command is performed. The details of the hold number command receiving process (step B77) will be described later.

  Furthermore, the result of the special figure change display game based on the start memory is converted into a look-ahead command (start-up prize effect command, prize effect design symbol command) including a result of the pre-reading process for determining beforehand the execution of the special figure change display game. A prefetch command receiving process (step B78) for performing a process based on the command is performed. The details of the prefetch command receiving process (step B78) will be described later.

  Thereafter, a probability information command receiving process (step B79) for performing a process based on the probability information command including the information on the probability state is performed. In the probability information command receiving process (step B79), information on the start and end of the time saving state, information on the start and end of the special game state, information on the game state at the end of the big hit and the small hit, etc. are given as the probability information command. To receive.

[Reservation number command reception processing]
FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of the hold number command receiving process (step B77) in the first scene control process (see FIG. 21). In the reservation number command reception processing, first, the decoration special figure reservation number command is confirmed (step B131), and it is determined whether the decoration special figure reservation number command is received (step B132). If the decoration special figure reservation number command has not been received (step B132; No), the reservation number command reception processing ends. If a decoration special figure reservation number command is received (step B132; Yes), it is determined whether or not the command is an overflow command (step B133).

  If the command is an overflow command (step B133; Yes), the hold number command receiving process ends. If the command is not an overflow command (step B133; No), it is determined whether or not the target of the decoration suspension number command is a special figure 1 (step B134). Here, when the target is Toku-zu 1, ie, when the command is a decoration-pending-number command transmitted based on the increase / decrease of the first startup memory (step B134; Yes), the current value of Toku-zu 1-reserving-number storage area Is acquired (step B135), and a value based on the decoration special figure reservation number command received this time is acquired (step B136). Then, the difference is calculated to update the value of the special figure 1 reservation number storage area (step B137), and the special figure 1 reservation number display data is set based on the updated contents (step B138), and the presence or absence of the reservation change information is determined. A determination is made (step B143).

  This hold change information is information indicating that the display mode of the hold display (start memory display) corresponding to the target start memory changes (continuously changes) each time the special figure change display game starts. Here, when there is no pending change information (Step B143; No), the pending number command receiving process ends. On the other hand, if there is the pending change information (step B143; Yes), the pending display change information indicating the display change pattern and the timing of the pending display is set (step B144), and the pending number command receiving process ends. .

  On the other hand, when the target of the decoration hold number command is the special figure 2 (step B134; No), that is, when the decoration hold number command transmitted based on the increase / decrease of the second start memory, the current special figure 2 hold number The value of the storage area is obtained (step B139), and the value based on the decoration special figure reservation number command received this time is obtained (step B140). Next, the difference is calculated to update the value of the special figure 2 reservation number storage area (step B141), the special figure 2 reservation number display data is set based on the updated contents (step B142), and the process proceeds to step B143.

[2nd main processing]
The video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 performs 2nd main processing shown in FIG. In the second main processing, processing at the start of the program is first performed. As a process at the start of the program, first, a CPU initialization process (Step B201) for initializing the CPU is performed, the RAM is cleared to 0 (Step B202), and an initial value of the RAM is set (Step B203). Next, VDP initialization processing for initializing the VDP is performed (step B204), and various interrupts are permitted (step B205). Further, initialization processing of various control devices is performed (step B206), and screen drawing is permitted (step B207).

  Next, a loop process is performed as a main loop process. In the processing of this loop, first, the system cycle wait flag is cleared (step B208), and it is determined whether or not the system cycle wait flag is 1 (step B209). The system cycle is a cycle at which two buffers for temporarily storing image data are switched, and the system cycle flag is set to "1" when switching is possible. Until the system cycle wait flag becomes 1, the determination whether or not the system cycle wait flag is 1 is repeated (step B209). When the system cycle wait flag becomes 1 (step B209; Yes), WDT (watchdog) timer) (step B210), the normal game process (step B211) is performed, and the process returns to the process of clearing the system cycle wait flag (step B208).

[Normal game processing]
FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of the normal game process (step B211) in the second main process (see FIG. 23). In the normal game process, first, a received command check process (step B221) is performed. In the received command check processing (step B221), it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the first CPU 311 has been correctly received. If the command has been correctly received, the command is determined, and the command for the next second scene control processing is determined. The process of classifying is performed. Next, based on the received command, 2nd scene control processing (step B222) for determining display contents is performed. In the second scene control processing (step B222), setting of a notice character and the like and setting of display priority are performed.

  Thereafter, a background process for setting the background (step B223) is performed, and a reel control / display process (step B224), which is a display control process relating to a change in identification information in the decorative special figure change display game, is performed. Furthermore, the display of the special figure 1 hold display and the special figure 2 hold display, that is, the setting for changing the display of the number of decorative special figure hold displayed on the display device 41 according to the increase / decrease of the number of hold or the game state, etc. The held display process to be performed (step B225) is performed, and the customer waiting demonstration process related to the display of the customer waiting demonstration (step B226) is performed. Then, the data in the ROM is transferred to the buffer set in the RAM, and a display system process (step B227) for performing a process of actually performing display is performed, and the normal game process ends.

[Hold display processing]
FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the hold display process (step B225) in the base game process (see FIG. 24). In this hold display processing, first, it is checked whether or not there is hold number display data that is set in accordance with the increase or decrease in the number of start storages (step B231). If there is no hold number display data (step B232; No), the hold display processing ends. If there is the hold number display data (step B232; Yes), a specific hold display (for example, a button-type hold display indicated by m4 in FIG. 26A) corresponding to the specific start memory (details will be described later) is displayed. Then, it is checked whether or not there is specific hold display information to be set (step B233).

  If there is no specific hold display information (step B234; No), a normal hold display setting process is performed (step B236), and the hold display process ends. In the normal hold display setting process (step B236), a setting for displaying a normal hold display (for example, white circles indicated by m1 to m3 in FIG. 26A) with the increase or decrease in the number of start storages is performed. If there is specific hold display information (step B234; Yes), a specific hold display setting process is performed (step B235), and the hold display process ends. In the specific hold display setting process (step B235), the setting for displaying the specific hold display from the beginning or changing the normal hold display to the specific hold display is performed.

(Direction example)
After that, the description of the control executed by the main control microcomputer 311 will be continued. Before that, the outline of the specific button operation effect will be described with reference to FIG. In the specific button operation effect, the operation mode (operation timing, number of operations, and the like) of the effect button 25 is changed to an effect related to a special figure change display game executed after the special figure change display game executed at the time of operation (hold display). And fluctuating effects).
During the execution of the special figure change display game, a special symbol is variably displayed at the center of the display area 41a of the display device 41, and a hold display corresponding to the start memory is displayed below the display area 41a. When there are a plurality of start memories, the hold displays are arranged side by side so as to be generated first in order from the left.

