JP6681678B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine that can play a game using gaming value.

  As an example of a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and a predetermined game value is obtained based on the fact that the game medium is won in a prize area such as a winning opening provided in the game area. There is a pachinko machine that can be given. Further, as another example of the gaming machine, a player operates a start lever after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a gaming medium such as a medal, a coin, or a game ball similar to a pachinko gaming machine. There is a slot machine that can start variable display of display symbols by the variable display device and give a predetermined game value based on the calculated display result.

  In this type of gaming machine, a display device using a first display means such as a liquid crystal display and a second display means such as a transmissive display is provided as an example of effect means for effecting a game. There is one (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this display device, the second display means is placed in front of the first display means, and a more powerful variable display can be performed.

JP 2005-205081 A

  In the display device described in Patent Document 1, the display area of the second display means is arranged in an area that does not overlap with the display area of the first display means when viewed from the player in order to suppress the occurrence of moire. . However, when adopting the first display means such as a large-sized liquid crystal display, it becomes difficult to secure the arrangement area of the second display means, so that the display area of the second display means is the first area when viewed from the player. There is a possibility that it may overlap with the display area of the display means, in which case it may not be possible to suppress the occurrence of moire.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and suppresses the occurrence of moire even when the display area of the second display means overlaps with the display area of the first display means as seen from the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of playing.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of executing a game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like), and a first display unit (a display means capable of displaying information about the game). For example, the effect display device 9 and the like) and the second display means (for example, the light guide plate 201 and the like) are provided, and the back surface side (for example, the effect display device 9 side) of the display area of the second display means appears to be transparent. A transparent region (for example, a region of the transparent light guide plate 201 that does not overlap with the frame body 220, which is a non-translucent member, when viewed from the front), and the first display unit is provided on the back surface side of the transparent region. The first display unit and the second display unit have different dot arrangement directions (for example, a pixel arrangement direction that is an arrangement direction of a plurality of pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 and a plurality of light guide plates 201. Recess 210 Is different from the concave arrangement direction which is the arrangement direction of), the first display means performs a display suggesting that the display by the second display means is performed (for example, the player presses the operation button 150). The first display means is an image display device, and a plurality of light guide plates are provided as the second display means, and the plurality of light guide plates are each a distance from the image display device. (For example, the distance D11, which is the distance between the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9 and the back surface (rear surface) of the first light guide plate, the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9, and the second guide). The distance D12, which is the distance from the back surface (rear surface) of the light plate, is different, and the dot arrangement direction (for example, the concave portion arrangement direction in the first light guide plate and the concave portion arrangement direction in the second light guide plate) according to the distance. ) is varies, before The array of dots of the image display device is an array of a plurality of pixels, the array of dots of the light guide plate is an array of a plurality of recesses, an array pattern of a plurality of pixels in the image display device and a plurality of the light guide plate. Both of the concave array patterns are delta array patterns .

  With such a configuration, even if the display area of the second display means overlaps with the display area of the first display means as viewed from the player, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of moire.

  (2) The gaming machine of (1) above may further include effect control means (for example, effect control board 80 or the like) that controls execution of effects in accordance with the progress of the game.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to control the execution of the effect according to the progress of the game.

  (3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above, an operating means (for example, an operation button 150) that can be operated by a player, and an operation effect executing means (for example, an operation effect) that uses the operating means to execute operation effects. , A portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes the process of step S846), and a display control unit that displays an operation promotion image for prompting the player to perform an operation when the operation effect is performed (for example, on the display unit). , A portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes the process of step S845).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

  (4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the dot pitch between the first display means and the second display means (for example, two adjacent pixels 5D in the effect display device 9). The pixel pitches P11 and P12 that are the distances between the centers of the concave portions and the concave pitches P21 and P22 that are the distances between the centers of two adjacent concave portions 210D in the light guide plate 201 may be different.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to make the relationship between the dots of the first display means and the dots of the second display means such that they do not interfere with each other, so that the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed. You can

  (5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the first display means is an effect control device (for example, effect display device 9 or the like), and the second display means is a guide. A light plate (for example, a light guide plate 201) in which the dot arrangement direction of the light guide plate is oblique with respect to the effect control device (for example, the light guide plate 201 with respect to the pixel arrangement direction in the effect display device 9). The arrangement direction of the concave portions may be oblique).

  With such a configuration, the light guide plate need only be arranged so that the dot arrangement direction is oblique with respect to the effect control device without changing the arrangement of the effect control device. It is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of moire, as compared with the case where both the arrangements of the light plates are changed.

  (6) In the gaming machine of (5) above, the plurality of light guide plates (for example, the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate) may have different dot arrangement directions (for example, recess arrangement directions).

  With such a configuration, the relationship between the dots of the plurality of light guide plates can be set so as not to interfere with each other, so that the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  (7) In the gaming machine of (6) above, the plurality of light guide plates are each a distance from the effect control device (for example, an image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9 and a back surface (rear surface) of the first light guide plate. ) Is different from the distance D11, which is the distance between the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9 and the back surface (rear surface) of the second light guide plate,) Accordingly, the dot array direction (for example, the recess array direction in the first light guide plate and the recess array direction in the second light guide plate) may be different.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to make the relationship between the dots of the plurality of light guide plates such that they do not interfere with each other according to the distance from the effect control device, so that the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed. You can

  (8) In the gaming machine according to any one of the above (1) to (7), a transmitting unit that transmits a control signal for controlling the first display unit and the second display unit by a serial signal method (for example, The production control CPU 101, VDP 109, etc.) may be further provided, and the transmission means may transmit the control signal by a serial signal method using a modulation clock obtained by modulating a reference clock by a predetermined modulation method.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress radiation noise by transmitting the control signal by the serial signal method using the modulated clock.

(9) In any one of the above-mentioned gaming machines (1) to (8), an operating means (for example, an operation button 150) operable by a player, and an operation effect executing operation operation using the operating means. Means (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes the process of step S846), and display control means that displays an operation promotion image for prompting the player to perform an operation when the operation effect is performed. (For example, the part for executing the process of step S845 in the effect control microcomputer 100), the operation effect execution means, the operation means in a plurality of modes (for example, the reliability of the big hit). , "White", "red", "white / vibration", "red / vibration") shown in FIG. It is displayed in any of a plurality of modes (for example, "white / small", "red / small", "white / large", and "red / large" shown in FIG. 30), and is common to the plurality of modes of the operating means. A common image display control unit (for example, step S501 in the production control microcomputer 100) that displays an operation promotion image of an aspect (for example, “white” (“white / small” and “white / large” shown in FIG. 30)). It includes a portion for executing the processing of S503, S845, and S846).
With such a configuration, it is possible to further enhance the enjoyment of the game by the effect using the operation means.

(10) In the gaming machine of (9) above, the degree of advantage may be different depending on the combination of the mode of the operation means and the mode of the operation promotion image (see FIG. 30).
With such a configuration, the player can be focused on the combination of the mode of the operation means and the mode of the operation promotion image.

(11) In the gaming machine of (9) or (10) above, a combination that does not appear among the combinations of the mode of the operation means and the mode of the operation promotion image (for example, “red / small” or “red / shown in FIG. 30”). "Large" and "red" or "red / vibration" combination).
With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the combination that is considered inappropriate to present to the player from being displayed.

(12) In the gaming machine according to any one of (9) to (11) above, after the game medium has passed through the starting area, variable display of identification information is started based on the condition for starting variable display being satisfied. A gaming machine, in which a variable display of identification information in which a game medium has passed through a starting region (for example, a first starting winning opening 13 and a second starting winning opening 14) but a starting condition is not satisfied is stored as a pending storage. Hold storage means (for example, first hold storage buffer and second hold storage buffer: see FIG. 12) and hold storage display means for performing hold storage display corresponding to hold storage (for example, step S662 in the microcomputer 100 for effect control). And a valid period setting means for setting a valid period during which the operation of the operating means is valid (for example, a production control microcomputer). 00) and a determination means for determining whether or not the operation means is operated at a specific timing within the effective period (for example, steps S852 and S853 in the effect control microcomputer 100). And the operation of the operating means is performed at a specific timing (when the end of the meter portion in the meter-shaped image 9c reaches a specific position: see FIG. 34D). When it is determined, the specific effect means that executes the specific effect and changes the mode of the hold storage display (for example, the portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes the processes of steps S856 and S857 and the process of the second modification). And may be provided.
According to such a configuration, the player pays attention to the timing of the operation as well, so that it is possible to further improve the interest of the game by the effect using the operation means.

It is the front view which saw the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a relay board, a performance control board, a lamp driver board, and a sound output board. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the main processing which a microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is an explanatory view showing a big hit determination table and a big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is the explanation drawing which shows one example of the contents of production control command. It is a flowchart showing a special symbol process processing. It is a flow chart which shows starting opening switch passage processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a reservation specific area and a storage area (hold buffer). It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design normal processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design normal processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of change pattern setting processing. 7 is a flowchart showing a display result designation command transmission process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing during special symbol change. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol stop processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit end processing. It is the flowchart which shows one example of the main processing which the production control microcomputer executes. It is a flow chart which shows an example of command analysis processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of command analysis processing. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a value of game state data. It is the explanation drawing which shows the random number which the microcomputer for production control uses. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation production. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production control process treatment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of change pattern command reception waiting processing. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production design fluctuation start processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation production decision processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of an operation production determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is the flowchart which shows one example of the production design fluctuation process. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production design fluctuation stop processing. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification of operation effect. It is an explanatory view showing an example of the contents of the production control command in a modification. It is an explanatory view showing an example of the contents of the production control command in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the starting opening switch passage process in a modification. It is a flowchart showing a winning determination process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of command analysis processing. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a winning determination result storage buffer. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control process processing in a modification. It is a flow chart which shows an example of reservation mode decision processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number which the microcomputer for production control in a modified example uses. It is an explanatory view showing an example of composition of a reservation mode decision table. It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing during production design change in a modification. It is a flow chart which shows an example of processing during production design change in a modification. It is a front view which shows a display unit. It is a figure which shows the relationship between spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity (brightness ratio sensitivity). It is the explanation drawing which shows the example which expands the pixel pattern and the concave section pattern in the light guide plate in the production control control equipment. It is explanatory drawing of the degree of the moire in the comparative example which aligned the pixel pattern and the recessed pattern in the same direction. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the degree of moire in an example in which a pixel pattern and a concave pattern intersect at an angle θ. It is the figure which shows one example of the clock signal which is used for each production control device and the LED baseplate. It is a figure which shows an example of the display control of a display unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example etc. of various determination regarding light guide plate production.

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

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is composed of an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and a game frame that is openably and closably attached to the inside of the outer frame. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped glass door frame 2 that is provided in the game frame so as to be openable and closable. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that is openably and closably installed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanical components and the like are attached, and various components attached to them (games to be described later). (Excluding the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply plate (upper plate) 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hit ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-shaped body that constitutes the game board 6 and various parts attached to the plate-shaped body. Further, on the front surface of the game board 6, a game area 7 in which the driven game balls can flow down is formed.

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

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

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b are collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator (variable display section). I have something to do.

  In this embodiment, two special symbol display devices 8a and 8b are provided, but the gaming machine may include only one special symbol display device.

  The variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first starting condition or the second starting condition that is the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied (for example, the game ball is the first starting winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening). After passing 14 (including winning), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of pending storage is not 0, the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed It is a state, and started based on the fact that the jackpot game is not executed) is established, and when the variable display time (variation time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. It should be noted that passing the game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined winning area such as a winning opening and a gate, and includes a concept that the gaming ball has entered (winning) the winning opening. Is. Derivative display of the display result means that the symbol (an example of identification information) is finally stopped and displayed.

  The variable display of the special symbol is such that the starting condition that is the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied (for example, that the game ball has passed through the starting winning opening 14 (including winning)), and then the starting condition of the variable display (for example, hold If the number of memories is not 0, the variable display of the special symbol is not being executed, and the jackpot game is not being executed). When the time elapses, the display result (stop design) is derived and displayed. It should be noted that passing the game ball means that the game ball has passed through a predetermined winning area such as a winning opening and a gate, and includes a concept that the gaming ball has entered (winning) the winning opening. Is. Derivative display of the display result means that the symbol (an example of identification information) is finally stopped and displayed.

  Near the center of the game area 7, an effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided. On the effect display device 9, variable display of effect symbols (decorative symbols) for decoration (for effect) in synchronization with variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that variably displays effect symbols. On the display screen of the effect display device 9, for example, there is a symbol display area for variably displaying three effect symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The symbol display area includes each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas, but the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the symbol may be displayed. The three areas of the display area may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by the effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the variable display of the first special symbol is being executed on the first special symbol display device 8a, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to perform the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol is displayed. When the variable display of the second special symbol is being executed on the symbol display device 8b, since the effect display is executed on the effect display device 9 along with the variable display, it is possible to easily grasp the progress status of the game. .

  Further, in the effect display device 9, the symbols other than the symbol to be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol among the left and right middle symbols) are continued for a predetermined time, and the big hit symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right symbols are arranged in the same symbol). In the state of matching with the combination of symbols), the state of being stopped, swinging, scaling or deforming, or a plurality of symbols fluctuating in sync with the same symbol, or the positions of the display symbols are swapped. Then, the production performed in a state where the possibility of a big hit continues before the final result is displayed (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach production. Further, the reach state and the state thereof are referred to as the reach mode. Furthermore, the variable display including the reach effect is called the reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the effect display device 9 is not the big hit symbol, the result is “out”, and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  If the first special symbol display device 8a, the second special symbol display device 8b, and the effect display device 9 display the shift symbol in a stopped state, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. A predetermined combination of effect symbols that does not reach may be stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of "non-reach" (also referred to as "normal loss") when the variable display result is a deviating symbol.

  If the first special symbol display device 8a, the second special symbol display device 8b, and the effect display device 9 display the shift symbol in a stopped state, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. The reach effect may be executed after the reach state is reached, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not become the big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed. The variable display result of such effect symbols is referred to as a variable display mode of "reach" (also referred to as "reach loss") when the variable display result is "off".

  In addition, in this embodiment, the variable display of the effect symbol is used as the effect of the liquid crystal display on the effect display device 9, but the effect performed by the effect display device 9 is not limited to the variable display of the effect symbol, for example, You may make it perform the effect which has a predetermined story characteristic, and perform the effect which displays the result of a story based on the jackpot determination and the determination result of a variation pattern.

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

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

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

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is extremely easy to win in the second start winning port 14.

  On the side of the first special symbol display device 8a, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first starting winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (reserved memory is also referred to as starting memory or starting winning memory) is displayed. The 1st special symbol reservation storage indicator 18a which consists of 4 indicators is provided. The 1st special symbol reservation storage indicator 18a increases the number of the indicator which lights up whenever there is an effective starting winning a prize. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display device 8a is started, the number of lighted display devices is reduced by one.

  On the side of the second special symbol display device 8b, the second special symbol reserved memory display device 18b composed of four display devices for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second starting winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. Is provided. The second special symbol hold storage indicator 18b increases the number of indicators to be turned on by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display device 8b is started, the number of lighted display devices is reduced by one.

  In addition, in the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, a total reserved storage display unit 18c that displays the total number (the total reserved storage number) that is the total of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is provided. ing. In this embodiment, since the total pending storage display section 18c for displaying the total number is provided, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of satisfied execution conditions in which the variable display start condition is not satisfied. It should be noted that there may be provided a first pending storage display section that displays the first pending storage number and a second pending storage display section that displays the second pending storage number.

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. Variable display of the effect design as the design of. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 8a, and when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 8b, a production symbol that reminds the big hit on the effect display device 9 The combination of is displayed stopped.

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, the game control microcomputer 560 that controls the variable display of the special symbol transmits a variation pattern command that can specify the variation time, and the effect control microcomputer 100 receives it. The variable display of the effect design is controlled according to the variable time specified by the changed pattern command. Therefore, since the variation time is specified based on the variation pattern command, the variation display of the special symbol and the variation display of the effect symbol are executed in synchronization. Synchronizing means that the change start timing and the change end timing are substantially the same.

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

  The gaming board 6 is also provided with winning holes (normal winning holes) 29, 30, 33, 39 for paying out a predetermined number of prize gaming balls that are predetermined based on winning of the gaming balls. The game balls that have won the winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 are detected by the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a.

  On the right side of the game board 6, a normal symbol display device 10 is provided. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information called normal symbols (for example, "○" and "x").

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the display of the normal symbol display device 10 is started. In this embodiment, the upper and lower lamps (the pattern can be visually recognized when turned on) are alternately turned on to perform variable display. For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of variable display, it is a win. . And when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 is an advantageous state from a disadvantageous state to the player when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol (a state in which the game ball can be won in the second starting winning port 14). Changes to. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 10, a normal symbol hold storage display device 41 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Every time there is a passage of the game ball to the gate 32, that is, every time the game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol reservation storage display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display of the normal symbol display device 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is reduced by 1. Furthermore, compared to the normal state, the probability of being decided to be a big jackpot is a high probability state (compared to the normal state, a state in which the probability of being judged as a big jackpot as a variable display result of a special symbol is increased) Then, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. In addition, the open time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 can be increased even in a time-saving state (a game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) in which the variable time of the symbol is shortened although it is not in the probability changing state.

