JP6682196B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined prize value is given to the player. There is one configured in. Further, a variable display portion capable of variably displaying identification information (also referred to as “variation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is the specific display result, a predetermined game value Some are configured to give to a player.

  The prize value is to pay out the prize balls or give points or prizes according to the winning of the game balls in the prize area. In addition, the game value is that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine is advantageous for the player who easily hits the ball when the specific display result is obtained, and That is, the right to generate an advantageous state is generated, and the condition for paying a prize ball is easily established.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined specific display mode is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) which is started in the variable display section based on the fact that the game ball has won the starting winning opening. If it is played, "big hit (specific game state)" occurs. The derivation display is to stop and display the symbol. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win is entered. Then, in each opening period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning holes are won, the winning holes are closed. The number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). It should be noted that the opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and the special winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach the predetermined number. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  Some of such gaming machines are configured to execute a specific effect based on the timing result of the timing means. For example, Patent Document 1 describes executing a specific effect (synchronous effect) by outputting a common image all at once at a predetermined time set by a hall.

  Further, in such a gaming machine, there is a gaming machine configured to be able to set the volume and the brightness according to the operation of the player. For example, Patent Document 2 describes that the player can adjust the volume of the effect sound, and changes the volume to an initial value after a lapse of a predetermined time.

JP-A-2007-252534 (paragraphs 0059, 0060, 0114, 0115, FIGS. 5 and 6) JP, 2013-138941, A (paragraph 0073-0092, Drawing 7, Drawing 9).

  By combining the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in a gaming machine configured to execute a specific effect based on the timing result of the timing means, setting can be performed according to a player's operation. it can. However, there is a possibility that the specific effect is executed with an inappropriate setting, and there is a possibility that the specific effect cannot be suitably performed.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to suitably perform a specific effect in a gaming machine that can be set by a player.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention,
A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A time measuring means for measuring time (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 for executing steps S702, S703, S707),
When the timing result of the timing means satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when it is determined as Y in step S752), a specific effect accompanied by at least sound output (for example, a moving image in which an object such as a track appears) Specific effect executing means for executing the specified effect (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes step S810),
Special effect execution means for executing a special effect different from the specific effect (for example, variable display, notice effect, reach effect),
A setting means capable of performing a plurality of levels of volume setting according to the operation of the player (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes steps S811F to S811I),
The special effect executing means,
It is possible to execute the special effect by performing sound output according to the volume setting,
The special effect can be executed by outputting a sound of a predetermined sound volume when the sound volume is set at a predetermined stage (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes steps S8003 and S8005).
The specific effect execution means,
The specific effect can be executed by performing sound output according to the volume setting (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes steps S5004A, S5004B, and S5005).
The specific effect can be executed by outputting a sound of a specific volume different from the predetermined volume when the volume setting is in the predetermined stage (for example, steps S5004C, S5004D, and S5005 in the effect control microcomputer 100 are performed. Part to be executed)
It is characterized by the following.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to suitably perform the specific effect in the gaming machine configured so that the player can set the volume.

(Means 2) Another gaming machine according to the present invention is
A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A time measuring means for measuring time (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 for executing steps S702, S703, S707),
When the timed result of the timed means satisfies a predetermined condition, at least a specific effect accompanied by the light emission of the effector (for example, the frame LED 28) (e.g., specification performed by a moving image in which an object such as a track appears) Specific effect executing means for executing an effect (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes step S810),
Special effect execution means for executing a special effect different from the specific effect (for example, variable display, notice effect, reach effect),
A setting means capable of performing a plurality of steps of brightness setting in accordance with the operation of the player (for example, a portion of the effect control microcomputer 100 that executes steps S811F to S811I),
The special effect executing means,
It is possible to execute the special effect by illuminating the effect means according to the brightness setting,
It is possible to execute the special effect by causing the effecting means to emit light with a predetermined brightness when the brightness setting is in a predetermined step,
The specific effect execution means,
When the brightness setting is a specific step different from the predetermined step, the specific effect can be executed by causing the production means to emit light in accordance with the brightness setting of the specific step (for example, a step in the effect control microcomputer 100). S5004A, S5004B, S5005 execution part),
The specific effect can be executed by causing the effecting device to emit light with a specific brightness different from the predetermined brightness when the brightness setting is at the predetermined stage (for example, steps S5004E, S5004F, S5005 in the effect control microcomputer 100). Part to execute)
It is characterized by the following.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to preferably perform the specific effect in the gaming machine configured so that the brightness can be set by the player.

(Means 3) In the means 1 or 2, a predetermined effect execution means (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100) that executes a predetermined effect other than the specific effect (for example, a variable display other than the specific effect, a notice effect, and a reach effect). (A portion that executes steps S8009 and S8106 according to the process table selected in steps S8005 and S8007), and the specific effect executing unit executes the specific effect according to the volume or brightness changed from the volume or brightness set by the setting unit. The predetermined effect executing means executes a predetermined effect in accordance with the volume or the brightness set by the setting means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 resets the volume or brightness of the specific effect to a predetermined value in steps S5004D and S5004F). And then execute step S5005. And, step S8005, executes the steps S8009, S8106 to select the process table in accordance with the volume setting value and the brightness setting value at S8007) may be configured so. According to such a configuration, it is possible to preferably execute the specific effect as well as the specific effect.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, the specific effect executing means has a volume lower than a predetermined volume (for example, a value corresponding to 70%) or a predetermined brightness (for example, 70) by the setting means. When the brightness is set lower than (value corresponding to%), the specific effect is executed in accordance with at least the predetermined volume or the brightness equal to or higher than the predetermined brightness (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes step S5004D). , S5004F may be configured to reset the volume and brightness of the specific effect to a predetermined value (value corresponding to 70%) and execute step S5005). According to such a configuration, the specific effect can be suitably executed by executing the specific effect in accordance with the sound volume equal to or higher than the predetermined sound volume or the brightness equal to or higher than the predetermined brightness.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, a variable display is performed according to the establishment of the starting condition (for example, winning of the game ball into the first starting winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14). A gaming machine for controlling to a specific game state (for example, big hit game state) that is advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, big hit pattern) is derived and displayed as a display result. Effect mode determination means (for example, in the second embodiment, effect control in which the effect mode (e.g., reach effect) is executed in any of the effect modes (e.g., reach modes A to C). Portion for executing step S8002B in the microcomputer 100 for use, and a performance executing means (for example, performance control) for executing a performance in the performance mode determined by the performance mode determining means during the variable display. Portion for executing steps S8009 and S8106 using the process table selected in steps S8005 and S8007 in the microcomputer 100 for use), and the effect mode determining means, when the specific effect is being executed by the specific effect executing means, It is possible to determine a special effect mode (for example, reach mode C) that is not determined when the specific effect is not executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 39 (B), the reach mode C is determined only during execution of the specific effect). If the predetermined condition is satisfied during the variable display, and the predetermined condition is satisfied after the effect mode is determined by the effect mode determination means, the effect execution means specially displays during the variable display. The effect is not executed in the effect mode (for example, in the second embodiment, the effect control micro controller is used. By performing steps S8002B and S6001 to S6004, the computer 100 uses the reach mode A or the reach mode using the normal reach mode determination table of FIG. 39A unless the specific effect is being executed at the start of the variable display. Even when the aspect B is determined and the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display, the reach effect is not executed in the reach aspect C). With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the control load as compared with the case where the effect is executable in the special effect mode even when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the variable display. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load when the specific effect is started during the variable display.

(Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, the variable display is performed according to the establishment of the start condition (for example, winning of the game ball into the first starting winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening 14). A gaming machine for controlling to a specific game state (for example, big hit game state) that is advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, big hit pattern) is derived and displayed as a display result. Effect mode determination means (for example, in the second embodiment, effect control in which the effect mode (e.g., reach effect) is executed in any of the effect modes (e.g., reach modes A to C). Portion for executing step S8002B in the microcomputer 100 for use, and a performance executing means (for example, performance control) for executing a performance in the performance mode determined by the performance mode determining means during the variable display. Portion for executing steps S8009 and S8106 using the process table selected in steps S8005 and S8007 in the microcomputer 100 for use), the specific effect executing means executes the specific effect for a predetermined period, and the effect mode determining means is When the specific effect is executed by the specific effect executing means, it is possible to determine a special effect mode (for example, reach mode C) that is not determined when the specific effect is not executed (for example, shown in FIG. 39 (B)). As described above, the reach mode C may be determined only during execution of the specific effect), and the normal effect mode that is not determined when the specific effect is executed when the specific effect is not executed by the specific effect execution means ( For example, the reach mode A) can be determined (see, for example, FIG. 39 (A)). As described above, the reach mode A may be determined only when the specific effect is not being executed), and when the predetermined period elapses during the variable display, the effect executing means causes the normal effect mode during the variable display. (For example, in the second embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S8002B and S6001 to S6004 so that the specific effect is being executed at the start of the variable display. The reach mode B or the reach mode C is determined by using the reach mode determination table for specific performance of 39 (B), and the reach mode is executed in the reach mode A even if a predetermined period elapses during the variable display. Not). According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the control load as compared with the case where the effect can be executed in the normal effect mode even when the predetermined period has elapsed during the variable display. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load when a predetermined period elapses during the variable display.

(Means 7) A gaming system provided with the gaming machine of any one of the means 1 to 6, wherein the gaming system satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the number of fluctuations, the number of big hits, the number of so-called condominiums, Based on the game machine that outputs predetermined information (for example, a two-dimensional code) based on the number of times the mission has been completed, and based on the predetermined information output by the game machine, a predetermined privilege (for example, digital content, game) for the player. It may be configured to include a privilege granting device (for example, a Web server on the Internet) that performs a process of granting (customization of a display screen of a device). With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably perform the specific effect in the gaming system.

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 the block diagram which shows the circuit constitution example of the production control baseplate, the lamp driver baseplate and the audio output baseplate. It is a flow chart which shows the main processing which CPU in a main board performs. It is a flow chart which shows 4ms timer interruption processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is an explanatory view showing a big hit judgment table, a small hit judgment table, and a big hit type judgment table. It is the explanation drawing which shows one example of the contents of production control command. It is the explanation drawing which shows one example of the contents of production control command. It is a flowchart showing an example of a program of special symbol process processing. It is a flowchart showing an example of a program of 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 storage buffer. It is a flow chart which shows special design normal processing. It is a flow chart which shows special design normal processing. It is a flow chart which shows change pattern setting processing. It is the explanation drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern of the production design which is prepared beforehand. 7 is a flowchart showing a display result designation command transmission process. It is a flowchart showing a process during special symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart showing a big hit ending process. It is a flow chart showing an example of a program of special symbol display control processing. It is the flowchart which shows the production control main processing which the production control CPU executes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command receiving buffer. It is a flow chart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flow chart which shows time measurement processing. It is the flowchart which shows production control process treatment. It is a flow chart which shows specific production processing. It is a flow chart which shows change pattern command reception waiting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a volume brightness setting screen. It is the flowchart which shows production design fluctuation start processing. It is the explanation drawing which shows one example of the stop design of production design. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is the flowchart which shows the production design fluctuation process. It is the flowchart which shows production design fluctuation stop processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the setting aspect of a volume and brightness. It is the flowchart which shows the production design fluctuation start processing in 2nd execution form. It is a flow chart which shows reach mode setting processing in a 2nd embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the reach mode determination table in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the production aspect when the specific production in 2nd Embodiment is performed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the execution timing of the effect when the specific effect in 2nd Embodiment is performed. It is the flowchart which shows the production design fluctuation stop processing in the deformation example.

Embodiment 1.
Hereinafter, a first embodiment 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.

  The member forming the surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 4 is formed in a stick shape (bar shape) at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower tray body (for example, the central portion of the lower tray), for example, and Is attached to the stick controller 122 that can be tilted in a plurality of directions (front, rear, left and right). It should be noted that the stick controller 122 has a predetermined operating finger (for example, an index finger) that is pushed and pulled by a player while the player holds the operating rod of the stick controller 122 with an operating hand (for example, left hand). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of instructing operation is provided, and a trigger sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a predetermined instructing operation such as push-pull operation on the trigger button 121 is provided inside the operating rod of the stick controller 122. 3) is built in. Further, a tilt direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) for detecting a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided inside the main body of the lower plate below the stick controller 122. Further, the stick controller 122 has a built-in vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for vibrating the stick controller 122.

  The member forming the hitting ball supply plate (upper plate) 3 is, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 122) or the like, and the player performs a predetermined instruction operation by pressing or the like. A possible push button 120 is provided. The push button 120 may be configured to be capable of mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detecting a predetermined instruction operation, such as a pressing operation by the player. A push sensor 124 (see FIG. 3) for detecting an operation action of the player performed on the push button 120 may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 120. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the attachment positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 have a vertical positional relationship in the central portion of the upper plate and the lower plate. On the other hand, the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 may be attached to either the left or right side of the upper plate and the lower plate while maintaining the vertical positional relationship. Alternatively, the attachment positions of the push button 120 and the stick controller 122 may not have a vertical positional relationship, but may have a horizontal positional relationship, for example.

  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 display screen of the effect display device 9, there is an effect symbol display area for performing variable display of effect symbols in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that variably displays effect symbols. In the effect symbol display area, for example, there is a symbol display area that variably displays effect symbols for three decorations (for effect) 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 which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time, and the jackpot symbols (for example, the symbols in the left, middle, and right 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.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where variable display of the effect symbol is performed as the effect of the liquid crystal display on the effect display device 9 is shown, but the effect performed by the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. Not limited to this, for example, an effect having a predetermined story property may be executed, and an effect may be executed in which the result of the story is displayed based on the result of the big hit determination and the determination result of the variation pattern. For example, while performing a professional wrestling or soccer game or a battle production in which an enemy or an ally character fights, perform an action to win the game or battle if it is a big hit, and perform an action to lose the game or battle if it is out of the way. Good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the results such as winning or losing, it is possible to execute an effect in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

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

  In this embodiment, the variable display of the effect symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol (however, precisely, the variable display of the effect symbol varies on the effect control microcomputer 100 side. It is performed by measuring the variation time recognized based on the pattern command.), When performing the effect using the effect display device 9, for example, the effect contents including the variable display of the effect pattern disappears from the screen for a moment. The manner of production is being diversified, and the production mode is such that a movable object shields all or part of the screen. Therefore, even when looking at the display screen on the effect display device 9, it may be difficult to recognize whether or not it is currently in the variable display state. Therefore, in this embodiment, by performing a variable display of the fourth symbol on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, by confirming the state of the fourth symbol, is it currently in the variable display state? Whether or not it can be surely recognized. The fourth symbol is always variably displayed in a constant motion, and is not visible on the screen or shielded by a shield, so that it can always be visually recognized.

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

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

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, a display color (a display color different from the deviant. For example, deviant) is displayed in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, whereas it is displayed in red when it is a big hit.The display color may be different according to the type of big hit (whether it is a probability variation big hit or a normal big hit). , The display color may be different depending on whether it is a big hit that can expect to win a game ball to the big winning opening (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit), and it can be used for multiple kinds of big hits with different round numbers. When it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds to be continued in the big hit game, and the number of rounds of each big hit is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the special winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big hit that cannot be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening and the big winning opening per round. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a jackpot that can be expected to win the game ball to the big winning opening, whether the game ball to win the big winning opening can be substantially expected or not The display color may be changed depending on whether the jackpot can be expected to win a game ball to the special winning opening substantially due to the number of times of opening the special winning opening per round being different. Even if there is a big hit that cannot be done, the display color may be changed depending on whether or not the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening can be expected.