  As shown in FIG. 26A, in a state where there are a plurality of (two or more, in this case, three) start memories and the corresponding hold indications m1 to m3 are displayed, a reach having a reliability higher than a predetermined level is obtained. When a new start memory (hereinafter referred to as a specific start memory) determined to be prefetched occurs, a corresponding hold display (hereinafter, a specific hold display) m4 follows the effect button 25, and the operation of the effect button 25 is performed. It is displayed in a display mode (for example, a mode with characters (PUSH or the like) or an operation (up and down movement, hereinafter, referred to as a button operable mode) indicating that the specific button operation is possible. Become.

  When the specific hold display m4 is displayed, the operation validity period meter T is simultaneously displayed in the display area 41a (for example, below the hold displays m1 to m4). The operation validity period meter T reduces the display value (the black portion) from the maximum value state to the minimum value (0) at a constant speed immediately after the start of the display, so that the effect button 25 Visualize and display the elapsed time (remaining time until the end of the period) from the start of the period in which the operation can be reflected in the performance (the operation is valid) (hereinafter referred to as the operation valid period). Things. When the display value becomes the minimum value, even if the operation of the effect button 25 is performed, it is not reflected in the effect as an invalid operation.

  The operation valid period can be set within the period from the occurrence of the specific start memory to the start of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory. In the present embodiment, the entire settable period is the operation valid period. That is, the display value of the operation validity period meter T becomes the minimum value (0) when all the special figure fluctuation display games based on the existing start memory are completed. Since the number of existing start memories at the time of occurrence of the specific start memory is not constant, if the number of start memories is large, the speed of decreasing the displayed value will decrease and the operation validity period will be long, and if the number of start memories is small, the decrease speed will decrease. The operation validity period is shortened. The length of the operation valid period may be changed by changing the length of the operation valid period meter T (the maximum value of the display value) without changing the meter decreasing speed.

When the player operates (presses) the effect button 25 only once while the operation validity period meter T is displayed, that is, during the operation validity period, as shown in FIG. 26B, the specific hold display m4 Is changed to the first look-ahead notice mode (here, stars), and the possibility (reliability) of a big hit in the special figure change display game executed based on the specific start memory is notified. As shown in FIG. 27, there are a plurality of types of pre-read notice modes of the hold display displayed on the display device 41 of the present embodiment. More specifically, in order from the one with the lowest reliability, the first look-ahead notice mode (star), the second look-ahead notice mode (moon), the third look-ahead notice mode (planet), and the fourth look-ahead notice mode (sun) There are types.
When the display mode of the specific hold display m4 changes from the button operable mode to the prefetch notice mode, the decrease in the display value of the operation validity period meter T stops at that point.

  When the special figure change display game that has been executed is finished, as shown in FIG. 26C, the earliest existing start memory is exhausted, the hold display m1 disappears from the display area 41a, and the subsequent hold displays m2 to m2 are displayed. m4 moves to the left. The operation validity period meter T also disappears from the display area 41a. Then, the special figure change display game based on the existing start memory is started. Then, the display form of the hold display m4 displayed in the first look-ahead notice mode is changed to the second look-ahead notice mode (month), and the reliability of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory is increased.

  Thereafter, each time a new special figure change display game based on the existing start memory is started, the display form of the specific hold display m4 is changed to the third look-ahead notice form as shown in FIGS. 26 (d) and (e). (Planet) and then the fourth look-ahead notice mode (sun). Then, as shown in FIG. 26 (e), when all the existing start memories are exhausted and only the specific hold display m4 is displayed, the reliability indicated by the specific hold display m4 is finally determined. . Note that, in the present embodiment, the specific hold display of the look-ahead notice mode is always displayed in the “normal” state (a state in which the hold display is stopped) shown in FIG. 27, but the existing startup memory still remains. If there is a possibility that the display mode of the specific hold display may change (the state shown in FIGS. 26B to 26D), it is displayed in the “undetermined” state (the state where the hold display rotates), and the existing When it is determined that there is no start memory and the display mode of the specific hold display does not change any more, the display is displayed in a “determined” state (a state in which the hold display that is stationary is surrounded by a frame), so that the reliability changes in the future. You may make it clear whether there is a possibility.

The content of the specific button operation effect changes depending on whether the button operation timing is early or late. FIG. 28 illustrates a flow of the specific button operation effect when the operation timing of the effect button 25 is delayed from the case illustrated in FIG. 26.
As shown in FIG. 28 (a), even if the specific hold display m4 is displayed, if the effect button 25 is not pressed even once, the special figure change is performed while the display mode of the specific hold display m4 remains the button operable mode. The display game progresses.

  As shown in FIG. 28 (b), when the effect button 25 is operated only once when the existing start memory is exhausted, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the display mode of the specific hold display m4 is changed to the second mode. It changes to 1 look ahead notice mode (star). Then, every time a new special figure change display game is started, the display mode of the specific hold display m4 is changed to the second pre-reading advance notification mode (month), and then to the second display mode, as shown in FIGS. It changes sequentially with 3 prefetch notice modes (planets). In this example, since the remaining existing start memories operate the effect button 25 at two points in time, the reliability increases up to two stages, and the display mode of the specific hold display m4 indicates the fourth reliability indicating the highest reliability. The third look-ahead notice mode (planet), which is one step lower than the look-ahead notice mode (sun), is determined.

  Further, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when setting the operation validity period, the timing determination period is set within a range not exceeding the length of the operation validity period from the start of the operation validity period. Here, the range is set to a time until the special figure change display game based on the existing start memory stored when the specific start memory is generated (start of the operation validity period) is completed twice. If the operation of the effect button 25 is performed within this timing determination period, it is determined that the operation timing is early, and if it is performed after the elapse of the timing determination period, it is determined that it is late. FIG. 29 shows the flow of the specific button operation effect when the operation of the effect button 25 is performed after the elapse of the timing determination period (the effect examples shown in FIGS. 26 and 28 show the effect button 25 within the timing determination period). Is performed when the operation is performed).

As shown in FIG. 29 (c), when the effect button 25 is operated once after the timing determination period has elapsed since the specific hold display m4 was displayed, as shown in FIG. The display mode is changed to the first prefetch notice mode (star). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 29 (e), a new special figure change display game based on the existing start memory is executed, but the display mode of the hold display m4 is changed further with the first look-ahead advance notification mode. And the final reliability is determined.
In the present embodiment, the timing from the start of the operation valid period to the execution of the special figure variable display game based on the existing start memory twice is set as the timing determination period, but may be set to be executed once or three times. Alternatively, a predetermined time (second) from the occurrence of the existing specific start memory may be set as the timing determination period, and the game may be ended in the middle of the special figure change display game.

