JP6694132B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine.

  Generally, the pachinko gaming machine acquires a random number value for lottery when a game ball enters the starting opening, and temporarily stores it as an operation holding ball up to a predetermined upper limit number. One such operation-holding ball is sequentially exhausted every time a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, and whether or not a big hit is hit is determined. When the result of the winning / judgment is a big hit, the symbols consisting of a plurality of columns are variably displayed, and then the symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner, and the large winning opening which is normally closed is set to the open state. A special game (big hit game) is established.

  In recent years, before the hit determination is executed, a pre-determination is performed on an undigested actuation holding ball, a hold image is displayed based on the result of the pre-determination, and a big hit is made by changing the display mode of the hold image. There is a so-called pending change look-ahead effect that suggests a possibility (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP, 2014-208189, A

  Since many pachinko game machines that employ such a configuration already exist as conventional models, in order to differentiate them from conventional models, it is necessary to improve the fun of the game by so-called pending change look-ahead production.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko gaming machine capable of improving the enjoyment of the game.

In order to achieve such an object, the pachinko game machine according to the present invention is provided with a game board in which a game area is formed, a start opening provided in the game area, into which a game ball can enter, and the start opening. When a random number value is acquired by the random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number value upon entry of a game ball, the acquired random number until the predetermined acceptance / rejection determination permission condition is satisfied. A holding storage unit that stores up to N (where N is a natural number of 2 or more), which is a predetermined upper limit number, using a numerical value as holding information, and is stored in the holding storage unit when the acceptance / rejection determination permission condition is satisfied. A win / fail judgment means for digesting one or more pieces of hold information in a predetermined order and executing a win / fail judgment based on the digested hold information, and a storage in the hold storage means prior to the win / fail judgment by the win / fail judgment means. Pending information Pre-judgment means for executing a predetermined pre-judgment, special game execution means capable of shifting from a non-special game state to a special game state advantageous to the player, when the result of the win / no decision is a big hit, A production display device in which a plurality of symbols showing the result of the determination are displayed variably and in a stopped state, and one or more variations before the variation display corresponding to the hold information subjected to the preliminary determination is executed. In the display, a pre-reading notice control means for controlling so that the effect display device suggests or informs the result of the pre-determination as a predetermined pre-reading effect, and the pre-reading notice control means, the pre-reading notice control means, Of the hold information stored in the hold storage means, a hold image corresponding to the predetermined hold information is displayed on the effect display device, and the hold image corresponding to the predetermined hold information is displayed. By changing from the display mode of No. 1 to a special display mode, a hold change control unit for executing a hold change look-ahead effect that suggests or notifies the special game transition expectation degree related to the predetermined hold information is provided, and the hold change control unit is , A display mode at the time of production start, which is a display mode of a suspended image displayed in a variable display when the execution of the hold change prefetching effect is started, and a variable display when the execution of the hold change prefetching effect is started Of the variable display from the next time onward, and the display mode at the time of change, which is the display mode of the held image displayed in the variable display at each time until the predetermined hold information is consumed, is determined to determine the hold change pattern. In the pending change pattern, regardless of the order in which the predetermined pending information is consumed at the time when the predetermined pending information is acquired, the predetermined pending information is displayed as the changing time display mode. Each time from the variation display when the order in which the information is exhausted corresponds to the Nth corresponding to the upper limit number N to the variation display when the order in which the predetermined hold information is exhausted corresponds to the first of variable display, each time the display mode of the finally displayed is held image at variable display of has determined respectively, the pending change control means, except for variation display when corresponding to said N-th, the pending According to the change pattern, in each variable display, as the display mode of the reserved image, the variable time display mode corresponding to the order in which the predetermined reserved information is consumed is displayed, and in a certain variable display as the predetermined reserved information. Under the situation where the M-th hold information is acquired (where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than N), the predetermined start-up information is displayed in the variable display at the time of the effect start. The display of the time of change corresponding to the order in which the predetermined hold information is consumed as the display mode of the reserved image is displayed in the variable display of each time after the next time, and a certain variable display. wherein the said as the predetermined holding information sequence is under condition obtained hold information of M-th, and the presentation start time of the display mode, the order is finally displayed on the variable display when corresponding to M-th in When the display mode at the time of change is different, the display mode at the time of change that is finally displayed as the display mode of the reserved image in the next variable display when the order corresponds to the Mth Is displayed, and then the changing display mode finally displayed in the changing display when the order corresponds to the (M-1) th is displayed.

  According to the pachinko machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

It is a front view of a pachinko game machine according to the present embodiment. It is a rear view of the pachinko game machine according to the present embodiment. It is a control block diagram of a Pachinko game machine concerning this embodiment. It is the functional block diagram of the main control board and the production control board of the pachinko game machine which relates to this execution form. It is a schematic diagram showing a special symbol win / loss table. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a first special symbol stop symbol table, (B) is a schematic diagram showing a second special symbol stop symbol table. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a normal variation pattern table, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a shortened variation pattern table. It is a conceptual diagram for explaining scenario distribution lottery. It is a schematic diagram showing a variation effect pattern lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the variable group lottery table classified by additional information. It is a schematic diagram showing a variable group lottery table by reach. It is a schematic diagram which shows a notice scenario lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows a SP scenario lottery table. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a notice lottery table, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing an SP reach lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows a route prefetch lottery table. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an effect image of a stage change effect, and (B) is a schematic view showing an effect image of a special zone prefetch effect. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the symbol row of a decorative symbol. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the symbol attribute of the chance eye. It is a schematic diagram showing an effect effect lottery table. It is a schematic diagram showing a same-color symbol stop prefetch lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of production of the same color pattern stop prefetching production. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a standby look-ahead lottery table, (B) is a schematic diagram showing a stock notice lottery table, (C) is a schematic diagram showing a target notice production setting table, and (D) is a countdown notice lottery table. It is a schematic diagram which shows. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of production of a timer look-ahead production. (A) is a schematic diagram for explaining a reserved display area, and (B) is a schematic diagram for explaining a reserved image. It is a schematic diagram which shows a reservation change prefetch lottery table. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the correction change process of a reservation image. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a cut-in prefetch lottery table, (B) is a schematic diagram for explaining the effect timing of the cut-in prefetch effect, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing an effect example of the cut-in prefetch effect. .. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a flash prefetch lottery table, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a flash prefetch effect. It is a flow chart which shows the main processing by the side of main control. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 29 of a main control side main processing. It is a flow chart which shows main control side timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows a starting opening monitoring control process. It is a flow chart which shows special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing. It is a flowchart showing a special symbol variation start monitoring process. It is a flowchart showing a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart showing a special symbol control general-purpose processing. It is the flowchart which shows the special design fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart showing a process during special symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol displaying process. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 39 of special symbol stop symbol display processing. It is a flow chart which shows special electric auditors product control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 41 of special electric auditors product control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing following FIG. 41 of special electric auditors product control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a reset start process. It is the flowchart which shows the production control side main processing. It is a flow chart which shows command analysis processing. It is a flow chart which shows reservation information management processing. It is the flowchart which shows the pre-reading production decision processing at the time of winning a prize. It is a flow chart which shows change effect contents determination processing. It is a flow chart which shows pre-production effect judgment processing at the time of digestion. It is the flowchart which shows production control command reception interruption processing. It is the flowchart which shows the production control side timer interruption processing. It is a flow chart which shows image control command transmission interruption processing. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 1st effect | action in this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 2nd effect | action in this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 3rd effect | action in this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the 4th effect in this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a model in which two functions corresponding to the conventional first-class pachinko gaming machine are mixed, and the first game (first special symbol game) and the second game (2nd special symbol game) can be developed.

[First Embodiment]
1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be briefly described with reference to these figures.

<Basic configuration of pachinko machine>
First, the basic structure on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured to have a rectangular frame size corresponding to the opening front face of an outer frame 1 which forms a vertically-oriented fixed holding frame configured to have an outer rectangular frame size, and is opened and closed. A front frame 2 forming a frame is horizontally and horizontally opened / closed and detachably attached by upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 arranged on the front left side edge portions, and is called a double lock provided on the front right side edge portion. The device 4 is used to keep the closed state in which the outer frame 1 is engaged and connected at all times.

  A rectangular glass frame 5 matching the upper front area of the front frame 2 is attached to the front frame 2 by means of the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3 so that it can be opened and closed laterally and detachably attached, and the locking device 4 is used. It is always held in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. The game board 20 is detachably set and held on the front frame 2, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is visibly viewed through the multilayer glass of the glass frame 5 which is always closed and held. There is.

  On the front side of the glass frame 5, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 10 that emits light according to the development situation of the game and a speaker 11 that produces a sound effect according to the development situation of the game are provided. At the bottom of the glass frame 5, upper and lower ball plates (upper ball plate 8 and lower ball plate 9) for storing game balls are provided, and the front of the upper ball plate 8 is pressed by the player. A button 15 is provided, and a firing handle 12 for firing a game ball is provided on the front right side of the lower ball plate 9.

  The game board 20 is configured with a substrate formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or an ABS resin as a base. On the front surface of the game board 20, an outer rail and an inner rail are fixedly formed in an arc shape, and a substantially circular game area PA on which a game ball can roll is defined and formed. In this game area PA, a windmill and a large number of games are formed. Along with nails, other various winning openings such as the first starting opening 61, the second starting opening 62, the actuation gate 63, the big winning opening 64, the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first special Various display devices such as a figure holding lamp 73, a second special figure holding lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a general figure holding lamp 76 are provided. A center ornament 22 is arranged at the substantially center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 70 is provided so as to be visible through the center opening of the center ornament 22. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an outlet 29 for discharging the game ball rolling down without entering each prize opening to the back side of the game board 20. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 will be described in order.

  The first starting opening 61 is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the first special symbol game, and is provided with a first starting opening switch 611 for detecting entry of a game ball. The entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 61 is a trigger for the first special symbol lottery.

  The second starting port 62 is provided as a starting winning port corresponding to the second special symbol game, and is provided with a second starting port switch 621 for detecting the entry of a game ball. The entry of the game ball into the second starting opening 62 is a trigger for the second special symbol lottery. In addition, the second starting opening 62 includes an ordinary electric accessory 622 and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 623 for driving the ordinary electric accessory 622 to open and close. The normal electric accessory 622 is changed between a closed state in which the game ball does not easily enter the second starting opening 62 and an open state in which the game ball easily enters the second starting port 62. Here, the second starting opening 62 has a structure in which a game ball is difficult to enter unless the ordinary electric accessory 622 is opened. On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory 622 is opened, the ease of entering the second starting opening 62 is increased.

  The operation gate 63 is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and is provided with an operation gate switch 631 for detecting passage of a game ball. The passage of the game ball to the actuation gate 63 is a trigger for the normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the normal electric auditors product 622 of the second starting opening 62.

  The special winning opening 64 is formed as a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened when a big hit or a small hit is achieved in the winning / winning lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special winning opening 64 is provided with a special winning opening switch 641 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory 642 called a so-called attacker device and for opening and closing the special electric accessory 642. And a special winning opening solenoid 643. The special electric auditors product 642 is changed into a normal state in which the game ball cannot enter or difficult to enter the special winning opening 64 and an open state in which the game ball can enter or is easy to enter. In this example, the special winning opening 64 is provided in the right side area of the game area PA. Therefore, in the special game state (big hit game state), when the game ball is shot toward the game area PA, by hitting the right side area, that is, by so-called right hitting, the ball enters the special winning opening 64. Has become easier.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs the variable display and the fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first starting opening 61. The first special symbol display device 71 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, the variable display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The first special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs the variable display and the confirmation display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second starting opening 62. The second special symbol display device 72 is composed of, for example, eight LED lamps, the variable display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the lamp, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and switched to the lighting display. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

  The 1st special figure reservation lamp 73 and the 2nd special figure reservation lamp 74 respectively comprise, for example, 2 LED lamps, respectively, the number of operation reservation balls of the 1st special design and the 2nd special design by lighting / flashing indication of the particular lamp Express (up to 4). The number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is a number according to the random number value obtained based on the ball entering the first starting opening 61 during the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or the execution of the special game. Yes, it indicates the number for which the win / fail judgment is temporarily suspended until the acquired random number value is suspended, that is, the win / disapproval determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. Similarly, the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol is a random number value obtained based on the ball entering the second starting opening 62 during the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or the execution of the special game. It is a number related to this, and indicates the number for which the acceptance judgment is once suspended until the acquired random number value is suspended, that is, until the acceptance determination permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random value. There is.

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of, for example, two LED lamps, and performs variable display and final display of normal symbols. The universal figure holding lamp 76 is composed of, for example, four lamps, and the number of the lamps to be turned on corresponds to the number of holdings of the normal symbol fluctuation (the number of normal symbol fluctuations not yet executed). In addition, on the left side of the normal symbol display device 75, a round display 77 for displaying the number of round games (unit games) in the special game (the number of rounds: the number of times the special electric auditors product 642 continuously operates) is provided. ing.

  The effect display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a notice effect that suggests or notifies a decorative pattern that fluctuates and stops changing in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the expectation degree of a big hit in advance. With it, the 1st special design and the 2nd special design are displayed on hold. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, the decorative symbol display unit 700 for performing the variable display of the decorative symbol and the notice effect display, and the first special symbol hold lamp 73 are synchronized with the first special symbol. 1st special figure reservation display section 701 where the reservation display of is executed, and 2nd special figure reservation display section 702 where the reservation display of the 2nd special design is executed in synchronization with the 2nd special figure reservation lamp 74 Has been. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is adopted as the effect display device 70. In the decorative symbol display portion 700, three columns of display regions (left display region Z1, middle display region Z2, right display region Z3) that are variable display regions of the decorative symbol are provided on a predetermined effective line (not shown). That is, the left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the left display region Z1, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the middle display region Z2, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the right display region Z3. It has become so. In the normal display mode, the special image holding display portions 701 and 702 display a white circled holding image when the special symbol operation holding ball is generated, while corresponding to the operation holding ball being digested. The held image is erased. This hold image is displayed in order according to the generation order of the special design operation hold balls (ball entry order), and it is possible to display a maximum of four on each hold display section 701, 702.

  The center decoration 22 is installed around the effect display device 70, and has functions such as a flow path for game balls, protection of the screen of the effect display device 70, and decoration. The center ornament 22 is provided with a plurality of movable accessory members 24 (24A, 24B, 24C) that perform a performance operation according to the development situation of the game. Each movable accessory 24 includes a motor M (for example, a stepping motor) as a drive source. In addition, the center decoration 22 is provided with a board lamp (LED lamp) 25 that emits light in accordance with the development situation of the game. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25 are also collectively referred to as “effect lamp LP”.

  Subsequently, the basic structure of the back side of the pachinko game machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. On the back side of the front frame 2, there is a back set board 30 which has a window which communicates with the front and rear in the center and which is based on a base frame body formed in a rectangular frame shape which is somewhat smaller than the front frame 2. A hinge mechanism 3 is connected to the rear side of the front frame 2 so as to be capable of laterally opening / closing and detachable. A back set cover 30C in the form of a rectangular box with an open front is detachably attached to the back set board 30, and is normally disposed so as to cover the back side of the game board 20 attached to the front frame 2. (Thus, the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the image control board 300, which will be described later, are covered by the back set cover 30C).

  Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 31 for storing a large number of game balls, a tank rail 32 extending from the storage tank 31 to the right with a gentle downward slope, and a lower end connected to the right end of the tank rail 32. A ball supply passage portion 33 extending to, a prize ball payout unit 34 for paying out the game ball guided by the ball supply passage portion 33, a prize for guiding the game ball paid out from the prize ball payout unit 34 to the upper ball plate 6. A ball passage portion 35 and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the game board 10, a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko game machine PM, a production control board 200 that controls overall production, image display according to game development, and control of sound effects. An image control board 300 for performing the above is attached. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, a payout control board 400 that controls the launch and payout of game balls, and power from the game facility side to supply power to various control boards and electric / electronic components. A power supply board 500 and the like are attached. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are respectively housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure at the predetermined positions on the rear surface of the game board 20 or the rear setting board 30 in an assembled state. It is arranged. The control board and the electric / electronic parts of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are mutually connected via a harness (connector cable), and the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured to be operable.

<Control configuration of Pachinko game machine>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, each control board mounted on the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing a control configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM.

  The main control board 100 is a main CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processing related to games, a ROM 102 that stores control programs and various data, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area or a buffer memory that is a temporary storage area, peripheral boards and each A main control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 110 configured to include an I / O port circuit 104 for inputting / outputting a signal to / from a device is mounted, and a main CPU 101 plays a game according to a control program stored in a ROM 102. It is configured to execute the main control related to the progress. Besides, although not shown, the main control board 100 is reset by a clock circuit that divides a clock signal from a crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, and when the main CPU 101 malfunctions or goes into a runaway state. The WDT circuit for returning to a normal state, the CTC circuit for enabling real-time interrupt generation and time measurement, and the program processing (software random number) by the main CPU 101 operate as a separate system to generate a predetermined random number (internal random number). A random number generation circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The main CPU 101 reads various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing based on the detection information from each switch, thereby executing various processing relating to the main control of the game. The RAM 103 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage unit that is backed up by a backup power supply generated in the power supply board 500. The backup area of the RAM 103 is an area for storing data such as stack pointers and registers held when the power is cut off when the power is cut off. ) Indicates that the state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power is turned off based on the information in the backup area.

  Further, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first starting opening switch 611, the second starting opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the special winning opening switch 641, and the like, and via the I / O port circuit 104. Then, the detection signals from various switches are input to the main CPU 101. Further, the main control board 100, the first special symbol display device 71, the second special symbol display device 72, the first special symbol holding lamp 73, the second special symbol holding lamp 74, the normal symbol display device 75 and the general symbol holding lamp. A control signal from the main CPU 101 via the I / O port circuit 104, which is electrically connected to the normal electric accessory solenoid 623 and the special electric accessory solenoids 643 and 653. To various display means and various solenoids.

  The main control board 100 and the production control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and communication is performed only in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the production control board 200. Various control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. Data cannot be transmitted from the production control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main control board 100 cannot be requested to transmit data.