  Further, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, a display color (a display color different from the deviant. For example, deviant to the deviant) in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol. Sometimes it is displayed in blue, whereas it is displayed in red when it is a big hit.The display color may be different according to the type of big hit (whether it is a probability variation big hit or a normal big hit). , The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a big hit (for example, a big hit other than a sudden probability change big hit) that can be expected to win a game ball to the big prize hole, and it can be used for a plurality of big hits with different round numbers. When it is controllable, the display color may be changed according to the number of rounds to be continued in the big hit game, and the number of rounds of each big hit is the same as in this embodiment. Even if there is, for example, the opening time of the special winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big hit that cannot be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening and the big winning opening per round. If the opening time is long (for example, 30 seconds) and there is a jackpot that can be expected to win the game ball to the big winning opening, whether the game ball to win the big winning opening can be substantially expected or not The display color may be changed depending on whether the jackpot can be expected to win a game ball to the special winning opening substantially due to the number of times of opening the special winning opening per round being different. Even if there is a big hit that cannot be done, the display color may be changed depending on whether or not the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening can be expected.

  The display color when the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are turned off is different from the background image (for example, black) in order to prevent the fourth pattern display areas 9c and 9d from being invisible by being assimilated with the background image when turned off. Is desirable.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the fourth symbol display area is provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is shown. However, apart from the effect display device 9, a light-emitting body such as a lamp or an LED is used. You may make it implement | achieve the 4th symbol display area. In this case, for example, the variation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately turned on, and any one of the two LEDs is stopped. It may be possible to indicate whether or not the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed depending on whether it is displayed.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the fourth special symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively, is shown, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are shown. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbols may be provided in a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Moreover, you may make it implement | achieve the 4th symbol display area common to a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol using a light-emitting body, such as a lamp and LED. In this case, when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol, and when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the second special symbol, For example, the variable display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by performing a display in which display and display of different display colors are repeated at regular time intervals. Further, when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol, and when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the second special symbol, for example, Alternatively, the variable display of the fourth symbol may be performed separately by performing a display in which lighting and extinction are repeated at different time intervals. Further, for example, when deriving and displaying the stop symbol corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol and when deriving and displaying the stop symbol corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol, the same big hit symbol is used. Alternatively, the stop symbols of different modes may be stopped and displayed.

  On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display device (first variable display portion) 8a that variably displays 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. Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9 (on the right side of the first special symbol display device 8a), a second special symbol display device (second variable display portion) 8b that variably displays the second special symbol as identification information. Is also 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 addition, in this embodiment, although the case where two special symbol display devices 8a and 8b are provided is shown, the gaming machine may be provided with 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.

  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, in the state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, although it is difficult to win the prize, 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. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly below the effect display device 9, but the gap between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first starting winning opening 13 is further narrowed, or the first start winning opening 13 is provided. The nails are densely arranged around 13 or the nail arrangement around the first starting winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game ball to the first starting winning opening 13, and the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. Alternatively, the winning rate of the first starting winning opening 13 may be set higher.

  In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes only the second starting winning opening 14 is provided, but the first starting winning opening 13 and the second winning opening 13 are provided. A variable winning ball device that opens and closes any of the starting winning openings 14 may be provided.

  Above the second special symbol display 8b, the second special symbol reservation memory display 18b consisting of four display units for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second starting winning opening 14, that is, the second reservation memory number. It 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.

  Further, above the second special symbol hold storage display 18b, the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first starting winning opening 13, that is, the first holding storage number (holding storage is also referred to as starting memory or starting winning storage. ) Is provided with a first special symbol reservation storage display 18a consisting of four displays. 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.

  In addition, at the bottom of the display screen of the effect display device 9, a first reservation storage display section 18c for displaying the first reservation storage number and a second reservation storage display section 18d for displaying the second reservation storage number are provided. There is. It should be noted that, instead of the first reserved storage display unit 18c and the second reserved storage display unit 18d, a summed reservation that displays a total number (total reserved storage number) that is the sum of the first reserved storage number and the second reserved storage number. A memory display unit may be provided. According to this structure, since the total pending storage display unit that displays 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. . Further, in such a configuration, in the total pending storage display section, the first pending memory and the second pending memory are displayed side by side in the winning order to the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14, and It is configured to be displayed in such a manner that it can be recognized whether it is the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory (for example, the first reserved memory is displayed in red and the second reserved memory is displayed in blue). It is desirable to do.

  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.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, below the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 forming a special winning opening is provided. 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. In the specific game state (big hit game state) that occurs when is displayed and displayed, the open / close plate is controlled by the solenoid 21 to be in the open state, so that the special winning opening, which is the winning area, is in the open state. The game ball that has won the special winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  On the left side of the effect display device 9, a normal symbol display device 10 that variably displays normal symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 10 is realized by a simple and small-sized display device (for example, 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0-9. That is, the normal symbol display device 10 is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) of 0 to 9. Further, the small-sized display is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. In addition, the normal symbol display device 10 may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of 00 to 99, for example. In addition, the normal symbol display device 10 is not limited to a 7-segment LED, for example, a display device that can display a predetermined symbol display (for example, a decorative lamp that can alternately display "○" and "x"). It may be composed of.

  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. And when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display device 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol. For example, symbol "7".), The variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. 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.

  At the lower part of the game board 6, there is an out port 26 into which hit balls that have not been won are taken. Further, four speakers 27 for producing a sound effect or a voice as a predetermined voice output are provided on the upper left and right sides and the lower 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.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a probability variation big hit, the game state shifts to a high-probability state (probability variation state), and the game balls easily start winning (that is, special symbol display devices 8a, 8b and effects). A transition is made to a high base state, which is a gaming state controlled so that the execution condition of the variable display on the display device 9 is easily established (in this embodiment, a transition is made to a time saving state). Also, when the gaming state is shifted to the time saving state, it is shifted to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 being in the open state is increased or the time when the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state is extended, as compared with the case in which the high base state is not set. It will be easier to win the starting prize.

  In addition, it does not extend the time when the variable winning ball device 15 is in an open state (also referred to as an open extension state), but shifts to a normal symbol probability changing state in which the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display device 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased. Therefore, the high base state may be set. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display device 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. In this case, by controlling the transition to the normal symbol probability changing state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 being in the open state is increased. Therefore, if the state shifts to the normal symbol probability changing state, the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and the starting winning prize is easily achieved (high base state). That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probability variation symbol, and the like, and from a disadvantageous state for the player. It changes to an advantageous state (a state in which it is easy to start winning). In addition, increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Further, by shifting to the normal symbol time-shortened state in which the variation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is shortened, the high base state may be shifted. In the normal symbol time saving state, since the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the frequency of the variation of the normal symbol is increased, and as a result, the frequency of winning the normal symbol is increased. Therefore, since the frequency of winning the normal symbol is high, the frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 is high, and the starting winning is easy (high base state).

  Also, by shifting to a time saving state in which the variation time (variable display period) of special symbols and effect symbols is shortened, the variation time of special symbols and effect symbols is reduced, so the variation of special symbols and effect symbols starts. It is possible to reduce a situation in which the frequency of winning is increased (in other words, the storage of the reserved memory is quickly exhausted), and an invalid starting winning is caused. Therefore, an effective starting winning is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility of playing a big hit game is increased.

  Furthermore, by shifting to all the states shown above (open extension state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol time saving state and special symbol time saving state), it becomes easier to start winning (transfer to high base state) May be. In addition, by shifting to any one of the states shown above (open extension state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol time saving state and special symbol time saving state), it becomes easier to start winning (high base State). In addition, by shifting to only one of the above-mentioned states (open extension state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol time saving state and special symbol time saving state), it is easy to start winning. It is also possible to set).

  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 on a power supply board. 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 (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, etc.) and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the backup RAM. The data according to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for 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, data according to the control state and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the entire RAM 55 is backed up 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 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, and the start occurs at random timing. Based on that the time of winning is the time of reading (extracting) the numerical data, the numerical data read has a random number generating function.

  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.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for giving a detection signal from the gate switch 32a, the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a and the count switch 23 to the game controlling microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. 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 64 that outputs an information output signal such as big hit information indicating occurrence of a big hit game state to an external device such as a hall computer 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.

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

  The effect control means is also connected to a trigger sensor 125 and a tilt direction sensor unit 123 included in the stick controller 122, a vibrator motor 126, and a push sensor 124 included in the push button 120, as described later. (See FIG. 3), but the illustration is omitted in FIG.

  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).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal, which is an information signal indicating that the player has operated the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122, from the trigger sensor 125 via the input port 106. Further, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal, which is an information signal indicating that the player's operation on the push button 120 has been detected, from the push sensor 124 via the input port 106. In addition, the effect control CPU 101 inputs an operation detection signal, which is an information signal indicating that a player's operation on the operation stick of the stick controller 122 has been detected, from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 via the input port 107. . Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the stick controller 122 to vibrate by outputting a drive signal to the vibrator motor 126 via the output port 105.

  In addition, the production control board 80 is equipped with a real-time clock 108. The real-time clock 108 has a function of outputting time information including year / month / day / day of the week and hour / minute / second information.

  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 such as the frame LED 28 based on a signal for driving the LED.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates a voice or 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 a display result (normal big hit, probability big hit, sudden big hit, small hit, or off) to the effect control board 80 (step). S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S44, the CPU 56 also transmits the first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command (see FIG. 8) when the value of the special symbol pointer described later is also stored in the backup RAM. You may do it. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 may restart the variable display of the fourth symbol based on the reception of the first symbol variation designation command or the second symbol variation designation command.

  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 normal symbol determination) is initialized to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value It may be initialized to. Further, the predetermined data (for example, the data of the count value of the counter for generating the normal symbol per determination random number) may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. 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 processing 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 incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is taken periodically at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is taken every 4 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 random number for the initial value is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for deciding whether or not to hit the normal symbol (ordinary symbol per determination random number generation counter). 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 to transmit, or the process of transmitting a command signal to control other microcomputers, also referred to as gaming device control process), the count value of the random number per ordinary symbol is one round (ordinary random number for per symbol determination) 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 (however, in the case of a sudden probability big hit, the reach does not become a sudden sudden variation big hit pattern (for example, "135")). May be displayed as a stop). When the display result of the special symbol is not a big hit symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect 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. Next, the detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their state is determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

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

  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 processing, 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 subjected to corresponding processing. 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 4 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.

  When the first special symbol display device 8a or 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.

  When the first special symbol display device 8a or the second special symbol display device 8b and the effect display device 9 display the deviation 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 predetermined combination of effect symbols that does 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 this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 8a or the second special symbol display device 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, in the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R of "left", "middle", and "right" in the effect display device 9, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed together (however, in the case of sudden probability big hit). In some cases, sudden change jackpot pattern (for example, "135") may be stopped and displayed without reaching.

  When "5", which is a small hit, is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 8a or the second special symbol display device 8b, in the effect display device 9, the variable display mode of the effect symbol is "a sudden sudden change big hit". After the variable display of the effect symbol is performed as in the case of, the predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the sudden probability big hit symbol. For example, "135") may be stopped and displayed. The display effect on the effect display device 9 corresponding to the small hit symbol "5" being stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 8a or the second special symbol display device 8b is referred to as the "small hit" variable display mode. .

  Here, the small hit is a hit that is allowed up to the number of times of opening the special winning opening smaller than that of the big hit (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 seconds is twice). When the small hit game is over, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probability changing state to the normal state or from the normal state to the probability changing state. The sudden probability big hit is allowed up to a small number of times the big winning opening is opened in the big hit game state (two times of 0.1 second in this embodiment), but the opening time of the big winning opening is extremely large. It is a short big hit, and it is a big hit that shifts the game state after the big hit game to the probability variation state (that is, by doing so, it looks to the player as if it suddenly changed to the probability variation state. Is). That is, in this embodiment, the sudden winning big hit and the small hit have the same opening pattern of the special winning opening. By controlling in such a manner, when the special winning opening is opened for 0.1 second twice, it is impossible to recognize whether it is a sudden change big hit or a small hit, so a high probability state for the player. (Probably changed state) can be expected, and the enjoyment of the game can be improved.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determines the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation big hit, sudden probability variation big hit described later) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 2 (MR2): Determine a variation pattern (variation time) (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): Determine whether to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determine the initial value of random 3 (for determining random 3 initial value)

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, 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 (4). 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. Further, in this embodiment, as the big hit determination random number, a random number generated by 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, a software random number may be used instead of a hardware random number.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot 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 judgment table includes a normal big hit judgment table used in a normal state and a time-shortening state (that is, a gaming state that is not the positive change state), and a probability variation big hit determination table used in the probability variation 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.

  7B and 7C are explanatory diagrams showing a small hit determination table. The small hitting determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54, and is a table in which a small hitting determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when performing the variable display of the first special symbol, and the small hit determination table used when performing the variable display of the second special symbol There is (for the second special symbol). The small hitting determination table (for the first special symbol) is set to each numerical value described in FIG. 7 (B), and the small hitting determination table (for the second special symbol) is shown in FIG. 7 (C). Each listed numerical value is set. Further, the numerical values described in FIGS. 7B and 7C are small hit determination values.

  The small hit may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be provided when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In this case, the small hit determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 7 (C) may not be provided. In this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is mainly executed when the game state is shifted to the probability change state. Even if the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state, a small hit occurs so that if the configuration is made to inspire whether or not the probability changes, the current gaming state is the probability changing state. On the contrary, it makes the player feel annoyed. Therefore, if the small hit does not occur during the variable display of the second special symbol, the small hit is less likely to occur when the gaming state is the positive changed state, and the stunning effect against the positive change is not performed more than necessary. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player feels troublesome.

  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 match, it is decided to make a jackpot (a normal jackpot, a probability variation jackpot, or a sudden probability variation jackpot, which will be described later) for the special symbol. Further, when the big hit determination random number value matches any of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, it is determined to make a small hit for the special symbol. The “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, the “probability” shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C indicates the probability (ratio) of a small hit. Also, to determine whether to make a big hit, to determine whether to transition to the big hit gaming state, the stop symbol in the first special symbol display device 8a or the second special symbol display device 8b It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot design. Also, to determine whether to make a small hit, it is to determine whether to move to the small hit game state, stop in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b It is also to decide whether or not to make the symbol a small hit symbol.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, when the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) is used, the small hit is determined at a rate of 1/300. On the other hand, when the small hit determination table (second special symbol) is used, the case where the small hit is determined at a rate of 1/3000 will be described. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning a prize is given to the first starting winning opening 13 and the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, the starting winning a prize is given to the second starting winning opening 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. Compared to the case where the variable display is executed, the proportion of the “small hit” is determined to be high.

  7D and 7E are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b stored in the ROM 54. Of these, FIG. 7 (D) determines the jackpot type by using the pending storage based on the fact that the game ball has won the first starting winning opening 13 (that is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed). It is a jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) 131a in the case. Further, FIG. 7 (E) is a case where the jackpot type is determined by using the pending storage based on the fact that the game ball has won the second starting winning opening 14 (that is, when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed). It is a jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) 131b.

  The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot pattern, the jackpot type is "normal jackpot", based on the random number (random 1) for jackpot type determination. It is a table that is referred to in order to determine one of the "probability variation jackpot" and "a sudden variation jackpot." In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, five judgment values are assigned to the “sudden probability big hit” in the big hit type judgment table 131a (40 minutes). 5 is determined to be a sudden probability big jackpot), whereas one determination value is assigned to "a sudden probability big jackpot" in the jackpot type determination table 131b (a ratio of 1/40). Suddenly decided as a sudden change jackpot in)) Explain the case. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the start winning a prize is given to the first starting winning opening 13 and the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, the starting winning is given to the second starting winning opening 14 and the second special symbol is displayed. Compared with the case where the variable display is executed, the rate of being determined as “a sudden probability big hit” is high. In addition, "sudden probability big hit" is distributed only to the big hit type determination table 131a for the first special symbol, and "sudden probability big hit" is not distributed to the big jack type determination table 131b for the second special symbol (that is, , The "special sudden change big hit" may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the types of big hits include “normal big hit”, “probably odd big hit” and “suddenly sudden big hit”. In this embodiment, the number of rounds executed in the big hit game is two types, 15 rounds and 2 rounds, but the number of rounds executed in the big hit game is shown in this embodiment. It's not limited to For example, a 10R certainty variation jackpot for controlling a 10-round jackpot game, a 7R certainty variation jackpot for controlling a seven-round jackpot game, and a 5R certainty variation jackpot for controlling a five-round jackpot game may be provided. Further, in the present embodiment, there are three types of big hit types, namely, “normal big hit”, “probability change big hit” and “sudden probability change big hit”. A jackpot type may be provided. In addition, conversely, there may be less than three types of big hits, for example, only two types may be provided as big hit types.