  Around the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the bottom there is an outlet 26 into which a hit ball that has not been won is taken in. Further, two speakers 27 for producing a sound effect or a sound as a predetermined sound output are provided on the upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A frame LED 28 provided on the front frame is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7.

  The game machine drives a drive motor in response to the player operating the ball operation handle 5, and uses a rotational force of the drive motor to shoot a game ball into the game area 7 (not shown). ) Is provided. The game ball shot from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through a ball hitting rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends from the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first starting winning opening 13 and is detected by the first starting opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, That 1 start condition is established), the variable display (variation) of the first special symbol is started on the first special symbol display 8a, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started on the effect display device 9. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to the winning of the first starting winning opening 13. Unless the variable display of the first special symbol can be started, the first reserved storage number is increased by 1 on condition that the first reserved storage number has not reached the upper limit value.

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

  Further, an operation button 150, which is an example of an operation means that can be operated by the player, is provided on a member forming the hit ball supply tray 3. It should be noted that an operation means such as rotation or pushing down may be used instead of pressing.

  The operation button 150 has a white LED (for example, a red light emitting LED, a green light emitting LED, and a blue light emitting LED built therein), a red LED, and a vibrator (vibration motor) incorporated therein. The operation button 150 is formed so that the player can visually recognize the colors of the white LED and the red LED. When the vibrator operates, the operation button 150 vibrates.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a probability variation big hit, the game state shifts to a high probability state (probability variation state: a game state in which the probability of a big hit compared to the normal state is increased) and the game High base state (high frequency state) which is a game state controlled so that the ball easily starts winning (that is, the execution condition of the variable display in the special symbol display device 8 and the effect display device 9 is easily established). Move to. In the high base state, the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 being in the open state is increased, or the time the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended, as compared with the case of not being in the high base state. Then, it becomes easy to start winning.

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

  Further, the RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, a part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created in the power supply board 910. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the content of the RAM 55 is saved for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot supply power). In particular, at least data corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control means (such as a special symbol process flag) and the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data according to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for recovering the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like. Further, the data according to the control state corresponds to the data showing the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up by power supply.

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

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to make a big hit based on the display result of the variable display of the special symbol. The random number circuit 503 has a random number generating function that updates the numerical data according to the set update rule within the numerical range in which the initial value (for example, 0) and the upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set. Then, the read numerical data is used as a random number value.

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

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

  In addition, the input driver circuit 58 for giving the detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the starting opening switch 13a, the count switch 23, and the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. There is. Further, the output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 forming the special winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560 is also a main board. It is mounted on 31.

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

  An information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as big hit information indicating occurrence of a big hit game state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (composed of effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. The effect control command is received, and display control of the effect display device 9 that variably displays effect symbols is performed.

  In addition, the production control means mounted on the production control board 80 controls the display of the decorative LED 25 provided on the game board and the frame LED 28 provided on the frame side via the lamp driver board 35. The sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled via the audio output board 70.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation signal (press signal) corresponding to a pressing operation of the operation button 150 by the player from the operation button 150 via the input port 107.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 gives a drive signal to the white LED 151, the red LED 152 and the vibrator 153 via the output port 106.

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light-emitting body provided on the frame side such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED. In addition, a current is supplied to the decorative LED 25 provided on the game board side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates a voice or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplifier circuit 705 outputs to the speaker 27 a voice signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data according to the tone number data. The control data according to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the output mode of the sound effect or the sound in a predetermined period (for example, the variation period of the effect symbol) in time series.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After the security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first makes necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and the stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (initialization of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) (step S4), the RAM can be accessed. Is set (step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output by the built-in device is This is a mode indicating an interrupt address.

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

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether the backup RAM area data protection process (eg, power supply stop process such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped. Yes (step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command designating the display result stored in the backup RAM to the effect control board 80 (step S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In this embodiment, the backup RAM area also stores the value of the variable time timer, which will be described later. Therefore, when the power failure is restored, after the display result designation command is transmitted in step S44, the measurement of the value of the variable time timer that has been saved is restarted and the variable display of the special symbol is restarted and saved. When the value of the variable time timer that has been used has timed out, a symbol confirmation designation command to be described later is transmitted. Further, in this embodiment, the value of a special symbol process flag described later is also stored in the backup RAM area. Therefore, when the power failure is restored, the special symbol process process is restarted from the process corresponding to the value of the special symbol process flag that is saved.

  It should be noted that the CPU 56 may first check whether or not the value of the variable time timer stored in the backup RAM area is 0, instead of always transmitting the display result designation command when the power is restored. . Then, if the value of the variable time timer is not 0, it is determined that the power outage is occurring during the change, and the display result designation command is transmitted. It may be determined that the display state designation command is not transmitted and the display result designation command may not be transmitted.

  Further, the CPU 56 may first check whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag stored in the backup RAM area is 3. Then, if the value of the special symbol process flag is 3, it is determined that there is a power outage during fluctuation, and the display result designation command is transmitted. If the special symbol process flag is not 3, it fluctuates during a power failure. It may be determined that the display result designation command is not transmitted and the display result designation command may not be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, both the backup flag and the check data are used to confirm whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as a trigger for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). By the RAM clearing process, predetermined data (for example, the data of the count value of the counter for generating the random number for determining a normal symbol) is initialized to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, data of the count value of the counter for generating the random number for determining the normal symbol) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set to the pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set to the work area (step S12).

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 503 (step S14). The CPU 56, for example, executes a process in accordance with a random number circuit setting program to set the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

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

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

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed by using effect symbols variably displayed on the effect display device 9. Further, when the display result of the special symbol is a big hit symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a big hit symbol, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the reach effect is executed by performing a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a random number. However, it is the effect control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach effect control.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for controlling the display of the special symbol display device 8, the normal symbol display device 10, the special symbol reservation storage display device 18, and the normal symbol reservation storage display device 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control is performed to output a drive signal to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33.

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing such as setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, a payout control micro mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to a winning detection based on that any of the first start opening switch 13a, the second start opening switch 14a, and the count switch 23 is turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of award balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls.

  In this embodiment, the RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 56 relates to ON / OFF of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The content is output to the output port (step S31: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol display control process for setting the special symbol display control data for performing the special symbol effect display according to the value of the special symbol process flag in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data ( Step S32).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting a normal symbol display control data for performing a normal symbol effect display according to the value of the normal symbol process flag in an output buffer for setting a normal symbol display control data ( Step S33). CPU56, for example, until the end flag is set when the start flag for the fluctuation of the normal symbol is set, the fluctuation speed of the normal symbol switches the display state ("○" and "x") every 0.2 seconds. At such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs the drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, thereby executing the effect display of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display device 10.

  After that, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is ended.

  By the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is activated every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the process of steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. Further, in this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process, but in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is the main process. May be executed in.

  By the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is activated every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the process of steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. Further, in this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process, but in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is the main process. May be executed in.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine the type of jackpot (probable variation jackpot, normal jackpot) (for determining jackpot type) (2) Random 2: Determine (variation time) of the variation pattern (for determining variation pattern) (3) Random 3: Determine whether to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for determining the normal symbol) (4) Random 4: Determine the initial value of Random 3 (for determining the random 3 initial value)

  In step S23 in the game control processing shown in FIG. 6, the game control microcomputer 560 is a counter for generating the random number for jackpot type determination of (1) and the random number for determination of normal symbol per item of (3). Count up (add 1). That is, they are the determination random numbers, and the other random numbers are the display random numbers (random 2) or the initial value random numbers (random 4). Note that random numbers other than the above random numbers may be used to enhance the game effect. In addition, in this embodiment, a random number generated by the hardware built in the game control microcomputer 560 (which may be hardware outside the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the big hit determination random number.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a big hit determination table. The big hit judgment table is a set of data stored in the ROM 54, and is a table in which big hit judgment values to be compared with the random R are set. The big hit determination table includes a normal big hit determination table used in a normal state (a game state that is not the probability changed state) and a probability variable time big hit determination table used in the probability changed state. The numerical values described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) are set in the normal time jackpot determination table, and the numerical values described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) are set in the probability variation jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number value is shown in FIG. 7 (A). If any of the jackpot determination values are matched, it is determined that the special symbol is to be a jackpot (probable variation jackpot or normal jackpot). The “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Also, to determine whether to make a big hit, it means to make a decision to move to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether to make a big hit symbol the stop symbol in the special symbol display 8 That is also the case.

  FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot type determination table stored in the ROM 54. The jackpot type determination table, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot pattern, the jackpot type is set to "normal jackpot" or "probable variation jackpot" based on the jackpot type determination random number (random 2). It is a table that is referred to in order to determine one of them. In the jackpot type determination table, a determination value (a jackpot type determination value), which is a numerical value to be compared with the value of Random 1 and corresponds to each of the “normal jackpot” and the “probability variation jackpot”, is set. When the value of Random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the type of jackpot as the type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

  The "normal big hit" is a big hit that the big winning hole is opened 15 times (15 rounds) during the big hit game, and when the big hit game is finished, the gaming state is shifted to an indeterminate change state (low probability state). Also, when the big hit game ends, the game state shifts to a time saving state (high base state). The time saving state continues until the variable display (variation) of the special symbol is executed 100 times. The "probable variation jackpot" is a jackpot that the winning state is opened 15 times (15 rounds) during the jackpot game, and when the jackpot game ends, the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state). Also, when the big hit game ends, the game state shifts to a time saving state (high base state). The time saving state continues until the next big hit occurs. In addition, in this embodiment, there are "normal big hit" and "probable variation big hit" as big hit types, but other big hit types may be used.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 8, "EXT" indicates the second byte of EXT data in the effect control command having a 2-byte structure. Further, "time" indicates a variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of the identification information).

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, each variation pattern of the special symbol is determined to be an outlier or a big hit, whether or not to reach, and depending on a difference in various effect modes such as a reach mode in the case of reach. Multiple types are available. In addition, the reach effect is executed in the effect display device 9 whose display is controlled by the effect control microcomputer 100.

  The “normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve the reach mode. “Reach A” is a variation pattern accompanied by a predetermined reach mode (for example, normal reach effect). “Reach B” is a variation pattern accompanied by a reach mode (for example, super reach production) different from “reach A”. The different reach mode means that different modes (velocity, rotation direction, etc.) are varied or a character or the like appears in the reach variation time. In addition, in "reach A" and "reach B", there are cases where a big hit occurs and cases where a big hit does not occur.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the command 80XX (H) is a production control command (including variation time information) for designating a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 corresponding to the variable display of the special symbol. Fluctuation pattern command) (corresponding to fluctuation pattern XX, respectively). That is, when a unique number is given to each of the usable fluctuation patterns shown in FIG. 8, there is a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to each of the fluctuation patterns specified by the number. In addition, "(H)" shows that it is a hexadecimal number. Further, the effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the command 80XX (H), the effect display device 9 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are effect control commands capable of specifying whether or not to make a big hit and the big hit type. Since the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect design according to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H), the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

  Command 8F00 (H) is a production control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (variation) of the production design (decorative design) is finished and the display result (stop design) is derived and displayed. When the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the symbol confirmation designation command, the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbols is ended and the display result is derived and displayed.

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

  The command 9F00 (H) is a production control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) that specifies a customer waiting demonstration.

  Command A001 (H) is a production control command (hereinafter, also referred to as a big hit start designation command or a fanfare designation command) for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, for designating the start of the big hit game.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (a special winning opening open designation command) indicating a display during opening of the special winning opening for the number (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designated command after opening the special winning opening) indicating the closing of the special winning opening for the number (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) is a production control command (big hit end designation command) for displaying the big hit end screen, that is, designating the end of the big hit game.

  Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (low base state designation command) indicating that the game state is the low base state. Command B002 (H) is a production control command (high base state designation command) indicating that the game state is a high base state. Command B003 (H) is a production control command (non-probability variation state designation command) indicating that the gaming state is not the probable variation state. Command B004 (H) is an effect control command (probability variation state designation command) indicating that the game state is the probability variation state.

  The low base state designation command, the high base state designation command, the non-probability variation state designation command and the probability variation state designation command may be collectively referred to as a game state designation command.

  Command C2XX (H) is a production control command (total reserved storage number specification command) that specifies the total number (total reserved storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C2XX (H) indicates the total pending storage number. Command C300 (H) is a production control command (total reserved storage number subtraction designation command) that specifies subtraction of the total reserved storage number by 1. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a summed reserved storage number subtraction designation command when the summed reserved storage number is subtracted, but does not use the summation reserved storage number subtraction designation command, When subtracting the total pending storage number, a total pending storage number designating command for designating the total pending storage number after the subtraction may be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 8, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed to the reach state, and finally the effect display device. In the "left", "middle", and "right" symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R in 9, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed together.

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

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

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of special symbol process processing (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56). As described above, in the special symbol process process, the process for controlling the first special symbol display device 8a or the second special symbol display device 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 detects that the game ball has won in the first start winning opening 13 or the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won in the first starting winning opening 13. If the second starting port switch 14a for turning on is turned on, that is, if the starting winning for the first starting winning port 13 or the second starting port switch 14 has occurred, the first starting port switch passage processing is executed ( Steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed.

  The processes of steps S300 to S307 are the following processes.

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

  Variation pattern setting process (step S301): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. In addition, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of the variable display to the derivation display (stop display) of the display result) is the variation time of the variable display of the special symbol. Decide to do. In addition, the fluctuation time timer which measures the fluctuation time of the special design is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

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

  Special symbol variation process (step S303): is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the variation time timer becomes 0), the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the symbol. The control for transmitting the designated command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S304 (4 in this example).

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the starting port switch passage processing in step S312.

  In the starting opening switch passage processing, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the first starting opening switch 13a is turned on (step S211A). If the first starting opening switch 13a is turned on, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the first reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step). S212A). If the value of the first reserved storage number counter is 4, the process proceeds to step S211B.

  If the first reserved storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved storage number counter by 1 (step S213A), and at the same time, the value of the total reserved storage number counter for counting the total reserved storage number. Is incremented by 1 (step S214A). In addition, in the reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area) for storing the winning order to the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, an area corresponding to the value of the total reserved storage number counter, Data indicating "first" is set (step S215A).

  In this embodiment, when the first starting opening switch 13a is in the ON state (that is, when the game ball has won a starting winning in the first starting winning opening 13), data indicating "first" is set, When the second start opening switch 14a is turned on (that is, when the game ball is started in the second start winning opening 14), data indicating "second" is set. For example, the CPU 56 sets 01 (H) as data indicating “first” when the first starting opening switch 13a is turned on in the reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area), When the 2 starting port switch 14a is turned on, 02 (H) is set as data indicating "second". In this case, if there is no corresponding pending storage, 00 (H) is set in the pending storage specifying information storage area (holding specific area).

  FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area). As shown in FIG. 12A, an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the value of the total reserved storage number counter is secured in the reserved specific area. Note that FIG. 12A shows an example in which the value of the total pending storage number counter is 5. As shown in FIG. 12 (A), an area corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the total reserved memory number counter is secured in the reserved specific area, and the first start winning opening 13 or the second start Based on the winning in the winning opening 14, data indicating "first" or "second" is set in the winning order. Therefore, the winning order to the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 is stored in the holding storage specific information storage area (holding specific area). The reserved specific area is formed in the RAM 55.

  Next, the CPU 56 extracts the values from the random number circuit 503 and the counter for generating the software random number, and stores them in the storage area of the first reserved storage buffer (step S216A). In the process of step S216A, a random number R (a big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) that are software random numbers are extracted and stored in the storage area. Stored in. It should be noted that the random number for determining the variation pattern (random 2) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the starting port switch passage processing (at the time of starting winning), but is extracted at the time of the variation start of the first special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may extract a value from a fluctuation pattern determination random number counter for generating a fluctuation pattern determination random number (random 2) in a fluctuation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a storage area (holding buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the holding storage. As shown in FIG. 12B, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the second reserved storage number is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. The first pending storage buffer and the second pending storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. Formed in the RAM means an area in the RAM.

  In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the total reserved storage number designation command to the effect control CPU 101 (step S218A).

  When transmitting the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the pointer to the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set in the ROM for each command) corresponding to the effect control command. . Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect control command control process (step S28).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the second starting port switch 14a is turned on (step S211B). If the second starting opening switch 14a is turned on, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the second reserved memory number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step). S212B). If the value of the second reserved storage number counter is 4, the process ends.

  If the value of the second pending storage number counter is not 4, the CPU 56 increments the value of the second pending storage number counter by 1 (step S213B), and increments the value of the total pending storage number counter by 1 (step S214B).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the data indicating “second” in the area corresponding to the value of the total reserved storage number counter in the reserved storage specific information storage area (reserved specific area) (step S215B).

  Then, the CPU 56 extracts the values from the random number circuit 503 and the counter for generating the software random number, and stores them in the storage area of the second reserved storage buffer (step S216B). In the process of step S216B, a random number R (a big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) and a variation pattern determination random number (random 2) that are software random numbers are extracted and stored in the storage area. Stored in. Random pattern determination random number (random 2) is not stored in advance in the starting area switch passage process (at the time of starting winning) and stored in the storage area, but it is extracted at the time of starting the variation of the second special symbol. May be. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may extract a value from a fluctuation pattern determination random number counter for generating a fluctuation pattern determination random number (random 2) in the fluctuation pattern setting process.