  Further, in the present embodiment, only when the reliability is high to some extent, the specific start memory is used, and the prefetch notice can be generated. Therefore, after the display mode of the hold changes to the one with high reliability, the reliability is high. Is reached, and the hold display and the effect contents are correlated. It should be noted that the reliability for setting the specific start memory is set to a low value, and when the specific start memory having a low reliability is generated, the change of the display mode of the hold display is performed even if the existing start memory remains. No further action may be taken.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is configured to give a penalty to the player as an inappropriate button operation when the player unnecessarily repeats the operation of the effect button 25 (hits the effect button 25 repeatedly). Has become. 30 and 31 show the flow of the specific button operation effect when an inappropriate button operation is performed during the specific button operation effect.
When the player operates the effect button 25 only once during the operation valid period, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), the display mode of the specific hold display m4 changes to the first prefetch notice mode (star) and the operation is performed. The display value of the validity period meter T stops decreasing. For this reason, although it appears to the player that the operation valid period of the effect button 25 has ended at this time, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment also operates after the operation of the effect button 25 is performed during the operation valid period. The setting of the operation effective period is continued until the set period elapses. Also, this gaming machine 10 sets an upper limit number of times (here, five times) that allows button operation of the effect button 25 before the start of the operation valid period, and sets the operation of the effect button 25 detected during the operation valid period. It is designed to count.

  For this reason, the hold display changes to the first look-ahead notice mode, and when the player repeatedly operates the effect button 25 a plurality of times in anticipation of a further effect change, the number of times of operation becomes the predetermined upper limit number (five times). No change is made until the time comes, but when the number of times exceeds the upper limit (the sixth time is pressed), it is regarded as an inappropriate button operation, and as shown in FIG. An abnormality occurs in the specified hold display (for example, explosion). Then, although the specific hold display m4 itself remains without disappearing, the display mode changes to a normal display mode (white circle) in which the pre-read result is not notified in advance. Thereafter, even if a new special figure change display game based on the next existing start memory is started, the display mode of the specific hold display m4 that has returned to the normal display mode does not change.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), a specific start memory is generated, and as shown in FIGS. 31 (b) and (c), a new special figure change display game is repeated twice to display a specific hold display. When the effect button 25 is repeatedly operated a plurality of times when the display mode of m4 becomes the second look-ahead notice mode (month), the specific hold display m4 changes (explodes) as in the case shown in FIG. In this case as well, the hold display m4 itself remains without disappearing, but its display mode changes to the first look-ahead mode (star) whose reliability is lower by one step. Although illustration is omitted, when the effect button 25 is repeatedly operated a plurality of times in the state of the first prefetch notice mode, the display form of the specific hold display m4 changes from the first prefetch notice mode to the normal display mode. When lowering the reliability, the specific hold display at that time may be changed in two or more steps at once according to the pre-reading notice mode in which stage, or the normal display mode may be changed from the beginning. You may make it do.

As described above, in the specific button operation effect, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 31, the manner in which the display mode of the specific hold display changes to a highly reliable look-ahead notice mode changes depending on the operation timing of the effect button 25. By repeatedly hitting the button 25, the reliability indicated by the specific hold display is reduced or the reliability is not reported. That is, based on the operation mode of the effect button 25 detected during the operation validity period, the content of the display effect related to the specific start memory is determined.
Although illustration is omitted, when the effect button 25 is not operated while the hold display is being displayed, the display mode of the hold display is not changed and is directly consumed. Further, when the effect button 25 is operated at the time when the previous start memory is consumed, the display changes after the hold display is moved. For this reason, the change of the display mode is easier to understand than in the case where the change is performed while moving.

  Next, a specific control for performing the specific button operation effect will be described. Here, in accordance with the flow of the above-described effect, a prefetch command receiving process (step B78) performed in the first scene control process (see FIG. 21) before the start of the specific button operation effect, and the first main operation during the execution of the specific button operation effect The button operation input process (step B19) performed in the process (see FIG. 20) and the changing process (step B71) performed in the first scene control process during and after execution of the specific button operation effect will be described.

[Prefetch command reception processing]
FIG. 32 shows a flowchart of the prefetch command receiving process (step B78) in the first scene control process (see FIG. 21). The prefetch command receiving process is a process performed from the time when the start memory is generated to the time when the corresponding hold display is displayed, that is, before the start of the specific button operation effect.
In the prefetch command receiving process, first, it is determined whether or not a prefetch command has been received (step B151), and if not (step B151; No), the prefetch command receiving process ends. On the other hand, when the prefetch command is received (step B151; Yes), the prefetch information included in the prefetch command is saved in the corresponding holding storage area of the effect control device 300 (step B152), and the target start memory is the specific start. It is determined whether the data is stored (step B153).

  In the present embodiment, whether or not the target start memory is the specific start memory is determined by determining whether or not two or more existing start memories already exist at the time when the target start memory is generated, and based on the target start memory. The determination is made based on whether or not the latter half variation pattern of the variation display game indicates a degree of reliability equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Here, when it is not the specific start memory (step B153; No), the prefetch command reception processing ends. On the other hand, in the case of the specific start memory (step B153; Yes), specific hold display information for displaying the corresponding hold display in a button operable mode based on the prefetch information is set (step B154).

Then, a pending display changeable pattern indicating which stage of the prefetch notice mode can be reached before the operation validity period ends is determined according to the existing start storage number and the prefetch result (step B155). The possible flag is set (step B156). This look-ahead hold display changeable flag can change the display mode of the corresponding hold display if the effect button 25 is operated within the operation validity period, that is, the corresponding hold display can be operated by a button. This is a flag indicating that the mode is set. Then, the operation validity period of the effect button 25 is set based on the number of existing start memories and the fluctuation time (step B157), and the prefetch command receiving process ends.
By this processing, it is determined whether or not the generated start memory satisfies a condition for executing the specific button operation effect (whether or not it is the specific start memory), and if the condition is satisfied, the start memory is determined. Is set to a button operable mode that can be changed to a prefetch notice mode.

[Button operation input processing]
FIG. 33 shows a flowchart of the button operation input processing (step B19) in the first main processing (see FIG. 20). This button operation input process is a process performed during execution of the specific button operation effect.
In the button operation input processing, first, it is checked whether or not the operation of the effect button 25 has been performed within the operation valid period (step B31). If the operation has not been performed within the operation valid period (step B32; No), the button operation input processing is performed. To end. On the other hand, when it is performed within the operation validity period (Step B32; Yes), it is checked whether or not an operation input has been made from the effect button 25 (Step B33). Here, when there is no operation input (Step B34; No), the button operation input processing ends. On the other hand, if there is an operation input (Step B34; Yes), it is determined whether or not the prefetching hold display changeable flag is set in the target start memory, that is, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the target start memory is changed. It is determined whether or not the button can be operated (step B35). Therefore, the effect control device 300 functions as an operation time point determination unit that determines whether the operation of the operation unit is detected during the predetermined period set within the operation valid period by the operation input detection unit.