  The "normal big hit" is a big hit that is controlled to a big hit game state of 15 rounds and is shifted to only a time saving state after the end of the big hit game state (see step S167 described later). After shifting to the time saving state, when the variable display is ended a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), the time saving state ends (see steps S168, S137 to S140). Even before the variable display is finished a predetermined number of times, the time saving state is finished even when the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

  The "probable variation jackpot" is a jackpot that is controlled to a jackpot gaming state for 15 rounds and shifts to the probability variation state after the jackpot gaming state is completed (in this embodiment, the jackpot is also shifted to the probability variation state and also in the time saving state. (See steps S169 and S170 described later). Then, the probability variation state and the time saving state continue until the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

  In addition, the "sudden probability big hit" is allowed up to a number of times when the special winning opening is less than the number of times of "normal big hit" or "probable big hit" (in this embodiment, the opening is 0.1 second twice). It is a big hit. That is, in the case of "a sudden sudden change big hit", it is controlled to a big hit game state of two rounds. In addition, in "normal big hit" and "probable odds big hit", the opening time of the big winning opening per round is as long as 29 seconds, whereas in "sudden positive big hit", the opening time of the big winning opening per round It is extremely short at 0.1 seconds, and it is hardly expected that a game ball will win the big winning opening during the big hit game. Then, in this embodiment, after the sudden probability big hit game state is suddenly shifted to the probability variation state (in this embodiment, the probability variation state is shifted to the time saving state. Step S169, which will be described later). See S170). Then, the probability variation state and the time saving state continue until the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

  It should be noted that the mode of sudden probability big hit is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the number of times of opening the special winning opening may be set to 15 times (15 rounds), which is the same as in the case of a normal big hit or a sudden probability variation big hit, and only the opening time of the special winning opening may be set to 0.1 seconds, which is extremely short.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even when a "small hit" occurs, the special winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds each, and a big hit game state due to "a sudden sudden change big hit" is achieved. Similar control is performed. Then, in the case of "small hit", the game state does not change after the opening of the special winning opening twice, and the gaming state before the "small hit" is maintained. By doing so, it becomes impossible to recognize whether it is a "sudden variation big hit" or a "small hit", and the enjoyment of the game is improved. In addition, when it is configured such that all the types of big hits are the probability varying big hits, the small hits may not be provided. Also, when the big hit types are all probability variation big hits, if a small hit is provided, the probability variation only (high-probability state) is entered and a sudden probability variation big hit does not involve a time-saving state (high base state). It is preferable to provide (the opening pattern of the special winning opening is the same in the case of sudden variation big hit and small hit).

  In the jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b, the determination values (the jackpot type determination values, which are numerical values to be compared with the value of Random 1 and correspond to each of the "normal jackpot", "probability variation jackpot", and "sudden probability variation jackpot", respectively. ) 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.

  8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the command 80XX (H) is a production control command (fluctuation pattern command) 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. ) (Each corresponding to the variation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is given to each of the usable fluctuation patterns shown in FIG. 17, which will be described later, 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.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether to make a big hit, whether to make a small hit, and a big hit type. Since the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbol according to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (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 fourth symbol is ended and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the symbol fixing designation command, the variable display (fluctuation) of the fourth symbol 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.

  The commands A001 and A002 (H) are display control commands (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command) for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game. In this embodiment, a big hit start designation command or a small hit / sudden-variable big hit start designation command is used according to the type of big hit. Specifically, a big hit start designation command (A001 (H)) is used in the case of "normal big hit" or "probability variation big hit", and a small hit in the case of "a sudden probability variation big hit" or "small hit" / The sudden probability big hit start designation command (A002 (H)) is used. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a fanfare designating command for sudden probability big hit start designation in the case of a sudden big hit, but does not send a fanfare designating command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  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. Note that the special winning opening opening designation command is transmitted for each round with a value designating that round set in the EXT data, and therefore a different special winning opening opening designation command is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening open designation command (A101 (H)) designating round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Sends a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) designating round 10. 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. Since the special winning opening after-opening designation command is transmitted for each round with a value designating that round set in the EXT data, a different special winning opening after-designation command is transmitted for each round. For example, when finishing the first round during the big hit game, a designation command (A201 (H)) after opening the special winning opening designating round 1 is transmitted, and when finishing the tenth round during the big hit game. Sends a special winning opening open designation command (A30A (H)) designating round 10.

  The command A301 (H) is a production control command (big hit end designation command: ending 1 designation command) for displaying the big hit end screen, that is, designating the end of the big hit game. The jackpot end designation command (A301 (H)) is used when the jackpot game based on the "normal jackpot" or the "probability variation jackpot" is finished. The command A302 (H) is a production control command (small hit / sudden odd change jackpot end designation command: ending 2 designation command) for designating the end of the small hit game or the sudden probability big hit game end. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 560 is configured to transmit an ending designation command for sudden variation big hit end designation in the case of a sudden variation big hit, but not to send an ending designation command in the case of a small hit. Good.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) that designates the background display when the game state is the normal state. Command B001 (H) is a production control command (probability variation state background designation command) for designating the background display when the game state is the probable variation state. Command B002 (H) is a production control command (time saving state background designating command) that specifies the background display when the game state is the time saving state.

  Command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number addition designating command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has increased by 1. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved storage number addition specification command) that specifies that the second reserved storage number has increased by one. Command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the first reserved memory number has decreased by 1. Command C300 (H) is an effect control command (second reserved storage number subtraction designation command) that specifies that the second reserved storage number has decreased by 1.

  In this embodiment, as the reserved storage information, for the first reserved storage number and the second reserved storage number, an effect control command (first reserved storage number addition designation) indicating that the reserved storage number has increased or decreased, respectively. Command, second reserved storage number addition designation command), but the form of the reserved storage information is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and for example, the reserved storage in the following mode The information may be transmitted.

(1) As the reserved storage information, only one command is transmitted, and which one of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory has increased in the one command is specified, and the increased number of reserved memories. The (first reserved memory number or second reserved memory number) may be set as EXT data and transmitted.

(2) Only one command is transmitted as the reserved storage information, and which one of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory has increased in the one command is specified, and the total reserved memory number is set to the EXT data. May be set and transmitted.

(3) As the reserved memory information, which one of the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 has the starting winning a prize (whether the first holding memory or the second holding memory has increased) is designated. The production control command (first start winning prize designation command, second starting winning prize designation command) is transmitted, and separately, a reserved storage number designation command for designating the reserved storage number is transmitted. In the reserved storage number designation command, It is also possible to set the total number of pending storages as EXT data and transmit the EXT data.

(4) As the reserved memory information, which one of the first starting winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 has the starting winning a prize (whether the first holding memory or the second holding memory has increased) is designated. The production control command (first start winning prize designation command, second starting winning prize designation command) is transmitted, and separately, a reserved storage number designation command for designating the reserved storage number is transmitted. In the reserved storage number designation command, The increased storage number (first storage number or second storage number) may be set as EXT data and transmitted.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command described above from the game control microcomputer 560 installed on the main board 31. Then, according to the contents shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the display state of the effect display device 9 is changed, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the voice output board 70. To do.

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

  In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 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.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the variation pattern command and the display result designation command are the variable display (variation) and the second special of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a. It can be used in common with the variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol on the symbol display device 8b, and the effect display is performed along with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When controlling the production parts such as the device 9, it is possible not to increase the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the production control microcomputer 100.

  10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process processing (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process 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, if the first starting opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first starting winning opening 13 is on, that is, the start to the first starting winning opening 13 If a winning has occurred, a first starting opening switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). Further, the CPU 56, if the second start opening switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won in the second start winning opening 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning opening 14 has occurred. Then, the second starting opening switch passage processing is executed (steps S313 and S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning opening switch 13a or the second starting opening switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes of steps S300 to S310 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 (total storage number). The number of stored numerical data stored in the reserved storage 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, a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation pattern is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100, and a variation time timer for measuring the variation time of the special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission 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). It should be noted that the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 so that the fourth symbol is stopped when the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 is received.

  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 small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. When neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300. 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 (see FIG. 22), 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, while performing control to send the special winning opening opening designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to step S306. To a value corresponding to (6 in this example). 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. In addition, since the special winning opening opening designation command is transmitted for each round with a value designating that round set in the EXT data, a different special winning opening opening designation command is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the big hit game, a special winning opening open designation command (A101 (H)) designating round 1 is transmitted, and when executing the tenth round during the big hit game. Sends a special winning opening open designation command (A10A (H)) designating round 10.

  Special winning opening opening process (step S306): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. In the process of opening the special winning opening, a process of confirming whether or not the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied is 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). In addition, while performing control to transmit the designation command after opening during the big hit to the production control microcomputer 100, when all rounds are finished, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value corresponding to step S307 (this In the example, update to 7).

  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.

  Small hit opening pre-processing (step S308): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the small hit opening pre-processing, control 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 (9 in this example) corresponding to step S309. In addition, the small hit opening pre-processing is executed each time the big winning opening is opened during the small hit game. It is also the process to start.

  Small hitting open process (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. The process of confirming the closing condition of the special winning opening is performed. When the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, and the number of times of opening the special winning opening still remains, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. Update. In addition, when all opening is completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (10 in this example) corresponding to step S310.

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

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the starting port switch passage processing in steps S312 and S314. Of these, FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the first starting port switch passage processing of step S312. Further, FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing the second starting opening switch passage processing of step S314.

  First, the first starting port switch passage processing will be described with reference to FIG. In the first start opening switch passage processing executed when the first start opening switch 13a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, It is confirmed whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the number of 1 reserved memories is 4 (step S1211A). If the first number of reserved storages has reached the upper limit value, the processing is ended as it is.

  If the first pending storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increments the value of the first pending storage number counter by 1 (step S1212A), and at the same time, the value of the total pending storage number counter for counting the total pending storage number. Is incremented by 1 (step S1213A). Next, the CPU 56 executes a process of extracting values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers and storing them in the storage area of the first pending storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214A). . In the process of step S1214A, a random number R (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, It is stored in the save area. Random pattern determination random number (random 2) is not extracted and stored in the storage area in advance in the first starting opening switch passage process (at the time of starting winning), but is extracted at the start of the variation of the first special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly 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. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (reserved storage buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the reserved storage. As shown in FIG. 13, in the first reserved storage buffer, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured. 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. In this embodiment, in the first pending storage buffer and the second pending storage buffer, 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) that is a software random number, and a variation. A random number for pattern determination (random 2) is stored. The first pending storage buffer and the second pending storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 controls to send the first reserved storage number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1215A).

  Next, the second starting opening switch passage processing will be described with reference to FIG. In the second starting opening switch passage processing executed when the second starting opening switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second number of reserved storages reaches the upper limit value (specifically, the second holding). It is confirmed whether or not the value of the second reserved storage number counter for counting the storage number is 4 (step S1211B). If the second number of reserved storages has reached the upper limit value, the processing is ended as it is.

  If the second reserved storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increments the value of the second reserved storage number counter by 1 (step S1212B), 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 S1213B). Next, the CPU 56 executes a process of extracting values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers and storing them in the storage area of the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214B). . In the process of step S1214B, a random number R (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, It is stored in the save area. Random pattern determination random number (random 2) is not extracted in the second starting opening switch passage process (at the time of starting winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly 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.

  And CPU56 performs control which transmits the 2nd reservation storage number addition designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for effect control (step S1215B).

  14 and 15 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 pending storage number is 0, and if the customer waiting demo designating command has not been transmitted yet, control is performed to transmit the customer waiting demo designating command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the processing is executed. finish. Note that, for example, when the CPU 56 transmits the customer waiting demo designation command in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets a customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag indicating that the customer waiting demo designation command has been transmitted. Then, when the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interrupt is executed after sending the customer wait demo designation command, the customer wait is repeated based on that the customer wait demo designation command sent flag is set. It may be controlled so as not to send the demo designation command. Further, in this case, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted flag may be reset when the next variable display of the special symbol is started.

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

  In this embodiment, by performing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed with respect to the variable display of the first special symbol. In other words, the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is controlled so as to take precedence over the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

  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”, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the first number of reserved memories = 1 in the first reserved memory buffer. Is read out 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 buffer. It is stored 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 in the reserved specific area and the first reserved storage buffer. Shift the contents of each storage area. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the count value of the second reserved storage number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area in the reserved specific area and the second reserved storage buffer are shifted. To do.

  That is, the CPU 56, in the case where the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55. Each stored random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the first number of pending storages = n-1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", each is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55. The random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second number of reserved storages = n-1. Further, the CPU 56 adds up the values (the values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage areas corresponding to the total number of reserved storages = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. Store in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storages = m-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. Further, the order in which the respective values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective total reserved storage numbers are extracted is always the same as the order of the total reserved storage numbers = 1-8.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a background designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 according to the current game state (step S60). In this case, when the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state is set, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the probability variation state background designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the time saving state background designation command when only the time saving flag indicating the time saving state is set and the probability variation flag is not set. If neither the probability variation flag nor the time saving flag is set, the CPU 56 controls to send the normal state background designating command.

  In addition, specifically, when transmitting the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of the command transmission table (set in advance in the ROM for each command) according to the effect control command. Set it to a pointer. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect control command control process (step S28). In this embodiment, when the variation of the special symbol is started, the background designation command, the variation pattern command, the display result designation command, the reserved storage number subtraction designation command (the first reserved storage number subtraction) for each timer interrupt. The designation command or the second reserved storage number subtraction designation command) is transmitted in this order to the effect control microcomputer 100. Specifically, when the fluctuation of the special symbol is started, first, the background designation command is transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms, and the display result designation command is further transmitted after 4 ms, and further after 4 ms. The reserved storage number subtraction designation command (the first reserved storage number subtraction designation command or the second reserved storage number subtraction designation command) is transmitted. In addition, when the variation of the special symbol is started, a symbol variation designation command (first symbol variation designation command, second symbol variation designation command) is also transmitted, but the symbol variation designation command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (random number for jackpot determination) from the random number buffer area and executes the jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 uses the first start opening switch passing process S1214A and the second starting opening switch passing process S1214B and stores them in advance in the first pending storage buffer and the second pending storage buffer for jackpot determination. Read the random number and judge the big hit. The jackpot determination module compares a predetermined jackpot determination value or a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 7) with a jackpot determination random number, and when they match, executes processing to determine a jackpot or a jackpot. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes the processing of the big hit judgment and the small hit judgment.

  In the jackpot determination process, when the gaming state is the probable variation state, the probability of being a jackpot is higher than when the gaming state is the non-probability variation state (normal state or time saving state). Specifically, the probability variation big hit determination table in which a large number of big hit determination values are set in advance (a table in which the numerical values on the right side of FIG. 7A in ROM 54 are set) and the number of big hit determination values A normal big hit judgment table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit judgment table is provided. Then, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the gaming state is the probability variation state, and when the gaming state is the probability variation state, performs the jackpot determination process using the probability variation big jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When it is in the state, the jackpot determination table is used to perform the jackpot determination process in the normal state. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches any of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), 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.