  In addition, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the total reserved storage number designation command to the effect control CPU 101 (step S218B).

  13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total number of pending storages (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total number of pending storages is 0, the process ends.

  If the total pending storage number is not 0, the CPU 56 confirms whether the first data among the data set in the pending specific area (see FIG. 12A) is the data indicating “first”. Yes (step S52). If the first data set in the reserved specific area is not data indicating “first” (that is, data indicating “second”), the CPU 56 is a special symbol pointer (special symbol for the first special symbol). Data indicating "second" is set to a flag indicating whether the process is being processed or whether the special symbol process is being performed for the second special symbol (step S53). When the first data set in the reserved specific area is data indicating "first", the CPU 66 sets data indicating "first" in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  By performing the processing of steps S52 to S54, in this embodiment, the first special symbol changes in accordance with the starting winning order in which the game balls win the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14. Display or variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  In addition, with respect to the variation (variable display) of the first special symbol, the variation of the second special symbol may be preferentially executed. That is, the CPU 56 controls so that the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol has priority over the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol. May be.

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

  Then, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the count value of the first reserved storage number counter, and each storage area in the first reserved storage number buffer. Shift the contents of. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the count value of the second reserved storage number counter is decremented by 1, and the content of each storage area in the second reserved storage number buffer is shifted.

  That is, the CPU 56, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved storage number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value stored in is stored in the storage area corresponding to the first number of pending storages = n-1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved storage number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second number of pending storages = n-1.

  Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective first reserved memory numbers (or the respective second reserved memory numbers) are always extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or, The second reserved memory number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 and the order.

  Then, the CPU 56 reduces the number of lights of the special symbol holding storage display (the first special symbol holding storage display 18a or the second special symbol holding storage display 18b) indicated by the special symbol pointer by 1 (step S57). In addition, the value of the reserved storage number counter (the first reserved storage number counter or the second reserved storage number counter) indicated by the special symbol pointer is decremented by 1 (step S58). In addition, the value of the total pending storage number is decremented by 1. That is, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is decremented by 1 (step S59).

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out the random R (random number for jackpot determination) from the random number buffer area and determines whether or not to make a jackpot. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for jackpot determination coincides with any of the jackpot determination values (see FIG. 7A) set in the jackpot determination table (step S61). In addition, the CPU 56 reads the big hit determination random number extracted in step S216A of the first starting opening switch passage processing or step S216B of the second starting opening switch passage processing and stored in advance in the first pending storage buffer or the second pending storage buffer. , Big hit determination (the process of comparing the value of the random number for big hit determination and the big hit determination value). Specifically, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches any of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7 (A) according to the current game state. Decide to.

  It should be noted that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by checking whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when shifting the game state to the probability variation state, and reset when ending the probability variation state. Specifically, it is set in the process of ending the big hit game after it is determined to be a probability variation big hit, and when it is determined to be a big hit, the variable display of special symbols is ended and the stop symbol is reset at the timing of stop display. To be done.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, the process proceeds to step S71. It should be noted that determining whether or not to be a big hit is to determine whether or not to shift to a big hit game state, but to determine whether or not to make a stop symbol in the special symbol display device a big hit symbol But also.

  If it is confirmed in step S61 that the value of the random R (random number for jackpot determination) does not match any jackpot determination value, that is, if it is out of alignment, the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 7 (B)), and the type corresponding to the value that matches the value of the random number (random 1) for jackpot type determination stored in the random number buffer area (“ "Normal big hit", "probability variation big hit") is determined as the kind of big hit (step S72).

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S73). For example, when the big hit type is "normal big hit", "01" is set as the data showing the big hit type, and when it is "probability variation big hit", "02" is set as the data showing the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol (step S74). Specifically, when the big hit flag is not set, the falling symbol "-" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol. If the big hit flag is set, depending on the big hit type determination result, either the big hit symbols "3" or "7" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol. That is, when the jackpot type is determined to be "normal jackpot", "3" is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the "probable variation big hit" is determined, "7" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot type is first determined, and the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined jackpot type is determined. However, the method of determining the jackpot type and the stop symbol of the special symbol is this embodiment. It is not limited to those shown. For example, a table in which the stop symbols of the special symbols are associated with the jackpot types in advance is prepared, and the stop symbols of the special symbols are first determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot type, and the corresponding jackpots are determined based on the determination result. The type may be determined.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S75).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process. In the fluctuation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 determines to use the big hit variation pattern determination table (step S92). If the big hit flag is not set, it is decided to use the deviation variation pattern determination table (step S93).

  In the big hit variation pattern determination table, the variation patterns (“02H” and “04H”) selected during the big hit shown in FIG. 8 are set, and a plurality of determination values are assigned to each variation pattern. In addition, the fluctuation pattern determination table for deviation is set with the fluctuation patterns (“00H”, “01H”, and “03H”) selected at the time of deviation shown in FIG. 8, and a plurality of determination values are set for each fluctuation pattern. It is assigned. The variation pattern determination table for disengagement is a variation pattern determination table when the gaming state is the normal state, and when the gaming state is the probability variation state, another variation pattern determination table is used. For example, in the variation pattern determination table for deviation in the probability variation state, the variation patterns (“01H”, “03H”, “05H”) selected in the deviation shown in FIG. 8 are set, and each variation pattern is set. Multiple judgment values are assigned.

  In addition, the same table as the deviation variation pattern determination table in the probability variation state is used as the deviation variation pattern determination table in the time saving state. However, different tables may be used as the deviation variation pattern determination table in the time saving state and the deviation variation pattern determination table in the probability variation state.

  Further, a plurality of tables corresponding to the total number of pending storages may be used as the deviation variation pattern determination table.

  The CPU 56 reads the random number for fluctuation pattern determination from the random number storage buffer, and based on the value of the read random number for fluctuation pattern determination, the fluctuation pattern of the effect symbol is changed using the big hit fluctuation pattern determination table or the out-of-range fluctuation pattern determination table. It is determined (step S101). Specifically, the variation pattern corresponding to the determination value that matches the variation pattern determination random number value is determined as the variation pattern of the effect symbol executed on the effect display device 9. In addition, in this embodiment, the random number for fluctuation pattern determination is extracted when the start winning occurs and is stored in the random number storage buffer, but the CPU 56 extracts the random number for fluctuation pattern determination at the start of fluctuation of the special symbol (for example, It may be extracted in the variation pattern setting process) and the variation pattern may be determined based on the extracted random numbers.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command (first symbol variation designation command or second symbol variation designation command) of the one indicated by the special symbol pointer (step S103), and the determined variation pattern (fluctuation time) ), A control for transmitting an effect control command (fluctuation pattern command) for designating a fluctuation pattern (step S102)

  When transmitting the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the pointer to the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set in the ROM for each command) corresponding to the effect control command. . Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect control command control process (step S28).

  Then, the CPU 56 sets the variable time in the special symbol process timer (step S104). Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value according to step S302 (step S105).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 produces an effect control command of any one of display result 1 designation to display result 3 designation according to whether or not it is a big hit and the type of the big hit that has been determined (see FIG. 9). ) Is sent. Specifically, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S111). If not set, the process proceeds to step S113.

  When the big hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit an effect control command (see FIG. 9) of any one of display result 2 designation to display result 3 designation depending on the type of big hit (type). The big hit type is determined by the data set in the big hit type buffer in the process of step S73 of the special symbol normal process.

  In step S113, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 1 designation command.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S114).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol variation process, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variation time timer (step S125), and when the variation time timer times out (step S126), terminates the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display device 8a or the The control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed on the 2 special symbol display device 8b (step S127). In addition, when the data indicating "first" is set to the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is ended, and "second" is indicated to the special symbol pointer. When the data is set, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is ended. In addition, the control for transmitting the symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S128). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S129). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol is, specifically, based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag becomes 3 during the special symbol changing process, the special symbol display control process (step S32). In reference), the special symbol display control data for the special symbol variation display is set by being set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. Then, in the display control process of step S22, the variable display of the special symbol is actually executed according to the setting contents of the output buffer.

  Further, in this embodiment, the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (value indicating the special symbol stop process), based on the special symbol display control process (see step S32) stop symbol of the special symbol ( It is performed by setting the special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the special symbol display control data (stop symbol determined in step S65 of the special symbol normal process) in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. Then, in the display control process of step S22, the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting contents of the output buffer.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S133). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state and the time saving flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S134), and the effect control The control for transmitting the big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 for use is performed (step S135).

  In addition, the big hit display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the big hit display time (for example, the time at which the effect display device 9 notifies that the big hit has occurred) (step S137). Also, the number of times of opening (5, 10 or 15) is set in the special winning opening opening counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the special winning opening opening preprocessing (step S305) (step S139).

  When it is confirmed in step S133 that the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set (step S140). If it is set, the process proceeds to step S147. If the probability variation flag is not set, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time saving flag indicating the time saving state is set (step S141). When the time saving flag is set (that is, not in the probability changing state but in the time saving state), the value of the time saving counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time saving state is decremented by -1 (step S142). Then, when the value of the hour / hour counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S144), the CPU 56 resets the hour / hour flag (step S145). In addition, control is performed to transmit a low base state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S146).

  In step S147, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a big hit ending process (step S307) in the special symbol process process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160), and if the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. When the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag is reset (step S161), and the big hit end designation command is transmitted (step S162). Then, the big hit end display timer is set to a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is being performed on the effect display device 9 (big hit end display time) (step S163), and the process ends.

  In step S164, the value of the jackpot end display timer is decremented by 1. Then, the CPU 56 confirms whether the value of the big hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether the big hit end display time has elapsed (step S165). If not, the process ends.

  When the jackpot end display time has elapsed, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the type of jackpot is the probability variation jackpot (step S166). Whether or not the probability variation big hit is specifically determined by the data set in the big hit type buffer in the process of step S73 of the special symbol normal process. If it is not the probability variation big hit, the process proceeds to step S172.

  If the probability variation big hit, the CPU 56 sets the probability variation flag and shifts the game state to the probability variation state (step S170). Further, the CPU 56 sets the time saving flag (step S171). Then, the process proceeds to step S174.

  By executing the processing of steps S170 and S171, in this embodiment, when the jackpot game based on the probability variation big hit is finished, the game state is shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state) and the time saving state (high Base state) (that is, a high probability / high base state).

  In addition, in this embodiment, the time saving flag set in the process of step S173 is also used to determine whether to increase the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened. Further, the time saving flag is used to determine whether or not to reduce the variation time of the special symbol.

  In step S172, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number (for example, 100) in the hour / hour counter for counting the number of hour / hour (variable number of times in the hour / hour state) (step S172). Further, the CPU 56 sets the time saving flag (step S173). Then, the process proceeds to step S174.

  In step S174, the CPU 56 issues a game state designation command (low base state designation command, high base state designation command, non-probability variation state designation command or probability variation state designation command) to the effect control microcomputer 100 according to the current game state. Control to send. In the process of step S174, the UCPU 56 controls to transmit the high base state designation command when the time saving flag indicating the time saving state is set. When the time saving flag is not set, control is performed to send the low base state designation command. Further, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, control is performed to transmit the probability variation state designation command. If the probability variation flag is not set, control is performed to send the non-probability variation state designation command.

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a game state designation command each time the big hit game ends, but for example, the game state changes before attempting to transmit the game state designation command. It may be determined whether or not the game state is changed, and only when the game state is changed, the game state designation command according to the changed game state may be transmitted.

  After that, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S175).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. 20 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. When the power is turned on, the effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation interval of the effect control processing is performed (step S701). After that, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to the loop processing for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control microcomputer 100 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control microcomputer 100 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the production control process process, the process corresponding to the current control state (production control process flag) is selected from among the processes corresponding to the control state, and the display control of the production display device 9 is executed. Further, a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number such as a random number for effect design determination is executed (step S706). Then, it transfers to step S702.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and a command reception buffer in a ring buffer format capable of storing 6 effect control commands of 2 bytes. It is stored in (formed in RAM). Then, a command reception number counter indicating which area to store the received command is used. The command reception number counter takes a value of 0-11. In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 analyzes which command (see FIG. 9) is the effect control command stored in the command reception buffer.

  21 and 22 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the command reception buffer, but in the command analysis processing, the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) is stored in the command reception buffer. Check the command contents.

  Note that the command is stored in the command receiving buffer, specifically, by detecting that the effect control INT signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 has risen, and by the interrupt processing, a 1-byte MODE is first set. Data is captured and stored in the command reception buffer. Next, after the effect control INT signal is turned off, it is detected that the next effect control INT signal has risen, and by the interrupt process, 1-byte EXT data is fetched, and the next area of the command reception buffer is processed. Stored in. By the above process, one effect control command (2-byte command) is fetched and stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first confirms whether or not a received command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the received command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is set to +2 (step S613). The reason for adding +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read.

  If the received production control command is a power-on designation command (initialization designation command) (step S614), the production control CPU 101 displays an initial screen indicating that the initialization processing has been executed on the production display device 9. Control is performed (step S615). The initial screen includes an initial display of a predetermined effect design.

  If the received production control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S616), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. The display is controlled (step S617).

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

  If the received effect control command is the display result specifying command (step S624), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result specifying command (display result 1 specifying command to display result 3 specifying command) in the RAM. The display result designation command storage area is stored (step S625).

  If the received effect control command is the symbol confirmation designation command (step S626), the effect control CPU 101 sets the confirmation command reception flag (step S627).

  If the received production control command is the total reserved storage number designation command (step S661), the effect control CPU 101 updates the total reserved storage number display on the total reserved storage display unit 18c (step S662). Specifically, the hold display is incremented by 1.

  It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a first start prize designating command indicating that when the first start prize occurs, and a second start prize indicating that when the second start prize occurs. When the production control CPU 101 receives the first start winning award designation command by transmitting the designation command, the display on the combined holding storage display unit 18c is increased by 1 in the first holding mode (for example, blue), and the second start winning award designation command is issued. When is received, control may be performed such that the display in the summed suspension storage display unit 18c is incremented by 1 in the second suspension mode (for example, green).

  If the received effect control command is the command for subtracting the total reserved storage number (step S663), the CPU 101 for effect control updates the total reserved storage number display in the total reserved storage display unit 18c (step S664). Specifically, the first pending display in the total pending storage display section 18c is erased, and the remaining pending displays are shifted one by one.

  If the received production control command is a game state designation command (low base state designation command, high base state designation command, non-probability variation state designation command or probability variation state designation command: see FIG. 9) (step S670), CPU 101 for production control Sets a value according to the game state specified by the received game state designation command in the area of the game state data secured in the RAM (step S671). Hereinafter, the value set in the area of the game status data is referred to as the game status data.

  When the received command read in step S612 is another effect control command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S691).

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the values of the game state data. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the value of the game state data is “01 (H)” when in the low probability low base state (non-probable variation non-time saving state). The value of the game state data is "02 (H)" when in the low probability high base state (non-probable variation short time state). The value of the game state data is "03 (H)" when in the high-probability low base state (probable variation non-time saving state). The value of the game state data is "04 (H)" when in the high probability high base state (probable variation short time state).

  In this embodiment, the gaming state does not become a high-probability low base state (probable variation non-time saving state), so the value of the gaming state data is not set to "03 (H)".

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used by the effect control microcomputer 100. As shown in FIG. 24, in this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the first to third final stop symbol determination random numbers SR1-1 to SR1-3 and the operation effect determination random number SR2. . It should be noted that random numbers other than these may be used to enhance the effect.

  The random numbers SR1-1 to SR1-3 for determining the first to third final stop symbols are “left”, “middle”, and “in the display area of the effect display device 9 as stop symbols that are variable display results of effect symbols. It is a random number used to determine the effect symbol (final stop symbol) that is stopped and displayed in each "right" symbol display area. The final stop symbols are the three effect symbols that are finally stopped and displayed in each of the "left", "middle", and "right" symbol display areas when the variable display of the effect symbols ends. The combination of the big hit symbols of the effect symbols is determined by any one of the first to third final stop symbol determination random numbers SR1-1 to SR1-3.

  The operation effect determination random number SR2 is a random number used to determine whether to execute the operation effect (button effect).

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation effect. As shown in FIG. 25 (A), the effect control CPU 101 is for urging the player to perform a button operation (pressing the operation button 150) at a predetermined time after the effect symbol display state has reached the reach state. The operation promotion image 9a is controlled to be displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 in a predetermined size and a predetermined color. It should be noted that in this embodiment, “promotion” is used in the sense of urging (inviting) the operation of the player, not in the sense of advancing the operation of the player.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25 (B), the effect control CPU 101 has a predetermined time (in this embodiment, a display start time of the operation promotion image 9a after the effect pattern is in the reach state). At about the same time), the mode of the operation button 150 is changed from the normal mode.

  The normal mode of the operation button 150 is a state in which no color is emitted (the white LED 151 and the red LED 152 are off), and the vibrator 153 is not vibrating. Therefore, when changing the mode of the operation button 150 from the normal mode, the effect control CPU 101 controls the color generation by the white LED 151, the color generation by the red LED 152, the vibration by the vibrator 153, or the control of two or more of them. To do.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (step S705) in the main process. In the effect control process processing, the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the production control process process, the display state of the production display device 9 is controlled and the variable display of the production symbol is realized, but the control relating to the variable display of the production symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. The control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process process.