  In step B35, when the prefetch pending display changeable flag is set (step B35; Yes), the prefetch pending display change process (step B36) for changing the display mode of the corresponding pending display to the first prefetch advance notice mode. ) To end the button operation input processing. The details of the prefetch pending display change process will be described later. On the other hand, when the prefetch pending change enable flag is not set (step B35; No), it is determined whether or not there is a prefetch pending display change flag (step B37). The prefetch pending display change flag is a flag indicating that the display mode of the pending display corresponding to the target start memory is the prefetch advance notice mode. If the pre-reading hold display change flag is not set in step B37 (step B37; No), it means that the start memory is not related to the specific button operation effect, and the normal button operation effect setting processing based on the corresponding state (step B38) ) To end the button operation input processing. In the normal button operation effect setting process, a setting for performing a normal button operation effect that is not a specific button operation effect (the operation mode of the effect button 25 is reflected in the effect being executed) is performed.

  In step B37, when the prefetch hold display change flag is set (step B37; Yes), the continuous hit determination counter is updated by -1 (step B39). The continuous hit determination counter counts down the number of times the operation is permitted each time the effect button 25 is operated during the operation effective period. The initial value of the number of times that this operation is permitted is set in the suspended display change processing (step B36). Then, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the continuous hit determination counter has become 0 (step B40). If the counter value has not become 0 (step B40; No), the button operation input processing ends. On the other hand, when the counter value of the continuous hit determination counter has become 0 (step B40; Yes), a penalty process (step B41) is performed, and the button operation input process ends. Therefore, the effect control device 300 functions as an operation number determination unit that determines whether the operation of the operation unit during the operation valid period detected by the operation input detection unit has exceeded a predetermined number.

  In the penalty process of step B41, if the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the target start memory indicates the reliability of the second look-ahead notice mode (month) or higher, the display form is reduced by one step in the look-ahead notice mode. In the case of the first prefetch notice mode (star), the display mode is changed to the normal hold display mode (here, a white circle), and the prefetch hold display change flag is cleared.

  By this processing, when the effect button 25 is operated during the operation valid period started by displaying the specific hold display of the button operable mode, the display mode of the specific hold display is changed from the button operable mode to It changes to a look-ahead notice mode. In addition, if an inappropriate operation of the effect button is performed when the specific hold display is in the look-ahead notice mode, the reliability of the look-ahead notice is reduced as a penalty or the look-ahead notice is ended. That is, in this process, the display mode of the specific hold display is changed according to the determination results of the operation time point determination unit and the operation number determination unit.

[Prefetch pending display change processing]
FIG. 34 shows the prefetch pending display change process (step B36) in the button operation input process (see FIG. 33). In this look-ahead hold display change process, first, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the target start memory is changed to the first look-ahead notice mode (star) (step B51), and the look-ahead hold display changeable flag is cleared (step B52). ). Then, the pre-reading suspension display change flag is set (step B53), and the initial value (5) is set in the continuous hit determination counter (step B54).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the operation input of the effect button 25 has been performed within the timing determination period (step B55). If the operation input has not been performed within the timing determination period (step B55; No), the prefetch pending display change process ends. I do. On the other hand, if it is performed within the timing determination period (step B55; Yes), whether or not to change the display mode of the hold display continuously, that is, whether to further change the display mode to the one with the higher reliability after the second prefetching advance notification mode It is checked whether or not there is (Step B56). Here, in the case where the continuous change is not performed (Step B57; No), the pre-reading suspension display change process ends. On the other hand, in the case of continuously changing (step B57; Yes), the pending change information corresponding to the pending ideographically changeable pattern is set in the corresponding pending storage area (step B58), and the prefetch pending display change processing is ended.

[Processing during fluctuation]
FIG. 35 shows a flowchart of the changing process (step B71) in the first scene control process (see FIG. 21). The process during the change is a process performed during and at the end of the specific button operation effect.
In the during-variation processing, first, it is determined whether or not there is an effect request flag (step B91). The effect request flag is a flag that is set when a valid command is received. If the flag is present, processing based on the received command is performed.

  If the effect request flag is present (step B91; Yes), the PB information, which is information relating to the input of the effect button 25, is cleared (step B92). Then, a movable body request setting process (step B93) is performed, and a variation count management process (step B94) in which the effect control device 300 manages various periods. Then, a variation pattern information setting process (step B95) for setting the execution mode of the decorative special figure variation display game is performed. Details of this variation pattern information setting processing will be described later. Then, a random number seed initialization process (Step B96) is performed to set a scene sequence table corresponding to the set variation pattern (Step B97).

  The scene sequence table is a table for managing the execution timing and time of various displays such as start and stop of variable display and display of effect characters in the decorative special figure variable display game. In the scene sequence table, the execution order of a plurality of scenes in which the execution contents and the time are defined is set, and by sequentially executing the scenes according to the scene sequence table, the decorative special figure variation display game is executed. The mode state is also set in the scene sequence table based on the information transmitted from the game control device 100. However, the effect control device 300 may determine and set the effect state independently. After that, a fluctuation time setting process (step B98) for setting the fluctuation time (production time) of the decorative special figure fluctuation display game is performed, the production request flag is cleared (step B99), and the processing during the fluctuation is ended.

  On the other hand, when there is no effect request flag (Step B91; No), it is determined whether or not the value of the update timer is 0 (Step B100). In this case, the update timer measures the execution time of a scene managed according to the scene sequence table, and a value of 0 indicates that the executed scene has ended. If the value of the update timer is not 0 (Step B100; No), the in-flight processing ends. On the other hand, if the value of the update timer is 0 (step B100; Yes), the next scene data setting process (step B101) is performed. Thus, a new scene is started and a predetermined value corresponding to the scene is set in the update timer.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the scene is the final scene (step B102). If the scene is not the final scene (step B102; No), the in-flight processing ends. If it is the last scene (step B102; Yes), various flag clear setting processing (step B103) is performed. In this flag clear setting process, it is determined whether or not the target start memory is the specific start memory. If the target start memory is the specific start memory, the various flags (the prefetch pending display change enable flag, the prefetch pending display change flag, etc.) are set. Clear any remaining ones. Then, the continuous hit determination counter is cleared (step B104), the end of the decorative special figure fluctuation display game is set (step B105), and the fluctuation processing ends.