  The confirmation as to whether or not the current game state is the probability variation state is performed by 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 determined to be a "probably odds big hit" or "a suddenly odds big hit", and is set in the process of ending the big hit game. After the jackpot game is over, it is reset when the next jackpot occurs.

  If the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) does not match any of the big hit determination values (N in step S61), the CPU 56 uses the small hit determination table (see FIGS. 7B and 7C). Then, the small hit determination process is performed. That is, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a small hit when the value of the random number for random determination (random R) matches any of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. In this case, the CPU 56 confirms the data indicated by the special symbol pointer, and when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is “first”, the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. 7B. ) Is used to determine whether to make a small hit. Further, when the data indicated by the special symbol pointer is "second", it is determined whether or not to make a small hit using the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. 7C. . Then, when it is determined to be a small hit (step S62), the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag indicating that it is a small hit (step S63), and proceeds to step S75.

  If the value of the random R does not match either the big hit judgment value or the small hit judgment value (N in step S62), that is, if it is out of alignment, the process directly proceeds to step S75.

  In step S71, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag indicating that it is a big hit. Then, as the table used for determining the jackpot type to any one of a plurality of types, the jackpot type determination table indicated by the special symbol pointer is selected (step S72). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 56 selects the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 7D. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the CPU 56 selects the big hit type determination table 131b for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 7 (E).

  Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to select a type (“normal jackpot”, “probable variation”) corresponding to a value that matches the value of the random number (random 1) for jackpot type determination stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit" or "suddenly sudden change big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type which is extracted in step S1214A of the first starting opening switch passage processing or step S1214B of the second starting opening switch passage processing and stored in advance in the first pending storage buffer or the second pending storage buffer. The random number for use is read and the jackpot type is determined. Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, there is a high percentage of sudden probability jackpots being selected.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets the data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the big hit type is "normal big hit", "01" is set as the data indicating the big hit type, and when the big hit type is "probable variation big hit", "02" is set as the data indicating the big hit type, When the big hit type is "sudden probability big hit", "03" is set as data indicating the big hit type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, "-" which is a deviating symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the big hit flag is set, one of the big hit symbols, "1", "3", and "7", is determined as the special symbol stop symbol, depending on the big hit type determination result. That is, when the jackpot type is determined to be "suddenly sudden change jackpot", "1" is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol, and when "normal jackpot" is determined, "3" is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. However, when the "probability variation big hit" is determined, "7" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol. Further, when the small hit flag is set, "5" which is a small hit symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the big hit type is first determined, and the case of determining the stop symbol of the special symbol corresponding to the determined big hit type is shown, but the method of determining the big symbol type and the stop symbol of the special symbol is The invention is not limited to those shown in the embodiments. 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 S76).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 uses a big hit fluctuation pattern determination table (probably large hit / normal) as a table to be used for determining the fluctuation pattern to be one of a plurality of kinds. A big hit variation pattern determination table for big hits and a big hit variation pattern determination table for sudden probability changes big hits are selected (step S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S93). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern determination table as a table used to determine one of the plurality of types of variation patterns (step S94). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  When the small hit flag is not set either, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time saving flag indicating the time saving state is set (step S95). The time saving flag is set when the gaming state is changed to the probability changing state or the time saving state, and is reset when ending the time saving state. Specifically, when it is determined to be a "normal big hit", a time saving flag is set in the process of ending the big hit game. In addition, after the big hit game is finished, it is reset when the variable display of a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) is finished. The time saving flag is reset even when the next big hit occurs even before the variable display for the predetermined number of times is finished. Further, when it is determined to be the "probability variation big hit" or "sudden probability variation big hit", the probability variation flag is set and the time saving flag is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Then, when the next big hit occurs, the time saving flag is reset together with the probability variation flag.

  If the time saving flag is not set (N in step S95), the CPU 56 selects the normal out-of-range fluctuation pattern determination table as the table used to determine one of the plurality of kinds of fluctuation patterns. (Step S96). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  When the time saving flag is set (Y in step S95), that is, when the gaming state is the probability changing state or the time saving state (in this embodiment, when the game state is shifted to the probability changing state, the time saving state is always set. Since it is also shifted (see steps S169 and S170), if it is determined to be Y in step S95, there are cases of a probable variation state and cases where control is performed only in the time saving state. As the table used to determine any one of the plurality of types, the time-shortening out-of-range variation pattern determination table is selected (step S97). Then, the process proceeds to step S98.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out Random 2 (random number for fluctuation pattern determination) from the random number buffer area (first pending storage buffer or second pending storage buffer) and refers to the table selected in the processing of step S92, S94, S96 or S97. By doing so, the variation pattern is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S98).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns 1 to 5 is determined in step S98. For example, when the big variation variation pattern judgment table for the probability variation big hit / normal big hit is selected in step S92, the variation pattern 1 shown in FIG. The CPU 101 for effect control determines the variation pattern 1 by the lottery process using the random 2 in step S98. Further, for example, when the big hit variation pattern determination table for sudden probability big hit is selected in step S92, the variation pattern 4 shown in FIG. 17 is set in the big hit variation pattern determination table for sudden probability big hit. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 determines the variation pattern 4 by the lottery process using the random 2 in step S98. Further, for example, when the small hit variation pattern determination table is selected in step S94, the variation pattern 4 shown in FIG. 17 is set in the small hit variation pattern determination table, and the effect control CPU 101: In step S98, the variation pattern 4 is determined by the lottery process using the random 2.

  Further, for example, when the normal deviation pattern for fluctuation pattern is selected in step S96, fluctuation patterns 2 and 3 shown in FIG. 17 are set in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for normal deviation. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 determines the variation pattern 2 or the variation pattern 3 by the lottery process using the random 2 in step S98. In addition, for example, when the time-shifting deviation pattern determination table for time saving is selected in step S97, the fluctuation patterns 2 and 5 shown in FIG. 17 are set in the time-saving deviation pattern determination table. Therefore, the effect control CPU 101 determines the variation pattern 2 or the variation pattern 5 by the lottery process using the random 2 in step S98.

  Note that the variation patterns shown in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and it is desirable to prepare various variation patterns according to the type of reach, the presence / absence of pseudo-relation, the presence / absence of sliding effect, and the like.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S99). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 56 controls to transmit the first symbol variation designation command. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the CPU 56 controls to transmit the second symbol variation designation command. Further, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting an effect control command (fluctuation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S100).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the fluctuation time corresponding to the selected fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S101). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S102).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the effect control commands (see FIG. 8) of the display result 1 designation to the display result 5 designation in accordance with the determined type of big hit, small hit, and loss. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the jackpot flag is set and the jackpot type is "normal jackpot", control is performed to transmit the display result 2 designation command (steps S111 and S112). Whether or not the "normal big hit" can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is "01". . Further, when the type of the big hit is "probable variation big hit", the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 3 designation command (steps S113 and S114). Whether or not the "probable variation big hit" can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is "02". . Then, when it is neither "normal big hit" nor "probability variation big hit" (that is, when it is "a sudden probability variation big hit"), the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 4 designation command (step S115).

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is not set (N in step S110), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S116). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 5 designation command (step S117). When the small hit flag is not set (N in step S116), that is, when it is out of alignment, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 1 designation command (step S118).

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

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the reserved storage number subtraction designation command (the first reserved storage number subtraction designation command or the second reserved storage number subtraction designation command) has already been transmitted ( Step S1121). Whether or not the pending storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates, for example, that the pending storage number subtraction designation command has been transmitted when the pending storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted in step S1122 described later. The storage number subtraction designation command transmitted flag may be set, and in step S1121, it may be confirmed whether or not the reserved storage number subtraction designation command transmitted flag is set. Further, in this case, the set storage number subtraction designation command transmitted flag is set to be reset by special symbol stop processing or jackpot ending processing described later when terminating variable display of special symbols or ending jackpot. Good.

  Next, if the reserved storage number subtraction designation command has not been transmitted, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the reserved storage number subtraction designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1122). In this case, when the value indicating "first" is set to the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the first reserved storage number subtraction designation command. Further, when the value indicating "second" is set to the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the second reserved storage number subtraction designation command.

  Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variable time timer (step S1125), and when the variable time timer times out (step S1126), performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1127). 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 S1128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process is terminated as it is.

  FIG. 20 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 S131). If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56, if set, the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state, the time saving flag indicating the time saving state, and the number of times the special symbol can fluctuate in the time saving state. Is reset (step S132), and control for transmitting the big hit start designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed (step S133). Specifically, when the type of the big hit is "normal big hit" or "probability variation big hit", a big hit start designation command (command A001 (H)) is transmitted. If the type of the big hit is the sudden probability big hit, the small hit / suddenly sudden big hit start designation command (command A002 (H)) is transmitted. It should be noted that whether the type of jackpot is "normal jackpot", "probability variation jackpot", or "sudden variation jackpot" is data indicating the jackpot type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the jackpot type buffer). It is judged based on.

  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 S134). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times in the case of "normal big hit" or "probability variation big hit" and twice in the case of "a sudden probability variation big hit") is set in the special winning opening release counter (step S135). . Also, the round time per round in the big hit game is set. Specifically, in the case of sudden probability big hit, the round time is set to 0.1 second, and in the case of normal big hit or probability variable big hit, the round time is set to 29 seconds. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening preprocessing (step S305) (step S136).

  If the big hit flag is not set in step S131, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the time saving counter showing the variable number of times of the special symbol in the time saving state is 0 (step S137). If the value of the hour / hour counter is not 0, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the hour / hour counter by -1 (step S138). Then, when the value of the hour / hour counter after subtraction becomes 0 (step S139), the CPU 56 resets the hour / hour flag (step S140).

  Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S141). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 sends a small hit / suddenly probable variation big hit start command (command A002 (H)) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S142). Further, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (a time at which the effect display device 9 notifies that the small hit has occurred, for example) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S143). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, twice) is set in the special winning opening opening counter (step S144). Also, the opening time for each big winning opening in the small hit game is set. Specifically, 0.1 seconds, which is the same as the round time for sudden probability big hit, is set as the opening time for each big winning opening in the small hit game. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the small hit start preprocessing (step S308) (step S145).

  If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S141), 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 S146).

  FIG. 21 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). Here, if it is a "normal big hit" or "probability variation big hit", a big hit end designation command (command A301 (H)) is transmitted, and if it is "sudden probability variation big hit", small hit / sudden probability variation big hit An end designation command (command A302 (H)) is transmitted. 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 (step S164). 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.

  If the jackpot end display time has passed (Y in step S165), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot to be finished this time is a normal jackpot (step S166). Whether or not the "normal big hit" can be specifically determined by checking whether or not the data set in the big hit type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is "01". . If it is a normal big hit, the CPU 56 sets the time saving flag and shifts to the time saving state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) in the time saving counter (step S168).

  If it is not a normal big hit (that is, if it is a probability big hit or a sudden probability big hit), the CPU 56 sets the probability change flag to shift to the probability change state (step S169) and sets the time saving flag to shift to the time saving state. (Step S170).

  In addition, in this embodiment, regardless of whether it is a probability variation big hit or a sudden probability variation big hit, a case is shown in which it is uniformly changed to both the probability variation state and the time saving state. Whether or not to shift to the time saving state may be changed according to the game state before the sudden change big hit. For example, if the normal state (low base state) was suddenly reached before the sudden change jackpot, only the transition to the sure change state is made, and not the short-time state (that is, transition to the high probability / low base state). If the time-shortened state (high base state) is present before the sudden change big hit, the state may be shifted to both the probability-changed state and the time-shortened state (that is, to be shifted to the high probability / high base state). By doing so, since there is no change in the opening frequency of the variable winning ball device 15 before and after the sudden change big hit, it is difficult to recognize whether the sudden change big hit or the small hit.

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

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the special symbol display control process (step S32) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, during the execution of the special symbol variation process), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for the special symbol variation display for the special symbol display control data. A process for setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates the special symbol display control data for performing variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the changing speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by 1 every 0.2 seconds. Then, after that, the display control process (see step S22) is executed, and the drive signal is output to the special symbol display devices 8a and 8b according to the content of the output buffer for the special symbol display control data setting, The variable display of the special symbols on the special symbol display devices 8a and 8b is executed.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPU 56 confirms whether the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (step S3203). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, in the case of shifting to the special symbol stop process), the CPU 56 is a special symbol for stopping the stop symbol of the special symbol set in the special symbol normal process. A process of setting the display control data in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. Then, after that, the display control process (see step S22) is executed, and the drive signal is output to the special symbol display devices 8a and 8b according to the content of the output buffer for the special symbol display control data setting, In the special symbol display devices 8a and 8b, the stop symbol of the special symbol is stopped and displayed. After the process of step S3204 is executed and the special symbol display control data for stop symbol display is set, the setting data is not changed, so the latest special symbol display control data is displayed in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol will be stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. If the value of the special symbol process flag is either 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol changing process), for the special symbol variation display. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, in order not to cause a discrepancy between the fluctuation time recognized on the game control microcomputer 560 side and the fluctuation time recognized on the effect control microcomputer 100 side, fluctuation also occurs in the display result designation command transmission process. The time timer may be configured to be decremented by 1.

  In this embodiment, the case where the special symbol display control data is set in the output buffer according to the value of the special symbol process flag is shown, but in the special symbol process process, the start flag is set at the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. At the same time, the end flag may be set when the change of the special symbol ends. Then, in the special symbol display control process (step S32), the CPU 56 starts updating the value of the special symbol display control data based on the start flag being set, and based on the end flag being set. The special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol may be set.

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, effect control CPU 101) as the effect control means 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 (for example, 4 ms) of the effect control is performed (step S701). .

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 reads time information from the real-time clock 108 (step S702). Next, the effect control CPU 101 specifies the current time based on the read time information, and sets the time measurement timer according to the specified time (step S703). In this embodiment, a value is set in the time measurement timer so that the time measurement timer times out every hour. In general, since a game store opens around 10:00, in step S703, a time measuring timer is set so as to time out at 11:00. For example, when the current time specified based on the time information is 9:50, a value corresponding to 70 minutes until 11:00 is set in the time measurement timer in step S703.

  In this embodiment, the case where the real-time clock 108 and the time measuring timer are used for clocking is shown, but the clocking method is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, without using the real-time clock 108, a value equivalent to one hour is uniformly set in the time measuring timer in step S703 and step S755 of the time measuring process described later, and after the power supply to the gaming machine is started. The time measurement timer may time out every hour and the specific effect described below may be executed.

  After that, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to the loop processing for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S704). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets the timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S705) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command, and sets a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S706).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs a time measurement process (step S707). In the time measuring process, a process of measuring time using a time measuring timer is executed.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S708). 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.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs a fourth symbol process process (step S709). In the fourth symbol process processing, among the processes according to the control state, the process corresponding to the current control state (fourth symbol process flag) is selected and the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9 are selected. Display control of the fourth symbol is executed.

  Next, a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number is executed (step S710). Then, it transfers to step S704.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command receiving buffer is composed of the 12-byte area of the receiving command buffers 1-12. 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. The ring buffer format is not always required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in the buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis processing, which command (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area is analyzed. The interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal is executed prior to the timer interrupt process executed every 4 ms.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S706). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the received command buffer, but in the command analysis processing, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command 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 effect control command is the variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received variation pattern command in the variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is the display result specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 forms the received display result specifying command (display result 1 specifying command to display result 5 specifying command) in the RAM. The display result designation command storage area is stored (step S618).

  If the received production control command is the symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the production control CPU 101 sets the confirmation command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received production control command is the big hit start designation command (command A001 (H)) (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets the big hit start designation command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received production control command is a small hit / suddenly sudden change jackpot start designation command (command A002 (H)) (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / sudden sudden change jackpot start designation command reception flag. (Step S624).