  The effect control board 200 is a sub-main CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processing related to game effect based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores effect control programs and various data, a work area that serves as a temporary storage area, A performance control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 210 including a RAM 203 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 204 that inputs and outputs signals to and from a peripheral board and each device is mounted. The sub-main CPU 201 is configured to execute main control relating to game effects according to a control program stored in the ROM 202. In addition, although not shown, the effect control board 200 is reset by a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, and when the sub-main CPU 201 malfunctions or runs out of control. WDT circuit for returning to a normal state by the TPU circuit, TPU circuit for outputting various signals based on the system clock, interrupt controller for activating various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from the TPU circuit, for inputting / outputting serial data A serial communication circuit and the like are mounted, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The effect control board 200 performs an effect control process based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, and an image control command for instructing an image and a sound to the image control board 300 and a lamp control signal for controlling the lamp connection board 91. (Lamp data), a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so as to be able to perform bidirectional communication, and an image control command relating to an image and a sound is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300, and in response thereto, A response command (ACK command) indicating that the image control command is normally received is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  In addition, the production control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 having a plurality of LED drivers mounted thereon, and outputs a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 via a serial communication circuit. Send. In this example, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. The ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line in synchronization with the clock signal. The lamp connection board 91 has a built-in LED driver that functions by receiving a lamp control signal for LED driving transmitted from the effect control board 200, and switches a switch in the circuit on / off based on the lamp control signal. Thus, control is performed to supply or cut off the drive current to the effect lamp LP and turn on or off the effect lamp LP.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to the plurality of motor drivers 92, and sends a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92 to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Send. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory 24 by turning on / off a switch in the circuit based on a drive control signal for driving the accessory that is transmitted from the effect control board 200. Alternatively, the control is performed by shutting off and operating each movable accessory 24. A parallel communication system is used for data transmission to the motor driver 92.

  The image control board 300 includes a sub-sub CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on an image control command from the effect control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores an image control program and various data, and a work area that serves as a temporary storage area. An image control microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) 310 including a RAM 303 that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit 304 that inputs and outputs signals to and from a peripheral board and each device is mounted. The sub-sub CPU 301 is configured to execute main control relating to image effects according to a control program stored in the ROM 302. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the VDP that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301 and the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the sub-sub CPU 301 are provided on the image control board 300. A sound source IC for generating acoustic data is mounted. The VDP is a so-called image processor, which reads the image data stored in the image ROM according to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and transmits a video signal (image data) generated by performing image processing on the image data to the effect display device. A high-speed VRAM used for developing and processing the image data read from the image ROM is connected to the VDP. The sound source IC reads the acoustic data stored in the audio ROM in response to an instruction from the sub-sub CPU 301, and outputs the acoustic data generated by performing a synthesis process to the speaker 11 via an amplifier (digital amplifier).

  The payout control board 400 mainly includes a payout CPU 401, a ROM 402, and a RAM 403. The payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and is a control for driving the prize ball payout unit 34 based on a payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out prize balls. While executing, the ball feed mechanism 13 and the firing mechanism 14 are synchronously driven based on the operation amount of the firing handle 12 to control the firing of the game ball.

  Although not shown in detail, the power supply board 500 is a backup power supply and a normal power supply circuit for generating a normal power supply used in each control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island. A power supply required for electronic and electrical parts such as control boards and amusement machines, which is configured by including a backup power supply circuit for generating To supply. A power switch for activating a power circuit is connected to the power board 500, and when the power switch is turned on, assuming that the primary power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island, the power board is turned on. Predetermined power is supplied to each control board or the like from the normal power supply circuit 500. The power supply board 500 is configured to be able to detect that the power supply from the power supply device of the game island has been cut off, and at the time of detecting the power supply cutoff, a power cutoff signal (NMI signal) for notifying that fact is sent to the main control board 100. , To the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400. In addition, the backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged when power is supplied from the power supply device of the game island to the pachinko game machine PM. A RAM clear switch (not shown) for temporarily erasing the temporarily stored contents of the RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the power of the pachinko game machine PM is turned on is connected to the power supply board 500. ing. The RAM clear switch may be connected to, for example, the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 500.

<Basic operation of Pachinko machine>
In the pachinko machine PM configured as described above, the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the game island of the game facility, the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, etc. are closed and locked, and the game is performed. The game is started by storing the game balls in the plate 8 and rotating the firing handle 12. When the firing handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball plate 8 are shot one by one by the ball feeding mechanism 13 (see FIG. 3) arranged on the back side of the glass frame 5. 14 (see FIG. 3), and is launched into the game area PA by the firing mechanism 14.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area PA enters any of the first starting opening 61, the second starting opening 62, and the special winning opening 64, a prize ball corresponding to the type of the winning opening is paid out. It is dispensed to the upper bowl 8 or the lower bowl 9 by the unit 34. Further, when the game ball enters the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, the random number value of the special symbol is acquired, and the random number value is temporarily stored as a reserve ball of the special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number. Then, when the predetermined start condition is satisfied, the special symbol win / loss determination, the symbol determination, and the variation pattern determination are performed on the lottery random number value related to the earliest holding ball, in a mode according to the determination result, While the special symbols are variably displayed on the 1 special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the effect display device 70. The variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed synchronously after the lapse of the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to a special game in which the player is more advantageous than the normal game, and the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 64 is started. To be done. The stop mode of the decorative symbol showing the big hit is a mode in which, for example, the three types of symbols match. In this embodiment, as a special game, a 16R special game in which the round game is set to 16 times (16 rounds), an 8R special game in which the round game is set to 8 times (8 rounds), and a round game is twice. A 2R special game set for (2 rounds) is provided.

  In the present embodiment, even if any of the 16R special game, the 8R special game and the 2R special game is transferred, the probability change of the special symbol from the end of the special game until the change number of the special symbol reaches a predetermined ending number of times. Functions (also called “probability variation”) operate uniformly. That is, the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment is a so-called "ST machine", which is a number-of-times-probability variable machine with a probability variation inrush rate of 100%. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the probability variation function of the special symbol does not continue until the next big hit occurs, but a period until the predetermined end number (also referred to as “ST number”) is reached (also referred to as “ST period”). ) Is limited to. When the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot probability of the special symbol lottery shifts from the normal low-probability state to the high-probability state, so that a new jackpot (special game) occurs relatively early. Become.

  On the other hand, after the special game is completed, the variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “time saving”) of the special symbol may operate in association with or independently of the probability varying function of the special symbol. When the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol operates, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol tends to be shorter than usual, and the number of special symbol lottery per unit time improves (the jackpot per unit time You can increase the ease of acquisition).

  Further, when the variable time shortening function of the special symbol is activated, the electric choo support function is activated accordingly. The electric Chu support function, the probability change function of the normal symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol, and the opening extension function of the normal electric auditors product 622 actuate to enhance the ease of entering the second starting opening 62. This is a state (also referred to as an "easy entry state"). In addition, when the probability variation function of the ordinary symbol operates, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol becomes higher than the normal state. When the normal symbol variation time reduction function is activated, the variation time of the ordinary symbol is reduced. When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 operates, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 becomes longer than the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, the possibility that the number of fluctuations of the ordinary symbol per fixed time will increase more than usual, and the easiness of entering the second starting port 62 also increases, so to the second starting port 62. The possibility that the number of spheres will increase will also increase. Therefore, the operation of the electric Chu support function increases the chances of obtaining a prize ball by entering the second starting opening 62 during the period, and as a result, it is possible to continue the game without reducing the number of balls held. Become.

<Main functional configuration of Pachinko game machine>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly, the main control board 100 / effect control board 200) according to the present embodiment will be described with additional reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 100 is a ball entry determination means 110, a game lottery random number generation means 120, a hold control means 130, an advance determination means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, an ordinary symbol lottery processing means 145, Special game control means 150, symbol display control means 155, electric accessory control means 160, game state control means 165, error monitoring control means 170, main information storage means 180, command transmission / reception means 190 are included. Each of the above-described means in the main control board 100 is configured by a main CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 102 and the like. It is a functional representation of something.

  Based on the detection signals from the first starting opening switch 611, the second starting opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the special winning opening switch 641, etc., the winning entry determining means 110 enters the game ball into each winning opening. judge.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit of the main control microcomputer 110 by software, and adds a soft random number per special symbol to be described later to this, and is used for the winning / winning lottery of the special symbol. Generate a random number per special symbol. Further, the game lottery random number generation means 120 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main CPU 101. These random number counters play a role as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software. As this software random number, a special random number per special symbol to be added to the above-mentioned built-in random number for generating a random number per random number, an initial value for a new update after one cycle of the special random number per special symbol is finished. Special initial value random number per special symbol to determine the special symbol stop symbol random number, special symbol stop symbol random number used to determine the symbol (combination of symbols that activates the condition device) as a special symbol stop symbol Of the special symbol stop symbol initial value random number for determining the initial value for making a new update after the update of one cycle is finished, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number used for selecting the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol, Random number per normal symbol to be used in the winning or failure lottery of the normal symbol, the initial value for making a new update after updating one cycle of the random number per normal symbol Determining normal symbol per initial value random number for, and the like normal symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting the change pattern of the normal symbol. These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs (increment, decrement, addition of prime numbers, etc.), and the initial value random number is updated while timer interrupt processing is not being executed ( (Loop processing) is also updated using the remaining time of the interrupt cycle.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to the special symbol game, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting opening 61 or the second starting opening 62, a random value per special symbol, per special symbol. The symbol random number value, the special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value is acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a main information storage means in a form of combining the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (four), respectively, with the entering order of the holding balls. It is temporarily stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area or the second special symbol reservation storage area of 180.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, in the order of entry into the starting ports 61, 62, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), the reserved 2 storage area (2 The third reserved storage area), the third reserved storage area (third reserved storage area), and the fourth reserved storage area (fourth reserved storage area) are respectively provided. Each reservation storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a symbol random number per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set as the operation retaining ball information. The operation holding ball information is stored in the order of the holding 1 storage area, the holding 2 storage area, the holding 3 storage area, and the holding 4 storage area, while the holding 1 storage area, the holding 2 storage area, the holding 3 storage area, and the holding 4 storage. Digested in order of area (first-in first-out principle). Further, when the reserved sphere information in the reserved 1 storage area is exhausted, the reserved sphere information stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area are respectively shifted to the lower numbered storage areas, and Clear the contents of the hold 4 storage area to zero.

  Further, the special symbol holding control means 131, the first special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol, the second special for counting the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol It has a symbol reserve ball number counter. The special symbol hold control means 131, as the update process of the number of operation holding balls of the special symbol, increments the corresponding counter by one each time one operation holding ball of the special symbol is acquired, and one operation holding ball is consumed. The corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  Further, the special symbol holding control means 131, when the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is updated (addition or subtraction), the production control command including the update information of the holding ball number ("symbol storage" (Referred to as “several commands”) and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. This 1 command includes information on both the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol and the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the operation-holding balls of each special symbol will be digested in the order in which they enter the ball, but in this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the first special symbol. , To adopt the so-called priority digestion, while the operation reserved ball related to the second special symbol game exists, regardless of the existence of the operation reserved ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reserved related to the second special symbol game It is designed to preferentially digest spheres. In addition, under this priority digestion, when the operation reserved ball of the second special symbol exists, even if the operation reserved ball of the first special symbol exists, the digestion of the operation reserved ball of the first special symbol will occur. It will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game when the game ball enters the actuation gate 63 as a trigger, a random number value per ordinary symbol, a random symbol value per ordinary symbol, and a regular symbol fluctuation pattern. A random number value is acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation-holding sphere information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 132 is a normal symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180 in a form in which the operation hold ball information of the normal symbol is combined with a predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces) in the entering order of the hold balls. Store temporarily. Further, the normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the normal symbol. Normal symbol hold control means 132, as an update process of the number of holding balls of the working normal symbol, the counter is incremented by 1 each time one working holding ball of the normal symbol is acquired, and one working holding ball is consumed. The corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  When the pre-judgment means 135 acquires the operation holding ball of the special symbol at the predetermined pre-judgment timing, the pre-judgment means 135 executes the pre-judgment for the pre-reading notice for the operation reserved ball. As an example of the above-described pre-determination timing, (1) waiting for a hit, and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric Chu support function is not operated, (2) waiting for a hit, and If you get the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol while the electric Chu support function is operating, (3) If you obtain the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol during the big hit or small hit, one of It is time to meet the conditions. Specifically, the pre-determination means 135 reads a random number value corresponding to the operation holding sphere acquired this time from the first special symbol reserved storage area or the second special symbol reserved storage area of the main information storage means 180, and whether or not it is true or false. Pre-determination (whether prior determination), pre-determination of symbols (pre-determination of symbols), pre-determination of variation patterns (pre-determination of variation patterns) are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used in each pre-determination is not shown in the drawing, but each of the adequacy pre-determination table, the pattern pre-determination table, and the variation pattern pre-determination table has a region corresponding to the total number of random numbers divided into a plurality of regions. Then, a lottery ID (a number indicating the result of the preliminary determination (also referred to as “preliminary determination number”)) is assigned to each of the areas (determination number). Therefore, the result of this pre-determination is based on the result of the main lottery by the special symbol lottery processing means 140 described later (results of the success / failure determination, the result of the symbol determination, the result of the variation pattern determination). Then, the pre-determination unit 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a “pre-determination command”) including information on the result of the pre-determination (pre-determination number), and stores it in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. To store.

  The special symbol lottery processing means 140 includes a special symbol winning / discarding determination means 141, a special symbol stop symbol determining means 412, and a special symbol variation pattern determining means 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied, the special symbol perturbation stored in the first storage area (holding 1 storage area) of the special symbol holding storage area in the main information storage means 180. Numerical value, special symbol per design random number value, special symbol fluctuation pattern random number value is read, and this is stored in the special symbol appropriateness determination area, the special symbol determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, respectively. Here, "variation start condition of the special symbol is satisfied", as an example thereof, (1) not a big hit or a small hit, (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol variation standby That is, (3) there is an operation holding ball in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, when all the conditions are satisfied, as a result, the special symbol can start fluctuating It is judged that it is in such a state.

  The special symbol hit determination unit 141 reads a random number per special symbol from the special symbol hit determination area of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the hit determination, and the determination result corresponds to either a big hit, a small hit, or a hit. Decide what to do. The result of this winning / judgment determination is temporarily stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 (for example, big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, outlier data “00H”), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it will be cleared when the special symbols stop changing. The special symbol win / loss determination means 141 holds the special symbol win / loss lottery table referred to in the win / loss determination.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a special symbol win / loss table, (A) is referred to in a normal state (low probability state), and (B) is referred to in a probability variation state (high probability state). It In this special symbol win / loss lottery table, the random number per special symbol, the big hit, the small hit, and the determination result of the outfall are associated, and the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit depending on the associated random number range. Is determined. As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the winning / winning lottery of the special symbol game, in the normal state (low-probability state), the random number value is a big hit only when it falls within the range of “0 to 217”. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high-probability state), the range of big hits is expanded, and not only when the random number value falls within the range of “0 to 217”, but also when it falls within the range of “218 to 2170”. Become. That is, when the probability varying function of the special symbol operates, the lottery probability of the big hit changes from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30). In this way, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the game state, but the winning probability of the big hit is the same in the winning / discarding lottery of the first special symbol and the winning / discarding lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number per special symbol does not fall within the range of big hits, it will be a small hit if it falls within a predetermined range. In this example, it is configured such that there is a small hit only the hit determination of the first special symbol, for example, a small hit is also provided for the hit determination of the second special symbol, from the hit determination of the second special symbol Also, the first special symbol may be configured to be a small hit with a higher probability of the hit determination.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the win / loss of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 has a first special symbol stop symbol table and a second special symbol stop symbol table that are referred to when determining the stop symbol of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically showing an example of a first special symbol stop symbol table. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for big hit symbols), three types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) "A1", "B1", "C1" are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. .. In addition, in this example, for the sake of convenience of description, the details of the big hit (the number of times the probability changing function and the changing time shortening function of the special symbol are operated, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 64) are also added. In addition, the numerical value "100" in the parentheses means the number of operations of the probability varying function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, that is, the number of STs. In this table, the stop symbols "A1" to "C1" of the first special symbol are classified according to the type of big hit. Specifically, the symbol “A1” is associated with the 16R specific time reduction symbol, the symbol “B1” is associated with the 8R specific time reduction symbol, and the symbol “C1” is associated with the 2R specific time reduction symbol. In the present embodiment, the "specific symbol" is a symbol that activates the probability variation function of the special symbol after the end of the special game, and the "time saving symbol" is the shortening of the variation time of the special symbol after the end of the special game. The pattern that will activate the function (and the electric chew support function), and the "time-saving no symbol" is a design that does not activate the variable time shortening function (and the electric chew support function) of the special symbol after the end of the special game. There is (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

  Symbols A1 and B1 are specific symbols indicating a so-called "probability variation big hit" that shifts the game state after the end of the special game to a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state), and the number of variations of the special symbol is within the ST number. Until the end without generating a big hit, or until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of special symbols, and electric choo support function Will be granted. Regarding the symbol A1, the prescribed round number of the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. Regarding the symbol B1, the prescribed number of rounds of the special game is eight, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  Although the symbol C1 is different in the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 compared to the above "probability variation big hit", the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol. , A so-called "sudden probability big hit" is a specific symbol, until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol ends without causing a big hit within the ST number, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST number. Only during the period, the probability change function of the special symbol and the change time shortening function, and the electric choo support function will be added. The prescribed number of rounds of the special game is two, and the maximum opening time of the first special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 0.05 seconds.

  On the other hand, in the first special symbol stop symbol table (for the off symbol), for the special symbol stop symbol random value, a single stop symbol (off symbol) "H1" is uniquely assigned. In the first special symbol stop symbol table (for small hit symbols), a single stop symbol (small hit symbol) "K1" is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random number value. In the case of a small hit, it does not trigger the change of the gaming state, and the gaming state is maintained before and after the winning / winning lottery.

  FIG. 6 (B) is a diagram schematically showing an example of a second special symbol stop symbol table. In the second special symbol stop symbol table (for big hit symbols), two types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) “A2” and “B2” are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In addition, in this example, for the sake of convenience of description, the details of the big hit (the number of times the probability changing function and the changing time shortening function of the special symbol are operated, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 64) are also added. In this table, the stop symbols “A2” and “B2” of the second special symbol are classified according to the type of big hit. Specifically, the symbol “A2” is associated with the 16R specific time reduction symbol, and the symbol “B2” is associated with the 8R specific time reduction symbol.

  Symbols A2 and B2 are specific symbols showing a so-called "probability variation jackpot" that shifts the game state after the end of the special game to a special symbol probability variation state (high probability state), and the number of variations of the special symbol is within the ST number. Until the end without generating a big hit, or until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of special symbols, and electric choo support function Will be granted. Regarding the symbol A2, the prescribed round number of the special game is 16 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. Regarding the symbol B2, the prescribed number of rounds of the special game is eight, and the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  Further, in the second special symbol stop symbol table (for off symbol), a single stop symbol (off symbol) "H2" is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, as a big hit type, three types of 16R big hit (16R specific time shortened symbol), 8R big hit (8R specific time shortened symbol) and 2R big hit (2R specific time shortened symbol) Is provided. The expected value for winning a prize ball in a special game (expected value for winning a prize ball) is 16R jackpot> 8R jackpot> 2R jackpot. Then, as can be seen from the above description, when the big hit in the win / win lottery of the first special symbol, 16R big hit is selected with a probability of 30%, while the win / win lottery of the second special symbol is selected. If you get a big jackpot with, there is a 70% chance that the 16R jackpot will be selected, so you will get more balls if you win the second start opening 62 than you win the first start opening 61. This is advantageous to the player in that it can be done.