[Variation pattern information setting processing]
FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of the fluctuation pattern information setting processing (step B95) in the fluctuation processing (see FIG. 35). In this variation pattern information setting process, first, stop symbol information is acquired (step B111), and the suspension information is saved (step B112). Then, game information is acquired (step B113), and a stop symbol is determined (step B114). Then, the effect information stored in the hold storage area is obtained (step B115), and a change pattern corresponding to the command is determined based on the game information and the effect information (step B116), and the change pattern information setting process ends. I do.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the game control means (the game control device 100) starts the game ball in the start winning area (the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37). A starting prize storage means (game control device 100) for extracting a predetermined random number and storing the random number as a starting memory for executing a variable display game (a special figure variable display game) up to a predetermined number; A preliminary result determining means (game control device 100) for determining a random number stored in correspondence with the starting memory by the means 100 before the execution of the variable display game based on the starting memory. The control device 300) includes an operation input detection unit (switch input circuit 336) for detecting an operation input to the operation unit (the effect button 25), and is already stored in the start winning storage unit 100. In the state where the existing start memory exists, if the specific start memory determined to satisfy the predetermined condition by the prior result determination means 100 occurs, the operation valid period during which the operation input of the operation unit 25 is valid is set to the specific start memory. It is set within the period from the generation of the memory to the start of the variable display game based on the specific start memory, and the contents of the display effect relating to the specific start memory are determined based on the operation mode of the operation unit 25 detected during the operation valid period. Like that.

  Therefore, when the specific start memory is generated in the state where the existing start memory exists, it depends on how the operation unit 25 is operated during the operation validity period set during the execution of the variable display game based on the existing start memory. Thus, the display effect relating to the specific start memory stored after the existing start memory differs. That is, even if the operation unit 25 is operated, nothing happens in the variable display game based on the existing start memory that is being executed at the time of the operation, but when the effect related to the variable display game based on the specific start memory is performed, the operation is performed. It can be understood for the first time that the operation to the unit 25 is reflected. For this reason, it is possible to make the effect using the operation unit 25 unprecedented, and to enhance the interest of the game.

  Further, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the effect control means 300 displays a start storage display (hold display) corresponding to the start memory stored in the start winning storage means 100 on the variable display device (display device 41). At the same time, the start storage display control means 300 for controlling the display mode of the start storage display and the operation input detection means 336 perform the operation of the operation unit 25 during a predetermined period (timing determination period) set within the operation valid period. And an operation for determining whether or not the number of operations of the operation unit 25 during the operation valid period detected by the operation input detection unit 336 exceeds a predetermined number. The start storage display control means 300 includes a number-of-times determination means (effect control device 300). The display mode of the dynamic memory display, and be changed according to the determination result of the operation point determination means 300 and operation number determination unit 300.

Therefore, the specific start memory display is displayed before the execution of the variable display game based on the specific start memory, and the display mode changes according to the operation timing and the number of operations of the operation unit 25. It can be visually recognized in advance that the operation of the operation unit 25 performed during the execution of the variable display game based on the display effect related to the specific start memory.
In addition, since the display mode of the specific start storage display that changes from the operable mode differs depending on the operation timing and the number of operations of the operation unit 25, the player intervenes in the effect in various operation patterns during the operation valid period. Can enhance the interest of the game.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the points changed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Direction example 1]
First, with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38, differences between the specific button operation effect according to the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the operation valid period meter T and the specific hold display of the button operable mode are displayed at the same time when the specific start memory is generated, and the operation valid period is started. However, in the present embodiment, the specific start memory is generated. Then, the operation validity period does not immediately start. First, as shown in FIG. 37A, a level meter L different from the operation validity period meter T is provided at the end (here, the left side) of the display area 41a. The special effect preparation effect (the effect included in the specific button operation effect, which will be described in detail later) is displayed. At this stage, even if the effect button 25 is operated at this stage, it is not effective, so the corresponding specific hold display m4 is displayed in a look-ahead notice mode (black circle here) different from the button operable mode.

  The level meter L indicates the degree of reliability of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory based on the level of the display value (level display). In the initial state of the level meter L, as shown in FIG. 38A, the displayed value is a median value (here, 6), and as shown in FIG. 38B, the displayed value is higher than the median value. The higher the higher, the higher the reliability of the effect performed during the execution of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory (hereinafter, referred to as a specific effect), and the lower the display value is below the median, the lower the reliability of the specific effect. It has become. When the display value of the level meter L reaches the maximum value (here, 12: can be reached only when the result of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory is a big hit), a privilege (display of a specific image, When a specific sound is generated, a specific reach is generated, a latent probability change notification, etc. is given, and the display value reaches a minimum value (here, 0), a penalty (for example, button operation is performed for a predetermined number of games) in a specific effect. (Related to a notice such as no longer appearing or not performing a pre-reading notice, or related to a game itself such as dimming the screen display). Although the level meter L of the present embodiment is displayed on the display device 41, a device dedicated to level display may be provided on the open / close frame 12 or the game board 30.

  When the special-figure variation display game being executed at the time of occurrence of the specific start memory ends and the next special-figure variation display game starts, as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed (in this case, image B in the form of effect button 25). That is, the operation valid period and the timing determination period in the present embodiment are different from those in the first embodiment in that the start timing is different from the start of the special figure change display game based on the existing start memory that is consumed first after the specific start memory is generated. Will be. In the operation validity period meter T of the present embodiment, the display value decreases in the opposite direction (decreases from left to right), but may be the same as in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 37 (b), triangular marks displayed above and below the operation validity period meter T indicate operation timing determination lines (end points of the timing determination period). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38 (c), the operation timing determination line is changed between pre-reading (when the specific hold display is displayed) and normal (when the specific hold display is not displayed, that is, the specific button). (An effect requiring operation of the effect button 25 other than the operation effect) is performed, and the determination line at the time of pre-reading is longer.

  When the player operates the effect button 25 only once during the timing determination period, as shown in FIG. 37C, the effect is changed along with the change of the special symbol (the first change effect, the effect included in the specific button operation effect). Is started. Then, a display (here, the display of the character C and the dialogue S of the character C below the special symbol) is displayed in the display area 41a to enhance the expectation for the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory. In other words, in the specific button operation effect of the present embodiment, the reliability is informed by the display value of the level meter L and the content of the variable effect.