  If the received effect control command is the big hit end designation command (command A301 (H)) (step S625), the effect control CPU 101 sets the big hit end designation command reception flag (step S626). If the received production control command is a small hit / suddenly probable variation big hit end designation command (step S627), the effect control CPU 101 sets a small hit / suddenly probable variation big hit end designation command reception flag (step S628).

  If the received production control command is a customer waiting demo designation command (command 9F00 (H)) (step S629), the production control CPU 101 sets a customer waiting demo designation command reception flag (step S630).

  If the received effect control command is any other command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag according to the received effect control command (step S631). For example, if the received production control command is the first symbol variation designation command, the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set, and if the received production control command is the second symbol variation designation command, the second symbol variation designation command. Set the receive flag. Then, the process proceeds to step S611.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the time measuring process (step S707) in the main process shown in FIG. In the time measurement process, the effect control CPU 101 first subtracts 1 from the value of the time measurement timer (step S751), and confirms whether the time measurement timer after the subtraction has timed out (step S752). If it has not timed out, the process is terminated. If the time measurement timer has timed out, the effect control CPU 101 sets the effect start condition satisfaction flag indicating that the start condition for the specific effect has been satisfied (step S753).

  The "specific effect" is an effect that is executed for a predetermined period based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. For example, it is simultaneously executed by a plurality of gaming machines installed in a game store when the predetermined condition is satisfied. It is a directed production. In this embodiment, a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the fact that it is 00 minutes every hour, and an effect in which predetermined moving image reproduction is simultaneously started for 5 minutes as a predetermined period is executed as the specific effect. Specifically, in this embodiment, at 00 minutes every hour, the time measurement timer times out, the effect start condition satisfaction flag is set (see steps S752 and S753), and the effect start condition satisfaction flag is set. Based on this, the specific effect is executed in the specific effect process (see step S810) described later.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 reads the time information from the real-time clock 108 (step S754). Next, the effect control CPU 101 specifies the current time based on the read time information, and sets the time measurement timer according to the specified time (step S755). In this embodiment, a value is set in the time measurement timer so that the time measurement timer times out every hour. For example, when the current time specified based on the time information is 11:00, a value corresponding to 60 minutes until the next 12:00 is set in the time measurement timer in step S703.

  In this embodiment, the time information is read from the real-time clock 108 each time the time measurement timer is set, but the time information is read from the real-time clock 108 only when the game machine is powered on and the time is measured. When the timer is set (see steps S702 and S703) and the time measuring timer is set after the power is turned on for the second time and thereafter, a value equivalent to 60 minutes is uniformly read without reading the time information from the real-time clock 108. May be set in the time measuring timer. By doing so, the process of step S754 becomes unnecessary. However, in this embodiment, the time information is read from the real-time clock 108 every time the time measurement timer is set, so that the time measurement timer times out at 00 minutes each hour more accurately and the specific effect can be started. I have to.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (step S708) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process process, the effect control CPU 101 first executes a specific effect process (step S810) for executing a specific effect.

  Next, 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 symbols is realized. 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. The variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the second special symbol may be configured to be executed by another effect control process process. Good. Further, in this case, it may be possible to determine which special symbol variable display is being executed depending on which effect control process process the variable display of the effect symbol is being executed.

  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 variation stop process (step S803): The variation of the production symbol is stopped and the control for deriving and displaying the display result (stopped symbol) is performed. 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 process (step S804): After the change time ends, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of 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 ending process (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. 28 is a flowchart showing the specific effect process (step S810). In the specific effect process, the effect control CPU 101 first confirms whether or not the effect end condition satisfaction flag indicating that the end condition of the specific effect has been satisfied is set (step S5001). If the effect ending condition satisfaction flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the specific effect executing flag indicating that the specific effect is being executed is set (step S5002). If the specific effect execution flag is not set (that is, if the specific effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the effect start condition satisfaction flag is set (step S5003). If the effect start condition satisfaction flag is not set, the process is ended as it is.

  If the effect start condition satisfaction flag is set (that is, if the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied), the effect control CPU 101 resets the effect start condition satisfaction flag (step S5004). Further, the effect control CPU 101 reads the volume setting value of the speaker 27 and the brightness setting value of the frame LED 28 from the setting value storage area provided in the RAM (step S5004A).

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, the volume of the speaker 27 and the brightness of the frame LED can be set by the operation of the player during the customer waiting demonstration display at the time of starting the game (variable pattern command reception described later). Waiting process steps S811G to S811I). Then, in the setting value storage area provided in the RAM, the volume setting value of the speaker 27 and the brightness setting value of the frame LED 28 set by the player are stored.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets the volume and brightness used for the specific effect to the values of the volume setting value and the brightness setting value read in step S5004A (step S5004B). Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the volume setting value read in step S5004A is less than a predetermined value (step S5004C). In this embodiment, in step S5004C, it is determined whether the predetermined value is less than a value corresponding to 70% of the maximum sound volume of the speaker 27. If the volume setting value is less than the predetermined value, the effect control CPU 101 changes the volume used for the specific effect set in step S5004B to a predetermined value (in this example, a value corresponding to 70%) and resets it ( Step S5004D).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the brightness setting value read in step S5004A is less than a predetermined value (step S5004E). In this embodiment, in step S5004E, it is determined whether the predetermined value is less than a value corresponding to 70% of the maximum brightness value of the frame LED 28. If the brightness setting value is less than the predetermined value, the effect control CPU 101 changes the brightness used for the specific effect set in step S5004B to a predetermined value (in this example, a value corresponding to 70%) and resets it ( Step S5004F).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to start moving image reproduction of the specific effect in the specific effect execution area of the effect display device 9 (step S5005). In this embodiment, the upper area of the effect display device 9 is set as the specific effect execution area, and in step S5005, the control CPU 101 for effect control starts the reproduction of the specific effect moving image in the upper area of the effect display device 9. I do. In this case, the effect control CPU 101 starts moving image reproduction in accordance with the volume and brightness set in steps S5004B, S5004D, and S5004F, thereby outputting the sound corresponding to the specific effect moving image from the speaker 27 at the set volume and setting the sound. The control is performed to cause the frame LED 28 to emit light in the light emission pattern corresponding to the moving image of the specific effect with the luminance thus set.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets a specific effect in-execution flag (step S5006), and corresponds to a specific effect period measurement timer for measuring the execution period of the specific effect for a predetermined period (five minutes in this example). A value is set (step S5007).

  In this embodiment, the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player are equal to or more than a predetermined value (a value corresponding to 70% in this example) by performing the processing of steps S5004A to S5004F. If so, the specific effect is executed with the volume and the brightness corresponding to the set volume setting value and the brightness setting value, and if it is less than the predetermined value, the specific effect is executed with the volume and the brightness corresponding to at least the predetermined value. In this way, the specific effect is prevented from being executed with an unnecessarily low volume of sound, and the specific effect is not executed with an excessively low brightness.

  Further, in this embodiment, after the volume and brightness of the specific effect are provisionally set to the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player (see step S5004B), the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are set to predetermined values. It is determined whether or not it is less than a predetermined value, and if it is less than the predetermined value, the volume and brightness corresponding to the predetermined value are changed and reset, but the setting method of the volume and brightness of the specific effect is The invention is not limited to those shown in the embodiments. For example, when the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are read in step S5004A, first, it is confirmed whether the read volume setting value is less than a predetermined value. If less than the predetermined value, the volume of the specific effect is set to a predetermined value. May be set to a value corresponding to, and if it is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the volume of the specific effect may be set to the read volume setting value as it is. Also, it is confirmed whether or not the read brightness setting value is less than a predetermined value. If the brightness setting value is less than the predetermined value, the brightness of the specific effect is set to a value corresponding to the predetermined value, and if the predetermined value or more, the brightness of the specific effect is set. The brightness may be set to the brightness setting value read as it is. With such a configuration, it is possible to set the volume and the brightness only once, and it is possible to eliminate the need to reset the volume later.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where it is determined whether or not both the sound volume and the brightness are less than the predetermined values and the resetting is performed by executing the processing of steps S5004C to S5004F is described. Alternatively, it may be reset by determining whether or not only one of the luminances is less than the predetermined value. Specifically, only one of the processes of steps S5004C and S5004D and the processes of steps S5004E and S5004F may be executed.

  When the specific effect execution flag is set (Y in step S5002), that is, when the specific effect is being executed, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the specific effect period measurement timer. (Step S5008). Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the specific effect period timer after subtraction has timed out (step S5009). If it has not timed out, the process is terminated. If the specific effect period measurement timer has timed out (that is, if a predetermined period (in this example, 5 minutes) has passed and the condition for ending the specific effect is satisfied), the effect control CPU 101 determines that the effect control process. It is confirmed whether or not the value of the flag is a value (2 in this example) indicating the effect during production symbol variation (step S5010). If the value of the process flag for effect control is a value indicating the process during effect symbol change (that is, if the effect symbol is being changed and displayed), the effect control CPU 101 does not immediately end the specific effect, Only the production end condition satisfaction flag is set (step S5011), and the process ends. If the value of the process flag for effect control is not a value indicating the process during effect symbol fluctuation, the process proceeds to step S5014.

  When the effect ending condition satisfaction flag is set (Y in step S5001), the effect control CPU 101 determines that the value of the effect control process flag is a value (3 in this example) indicating effect design variation stop processing. It is confirmed whether or not (step S5012). If the value of the production control process flag is not a value indicating the production symbol variation stop processing, the processing is ended as it is. If the value of the process flag for production control is a value indicating the production symbol variation stop processing (that is, if it is the stop timing of the variation display of the production symbol), the production control CPU 101 determines the production end condition satisfaction flag. Is reset (step S5013). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs control for ending the moving image reproduction of the specific effect that is being executed in the specific effect execution area of the effect display device 9 (step S5014). Then, the effect control CPU 101 resets the specific effect effect flag (step S5015).

  By executing the processing of steps S5001 and S5009 to S5015, in this embodiment, a predetermined period (in this example, 5 minutes) elapses at a timing other than during the variable display of the effect symbol, and the end condition of the specific effect. When is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S5014 and the execution of the specific effect is immediately terminated. On the other hand, when a predetermined period (five minutes in this example) has elapsed during the variable display of the effect symbol and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the execution of the specific effect is not immediately ended, and the effect of the effect symbol is changed. After waiting until the timing of ending the variable display (see step S5012), the execution of the specific effect is ended.

  In this embodiment, since the specific effect process of step S810 is executed before the processes of steps S800 to S807 in the effect control process process shown in FIG. 27, the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied. For example, a specific effect is executed even during a big hit game. In this case, since the effect during the big hit game is executed on the effect display device 9, the execution of the specific effect is continued by, for example, reducing the video reproduction of the specific effect on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. You can do it. Then, for example, when a predetermined period (5 minutes in this example) elapses during the big hit game and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the reproduction of the reduced video is ended and the specific effect is executed. Should be ended.

  Further, the processing mode of the specific effect processing is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, in the specific effect process shown in FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation stop process before and after step S5010, and the value of the effect control process flag is the effect symbol variation. If the value indicates the stop process, the process may directly proceed to step S5014 and the moving image reproduction of the specific effect may be ended.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the predetermined period has elapsed during the variable display, the video reproduction of the specific effect is ended after the fluctuation is stopped, but the specific effect is waited for until the next variation starts. You may make it complete | finish the video reproduction of. In this case, for example, before and after step S5010, it is determined whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation stop process, and the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation stop process. If so, it may be determined whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation start processing. Then, if the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol fluctuation start processing, the video reproduction of the specific effect is terminated, thereby waiting for the start of the next fluctuation and then ending the video reproduction of the specific effect. You can do it like this. Alternatively, for example, before and after step S5010, it is determined whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation start processing, and the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation start processing. For example, by directly moving to step S5014 and ending the reproduction of the specific effect, the reproduction of the specific effect may be ended after the start of the next fluctuation.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the fluctuation pattern command reception flag is set, the fluctuation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect design variation start process (step S801) (step S813). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is also transmitted when the power is restored (see step S44). However, as shown in FIG. , Based on the receipt of the variation pattern command, it shifts to the effect symbol variation start process and starts the variation display of the effect symbol, so the variation of the effect symbol is not received by receiving the variation result command and only the display result designation command is received. The display does not start.

  If the fluctuation pattern command reception flag is not set (that is, if the fluctuation pattern command is not received), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the customer waiting demonstration is being displayed (step S811A). Whether or not the customer waiting demonstration display is in progress is set, for example, by setting a customer waiting demonstration display flag indicating that the customer waiting demonstration display is in progress when the customer waiting demonstration display is started in step S811E described later. Then, in step S811A, it may be confirmed whether or not the customer waiting demo display flag is set.

  If the customer waiting demonstration is not being displayed, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set (step S811B). If the customer waiting demo designation command reception flag is set (that is, if the customer waiting demo designation command is received), the effect control CPU 101 has elapsed time 30 from the reception of the customer waiting demo designation command. It is confirmed whether or not seconds have passed (step S811C). Whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed since the customer waiting demo designation command was received is determined, for example, when the customer waiting demo designation command reception flag is set in step S630 of the command analysis process (that is, A value corresponding to 30 seconds may be set in a predetermined timer (when the customer waiting demo designation command is received), and whether or not the timer has timed out may be confirmed in step S811C.

  If 30 seconds have elapsed since the customer waiting demo designation command was received, the production control CPU 101 resets the customer waiting demo designation command reception flag (step S811D) and waits for a predetermined customer on the production display device 9. The demonstration display is started (step S811E). For example, as a predetermined customer waiting demonstration display, a character string such as “during demo display” may be displayed, or a predetermined initial appearance (for example, a combination of symbols such as “123” or a big hit such as “777” may be associated. It is also possible to display a combination of symbols to be displayed), to display a predetermined character, or to display the logotype of the game machine maker.

  In this embodiment, the case where the customer waiting demonstration display is started at a timing of 30 seconds after the customer waiting demo designation command is received (that is, after the variable display is interrupted) is shown. It is not limited to such a mode. For example, the customer waiting demonstration display may be started at the timing when 20 seconds or 1 minute has elapsed after receiving the customer waiting demonstration designation command. Further, for example, the customer waiting demonstration display may be started immediately after receiving the customer waiting demonstration designation command.

  Further, when the customer waiting demonstration display is started, the effect control CPU 101 also starts the superimposed display of the volume / luminance setting screen for setting the volume and the brightness on the effect display device 9 (step S811F).

  When the customer waiting demonstration is being displayed (Y in step S811A), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the operation signal from the stick controller 122 is input (step S811G), and the operation signal is input. Then, the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are input according to the operation (step S811H). Then, the effect control CPU 101 stores the input volume setting value and brightness setting value in the setting value storage area provided in the RAM (step S811I).

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the volume / luminance setting screen. As shown in FIG. 30 (A), in this embodiment, for example, a display such as "during demo display" indicating that a customer waiting demonstration is being displayed, and a display such as "Set volume!" A volume / luminance setting screen is displayed. On the display screen shown in FIG. 30 (A), for example, the player tilts the stick controller 122 left and right to select a volume from 0 to 100 and press the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122. The volume of the selected volume is determined by pulling or pressing the push button 120. In this case, the effect control CPU 101 selects the volume based on the tilt operation signal from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 of the stick controller 122, and outputs the signal from the trigger sensor 125 of the stick controller 122 or the push sensor 124 of the push button 120. Based on the input, input the selected volume as the volume setting value.

  Further, when the setting of the volume is completed, for example, as shown in FIG. 30 (B), the volume / luminance setting screen is switched to a screen including a display such as “Please set the brightness!”. On the display screen shown in FIG. 30B, the player selects the brightness from 0 to 100 by tilting the stick controller 122 left and right, and presses the trigger button 121 of the stick controller 122. The brightness is being selected is determined by pulling or pressing the push button 120. In this case, the effect control CPU 101 selects the brightness based on the tilt operation signal from the tilt direction sensor unit 123 of the stick controller 122, and outputs the signals from the trigger sensor 125 of the stick controller 122 and the push sensor 124 of the push button 120. Based on the input, the selected brightness is input as the brightness setting value.