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

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

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

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

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

  Processing during round (step S805): Display control during round is performed. Then, when the round end condition is satisfied, if the final round has not ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the post-round processing (step S806). If the final round has ended, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the big hit end effect processing (step S807).

  Post-round processing (step S806): Display control between rounds is performed. Then, when the round start condition is satisfied, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the in-round process (step S805).

  Big hit end production process (step S807): In the production display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the variable pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process process. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern reception flag is set (step S811). If it is set, the flag is reset (step S812). Then, the effect control CPU 101 changes the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect design variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start processing, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S821).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 determines the effect display result (stop design) according to the data stored in the display result specification command storage area (that is, the received display result specification command) (step S822).

  For example, when the received display result designation command indicates a normal big hit (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 has an even number of three symbols as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols arranged by symbols (a stop symbol that usually reminds the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result designating command indicates a probability variation big hit (when the received display result designating command is the display result 3 designating command), the effect control CPU 101 has 3 symbols as odd symbols (probability variation). A combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol that reminds the occurrence of a big hit is determined.

  When determining the big hit symbol, the CPU 101 for effect control extracts SR1-1 in the process of step S822, and uses SR1-1 to select a left-middle-right stop symbol (a left-middle-right symbol is a symbol of the same symbol). Combination).

  In the case of falling off, combinations of effect symbols other than the above are determined. However, when the reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols having two left and right symbols is determined.

  Specifically, the effect control CPU 101 sets SR1-1 to SR1-3 in a case where it is not determined to be a deviating symbol and is not determined to reach, for example. Extract, determine the left symbol using SR1-1, determine the middle symbol using SR1-2, and determine the right symbol using SR1-3. If the determined left and right symbols match, the right symbol is shifted by 1 symbol. When it is decided to reach, SR1-1 to SR1-2 are extracted, the left and right symbols are determined using SR1-1, and the middle symbol is determined using SR1-2.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 performs an operation effect determination process (step S823).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation effect determination process. As shown in FIG. 29, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not to reach (step S500). Whether or not the reach is reached can be determined by the variation pattern command stored in the variation pattern command storage area. If the reach is not reached, the process ends. In the case of reach, the value is read from the counter for generating the operation effect determination random number, and the read value is used as the operation effect determination random number (step S501). Then, the effect control CPU 101 compares the value of the operation effect determination random number with the determination value that is set in the operation effect determination table, and thereby, the effect mode (the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the changed operation button). 150 modes) are determined (step S502).

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the operation effect determination table. The operation effect determination table is stored in the ROM of the effect control microcomputer 100. As shown in FIG. 30, a determination value corresponding to a combination of the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the operation button 150 is set in the operation effect determination table. Note that the number of determination values is shown in FIG.

  In the process of step S502, the effect control CPU 101 determines the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the operation button 150 after the change to the mode corresponding to the determination value that matches the value of the operation effect determination random number. . In addition, CPU101 for production control uses the table shown in FIG. 30 (A) when it is determined that the display result of the special symbol is not to be a big hit symbol (it is a big hit), and is a big hit symbol (big hit). If it is decided to turn on), the table shown in FIG. 30B is used.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 stores the determined effect mode in the RAM (step S503).

  As illustrated in FIG. 30, in this embodiment, in the case of a big hit, the proportion of the operation button 150 determined to be “vibration” is higher than in the case of a big hit. Further, the number of judgment values corresponding to “red” is greater in the case of a big hit than in the case of a failure. In other words, the mode of the operation button 150 after the change suggests the possibility of a big hit.

  Further, focusing on the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a, the proportion of being determined as “red” is larger in the case of a big hit than in the case of a big hit. The proportion determined as “red / large” is even larger when the jackpot is a big hit than when it is a big hit.

  When the mode of the operation button 150 is determined to be “red” (specifically, “red” or “red / vibration”), the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a is “white”. (Specifically, “white / small” or “white / large”). That is, the effect control CPU 101 displays the operation promotion image 9a in a mode common to the plurality of modes of the operation button 150. Further, even when the mode of the operation button 150 is determined to be “white” (specifically, “white” or “white / vibration”), the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a is “ It may be determined to be “white” (specifically, “white / small” or “white / large”).

  In this embodiment, the “common aspect” is “white”, but it may be “white / small” or “white / large”. That is, a part of the aspect of the operation promotion image 9a is the same. However, the “common mode” may be exactly the same mode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 collectively determines the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the changed operation button 150, but they may be determined separately. . In that case, the effect control CPU 101 determines the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a by, for example, a lottery using a random number, and determines the changed operation button 150 mode by a lottery using another random number.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the operation effect is always executed during the change of the effect pattern that becomes the reach, but the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute the operation effect by, for example, a lottery using a random number. You may do it.

  In the effect symbol variation control processing, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table according to the variation pattern (step S824).

  FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data that the production control CPU 101 refers to when performing control of the production device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls the effect display devices (effect parts) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table is composed of data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and effect control execution data (display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data) are collected. In the display control execution data, data and the like indicating the form of each variation forming the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of effect symbols are described. Specifically, the data related to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, the process timer set value is set with the change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table, and performs control to display effect symbols in a variation mode set in the display control execution data only for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 31 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, the process table is prepared according to each variation pattern and effect type.

  The CPU 101 for effect control, according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), an effect device (effect display device 9 as effect parts for variably displaying effect symbols, effect. The control of various lamps as parts for production and the speaker 27) as parts for production is started (step S826). For example, according to the display control execution data, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image (including an effect pattern) according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to control turning on / off of various lamps. Further, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern command in the fluctuation time timer (step S827).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value indicating the effect in the effect of changing the effect design (step S802) (step S828).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the effect of the effect of changing the effect design (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the respective values of the process timer and the variation time timer by -1 (steps S840A and S840B).

  If the button valid period timer is operating, the value of the button valid period timer is decremented by 1 (step S840C).

  When the button effective period timer times out (the value becomes 0) (step S840D), the effect control CPU 101 erases the operation promotion screen 9s from the display screen of the effect display device 9 and changes the mode of the operation button 150. The normal mode is restored (step S840E).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S841). If the timeout has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S844. If the process timer has timed out, the process data is switched. That is, the process timer is newly started by setting the process timer set value set next in the process table in the process timer (step S842). Further, the control state for the effect device (effect parts) is changed based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data set next (step S843). Then, the process proceeds to step S844.

  In step S844, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the variable time timer has reached a value corresponding to the lapse of a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time during the reach effect after the reach is reached, and is, for example, 5 seconds before the effect symbol is determined (displayed by derivation) during the reach effect. If the value of the variable time timer is not the value corresponding to the elapse of the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S852.

  When the value of the variable time timer reaches a value corresponding to the lapse of a predetermined time, the effect control CPU 101 displays the operation promotion image 9a in the mode determined in the process of step S502 and stored in the RAM (step S845). ). Further, the mode of the operation button 150 is changed to the mode determined in the process of step S502 and stored in the RAM (step S846).

  The effect control CPU 101 gives a drive signal to the white LED 151 when the operation button 150 is determined to be white in the process of step S846. When it is determined to make the operation button 150 red, a drive signal is given to the red LED 152. When it is decided to vibrate the operation button 150, a drive signal is given to the vibrator 153.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the operation valid period in the button valid period timer (step S847). Then, the process proceeds to step S852.

  In step S852, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the button effective period timer is operating (whether or not the value is 0). When the button effective period timer is operating, the effect control CPU 101 detects that the operation button 150 has been operated via the input port 107 (see FIG. 3) (step S853), and the effect display device 9 The operation promotion screen 9s is erased from the display screen of No., and the mode of the operation button 150 is returned to the normal mode (step S854). That is, the driving of the white LED 151, the red LED 152, and the vibrator 153 is stopped.

  Note that the effect control CPU 101 executes a predetermined effect (the effect is included in the operation effect) following the process of step S854. In that case, the effect control CPU 101 may execute a fixed effect, but may select the effect type from a plurality of types. In the case of such a configuration, for example, in the operation effect determination process (see FIG. 29), the effect mode (the mode of displaying the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the changed operation button 150) is determined (step S502). ) Together with, the predetermined type of effect to be executed is determined by lottery using random numbers, for example. Examples of the predetermined effect include display effect by a predetermined character image and predetermined game effect.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variable time timer has timed out (step S861). When the fluctuation time timer has timed out, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to the effect design fluctuation stop processing (step S803) (step S863). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S862), the effect control CPU 101 executes the process of step S863.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol fluctuation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 resets the confirm command reception flag when the confirm command reception flag is set (step S8300), and derives the stop symbol determined in the process of step S822. Display control is performed (step S8301).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to make a big hit (step S8311). Whether or not it is decided to make a big hit is confirmed by, for example, the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. It is also possible to confirm whether or not it is determined to be a big hit, depending on the determined stop symbol. If it is not decided to make a big hit, the process moves to step S8312.

  When it is determined to be a big hit, the effect control CPU 101, the effect control CPU 101, selects a process table according to the effect (fanfare effect) for notifying the start of the big hit (step S8313).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table (step S8314). Further, in accordance with the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1), a production device (production display device 9 as production parts, various lamps and production parts as production parts). The control of the speaker 27) is performed (step S8315).

  After that, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value according to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S8316).

  In step S8312, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value according to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  In the big hit display process (step S804), the effect control CPU 101 executes the fanfare effect according to the data set in the process table selected in the process of step S8313.

  As described above, the effect control CPU 101 changes the mode of the operation button 150 to one of a plurality of modes according to the expectation level for the big hit game state, and operates according to the expectation level for the big hit game state. Although the promotion image 9a is displayed in any of a plurality of modes, since the operation promotion image 9a in a mode common to the plurality of modes of the operation button 150 is displayed, the operation promotion image according to the degree of expectation for the jackpot gaming state. The display mode of 9a is changed to any of a plurality of display modes, and the mode of the operation button 150 is changed to any of a plurality of modes according to the degree of expectation for the big hit game state. 9a is common to a plurality of display modes (for example, "white" (specifically, "white" or "white / vibration" shown in FIG. 30), so that the enjoyment of the game by the effect using the operating means. It can be further improved.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the effect is executed by a combination of "red / small" or "red / large" (for the operation promotion image 9a) and "red" or "red / vibration" (for the operation button 150). There is no such thing. If the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a (red in this case) and the mode of the operation button 150 (red in this case) are the same, the player may expect something, In the same manner, the effect of the operation promotion image 9a and the operation button 150 is prevented from being executed, thereby preventing a situation in which the player expects something, but an event according to the expectation does not occur.

  In this embodiment, the "advantage" is the expectation degree (reliability) of the big hit, but it may be the expectation degree of occurrence of another game state or the like. For example, there is a function to make the probability change jackpot expectation, the expectation of transition to a time saving state, the expectation of a large number of times saving and shortening, the state in which the player cannot or cannot recognize the probability change state (so-called latent probability change). The latent probability may be changed when it is included.

  In addition, in this embodiment, both the determination value corresponding to the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the operation button 150 are assigned according to the reliability of the big hit (see FIG. 30), that is, , The determination value is assigned according to the reliability for the same object (synonymous with “advantage” in this specification), but the determination value is assigned according to the reliability for different objects (advantage for different objects). You may For example, the determination value corresponding to one aspect may be assigned according to the reliability of the big hit, and the determination value corresponding to the other aspect may be assigned according to the reliability of the probability variation big hit.

  Further, the reliability (expectation) target does not have to be the reliability (eg, jackpot reliability) related to the game. For example, the effect control CPU 101 executes an effect for giving points (a kind of operation effect) based on the operation button 150 being pressed (for giving points after the process of step S854 shown in FIG. 32). The effect may be the presence or absence of points given to the player according to the result of the effect, or the reliability with respect to the number of points. Note that, for example, when the number of points acquired by the player reaches a predetermined number, the game machine is configured to be able to execute a special effect that is not normally executed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 executes the operation effect during the reach effect, but may be executed during the big hit game, for example. In that case, the operation effect may be executed as a probability variation promotion effect or a round promotion effect that is started when the operation button 150 is pressed. The probability variation promotion effect is an effect for stopping and displaying the effect symbol in the normal big hit pattern and notifying whether or not to promote to the probability variation big hit after the start of the big hit game. The round promotion effect is an effect for notifying that it is actually a big hit game state with a large number of rounds after the effect symbols corresponding to the big hit game state with a small number of rounds are stopped and displayed. Even when the operation effect is executed at such a timing, the determination value corresponding to the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the operation button 150 have the reliability (advantageous) with respect to the probability variation state or the jackpot gaming state with a large number of rounds. According to the degree).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 may start the notice effect (a kind of operation effect) when the operation button 150 is pressed before the reach in the variable display is established. Even when the operation effect is executed at such timing, the determination value corresponding to the display mode of the operation promotion image 9a and the mode of the operation button 150 are assigned according to the reliability (advantage) for the big hit or the super reach. Be done.

  In this embodiment, coloring and vibration are used as the types of the operation button 150, but the rotation of the operation button 150, the protrusion (bounce) of the operation button 150, the temperature change of the operation button 150, the operation button 150, and the like. Curing or the like may be used. Further, in this embodiment, white and red are used as the colors of the operation buttons 150, but those colors are examples.

  Further, in this embodiment, the operation button 150 is used as the operation means, but other kinds of operation means may be used. For example, an operation lever or a touch panel (infrared type or other type) that tilts in a predetermined direction can be used. When the operation lever is used, coloring and vibration can be generated as in the case of using the operation button 150. When the touch panel is used, a light emitting portion (a plurality of types of light emitting portions having different colors or a light emitting body capable of changing the light emitting area (size of the light emitting region)) may be provided around the touch panel.

(Modification) FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification of the operation effect. As shown in FIG. 34, variable display of effect symbols is executed (see FIG. 34A), and after reaching (see FIG. 34B), a meter-shaped image 9c is displayed together with the operation promotion image 9a. It is displayed on the screen (see FIG. 34 (C)). In the meter-shaped image 9c, display control is performed so that the end of the meter portion (colored portion (black portion)) moves to the right with the lapse of time. Further, an image 9b indicating a specific position of the image 9c is displayed together with the meter-shaped image 9c. The specific position is a fixed position.

  Then, based on the player pressing the operation button 150 (see FIG. 34D), a specific effect (for example, moving display of the specific character image 9d) is executed (see FIG. 34E). . Further, when the operation button 150 is pressed at a specific timing (when the end of the meter portion in the meter-shaped image 9c reaches a specific position), the display mode of the hold storage display changes (FIG. 34 ( See E)). FIG. 34 shows an example of a big hit after that (see FIG. 34 (F)).

  35 and 36 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command in the modified example. As shown in FIG. 35, a command C4XX (H) is also defined as an effect control command. The command C4XX (H) is an effect control command (winning time determination result designation command) indicating the contents of the winning determination result (the result of the determination process executed when the start winning occurs) (see FIG. 36). In the modified example, in the winning determination process (see FIG. 38) described later, the game control microcomputer 560, when the start winning occurs in the first starting winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14, the start winning Based on this, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a big hit, and the variation pattern of the variable display based on the start winning is determined. Then, the determination result is set in the EXT data of the determination result designation command at the time of winning, and the control is performed to transmit the determination result to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the starting port switch passage processing in the modified example. In the modified example, the CPU 56 in the game control microcomputer 560 performs the winning determination process when the start winning is generated at the first starting winning opening 13 and when the starting winning is generated at the second starting winning opening 14. Execute (steps S217A, S217B).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the winning determination process of steps S217A and S217B. In the prize winning determination process, the CPU 56 causes the jackpot determining random number (random R) extracted in the processes of steps S216A and S216B and stored in the pending storage buffer and the jackpot determining value in the normal state shown in the left column of FIG. 7A. And are compared, and it is confirmed whether or not they match (step S221).

  In this embodiment, at the timing of starting the variation of the special symbol and the effect symbol, it is determined whether or not to be a big hit in the special symbol normal process described later, or the variation pattern is determined in the variation pattern setting process. However, apart from that, at the timing when the game ball wins the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, before the variation based on the starting winning is started, the determination process at the time of winning is executed. To do. The effect control microcomputer 100 executes control for changing the mode of the hold storage display in the combined hold storage display unit 18c based on the determination result in the winning determination process.

  When the big hit determination random number (random R) matches the big hit determination value, the CPU 56 sets the big hit type determination random number and the big hit type determination table that are extracted in the processing of steps S216A and S216B and stored in the pending storage buffer. It is used to determine the type of jackpot (step S224). Then, the data (“04” or “05”: see FIG. 10) corresponding to the jackpot type is set as the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command (step S225). Then, the process proceeds to step S231.

  When the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match the big hit determination value, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the game state at the start of the fluctuation (variable display) started based on the start winning is a sure change state. Yes (step S222).

  In the process of step S222, if the current gaming state is the probability variation state (if the probability variation flag is set), the CPU 56 matches the normal jackpot determination value (see FIG. 7B) in the pending storage buffer. If there is a reserved memory having a random number for determining the jackpot type (excluding the reserved memory currently being determined), it is determined that the gaming state does not become the probability changing state. In addition, the CPU 56, the current gaming state is a normal state (probability variation flag is not set), the random number for determining the jackpot type that matches the determination value of the probability variation jackpot (see FIG. 7B) in the pending storage buffer. It is determined that the gaming state does not become the probability changing state even when there is no on-hold memory having (excluding the on-hold storage currently being determined).