(Variation pattern)
The special symbol fluctuation pattern determination unit 143 determines the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects one of the variation pattern tables from the plurality of types of variation pattern tables, based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the winning / discarding lottery. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. A plurality of types of variation patterns are defined in each variation pattern table. In each figure, for convenience of description, the "selectivity" is shown, but in practice, the judgment value (range of random number values) for determining the variation pattern is set according to the special symbol variation pattern random value. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on which judgment value the fluctuation pattern random value belongs to. As for the various fluctuation patterns, the fluctuation time is set for each fluctuation pattern as an ending condition of the pattern fluctuation, and it is premised that the pattern fluctuation by the decorative pattern composed of a plurality of symbols is also executed in the fluctuation time. Stipulated as In addition, in this example, for convenience of explanation, only several types of variation pattern tables and several types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but in reality, in addition to the game state, a loss variation pattern table according to the number of holdings, A variation pattern table according to the type of symbol (16R big hit table, 2R big hit table, etc.), special variation (several rotations after big hit, variation at ST end, etc.) There may be a variation pattern table, and depending on the type of the variation pattern table, there are cases where more than 100 types of variation patterns are included.

  Here, in the present embodiment, there are two types of the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern selection states, that is, “normal fluctuation state α” and “shortening fluctuation state β”. Here, the normal variation state α is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected with reference to the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 7 (A)) selected when the game state is the normal state. The shortened variation state β is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is selected with reference to the shortened variation pattern table (FIG. 7 (B)) selected when the gaming state is the probability variation state.

  As described above, the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination means 143 holds the normal fluctuation pattern table and the shortened fluctuation pattern table. Each fluctuation pattern table can be different according to the result of the win / no win lottery (big hit / small hit / miss). Further, in this example, each variation pattern table is common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, but is not limited to this, in the first special symbol and for the second special symbol It may be different. Hereinafter, each fluctuation pattern table will be described in detail.

(Normal fluctuation pattern table)
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the normal fluctuation pattern table. First, in the normal fluctuation pattern table for deviation, fluctuation pattern PX1 (5 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX2 (10 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX3 (15 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX4 (20 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX5 (60 seconds) , Fluctuation pattern PX6 (90 seconds) is selected. On the other hand, in the normal variation pattern table for big hit / small hit, any one of variation pattern PY3 (15 seconds), variation pattern PY4 (20 seconds), variation pattern PY5 (60 seconds), and variation pattern PY6 (90 seconds) is selected. To be done. In this way, when the gaming state is the normal state, if the result of the hit determination is a big hit or a small hit, the variation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and the variation pattern of the reach mode is always selected. To be done.

(Short fluctuation pattern table)
FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the shortened fluctuation pattern table. First, in the shortened fluctuation pattern table for deviation, fluctuation pattern PX0 (3 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX1 (5 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX2 (10 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX3 (15 seconds), fluctuation pattern PX4 (20 seconds). , Fluctuation pattern PX5 (60 seconds) or fluctuation pattern PX6 (90 seconds) is selected. In the shortened fluctuation pattern table for deviation, the selected ratio of the fluctuation pattern PX1 (5 seconds) is set higher than that in the above-described normal fluctuation pattern table for deviation, and the average fluctuation time The value is shortened. On the other hand, in the shortened variation pattern table for big hit / small hit, any one of variation pattern PY3 (15 seconds), variation pattern PY4 (20 seconds), variation pattern PY5 (60 seconds), and variation pattern PY6 (90 seconds) is selected. To be done. In this way, when the gaming state is a probability change state, if the result of the hit determination is a big hit or a small hit, the variation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and the variation pattern of the reach mode is always selected. To be done.

  Here, the variation time “3 seconds” is associated with the ultra-shortening variation, the variation time “5 seconds” is associated with the shortening variation, the variation time “10 seconds” is associated with the normal variation, and the variation time “15”. “Second” is associated with N reach (normal reach), fluctuation time “20 seconds” is associated with L reach (long reach), and fluctuation time “60 seconds” is associated with weak SP reach (weak super reach). , The fluctuation time “90 seconds” is associated with the strong SP reach (strong super reach). In the following, the fluctuation pattern PX0 of ultra-short fluctuation, the fluctuation pattern PX1 of short fluctuation, and the fluctuation pattern PX2 of normal fluctuation may be collectively referred to as a “non-reach type” fluctuation pattern. The jackpot expectation of each variation pattern is set to increase in the order of non-reach type <N reach <L reach <weak SP reach <strong SP reach. In the above description, the fluctuation pattern table for the deviation is expressed by a single table in any case, but when the result of the winning / absence lottery is a deviation, the number of operation reserved balls of the special symbol ( 0-4), different variation pattern tables may be selected. In other words, by using the variation pattern table according to the number of operation holding balls of the special symbol, the larger the number of operation holding balls, the higher the ratio of relatively shorter variation time selected, and the smaller the number of operation holdings, on the contrary. The relatively long fluctuation time can be selected at a higher rate. Further, although not shown, in the shortened variation pattern table, in the variation when the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol becomes 0, the variation pattern table for the deviation of the second special symbol (the number of reserved memories = 0) ( For example, using the variation pattern PX7 (10 seconds selectivity 100%), to increase the probability of entering the game ball into the electric Chu (second starting opening 62) during the variation, in the second special symbol The fluctuation may not be interrupted.

  Further, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143, after selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, instructs the production control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, so that communication with the production control board 200 is normally performed. Production control command (communication inspection command) for confirming whether or not it is present, production control command (variation additional information designation command) including variation additional information (information for adding / subtracting variation time), production including variation pattern information A control command (variation pattern designation command), a production control command (symbol designation command) including information of a character effect number (symbol group and game state), etc. are generated (hereinafter, these commands are collectively referred to as a "variation start command"). This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 has a normal symbol winning / discarding judgment means 146, a normal symbol stop symbol judging means 147, and a normal symbol fluctuation pattern judging means 148. Normal symbol lottery processing means 145, when the variation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, the random number per normal symbol stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, the normal symbol variation pattern random value is read, The main symbol storage area 180 stores a normal symbol validity determination area and a normal symbol variation pattern determination area, respectively.

  The normal symbol hit determination unit 146 reads a random number per ordinary symbol from the normal symbol hit determination region of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the hit determination, and the determination result corresponds to whether the hit or the hit. decide. The result of this winning / abstracting lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180, is used in the subsequent processing, and is cleared when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol win / loss determination means 146 holds the normal symbol win / win lottery table that is referred to in this win / win lottery, and in a normal state (low-probability state), for example, it is a hit with a probability of "160/283". Refer to the symbol winning / losing lottery table, and in the probability variation state (high probability state) of the ordinary symbol, for example, refer to the ordinary symbol winning / winning lottery table that wins with a probability of “282/283”, and execute the winning / winning lottery of the ordinary symbol To do.

  Normally, the symbol stop symbol determination means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / winning lottery is a win, while assigning a predetermined off symbol when the result is a win. Is becoming

  Normal symbol variation pattern determination means 148, while reading the normal symbol variation pattern random value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, referring to the ordinary symbol variation pattern table, the normal symbol variation display in the normal state In, a relatively long fluctuation time is selected (for example, seven kinds of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, in the time saving state of the normal symbol (the easy entry state), a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected by the operation of the variation time shortening function.

  If the result of the winning / winning lottery is a big hit, the special game control means 150 determines the demonstration time for the big hit start demo and the big hit end demo according to the determined big hit symbol. Further, the special game control means 150 instructs the effect control board 200 side to execute a big hit start demonstration effect (referred to as "big hit start demo command") and a big hit end demonstration effect. An effect control command (referred to as "big hit end demo command") to be generated is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. The big hit start demo command also serves as a trigger for determining the contents of a series of big hit effects (big hit start demonstration effect, round effect, big hit end demonstration effect) that are developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. .. Further, the special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as "round effect designation command") for instructing the start of the round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game. This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. This round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds, information on detection of the special winning opening switch 641, and the like.

  Further, when the result of the winning / winning lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 150 determines a demonstration time for a small hit start demo and a small hit end demo displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the small hit game. Further, the special game control means 150, an effect control command for instructing execution of a small hit start demonstration effect (“small hit start demo command”) and an effect control command for instructing execution of a small hit end demonstration effect (“small hit”). The end demo command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 71 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and after the variation display, the first special symbol is fixedly displayed. Let In addition, the special symbol display control means 156 variably displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 72 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and after the variation display, the second special symbol. Confirm display. Special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) relating to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operation state of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 is monitored based on the special symbol game status of the main information storage means 180. Special symbol display control means 156, when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped (that is, at the timing when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”), the effect control board 200 is requested to confirm the decorative symbol. A production control command (referred to as a “fluctuation stop command”) is generated. The normal symbol display control means 157 changes the normal symbol to the normal symbol display device 75 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the ordinary symbol, and after the variable display, the normal symbol is fixedly displayed. Normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) relating to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

  When the result of the special symbol winning / winning lottery is a big hit, the electric auditors product control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric auditors solenoid 643 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the special electric winning combination The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric auditors product 642 is set as one round game (unit game), and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (16R, 8R, 2R in this example). To do. The electric accessory control unit 160 holds a special winning opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of running rounds). Here, when the big hit type is the so-called 16R big hit (symbols A1 and A2) or 8R big hit (symbols B1 and B2), the special winning opening 64 is opened for a maximum of about 30 seconds in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is the so-called 2R big hit (symbol C1), the big winning opening 64 is opened for a maximum of about 0.05 seconds in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the special winning opening 64 in the special game (end condition of the unit game) is the award of a specified number of game balls or the elapse of the openable period of a specified number of seconds.

  Further, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 643 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed when the result of the special symbol winning / winning lottery is a small hit. , The special electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. The small hit game is distinguished from the special game composed of a plurality of round games in that it is composed of one round game. Here, comparing the 2R special game and the small hit game described above, although they are internally different, the same opening and closing time (0.05 seconds) and the same opening and closing times (the former is Since one opening and closing per round is twice in two rounds, and the latter is common in two opening and closing per round, twice in one round), a game with an apparently similar opening time and opening pattern is unfolded.

  Further, when the winning combination lottery of the normal symbol is won, the electric accessory controlling unit 160 outputs a control signal to the normal electric accessory solenoid 623 to open the normal electric accessory 622 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the normal electric accessory 622 only for an extremely short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, while it is normally electrically operated in the easy-to-enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  When the result of the special symbol win / win lottery is a big hit, the game state control means 165 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol related to the big hit, and after the end of the special game. Switch the gaming state. In the following, among the various functions related to the special symbol and the normal symbol described above, 1) the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric choo support function all operate as a "probably changing state". 2) Special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric choo support function only play the game state is called "time saving state", 3) Special symbol probability variation function only the game state "latency probability change state" 4) A state in which all the functions are not operating is called a “normal state”. It should be noted that the “probability change state”, the “time saving state”, and the “latent probability change state” are all advantageous game states for the player, as compared with the “normal state”. In addition, each game state, the operating state of the special symbol game (high probability / low probability) and the operating state of the normal symbol game (with open extension / without open extension), (1) probability change state "high probability / Open extension ", (2) Time saving state is" Low probability / Open extension ", (3) Probability of latent change is" High probability / Unopened extension ", (4) Normal state is" Low probability / Unopened extension ", It can also be expressed as Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since it is a so-called ST machine that cuts the number of times, the game state after the end of the special game is a predetermined number of end times when the number of times the special symbol changes is counted from the end of the special game, That is, the probability variation state continues until the number of STs is reached (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the variation will end the probability variation state, and after the big hit, the number of STs is set again. ). When the small hit occurs during the ST period, the ST number is not reset (recovered) to 0, and the ST number is continuously counted before and after the occurrence of the small hit. In the present embodiment, the number of STs is set to 100, but it goes without saying that it may be set to another number. In addition, if the transition to the probability variation state, the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric Chu support function operate simultaneously, and as long as the probability variation state continues, each function will continue. Become. If the result of the special symbol win / win lottery is a big hit, whether the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a probability variation state, the special state is the normal state during the special game and the ST is after the special game. The probability changes uniformly throughout the number of times. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol winning / winning lottery is a small hit, if the gaming state before the small hit was the normal state, the gaming state during the small hit game and the gaming state after the small hit game will also be the normal state. In addition, if the game state before the small hit is the probability variation state of the special symbol, the gaming state after the small hit game and after the small hit game will also be the probability variation state of the special symbol.

  Further, when the result of the winning / winning lottery is a big hit, the game state control means 165 determines the change pattern selection state after the special game based on the symbol type of the big hit, and also sets the change pattern selection state after the special game. Switch. The fluctuation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern table. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is at the end of the special game or when the end number of times of the variation pattern selection state is completed. In the present embodiment, as described above, there are two types of variation pattern selection states: the “normal variation state α” and the “shortened variation state β”. It should be noted that, since each variation pattern selection state has already been described, redundant description will be omitted here. In the present embodiment, whichever of the big hit symbols (A1, B1, C1, A2, B2) is selected, (1) immediately after the end of the special game, when the number of fluctuations is within the ST period (100 times), It stays in the shortened fluctuation state β, and (2) stays in the normal fluctuation state α after the ST number of times, that is, after the 101st execution number. Of course, during the period until the first hit occurs, the user normally stays in the fluctuation state α. Then, the game state control means 165 generates an effect control command (referred to as a "game state designation command") including the current game state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores this in the command storage of the main information storage means 180. Store in area.

  The error monitoring control means 170 monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio detection signal by a radio sensor, a door / frame opening signal, and the like. , It is determined whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, a performance control command (“error performance designation command”) including the error information is requested in order to instruct the performance control board 200 of the error status performance. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the door opening switch is a detection unit that detects whether the glass frame 5 is open, and the frame opening switch is a detection unit that detects whether the front frame 2 is open. The back set opening switch is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the back setting board 30 is opened. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting so-called goto actions.

  The main information storage unit 180, random value information obtained in the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, the operation holding ball information of the special symbol and the normal symbol, the game state related to the special symbol game and the normal symbol game (probability change state, time saving state, Information of easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information of winning and winning lottery (hit, small hit, out), information on stop symbols and variation patterns related to special symbols and normal symbols, information on special games (round) Number, opening time, opening mode (opening number per round game), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 71, 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric auditors product 642, production control command It is configured to temporarily store data information and the like, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

  The command transmission / reception unit 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. To distinguish MODE from EVENT, Bit 7 of MODE data is “1”, Bit7 of the EVENT data is set to "0". When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid information, a strobe signal is output at each transmission timing of MODE and EVENT. As a general rule, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted one command for each interrupt cycle according to the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  The production control board 200, as shown in FIG. 4, the production lottery random number generation means 210, the production generalization means 220, the lamp control means 230, the accessory control means 240, the error production control means 250, the sub-main information storage means 260, the command. The transmitting / receiving means 270 is included. Each of the above-mentioned means in the effect control board 200 is configured by a sub-main CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, hardware such as an electronic circuit arranged on the effect control board 200, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM 202. It is a functional representation of something.

  The effect lottery random number generating means 210 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the sub-main CPU 201. These random number counters play a role as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software. As this software random number, the prefetch lottery random number used in the lottery of the prefetch effect, the decorative pattern random number used in the lottery of the stop symbol of the decorative pattern, the variable effect pattern random number used in the lottery of the variable effect pattern of the decorative pattern, the notice effect It includes a preliminary lottery random number used for lottery, a big hit production pattern random number used for lottery of big hit production pattern, a stage lottery random number used for lottery of transition of production stage, and the like. As the update timing of these random numbers, update is performed by using the remaining time when command analysis is not performed in the production control side main processing described later (when the production control command is not received from the main control board 100). To do.

  The production generalizing means 220 includes a production mode control means 221, a holding information display control means 222, a prefetch notice control means 223, a variation production control means 224, a decorative symbol control means 225, a notice production control means 226, and a big hit production control means 227. .

  Based on the game state designation command from the main control board 100, the effect mode control means 221 takes control of the effect mode transition control while maintaining consistency with the game status and the variation pattern selection status managed on the main control board 100 side. To execute. In the present embodiment, as the two types of effect modes, a normal effect mode Mα and a probability variation effect mode Mβ are included, and even if the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same, each effect mode is effective. The variable effect patterns (details described later) that specify the specific contents of the symbol variable effect are set to be different. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image which is a rear display of a decorative pattern) corresponding to the effect mode in which the user is currently staying is displayed, and the background images are different for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize from the type of the background image which of the effect modes the user is currently staying in. The normal effect mode Mα is set when the normal fluctuation state α is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and the “normal background” is displayed as the background image. The probability variation effect mode Mβ is set when the shortened fluctuation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image thereof.

  Hold information display control means 222, the first holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the first special symbol, the second holding ball number counter for counting the operation holding ball number of the second special symbol Have When receiving the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the suspension information display control means 222 updates (adds) the value of the corresponding counter based on the information of the number of operation suspension balls included in the symbol storage number command. .. On the other hand, when the hold information display control means 222 receives the fluctuation start command from the main control board 100, that is, when the operation hold ball is exhausted, it updates (subtracts) the value of the corresponding counter. Further, the hold information display control means 222, based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter, on the hold display portions 701, 702 of the effect display device 70, the operation hold ball of the first special symbol. Control is performed to display a number of holding images corresponding to the number, and a number of holding images corresponding to the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol. In this example, when the special symbol operation holding ball is generated, the hold image in the normal display mode is displayed, while the below-described prefetching notice effect (holding change prefetching effect) is executed, this prefetching The reserved image which is the target of is changed from a normal display mode to a special display mode.