  In this embodiment, the case where the volume and brightness can be set according to the operation of the player during the customer waiting demonstration display at the start of the game is shown, but in addition to when the game is started, or when the game is started. Alternatively, the volume and the brightness may be set or changed during the variable display of the effect symbols. In this case, for example, by performing the same processing as steps S811F to S811I in the effect symbol variation process described later, it is possible to set or change the volume and brightness even during the effect symbol variable display. .

  FIG. 31 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 process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads a variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8000). Next, the effect control CPU 101 displays the effect design display result (stop) according to the variation pattern command read in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specification command storage area (that is, the received display result specification command). (Symbol) is determined (step S8001). That is, by the process of step S8001 being executed by the effect control CPU 101, the display result of the variable display of the identification information (the stop of the effect symbol) is performed according to the variable display pattern (variation pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determination means. A display result determining means for determining (pattern) is realized. In addition, when the variation pattern designating the pseudo-relation is also used, if the pseudo-relation is designated by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 101 determines in step S8001 that the chance eye symbol (as a temporary stop symbol in the pseudo-relationship). For example, a combination of a big hit symbol that does not reach and a symbol deviated by one symbol such as "223" or "445" is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and may determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. .

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 32, when the received display result designation command indicates "normal big hit" (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 stops. As a design, the combination of the effect designs in which the three designs have the same even number is determined. Moreover, when the received display result designation command indicates "probability variation big hit" (when the received display result designation command is the display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 determines that the three symbols are the stop symbols. A combination of effect symbols arranged in the same odd number symbol is determined.

  Further, when the received display result designation command indicates "sudden probability big hit" or "small hit" (when the received display result designation command is the display result 4 designation command or the display result 5 designation command), The effect control CPU 101 determines a combination of effect symbols such as "135" as a stop symbol. Then, in the case of "disappearance" (when the received display result designation command is the display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when the reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols having two left and right symbols is determined. Also, the combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the "stop symbol" of the effect symbol.

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

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that reminds of a big hit (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle and right sides are all the same symbol) is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop design that reminds the user of disengagement is called a disengagement design. In addition, a symbol (in this embodiment, an odd symbol) that evokes a probability variation state is also called a probability variation symbol, and a symbol (in this embodiment, an even symbol) that evokes that the probability variation state does not occur is a non-certain variation symbol. Also called.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 reads the volume setting value of the speaker 27 and the brightness setting value of the frame LED 28 from the setting value storage area provided in the RAM (step S8003).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the specific effect executing flag is set (step S8004). If the specific effect execution flag is set (that is, if the specific effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 specifies according to the variation pattern and the volume setting value and the brightness setting value read in step S8003. A production process table is selected (step S8005). Further, the effect control CPU 101 sets a switch completed flag indicating that the process has been switched to the specific effect process data (step S8006). On the other hand, if the specific effect executing flag is not set (that is, if the specific effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 responds to the variation pattern and the volume setting value and the brightness setting value read in step S8003. Then, the normal process table is selected (step S8007).

  As already described, when the specific effect is being executed, the specific effect moving image reproduction is executed in the specific effect execution area of the effect display device 9 (the upper area of the effect display device 9 in this example). ing. Therefore, when the variable display of the effect symbol is executed during the execution of the specific effect, the effect display device is executed by executing steps S8009 and S8106 described later using the process table for the specific effect selected in step S8005. In the variable display area 9 (the lower area of the effect display device 9 in this example), the variable display of effect symbols is executed. On the other hand, if the specific effect is not being executed, by performing steps S8009 and S8106, which will be described later using the normal process table selected in step S8007, the effect symbol is used using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9. The variable display of is executed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, at least a predetermined value (in this example, a value corresponding to 70% of the maximum value of the volume or brightness) regardless of the volume setting value and the brightness setting value for the specific effect. Although the specific effect is executed with the above-described volume and brightness, by performing steps S8009 and S8106, which will be described later, according to the process table selected in steps S8005 and S8007, the variable display other than the specific effect, the notice effect, and the reach effect are executed. Regarding effects, variable display and other effects are executed with the volume and brightness according to the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player.

  Further, if the variable display of the next effect design is started after the execution of the specific effect is finished, the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are read in step S8003, and then the volume setting value and the brightness setting are performed in step S8007. The normal process table corresponding to the value is selected. Therefore, by performing the processing of steps S8003 and S8007 at the start of the next variable display after the end of the specific effect, the volume and brightness during the specific effect are restored to the volume and brightness set by the player. The variable display and other effects are executed.

  Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8008).

  FIG. 33 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, 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. 33 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The process table is prepared according to each variation pattern.

  In the process table used when performing effect control for a variation pattern involving reach effect, the left symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of variation, and the right symbol is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed. Process data indicating display is set. It should be noted that, instead of setting the symbols to be stopped and displayed in the process table, the images for displaying the symbols are synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbols, the temporary stop symbols in the pseudo-relation and the sliding effect. May be.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101, 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, effect parts as effect parts). The control of the various lamps and the speaker 27) as an effect part is executed (step S8009). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 to display an image 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.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 controls so that the effect pattern is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command in a one-to-one manner. However, the effect control CPU 101 controls the change pattern command. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  Next, 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 S8010).

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect in the effect of changing the effect design (step S802) (step S8011).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the effect of the effect of changing the effect design (step S802) in the effect control process processing. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 first subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S8101) and also subtracts 1 from the value of the variable time timer (step S8102).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the specific effect executing flag is set (step S8103). If the specific effect execution flag is not set (that is, if the specific effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 switches the process data when the process timer times out (step S8104). That is, the process timer set value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8105). Further, the control state for the effect device is changed based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data set next (step S8106).

  If the specific effect in-execution flag is set (that is, if the specific effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the switched flag is set (step S8107). If the switched flag is set (that is, if the process data for the specific effect has already been switched), the process moves to step S8104. If the switched flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 reads the volume setting value of the speaker 27 and the brightness setting value of the frame LED 28 from the setting value storage area provided in the RAM (step S8108A). Further, the effect control CPU 101 switches to process data for specific effect according to the volume setting value and the brightness setting value read in step S8108A (step S8108B). Further, the effect control CPU 10 restarts the process timer (step S8109), and according to the contents of the process data for the specific effect after the switching, effect devices (effect display device 9 as effect parts, various effect parts). The control of the lamp and the speaker 27) as the effect component is executed (step S8010). Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the switched flag (step S8111).

  When the execution of the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display of the effect symbol by executing the processes of steps S8103 and S8107 to S8111, the process data for the specific effect is switched to the change at the time of the specific effect. The display mode can be switched. Specifically, from the state where the variable display of the effect symbol is executed using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9, the variable display area of the effect display device 9 (the lower area of the effect display device 9 in this example). In, the state is switched to the state where the variable display of the effect symbol is being executed. Then, once the switching is performed, thereafter, it is determined as Y in step S8107 and steps S8104 to S8106 are executed, whereby the process of step S8106 is executed according to the process data for the specific effect after the switching. The variable display of the effect symbol is executed in the mode of the specific effect.

  In this embodiment, the process of steps S5003 to S5007 of the specific effect process and the processes of steps S8108A to S8111 of the process of changing the effect symbol are executed, so that the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the effect symbol is changed. Although the case where the specific effect is immediately started and the variable display is executed in the mode of the specific effect during the variable display is shown, the invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, instead of immediately starting the specific effect when the effect symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, wait until the start timing of the next effect symbol variable display and then start the specific effect and vary in the manner of the specific effect. The display may be executed.

  Then, if the variation time timer has timed out (step S8112), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect design variation stop processing (step S803) (step S8113).

  FIG. 35 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, first, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a stop symbol display flag indicating that the effect symbol stop symbol is displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, it moves to step S8305. In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, the stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set means that the jackpot symbol has been stopped and displayed but the fanfare production has not yet been executed, so the process for displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. No, the process moves to step S8305.

  When the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to stop and display the determined stop symbol (delayed symbol, big hit symbol) (step S8302).

  Next, when neither the big hit symbol nor the small hit symbol is displayed in the process of step S8302 (that is, the off symbol is displayed) (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to step S8311. To do.

  When the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S8304) and receives the big hit start designation command. It is confirmed whether or not the big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that or the small hit / sudden variation big hit start designation command reception flag indicating that a small hit / sudden variation big hit start designation command reception flag has been set (step S8305). . When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / sudden variation big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag (step S8306), and responds to the fanfare effect. A process table is selected (step S8307). When the big hit start designation command reception flag or the small hit / suddenly-variable big hit start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the flag that has been set.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts the process timer by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S8308), and the content of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number). According to the data 1 and the movable member control data 1), the control of the effect device (effect display device 9 as effect part, various lamps as effect part, and speaker 27 as effect part) is executed (step S8309). 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 S8310).

  When it is determined that neither the big hit nor the small hit (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8311). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag and the second symbol variation designation command reception flag. If set, the switch flag is also reset.

  Then, 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) (step S8312).

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the setting mode of the volume and the brightness in this embodiment. In FIG. 36, a setting example of three game machines A to C is shown, but in the game machine A, a case where both the volume and the brightness are set to a value corresponding to 30% by the player is shown. In the gaming machine B, the case is shown in which the player sets the volume to a value corresponding to 80% and the brightness to a value corresponding to 40%, and in the gaming machine C, the volume corresponds to a value corresponding to 90% by the player. The case where the brightness is set to a value corresponding to 100% is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 36, in the gaming machine A, regarding the variable display and other effects other than the specific effect, the volume corresponding to 30% and the value corresponding to 30% are set according to the volume and the brightness set by the player. A variable display with brightness and other effects are executed (see steps S8003 to S8007). For example, for the variable display of the effect symbols, the notice effect, the reach effect, and the like executed during the variable display, the effect sound is output from the speaker 27 at a volume corresponding to 30% according to the volume set by the player, The frame LED 28 emits light with a brightness of 30% according to the brightness set by the player. On the other hand, regarding the specific effect, since both the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are less than the predetermined value (a value corresponding to 70% in this example), the volume and the brightness are not the values set by the player but the predetermined value. The specific effect is executed by changing to the volume and brightness of the value corresponding to the value (in this example, the value corresponding to 70%) (see steps S5004A to S5004F).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 36, in the gaming machine B, regarding the variable display and other effects other than the specific effect, they correspond to the volume and 40% of the value corresponding to 80% according to the volume and brightness set by the player. A variable display and other effects are executed with the brightness of the value (see steps S8003 to S8007). For example, for the variable display of effect symbols, the notice effect, the reach effect, and the like executed during the variable display, the effect sound is output from the speaker 27 at a volume corresponding to 80% according to the volume set by the player, The frame LED 28 emits light with a brightness of 40% according to the brightness set by the player. On the other hand, regarding the specific effect, since the volume setting value is equal to or more than the predetermined value but the brightness setting value is less than the predetermined value, the volume is the value set by the player (in this example, a value corresponding to 80%). However, the luminance is changed to a luminance corresponding to a predetermined value (a value corresponding to 70% in this example), not the value set by the player, and the specific effect is executed (see steps S5004A to S5004F). ).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 36, in the gaming machine C, with respect to the variable display and other effects other than the specific effect, according to the volume and the brightness set by the player, the volume corresponds to 90% and the volume corresponds to 100%. A variable display and other effects are executed with the brightness of the value (see steps S8003 to S8007). For example, for the variable display of the effect symbols, the notice effect, the reach effect, and the like executed during the variable display, the effect sound is output from the speaker 27 at a volume corresponding to 90% according to the volume set by the player, The frame LED 28 emits light with 100% brightness according to the brightness set by the player. On the other hand, regarding the specific effect, since the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are both equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the volume is the value set by the player (in this example, a value corresponding to 90%) and the brightness is set by the player. The specific effect is executed with the set value (a value corresponding to 100% in this example) (see steps S5004A to S5004F).

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the time measurement result of the time measuring means (measurement result using the real-time clock 108 and the time measurement timer in this example) is a predetermined condition (time measurement timer in this example). Is timed out at 00 minutes every hour and the condition for starting the specific effect is satisfied), the specific effect accompanied by sound output is executed. Further, while it is possible to set the volume according to the operation of the player, when executing the specific effect, the volume changed from the set volume (in this example, the volume set value is set to a predetermined value (70%). If it is less than the (corresponding value), the specific effect can be executed by performing sound output according to (change to a volume corresponding to 70%). Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform the specific effect in the game machine configured so that the player can set the volume.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the specific effect accompanied by the light emission of the effect means (frame LED 28 in this example) is executed. In addition, while it is possible to set the brightness according to the operation of the player, when executing the specific effect, the brightness changed from the set brightness (in this example, the brightness setting value is set to a predetermined value (70%). If it is less than (corresponding value), the specific effect can be executed by causing the effecting means to emit light according to (change to the brightness corresponding to 70%). Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform the specific effect in the gaming machine configured so that the brightness can be set by the player.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the specific effect is executed according to the volume or the brightness changed from the set volume or the brightness, while the predetermined effect other than the specific effect (in this example, the variable display or the notice effect other than the specific effect). , Reach effect), the predetermined effects are executed according to the set volume or brightness. Therefore, it is possible to suitably execute the predetermined effect together with the specific effect.

  Note that, for example, if a predetermined effect (variable display other than the specific effect, notice effect, and reach effect) is executed during execution of the specific effect, the player also sets the predetermined effect. The predetermined effect may be executed according to the volume or the brightness changed from the volume setting value or the brightness setting value to the predetermined value.

  Further, for example, not only when the predetermined effect is executed by changing the volume and the brightness to a predetermined value (a value corresponding to 70% in this example), the predetermined effect is changed from the volume setting value and the brightness setting value. However, the predetermined effect may be executed by changing the volume or the brightness to a value other than the predetermined value. For example, in the case of performing simultaneous production as a specific production, when the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player are extremely small or low (for example, a value corresponding to 5% or 10%). Even if a predetermined effect (variable display other than the specific effect, notice effect, and reach effect) is executed, the effect sound or light emission of the specific effect may be drowned out. Therefore, even when the specific effect is being executed, if the effect sound or light emission of the predetermined effect can be recognized by raising the volume or the brightness to a value corresponding to about 40%, for example, the volume setting value or the brightness is set. The predetermined effect may be executed by changing the volume and brightness from the set value to a value corresponding to 40%.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the volume is lower than a predetermined volume (70% in this example) or lower than a predetermined brightness (70% in this example). When it is set, the specific effect is executed according to at least the volume equal to or higher than the predetermined volume or the luminance equal to or higher than the predetermined luminance (in the present example, the specific effect is changed to the volume corresponding to 70% or the luminance corresponding to 70%). Run). Therefore, the specific effect can be suitably executed by executing the specific effect according to the volume equal to or higher than the predetermined volume or the brightness equal to or higher than the predetermined luminance.

  For example, as shown in this embodiment, when the specific effect is configured to perform simultaneous effect by a plurality of gaming machines, and the volume setting value set by the player is set to a volume lower than necessary. If the brightness setting value is set to a lower brightness than necessary, the volume of the simultaneous production is low or the luminance is low, so that it may not be conspicuous as the production, and the production effect as the simultaneous production may be significantly reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, when executing the specific effect as the simultaneous effect, even if the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are set to values that are unnecessarily small, a large value (70 in this example) is set. It is possible to prevent the volume of the specific effect from becoming unnecessarily low or the brightness from becoming too low, so that the effect of the specific effect as a simultaneous effect can be secured. are doing.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the case where both the volume and the brightness are settable by the player is shown, but it is not always necessary that both the volume and the brightness be settable. Only one of them may be set by the player.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player are less than a predetermined value (in this example, a value corresponding to 70%). If so, a case is shown in which the volume and the brightness are changed to the same value as the predetermined value (in this example, a value corresponding to 70%) to execute the specific effect, but such a changing method is not limited. . For example, it is determined whether or not the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player are less than a first predetermined value (for example, a value corresponding to 50%). The specific effect may be executed by changing the volume and brightness to a second predetermined value (for example, a value corresponding to 70%) different from the first predetermined value.