  In the first embodiment, when the display mode of the hold display changes to the look-ahead notice mode that notifies the reliability, the display mode of the hold display automatically changes every time a new special figure variable display game is started thereafter. Although the reliability has been repeatedly increased, in the present embodiment, the reliability is changed based on the operation of the effect button 25 every time a new special figure change display game is executed. That is, by operating the effect button 25 at the start of the special figure change display game, the display value of the level meter L is increased and the second change effect is started as shown in FIG. (The dialogue S of the character C changes to one that raises the expectation more than the first fluctuation effect). During the execution of the second fluctuation effect, the effect button 25 is operated again, and as shown in FIG. 37 (e), the display value of the level meter L is the upper limit value (reachable only when the result of the prefetch determination of the specific start memory is a big hit). 37 (following details), in the specific effect, as shown in FIG. 37 (f), a privilege (here, the display of the specific image) is given and a big hit occurs.

  As shown in FIGS. 37 (a) to 37 (e), the level meter L displays a plurality of special characters from the occurrence of the specific start memory to the start of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory. It is displayed over the figure change display game, during which the display value continuously increases and decreases. That is, the specific effect preparation effect is an effect that is performed in parallel with the variable effect from the time when the specific start memory is generated to the time when the special figure variable display game based on the specific start memory is started.

In the present effect example, the display value of the level meter L is increased by two scales by one operation of the effect button 25. However, the increase amount is not constant, but changes according to various conditions. . A method of determining the increment of the display value will be described later.
Although illustration is omitted in the present effect example, if the effect button 25 is repeatedly hit during the specific button operation effect, the display value of the level meter L decreases. Decreasing the display value decreases the reliability of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory, and therefore, this decrease in the display value is a penalty (corresponding to the penalty of the first embodiment). . In addition, since a penalty is imposed when the display value becomes 0, the present embodiment imposes a stricter regulation on repeated hits of the effect button 25 than in the first embodiment.

[Direction example 2]
FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the flow of the specific button operation effect when the effect button 25 is operated a plurality of times during one special figure change display game.
When the effect button 25 is operated during the operation valid period as shown in FIG. 39A, the display value of the level meter L increases and the first variable effect starts as shown in FIG. 39B. (The character C appears and the dialogue S is displayed). Here, if the effect button 25 is operated again before the change of the special symbol ends, the display value of the level meter L further increases and the second change effect is started, as shown in FIG. (The dialogue S of the character C changes to a content that further enhances the player's expectation). When the effect button 25 is operated again before the change of the special symbol ends, the display value of the level meter L further increases (here, reaches the maximum value) as shown in FIG. The third fluctuation effect is started (the dialogue S of the character C changes to a content indicating a big hit).

[Direction example 3]
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the flow of the specific button operation effect when the increase pattern of the level meter L is different from that in FIG.
In FIG. 39, the specific effect preparation effect in which the display value of the level meter L is increased a plurality of times during the execution of one special figure change display game has been described. The display value of the level meter L may be increased only once during the execution of the game. That is, as shown in FIGS. 40 (b) to (d), when the first variation effect is started together with the variation of the special symbol, when the effect button 25 is operated a plurality of times (here, twice), the second and second effects are performed. Although the three-variation effect is started, the display value of the level meter L may be increased only once from the start of the change to the stop of the special symbol. The timing of the increase may be the operation of any of the effect buttons 25 that triggers the start of the first to third variable effects.

  In order to perform the above-described effects, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a prefetch command receiving process (step B78), a button operation input process (step B19), and a changing process among the control processes executed by the effect control device 300. The processing (step B71) and the variation pattern information setting processing (step B95) are changed as follows.

[Prefetch command reception processing]
First, changes in the prefetch command reception processing (step B78) will be described. As shown in FIG. 41, in the prefetch command receiving process of the present embodiment, the processes of steps B154 to B157 in the same process of the first embodiment (see FIG. 32) are omitted, and instead, the processes of steps B158 to B160 are added. Have been.
Specifically, when it is determined in step B153 that the specific start memory has occurred (step B153; Yes), the specific effect is performed in the special figure variation display game based on the start memory in the storage area of the specific start memory. Is set (step B158). Then, the specific effect information is set in the storage areas of all the existing start memories stored before the specific start memory (step B159), and the special figure variation display based on the start memory is stored in the storage area of the existing start memory. A specific effect preparation flag indicating that a specific effect preparation effect is to be performed in the game is set (step B160), and the prefetch command receiving process ends.
With this change, a special effect preparation effect (increase / decrease of the level meter L) is performed in the special figure change display game based on the existing start memory, and a specific effect (display of the level meter L) is performed in the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory. The effect based on the value) is performed.

[Button operation input processing]
Next, changes of the button operation input processing (step B19) will be described. As shown in FIG. 42, in the button operation input processing of the present embodiment, the processing of Steps B35 to B37 and B39 to B41 in the same processing of the first embodiment (see FIG. 33) is omitted, and instead, Steps B42 to 45 are performed. Processing has been added.
Specifically, when it is determined in step B34 that the operation button 25 has been operated (step B34; Yes), the presence / absence of a specific production preparation flag is determined (step B42). Here, when there is a specific effect preparation flag (Step B42; Yes), a specific effect preparation process (Step B43) is performed, a variable effect process (Step B44) is performed, and the button operation input process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step B42 that there is no specific effect preparation flag (step B42; No), it is determined whether there is specific effect target information (step B45). Here, when there is specific effect target information (step B45; Yes), the process proceeds to step B44. On the other hand, when there is no specific effect target information (step B45; No), the process proceeds to step B38.

[Specific production preparation processing]
FIG. 43 shows a flowchart of the specific effect preparation process (step B43) added to the button operation input process (see FIG. 42). This specific effect preparation process is a process for executing a specific effect preparation effect of increasing or decreasing the display value of the level meter L based on the operation mode of the effect button 25.
In the specific effect preparation processing, first, the presence or absence of a continuous hit determination restriction flag is determined (step B161). If the flag is present (step B161; Yes), the process proceeds to step B165. On the other hand, if there is no continuous hit determination flag (step B161; No), it is determined whether there is a continuous hit determination flag (step B162). Here, the continuous hit determination flag indicates that the effect button 25 has been repeatedly hit. If the effect button 25 is operated at least once during the effective operation period, it is set until the specific effect preparation effect is completed. On the other hand, the continuous hit determination restriction flag is set from the first operation of the effect button 25 during the operation valid period until the effect button 25 is operated the upper limit number of times, and the continuous hit determination flag is invalidated. That is, if the continuous hit determination flag is set, the effect button 25 is not considered to have been repeatedly hit even if the continuous hit determination flag is set.