  When the gaming state becomes a probability variation state, the CPU 56 causes the jackpot determination random number (random R) extracted in the processing of steps S216A and S216B and stored in the pending storage buffer and the probability variation shown in the right column of FIG. 7A. It is compared with the big hit determination value at time and it is confirmed whether or not they match (step S223). If they match, the process moves to step S224.

  If they do not match, the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern determination random number and the variation pattern determination table that are extracted in the processing of steps S216A and S216B and stored in the pending storage buffer, and the variation pattern is the reach variation pattern with the reach effect. Is determined (steps S226 and S227). It should be noted that it is configured to reduce the average fluctuation time when the number of total pending storages is large, and a specific reach fluctuation pattern (for example, super reach) is set in the fluctuation pattern determination table regardless of the number of total pending storages. When a common determination (compared with the value of the variation pattern determining random number) is assigned, the CPU 56 causes the value of the variation pattern determining random number to match the determination value, regardless of the total number of pending storages. When this is done, it can be determined that a specific reach variation pattern is achieved.

  When the variation pattern is the reach variation pattern, the data corresponding to the out-of-reach (the variation pattern is the reach variation pattern, but the display result is the out-of-symbol) as the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command (“02”). Alternatively, “03”: refer to FIG. 10) is set (step S228). Then, the process proceeds to step S231.

  When the variation pattern does not become the reach variation pattern, the data corresponding to the non-reach (the variation pattern is not the reach variation pattern and the display result is the deficit pattern) as the EXT data of the winning determination result designation command (" 01 ”: refer to FIG. 10) (step S229). Then, the process proceeds to step S231.

  In step S231, the CPU 56 performs control of transmitting to the effect control microcomputer 100 the winning determination result specification command for which the EXT data has been set in the processing of steps S225, S228, and S229.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a part of the command analysis process executed by the effect control CPU 101 in the modified example. In the modified example, the effect control CPU 101, if the received effect control command is a prize determination result specification command (step S651), the received prize determination result specification command is a prize determination result formed in the RAM. The process of storing in the first free storage area of the storage buffer (step S652) is also executed.

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a winning determination result storage buffer. As shown in FIG. 40, in the winning determination result storage buffer, areas (storing areas 1 to 8) corresponding to the maximum value (8 in this example) of the total pending storage number are secured.

  It should be noted that FIG. 40 shows an example (corresponding to the case where the number of reserved memories is 5) in which five winning determination result designation commands are received.

  Further, the winning determination result storage buffer also has an area for storing the determined display mode of the reserved storage display.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process processing in the modified example. In the modified example, after performing the hold mode determination process (step S800A), the effect control CPU 101 performs any one of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of the hold mode determination process. In the hold mode determination process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not any of the winning determination result specification commands has been newly received (step S510). Specifically, it is confirmed by determining whether or not a winning determination result specification command is newly stored in the winning determination result storage buffer shown in FIG. If a new winning determination result designation command has not been received, the process ends.

  When the new winning determination result designation command is received, the effect control CPU 101 extracts the hold mode determination random number (step S511). In the modified example, as shown in FIG. 43, the holding mode determining random number SR3 is also used.

  The effect control CPU 101 determines the mode of the hold storage display in the combined hold storage display unit 18c by comparing the value of the random number for hold mode determination with the determination value set in the hold mode determination table (step S512). ).

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the hold mode determination table. The hold mode determination table is stored in the ROM of the effect control microcomputer 100. As shown in FIG. 44, a determination value corresponding to the display mode of the hold storage display is set in the hold mode determination table. Note that the number of judgment values is shown in FIG.

  In the process of step S512, the effect control CPU 101 determines the display mode of the hold storage display to be the mode corresponding to the determination value that matches the value of the random number for hold mode determination. Note that the effect control CPU 101 uses the table shown in FIG. 44 (A) when it indicates that the winning determination result specification command does not result in a big hit (is a big hit), and indicates that a big hit will occur. If so, the table shown in FIG. 44 (B) is used. As shown in FIG. 44, in the case of a big hit, the mode of the pending storage display is more likely to be determined to be “red” than in the case of a big hit.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 stores the determined mode in the RAM (step S513).

  45 and 46 are flowcharts showing an example of the effect symbol variation process in the modified example. In the modification, the effect control CPU 101 selects the process table according to the button operation effect when the value corresponding to the operation effective period is set in the button effective period timer (step S847) (step S848). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S849). Further, control of the effect device is started in accordance with the contents of the process data 1 (step S850).

  In the process table corresponding to the button operation effect, the meter-shaped image 9c shown in FIG. 34 and the image 9b indicating the specific position of the image 9c are displayed, and thereafter, the meter portion in the meter-shaped image 9c is gradually changed. The data for realizing the control to stretch the sheet is set.

  When the effect control CPU 101 detects that the operation button 150 is operated (step S853), the effect control CPU 101 starts the specific effect (see FIG. 34E) (step S855). If the timing is the specific timing (when the end of the meter portion in the meter-shaped image 9c reaches the specific position) (step S856), the display of the pending storage display stored in the winning determination result storage buffer is displayed. According to the mode, the mode of the reserved storage display in the combined reserved storage display unit 18c is changed (step S857). In addition, the mode of the hold storage display may not be changed (when the display mode of "red" is not set in the winning determination result storage buffer).

  Note that the effect control CPU 101 may always change the mode of the hold storage display regardless of the degree of expectation when the operation button 150 is operated at a specific timing. In that case, when the display mode of “red” is not set in the winning determination result storage buffer, for example, the display mode of the hold storage display is changed to another color or is displayed so as to blink.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 may execute an effect such that the specific character image 9d and the display mode change of the hold storage display are interlocked. For example, when the timing at which the operation button 150 is operated is the specific timing, the display effect is such that the specific character image 9d performs some action (for example, a collision) on the reserved storage display on the display screen, The display control is performed such that the mode of the hold storage display is changed as a result of the work. In that case, although the specific character image 9d has performed some action on the reserved storage display, the display mode of the reserved storage display may not change (for example, the display mode of "red" in the winning determination result storage buffer). Is not set).

  Further, the winning determination result storage buffer stores the determination result in the holding mode determining process shown in FIG. Further, the effect control CPU 101 ends the specific effect when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In the modification, the effect control CPU 101 changes the mode of the hold storage display when it is determined that the operation button 150 is operated at a specific timing, so that the player should pay attention to the operation timing as well. As a result, it is possible to further improve the enjoyment of the game by the production using the operation means.

  Note that, as a second modification, the effect control CPU 101 may start the specific effect and change the mode of the hold storage display when it is determined that the operation button 150 is operated at the specific timing. Good. In that case, the player also pays attention to the timing of the operation, and it is possible to further improve the interest of the game by the effect using the operation means.

  The display unit 200 may be provided on the front surface of the effect display device 9. The display unit 200 includes a transparent light guide plate 201 (see FIG. 47). The player can view the effect display device 9 through the light guide plate 201. For example, the display unit 200 corresponds to each of the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B in the special symbol game. An image is displayed on the light plate 201.

  FIG. 47 is a front view showing the display unit 200. In FIG. 47, the effect display device 9 is indicated by a broken line. In the following description, the vertical and horizontal directions will be described with reference to the state of facing the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 47, the display unit 200 includes a transparent light guide plate 201, a frame body 220 that holds the light guide plate 201, and a light emitting unit 202 that can emit light to the light guide plate 201.

  The light guide plate 201 is formed of a synthetic resin plate such as acrylic or polycarbonate having a predetermined front-rear width dimension, and is formed in a rectangular shape having a long side in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. The light guide plate 201 is formed with a plurality of through holes 201Aa to 201Af (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "through holes 201A") that penetrate in the front-rear direction. A screw for attaching the light guide plate 201 to the frame body 220 is inserted into the through hole 201A. The through hole 201A is formed at a position apart from the surface of the light guide plate 201 on which the light from the light emitting portion 202 is incident. That is, the through hole 201A is formed at a position different from the position where the condenser lens 204 of the light emitting unit 202 faces.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the light guide plate 201 is provided with two through holes 201A at each of the upper edge, the left edge, and the lower edge. Further, between the two through holes 201A at the upper edge of the light guide plate 201, a notch 201B that is recessed downward from the upper edge is formed.

  The light guide plate 201 is designed to be attached to the frame body 220 in a predetermined orientation. When the light guide plate 201 is turned upside down or rotated with respect to a predetermined direction, the position of the through hole 201A is displaced from the original position. For example, in the light guide plate 201, the through holes 201Aa and 201Ab formed at the upper edge and the through holes 201Ae and 201Af formed at the lower edge are arranged at positions different from each other in the left-right direction. A notch 201C is formed at the lower left end of the light guide plate 201. For example, the orientation of the light guide plate 201 can be determined based on the notch 201C.

  Note that the light guide plate 201 is not limited to having two through holes 201A formed at each of the upper edge, the left edge, and the lower edge, and one at each of the upper edge, the left edge, and the lower edge, or Three through-holes 201A may be formed, or different numbers of through-holes 201A may be formed.

  The light guide plate 201 is provided with a light emitting portion 201D that emits light by the light from the light emitting portion 202. The light emitting unit 201D is formed so that a "heart" figure appears in the center of the front surface of the light guide plate 201. In this embodiment, when light is incident on the light guide plate 201 in the left-right direction, the light emitting portion 201D formed on the front surface of the light guide plate 201 is configured to reflect the light. Therefore, in the display unit 200, an image can be displayed by emitting light from the left side to the light guide plate 201 by the light emitting unit 202.

  The cross-sectional shape of the light-emitting portion 201D (the cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the light-emitting portion 201D in the traveling direction of the light guided in the light guide plate 201) is formed in a concavo-convex shape having a constant pitch and a substantially triangular waveform. Further, the recess 210D (see FIG. 49) of the light emitting unit 201D is formed, for example, in a circular shape when viewed from the front so as to emit light by the light incident on the light guide plate 201. For example, the light emitting unit 201D is formed by a molding method in which an uneven portion is formed on the surface of the light guide plate 201 by a stamper or injection. The light emitting unit 201D is formed by a silk printing method in which reflective dots are printed on the acrylic plate with white ink, a sticking dot method in which the acrylic plate and the reflective plate are adhered with a dot-shaped adhesive, or a groove processing method. May be done.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the light emitting unit 201D is formed to be unevenness having a substantially triangular wave shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the light emitting unit 201D may be formed in various shapes such as a substantially semicircular shape as long as it reflects light toward the front surface and displays an image on the light guide plate 201. Moreover, the front view shape of the recess 210D of the light emitting unit 201D may be formed in various shapes such as an ellipse and a rectangle as long as it emits light by the light incident on the light guide plate 201.

  Further, in this embodiment, a figure is illustrated as an image that can be displayed by the light guide plate 201, but in addition to this, another image including decorations such as characters, symbols, pictures, or patterns is displayed. It may be possible.

  The frame body 220 is formed of a non-translucent member and holds the light guide plate 201. The frame body 220 includes an upper frame 221 and a lower frame 222 that extend left and right, and a left frame 223 that extends vertically. Each frame 221, 222, 223 is provided with a mounting tool for mounting the display unit 200 on the pachinko gaming machine 1. On the inner surface side of the upper frame 221, an insertion groove 221S into which the upper edge of the light guide plate 201 is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 221. On the front surface and the rear surface of the upper frame 221, screw holes 221A are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 201A of the light guide plate 201. The upper frame 221 is provided with a convex portion 221B corresponding to the cutout 201B of the light guide plate 201.

  An insertion groove 223S into which the left edge of the light guide plate 201 is inserted is formed on the inner surface of the left frame 223 along the longitudinal direction of the left frame 223. Contact portions 223D that contact the light guide plate 201 are formed at both upper and lower ends of the left frame 223, and a through hole 223H penetrating in the left-right direction is formed at the upper and lower central portions of the left frame 223. The condenser lens 204 of the light emitting unit 202 is inserted into the through hole 223H from the left side. A projecting piece 223B that projects toward the upper and lower center is formed in a portion of the upper and lower end portions of the left frame 223 that faces the through hole 223H. On the front surface and the rear surface of the left frame 223, screw holes 223A are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 201A of the light guide plate 201. The screw hole 223A is formed near the contact portion 223D of the left frame 223. That is, the screw hole 223A of the left frame 223 is formed at a position apart from the condenser lens 204 in the vertical direction.

  On the inner surface of the lower frame 222, an insertion groove 222S into which the lower edge of the light guide plate 201 is inserted is formed along the longitudinal direction of the lower frame 222. On the front surface and the rear surface of the lower frame 222, screw holes 222A are formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 201A of the light guide plate 201.

  In the light guide plate 201 of this embodiment, the position of the through hole 201A is displaced when it is turned upside down or rotated with respect to a predetermined assembly posture, and the through hole 201A of the light guide plate 201 is displaced. Since the positions of the screw holes 221A, 222A, and 223A of the frame body 220 do not correspond to each other, it is possible to prevent erroneous assembly of the light guide plate 201 and the frame body 220.

  Further, the frame body 220 is not limited to one including three members of an upper frame 221, a lower frame 222, and a left frame 223. For example, the lower frame 222 and the left frame 223 without the upper frame 221 are provided. It may be composed of two members, may be composed of four members of an upper frame 221, a lower frame 222, a left frame 223, and a right frame (not shown), or each frame may be integrally formed. Good.

  The light emitting unit 202 is supported by being attached to the left frame 223 of the frame body 220. The light emitting unit 202 includes an LED substrate 203 to which a plurality of display LEDs 203A are attached, and a condenser lens 204 that condenses light from the display LEDs 203A onto the light guide plate 201.

  The condenser lens 204 is formed of a translucent member such as acrylic or polycarbonate in the shape of a long plate extending in the vertical direction. On the surface of the condenser lens 204 on the light guide plate 201 side, a plurality of semicircular convex portions 204A that bulge toward the light guide plate 201 side in a front view are continuously formed in the vertical direction. The condenser lens 204 is composed of a single member integrally provided with a plurality of convex portions 204A. Each convex portion 204A is formed one by one corresponding to each of the display LEDs 203A. Further, abutting pieces 204B that come into contact with the projecting pieces 223B of the frame body 220 are provided at both upper and lower ends of the condenser lens 204.

Note that the convex portions 204A are not limited to being in a one-to-one correspondence with the display LEDs 203A, and one convex portion 204A may correspond to two or more display LEDs 203A, for example. Further, the condensing lens 204 is not limited to being configured by a single member in which the plurality of convex portions 204A are integrally provided, and a plurality of condensing lenses formed separately corresponding to the display LEDs 203A may be used. You may use.

  On the surface of the condenser lens 204 on the display LED 203A side, a plurality of arcuate bulging portions 204C that slightly bulge outward in a front view are continuously formed in the vertical direction. Each bulged portion 204C is formed one by one corresponding to each of the display LEDs 203A. The bulging surface of the bulging portion 204C having an arcuate shape when viewed from the front has a smaller curvature than the convex surface of the convex portion 204A having a semicircular shape when viewed from the front.

  The front-rear width of the condenser lens 204 on the light guide plate 201 side is smaller than the front-rear width of the condenser lens 204 on the display LED 203A side. The front-rear width of the condenser lens 204 on the light guide plate 201 side is substantially the same as the front-rear width of the light-receiving surface of the light guide plate 201. The front-rear width of the condensing lens 204 on the display LED 203A side is substantially the same as the front-rear width of the light emitting surface of the display LED 203A.

  The front surface of the condenser lens 204 is a flat inclined surface that gradually inclines rearward from the display LED 203A side toward the light guide plate 201 side, and the rear surface of the condenser lens 204 is a light guide plate from the display LED 203A side. The flat inclined surface is gradually inclined toward the front side toward the 201 side. That is, the condenser lens 204 is formed in a taper shape in which the plate thickness gradually decreases from the display LED 203A side toward the light guide plate 201 side. In this embodiment, a non-inclined part having a uniform plate thickness is formed at the end of the condenser lens 204 on the display LED 203A side.

  The condensing lens 204 formed in this way is inserted from the outside into the through hole 223H of the left frame 223. When the outer surface of the condensing lens 204 (the inner surface of the LED substrate 203 on which the display LED 203A is provided) is inserted to a position that is inside the outer surface of the left frame 223, the condensing lens 204 comes into contact. The piece 204B abuts on the protruding piece 223B of the left frame 223. In this state, the LED substrate 203 is screwed to the frame body 220 from the outside, so that the condensing lens 204 has a predetermined gap between it and the display LED 203A and between the light guide plate 201. By holding the light emitting portion 202 held by the frame body 220 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the light guide plate 201 attached to the frame body 220 from being displaced from the light emitting portion 202. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the contact piece 204B of the condenser lens 204 contacts the protruding piece 223B of the left frame 223, the position shift between the condenser lens 204 and the frame body 220 can be prevented.