  Further, for example, the changing method may be different depending on the volume and the brightness. For example, regarding the volume, it is determined whether or not the volume setting value set by the player is a value corresponding to 70%, and the volume is changed to a value corresponding to 70% while the specific effect is executed. Regarding the brightness, it is determined whether or not the brightness setting value set by the player is a value corresponding to 50% which is different from the case of the volume, and the brightness is changed to a value corresponding to 50% and the specific effect is obtained. May be configured to execute.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the volume setting value or the brightness setting value is less than the predetermined value, the volume or the brightness is changed from the volume setting value or the brightness setting value to the predetermined value to perform the specific effect, and the predetermined value is set. In the above case, the case where the specific effect is executed according to the volume setting value or the brightness setting value set by the player is shown, but even if it is a predetermined value or more, the volume setting value or the brightness setting value is uniformly applied. The volume and brightness may be changed to a predetermined value to execute the specific effect. For example, when a specific effect as a simultaneous effect is executed by a plurality of gaming machines, the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are set to a value corresponding to 50% which is less than a predetermined value (a value corresponding to 70% in this example). While changing the volume and brightness of the set gaming machine to a predetermined value to execute the specific effect, the volume setting value and the brightness setting value are 100 or more that are equal to or more than a predetermined value (in this example, a value corresponding to 70%). Even for the gaming machine set to a value corresponding to%, by changing the volume and brightness to a predetermined value and executing the specific effect, the specific effect is executed with a uniform volume and brightness by a plurality of gaming machines. May be.

Embodiment 2.
In the gaming machine shown in the first embodiment, the reach mode of the reach effect performed during the variable display of effect symbols may be set. The second embodiment in which the reach mode can be set will be described below.

  In this embodiment, detailed description of the parts having the same configurations and processes as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start processing (step S801) in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, in the effect symbol variation start process, when the effect control CPU 101 determines the effect symbol stop symbol in step S8001, the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern command read in step S8000 includes reach. In this example, it is confirmed whether or not it is the fluctuation pattern 1 or the fluctuation pattern 2) shown in FIG. 17 (step S8002A). In the case of including the reach, the effect control CPU 101 executes the reach mode setting process for setting the reach mode (step S8002B). In this embodiment, the processes other than steps S8002A and S8002B of the effect design variation start process are the same as those processes shown in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the reach mode setting process (step S8002B) in the second embodiment. In the reach mode setting processing, the effect control CPU 101 first confirms whether or not the specific effect executing flag is set (step S6001). If the specific effect execution flag is not set (that is, if the specific effect is not being executed), the effect control CPU 101 selects the normal reach mode determination table as the table for determining the reach mode (( Step S6002). If the specific effect execution flag is set (that is, if the specific effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 selects the reach mode determination table for the specific effect as the table for determining the reach mode. (Step S6003). Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes a lottery process based on a random number using the reach mode determination table selected in steps S6002 and S6003, and determines the reach mode of the reach effect to be executed during the variable display of the effect symbols (step. S6004).

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the reach mode determination table in the second embodiment. Of these, FIG. 39 (A) shows a specific example of the normal reach mode determination table selected in step S6002. Further, FIG. 39 (B) shows a specific example of the reach mode determination table for the specific effect selected in step S6003. As shown in FIG. 39, in this embodiment, three types of reach modes A to C are prepared. For example, the reach mode A is a reach mode in which the predetermined character A appears in the reach production, the reach mode B is a reach mode in which the predetermined character B appears in the reach production, and the reach mode C is the reach production. In the reach mode, a predetermined character C appears.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39 (A), the reach mode A or the reach mode B can be determined as the reach mode when the specific effect is not being executed, and the reach mode can be determined if the reach mode is lost. A is determined at a higher rate, and in the case of a big hit, reach mode B is determined at a higher rate. In addition, as shown in FIG. 39 (B), the reach mode B or the reach mode C can be determined as the reach mode when the specific effect is being executed, and the reach mode B is determined when the reach mode is lost. Is determined at a high rate, and in the case of a big hit, the reach mode C is determined at a higher rate. Therefore, the reach mode A can be determined only when the specific effect is not being executed, and the reach mode C can be determined only when the specific effect is being executed.

  In this embodiment, it is configured to determine whether or not the specific effect is being executed and determine the reach mode only when the variation of the effect symbol is started. In some cases, the start condition of the specific effect may be satisfied and the execution of the specific effect may be started, or the end condition of the specific effect may be satisfied during the variable display of the effect symbol. When the execution of the specific effect is started or the ending condition is satisfied, the reach mode may be determined again. However, with such a configuration, even if the reach mode is once determined, it is necessary to make the determination again, and switching control of the reach production itself may be necessary, which may impose a control burden. I will follow up and increase. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the execution of the specific effect is started or ended during the variable display, the reach mode is uniformly determined depending on whether the specific effect is being executed only at the start of the change. By making a decision, such control burden is reduced.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, a case is shown in which there is a common reach mode B when the specific effect is being executed and when it is not being executed. However, a common reach mode is not provided. You may For example, the reach mode B can be determined only when the normal reach mode determination table of FIG. 39 (A) is selected, and the reach mode B can be determined when the reach mode determination table for specific performance of FIG. 39 (B) is selected. Either the aspect C or the reach aspect D may be configured to be determinable.

  Next, a specific example of an effect mode when the specific effect is executed will be described. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an effect mode when the specific effect according to the second embodiment is executed. In addition, in FIG. 40, the aspect of the effect screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

  As shown in FIG. 40 (1), when the variable display of the effect symbol is being executed, if the time measurement timer times out and the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied, as shown in FIG. 40 (2), In the specific effect execution area of the display device 9, the moving image reproduction of the specific effect is started (see step S5005). In the example shown in FIG. 40 (2), in the specific effect execution area (upper area) of the effect display device 9, a case is shown where the moving image reproduction is started in such a manner that an object such as a track appears. When the specific effect is started, as shown in FIG. 40 (2), the effect display device 9 changes from the state in which the effect display variable display is executed using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9. In the display area (the lower area of the effect display device 9 in this example), it is switched to a state in which effect display variable display is being executed (see steps S8108A to S8110).

  Next, when the reach generation timing comes, as shown in FIG. 40 (3), the left and right are stopped and displayed with the same symbol, and the reach production is started. However, in this case, since the specific effect is being executed but the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display, the reach mode is determined using the normal reach mode determination table at the start of the variable display. It is determined (steps S6002, S6004, see FIG. 39A), and the reach effect is executed in the reach mode other than the reach mode C. In the example shown in FIG. 40 (3), the case where the reach effect is executed in the reach mode A is shown. Then, when the variation time ends, as shown in FIG. 40 (4), the variation display of the effect symbol is ended and the stop symbol of the effect symbol is derived and displayed.

  Next, when the next variation pattern command is received, as shown in FIG. 40 (5), the variation of the effect display device 9 is continued while the execution of the specific effect is continued in the specific effect execution area (upper area) of the effect display device 9. In the display area (the lower area of the effect display device 9 in this example), the variable display of the next effect symbol is started. In this case, since the specific effect is already being executed when the variation starts, if the reach is specified by the variation pattern, the reach mode can be determined using the reach mode determination table for the specific effect (step S6003). It is possible to determine the reach mode C (see S6004) (see FIG. 39 (B)).

  Next, at the reach timing, as shown in FIG. 40 (6), the left and right are stopped and displayed with the same symbol, and the reach production is started. In this case, if the reach mode C is determined, the reach effect can be executed in the reach mode C as shown in FIG. 40 (6).

  After that, as shown in FIG. 40 (7), in the specific effect execution area (upper area) of the effect display device 9, the variable display of the effect symbol is executed a plurality of times while the execution of the specific effect is continued, and FIG. As shown in (8), when a predetermined period (5 minutes in this example) elapses during the variable display and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the specific effect is not immediately ended, but the variable display is ended. Execution of the specific effect is ended after waiting until (see steps S5001, S5009 to S5011, and S5012 to S5015). However, if the moving image ends before the variable display ends, as shown in FIG. 40 (8), in the specific effect execution area (upper area) of the effect display device 9, "Enjoy next time" is displayed. The specific effect may be continued by displaying a connection such as "!".

  The connection display such as “Look forward to the next time!” As shown in FIG. 40 (8) may be realized by displaying a still image instead of playing a moving image. In this case, start the display of the still image of the connection such as "Look forward to the next time!" At the timing when the video ends, and end the display of the still image of the connection when ending the variable display. Good.

  Next, at the reach timing, as shown in FIG. 40 (9), the left and right are stopped and displayed with the same symbol, and the reach production is started. However, in this case, when the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied during the variable display, the reach mode is determined using the reach mode determination table for the specific effect at the start of the variable display (step S6003). S6004, see FIG. 39 (B)), the reach effect is executed in a reach mode other than the reach mode A. In the example shown in FIG. 40 (9), the case where the reach effect is performed in the reach mode B is shown. Then, when the variation time ends, as shown in FIG. 40 (10), the moving image reproduction of the specific effect is terminated (see step S5014), the variable display of the effect symbol is terminated, and the stop symbol of the effect symbol is derived. Is displayed.

  In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 40, the case where the moving image is reproduced as the specific effect is shown, but the present invention is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, by performing the specific effect in a mode in which the background screen of the effect display device 9 is changed, the variable display of effect symbols may not be reduced.

  40 (3), 40 (6), and 40 (9) show the case where the reach effect is executed during the execution of the specific effect, but the reach effect is executed when the specific effect is not being executed. In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 40 (1), the entire display screen of the effect display device 9 is displayed while the variable display of effect symbols is being performed using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9. Using, the reach effect is executed in the same manner as in FIG. 40 (3) and FIG. 40 (9).

  In addition, when the reach mode A is determined because the specific effect is not executed at the start of the variation, the specific effect is started in the middle of the variation display, when the specific effect is not executed. In the same manner as described above, variable display of effect symbols is executed using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9 (not reduced display), and for example, the specific effect is reduced and displayed at the lower left corner of the display screen, and reach mode A is displayed. The reach effect may be displayed in a superimposed manner. Also, when the reach mode B is determined when the specific effect is not executed at the start of the fluctuation, similarly, the variable effect display of the effect symbol is executed by using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9 (the reduced display is not performed. ), The specific effect may be reduced and displayed at the lower left portion of the display screen, and the reach effect of the reach mode B may be overlapped and displayed. Then, after that, when the variable display is finished or the next variable display is started, the variable display is reduced to be displayed and the specific effect is enlarged to be displayed. The display may be switched to the same display as the above. By doing so, it is not necessary to switch to the control of displaying the variation of the effect symbol and the reach effect in the reduced display during the variable display, so that the control load can be reduced.

  Further, during the execution of the specific effect, the variable display of the effect symbol is reduced and displayed, so that it is not possible to perform the effect using the entire display screen of the effect display device 9 as when the specific effect is not being executed, and thus the reach is reached. The reach effect that is performed during execution of the specific effect such as mode C does not use a character or the like, but changes the pattern variation mode (such as changing the variation speed or changing the rotation direction). It is desirable to create an effect that fuels whether or not it is a big hit. If it is configured so as not to have a common variation mode, it is possible to realize a variation display during the specific effect by a simpler method and draw the player's attention to the specific effect. On the contrary, as shown in this embodiment, when the specific effect is not executed, for example, the variable display of the effect symbol is performed on the entire display screen (at least a wider area than during execution of the specific effect). This allows the player to draw attention to the variable display.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 40 (1) to (4), when the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the specific effect is immediately started even during the variable display of the effect symbol. Although shown, instead of starting the specific effect immediately when the effect symbol is being displayed in variation, the specific effect may be started after waiting until the start timing of the next effect symbol variation display. . In this case, the specific effect is not started in the variable display in which the conditions for starting the specific effect in FIGS. 40 (1) to (4) are satisfied, and the reach effect that can be executed at normal times other than during the specific effect is executed. The specific effect may be started from the next variable display after 5) and the reach effect that can be executed during the specific effect may be executed.

  Next, the execution timing of the effect when the specific effect is executed will be described. FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the execution timing of the effect when the specific effect according to the second embodiment is executed. In addition, in FIG. 41, the first special symbol display device 8a and the second special symbol display device 8b are comprehensively represented as a special symbol display device.

  As shown in FIG. 41, when the time measurement timer times out and the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied while executing the variable display of the effect symbol, as shown in FIG. 41, the specific effect of the effect display device 9 is obtained. In the execution area, the reproduction of the moving image with the specific effect is started (see step S5005). However, as shown in FIG. 41, in the variable display in which the execution of the specific effect is started during the variable display, the reach mode is determined using the normal reach mode determination table at the start of the variable display (step S6002, S6004, see FIG. 39 (A)), the reach effect is executed in a reach mode other than the reach mode C. Therefore, at this stage, it is possible to execute the reach effect in the reach mode A, but it is not possible to execute the reach effect in the reach mode C. Then, as shown in FIG. 41, the reach mode can be determined using the reach mode determination table for the specific effect from the variable display that is started after the execution of the specific effect is started the next time (step S6003). It is possible to determine the reach mode C (see S6004) (see FIG. 39 (B)).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 41, in the specific effect execution area (upper area) of the effect display device 9, the variable display of the effect symbol is executed a plurality of times while the execution of the specific effect is continued, and in the middle of the variable display. When a predetermined period (in this example, 5 minutes) elapses and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the specific effect is not immediately ended, but the execution of the specific effect is ended after waiting until the variable display is ended. (See steps S5001, S5009 to S5011, S5012 to S5015). Further, in this case, when the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied during the variable display, the reach mode is determined using the reach mode determination table for the specific effect at the start of the variable display (step S6003). S6004, refer to FIG. 39 (B)), the reach effect can still be executed in the reach mode C, and the reach effect is executed in a reach mode other than the reach mode A.

  Then, the reach mode can be determined again using the normal reach mode determination table from the variation display after the next time when the specific effect is finished (steps S6002 and S6004, see FIG. 39A), and the reach mode A The reach production can be executed with.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the time measurement result of the time measuring means (measurement result using the real-time clock 108 and the time measurement timer in this example) is a predetermined condition (time measurement timer in this example). Is timed out at 00 minutes every hour and the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied), the specific effect (in this example, a track such as that shown in FIG. 40) for a predetermined period (in this example, 5 minutes) is satisfied. A movie in which an object appears) is executed. In addition, during the variable display, it is determined which one of a plurality of types of effect modes (in this example, the reach mode) the effect is to be executed, and in the effect mode determined during the variable display (in this example, the effect is performed). , Reach production). Further, when the specific effect is being executed, it is possible to determine a special effect mode (reach mode C in this example) that is not determined when the specific effect is not being executed, and in the case where a predetermined condition is satisfied during variable display, When the predetermined condition is satisfied after the effect mode is determined (in this example, the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied during the variable display), the effect is not executed in the special effect mode during the variable display. Therefore, the control load can be reduced as compared with the case where the effect can be executed in the special effect mode even when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the variable display. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load when the specific effect is started during the variable display.

  Further, according to this embodiment, when the specific effect is not executed, it is possible to determine the normal effect mode (reach mode A in this example) that is not determined when the specific effect is being executed, and during variable display. When a predetermined period of time (5 minutes in this example) elapses (that is, when the predetermined period of time elapses after the effect mode is determined), the effect is not executed in the normal effect mode during the variable display. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load as compared with the case where the effect can be executed in the normal effect mode even when the predetermined period has elapsed during the variable display. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load when a predetermined period elapses during the variable display.