  The pre-reading notice control means 223 executes a pre-reading determination (referred to as “pre-reading lottery”) for the operation-holding ball that is the target of the pre-reading notice production. The pre-reading notice production is a so-called continuous notice production that pre-announces the possibility of jackpot winning or high-expectation production (for example, reach production) over one or more variable displays before the pre-reading target operation-holding ball is exhausted. It is generated as one aspect. At this time, the prefetch lottery is executed based on the information of the preliminary determination result included in the preliminary determination command from the main control board 100. Here, when the pre-reading notice control means 223 receives the pre-judgment command from the main control board 100, the pre-judgment result information of the first special symbol and the pre-judgment result information of the second special symbol are distinguished, respectively. A predetermined upper limit number (four) is temporarily stored in the look-ahead information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 in a form combined with the ball entry sequence of the operation-reserving balls. This read-ahead information storage area has the same configuration as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100, and the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area) is arranged in the order of ball entry into the starting ports 61, 62. A reserve 2 storage area (second reserve storage area), a reserve 3 storage area (third reserve storage area), and a reserve 4 storage area (fourth reserve storage area) are respectively provided. Each of the holding storage areas can store the information of the advance / non-execution determination result, the information of the result of the symbol preliminary determination, and the information of the variation pattern preliminary determination result as one set. The information of the preliminary determination result is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area. Digested in order of storage area (first-in first-out principle). Further, when the information of the preliminary determination result of the holding 1 storage area is consumed, the information of the preliminary determination result stored in the holding 2 storage area, the holding 3 storage area, and the holding 4 storage area is respectively stored in the storage areas of lower numbers. While shifting, the contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero. The specific contents of the prefetching notice effect will be described later.

  The variation effect control unit 224, based on the information (variation pattern information, variation addition information, etc.) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation process from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative pattern (production process). ) Is defined by lottery. Here, on the main control board 100 side, a main variation pattern of a special symbol (for example, “strong SP reach” or the like) is determined, while on the production control board 200 side, a scenario of a production display process based on the main variation pattern. A sub-variation pattern (for example, “strong SP reach A, B ...”, etc.) of the decorative pattern defined in detail is determined. In the present embodiment, non-reach effects (shortening variable effects, normal fluctuation effects), N reach effects, L reach effects, SP reach effects, pseudo continuous fluctuation effects, etc. are set as the variable effect of symbols. N reach production is the state where the same decorative pattern is stopped in two rows (typically left row, right row) of the three rows of decorative patterns (so-called reach state), the remaining one row (typically middle) This is a big hit if the decorative pattern of (row) is stopped. The L reach effect is an effect in which the variation time after the reach state is formed is extended compared to the N reach effect described above. The SP effect is a reach effect having a higher expectation of a big hit than the N reach or L reach described above, and is an effect in which the content of the effect develops midway and a still image / moving image such as an animation or a live-action image is displayed. . Pseudo continuous variation effect (also abbreviated as "pseudo-relation" for short) means that the design is temporarily stopped during one variation display of the decorative design, so that the variation display is simulated multiple times. It is a variation production that is shown to. This pseudo-continuous variation effect is configured to execute a unit pseudo-variation in which the variation is restarted after all the three rows of decorative symbols are temporarily stopped in a pseudo manner, and in this example, the unit pseudo-variation is performed twice. And a variation effect pattern for performing unit pseudo variation three times are prepared (details will be described later). In this way, in the variable effect pattern of the decorative pattern, a variable display mode of the decorative pattern, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the change start of the decorative pattern to the end of the change is defined, and each of the display process The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as the time schedule. Further, regarding the variation effect pattern of the decorative symbol, even if the variation pattern of the special symbol is the same (even when the variation start command of the same information is received), if the effect mode during the stay is different, the effect is changed to each other. Variation effect patterns having different contents can be selected. That is, the variation effect pattern table is prepared for each effect mode during the stay.

  The decorative symbol control means 225 is a decoration based on the information (stop symbol information, game state information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100 and the variation effect pattern determined by the variation effect control means 224. Final combination of symbols (left symbol / middle symbol / right symbol) is determined by lottery. Although details will be described later, in this example, three symbol rows including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured, and the decorative symbols are formed by identification elements such as numbers. Further, the decorative symbol control means 225 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. Examples of the plurality of types of tables include a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for out-of-reach, and a stop symbol pattern table for out-of-reach. The stop design of the decorative design is formed as a combination of three designs, "stop design showing big hit (big hit design)", "stop design showing small hit (small hit design)", and "stop design showing off" (Outside pattern) "is included. The big hit symbol indicating a specific big hit (probably strange big hit) is a combination of stop patterns in which three symbols of the same odd number are arranged (for example, "7,7,7"). A big hit symbol indicating a normal big hit (non-probable variation big hit) is a combination of stop modes in which three symbols of the same even number are arranged (for example, "2.2.2"). The disengagement symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, "1. 3/8") in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from other numbers. Here, the out-reach symbol of the out-of-symbol symbol is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, "3.1.3"). Become. In the case of a small-hit symbol or a big-hit symbol or a 2R big-hit symbol, for example, a combination of predetermined stop modes such as "3/5/7" may be used. If the lottery result is non-reach, a specific outcome called a so-called "opportunity" may be selected. Furthermore, in the case of a pseudo continuous effect (so-called pseudo-relation) or the like, when performing an effect of temporarily stopping the final stop symbol before finalizing the display, the temporary stop symbol is selected. When displaying the chance eye or the temporary stop design, at least one of the three designs is displayed in the special decoration design that displays characters such as "CHANCE" or "NEXT (pseudo continuous variation suggestion design)" for the numerical decoration design. There is a case where the stop design of is replaced and displayed. Note that the stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each of the variable effect patterns described below, and in the present embodiment, as a general rule, the symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, in the case of the variation effect pattern of the shortened variation in which the variation time is set to be extremely short, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are stopped almost at the same time, and in the case of the special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → It is also possible to stop in the order of the middle symbol → the left symbol, in which case the jackpot expectation tends to be relatively high.

  The notice production control unit 226 draws a notice production pattern that defines the contents of the notice production executed in each stage of the variation process of the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the variation production pattern determined by the variation production control unit 224. Determined by The notice production pattern includes a production pattern for temporarily or stepwise displaying an image of a specific character, animation, etc., a production pattern for outputting a specific voice, a production pattern for operating a movable accessory, and the like. The notice production is executed in parallel with the variable display of the decorative symbol, and predictively suggests that the symbol variation has a high jackpot reliability that stops in the jackpot mode. The notice effect includes a notice effect executed before the reach state occurs (including the reach occurrence time) and a notice effect executed after the reach state occurs in the process of changing the decorative pattern. The notice performances have different jackpot reliability, and basically, the notice effect displayed after the reach occurs has a relatively higher jackpot expectation than the notice effect displayed before the reach occurs. It's getting higher. The notice production control means 226 holds a notice lottery table that is referred to when selecting a notice production pattern for each type of notice production, and a notice corresponding to the type of notice production that occurs according to the scenario of the variable production pattern. It is designed to select a lottery table. Note that, as specific types of notice production, for example, comment notice production, background notice production, SU (step-up) notice production, logo notice production, mini character notice production, group notice production, character notice production, etc. are prepared. ing. This notice effect is basically performed by combining one or a plurality of notice effect displays with the variable display of the decorative pattern on the effect display device 70. Therefore, even in the case of the variable display of the decorative pattern by the same variable effect pattern, it is possible to generate various effect modes by combining with one or more notice effects.

  The big hit production control means 227 decides the contents of the big hit production (big hit production pattern) for notifying that the special game is in progress. The big hit performance includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of the special game, a round effect for notifying that the round game is being performed, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of the special game. When the jackpot effect determination means 227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect determining means 227 determines the jackpot effect patterns (start demo effect pattern, round effect) based on the jackpot type information stored in the sub-main information storage means 260. Pattern, end demonstration effect pattern). In this big hit production pattern, a big hit start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the special winning opening 64) and a big hit end demonstration production time are set according to the big hit type, and A series of performance contents are set along the time axis. Further, the jackpot effect determination means 227 executes the start demonstration effect in response to receiving the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and each round in response to receiving the round effect designation command. The production is executed, and when the big hit end demo command is received, the end demo production is executed. In the big hit start demonstration production, for example, the characters "start big hit" are displayed on the screen to notify the start of the special game. In the round effect, for example, the number of currently executed rounds and the number of won prize balls are displayed on the screen, and various images (animation images, etc.) that excite the special game are displayed. Then, in the jackpot end demonstration effect, for example, the character "end of jackpot" is displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

  As described above, the effect control unit 220 generates an image control command relating to an image and sound based on the determined effect contents (prefetch effect effect pattern, variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop design pattern, big hit effect pattern, etc.), This is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  The lamp control unit 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp, the emission color, etc. according to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 220. The lamp control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling lighting of the effect lamp LP (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25), and the lamp data corresponding to the determined effect pattern. Is read out and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

  The accessory control means 240 controls the drive of each movable accessory 24 according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The accessory control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for controlling the drive of the movable accessory 24, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) according to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. ..

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100, and notify that an error state has occurred in the gaming machine according to the error effect pattern. There is.

  The sub-main information storage unit 260 is configured to temporarily store the information of the decorative pattern, the information of the fluctuating effect pattern, the information of the notice effect pattern, the information of the control command, etc., and a predetermined value for storing each information. It has a storage area. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing effect control commands from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing image control commands to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300. ACK command buffer for storing the ACK command from. Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmitting / receiving unit 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260. The command transmitting / receiving means 270 executes an interrupt based on the input of the above-mentioned strobe signal from the main control board 100 to execute reception interrupt processing (details will be described later) of the effect control command. I'm supposed to get it. When the strobe signal is received, the command transmitting / receiving unit 270 preferentially performs the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command over other interrupt processing (interrupt processing below priority level 7 described later). ing.

  Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 stores in the sub-main information storage means 260 in order to instruct execution of the effect contents (variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative pattern information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The generated image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 by a serial communication method. As a general rule, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in this example) according to the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative pattern in accordance with the scenario of the variable effect pattern. At each stage of the variable display process, the notice effect is displayed by being superimposed on the effect of the symbol change. Further, the command transmission / reception unit 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300, and stores this ACK command in the ACK command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

[Various productions]
In the pachinko gaming machine PM having such a configuration, as described above, various effects are controlled and executed by the effect control board 200 according to the progress status of the game and the like. Of the various effects, (1) variable effects and (2) pre-reading notice effects controlled by the effect control means 220 will be described in detail below.

[Variation production]
First, the variation effect of the decorative design will be described. Here, FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the scenario distribution lottery of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the contents of the variable effect of the symbol (including the notice effect and the reach effect) are divided into three layers 1, 2, and 3 and drawn. That is, by utilizing the hierarchical structure of the first to third layers, the lottery is executed in the order of the first layer → the second layer → the third layer (breaking from the pattern of the upper layer to the pattern of the lower layer). The contents of the notice effect and the reach effect are finally determined by the down movement). Specifically, the basic pattern of the fluctuating effect is determined in the first layer, each scenario of the notice effect and the reach effect is determined in the second layer based on the basic pattern, and the notice specified in each scenario in the third layer. The specific contents of the production and the reach production are decided. Then, the contents of the processing in each layer will be described in order.

<First level: Sub-variable lottery>
First, in the first layer, the variation effect pattern (sub variation pattern) of the decorative symbol is determined by lottery based on the variation pattern (main variation pattern) of the special symbol. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the variation effect pattern lottery table. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern and the determination unit number (range of random number values for random selection) are associated with the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the variation pattern of the outlier and the variation pattern of the big hit, The determination unit number (range of lottery random value) is assigned so that any one of a plurality of types of variation effect patterns can be selected. Specifically, the out-of-order variation effect patterns PEX0 to PEX6 are associated with the out-of-range variation patterns PX0 to PX6. On the other hand, the big hit variation effect patterns PY3 to PY6 are associated with the big hit variation patterns PY3 to PY6.

  Then, a lottery for allocating to each variation group (variation group according to additional variation information, variation group according to reach) is performed based on the determined variation effect pattern.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the variable group lottery table for each additional information. In the variable group lottery table according to additional information, the variable group according to additional information (ID number) and the determination unit number (range of random number value of lottery) are associated with the variation effect pattern, and the variation effect pattern is out of alignment. A determination unit number (range of random number values for lottery) is assigned so that any of a plurality of types of additional information-based variation groups can be selected for a jackpot variation effect pattern. In the additional information-based variation table, the additional information-based variation groups are sorted based on the determined variation effect pattern. The variation group for each additional information in this example mainly functions as a pseudo continuous variation pattern that defines the presentation mode of the pseudo continuous variation production. In the present example, as the variation group for each additional information of the outliers, “No pseudo-repeating A to E (outgoing)” for the variation effect patterns PEX0 to PEX4, and “Pseudo-repetition” for the variation effect patterns PEX5-1 and PEX5-2. 2A, 2B (disappearance) "and the variation effect patterns PEX6-1, PEX6-2 are associated with" pseudo-relation 3A, 3B (disappearance) ". On the other hand, as a change group for each additional information of the big hit, “C-D (no big hit)” for the change effect patterns PEY3, PEY4, and “Pseudo run 2A, for the change effect patterns PEY5-1, PEY5-2”. "2B (big hit)" and the variation effect patterns PEY6-1 and PEY6-2 are associated with "pseudo run 3A, 3B (big hit)".

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the reach-by-reach variable group lottery table. In the reach variable group lottery table, reach reach variable group patterns (ID numbers) and determination unit numbers (range of lottery random number values) are associated with change effect patterns, and outlying change effect patterns and jackpots. With respect to the variation effect pattern, the determination unit number (range of random number values for lottery) is assigned so that any one of a plurality of types of variation groups for additional information can be selected. In this example, as the reach-specific variation groups for the outliers, “super shortening variation (outer)” for the variation effect pattern PEX0, “shortening variation (outer edge)” for the variation effect pattern PEX1, and for the variation effect pattern PEX2. "Normal fluctuation (lost)", "N reach (lost)" with respect to fluctuation effect pattern PEX3, "L reach (lost)" with respect to fluctuation effect pattern PEX4, and "weak SP" with respect to fluctuation effect pattern PEX5-1 Reach A (off), variation effect pattern PEX5-2 "weak SP reach B (off)", variation effect pattern PEX6-1 "strong SP reach A (off)", variation effect pattern PEX6- 2 is associated with “strong SP reach B (out)”. On the other hand, as reach groups for big hits, “N reach (big hit)” for the change effect pattern PEY3, “L reach (big hit)” for the change effect pattern PEY4, and “L” (big hit) for the change effect pattern PEY5-1. "Weak SP reach A (big hit)", variation effect pattern PEY5-2 "weak SP reach B (big hit)", variation effect pattern PEY6-1 "strong SP reach A (big hit)", variation effect pattern "Strong SP reach B (big hit)" is associated with PEY6-2.

  In the two types of variation group lottery tables, as described above, one variation group (variable group by additional information, variation group by reach) is associated with one variation effect pattern (that is, 1 variation group). There is a one-to-one correspondence relationship), and the variation effect pattern and each variation group are substantially the same. Therefore, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the variation effect pattern and each variation group may be collectively referred to as a “variation effect pattern”.

<Second level: Advance notice scenario lottery / SP scenario lottery>
In the second layer, a lottery is performed for allocating scenario (preliminary scenario, SP scenario) of various effects based on the variable effect pattern selected in the first layer.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the advance notice scenario lottery table. In the advance notice scenario lottery table, advance notice scenarios (ID numbers) and determination unit numbers (range of random number of lottery) are associated with the variable effect patterns, and the outlying variable effect patterns and the jackpot variable effect patterns are associated. On the other hand, the determination unit number (range of random number values) is assigned so that any of a plurality of types of advance notice scenarios can be selected. In the advance notice scenario, the types of advance notice effects that can be generated at each stage (blocks 1 to 6) in the display process are determined according to the time schedule of a series of effect display processes from the start to the end of the change of the decorative pattern. Has been. In the figure, block 1 is the timing of the early stage of fluctuation (buzzing system), block 2 is the timing of the first pseudo-run, block 3 is the timing of the second pseudo-run, block 4 is the timing of the third pseudo-run, and block 5 is the SP reach. The timing of production, block 6 is the timing of the end of the fluctuation. In this example, 10 types of notice effects A to J are set as the notice scenarios. The individual contents of the notice effects A to J are omitted. The notice effects A to J are distributed to each block according to the time schedule of the above-described effect display process (from the block 1 to the block 6). In the present example, in the above 10 types of notice effects, the notice effect that appears at a timing closer to the start of fluctuation has a lower jackpot expectation degree, and the notice effect that appears at a timing closer to a change stop has a higher jackpot expectation degree. It is set. Therefore, in the notice productions A to J in this example, the big hit expectation degree is in the order of the notice production A <the notice production B, C <the notice production D, E <the notice production F, G <the notice production H, I <the notice production J. It is set to be high.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the SP scenario lottery table. In the SP scenario lottery table, the SP scenario (ID number) and the determination unit number (range of lottery random number value) are associated with the variation effect pattern, and the outlying variation effect pattern and the jackpot variation effect pattern. On the other hand, the determination unit number (range of random number values for lottery) is assigned so that any one of a plurality of types of SP scenarios can be selected. In the SP scenario, the types of reach effects that can be generated at each stage (blocks 1 to 6) in the display process are defined according to the time schedule of the effect display process after the reach has been developed. It should be noted that "block 1" to "block 6" in this SP scenario are constituent elements related to the performance after the reach state is reached, and "block 1" to "block 6" in the advance notice scenario described above form the reach state. It is a component of the production related to the previous change. In this example, two types of "small subjugation reach" and "large subjugation reach" are set as the main SP reach effects. The subdue reach is a battle-type reach in which a player-side ally character plays against an enemy character to decide a win or loss. In this example, the large-scale subjugation reach that plays against a large monster is set to have a relatively high jackpot expectation, as compared to the small-scale subjugation reach that plays against a small monster. In each SP scenario, the route leading to the subjugation reach through predetermined production elements A to D (deceleration of final stop pattern in the reach state, re-acceleration, chance increase production such as character cut-in, etc.), and recovery after subjugation reach Various routes are set, such as the route leading to production. Here, the revival effect is an effect in which a specific emblem suddenly appears after being defeated in a large-scale subjugation reach (battle-type reach) and a big hit is won. In the present example, the small subjugation reach selected corresponding to PEX5-1 to 5-2 and PEY5-1 to 5-2 (weak SP reach A, B) as the variation effect pattern is the low-expectation reach effect, The large subjugation reach selected as a variation effect pattern corresponding to PEX6-1 to 6-2, PEY6-1 and 6-2 (strong SP reach A, B) is a high-expectation reach effect.

<Third layer: Notice lottery / SP reach lottery>
In the third layer, individual lottery for advance notice effect and reach effect is performed based on each variable group selected in the first layer. In the third layer, the individual lottery of the notice effect contents is performed for each notice effect A to J selected in the second layer, and the SP reach effect is performed for each SP reach effect selected in the second layer. Individual lottery of contents is held.

FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the advance notice lottery table. In this example, as an example of the notice lottery table, a notice lottery table related to notice production C is illustrated. As this notice effect C, for example, SU notice effect (step-up notice effect) is applied. The SU notice effect is an effect in which the effect mode is changed step by step according to a predetermined order, and a high jackpot expectation degree is suggested according to the number of steps to be developed. In this notice lottery table, the SU notice production pattern (ID number) and the determination unit number (range of lottery random number value) are associated with the additional information-based variable group determined in the first hierarchy. For the variable group by additional information and the variable group by additional information of jackpot, the determination unit number (range of random number value of lottery) is set so that any one of a plurality of types of SU notice effect patterns can be selected. Allocated.
In this notice lottery table, a SU notice effect pattern (type of SU) is set for each lottery ID. Specifically, “No SU” for ID0 and “SU1 (SU1 stage)” for ID1 ”, "SU2 (SU2 stage)" is defined for ID2, and "SU3 (SU3 stage)" is defined for ID3. In this advance notice lottery processing, the obtained random number for lottery is compared with the determination unit number of each lottery ID, and a lottery ID (that is, a notice effect pattern) corresponding to the random number value for lottery is obtained as a lottery result. By sequentially executing such notice lottery processing for each notice effect, various notice effect patterns (specific contents of the notice effect) that occur in the scenario of the current change effect are determined.

  FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the SP reach lottery table. In this example, as an example of the SP reach lottery table, an SP reach lottery table for a large-scale subjugation reach (high-expectation reach) is selected from among a plurality of types of SP reach productions. As described above, the large-scale subjugation reach is a battle-type reach production in which the player-side teammate character plays against the enemy character (large-scale monster) and decides whether to win or lose. When the teammate character finally wins over the enemy character, When the "big hit" is determined, and the ally character finally loses to the enemy character, "off" is determined. As an exception, even if the enemy character is defeated, the jackpot may be won if the above-mentioned revival effect appears. In the SP reach lottery table, the SP reach effect pattern (ID number) and the determination unit number (range of lottery random number value) are associated with the reach-specific variation group determined in the first hierarchy. For the outlying reach variation group and the jackpot reach variation group, a determination unit number (lottery random value range) is assigned so that any one of a plurality of types of SP reach effect patterns can be selected. ing. In this SP reach lottery table, SP reach effect patterns (types of opponents) are determined for each lottery ID. Specifically, ID0 has "no enemy character", ID1 has "enemy character 1", and ID2. Is defined as "enemy character 2", ID3 as "enemy character 3", and ID4 as "enemy character 4". At this time, the strength of the enemy character is in the order of “enemy character 1”> “enemy character X”> “enemy character 3”> “enemy character 4”. Therefore, when the strongest enemy character 1 of the plurality of enemy characters appears, the ally character is highly likely to be defeated, and the jackpot expectation is low. On the contrary, when the weakest enemy character 4 among a plurality of enemy characters appears, the ally character is highly likely to win and the jackpot expectation is high. Therefore, in this large-scale subjugation reach, the jackpot expectation becomes higher in the order of “enemy character 1” <“enemy character 2” <“enemy character 3” <“enemy character 4”. In this SP reach lottery process, the obtained lottery random number value is compared with the judgment number of each lottery ID, and the lottery ID (that is, the SP reach effect pattern) corresponding to this lottery random number value is obtained as a lottery result. Thereby, the SP reach effect pattern (specific content of the SP reach effect) that occurs in the scenario of the present variable effect is determined.

  As a result, the scenario distribution lottery utilizing the hierarchical structure such as the first to third layers determines a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the variation start to the variation stop of the decorative symbol, and the display. The specific contents of the notice effect and the SP reach effect that occur at each stage of the process will be determined.

[Look ahead notice production]
Next, a pre-reading notice effect (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “pre-reading effect”) using the result of the preliminary determination will be described. In the following, as various types of pre-reading effects, (1) route pre-reading effect, (2) timer pre-reading effect, (3) hold change pre-reading effect, (4) cut-in pre-reading effect, and (5) flash pre-reading effect will be sequentially described. ..

(Basic rules for general prefetching)
First, before describing the individual contents of various types of prefetching effects, the basic rules of the overall prefetching effects of the present embodiment will be outlined. The prefetching effect is to notify or notify in advance of the possibility of jackpot winning or high-expectation effect over one or more times of the symbol variation display before the operation preserving ball of the prefetch lottery is exhausted, This is executed as one mode of so-called continuous notice production. Hereinafter, the operation holding sphere that triggers the execution of the prefetching effect is also referred to as “trigger holding”. Further, among the existing operation-holding balls, the operation-holding balls that are exhausted before the trigger-holding are also referred to as “preceding hold”.

  First, in the present embodiment, the game state on which the prefetch effects (1) to (5) are executed is a normal state (low probability state / non-ball entry easy state). When the gaming state is the normal state, the opening extension function does not operate, and it becomes relatively difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port, so basically the game ball to the first starting port The main entry is. Therefore, the look-ahead effect in this example is executed for the operation holding balls of the first special symbol (not the operation holding balls of the second special symbol). Therefore, in adopting the above-mentioned priority digestion, when the game state is a normal state, even if the operation holding ball of the first special symbol exists, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists. In the case, or, during the variable display of the second special symbol, execution of the prefetching notice effect is prohibited. Note that, hereinafter, the term “starting winning” or “winning” means winning in the first starting opening 61, unless otherwise specified.

  The pre-reading lottery for the operation holding balls is executed based on the preliminary determination result from the main control board 100. In the present embodiment, among the various types of preliminary determination results, the pre-reading lottery is mainly performed by using the preliminary determination result of success or failure and the preliminary determination result of the variation pattern as information sources. In the pre-reading lottery, not only the pre-judgment information of the trigger hold that is the target of the pre-reading lottery but also the pre-judgment result of the operation hold ball (preceding hold) that is already digested before the trigger hold among the existing hold balls is used. May be done. Here, among the various pre-reading effects, the pre-reading lottery is performed with respect to the pending change pre-reading effect even when “big hit” is included as the pre-holding preliminary determination information. On the other hand, regarding the other pre-reading effects, the pre-reading lottery is basically performed when all the pre-holding preliminary determination information has a variation pattern of "non-reach type". Note that the trigger hold does not have to be a variation pattern of the hit or reach of the pre-determination information. That is, even when the pre-determination information is a failure pattern or a variation pattern of a non-reach type, the pre-reading lottery may be performed with the trigger being held.

  Whether or not each of the various prefetching effects (1) to (5) can be executed is determined by a separate and independent prefetching lottery process, and the trigger hold approval method, the lottery execution condition, the prohibition condition, etc. may be different from each other. Therefore, basically, the execution determination of one prefetching effect does not limit the execution of another prefetching effect.

<1. Route look-ahead production>
The route pre-reading effect is a possibility that a big hit may occur when a plurality of types of pre-reading effects are compositely executed according to a predetermined route (referred to as a “preliminary route”) in one or more times of variable display. Is a look-ahead effect that suggests or informs. The plurality of types of pre-reading effects include (1-1) main pre-reading effect, (1-2) same color pattern pre-reading effect, and (1-3) special zone pre-reading effect. The main pre-reading effect is positioned as the main pre-reading effect among the plurality of types of pre-reading effects, and is composed of a character notice effect and a stage change effect. This main pre-reading effect is configured to give a notice of occurrence of the same-color symbol pre-reading effect and the special zone pre-reading effect. The individual contents of each prefetching effect will be described later.

  Whether or not to execute the route prefetching effect and its effect pattern are determined by the route prefetching lottery. The route prefetch lottery is carried out at a predetermined predetermined lottery timing. The lottery timing is the time of the start winning when the operation holding balls are generated and the time of subtraction of the hold when the operation holding balls are exhausted. Below, the route pre-reading lottery at the time of starting winning is also referred to as “route pre-reading lottery at winning” and the route pre-reading lottery at holding subtraction is also called as “digest route pre-reading lottery” according to lottery timing.

  The lottery execution conditions of the route prefetch lottery are that (1) the preceding hold is a variation pattern of all non-reach type (shortening variation or normal variation), and (2) that the route prefetch lottery is not already winning. .

  The method of deciding the trigger hold that is the target of the route prefetch lottery differs depending on the above lottery timing. In the case of the route pre-reading lottery at the time of winning, the newly reserved start-up winning operation reserve ball is determined as the trigger reserve (target of the pre-reading lottery). Therefore, even if one or more operation-holding balls currently exist, the operation-holding ball that has won this time is always held by the trigger. On the other hand, in the case of a route pre-reading lot during digestion, if there are one or more operation-reserving balls, there are operation-retaining balls of "L reach" or more in order from the first operation-retaining ball (reservation 1). Determines that the operation holding ball is the trigger holding. On the other hand, if there are no operation holding balls of "L reach" or more, that is, if they are "shortening variation", "normal variation", or "N reach" operation holding balls, the last operation holding ball is set as the trigger hold. decide.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the route prefetch lottery table. The route prefetch lottery table defines a plurality of types of route prefetch effect patterns (preliminary routes). In the figure, the numbers used for the lottery are omitted for the sake of convenience, but in practice, the number of determinations (range of the lottery random number) for determining the advance notice route is pre-determined with respect to the obtained random number random number. It is set for each lottery ID of the variation pattern pre-determination transmitted as information, and the advance notice route is determined based on which determination unit the random number value of the variation belongs to. In this route prefetch lottery table, a total of 60 notice routes are set. The advance notice route 0 (ID = 0) is a non-winning route in which none of the plurality of types of look-ahead effects is executed. The advance notice routes 1 to 59 (ID = 1 to 59) are routes at the time of winning in which at least one or more prefetch effects are executed from among the plurality of types of prefetch effects. That is, as a result of the route prefetch lottery, it means that when the notice route 0 is selected, "non-winning" is performed in the lottery, and when any of the notice routes 1 to 59 is selected, the lottery is selected. Means "winning". The advance notice route in this example is configured as a scenario that defines each route of the main prefetch effect, the same color pattern stop prefetch effect, and the special zone prefetch effect in one or more times of variable display. In this advance notice route, the execution of the prefetch effect in each variation display (however, the variation corresponding to the trigger suspension is excluded) from when the trigger suspension subject to the prefetch lottery occurs until the trigger suspension is exhausted is displayed. Presence or absence and the contents of the effect are chronologically determined. In the route pre-reading lottery, the lottery is won with a relatively higher probability when the preliminary determination result is a big hit than when it is a big hit.

  Here, in the figure, the “variation at the time of winning” means the variation at the time of winning the start winning of the trigger hold which is the target of the prefetch lottery. "Hold 3 change" means a variable display when the trigger hold is hold 3, "Hold 2 change" means a variable display when the trigger hold is hold 2, and "Hold 1 change" means a trigger It means a variable display when the hold is the hold 1. Also, in the figure, "for interrupt", when trigger hold occurs due to the start winning during a certain change, in the change at the time of the start winning, the stop pattern of the decorative pattern is a chance (the same color pattern) By replacing the change, it means a process of interruptively generating the chance pre-reading notice when the fluctuation is stopped. This interruption process is applied only to the variation at the time of starting winning. The interruptable period is a period after the variable display of the decorative symbol is started and before the left symbol of the three decorative symbols is stopped. As for the decorative design, on the assumption that the left design, the right design, and the middle design are stopped in this order, the stop pattern of the decorative design can be virtually replaced if the left design is stopped first. Because. The interrupt process is executed only when the winning route pre-reading lottery is won, and is not executed when the winning route pre-reading lottery is won.

  Further, in the figure, the presence or absence of the character pre-reading effect and the stage change effect as the main pre-reading effect is defined in the "main pre-reading" column. It should be noted that a success effect and a failure effect are set as the character prefetch effect (details will be described later). In the "same color pattern stop" column, the presence or absence of the same color pattern stop prefetching effect is defined. Further, in the "special zone" column, presence / absence of special zone prefetching effect (presence / absence of zone entry) is defined. Then, hereinafter, a plurality of types of individual effects (pre-reading effects) that form the route pre-reading effect will be described in order.

≪Character notice production (main look-ahead production) ≫
The character notice effect is a look-ahead effect that suggests or informs that the same-color symbol (the chance eye) is stopped when the variation is stopped, that is, the same-color symbol look-ahead factor is generated. Whether or not this character advance notice effect can be executed is determined based on the result of the above-mentioned route prefetch lottery (that is, the notice route selected by the route prefetch lottery). Note that in FIG. 15, when "character (success)" is defined, the success effect is executed as the character notice effect, and when "character (failure)" is specified in the notice route, the character notice is executed. It means that a failure production is executed as a production.

  In this character advance notice effect, an effect in which a predetermined character attacks the screen to destroy the screen is executed, and when the screen is destroyed brilliantly, it is a successful effect, and in this variation. The same color pattern stops and a chance is established. In addition, the success effect is the content according to the effect scale (variation time), that is, the effect content that divides the screen by one shot in the case of shortened change, and the effect content that divides the screen by several shots in the case of normal change. Become. On the other hand, when the screen is not destroyed, it becomes a failure effect, and the same color pattern does not stop and the chance eye is not established in the variation. In this way, the character notice effect (success effect) functions as an opportunity effect for the same-color symbol stop lookahead effect to occur. An example of the character advance notice effect will be described together with the same color symbol stop prefetch effect (specifically, refer to FIG. 21).

≪Stage change production (main look-ahead production) ≫
The stage change effect is a look-ahead effect in which the stay stage is changed from a normal stage to a special stage (referred to as a "special zone"), that is, the special zone effect is started. Whether or not this stage change effect can be executed is determined based on the result of the above-mentioned route prefetch lottery (that is, the advance notice route selected by the route prefetch lottery). Note that in FIG. 15, it means that the stage change effect is executed when “STETCHEN” is defined.

  The stage change effect is executed at the start of the variable display specified in the notice route. As shown in FIG. 16 (A), in the stage change effect, the characters "zone inrush" are displayed on the black background display (wallpaper), and immediately after that, the stage moves to the special zone as the destination stage. In this way, by executing the stage change effect, it is possible to teach the player to rush into a special zone different from the normal one. The special zone suggests that if the decorative pattern forms a reach state while being controlled by the special zone, the reach is extended to a reach longer than the long reach.

≪Pre-reading effect with same color pattern stop≫
The same-color symbol stop prefetching is a combination of decorative symbols, by stopping and displaying a combination of same-color symbols (a specific out-of-game symbol called the so-called chance eye), a prefetch effect that suggests or informs the jackpot expectation after the next change. Is.

(Decorative pattern)
Here, the decorative pattern in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a symbol row SZ of decorative symbols in this embodiment. In this example, three symbol rows SZ (SZ1, SZ2, SZ3) including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative pattern is formed by a combination of an identification element formed of a number and a color (display color) attached to the identification element. In this example, all seven types of numbers "1" to "7" are set as identification elements. In the present embodiment, each of the symbol rows SZ1, SZ2, SZ3 has the same arrangement of decorative symbols, and each decorative symbol is “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” according to this arrangement. ->"5"->"6"->"7"->"1"-> The display areas Z1, Z2, Z3 are cyclically displayed in this order. Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the identification element made of numbers, special elements that are combined with the identification element when a predetermined condition is satisfied to form a decorative design are prepared. This special element suggests or notifies a pending change (rank up). In this example, the special element is composed of the letters “UP”, and is combined with the identification element and the like in a superimposed manner to form a decorative pattern. This special element is set only in the central symbol row SZ2 of the three symbol rows SZ, and is not set in the left symbol row SZ1 and the right symbol row SZ3. In this example, a decorative design made up of a combination of an identification element, a color, and a special element is also referred to as a "holding change design". This hold change pattern is not displayed during fluctuation, but is displayed at the timing of fluctuation stop. Here, as a special element of the decorative pattern, in addition to the hold change, such as a "NEXT" pattern that stops at the timing of the temporary stop in the pseudo continuous notice, and a "CHANCE ZONE" pattern that suggests a zone transition. It is also provided against. Note that the hold change pattern will also be described in the hold change look-ahead effect described later.

  Here, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the symbol attribute of a decorative symbol. The attribute of each design (design attribute) is distinguished by the type of color attached to the identification element. That is, even if a plurality of decorative patterns are composed of different identification elements, they are grouped into the same attribute by being given the same color. In this example, three types of colors of "blue", "green", and "red" are set as the colors of the decorative pattern. In the drawings, the display modes of the three types of decorative patterns of “blue”, “green”, and “red” are represented by “white”, “slanted line”, and “filled”. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the decorative symbols “2”, “4”, and “6” are symbol attributes (blue attributes) displayed in blue color, and the decorative symbols “1” and “5” are The design attribute (blue attribute) displayed in green color, and the decorative designs “3” and “7” are classified into the design attribute (red attribute) displayed in red color. These symbol attributes (color attributes) are indispensable elements for forming a chance eye. In this example, as a stop symbol (left symbol / middle symbol / right symbol) of a decorative symbol, a decorative attribute with a blue attribute (even symbol) is treated as a non-probable variable symbol that normally causes a big hit, while a green attribute and a red attribute. The decorative pattern (odd number) is treated as a probability variation pattern that causes a probability variation big hit.

(Chance)
Next, the chances of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the chance eyes of the same color are set as the chance eyes of the decorative pattern that is stopped and displayed in a specific mode. This chance is, in principle, a stop symbol that indicates that the result of the win / fail judgment is out of the way, but additional information other than the result of the win / fail judgment (such as the expected jackpot of the subsequent variable display) is also suggested or notified. It is supposed to do.

  The chance eye (same-color chance eye) in this example refers to an appearance in which decorative symbols having the same attributes as the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are arranged. In this example, the decorative patterns included in the same attribute are not consecutive numbers and do not reach each other between the same attributes. That is, even when three decorative patterns having the same attribute are prepared, the reach mode (so-called reach pattern) does not occur. This is to prevent the look-ahead announcement effect from becoming weak due to the chance eyes and the reach eyes being mixed (competing). In other words, the same-color chance is established when the three decorative symbols are in the non-reach mode in which the three decorative patterns have the same attributes.

  The pattern attribute of the chance is related to the possibility that a big hit will occur after the next change, and the big hit expectation level will increase by one step in the order of “blue attribute” <“green attribute” <“red attribute”. Is set to. In other words, the symbol attribute of the chance eye is related to the jackpot expectation degree when the operation-holding ball (trigger hold) to be read ahead is exhausted, in the order of “blue attribute” <“green attribute” <“red attribute”. It is set so that the expectation for a big hit increases one step at a time. In this way, when a chance is established as a stop mode of the decorative pattern, a state advantageous to the player is generated after the next change, specifically, when the subsequent operation holding ball (trigger holding) is exhausted. The possibility of winning the jackpot is suggested or announced in advance.