If there is a continuous hit determination flag (step B162; Yes), the amount of decrease is set in the level meter (step B163), and the specific effect preparation processing ends. On the other hand, when there is no continuous hit determination flag (Step B162; No), the continuous hit determination flag is set (Step B164), and the process proceeds to Step B165.
In step B165, the display indicating that the effect button 25 can be operated is cleared. Then, the specific effect information is obtained (step B166), and the level meter information (difference between the maximum value and the current display value) is obtained (step B167). Then, information on the number of reservations is obtained (step B168), and the maximum increase amount of the level meter L is determined (step B169).

  Here, the method of determining the maximum increase amount of the level meter L in step B169 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 40, when the display value of the level meter L is to be increased or decreased once during the execution of one variable display game, in the process of step B169, first, the remaining value up to the maximum value of the level meter L is obtained. Based on the number of scales and the number of stored existing start-ups (both refer to FIG. 44), one of the increase patterns stored in the effect control device 300 is selected. For example, as shown in FIG. 44, when the number of remaining graduations up to the maximum value is 6, and the number of stored existing start-ups is 3, selection is made from the increase patterns shown in FIGS. 45 (a) to 45 (g). . Here, when the pattern 2 in FIG. 45 (b) is selected, the display value that can be increased in the specific effect preparation effect performed during the execution of the special figure change display game based on the earliest existing start memory (hold 1) Is 3 (the maximum increase). Further, as shown in FIG. 45 (f), some of the increase patterns allow the display value to reach the maximum value before all of the existing start memories are exhausted, or FIG. 45 (g). As described above, there is also a pattern in which the display value does not increase at all during the specific effect preparation effect, and can reach the maximum value at a stretch at the end.

  The increase pattern shown in FIG. 45 is used when the prefetch result of the specific start memory is a big hit, and if the effect button 25 is appropriately operated (not to be hit repeatedly at an early timing), the level meter L always becomes the maximum. However, if the pre-reading result is not a big hit, an increase pattern in which the display value increases only halfway even if an appropriate operation is performed is used. By doing so, only when the level meter L reaches the maximum value, it is possible to make the result of the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory become a big hit.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 39, in the case of performing a special effect preparation effect of increasing the display value of the level meter L a plurality of times in one special figure change display game, in step B169, up to the maximum value of the level meter L. Is checked, and the increment is determined within a range not exceeding the remaining number of scales.

  Here, it returns to FIG. When the maximum increase amount of the level meter L is determined in step B169, it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 25 has been performed within the timing determination period (step B170). When the operation has been performed within the timing determination period (step B170; Yes) ) Sets the maximum increase amount to the level meter (step B171). On the other hand, when it is not performed within the timing determination period, that is, when the timing determination period is performed (step B170; No), the normal increase amount is set to the level meter L (step B172), and the specific effect preparation processing ends. I do.

  By this processing, if the operation of the effect button 25 is performed within the timing determination period and does not exceed the upper limit number, the level meter L increases by the maximum increase amount (the first display effect is executed), and the timing When the operation is performed within the operation valid period after the determination period has elapsed and the upper limit number of times is not exceeded, the level meter L increases by a normal increase amount (executes the second display effect), and when the upper limit number of times is exceeded, The display value of the level meter L decreases (the third display effect is executed) regardless of whether the operation of the effect button 25 is performed within the timing determination period. Therefore, during the execution of the variable display game based on the existing start memory, the effect control device 300 performs the specific effect preparation effect in which the level display is increased or decreased according to the determination results of the operation time point determination unit and the operation number determination unit. It will function as the effect preparation effect effect execution means.

(Variable effect processing)
FIG. 46 shows a flowchart of the variable effect processing (step B44) added to the button operation input processing (see FIG. 42). This fluctuation effect processing is a process for executing a fluctuation effect (effect for displaying the character C and the dialogue S) based on the operation mode of the effect button 25.
In the variable effect processing, first, it is determined whether or not the operation of the effect button 25 in the specific effect preparation effect being executed is the first time (step B181). If the operation is the first time (step B181; Yes), The fluctuation information is obtained (step B182). Then, the first variation effect is displayed based on the result of the variation (step B183).

  Here, FIG. 47 illustrates an example of the pattern of the variable effect when the operation of the effect button 25 is permitted twice (the operation is performed up to the third variable effect). In the variation effect pattern, in accordance with the result of the special figure variation display game, a failure pattern group used in the case of a loss without reach, a reach pattern group used in the case of a loss with reach, a jackpot pattern group used in the case of a big hit, etc. Each pattern group includes a plurality of patterns (here, three patterns). An arbitrary pattern is selected from a pattern group corresponding to the result of the special figure variation display game being executed before the first variation production is started, and each time the variation production is repeated, the production content (based on the selected pattern) The line S) of the character C is changed.

  Here, it returns to FIG. After displaying the first fluctuation effect (step B183), it is determined whether or not it is within the timing determination period (step B184). Here, if it is not within the timing determination period (Step B184; No), the variable effect processing ends. On the other hand, when it is within the timing determination period (Step B184; Yes), the continuous hit determination flag is set (Step B185). Then, the initial value (2) is set in the variable effect counter (step B186), a button operable display is performed (step B187), and the variable effect process ends.

  In step B181, when it is determined that the operation is not the first time, that is, the operation is the second time or later (step B181; No), the presence or absence of the continuous hit determination restriction flag is determined (step B188). Here, if there is no continuous hit determination restriction flag (Step B188; No), the variable effect processing ends. On the other hand, when there is the continuous hit determination restriction flag (Step B188; Yes), the variable effect counter is updated by -1 (Step B189), and the variable effect corresponding to the number of times the effect button 25 is operated is displayed (Step B190). It is determined whether or not the value of the effect counter has become 0 (step B191). Here, when the value of the variable effect counter is not 0 (Step B191; No), the variable effect process ends. On the other hand, if the value of the variable effect counter is 0 (step B191; Yes), the continuous hit determination restriction flag is cleared (step B192), and the variable effect process ends.

[Processing during fluctuation]
First, a description will be given of changes in the during-variation processing (step B71). As shown in FIG. 48, in the processing during fluctuation according to the present embodiment, step B104 in the same processing (see FIG. 35) of the first embodiment is removed, and the processing of step B106 is added between steps B102 and B103. The processing performed in step B103 has been changed.
Specifically, when it is determined in step B102 that the scene is the final scene (step B102; Yes), the variable effect information is cleared (step B106), and various flag clear setting processing (step B103) is performed. In the various flag clear setting process, the special effect preparation flag, the continuous hit determination flag, the continuous hit determination restriction flag, and the like used only in the present embodiment are cleared. Then, the processing in step B105 is performed, and the processing during fluctuation ends.