  In addition, in this embodiment, as a special effect mode or a normal effect mode, a reach mode (in this example, only) for a specific effect depending on the effect state (whether or not the specific effect is being executed) at the start of variation Although the case where the reach mode C) and the reach mode dedicated to the normal time (reach mode A in this example) are determined and executed, the special effect mode and the normal effect mode are the same as those shown in this embodiment. I can't stop. For example, instead of the reach mode, or together with the reach mode, depending on the effect state at the start of fluctuation, as the special effect mode or the normal effect mode, the notice effect dedicated to the specific effect or the notice effect only for the normal time is executed. You may comprise.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the reach mode is determined and executed as the special effect mode or the normal effect mode, the reach mode dedicated to the specific effect or the reach mode dedicated to the normal time is determined according to the effect state at the start of the fluctuation. Although the case of deciding the mode is shown, as described above, when the notice effect is determined and executed as the special effect mode or the normal effect mode, during the special effect depending on the effect state at the time of executing the notice effect. It is also possible to determine and execute a special notice effect or a notice effect only for normal times.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied every hour and the execution of the specific effect is started has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the mode described in each of the above-described embodiments. For example, a specific condition may be satisfied at a specific time such as noon or 19:00 every day to start execution of a specific effect, or a predetermined condition may be satisfied at a specific day of the week to start execution of a specific effect. May be. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the execution of the specific effect is terminated based on the lapse of 5 minutes as the predetermined period has been described, but the predetermined period is the same as that shown in each of the above-described embodiments. However, it may be another period such as 3 minutes or 10 minutes.

  Further, the “predetermined condition” is a condition that is satisfied when the measurement result of the time measuring means using the real-time clock 108 or the time measurement timer becomes a predetermined result (for example, a predetermined time), and the predetermined time is reached. Not limited to the case, one or more items of time, day of the week, day, month, and year may be satisfied by setting a predetermined time, day of the week, day, month, and year.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the reach mode is determined as the effect mode such as the special effect mode or the normal effect mode has been described, but the invention is not limited to the case shown in the second embodiment. For example, the notice effect is determined as the effect mode, the special notice effect that appears only during the execution of the specific effect as the effect of the special effect mode, or does not appear during the execution of the specific effect as the effect of the normal effect mode. Ordinarily, the notice production may be decided. In addition, for example, a pseudo continuous mode is determined as the effect mode, a special pseudo continuous mode that appears only during execution of the specific effect as the effect of the special effect mode, or during execution of the specific effect as the effect of the normal effect mode. It is also possible to determine a normal pseudo continuous mode that does not appear in.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the “special effect mode” is an effect mode or effect executed during one variable display such as a reach mode or notice effect that appears only during execution of the specific effect. In this respect, the "special effect mode" is different from the "specific effect" that is continuously executed over a plurality of variable displays within a predetermined period and is continuously executed even during the variable display. .

  Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the reach mode is changed by changing the characters that appear in the reach production as the reach modes A to C has been shown. However, in the modes shown in the second embodiment, I can't stop. For example, the background image in the reach production is different, the movement of the design during the reach production is different, the color and the font of the reach design are different, and the fluctuation speed of the final stop design (for example, the middle design) Alternatively, the reach mode may be changed by changing the changing direction.

  Further, according to each of the above-described embodiments, the time counting means starts measuring time when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see steps S702 and S703). Then, when the timing result after the power supply to the gaming machine is started by the timing means satisfies the predetermined condition, the specific effect is executed for a predetermined period. Specifically, in each of the above-described embodiments, the time measurement result can be acquired by acquiring the time information from the real-time clock 108 connected to the effect control CPU 101 via the bus, and thus the time measurement result can be acquired. The access speed and the like are faster than the acquisition of the timing result from the timing device, and the period required to acquire the timing result can be shortened. Therefore, the period required to acquire the time measurement result can be shortened as compared with the case where the time measurement result is acquired from an external device or the like.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the time measurement timer is set based on the time information acquired from the real-time clock 108, and the time measurement timer counts down. It is not limited to the mode shown in the embodiment. For example, the time measurement timer may be counted up, and it may be determined that the start condition of the specific effect is satisfied based on the value of the time measurement timer reaching a predetermined value.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the real-time clock 108 and the time measuring timer are used for clocking is shown, but the present invention is not limited to that shown in each of the above-described embodiments. For example, without using the real-time clock 108, the start timing of the specific effect may be timed by only counting down or counting up the time measuring timer. Conversely, the start timing of the specific effect may be determined based on only the time information from the real-time clock 108 without using the time measurement timer.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the case where the reach mode is determined at the start of fluctuation is shown, but the reach mode determination timing is not limited to that shown in the second embodiment. For example, the reach mode may be determined at high speed fluctuations, or the reach mode may be determined at least before the reach occurs. Further, when the reach mode is determined at a timing other than the start of fluctuation such as high speed fluctuation, when the execution of the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display, the timing at which the specific effect is started is the reach. If it is before the timing of determining the mode, even if the execution of the specific effect is started in the middle of the variable display, the special effect mode (reach mode C in this example) can be determined. Good. On the contrary, when the predetermined period elapses during the variable display, when the timing when the predetermined period elapses is before the timing for determining the reach mode, the normal effect mode (in this example, The reach mode A) may be determinable.

  Further, according to each of the above-described embodiments, the execution of the specific effect is ended based on the timing of ending the variable display (see steps S5001, S5009 to S5011, S5012 to S5015). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding that the variable display has ended by preventing the specific effect from ending during the variable display.

  In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, (1) even when a predetermined period (5 minutes in this example) elapses during the variable display and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the specific effect is immediately displayed. Although the case where the specific effect is ended after waiting for the timing to end the variable display without terminating the execution of is shown, the method of terminating the specific effect is as in (2) or (3) below. May be

(2) When a predetermined period (five minutes in this example) elapses during the variable display and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the execution of the specific effect is not immediately ended, but the variable display is ended. Further, the specific effect may be finished after waiting until the timing of starting the next variable display. In this case, for example, in step S5012 of the specific effect process, the effect control CPU 101 determines whether or not the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating the effect symbol variation start process (1 in this example). You can do it. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the specific effect from ending during the execution of the variable display, and thus prevent the player from misunderstanding that the variable display has ended.

(3) When a predetermined period (five minutes in this example) elapses during the variable display and the ending condition of the specific effect is satisfied, the execution of the specific effect is immediately ended without waiting for the end of the variable display. It may be configured to do so. For example, when a predetermined period (5 minutes) elapses, the execution of the specific effect may be ended at a time in a plurality of gaming machines in the gaming shop. Even with such a configuration, when the predetermined period elapses during the variable display, the effect is not executed in the normal production mode so that the control is performed when the predetermined period elapses at least during the variable display. The burden can be reduced.

  As described above, in any of the ending methods (1) to (3), the effect is not executed in the normal effect mode at least when the predetermined period has elapsed during the variable display. It should have been done.

  In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, for example, the predetermined bonus may be given based on the fact that the jackpot symbol is derived and displayed while the specific effect is being executed. Hereinafter, a modified example in which a predetermined privilege is given based on the fact that the big hit symbol is derived and displayed while the specific effect is being executed will be described.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop processing (step S803) in the modified example. As shown in FIG. 42, in this modification, the processes of steps S8304A to S8304C are added to the process shown in FIG. In the modification shown in FIG. 42, when the stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the specific effect executing flag is set (step S8304A). If the specific effect in-execution flag is set (that is, if the specific effect is being executed), the effect control CPU 101 determines that the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in step 8302 (step S8304B). Y), 1 is added to the value of the point counter for counting the points given to the player as a privilege (step S8304C).

  Then, by executing steps S8304A to S8304C, points are cumulatively added each time a big hit occurs during execution of the specific effect, and, for example, the points acquired based on the value of the point counter at the timing of ending the game. Performs control to display the two-dimensional code that includes it. Then, using the acquired points, for example, contents such as images and music can be acquired from the Web server, or the effect screen can be customized when the next game is played.

  Not limited to the above-described mode, for example, instead of giving points, contents such as images are directly displayed as a privilege on the effect display device 9, or contents such as music are directly output as a privilege. You may do so. In this case, when outputting music as a privilege, for example, only when the condition for granting the privilege (in this example, the jackpot pattern is derived and displayed when the specific effect is executed) is satisfied. The specific music may be output as sound. In addition, for example, in a gaming machine in which the probability variation is hidden, it may be configured to execute the probability variation notification for notifying that the probability variation state is a privilege. Further, for example, instead of displaying the two-dimensional code or content at the timing of ending the game, the two-dimensional code or content may be immediately displayed at the timing of the big hit.

  Further, in the modification shown in FIG. 42, a case is shown in which a privilege is unconditionally given when a big hit occurs during execution of a specific effect, but for example, an advantageous history is recorded by entering a password at the start of a game. It may be configured such that the privilege is provided based on the fact that the big hit is achieved during the execution of the specific effect, on condition that the mode to be started is started.

  According to the modified example shown in FIG. 42, a predetermined privilege (in this example, points) is given based on that the specific display result (in this example, a big hit symbol) is derived and displayed while the specific effect is being executed. Give. Therefore, the interest in the game during the predetermined period in which the specific effect is executed can be improved.

  The configuration shown in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied to a gaming system called a so-called portable interlocking system. A gaming system called a portable interlocking system generally gives a player a predetermined privilege based on a game machine that outputs predetermined information based on the establishment of a predetermined condition and the predetermined information output by the game machine. And a privilege granting device that performs a granting process.

  Specifically, in the gaming system as described above, the gaming machine plays a predetermined condition such as the number of fluctuations, the number of big hits, the number of so-called condominiums (the number of big hits while the probability changing state continues), the number of mission achievements, and the like. The history is accumulated and a two-dimensional code or the like is displayed as predetermined information at the end of the game. Further, the player uses a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone with a camera function to photograph the two-dimensional code displayed on the gaming machine and sends it to a Web server (privilege granting device) on the Internet. Then, the Web server manages the game history of the player based on the received information, and performs a process of giving a predetermined privilege according to the game history. For example, the Web server transmits digital contents such as image contents and music contents to the mobile terminal of the player as a predetermined privilege, or transmits a predetermined password to the mobile terminal of the player, so that the next When a game is played, a process is performed so that the display screen of the gaming machine can be customized according to the taste of the player.

  When applied to the gaming system as described above, for example, the configuration of the modified example shown in FIG. 42 may be applied to the gaming system as described above so that a predetermined privilege can be given to the player.

  When applied to the gaming system as described above, the volume setting value and the brightness setting value set by the player are output as predetermined information and managed by the Web server, and when the player plays the next game. Even if the setting operation is not performed again, the game may be played with the same volume setting value and brightness setting value.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of a change pattern indicating a change time and a change mode such as the type of reach effect and the presence / absence of pseudo-relation, when changing is started. Although an example of transmitting one variation pattern command is shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not there is a pseudo-relation with the first command, whether or not there is a sliding effect, etc., before reaching the reach (so-called when the reach is not reached. A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop) is transmitted, and the second command indicates the type of the reach and the presence / absence of the re-lottery effect. You may make it transmit the command which shows the fluctuation | variation time and the fluctuation mode of (after 2 stop). In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform effect control in the 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 notifies the variation time by each of two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 selects the specific variation mode executed at each timing. You may When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period has elapsed after sending the first command (for example, the next timer interrupt). (In) the second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the transmission order can be changed as appropriate. By thus notifying the fluctuation pattern by two or more commands, it is possible to reduce the amount of data that must be stored as the fluctuation pattern command.

  In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, “the ratio is different” is not limited to only the ratio being different due to the relationship such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%. , A: B = 100%: 0%, and the ratio is different (that is, one is 100% allocation and the other is 0% allocation).

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the production control board 80, the sound output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuits for controlling the effect device are mounted, but the circuits for controlling the effect device are provided. May be mounted on one substrate. Furthermore, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted, and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (a lamp, an LED, a speaker 27, etc.) are installed. You may make it provide two boards, such as two effect control boards.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, 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, as shown in FIG. 3) a sound output board 70, a lamp driver board 35, or the like shown in FIG. 3, or a sound / lamp board having a function of a circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and a function of a circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). The effect control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through 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 each of the above-described embodiments, similarly to the sound output board 70 and the lamp. Display control can be performed in response to commands received from the driver board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of a game machine, but the present invention is a plurality of types depending on the operation of the operation lever by the player when a predetermined number of bets is set by inserting a medal. When the symbol is rotated according to the stop button operation by the player when the symbol is rotated and the combination of the stopped symbols becomes a specific symbol combination, it is applied to the slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player. It is also possible to do so.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a game machine that uses a game medium is taken as an example, but the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes, and It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that encloses a game medium such as a ball and gives a score when a condition for giving a prize is satisfied.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, there are probability variation big hits and normal big hits as the types of big hits, and based on the fact that it was determined as probability variation big hits as the type of big hits, the gaming machine controlled to the probability variation state after the big hit game was shown. 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). Probability variation area may be provided in part of the device), the probability variation is determined based on the game ball passing through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the big hit game, and the big hit game It is also possible to apply the configuration shown in each of the above-described embodiments to the gaming machine that is controlled to the probability change state after the end.

The specific game state (for example, big hit game state), after a specific combination of symbols (doublet of the same symbol) is displayed on the variable display device, after a predetermined time (symbol fixed stop time + big hit start performance time) has elapsed Although the special winning opening is opened and the specific game state starts, the present invention is not limited to this, and the variable display device displays a specific symbol combination (double stitches of the same symbol) in the game area. The specific game state may be started by passing the ball through a specific area (a specific passage gate sensor or a winning sensor) provided. As a result, the player can control the time of occurrence of the big hit, and even if the balls are exhausted before the start of the big hit, the player can have time to lend the balls and replenish the balls.
Further, a plurality of specific areas may be provided, and the number of big hit rounds may be different depending on which specific area is passed. Alternatively, a lottery for the number of big hit rounds may be performed by passing through a specific area. Further, in that case, if there are a plurality of specific areas, the lottery ratio of the number of rounds may be different depending on which specific area is passed.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is suitably applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine in which a player can play a predetermined game.

1 Pachinko gaming machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 2nd special symbol display 9 production display device 13 1st start winning hole 14 2nd start winning port 18c 1st holding memory display section 18d 2nd holding memory display section 20 special Variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Microcomputer for game control 80 Performance control board 100 Microcomputer for performance control 101 CPU for performance control
108 Real Time Clock 109 VDP

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game,
A time measuring means for measuring time,
A specific effect executing means for executing a specific effect accompanied by light emission of at least the effecting means when the time measuring result of the time measuring means satisfies a predetermined condition,
Special effect execution means for executing a special effect different from the specific effect,
With a setting means capable of performing a plurality of levels of brightness setting according to the operation of the player,
The special effect executing means,
It is possible to execute the special effect by illuminating the effect means according to the brightness setting,
It is possible to execute the special effect by causing the effecting means to emit light with a predetermined brightness when the brightness setting is in a predetermined step,
The specific effect execution means,
When the brightness setting is a specific step different from the predetermined step, it is possible to execute the specific effect by causing the effector to emit light according to the brightness setting of the specific step ,
A game machine characterized in that the specific effect can be executed by causing the effecting device to emit light at a specific brightness different from the predetermined brightness when the brightness setting is at the predetermined stage. The gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
Variable display of identification information can be executed,
A production mode determination means for determining which of the plurality of types of production modes the production in the variable display is executed,
And an effect executing means for executing an effect that is variably displayed according to the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means,
The effect mode determination means can determine a special effect mode that is not determined when the specific effect is being executed by the specific effect executing means, and is not determined when the specific effect is not being executed,
The gaming machine, wherein the effect executing means does not execute an effect in the special effect mode during the variable display when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the variable display.