  Further, when the decorative pattern is stopped at the chance, an effect of a type corresponding to the symbol attribute of this chance appears at the same time. In this example, first, the lottery process is carried out in the procedure of determining the effect type (display color) and then determining the symbol combination pattern of the chance corresponding to the display color (design attribute). That is, first, after determining the color of the design (design attribute) based on the effect type (display color), a specific design combination pattern included in the design attribute is determined.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the effect effect lottery table. The effect production lottery table defines a plurality of types of effect production patterns. In the figure, the numbers used for the lottery are omitted for the sake of convenience, but in reality, the number of determination lots (range of lottery random number values) for determining the effect production pattern is set for the obtained lottery random number value. The effect effect pattern is determined on the basis of which determination unit the random number value belongs to.

  In this effect effect lottery table, the effect type (display color) is specified for each effect effect pattern (lottery ID) for each change in a plurality of changes. As a lottery execution condition for the effect effect lottery, it is necessary to win the same-color symbol stop look-ahead effect in the above route pre-reading lottery. That is, whether or not the effect effect can be executed is determined based on the result of the above-mentioned route prefetch lottery (that is, the notice route selected by the route prefetch lottery). That is, in the route selected by the route pre-reading lottery, when it is determined that the same-color symbol stop pre-reading effect is to be executed, execution of the effect effect is determined in association with the same-color symbol stop pre-reading effect. That is, it is premised that the same color pattern stop prefetching effect is executed. In this effect production lottery table, the type of effect (in other words, the symbol attribute of the chance eye) is specified for each variation (except for the final variation that is the subject of the prefetch notice). As the types of this effect, three types of "blue", "green", and "red" are set corresponding to the above-mentioned symbol attributes. Then, the lottery result of this effect effect lottery substantially determines the symbol attribute of the chance. It should be noted that which variation the effect effect (the same color pattern stop lookahead effect) starts from depends on the result of the route lookahead lottery (advance notice route).

  Next, FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the same-color symbol prefetch lottery table. In the same-color symbol pre-reading lottery table, plural types of same-color symbol pre-reading effect patterns are defined. In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the numerical value used for the lottery is omitted, but in reality, with respect to the acquired random number random number, the determination unit for determining the same-color symbol stop prefetch effect pattern (range of random number random value ) Is set, and the same-color symbol stop prefetching effect pattern is determined based on which determination register the random number value belongs to.

  In this same-color symbol pre-reading lottery table, the symbol combination mode of the chance is specified for each change in a plurality of changes for each same-color symbol pre-reading effect pattern (lottery ID). In this example, the variable display at the time of winning of the trigger hold, the variable display where the trigger hold is the hold 3, the variable display where the trigger hold is the hold 2, and the variable display where the trigger hold is the hold 1 are targeted. A symbol combination mode is defined. The trigger hold as the target of the same color symbol stop prefetch lottery refers to the same operation hold ball as the trigger hold as the subject of the main prefetch lottery. In the same color symbol stop prefetch lottery, the same color symbol stop prefetching effect pattern (lottery ID) corresponding to the determined effect effect pattern is selected from a plurality of types of same color symbol prefetch effect patterns. That is, in the same-color symbol stop look-ahead effect pattern, the type of chance eye (symbol attribute) and the type of effect match (effect type: blue → chance eye: blue attribute, effect: green → chance eye: green attribute, effect: It is selected in the form of red → chance eye: red attribute). For example, when ID7 (blue → blue → red → red) is selected in the above effect prefetch lottery, among ID19 to 20 (blue attribute → blue attribute → red attribute → red attribute) in the same color symbol stop prefetch lottery One is selected.

  As the lottery execution condition of the same color symbol stop prefetch lottery, it is necessary to win the same color symbol prefetch in the prefetch route lottery. That is, whether or not to execute the same-color symbol stop prefetching effect is determined based on the result of the above-mentioned route prefetching lottery (that is, the notice route selected by the route prefetching lottery).

  Here, in order to execute the same color pattern stop prefetch effect, it is necessary that the variation pattern in the variation display (variation display for stopping the chance eye) is a variation pattern of a non-reach type (shortening variation, normal variation). To do. The reason is that, as described above, in order to avoid the competition between the same-color symbol pre-reading effect and the reach effect, the reach-type symbol combination is excluded as the target of the same-color chance. Therefore, even when it is decided to stop the predetermined chance in the same color symbol stop prefetch lottery, if the variation pattern of the variation display is a variation pattern other than the shortened variation and the normal variation, the main lottery The same color pattern look-ahead effect (and effect effect) depending on the result is canceled.

  Here, the same-color symbol pre-reading effect pattern is classified into a plurality of pattern types according to the process of changing the symbol attribute (pre-reading route). In the present embodiment, as the pattern type, the invariant pattern type in which the symbol attribute does not change in the display process of the variable display (continuous notice effect) a plurality of times, the one-step promotion pattern in which the symbol attribute is promoted by one step at the maximum The type and the pattern attribute are classified into two-stage promotion pattern types including a case where the maximum change is two stages per change. In this example, the change of the symbol attribute means only promotion (rise) which is a change to a higher attribute, and basically there is no demotion (fall).

  The same-color symbol stop prefetch lottery table is set so that the selection rate of the same-color symbol stop prefetch effect pattern is different when the result of the preliminary determination is a big hit and is out of alignment. Although omitted in FIG. 20, as a general rule, in the same-color symbol stop prefetching effect pattern, a selection rate (determination unit number) is assigned in advance in accordance with the display mode (symbol attribute) of the final chance eye. When the result of the determination is a big hit, the final display mode has a higher selection rate in the order of “blue”, “green”, and “red”, whereas when the result of the preliminary determination is out of order, In the final display mode, the selection rate decreases in the order of “blue”, “green”, and “red”. Therefore, the above-mentioned three types of chance eye display modes (symbol attributes) are closely related to the degree of expectation that the result of the winning / judgment determination is a big hit (referred to as "big hit expectation degree"), that is, "blue" and "green". It can be said that the jackpot expectation becomes higher by one step in the order of "," and "red." It should be noted that, based on the information about the variation time value of the variation pattern, whether the preliminary determination result is a big hit or not, the longer the variation time value (variation pattern corresponding to SP reach), the “blue”, “green”, The selection rate may be increased in the order of “red”.

  Further, even when the display form (symbol attribute) of the final chance is the same, the big hit expectation is set not to be high in the order of the above-mentioned 1st stage promotion pattern and 2nd stage promotion pattern. That is, the larger the promotion range (the number of stages of promotion) at the chance, the higher the jackpot expectation. Therefore, it can be said that the jackpot expectation is higher when the promotion range of the chance number includes a change in two stages (for example, blue → red) rather than one stage (for example, green → red).

  Further, when the pattern types (promotion range) are the same, the larger the expectation of the big hit is, the later the timing of promotion of the chance of a plurality of changes becomes. Therefore, even if the display mode (symbol attribute) of the chance eye is not promoted at an early timing in the continuous fluctuation, the player's expectation can be maintained.

  By the way, the chance of the same color design may not only be displayed as the final stop design of the decorative design but also as the final stop design, but may be displayed as the temporary stop design at least once during the variable display once. Here, the "fixed stop" means that the symbol is definitely stopped and displayed, and the "temporary stop" means that the symbol is stopped and displayed in a temporary state. At this time, in the same-color symbol stop look-ahead effect patterns of the plurality of types described above, in the same-color symbol stop look-ahead effect patterns 2 to 6 (ID = 2 to 6), in one variable display in which the trigger hold is the hold 1, It is an effect accompanied by a total of three times of stop display of symbols (temporary stop → temporary stop → determined display), and in the process, effect contents for stopping and displaying a chance number of times are set. At this time, whether the same-color symbol stop look-ahead effect is a true effect or a false effect (so-called gaze effect) is a chance opportunity is established at the time of the third stop display (fixed stop). Determined by whether or not. Here, in FIG. ◯, “2 times XX” is the chance display at the first stop display (temporary stop), the chance display at the second stop display (temporary stop), and the third stop display. The non-chance eye is displayed at (fixed stop), which represents a so-called gaze same-color symbol stop look-ahead effect. On the other hand, "2 times x XX" means a non-chance at the first stop display (temporary stop), a chance at the second stop display (temporary stop), and a third stop display (fixed stop). Represents the true same-color symbol stop lookahead effect, in which the chance eyes are confirmed and displayed. It should be noted that "3 times XX" represents a true same-color symbol stop prefetching effect in which all the chances are displayed in a stopped manner from the first time to the third time. Even if the same-color symbol pre-reading lottery wins any of the same-color symbol stop pre-reading effect patterns 2 to 6, the variation pattern in the variation display is a variation pattern of shortened variation among the variation patterns of the non-reach type. In the case of, since it is not possible to secure an effect scale sufficient to execute the symbol stop a plurality of times during one variable display, the execution of the same color symbol prefetch effect (and effect effect) based on the result of the main lottery is canceled. In addition, in the determination of the stop symbol in the case of stopping and displaying the third chance number in one variation as described above, the same lottery table (effect effect as in the case where the chance item (same color symbol) stops over a plurality of variations. The lottery table and the same-color symbol stop prefetch lottery table) are used for the determination, and the effect and the same-color symbol corresponding to the pending 3 variation to the pending 1 variation of each table are sequentially displayed.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the same-color symbol stop prefetching effect. In this example, the case where the chance of the red attribute is established after the character notice effect (success effect) is generated is illustrated. Note that, in FIG. 21, the display of the reserved image and the like are omitted for convenience.

  First, as shown in (A) in the figure, when the variable display of the decorative symbol is started, the decorative symbol is “1” → “2” → ... → “6” → “7” → “in each symbol column. The display is cyclically displayed so as to scroll from top to bottom on the display screen, such as "1" → ... (The same applies to the following). Subsequently, as shown in (B) in the figure, the character prefetching effect is started, and an image in which a predetermined character (not shown) attacks the screen is displayed. As shown in (C) in the figure, when the background image is dissected by the attack (that is, when the success effect is displayed), the character "same color" appears from that point, and the same color pattern (the chance eye) Will be announced in advance. Then, as shown in (D) in the figure, "3"-"3"-"7" are stopped and displayed as the chance eyes of the red attribute when the variation of the decorative pattern is stopped. Since the chance eye in this example is a combination of decorative symbols having the same color (same attribute), even a game beginner can easily understand the establishment / non-establishment of the chance eye. Further, when the chance eye is established, an effect image (an effect image of “red” in this example) that is related to the pattern attribute of the chance eye is displayed around the decorative design, so that the chance eye of the “red attribute” is displayed. It is possible to enhance the expectation of the player by emphasizing the establishment of.

≪Special zone production≫
The special zone effect is to display a special background or the like different from the normal time to indicate or inform that there is a relatively high possibility that a jackpot is held in one or more operation holding balls currently held. It is a look-ahead production. In this example, a special zone effect is generated by using the above-mentioned stage change effect as an opportunity effect (zone fanning effect). Whether or not the special zone pre-reading effect can be executed is determined based on the result of the above-mentioned route pre-reading lottery (that is, the notice route selected by the route pre-reading lottery). Note that, in FIG. 15, when "rush" is defined, it means that the special zone effect is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (B), in the special zone effect, a band background including the characters "chance zone" is displayed at the left and right edges of the screen as a special background, thereby notifying that the special zone has been entered. To do. This special background (belt image) is a background display dedicated to a special zone effect different from the normal background. This special zone effect is started immediately after the stage effect described above is generated, and is ended when the variable display corresponding to the trigger hold is stopped. When the special zone effect is executed, teach the player that there is a relatively high possibility that a jackpot or a reach with a variation time of L reach or more occurs in the variation corresponding to any of the existing operation holding balls. You can Alternatively, a plurality of types of special zones (upper zone and lower zone) may be prepared so that the higher the one, the higher the probability of winning the jackpot.

<2. Timer look-ahead production>
The timer prefetching effect is an effect that suggests or notifies that a high-anticipation notice effect will appear in the variable display (change corresponding to the trigger hold) related to the trigger hold of the prefetch target. This timer prefetching effect is composed of a standby prefetching effect, a stock advance notice effect, and a countdown notice effect. In detail, the standby pre-reading effect is a kind of pre-reading effect that reflects the preliminary determination result, and the stock advance notice effect and the countdown advance notice effect are a kind of advance notice effect that reflects the main lottery result. In this example, these three effects related to each other are collectively referred to as a timer look-ahead effect. Each lottery of the timer prefetch effect is executed in the order of prefetch lottery during standby → stock notice lottery → countdown notice. Each lottery of these timer prefetching effects is executed when the trigger hold that is the target of the prefetch lottery is the variation pattern of "strong SP reach". Therefore, the notice effect that is the target of the timer look-ahead effect is the notice effect defined in the notice scenario of the strong SP reach (a notice effect with a relatively high degree of expectation).

≪Standby lookahead production≫
The standby prefetching effect is a prefetching effect that suggests or informs that the countdown notice effect is in the standby state. In the standby look-ahead effect, the word "waiting for notice" is displayed on the screen to notify that a countdown notice effect will occur in the variation corresponding to the trigger hold. This waiting prefetch lottery is executed at a predetermined predetermined lottery timing. The lottery timing is the time of the start winning when the operation holding ball (trigger hold) that is the target of the prefetch lottery is generated. As the lottery execution conditions for the prefetching lottery during standby, (1) the pre-judgment result related to the trigger hold is a strong reach variation pattern (variation pattern with a long variation time), and (2) the preceding hold is all non-reach type. The condition is that it is a fluctuation pattern.

  FIG. 22A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the standby prefetch lottery table. In the waiting prefetching lottery table, whether or not to execute the waiting prefetching effect is defined. In the figure, for convenience, the "selection rate" is shown, but in practice, in accordance with the acquired lottery random number value, the determination unit for determining whether or not to execute the prefetching standby effect (lottery random value The range) is set, and whether or not to execute the prefetching standby effect is determined based on which determination unit the random selection random number value belongs to. Therefore, in this standby prefetch lottery, either "execution" corresponding to executing the prefetching standby effect or "no execution" corresponding to not executing the prefetching standby effect is performed based on the acquired random number random value. Is selected. When this standby prefetch lottery is won, the standby production is started from the next variation start time and the characters "waiting for notice" are displayed. The character display of "waiting for notice" continues until the last countdown notice effect is started among the multiple countdown notice effects. It should be noted that an example of the effect of the prefetching effect during waiting will be described together with the countdown notice effect (specifically, refer to FIG. 23).

≪Stock notice production≫
The stock notice production is a notice production that announces in advance the number of times the countdown notice production is executed (referred to as "stock number") in a change corresponding to the trigger suspension. The stock advance notice lottery is executed at a predetermined predetermined lottery timing. Specifically, after the sub-variation pattern (variation effect pattern) is determined in the lottery of the first layer shown in FIG. 8, the lottery of the second layer is selected independently of the scenario lottery (independent lottery). .. The lottery timing is the start of fluctuation when the operation holding ball (trigger holding) is exhausted. The lottery execution condition of the stock advance notice lottery is (1) the condition that the variation effect pattern of the strong SP reach (large subjugation reach) is selected in the variation display. In the stock advance notice production, the characters “waiting for advance notice × N” are displayed on the screen as a display corresponding to the number N of stocks (N = 1, 2, 3 ...). If the character “waiting for notice” is already displayed in the above-mentioned standby prefetching effect, it is sufficient to additionally display the character “× N”. As the stock number N, the number of notice productions (the notice productions included in the strong SP reach) determined in the above-mentioned notice scenario lottery will be set.

  FIG. 22B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the stock advance notice lottery table. The stock announcement lottery table defines whether or not the stock announcement effect can be executed. In the figure, the "selection rate" is shown for the sake of convenience, but in practice, it is a determination unit for determining whether or not the stock advance notice effect can be executed according to the acquired random number random number (range of random number random value. ) Is set, and whether or not the stock advance notice effect can be executed is determined based on which determination unit the random number value belongs to. Therefore, in this stock advance notice lottery, based on the acquired random number random number, either "execution" corresponding to executing the stock advance notice production or "no execution" corresponding to not executing the stock advance notice production is selected. To be done. When this stock advance notice lottery is won, the characters “waiting for advance notice × N” are displayed at the start of the variable display. Then, each time the countdown notice effect is generated, the number of “N” being displayed is decremented by one. An example of the stock advance notice effect will be described together with the countdown notice effect (specifically, refer to FIG. 23).

≪Countdown notice production≫
The countdown notice effect is a notice effect that suggests or notifies the remaining time until the notice effect for each time scheduled in the variable display is started. The countdown notice lottery is executed at a predetermined lottery timing. Specifically, after the sub-variation pattern (variation effect pattern) is determined in the lottery of the first layer shown in FIG. 8, the lottery of the second layer is selected independently of the scenario lottery (independent lottery). .. The countdown notice lottery is executed after the stock notice lottery described above. The lottery timing is the start of fluctuation when the operation holding ball (trigger holding) is exhausted. As the lottery execution conditions for the countdown notice lottery, (1) at least one of the standby prefetch effect and the stock notice effect is won, and (2) the variation effect pattern of strong SP reach (large subjugation reach) is selected in the variation display. It is subject to being done. Here, among a plurality of types of variation effect patterns, as a reach effect corresponding to the variation effect pattern of the strong SP reach, there are "strong SP reach A (small subjugation reach)" and "strong SP reach B (large subjugation reach)". Is applicable.

  FIG. 22C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the target notice effect setting table. In this target notice production table, various notice productions to be notified of the countdown notice production are set. That is, a plurality of types of notice effects specified in the notice scenario of the variation effect pattern (strong SP reach A, B) are set in the target notice effect setting table. The target notice production here is “first variation (first pseudo-repetition)”, “second variation (second pseudo-reaction)”, “third variation (third pseudo-reaction third time)” according to the timing of the advance notice occurrence. ) ”,“ SP reach ”, and“ revival effect ”, and only one notice effect is selected from one notice occurrence timing. In this example, the reason why the "first variation (first pseudo-repeated first time)" and thereafter is set as the advance notice generation timing is that the lively system production occurs immediately after the start of the variation, so This is because it is difficult to secure a time margin to count down the remaining time, and since there is a tendency that a relatively low-anticipation notice effect is set immediately after the start of fluctuation, a countdown notice effect is executed. This is because a staging effect cannot be expected. Then, using this target notice production setting table, at least one notice production corresponding to the variation production pattern of the strong SP reach is selected, and the counterdown notice lottery is executed for the notice production. As an example of the target notice production, there is a production that informs that the expectation for a big hit will increase when it occurs, such as the stop of the special symbol "NEXT" showing pseudo-relation, the occurrence of a chance up cut-in, etc. The countdown is performed by the timer image so that the effect is generated immediately after the countdown (timer) becomes “0”.