  Further, since the front-rear width of the condensing lens 204 on the display LED 203A side is substantially the same as the front-rear width of the light emitting surface of the display LED 203A, the light emitted from the display LED 203A is not diffused in the front-rear direction. The light enters the condenser lens 204 (without light leakage). Furthermore, since the front-rear width of the condenser lens 204 on the light guide plate 201 side is substantially the same as the front-rear width of the light-receiving surface of the light guide plate 201, the light emitted from the condenser lens 204 must be diffused in the front-rear direction. It is incident on the light guide plate 201 without any light leakage.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the condenser lens 204 and the light guide plate 201 are attached to the frame body 220, a slight gap is provided between the condenser lens 204 and the light guide plate 201. For example, the spacing is such that the condenser lens 204 and the light guide plate 201 do not come into contact with each other even when vibration occurs during transportation or use of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condenser lens 204 and the light guide plate 201 from being scratched by vibrations that occur when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is transported or used.

  Next, the light guide state of the emitted light from the display LED 203A will be described. The emitted light emitted from each display LED 203A enters the condenser lens 204. Here, since the incident surface of the condenser lens 204 is formed in a curved shape so as to form a lens surface, even if the directivity of the light emitted from the display LED 203A is high, the light is incident on the condenser lens 204. The diffused light is radially diffused in the horizontal direction within the condenser lens 204. Then, the light incident on the condenser lens 204 is refracted and emitted toward the right direction when passing through the inner curved lens surface.

  Thereby, even when the directivity of the light emitted from the display LED 203A is high, the light emitted from the display LED 203A can be diffused radially to some extent by the condenser lens 204, and the light emitting region in the light guide plate 201 can be diffused. Can be expanded. Further, since the light emitted from the condenser lens 204 is guided in the horizontal direction (because the radial spread is suppressed), only the portion of the light emitting unit 202 corresponding to each display LED 203A emits light. Can be made.

  Further, the light incident on the condenser lens 204 from the display LED 203A is condensed toward the substantially central position in the front-rear direction while repeating total reflection in the front-rear direction, and finally, the light guide plate of the condenser lens 204. The light is emitted from the end face on the 201 side (the portion having the smallest front-back width).

  With such a configuration, the light from the display LED 203A can be condensed and guided to the light guide plate 201 without being diffused in the front-rear direction. In particular, even when the front-back width of the light emitting surface of the display LED 203A is larger than the front-back width of the condenser lens 204 on the display LED 203A side, the light from the display LED 203A is not diffused in the front-back direction. Since it can be guided to 201, it is possible to prevent light from the display LED 203A from being diffused to the surroundings.

  Further, although not shown in particular, for example, even when a plurality of display LEDs 203A are arranged in the front-rear direction, the front-rear width of the display LED 203A of the condenser lens 204 is increased according to the front-rear width of the display LED 203A. This allows the light from the display LED 203A to enter the condenser lens 204 without being diffused in the front-back direction. Therefore, even when the front-rear width of the light emitting region of the display LED 203A is larger than the front-rear width of the light guide plate 201, the light from the display LED 203A is converged on the light guide plate 201 without being diffused in the front-rear direction. I can guide you.

  When the light from the condenser lens 204 is guided into the light guide plate 201 and reaches the light emitting unit 201D, the light is reflected by the light emitting unit 201D toward the front surface side (the player's side). As a result, when viewed from the player, the light emitting portion 201D of the light guide plate 201 emits light due to reflected light, so that a “heart” figure is displayed in the center of the front surface of the light guide plate 201. The light guide plate 201 may display an image such as a predetermined character or figure on the light guide plate 201 by emitting light by reflected light at a location corresponding to the light emitting unit 201D.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the player (in the front-back direction), the effect display device 9 is arranged in the back and the display unit 200 is arranged in the front. When viewed from the player, the effect display device 9 has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction. For example, the effect display device 9 uses a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal panel. For example, as the liquid crystal panel, a twist nematic mode (TN mode), an in-plane switching mode (IPS mode), a vertical alignment mode (VA mode), a ferroelectric liquid crystal mode, an antiferroelectric liquid crystal mode, a homogeneous liquid crystal mode, A liquid crystal panel of various modes such as a guest-host type liquid crystal mode, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal mode, a holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal mode may be used. The effect display device 9 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device, and an EL display device such as an organic EL display device or an inorganic EL display device may be used.

  The effect display device 9 is provided with a color filter (not shown). The light from the backlight of the effect display device 9 is blocked by the light-shielding portion (lattice-shaped portion) such as the matrix wiring and the black matrix of the liquid crystal panel, and the light other than the light-shielding portion is colored through the color filter (color light). ) Is transmitted to the front side. The portion through which this colored light is transmitted is the pixel 5D (see FIG. 49). The plurality of pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 have substantially the same size.

  As shown in FIG. 49, in the effect display device 9, a plurality of pixels 5D are arranged. On the other hand, a plurality of recesses 210D are arranged in the light emitting portion 201D of the light guide plate 201. Therefore, in order to allow the effect display device 9 in the back to be seen through from the light guide plate 201 in the front as seen from the player, the array pattern Pt1 of the plurality of pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 (hereinafter referred to as “pixel pattern”). ) And the array pattern Pt2 of the plurality of recesses 210D in the light guide plate 201 (hereinafter, referred to as “recess pattern”) may interfere with each other to cause moire (interference fringe).

  Here, the “moiré” means a striped pattern (speckle pattern) that visually occurs due to the deviation of the cycle when a plurality of regularly arranged repeating patterns (dot or line patterns) are overlapped. Moire itself has a cycle. The moire cycle is determined by the combination of the cycle of the original pattern. Physically, "moire" can be said to be a beat phenomenon of two spatial frequencies. Here, the “spatial frequency” means the number of light and dark repeating waves included in a unit length when a predetermined pattern is regarded as a pattern (wave) in which light and dark are alternately repeated.

  Hereinafter, the spatial frequency of the pixel pattern Pt1 is W1, and the spatial frequency of the recess pattern Pt2 is W2. At this time, the spatial frequency Wm of the moire is derived by the difference between the spatial frequency W1 of the pixel pattern and the spatial frequency W2 of the concave pattern (Wm = W1-W2). When the spatial frequency Wm of the moire is small, the width of the moire bright / dark pattern becomes large, and conversely, when the spatial frequency Wm of the moire is large, the width of the moire bright / dark pattern becomes small.

  By the way, it is known that the above-mentioned spatial frequency and the discriminating ability of the human eye are correlated. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the relationship between spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity (brightness ratio sensitivity). In FIG. 48, the horizontal axis is the spatial frequency and the vertical axis is the contrast sensitivity. As shown in FIG. 48, the contrast sensitivity becomes maximum when the spatial frequency has a predetermined value. The contrast sensitivity sharply increases until the spatial frequency reaches a predetermined value, sharply decreases after the spatial frequency exceeds the predetermined value, and then becomes the minimum. Thus, from the relationship between the spatial frequency and the contrast sensitivity, it can be seen that the human eye cannot perceive something with a spatial frequency that is large to some extent. Therefore, when the spatial frequency Wm of the moire is increased to some extent, the human eye cannot perceive the moire.

  If the pixel pattern Pt1 and the concave pattern Pt2 have the same array pattern, the spatial frequency W1 of the pixel pattern Pt1 and the spatial frequency W2 of the concave pattern Pt2 are the same. In this case, since the spatial frequency Wm of the moire becomes 0 (W1-W2 = 0), the contrast sensitivity becomes the minimum, and the moire cannot be perceived.

  However, in reality, when the effect display device 9 is arranged in the back and the display unit 200 is arranged in the front as seen from the player, it is difficult to make the pixel pattern Pt1 and the concave pattern Pt2 have the same array pattern. The spatial frequency Wm of moire has a value close to 0 (W1-W2≈0). In this case, the spatial frequency Wm of the moire becomes a value close to the spatial frequency at which the contrast sensitivity is very high (see FIG. 48), and it becomes easy to perceive the moire.

  As a result of earnest research, the present inventor has found that the arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 (hereinafter referred to as “pixel arrangement direction”) and the arrangement direction of the plurality of recesses 210D in the light guide plate 201 (hereinafter referred to as “recess arrangement”). It was found that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of moire by changing the direction. Specifically, the present inventor sets the pixel array direction and the recess array direction to be different so that the spatial frequency Wm of the moire is maximized, so that the player does not care about the moire when executing the game. It was found that the moire can be made difficult to perceive.

49 (A) and 49 (B) are explanatory views showing an example in which the pixel pattern Pt1 in the effect display device 9 and the recess pattern Pt2 in the light guide plate 201 are enlarged, and FIG. 49 (A) is the pixel pattern Pt1. FIG. 49B is a diagram showing a comparative example in which the concave pattern Pt2 and the concave pattern Pt2 are aligned in the same direction, and FIG. 49B is a diagram showing an example in which the pixel pattern Pt1 and the concave pattern Pt2 intersect at an angle θ.
49 (A) and 49 (B), the pixel pattern Pt1 is shown by a solid line, and the recess pattern Pt2 is shown by a broken line.

  As shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B, the pixel pattern Pt1 is an array pattern in which pixels 5D having a rectangular shape in plan view are arrayed in a grid pattern. On the other hand, the recess pattern Pt2 is an array pattern in which recesses 210D each having a circular shape in plan view are arrayed in a grid pattern. Note that the arrangement direction of the pixels 5D is a direction parallel to the virtual line L1 passing through the centers of the plurality of pixels 5D arranged in a stripe shape (for example, a horizontal direction). The arrangement direction of the recesses 210D is parallel to the imaginary line L2 passing through the centers of the recesses 210D arranged in stripes.

  In the present embodiment, the pixel pitches P11, P12 (first pixel pitch P11, second pixel pitch P12) and recess pitches P21, P22 (first recess pitch P21, second recess pitch P22) are substantially the same. (P11≈P21, P12≈P22). Further, the first pixel pitch P11 and the second pixel pitch P12 are substantially the same (P11≈P12), and the first recess pitch P21 and the second recess pitch P22 are substantially the same (P21≈P22). ). Here, the pixel pitches P11 and P12 are the distances between the centers of two adjacent pixels 5D, and the recess pitches P21 and P22 are the distances between the centers of two adjacent recesses 210D. The first pixel pitch P11 is the distance between the centers of two pixels 5D that are adjacent to each other in the direction along the virtual line L1, and the second pixel pitch P12 is the distance between two pixels 5D that are adjacent to each other in the direction orthogonal to the virtual line L1. The distance between the centers. The first recess pitch P21 is the distance between the centers of two recesses 210D that are adjacent to each other in the direction along the imaginary line L2, and the second recess pitch P22 is between the two recesses 210D that are adjacent to each other in the direction orthogonal to the imaginary line L2. The distance between the centers.

  As shown in FIG. 49A, in the comparative example, the plurality of pixels 5D in the pixel pattern Pt1 and the plurality of recesses 210D in the recess pattern Pt1 are arranged in a stripe shape in one direction. In the comparative example, the virtual L1 and the virtual line L2 are parallel to each other, and the pixel array direction and the recess array direction are the same.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 49B, in the embodiment, the plurality of recesses 210D in the recess pattern Pt1 are arranged in different directions with respect to the plurality of pixels 5D in the pixel pattern Pt1. In the embodiment, the virtual line L1 and the virtual line L2 form an angle θ, and the pixel array direction and the recess array direction are different.

  In the present embodiment, the angle θ is set so that the spatial frequency Wm of moire becomes maximum. The inventor conducted an experiment to calculate a preferable angle setting from the viewpoint of suppressing the perception of moire. In the sample of this experiment, the effect display device 9 is arranged on the back side of the transmissive area of the light guide plate 201, the effect display device 9 is fixed, and the light guide plate 201 is set in the range of an angle of 0 ° to an angle of 90 ° with reference to the center thereof. It was made by shifting in 5 ° steps. Then, the degree of moire was confirmed by visually inspecting each of the prepared samples by a plurality of people. As a result, the inventor has obtained the following findings.

For example, the angle θ is preferably set in the range of 20 ° or more and 70 ° or less. By setting the angle θ in the range of 20 ° or more and 70 ° or less, the spatial frequency Wm of the moire can be increased to some extent, and the perception of the moire can be suppressed. More preferably, the angle θ is about 45 °. By setting the angle θ to about 45 °, the spatial frequency Wm of the moire can be maximized, and the perception of the moire can be suppressed to the maximum.
In the example of FIG. 49 (B), the angle θ is about 30 °.

  50 (A), 50 (B), and 50 (C) are explanatory diagrams of the degree of moire in a comparative example in which the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 are aligned in the same direction, and FIG. FIG. 50B is an enlarged view of the pixel pattern Pt1 showing pixels 53D of 53 × 53 pixels in vertical and horizontal directions, FIG. 50B is an enlarged view of the recess pattern Pt2 showing a plurality of recesses 210D, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the grade of a moire when the part shown to A) and FIG. 50 (B) is arrange | positioned before and behind.

  51 (A), 51 (B), and 51 (C) are explanatory views of the degree of moire in an example in which the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 intersect at an angle θ, and FIG. 50 (A) is the same view as FIG. 50 (A), and FIG. 51 (B) is an enlarged view of the recessed pattern Pt2 shifted by an angle θ with respect to the center thereof to enlarge a plurality of recesses 210D (shown in FIG. 50B). FIG. 51 (C) is a diagram showing the degree of moire when the portions shown in FIG. 51 (A) and FIG. 51 (B) are arranged front and back. In the example of FIG. 51 (B), the angle θ is about 30 °.

  As shown in FIG. 51C, the arrangement in which the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 intersect with each other at the angle θ, that is, the arrangement in which the pixel array direction and the recess array direction are different from each other by the angle θ is As shown in FIG. 50 (C), the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 are arranged in the same direction, that is, the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern are arranged in the same direction. Since it is possible to reduce the ratio of interference between the concave pattern Pt2 and the concave pattern Pt2, it is possible to obtain a sharp display and prevent a monotonous display. The reason for this is considered to be that the angle θ is set to about 30 ° to increase the spatial frequency Wm of the moire to some extent and suppress the perception of the moire.

  As shown in FIG. 47 and FIG. 49 (B), the light guide plate 201 is arranged such that the arrangement direction of the recesses 210D is oblique with respect to the effect display device 9. For example, the effect display device 9 is fixed with its longitudinal direction horizontal, and the recess pattern Pt2 in the light guide plate 201 is formed so as to be oblique to the pixel pattern Pt1 in the effect display device 9. Further, the light guide plate 201 may be rotated by an angle θ with respect to the effect display device 9 so that the arrangement direction of the recesses 210D is oblique with respect to the effect display device 9. That is, the arrangement of only the light guide plate 201 may be changed without changing the arrangement of the effect display device 9 (if the light guide plate 201 is arranged so that the arrangement direction of the recesses 210D is oblique with respect to the effect display device 9). Good). In addition, not only changing the arrangement of the light guide plate 201, but also changing the arrangement of both the effect display device 9 and the light guide plate 201.

  FIG. 52 shows a specific example of the clock signal used for each of the effect display device 9 and the LED substrate 203. The effect control CPU 101 sets whether or not to perform spread spectrum by spread spectrum of the reference clock for the effect display device 9 and the LED substrate 203, and the spread amount when spread spectrum is performed.

  More specifically, when performing serial communication with the LED board 203, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to perform spectrum spread before starting serial communication with the LED board 203, and whether to perform spectrum spread. Set the diffusion amount when performing. Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts serial communication with the LED substrate 203 after the setting of the diffusion amount is completed. Note that the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not serial communication is being performed with the LED board 203, and if it is determined that serial communication is not being performed, the effect control CPU 101 will be connected to the LED board 203 next time. It suffices to set the amount of diffusion at the time of serial communication.

  In the example shown in FIG. 52, the setting of the diffusion amount is different for each of the effect display device 9 and the LED substrate 203. For example, as shown in FIG. 52A, for the effect display device 9, a serial clock SC1 that is a drive clock for serial communication is used without frequency-modulating the reference clock. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 52B, for the LED substrate 203, the spread spectrum clock obtained by frequency-modulating the reference clock is used as the serial clock SC2 which is the drive clock for serial communication.

  In this way, by changing the setting of the spread amount depending on the type of rendering device, it is possible to change the setting for generating the spread spectrum clock by frequency modulating the reference clock for each serial output system of each system, It is possible to preferably suppress the radiation noise to various effect devices.

  In addition, in this embodiment, an example in which the setting of the diffusion amount is made different for each of the effect display device 9 and the LED substrate 203 has been described, but the setting of the diffusion amount for other effect devices such as various motors and various LEDs. May be different so that the drive clock for serial communication is not synchronized. However, among the various performance devices, those that perform LVDS communication are not spread spectrum. Here, LVDS is one of the differential interface standards for data transmission, and is also called a low voltage differential signal system or a small amplitude differential signal system.

  Next, an example of the light guide plate effect by the display unit 200 will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, when the variable display effect is performed, the light guide plate effect is performed by the display unit 200 according to the effect control pattern at the time of changing the special figure. FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an example of display control of the display unit 200.

  When executing the light guide plate effect, the effect control CPU 101 executes the operation promotion effect as shown in FIG. 53A, for example, before the light guide plate effect is started. As an example, in the operation promotion effect, a predetermined operation effective period is set, and the effect control CPU 101 causes the effect display device 9 to provide an effect screen that prompts the player to press the operation button 150 within this operation effective period. To display. When the operation detection switch 231 detects the pressing operation within the operation valid period, the effect control CPU 101 causes the effect control pattern to display an effect screen different from that when the pressing operation is not detected. Replace.