[Variation pattern information setting processing]
Next, changes in the variation pattern information setting process (step B95) will be described. As shown in FIG. 49, in the variation pattern information setting processing of the present embodiment, the processing of Step B116 in the same processing of the first embodiment (see FIG. 36) is omitted, and instead, the processing of Steps B117 to B126 is added. ing.
Specifically, after the process of step B115, it is determined whether or not the effect information stored in the hold storage area is the specific effect target information (step B117). Here, when the information is the specific effect target information (step B117; Yes), the level meter information is acquired (step B118), and it is determined whether or not the display value of the level meter L has reached the maximum value (step B119). I do.

  Here, when the display value is the maximum value (Step B119; Yes), the premium fluctuation pattern is determined (Step B120), and the fluctuation pattern information setting processing ends. On the other hand, when the display value of the level meter L is not the maximum value (Step B119; No), it is determined whether the display value of the level meter L is 0 (Step B121). Here, when the display value is 0 (Step B121; Yes), the penalty variation pattern is determined (Step B122), and the variation pattern information setting processing ends. On the other hand, when the display value of the level meter L is not 0 (Step B121; No), the fluctuation pattern according to the display value is determined with reference to the level meter (Step B123), and the fluctuation pattern information setting processing ends. I do.

If it is determined in step B117 that the information stored in the hold storage area is not the specific effect target information (step B117; No), it is determined whether a specific effect preparation flag is present (step B124). Here, when it is determined that there is the specific effect preparation flag (Step B124; Yes), the variable effect information is set (Step B125), and the variable pattern information setting process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no specific effect preparation flag (step B124; No), a change pattern corresponding to the command is determined based on the game state and the effect information (step B126), and the change pattern information setting process is performed. finish.
With this change, the special figure change display game based on the specific start memory is executed in a change pattern corresponding to the display value of the level meter L. Therefore, during the execution of the variable display game based on the specific start memory, the effect control device 300 functions as a specific effect execution unit that executes the specific effect of the content according to the display value of the level meter.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, during the execution of the variable display game (the special figure variable display game) based on the existing starting memory, the effect control means 300 operates the operation time point determining means (the effect control device 300). And a specific effect preparation effect executing means (effect control device 300) for executing a specific effect preparation effect for increasing or decreasing the level display (display value of the level meter L) according to the determination result of the operation count determining means (effect control device 300). And a specific effect execution means (effect control device 300) for executing a specific effect of the content according to the level display during the execution of the variable display game based on the specific start memory.

  Therefore, before the execution of the variable display game based on the specific start memory, the level display changes according to the operation timing and the number of operations of the operation unit (the effect button 25), and the variable display based on the specific start memory according to the level display. Since the effect of the game changes, the player visually recognizes in advance that the operation of the operation unit 25 performed during the execution of the variable display game based on the existing start memory affects the display effect related to the specific start memory. be able to.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 sets the predetermined period (timing determination period) within a range not exceeding the length of the operation valid period from the start of the operation valid period. Is determined to have been performed within a predetermined period by the operation time point determination means 300, and if the operation number determination means 300 determines that the number of operations has not exceeded the predetermined number of times, a first display effect advantageous to the player (The display value of the level meter L is greatly increased), and the operation of the operation unit 25 is determined by the operation time determination unit 300 to be performed within the operation valid period after the elapse of the predetermined period, and the operation count determination unit 300 If it is determined that the predetermined number of times has not been exceeded, a second display effect that is more disadvantageous to the player than the first display effect is executed (the display value of the level meter L is increased slightly). If the operation of the operation unit 25 is determined to have exceeded the predetermined number of times by the number-of-operations determining means 300, the second display effect, which is more disadvantageous to the player than the second display effect, regardless of the determination result of the operation time determining means 300. The three display effects are executed (the display value of the level meter L is reduced).

Therefore, if the operation of the operation unit 25 is performed during the predetermined period, an effect more advantageous to the player is performed than if the operation is performed after the predetermined period elapses. Therefore, the player actively tries to operate the operation unit 25 earlier. Will be able to participate in the game.
Further, if the operation of the operation unit 25 exceeds a predetermined number of times, the effect to be executed becomes disadvantageous to the player, so that the player does not perform the operation of the operation unit 25 more than necessary, and the operation unit 25 Can be prevented from deteriorating more than expected.
In addition, even if the operation of the operation unit 25 is reflected in the effect related to the specific start memory as soon as possible and the operation valid period remains, the variable display game based on the specific start memory is performed after the operation valid period. Does not undermine expectations.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 visualizes the elapsed time from the start of the operation valid period of the operation unit 25 or the remaining time until the end of the operation valid period (operation validity). The period meter T is displayed.

  Therefore, it is possible to clearly notify the player how much time has passed since the start of the operation validity period or how much remains until the end of the operation validity period.

  Further, in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the specific effect preparation effect executing means 300 increases the level display in the first display effect and decreases the level display in the third display effect. It is characterized in that a privilege is given in a specific effect when the maximum is reached, and a penalty is given in a specific effect when the minimum is reached.

  Therefore, if the level display becomes maximum as a result of continuing the appropriate operation of the operation unit 25, a privilege is given, and if the level display becomes minimum as a result of repeating inappropriate operation of the operation unit 25, a penalty is given. Therefore, the player operates the operation unit 25 appropriately, and it is possible to prevent the operation unit 25 from deteriorating more than expected.

  Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine as shown in the embodiment as a gaming machine, but includes, for example, other pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, and the like. The present invention is applicable to all gaming machines that use gaming balls.

  The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10 gaming machines 25 production buttons (operation unit)
30 gaming board 41 display device (variable display device)
50 Batch display device 100 Game control device (game control means, start winning storage means, prior result determination means)
300 effect control device (effect control means, operation input detection means, start storage display control means, operation time point determination means, operation number determination means, specific effect preparation effect execution means, specific effect execution means)

Claims (1)

Operation input means for production that can be operated by a player;
Effect control means capable of executing a specific effect, in a gaming machine comprising:
The effect control means,
In addition to displaying an image related to the effect on the display device in connection with the game, executing a promotion effect capable of instructing the user to operate the operation input means at a timing related to the image display on the display device in the specific effect. ,
As the specific effect, a first specific effect and a second specific effect can be executed,
In the first specific effect, instruct the operation at a timing related to the image display of the promotion effect, execute the first effect according to the operation,
In the second specific effect, the image display of the promoted effect is performed in a mode different from that of the image display of the promoted effect in the first specific effect, and in the second specific effect, the timing related to the image display of the promoted effect. Instruct the operation in the, it is possible to execute a second effect different from the first effect according to the operation ,
The promotion effect includes an image related to the operation input unit and an image related to the timing,
The operation of the operation input means can be performed even in a predetermined state in which the image display of the promotion effect during the game is not displayed, and the predetermined effect is executed in accordance with the operation of the operation input means in the predetermined state. A gaming machine characterized by being possible .

Images