  FIG. 22D is a schematic diagram showing an example of the countdown notice lottery table. In the figure, the "selection rate" is shown for the sake of convenience, but in reality, according to the acquired lottery random number value, the target notice set by the target notice production setting table shown in FIG. 22C is set. Regarding the production, a judgment unit (range of random number value of lottery) for determining whether or not the countdown notice production can be executed is set, and based on which judgment unit the lottery random number value belongs to, the countdown notice production is performed. Whether or not to execute is determined. This countdown notice lottery table is configured as a common table for a plurality of types of notice productions subject to the lottery, and whichever notice production is subject to the countdown notice lottery, the countdown notice lottery table is used. Whether or not it can be executed is determined. In the countdown notice lottery, it corresponds to not performing the countdown notice production and executing the countdown notice production (timer image = yellow) for the variation production pattern that is different from the jackpot variation production pattern. In order to be able to select either the "presentation (normal)" or the "presentation (chance)" that corresponds to the execution of the countdown notice presentation (timer image = red), the determination unit (the random number of the lottery Range) is allocated. In this example, in order to secure the number of executions of the countdown notice production as much as possible, the determination unit number is not assigned to “no production”. Here, with respect to the fluctuating effect patterns that are out of order, the selection rate becomes lower in the order of “no effect”, “with effect (normal)”, and “with effect (chance)”. On the other hand, with respect to the variation effect pattern of the big hit, the selection rate becomes higher in the order of “no effect”, “with effect (normal)”, and “with effect (chance)”. Therefore, with respect to the countdown notice effect, it can be said that the big hit expectation degree becomes higher in the order of “no effect”, “with effect (normal)”, and “with effect (chance)”.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the effect of the timer prefetch effect in the present embodiment. In this example, after the standby effect is executed in the first variable display after the prefetch lottery, the stock notice effect and the countdown notice effect are simultaneously executed in the second variation display. Note that, in FIG. 23, the display of the reserved image and the like are omitted for convenience.

  First, as shown in (A) in the figure, in the above-mentioned first variable display, the character "waiting for notice" is displayed as the standby look-ahead effect, so that the timer advance notice effect is displayed in the variable display from the next time onward. The player is notified of the occurrence. Then, as shown in (B) in the figure, the display of "waiting for notice" is continued until the first variable display is stopped, so that it can be seamlessly connected to the countdown notice effect executed for the second time. It is configured.

  Subsequently, as shown in (C) in the figure, the stock advance notice effect and the countdown notice effect are simultaneously started at the start of the second variable display. The stock advance notice effect and the countdown advance notice effect are displayed in a vertically aligned positional relationship in the upper left display area of the screen. At this time, as the stock notice production, the stock number of the notice production is displayed in the form of “waiting for notice × 3”, so that at least three notice productions are scheduled to be generated in the variable display this time. Can be taught to a person. At the same time, the first countdown notice effect is started, and the timer image (yellow or red) is displayed on the screen, so that the remaining time until the target notice effect is generated is displayed. Next, as shown in (D) in the figure, the numerical value of the timer image is decremented by 1 second, and the remaining time until the notice effect is generated is counted down. Subsequently, as shown in (E) in the figure, at the same time when the numerical value of the timer image reaches "0", the notice effect B which is the target of this time occurs.

  Then, as shown in (F) in the figure, the stock number is decremented by 1 when the second countdown notice production is started, and the stock number N of the notice production is displayed from "x3" to "x2". Change to. Hereinafter, the same flow will occur. The display of the stock number N is erased from the screen at the same time when the last (third) counterdown notice effect is started.

  It should be noted that, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the countdown notice lottery is executed by using the common countdown notice lottery table when one of the waiting prefetch lottery and the stock notice lottery is won. It is not limited to the configuration. For example, different countdown notice lottery tables are used when one of the waiting look-ahead lottery and the stock notice lottery is won, and when neither the waiting look-ahead lottery nor the stock notice lottery is won. It may be configured to do so. In that case, the winning probability of the countdown notice lottery is higher than the one who has won either the waiting look-ahead lottery or the stock notice lottery May be set to be higher. In addition, with respect to the winning probability of the countdown notice lottery, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the winning probability is always 100%, but the winning probability may be less than 100%. However, as a result of the countdown notice lottery, if all the notice productions are non-winning, the notification information due to the standby look-ahead production will be ugly, so if you have won the standby look-ahead production Even if the lottery process is looped or one of the plurality of types of advance notices is switched to a win according to a predetermined rule, until at least one of the advance notices is won. Good.

<3. Hold change look-ahead production>
The hold change look-ahead effect is a big hit when the display mode of the hold image (holding image corresponding to the trigger hold) that is the target of the pre-reading lottery is changed from the normal display mode to the special display mode. It is a look-ahead production that announces the possibility.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 24, the reserved image in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining the reserved image in the present embodiment. As described above, in the predetermined area in the screen of the effect display device 70, the first hold display unit 701 for displaying the hold image corresponding to the operation hold ball of the first special symbol, and the second special symbol A second hold display unit 702 for displaying a hold image corresponding to the number of operation hold balls is provided. In a normal display mode, when an operation-holding sphere with a special symbol is generated, a white circle mark "○" is displayed, while when the operation-holding sphere is consumed, the corresponding hold image is deleted. Note that the normal display mode “white” of the reserved image is represented by “white” in the drawing. This hold image is displayed in order according to the generation order of the special design operation hold balls (ball entry order), and it is possible to display a maximum of four on each hold display section 701, 702. Therefore, the first hold display unit 701 has four hold display areas X11, X12, X13, and X14 capable of displaying the hold images of the first special symbols, and the second hold display unit 702 is the second It has four reserved display areas X21, X22, X23, and X24 capable of displaying reserved images of special symbols, respectively. The hold display areas X11 and X21 correspond to the hold image of hold 1, the hold display areas X12 and X22 correspond to the hold image of hold 2, and the hold display areas X13 and X23 correspond to the hold image of hold 3 and hold display. Areas X14 and X24 correspond to the reserved image of reservation 4. Further, a hold exhaustion display area 703 is provided between the hold display portions 701 and 702, and when the earliest hold 1 is exhausted, the hold image of the hold 1 is transferred to the hold exhaustion display area 703. It moves and is displayed as a suspended image corresponding to the fluctuation (displayed until the fluctuation stops). That is, the pending digest display area 703 is an area for displaying the pending image that has been digested this time (the pending image of pending 0).

  In the first hold display unit 701, each time an operation hold ball of the first special symbol is generated, one hold image in order from the hold display area X11 (hold image of hold 1, hold 2, hold 3, hold 4). Is displayed additionally, and each time the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is digested, the holding image displayed in the holding digesting display area X10 (holding image of holding 0) disappears and the holding display area X11 is displayed. The pending images displayed on X14 (held images of pending 1 to pending 4) are shifted to the right one by one. Similarly, in the second hold display unit 702, each time the operation hold ball of the second special symbol is generated, one hold image is additionally displayed in order from the hold display area X21, and the operation of the second special symbol is also performed. Each time the holding ball is consumed, the holding image displayed in the holding display area X20 (holding image of holding 0) disappears, and the holding images displayed in the holding display areas X22 to X24 (holding 1 to holding 1 4 reserved images) are shifted to the left one by one.

  In the pending change prefetching effect, based on the result of the above-described preliminary determination, of the pending images displayed in the pending display units 701 and 702, the pending image that is the target of the prefetch lottery (the pending image corresponding to the trigger pending) The effect of changing the mode from the normal mode (white display) to the special mode (special color display) is performed. In this example, six types of "white", "blue", "green", "red", "gold", and "rainbow" are prepared as display modes (display colors) of the reserved image. In the following, a white display (default) hold image that is a normal display mode is also referred to as a “normal hold image”, and a special display mode blue display, green display, red display, gold display and iridescent display hold image. Is also referred to as "special reserved image". In the drawing, six types of display modes of "white", "blue", "green", "red", "gold", and "rainbow" are indicated by white circles "○" indicating the reserved image. It is expressed by adding the name of the above color to. The above-mentioned six types of display modes used in the pending change look-ahead effect are related to the degree of reliability in which the result of the hit determination is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), “white”, “blue”, “ It is set such that the jackpot reliability increases in steps of "green", "red", "gold", and "rainbow". The “rainbow-colored” pending image means a pending image for which the jackpot is confirmed. Therefore, when the "rainbow-colored" hold image appears or when the hold image changes to "rainbow-colored", it is assured that the jackpot is won by the pattern variation display of the hold image (operation hold ball). It In addition, in this example, in addition to the above-mentioned six types of holding images (normal holding image and special holding image), a special holding image (holding image with a special display mode) that provides advance notice of the destination of SP reach is prepared. . This special reserved image is, for example, a reserved image in which the character "strong" is displayed in a white circle, and gives a notice that it will develop into a strong SP reach effect (in this example, large subjugation reach) in variable display. In the hold change prefetching effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by the shape or the pattern instead of the display color.

  The pending change prefetch lottery is executed at a predetermined predetermined lottery timing. The lottery timing is at the time of start winning when the operation holding balls are generated and at the time of holding subtraction when the operation holding balls are exhausted.

  In the following, the hold change look-ahead lottery at the time of starting winning is referred to as the "hold change change look-ahead lottery at winning a prize", and the hold change look-ahead lottery at the time of subtraction of the hold is called "digestion hold change look-ahead lottery" according to the lottery timing. . Basically, the winning change pending look-ahead lottery is always executed at the time of starting winning, while the exhausting pending change look-ahead lottery is established when the lottery execution conditions described below are satisfied (in the winning pending change look-ahead lottery When it becomes), it is executed.

  The method of deciding the trigger suspension to be the target of the prefetch lottery differs depending on the above-mentioned lottery timing. In the case of the winning change pending look-ahead lottery, the newly-winned operation holding ball is determined as the trigger hold (target of the look-ahead lottery). Therefore, even if one or more operation-reserving balls already exist, the operation-retaining ball that has won this time is always trigger-reserved. On the other hand, in the case of the digest change pending look-ahead lottery, on the assumption that there are one or more operation-reserving balls, there are operation-retaining balls of "L reach" or more in order from the first operation-retaining ball (reservation 1). In this case, the operation holding ball is determined as the trigger holding. On the other hand, if there are no operation holding balls of “L reach” or more, that is, if the operation holding balls are “shortening fluctuation”, “normal fluctuation”, and “N reach”, the last operation holding ball (latest operation holding ball) (Holding ball) is determined as the trigger holding.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pending change prefetch lottery table. A plurality of types of pending change patterns are defined in the pending change look-ahead lottery table. In the figure, the numbers used for the lottery are omitted for the sake of convenience. On the other hand, for each table, the determination unit (range of random number values for lottery) for determining the pending change pattern is set, and the pending change is performed based on which determination unit the random number value belongs to. The pattern is to be decided.

  A total of 59 pending change patterns (ID numbers) are set in the pending change look-ahead lottery table. The hold change pattern 0 is an effect pattern at the time of non-winning in which the trigger hold is not changed even once. The hold change prefetching effect patterns 1 to 58 are effect patterns at the time of winning when the trigger hold changes at least once. That is, in the pending change prefetch lottery, when the pending change pattern 0 is selected, it means that the lottery is "non-winning", and when the pending change patterns 1 to 58 are selected, "winning" is selected in the lottery. It means that you have done it. In this example, “execution of the pending change prefetching effect” refers to a state in which the pending display is being executed according to the pending change pattern at the time of winning. In this pending change prefetch lottery, the lottery will be won with a relatively higher probability when the preliminary determination result is a big hit than when it is a big hit.

  The hold change pattern in this example is a scenario in which a hold change route of a trigger hold (hold image) that is a target of the prefetch lottery is defined. Therefore, based on this hold change pattern, the display mode of the hold image related to the trigger hold is specified for each change. In this example, in the prize change pending change look-ahead lottery, even if the trigger hold is generated as the number of the operation hold balls (regardless of the number of hold memories when the trigger hold is won), this hold change pattern is used. Then, the display mode of the reserved image for four times corresponding to the maximum reserved storage number is determined, and the timing of the pending change is also determined. In addition, in this example, the timing of the pending change is basically set to the timing when the fluctuation is stopped (with some exceptions).

  As shown in FIG. 25, this hold change pattern includes hold display data 1 defined in the “at winning” column, hold display data 2 defined in the “when hold 3 variation stopped” column, and “hold 2 variation”. The hold display data 3 defined in the "stop" column and the hold display data 4 defined in the "hold 1 variable stop" column. Here, “at the time of winning” means a time at which the trigger-holding start winning is targeted for the prefetch lottery. "Hold 3 when variable stop" means a variable stop when trigger hold is hold 3, "Hold 2 when variable stop" means a variable stop when trigger hold is hold 2, and "hold "1 when the fluctuation is stopped" means when the fluctuation is stopped when the trigger hold is "hold 1". Therefore, in the hold display data 1, the display mode (initial display mode) of the hold image displayed at the time of winning is set. On the other hand, in the hold display data 2 to 4, the display mode of the hold image displayed when each fluctuation stop when the trigger hold is hold 3 to hold 1 is set.

  As described above, the hold change (change in the display mode of the hold image) in this example occurs at the timing of the fluctuation stop (the period from the fluctuation stop to the start of the next fluctuation). When a hold change occurs at the time of this change stop, (1) stop change → (2) change hold image related to trigger hold → (3) start of next change → (4) all hold images including trigger hold The flow of the effect is such that the display area is moved down one level (the hold order of the trigger hold is shifted from "hold n + 1" to "hold n").

  Next, the details of the specific processing of the winning change pending read-ahead lottery and the exhaustion pending change look-ahead lottery will be described. In the present embodiment, in the case of any of the pre-reading lottery of winning change pending read-ahead lottery, and digest holding pending change pre-reading lottery, a single pending change lottery table is created without depending on the number of holdings at the time of starting winning. The display mode of the hold image at each change is determined according to the hold change pattern selected by use.

  In the case of a winning change hold change prefetch lottery, as a general rule, based on the hold display data 1 to 4 defined in the hold change pattern selected in the lottery, a display mode at the time of starting winning and a display mode at the time of fluctuation stop Is determined. As the display mode of the hold image at the time of the start winning, the hold display data 1 of the hold change pattern is set even when the operation hold ball of the prefetch lottery object is generated as the operation hold ball. As the display mode of the hold image when the fluctuation is stopped, the hold display data 2 to 4 of the hold change pattern are set according to the hold stay status. When the trigger hold is started and the first variable display is stopped, the hold change does not occur and the hold display data 1 is maintained.

  Specifically, when the trigger prize is held as the hold 4 and the winning start is achieved, (A) the hold display data 1 is set as the display mode at the time of the start winning, and (B) the next change (change of the trigger hold becomes the hold 3). The hold display data 2 is set as the display mode at the time of stop, and (C) the successive changes (change in which trigger hold becomes the hold 2) The hold display data 3 is set as the display mode at the time of stop, and (D) the next time (Holding display data 4 is set as a display mode at the time of stop of fluctuation (trigger hold becomes hold 1)). Is maintained.

  When the trigger hold is held as the hold 3 and the start winning is achieved, (A) the hold display data 1 is set as the display mode at the time of the start winning, and (B) the next change (change in which the trigger hold is the hold 2) is stopped. The hold display data 3 is set as the mode, and (C) the next-to-one variation (variation in which the trigger hold is the hold 1) is set to the hold display data 4 as the display mode at the time of stop, and the one-to-one variation (the trigger hold is The pending display data 4 is maintained until the end of the (digested fluctuation).

  In the case where the trigger hold is held as the hold 2 and the start winning is made, (A) the hold display data 1 is set as the display mode at the time of the start winning, and (B) the display at the time of the next change (change in which the trigger hold is the hold 1) is stopped. As a mode, the hold display data 4 is set, and the hold display data 4 is maintained until the time when the next successive change (the change in which the trigger hold is exhausted) is stopped.

  In the case where the trigger hold is held as the hold 1 and the start winning is made, (A) the hold display data 1 is set as the display mode at the time of the start winning (variation in which the trigger hold becomes the hold 1).

  In this winning change hold prefetch lottery, as described above, when there is a new start winning, the hold change pattern is determined regardless of whether the lottery result is winning or not. In other words, when the game ball wins the start prize (when a new operation hold ball occurs), the hold change scenario (display mode of the hold image) is always determined by this hold change prefetch lottery during winning. Become. If you do not want to execute the hold change for multiple holds at the same time, if data other than "0" is set as the hold change route ID for the existing hold, the hold generated for the prize will be changed. You may make it overwrite "0" as a route ID on a lottery result.

  The digest pending change prefetch lottery is basically the same as the above-mentioned winning pending change prefetch lottery, but is different in the following points. In other words, when this hold-time change prefetch lottery at the time of exhaustion is executed, the hold change pattern 0 (all default display) at the time of non-winning is already selected in the previous prize change hold change prefetch lottery, and the hold image is the default. Since it is displayed (that is, it is a re-lottery because the result of the winning change pending look-ahead lottery is non-winning), the display mode of the hold image at the time of starting winning is determined at this stage. There is no need, and the pre-reading lottery determines the subsequent pending change route.

  The hold display data 1 of the hold change pattern is set as the display mode at the start of the variation (at the start of the hold change lookahead effect) regardless of the hold stay status. That is, in either case of the winning change pending read-ahead lottery and the digest holding pending change read-ahead lottery, in the case of winning the pre-reading lottery and executing the pending change look-ahead effect, the holding image at the start of the effect is displayed. "Hold display data 1" is commonly used as the display mode. Therefore, if the display mode defined in the hold display data 1 is a special mode (other than white display) as the display mode at the start of this variation (when the hold change prefetching effect is started), the change is held, but the hold display data 1 is changed. If the defined display mode is the normal mode (white display), the pending display does not change and the default display (white display) continues. On the other hand, as the display mode when the fluctuation is stopped, similarly to the above, the pending change data 2, the pending change data 3, and the pending change data 4 are set according to the pending stay status.

  Specifically, when the main lottery is won at the start of a change in which the trigger hold becomes hold 3 (hold 4 → hold 3), (A) hold as a display mode when the change (change in which trigger hold is hold 3) is stopped Display data 1 is set, (B) Hold display data 3 is set as a display mode at the time of the next fluctuation (change in which trigger hold is hold 2), and (C) Next-time change (trigger hold is 1 hold). The pending display data 4 is set as a display mode at the time of stop), and the pending display data 4 is maintained until the next stop (variation in which the trigger hold is exhausted).

  When this lottery is won when the trigger hold is changed to Hold 2 (Hold 3 → Hold 2), (A) Hold display data 1 is displayed as the display mode when the change (trigger hold becomes Hold 2) is stopped. Set, (B) Hold display data 4 is set as the display mode at the time of the next change (change in which trigger hold becomes hold 1) stop, and hold display is displayed until the next stop (change in which trigger hold is exhausted) Data 4 is maintained.

  When this lottery is won when the trigger hold is changed to hold 1 (hold 2 → hold 1), (A) hold display data 1 is displayed as the display mode when the change (trigger hold becomes hold 1) is stopped. Is set.