  Then, in response to a predetermined operation by the player, the effect control CPU 101 executes a light guide plate effect as shown in, for example, FIGS. 53B and 53C. As an example, in the light guide plate production, the production control CPU 101 outputs a control signal for lighting the display LED 203A to the LED substrate 203 in accordance with the production control pattern determined before the start of the variable display production. The LED 203A is turned on. As a result, as seen from the player, the light emitting portion 201D of the light guide plate 201 emits light by reflected light, so that a heart figure is displayed in the center of the front surface of the light guide plate 201 as shown in FIG. 53 (B). It Further, when the effect control CPU 101 turns on the display LED 203A to display the heart graphic on the light guide plate 201 according to the effect control pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 53C, the display area of the effect display device 9 is displayed. Among them, a plurality of heart figures smaller than the heart at the center of the front surface are displayed in a display area that does not overlap the light emitting unit 201D of the light guide plate 201 in a front view.

  In this way, when the light guide plate effect is executed, the operation promotion effect is executed, and the light guide plate effect is executed in response to the predetermined operation by the player. Therefore, the player can expect the light guide plate effect to be executed by the operation promotion effect being executed.

  In addition, in the light guide plate production, not only the graphic and the like are displayed on the light guide plate 201, but when the graphic and the like are displayed on the light guide plate 201, the production provided on the rear side of the light guide plate 201 when viewed from the player. An effect image related to the image displayed on the light guide plate 201 is also displayed on the display device 9. Therefore, by performing such a light guide plate effect, it is possible to improve amusement of the game.

  When starting the variable display effect, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to execute such a light guide plate effect, that is, whether or not to execute such a light guide plate effect. As an example, the effect control CPU 101 selects and sets a prepared light guide plate effect execution determination table as a use table for determining whether or not to execute the light guide plate effect. In the light guide plate effect execution determination table, a numerical value that is compared with a random value for light guide plate effect execution determination according to the variable display content is a determination result of “no execution” corresponding to the case where the light guide plate effect is not executed, or It may be assigned to the determination result of "execution" corresponding to the case of executing the light guide plate effect. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the light guide plate effect execution determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for light guide plate effect execution determination extracted from, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the effect random counter, etc. It may be determined whether or not the performance is executed.

  FIG. 54A shows an example of determining whether or not to execute the light guide plate effect, that is, whether or not to execute the light guide plate effect. In this determination example, depending on whether the variable display content specified based on the variable display result notification command or the variation pattern designation command is “non-reach (miss)”, “reach (miss)”, or “big hit”. Thus, the rate at which the presence / absence of performance of the light guide plate is determined is different. More specifically, when the variable display content is "big hit", the light guide plate production is performed at a higher rate than when the variable display content is "non-reach (miss)" or "reach (miss)". It is decided to "execute" corresponding to the case of executing. Therefore, when the light guide plate effect is executed, the variable display result is “big hit” at a higher rate than when the light guide plate effect is not executed. That is, the execution of the light guide plate production enhances the expectation that the variable display result will be a “big hit”. When the variable display content is "reach (miss)", the "execution" corresponding to the case where the light guide plate effect is executed is higher than when the variable display content is "non-reach (miss)". Yes ”is decided. Therefore, when the light guide plate effect is executed, the variable display state of the decorative pattern becomes the reach state at a higher rate than when the light guide plate effect is not executed. That is, since the light guide plate effect is executed, the expectation that the variable display state of the decorative pattern is the reach state is enhanced.

  When the effect control CPU 101 determines to execute the light guide plate effect, the effect control CPU 101 determines the light guide plate effect pattern corresponding to the effect mode of the light guide plate effect to one of a plurality of patterns prepared in advance at a predetermined ratio. As an example, the effect control CPU 101 selects and sets a previously prepared light guide plate effect pattern determination table as a use table for determining the light guide plate effect pattern. In the light guide plate effect pattern determination table, a numerical value to be compared with the random number value for determining the light guide plate effect pattern may be assigned to the light guide plate effect pattern determination result according to the variable display content or the like. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the light guide plate effect pattern determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value for determining the light guide plate effect pattern extracted from the random number circuit 124, the effect random counter, or the like. It suffices to determine the light guide plate effect pattern in the variable display.

  FIG. 54B shows an example of determining the light guide plate effect pattern. In this determination example, the light guide plate effect pattern is determined in different proportions depending on whether the variable display content is “non-reach (miss)”, “reach (miss)”, or “big hit”. . In this embodiment, light guide plate effect patterns SPA1 to SPA5 are prepared in advance as a plurality of light guide plate effect patterns. In the example shown in FIG. 54B, when the light guide plate effect pattern SPA1 is determined, the possibility that the variable display result is “big hit” is the lowest, and the light guide plate effect pattern SPA2, the light guide plate effect pattern SPA3, and the guide The variable display result is set to increase in the possibility of being a "big hit" in the order of the light plate effect pattern SPA4. The light guide plate effect pattern SPA5 can be determined only when the variable display result is "big hit", and is not determined when the variable display content is "non-reach (miss)" or "reach (miss)". Is set to. Therefore, when the light guide plate effect is executed in the effect mode by the light guide plate effect pattern SPA5, the variable display result becomes "big hit" and it is determined that the big hit game state is controlled. That is, the light guide plate effect in the effect mode by the light guide plate effect pattern SPA5 is an effect that definitely informs that the big hit game state is controlled and informs that a game value advantageous to the player is given. .

  FIG. 54C shows a specific example of the image display content that is the effect content set for each light guide plate effect pattern. In this specific example, the effect mode by the display unit 200 and the effect display device 9 is changed according to the result of the determination of the light guide plate effect pattern. In this embodiment, when a large heart figure or the like is displayed in the center of the front surface of the light guide plate 201, the light guide plate is included in the display area of the effect display device 9 provided on the rear side of the light guide plate 201 when viewed from the player. A plurality of heart shapes smaller than the heart at the center of the front surface of the light guide plate 201 are also displayed in the display area that does not overlap with the light emitting unit 201D of 201 in a front view. The display color of the large heart, the display color of the small heart, and the number of displays are set to be different according to the determination result of the light guide plate effect pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 54 (C), the possibility that the variable display result is “big hit” is set differently depending on the display color of the large heart and the display color of the small heart. As an example, the display color of the big heart and the display color of the small heart are variable in the order of "blue", "yellow", "red", and "rainbow". Has been done. The variable display result is set to be more likely to be a “big hit” as the number of small hearts displayed increases. As described above, in this embodiment, the possibility that the variable display result is “big hit” varies depending on the combination of the display on the effect display device 9 and the display on the light guide plate 201.

  As described above, the gaming machine of the above embodiment is a gaming machine that can execute a game (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like), and a first display unit (for example, a performance display) that can display information about the game. Device 9 or the like) and second display means (for example, light guide plate 201 or the like), and the display area of the second display means is a transmissive area (for example, the rear surface side (for example, effect display device 9 side)) that is seen through. A region of the transparent light guide plate 201 that does not overlap with the frame body 220 that is a non-translucent member in a front view), and the first display unit is disposed on the back surface side of the transmissive region, The first display unit and the second display unit have different dot arrangement directions (for example, a pixel arrangement direction that is an arrangement direction of a plurality of pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 and a plurality of recesses 210D in the light guide plate 201). Array Direction, which is different from the direction in which the recesses are arranged, indicating that the display by the second display means is performed on the first display means (for example, urging the player to press the operation button 150). It displays the effect screen).

  Thereby, even if the display area of the second display means overlaps with the display area of the first display means as viewed from the player, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of moire.

  Moreover, you may further provide the production control means (for example, production control board 80 grade | etc.,) Which controls execution of production according to progress of a game.

  As a result, it is possible to control the execution of the effect according to the progress of the game.

  Further, an operation means that the player can operate (for example, the operation button 150) and an operation effect execution means that executes an operation effect using the operation means (for example, execute the process of step S846 in the effect control microcomputer 100). And a display control unit that displays an operation promotion image for prompting the player to perform an operation when the operation effect is executed (for example, the process of step S845 in the effect control microcomputer 100 is executed). Part) to be further provided.

  As a result, the enjoyment of the game can be improved.

  Further, in the first display means and the second display means, the dot pitch (for example, the pixel pitches P11 and P12 which are the distances between the centers of two adjacent pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 and the light guide plate 201). The recess pitches P21 and P22), which are the distances between the centers of two adjacent recesses 210D, may be different.

  Thus, the relationship between the dots of the first display means and the dots of the second display means can be made such that they do not further interfere with each other, so that the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, the first display means is an effect control device (for example, effect display device 9 or the like), the second display means is a light guide plate (for example, light guide plate 201 or the like), and the light guide plate is The dot arrangement direction may be oblique to the effect control device (for example, the concave part arrangement direction in the light guide plate 201 may be oblique to the pixel arrangement direction in the effect display device 9).

  Thereby, it is only necessary to arrange the light guide plate so that the dot arrangement direction is oblique with respect to the effect control device without changing the arrangement of the effect control device. Therefore, both the effect control device and the light guide plate are arranged. It is possible to easily suppress the occurrence of moire as compared with the case of changing.

  The plurality of light guide plates (for example, the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate) may have different dot arrangement directions (for example, concave portion arrangement directions).

  Accordingly, the dots of the plurality of light guide plates can be made to have a relationship in which they do not interfere with each other, so that the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  The plurality of light guide plates are each a distance from the effect control device (for example, a distance D11 which is a distance between the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9 and the back surface (rear surface) of the first light guide plate). And a distance D12, which is the distance between the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9 and the back surface (rear surface) of the second light guide plate, are different, and the dot arrangement direction (for example, the first The recess arrangement direction in one light guide plate may be different from the recess arrangement direction in the second light guide plate.

  Accordingly, the relationship between the dots of the plurality of light guide plates can be set such that they do not interfere with each other according to the distance from the effect control device, so that the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, a transmission means (for example, CPU 101 for production control, VDP 109, etc.) for transmitting a control signal for controlling the first display means and the second display means in a serial signal system is further provided, and the transmission means is a reference. The control signal may be transmitted by a serial signal method using a modulated clock obtained by modulating the clock by a predetermined modulation method.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress radiation noise by transmitting the control signal by the serial signal method using the modulated clock.

  In the above embodiment, the pixel pitches P11 and P12 (first pixel pitch P11, second pixel pitch P12) and the recess pitches P21 and P22 (first recess pitch P21, second recess pitch P22) are substantially the same. (P11≅P21, P12≉P22) is shown, but the pixel pitches P11 and P12 may be different from the recessed pitches P21 and P22 (P11 ≠ P21, P12 ≠ P22). Specifically, the pixel pitches P11 and P12 may be larger than the recess pitches P21 and P22 (P11> P21, P12> P22), or the pixel pitches P11 and P12 may be smaller than the recess pitches P21 and P22. It is good (P11 <P21, P12 <P22). In this way, by making the pixel pitches P11, P12 different from the recessed portion pitches P21, P22, the relationship between the plurality of pixels 5D in the effect display device 9 and the plurality of recessed portions 210D in the light guide plate 201 further interferes with each other. Since such a relationship can be established, the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the first pixel pitch P11 and the second pixel pitch P12 are substantially the same (P11≈P12), and the first recess pitch P21 and the second recess pitch P22 are substantially the same. However, the first pixel pitch P11 and the second pixel pitch P12 may be different (P11 ≠ P12), or the first recess pitch P21 and the second recess pitch P22 may be different. They may be different (P21 ≠ P22). Specifically, the first pixel pitch P11 may be larger than the second pixel pitch P12 (P11> P12), or the first pixel pitch P11 may be smaller than the second pixel pitch P12 (P11). <P12). Further, the first recess pitch P21 may be larger than the second recess pitch P22 (P21> P22), or the first recess pitch P21 may be smaller than the second recess pitch P22 (P21 <P22). . As described above, the first pixel pitch P11 and the second pixel pitch P12 are made different, or the first recessed pitch P21 and the second recessed pitch P22 are made different, so that a plurality of effect display devices 9 are provided. Since the relationship between the pixel 5D and the plurality of recesses 210D in the light guide plate 201 can be further prevented from interfering with each other, the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which only one light guide plate 201 is provided has been described, but a plurality of light guide plates 201 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of light guide plates 201 may have different recess arrangement directions. For example, in the case where the recess arrangement direction is different between the two light guide plates (first light guide plate and second light guide plate), the angle θ1 formed by the pixel arrangement direction and the recess arrangement direction in the first light guide plate is The angle θ2 may be larger than the angle θ2 formed by the pixel arrangement direction and the concave portion arrangement direction in the second light guide plate (θ1> θ2), or conversely, the angle θ1 may be smaller than the angle θ2 (θ1). <Θ2). In this way, by making the plurality of light guide plates 201 have different recess arrangement directions, the recesses 210D of the plurality of light guide plates 201 can have a relationship in which they do not interfere with each other, and thus moire occurs. Can be effectively suppressed.

In addition, the plurality of light guide plates 201 may have different distances from the effect display device 9, and the recess arrangement direction may differ depending on the distance. For example, in the case where the two light guide plates (first light guide plate and second light guide plate) have different distances from the effect display device 9 and the recess arrangement direction differs depending on the distance, the first light guide plate The distance D11 between the display device 9 and the effect display device 9 may be made larger than the distance D12 between the second light guide plate and the effect display device 9 (D11> D12), or conversely, the distance D11 may be larger than the distance D12. You may make it small (D11 <D12).
Here, the distance D11 is the distance between the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9 and the back surface (rear surface) of the first light guide plate, and the distance D12 is the image display surface (front surface) of the effect display device 9. And the back surface (rear surface) of the second light guide plate. When the relationship between the distances D11 and D12 is D11> D12 according to the distances D11 and D12, the angle θ1 formed by the pixel array direction and the recess array direction in the first light guide plate is set to the pixel array direction with respect to the pixel array direction. 2 The angle may be made larger than the angle θ2 formed with the recess arrangement direction in the light guide plate (θ1> θ2). Conversely, when the relationship between the distances D11 and D12 is D11 <D12, the angle θ1 is set to the angle It may be smaller than θ2 (θ1 <θ2). In this way, the plurality of light guide plates 201 have different distances from the effect display device 9, and the recessed portion array directions are different according to the distances, so that the relationship of the recesses 210D of the plurality of light guide plates 201 is produced. Since it is possible to establish a relationship such that they do not interfere with each other depending on the distance from the display device 9, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of moire.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the first display means is the effect display device 9 and the second display means is the light guide plate 201 has been shown, but both the first display means and the second display means are effect display devices. 9 or the light guide plate 201. For example, in the case where both the first display means and the second display means are the effect display devices 9, the pixel array directions of the effect display devices 9 are made different so that the pixels 5D of one effect display device 9 are displayed. Since the relationship with the pixel 5D of the other effect display device 9 can be set so as not to interfere with each other, the occurrence of moire can be suppressed. Further, when both the first display means and the second display means are the light guide plates 201, the recesses 210D of one light guide plate 201 and the other of the light guide plates 201 are made different by arranging the recesses in different directions. Since the relationship with the recess 210D of the light guide plate 201 can be set so as not to interfere with each other, the occurrence of moire can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example (stripe arrangement pattern) in which the plurality of pixels 5D and the plurality of recesses 210D are arranged in a stripe shape is shown, but the pixel pattern Pt1 and the depression pattern Pt2 are arranged differently from the stripe arrangement pattern. It may be a pattern. For example, the array pattern may be a delta array pattern or a mosaic array pattern. In this way, by making the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 different from the stripe array pattern, the relationship between the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 can be further prevented from interfering with each other. The generation of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  When both the first display means and the second display means are the effect display devices 9, the pixel pattern Pt1 may be different in each effect display device 9. For example, when one effect display device 9 has a stripe array pattern, the other effect display device 9 may have an array pattern (for example, a delta array pattern or a mosaic array pattern) different from the stripe array pattern. In this way, by making the pixel patterns Pt1 different in each effect display device 9, the relationship between the pixel 5D of one effect display device 9 and the pixel 5D of the other effect display device 9 is prevented from interfering with each other. Therefore, the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  When both the first display means and the second display means are the effect display devices 9, the size of the pixel 5D may be different in each effect display device 9. For example, the size of the pixel 5D of the one effect display device 9 may be larger or smaller than the size of the pixel 5D of the other effect display device 9. In this way, by making the size of the pixel 5D different in each effect display device 9, the relationship between the pixel 5D of one effect display device 9 and the pixel 5D of the other effect display device 9 further interferes with each other. Since such a relationship can be established, the occurrence of moire can be effectively suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the plurality of recesses 210D have substantially the same size is shown, but the plurality of recesses 210D may have different sizes. As described above, by setting the plurality of recesses 210D to have different sizes, the relationship between the plurality of pixels 5D and the plurality of recesses 210D can be further prevented from interfering with each other, so that moire is effectively generated. Can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the player is allowed to see through the front light guide plate 201 and the rear effect display device 9, the pixel pattern Pt1 and the recess pattern Pt2 interfere with each other to cause moire. Although the example of the case is shown, the case where the moire occurs due to other than the interference between the pixel pattern Pt1 and the concave pattern Pt2 may be used. For example, since the effect display device 9 has a structure in which the light-shielding portions such as the matrix wiring of the liquid crystal panel and the black matrix are arranged in a lattice pattern, moire may occur due to the interference between the light-shielding portions and the recess pattern Pt2. Thus, even when moire occurs due to interference between the light-shielding portion and the recess pattern Pt2, the pixel arrangement direction and the recess arrangement direction are made different so that the light-shielding portion and the recess pattern Pt do not interfere with each other. Therefore, the occurrence of moire can be suppressed.

  Further, when both the first display means and the second display means are the effect display devices 9, the moire occurs due to the interference between the light-shielding part of one effect display device 9 and the light-shielding part of the other effect display device 9. In some cases. Thus, even if moire occurs due to interference between the light-shielding portion of one effect display device 9 and the light-shielding portion of the other effect display device 9, by making the pixel patterns Pt1 different in each effect display device 9, Since the relationship between the light-shielding portion of the one effect display device 9 and the light-shielding portion of the other effect display device 9 can be set so as not to interfere with each other, the occurrence of moire can be suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display unit 200 is an example in which the light guide plate 201 is inserted into the frame body 220, but it is sufficient if the light guide plate 201 can be held by the frame body 220. For example, the frame body may be composed of two or more members that support the light guide plate 201 from the front and the rear.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the condenser lens 204 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending in the vertical direction is shown, but the light from the display LED 203A is guided in the front-rear direction while being guided to the light guide plate 201 side. Then, if it is possible to emit light toward the light guide plate 201, for example, a condensing lens made of a dome-shaped translucent member capable of covering the display LED 203A may be used. The condensing lens is formed with a concave portion capable of accommodating the display LED 203A, and the inner surface of the concave portion serves as a light incident surface. The dome shape of the condenser lens is a shape that tapers from the display LED 203A side toward the light guide plate 201 side, and light is emitted from the tapered end. Even with such a condenser lens, the front-rear width is gradually reduced from the display LED 203A side toward the light guide plate 201 side, and the light is condensed in the front-rear direction while being totally reflected and guided to the light guide plate 201 side. Can be emitted.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which each of the front surface and the rear surface of the condenser lens 204 is formed as a flat inclined surface has been described, but if the light incident inside can be guided to the light guide plate 201 side. At least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the condenser lens 204 may be formed into a curved surface.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the convex portion 204A on the exit surface side of the condenser lens 204 has a semicircular shape in front view and the bulge portion 204C on the incident surface side of the condenser lens 204 has an arc shape in front view. Although shown, the projections may have various shapes such as a trapezoidal front view shape. Further, the shape of the bulging portion 204C in front view is not necessarily limited to the arc shape, and may be various shapes.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the light emitting portion 201D of the light guide plate 201 is composed of the plurality of recesses 210D formed on the surface of the light guide plate 201 has been shown. However, the light incident on the inside of the light guide plate 201 is guided. If the display information can be displayed on the light guide plate 201 by emitting the light from the front surface of the light plate 201, for example, the light incident on the inside of the light guide plate 201 is emitted from the front surface of the light guide plate 201 without being totally reflected. It may be a light guide portion such as a plurality of convex portions or the like, or it may be formed inside the light guide plate 201 instead of the concave portions and the convex portions formed on the front and rear surfaces of the light guide plate 201. It may be a reflection part or the like that reflects the light that has entered the inside of the light guide plate 201 so that the light is emitted from the front surface.

  In the above-described embodiment, the condenser lens 204 that condenses the light from the display LED 203A in the front-rear direction and emits the light toward the left end surface of the light guide plate 201 is provided between the display LED 203A and the light guide plate 201. However, such a condenser lens 204 may not be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the display unit 200 is configured to be able to enter light from the left end surface of the light guide plate 201 has been described, but the light source is provided on two sides (for example, the upper end surface and the lower end surface) of the light guide plate 201. It may be provided. The light may be emitted from the light source to the light guide plate 201 from either the upper and lower end faces or the left and right end faces. Further, the light source is not limited to the LED, and another light emitting body such as a cold cathode tube may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the display unit 200 is attached to the front surface of the effect display device 9 of the game board 6 has been shown, but it may be attached to a place other than the front surface of the effect display device 9 of the game board 6. The display unit 200 is provided in the gaming machine frame, for example, the front plate of the gaming machine frame is formed of the light guide plate 201, and the display unit 200 is configured such that light is incident on the light guide plate 201. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the light guide plate 201 is transparent has been shown, but any material having a light-transmitting property so as to display the display information by reflecting the light from the light source may be used, and may be translucent or opaque. You may use the light guide plate of. Further, the light guide plate may be colored or may be colored and transparent.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the light guide plate effect is executed when one pressing operation on the operation button 150 is detected has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, when one pressing operation on the operation button 150 is detected, the light guide plate effect is started, and the input detection count value is updated every time the pressing operation on the operation button 150 is detected. You may make it change the presentation mode of light guide plate production according to the input detection count value. Alternatively, the effect mode of the light guide plate effect may be changed according to the number of times the pressing operation on the operation button 150 is repeatedly detected intermittently. Alternatively, when one pressing operation on the operation button 150 is detected, the light guide plate effect is started, and when one pressing operation is further detected on the operation button 150, the light guide plate effect may be stopped. Good.

  Further, the light guide plate effect is not limited to being executed according to the detection result of the pressing operation on the operation button 150, as long as the light guide plate effect can be executed according to the result of detecting the operation of the detection target. Good. For example, the light guide plate effect may be executed according to the detection result of a predetermined operation on the stick controller. The light guide plate effect may be executed according to the combination of the detection result of the predetermined operation on the stick controller and the detection result of the pressing operation on the operation button 150. The configuration for detecting the motion of the detection target is not limited to the controller sensor unit that detects an operation on the stick controller and the operation detection switch 231 that detects an operation on the operation button 150. For example, a jog dial capable of rotating operation It may be a sensor that detects an operation on the touch panel or a sensor that detects a touch operation or a pressing operation on the touch panel. Further, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like, which can detect a predetermined instruction input action by the player or an operation of another detection target may be used. You may make it possible to detect the instruction input operation | movement by a player and the operation | movement of another detection object by analyzing the result which image | photographed a player's hand etc. using a predetermined camera. That is, the structure for detecting the motion of the detection target may be any structure capable of detecting the motion mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the effect image is displayed on the effect display device 9 in accordance with the display information being displayed on the light guide plate 201 has been described, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration not including the effect display device 9, in accordance with the display information being displayed on the light guide plate 201, a predetermined sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and it is provided inside or outside the game area. The operation of the movable members that make up the performance accessory, the operation of the stick of the stick controller, or the driving of the exhaust fan or the application of ultrasonic waves gives a predetermined tactile sensation. Some or all may be performed.

  Further, the game value that can be provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not limited to payout of game balls that are prize balls and the provision of points, and for example, control to a big hit game state or a special game state such as a probability variation state. Controlling, the upper limit number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot gaming state is the first round number that is greater than the second round number, and the upper limit number of variable displays that can be executed in the time saving state is higher than the second number. A large number of first times, a big hit probability in the probability variation state becomes a first probability higher than the second probability, and a number of consecutive chans that is a number of times repeatedly controlled to a big hit game state without being controlled to a normal state. It may include that a game state that is advantageous to the player, such as a part or all of the first consecutive chan number that is larger than the second consecutive chan number, is achieved.

  In the above-described embodiment, when performing serial communication with the LED board 203, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not to perform the spectrum spread before starting the serial communication with the LED board 203. Although the example of setting the diffusion amount in the case of performing is shown, the time before the start of the serial communication is not limited to the time immediately before the start of the serial communication. For example, the effect control CPU 101 produces effects by the light guide plate 201 during initialization processing when the power is turned on, during demonstration effects executed in connection with the fact that the player is not playing a game, during the power saving mode, etc. The diffusion amount may be set during a period in which it is not performed, that is, a period in which serial communication with the LED substrate 203 is not performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 shows an example in which the serial communication with the LED substrate 203 is started after the setting of the diffusion amount is finished. , The setting is not limited to the diffusion amount setting performed immediately before the start of serial communication. For example, as described above, even when the player starts the game and performs the effect by the light guide plate 201 when the diffusion amount is set during the demonstration effect or the power saving mode. If the setting of the diffusion amount is not completed at that time, the effect by the light guide plate 201 is not executed until the setting of the diffusion amount is completed, and after the setting of the diffusion amount is completed, Serial communication may be started between them.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the possibility of the variable display result being a “big hit” is different depending on the combination of the display on the effect display device 9 and the display on the light guide plate 201 has been described. Not limited. For example, when the image A is displayed on the effect display device 9 and the image different from the image A is displayed on the light guide plate 201, or when the image different from the image A is displayed on the effect display device 9, the light guide plate is displayed. When the image A is displayed on 201, the variable display result is “big hit” in 10% of cases, while the image A is displayed on both the effect display device 9 and the light guide plate 201. When is displayed, the variable display result may be a “big hit” with a 50% chance.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which an effect screen prompting to press the operation button 150 is displayed on the effect display device 9 as the operation promotion effect is shown, but the operation promotion effect displays an effect image on the light guide plate 201. May be performed by

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the light guide plate 201 displays a heart figure and the effect display device 9 displays a plurality of heart figures as the light guide plate effect has been described. It is not limited to this. For example, in the light guide plate production, a production mode in which a character image is displayed on the production display device 9 and an effect such as an aura is displayed on the light guide plate 201, or only the outline of the character image is displayed on the light guide plate 201. In addition, the effect display mode in which the color of the character within the outline is displayed on the effect display device 9, or the image of a specific area of one image is displayed on the light guide plate 201, and the image of the remaining area is the effect display apparatus. It is also possible to use the effect mode displayed in 9. In addition, the light guide plate effect includes, for example, a plurality of related effects such as effect display device 9 performing a hold display effect, and light guide plate 201 performing an effect effect of displaying an effect that acts on the hold display. The effect display may be executed by the effect display device 9 and the light guide plate 201.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an operation promotion effect, an example is shown in which an effect display screen for prompting the player to press the operation button 230 is displayed on the image display device 5, but the operation promotion effect is displayed. The form of the effect screen according to the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the variable display result may be a “big hit” depending on the color, size, font, etc. of the character image “PUSH” that prompts the player to press the operation button 230. Good. Further, when such an image can be displayed on the light guide plate 201, the variable display result may be a “big hit” depending on whether the image is displayed on the image display device 5 or the light guide plate 201. It may be different.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 as a gaming machine, but the present invention is applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine or a game machine equipped with the above-described display unit 200. The present invention may be applied.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of the above-described embodiment is mainly able to give a predetermined game value to the player when the stop symbol of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the variable display portion based on the start winning is the predetermined symbol. Although it was a pachinko game machine, based on the starting prize, the pachinko game machine that can give a predetermined game value to the player if there is a prize in the predetermined area of the electric role to open based on the starting prize. The present invention can be applied even to a pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continues when a prize is given to a predetermined electric accessory that is released when a stop symbol of the symbols that are variably displayed becomes a combination of predetermined symbols. . Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine that inserts a game medal and sets a bet number to play a game, or a game machine that inserts a game ball instead of a game medal to set a bet number to play a game.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the variation time and the type of reach effect, etc. (special effects such as pseudo continuous effect, which is an effect in which temporary stop and re-change of the symbol are performed once or more during one variable display) An example of transmitting one variation pattern command at the start of variation in order to notify the production control microcomputer 100 of a variation pattern indicating a variation mode such as the presence or absence of execution). However, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying with two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether the first command is presence / absence of pseudo-relation, presence / absence of sliding effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reaching. A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and as the second command, such as the type of reach and the presence / absence of re-lottery production, after the reach is reached (when the reach is not reached, so-called You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time after the 2nd stop and a fluctuation mode. In that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in the variable display (variable display) based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 560 may notify the variation time with each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 may select a specific variation mode executed at each timing. . When two commands are transmitted, two commands may be transmitted within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period has elapsed after the first command was transmitted (for example, the next timer A second command may be sent (at the interrupt). It should be noted that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to such an example, and the transmission order can be changed as appropriate. By thus notifying the variation pattern with two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes, and encloses game media such as game balls and encloses points when conditions for granting prizes are satisfied. It can also be applied to a game machine of the type.

  Further, in the present specification, the expression “high (large) ratio” (or “increasing the ratio”) includes 100% (or 100%). , "When the ratio is different", the ratio is not limited to A: B = 70%: 30% and A: B = 50%: 50%. = 100%: 0%, such that the ratio is different (that is, one is 100% allocation and the other is 0% allocation). The “low (small) ratio” (or “reduce the ratio”) also includes 0% (or 0%).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the effect control board 80, the sound output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the effect device is mounted. You may mount on one board. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) having a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like, and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27R, 27L, etc.) are installed. You may make it provide two boards, such as the second effect control board.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits the command to the effect control microcomputer 100, but the game control microcomputer 560 may be provided on another board (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, or the like shown in FIG. 7, or a sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). You may make it transmit a control command, and may be made to be transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100 in the production control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through on another board, or control means such as a microcomputer may be mounted on the voice output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board so that the control means receives the command. According to what is done, control relating to voice control and lamp control is executed, and further, the received command is changed as it is or, for example, a simplified command, to control the effect display device 9 to control the effect display device 9. It may be transmitted to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control according to the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment, similarly to the sound output board 70 and the lamp driver. Display control can be performed in response to commands received from the substrate 35 or the sound / lamp substrate.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, fluctuations such as the fluctuation time, the type of reach effect, and the presence / absence of pseudo-relationship (effect in which temporary stop and re-fluctuation of a symbol are performed once or more during one variable display) In order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the variation pattern indicating the aspect, an example in which one variation pattern command is transmitted when the variation is started has been described, but the variation pattern is controlled by two or more commands. You may make it notify to the microcomputer 100 for use. Specifically, in the case of notifying with two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether the first command is presence / absence of pseudo-relation, presence / absence of sliding effect, etc. before reaching (so-called if not reaching. A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and as the second command, such as the type of reach and the presence / absence of re-lottery production, after the reach is reached (when the reach is not reached, so-called You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time after the 2nd stop and a fluctuation mode. In that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in the variable display (variable display) based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 560 may notify the variation time with each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 may select a specific variation mode executed at each timing. . When two commands are transmitted, two commands may be transmitted within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period has elapsed after the first command was transmitted (for example, the next timer A second command may be sent (at the interrupt). It should be noted that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to such an example, and the transmission order can be changed as appropriate. By thus notifying the variation pattern with two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command can be reduced.

  Further, the gaming machine of the above embodiment, there is a probability variation big hit or normal jackpot as a big hit type, and based on the fact that it was determined as a probability variation big hit as a big hit type, it is a gaming machine that is controlled to a probability variation state after the big hit game ends. However, it is not limited to such a gaming machine. For example, a special variable winning ball device having a predetermined probability variation area provided therein (the probability variable area may be provided in only one special variable winning ball device, or a plurality of special variable prize balls may be provided). The probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device.), And the probability variation is determined based on the fact that the game ball has passed the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the big hit game, and a big hit. It is also possible to apply the functions in the above-described embodiments to a gaming machine that is controlled to a probability change state after the game is over.

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

1 Pachinko gaming machine 5D Pixel 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 1st special symbol display 9 effect display device 13 1st starting winning opening 14 2nd starting winning opening 15 variable winning device 31 main board 80 effect control board 100 effect control Microcomputer 101 CPU for production control
109 VDP
150 Operation button 151 White LED
152 Red LED
153 Vibrator 200 Display unit 201 Light guide plate 201A Through hole 201B Notch 201C Notch 201D Light emitting unit 202 Light emitting unit 203 LED substrate 203A Display LED
204 Condensing lens 204A Convex portion 204B Abutting piece 204C Bulging portion 210D Recess 220 Frame body 221 Upper frame 221A, 222A, 223A Screw hole 221B Convex portion 221S, 222S, 223S Insertion groove 222 Lower frame 223 Left frame 223B Projecting piece 223D Contact part 223H Through hole 231 Operation detection switch 560 Game control microcomputers L1, L2 Virtual lines P11, P12 Pixel pitch P21, P22 Recessed pitch Pt1 Pixel pattern Pt2 Recessed pattern θ Angle

Claims (3)

A gaming machine capable of executing a game,
A first display means and a second display means capable of displaying information about a game,
The display area of the second display means includes a transparent area on the back surface side of which is visible.
The first display means is disposed on the back surface side of the transparent region,
The arrangement direction of the dots is different between the first display means and the second display means,
A display indicating that the display by the second display means is performed on the first display means,
The first display means is an image display device,
A plurality of light guide plates are provided as the second display means,
Wherein the plurality of light guide plates have different distances from each of the image display apparatus, Ri arrangement direction of dots in accordance with the distance Do different,
The array of dots of the image display device is an array of a plurality of pixels,
The array of dots of the light guide plate is an array of a plurality of recesses,
The gaming machine , wherein the array pattern of the plurality of pixels in the image display device and the array pattern of the plurality of recesses in the light guide plate are both delta array patterns . The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising effect control means for controlling execution of effect according to progress of the game. An operation means that can be operated by the player,
An operation effect executing means for executing an operation effect using the operation means,
The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a display control unit that displays an operation promotion image for prompting a player to perform an operation when the operation effect is executed.

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