  If you win in this digest change hold prefetch lottery, from the non-win hold change pattern 0 (all hold change routes that are default display) determined in the previous winning change hold prefetch lottery The holding change patterns 1 to 58 at the time of winning, which are determined by the pre-drawing lot change during holding, will be replaced. In addition, when the winning change and pre-emption lottery lottery lottery is executed for the hold 1, and the lottery is won, the data shown in the hold display data 4, which is the final mode, is not displayed in the above embodiment. However, it is also possible to have a process of calling the hold display data 4 and overwriting it at the start of change or at a predetermined timing during change (when a reach occurs, etc.) when the trigger hold is exhausted. By designing in this way, the default "white" hold can be changed to a special hold image or the like, and "the hold change" effect can be executed.

  In this way, in the hold change pattern, the hold change route of the hold image (transition of the change in state of the hold image) changes from start winning a prize (or start of prefetching) to hold 3 change to stop to hold 2 It is set in a time series such as a stoppage → a variable stoppage of the hold 1. Here, the hold change prefetching effect pattern is a one-step promotion pattern in which the display mode of the hold image is promoted by one step per change, and the display mode of the hold image is once, in accordance with the process of the change of the hold image. 2-step promotion pattern including the case where the change is promoted by 2 steps, 3-step promotion pattern including the case where the display mode of the hold image is promoted by 3 steps per change, and the display mode of the hold image is 4 steps per the change There is a four-step promotion pattern including the case of promotion. Here, the pending change in this example means only promotion (rank up), and basically there is no demotion (rank down). On the other hand, in the case where the pending change look-ahead lottery is not won (lottery ID: 0), the display mode of the held image is changed once in one or a plurality of variable displays until the operation holding ball is exhausted. Instead, the default display (white display) is continued throughout the display process.

  The pending change look-ahead lottery table is set so that the selection rate of the pending change look-ahead effect pattern is different when the result of the preliminary determination is a big hit or a failure. Although omitted in FIG. 25, as a general rule, in the pending change prefetching notice pattern, the selection rate (judgment value) is assigned according to the display mode of the final pending image, and the result of the preliminary judgment is a big hit. When there is a certain value, or when it is information indicating a long-time fluctuation pattern that tends to be a big hit, the final display mode is “white”, “blue”, “green”, “red”, “gold” However, when the result of the preliminary determination is out of alignment or the information indicating the short-term fluctuation pattern, the final display mode is “white”, “blue”, and “green”. , “Red”, “gold” are selected in this order. It should be noted that the “rainbow-colored” reserved image can be selected when the result of the preliminary determination is a big hit (a predetermined selection rate is assigned), but it is selected when the result of the preliminary determination is a failure. It means that the so-called jackpot winning decision is confirmed (the selection rate is “0”). Therefore, when the "rainbow-colored" hold image appears, it is guaranteed that the big hit is won by the pattern variation display of the hold image (operation hold ball). Therefore, the above-mentioned six types of display modes are closely related to the degree of expectation that the result of the winning / judgment determination is a big hit (referred to as "big hit expectation degree"), and "white", "blue", "green", " It can be said that the jackpot expectation increases by one step in the order of "red", "gold", and "rainbow".

  Even when the final display mode of the held image is the same, the jackpot expectation is determined depending on which of the above-mentioned 1st stage promotion pattern, 2nd stage promotion pattern and 3rd stage promotion pattern is included in the pending change. The jackpots to be executed are set differently in the order of the 1-step promotion pattern, the 2-step promotion pattern, and the 3-step promotion pattern. That is, the larger the promotion range of the pending change (the number of stages of promotion), the higher the jackpot expectation. Therefore, there is a change in the promotion range from two stages (for example, blue → red) rather than one stage (for example, green → red) to three stages (for example, white → red) than two stages (for example, blue → red). It can be said that the one that has been executed has a higher expectation of a big hit.

  Furthermore, when the pattern types (promotion range) are the same, the larger the expectation of jackpot, the later the pending change (promotion) timing in a plurality of changes. In other words, the larger the timing of the pending change from the normal display mode or normal mode (white) to the special display mode or the special mode (blue, green, red ...), the higher the jackpot expectation. Therefore, it can be said that the expectation of a big hit is higher when the timing at which the reserved image of the special display mode first appears is the holding 2 rather than the holding 3 and the holding 1 is more than the holding 2. Therefore, even if the pending change does not appear at an early timing in the continuous fluctuation, the player's expectation can be maintained.

  Here, the special mode “rainbow color” that is determined to win the jackpot is generated at the time of starting winning, and the special display mode “rainbow color” is not changed from other display modes. The special mode "strong" for notifying the SP reach is the final mode display mode in which the pending change does not occur. In addition, only when the display mode at the time of winning the start is "green" or higher, the display mode may be changed to the display mode of "gold" or higher at the time of subsequent fluctuation stop.

  If this hold change look-ahead effect and the same-color symbol look-ahead effect occur at the same time, both look-ahead lottery processes are executed as separate processes. The timing of starting the production and the timing of promotion may be different from each other, and the interest of the game can be improved by the synergistic effect of the two productions. In addition, in the present embodiment, the larger the variation range is, the higher the big hit expectation degree is set to be included in the route. It may be set so that the more the staged promotion pattern or the two-stage variation pattern is executed, the easier it is for a big hit.

(Correction change processing)
By the way, the above-mentioned hold change route is originally in a display mode defined by each data in the order of hold display data 1 → hold display data 2 → hold display data 3 → hold display data 4 for each change. It is designed on the assumption that the hold change occurs, and as a mode that changes when the hold 3 changes of the trigger hold to the change stop when the hold 1 changes, the hold display data 1 → the hold display data 2, the hold display data 2 → the hold display For example, data 3 and hold display data 3 → hold display data 4 have a predetermined promotion range for each hold change. Further, as described above, since the jackpot expectation degree can be suggested by the promotion width per one pending change, the promotion width in this one pending change is one of important information to be taught in the pending change prefetching effect. Positioned as. At this time, if the trigger is held as a hold 4 and the start winning is made, and there are four fluctuations until the trigger hold is exhausted (until the hold becomes 0), it is natural that each hold change occurs once. The promotion range will be secured according to regulations. However, if the trigger winning is held in the state where the trigger hold is less than the hold 4, as described above, the hold display data is not switched at least when the variable display having the start winning is stopped (because the hold change is not made), the hold is held. A part of the change route (one or more pending display data) may be skipped. Therefore, depending on the content of the hold change route, there may be a problem that a promotion range more than expected occurs before and after the hold change, and the jackpot expectation degree due to the hold change is erroneously recognized.

  For example, with reference to FIG. 26 (A), a specific description will be given on the assumption that the pending change pattern 24 is selected. In this hold change pattern 24, hold change route data such as hold display data 1 “green” → hold display data 2 “green” → hold display data 3 “green” → hold display data 4 “red” is set. .. At this time, when the operation holding ball of the hold 2 is generated during a certain change and the trigger is held, the display mode at the time of winning is "green" of the hold display data 1. The display mode at the time of stopping the next variable display (variable display that is the hold 1) is “red” of the hold display data 4. At this time, the pending display data 2 and 3 are skipped, but since "green" is set in the pending display data 2 and 3 as well as the pending display data 1, the next scenario is performed according to the original scenario. When the fluctuation display is stopped, the status will be changed from "green" to "red" (it will be promoted to one level at the next fluctuation stop according to the scenario).

  On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 26 (B), a specific description will be given on the assumption that the pending change pattern 20 is selected. In this hold change pattern 20, hold change route data such as hold display data 1 “white” → hold display data 2 “blue” → hold display data 3 “green” → hold display data 4 “red” is set. At this time, if the operation hold ball of hold 2 is generated during a certain change and the trigger is held, the display mode at the time of winning is "white" of the hold display data 1. The display mode at the time of stopping the next variable display (variable display that is the hold 1) is “red” of the hold display data 4. At this time, similarly to the above, “blue” of the hold display data 2 and “green” of the hold display data 3 are skipped. In this case, the hold display data 2 and 3 and the hold display data 1 are skipped. Since, and are different from each other, if the pending display data 4 is changed to “red” at the next variable display, a change of one stage (green → red) should be originally planned at the next variable stop. On the other hand, in reality, there are three stages of change (white → blue → green → red), and there is a possibility that the jackpot expectation degree may be mistaken due to an increase in the promotion range (rank improvement degree). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to correct such a defect, a correction change process for performing a predetermined correction for the display mode and the change timing of the held image is set.

  Here, the target of the correction change is the hold image of the trigger hold that is won in the lottery during the winning change hold prefetch lottery during the winning or the hold change change prefetch lottery during digestion in the state of the hold 3 or the hold 2 and the next change This is a case where the hold image changes from the display mode of the hold display data 1 to the display mode of the hold display data 3 or the hold display data 4 at the time of the stop. It should be noted that in the case of the start winning in the state of being in the hold 4, all the hold display data 1 to 4 are applied, and thus the correction change is unnecessary. Further, in the case of the start winning in the state of the hold 1, only the hold display data 1 is applied, so that the correction change is unnecessary. At this time, the display mode of the hold display data 1 corresponding to the display mode at the time of the start winning is changed to the display mode of the hold display data N (however, N = 3, 4) corresponding to the display mode at the next variation stop. At this time, when the display mode of the hold display data 1 is the same as the display mode of the hold display data N-1 that is one before the hold display data N, the scenario is changed in the hold change at the next variable stop. It is determined that a normal promotion range will occur, and the normal correction changing process is continued without performing the correction changing process. On the other hand, when the display mode of the hold display data 1 and the display mode of the hold display data N-1 which is one before the hold display data N are different from each other, the scenario is set in the hold change at the next variable stop. It is determined that the above promotion range will occur, and the correction change process is performed.

  In the correction change process in the present example, in the above situation, at the start of the next fluctuation, the hold image is corrected and changed from the display mode of the hold display data 1 to the display mode of the hold display data N-1. After making this correction change, when the change is stopped, the hold image is finally changed from the display mode of the hold display data N-1 to the display mode of the hold display data N according to the route indicating the change mode of the selected pending change look-ahead. Change. That is, in the next variation display of the variation won in the hold change prefetch lottery, there is a case where a two-step hold change is executed via the correction change process (hold change at the start of change).

  The contents of the correction change process will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 26C, assuming that the hold change pattern 20 is selected as in the above. Similar to the above, this hold change pattern 20 is such that hold change route data such as hold display data 1 “white” → hold display data 2 “blue” → hold display data 3 “green” → hold display data 4 “red”. It is set. At this time, if the operation hold ball of hold 2 is generated during a certain change and the trigger is held, the display mode at the time of winning is "white" of the hold display data 1. The display mode at the time of stopping the next variable display (variable display that is the hold 1) is “red” of the hold display data 4. At this time, in the normal processing, “blue” of the hold display data 2 and “green” of the hold display data 3 are skipped, but in the correction change processing, the hold display data 3 of the hold display data 3 is started at the start of the next variable display. Display "green". Therefore, even if "red" of the hold display data 4 is displayed when the next fluctuation is stopped, the promotion can be promoted in one stage from "green" to "red" as the pending change when the fluctuation is stopped. Therefore, in this correction change process, the display mode based on the hold display data (the hold display data immediately before) that should otherwise be skipped is interveningly displayed at the start of fluctuation, and the promotion width (three levels) is corrected. It is possible to suppress the promotion range of one correction change by distributing the change (two stages when the correction is changed, and one stage when the fluctuation is stopped), and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the jackpot expectation is mistakenly recognized.

(Hold change design production)
In the present embodiment, as a general rule, a pending change symbol effect (holding change suggesting effect) is executed when the pending image changes when the variation of the symbol stops. The pending change design effect is a display that gives a notice that a pending change will occur at the timing when the fluctuation is stopped by stopping and displaying the decorative design in the middle row of the three rows of decorative designs with the above-mentioned pending change design. Is. That is, the above-mentioned hold change design functions as an effect for easily informing the player that the hold change effect is executed. Therefore, even if the hold change symbol is not displayed, if the hold change look-ahead lottery is won, the hold change effect is executed when the fluctuation is stopped. Further, the hold change symbol effect, if a predetermined prohibition condition is satisfied, its execution is limited (stop display of the hold change symbol when the variable display is stopped is prohibited). The prohibition conditions are (1) when the variation pattern of the variation display is N reach, L reach, or weak SP reach, and the display mode after the pending change is “blue”, (2) the variation pattern of the variation display. Is a strong SP reach, (3) when the same color pattern (the chance eye) is stopped in the variable display, (4) when a specific pseudo continuous variable effect is executed in the variable display, (5) the This is a case where the symbol sliding effect is executed in the variable display. The prohibition condition (1) is defined because a reach effect is generated, the left symbol and the right symbol among the decorative symbols are aligned, and the player's attention is concentrated on whether or not the remaining one medium symbol is aligned. At that time, even if the result is disappointing, and the display mode of the hold image changes to a display mode (blue) with a relatively low jackpot expectation level even if it changes to the hold change pattern, the player's expectation may be increased. This is because it will be greatly diminished. However, when the display mode of the held image changes to a display mode (green or higher) with a relatively high jackpot expectation level, even if the held state is deviated, the variable display corresponding to the held image is displayed. Since it is possible to expect a big hit, we allow the use of pending change patterns. In addition, the prohibition condition (2) is defined in order to attract attention to the SP reach production until the last timing of the fluctuation stop without interposing the pending change pattern production in the high expectation SP reach production. is there. Further, the prohibition conditions (3) to (5) are defined in that, when a variation production characteristic of the stop combination mode of the decorative symbol or the variation mode of the decorative symbol is executed, the variation effect and the pending change symbol This is for avoiding competition with the effects and preventing the effects of the effects from diluting each other. At this time, if any of the above prohibition conditions (1) to (5) is met and the hold change is executed without generating the hold change pattern effect, the hold change suggestion other than the image display by the sound or the lamp is suggested. It is possible to clearly instruct the player that a hold change will occur, while causing the player to pay attention to the variable display of the decorative symbol by generating an effect (a voice or a light emission pattern that is different from normal). it can. An example of the effect of the pending change symbol effect will be described later (specifically, refer to FIG. 54).

<4. Cut-in look-ahead production>
The cut-in prefetch effect is a change display (preceding change) immediately before the change corresponding to the trigger hold, and a predetermined cut-in image is displayed as an interrupt when the change is stopped, and the cut-in image display mode is displayed. Accordingly, it is a look-ahead effect that suggests or notifies the jackpot expectation in the change corresponding to the trigger hold. The cut-in prefetch lottery is executed at a predetermined lottery timing. The lottery timing is at the time of start winning when the operation holding ball for hold 1 is generated and at the time of hold subtraction when the operation hold ball is exhausted and trigger hold becomes hold 1. In the following, the cut-in pre-reading lottery at the time of winning a prize will be referred to as the "cut-in pre-reading lottery at winning a prize", and the cut-in pre-reading lottery at the time of holding subtraction will be referred to as the "cut-in pre-reading lottery during digestion" according to the lottery timing. .. Here, as the lottery execution condition of the cut-in prefetch lottery at the time of winning, (1) the operation hold ball (trigger hold) occurs due to the start winning before the stop of the left symbol in the variable display with the number of hold is 0 (2) The condition that the trigger hold that is the target of the prefetch lottery is a variation pattern of “L reach” or more. On the other hand, the lottery execution conditions for the cut-in look-ahead lottery at the time of digestion are (1) that the preceding hold that is one before the trigger hold has been exhausted, and (2) that the trigger hold that is the target of the look-ahead lottery is “L reach” The condition is that the fluctuation pattern is as described above. Even if the cut-in pre-reading lottery is won, if the change pattern of the preceding change (the previous change) is the change pattern of N-reach, L-reach, and SP-reach, the execution of the cut-in pre-reading effect is canceled. To be done. That is, the execution of the cut-in prefetching effect is effective only when the preceding fluctuation is a shortening fluctuation or a normal fluctuation.

FIG. 27A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cut-in prefetch lottery table. The cut-in pre-reading lottery table defines whether or not the cut-in pre-reading effect can be executed.
In the figure, the "selection rate" is shown for the sake of convenience, but in reality, in accordance with the acquired lottery random number value, the determination unit (range of lottery random number value) for determining the cut-in prefetch effect pattern. Is set, and the cut-in look-ahead effect pattern is determined based on which determination unit the random number value belongs to. In FIG. 27 (A), it is possible to select one of "no effect", "with effect: pattern A", and "with effect: pattern B" for the pre-judgment result (big hit, miss) of the trigger hold. Selectivity is assigned to. Regarding the cut-in look-ahead effect, it can be said that the big hit expectation degree becomes higher in the order of “no effect” <“effect: pattern A” <“effect: pattern B”.

  FIG. 27B is a schematic diagram for explaining the timing of the cut-in prefetch effect. The cut-in look-ahead effect occurs in the period from the stop of the middle symbol to the stop of the right symbol at the timing of the variation stop of the decorative symbol (stop of the left symbol → stop of the middle symbol → stop of the right symbol). That is, the cut-in prefetch effect is displayed immediately before the fixed stop display of the decorative pattern.

  Then, FIG.27 (C) is a schematic diagram which shows the production example of a cut-in notice production. When the pattern A is executed as the cut-in look-ahead effect, the character A (not shown) appears and the line "close!" Is displayed. On the other hand, when the pattern B is executed, the character B (not shown) appears and the dialog "Ikimashou" is displayed. Then, according to the content of the effect (character dialogue, etc.), the expectation that a big hit will occur will be announced in the next variable display.

<5. Flash look-ahead production>
The flash pre-reading effect is a pre-reading effect that informs or suggests the preliminary determination result of the operation-holding ball that has won the start prize by causing the board lamp to emit light when the game ball has won the start prize. The flash prefetch lottery is executed at a predetermined lottery timing. The lottery timing is the time of the start winning when the operation reserved ball is generated. As the lottery execution conditions for the flash prefetch lottery, 1) the trigger hold of the prefetch target is a variation pattern of “weak reach” or more, 2) there is no preceding hold, or the preceding hold is a variation pattern of non-reach type On condition that there is.

FIG. 28A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flash prefetch lottery table. The flash prefetch lottery table defines whether or not to execute the flash prefetch effect.
In the figure, the "selection rate" is shown for the sake of convenience, but in reality, the determination unit (range of the random number random value) for determining the flash prefetch effect pattern is determined according to the acquired random number random value. The flash pre-reading effect pattern is set based on which of the determination unit numbers the lottery random value belongs to. In FIG. 28 (A), it is possible to select one of “no effect”, “with effect: pattern A”, and “with effect: pattern B” for the pre-judgment result of trigger hold (big hit, miss). Selectivity is assigned to. Regarding the flash prefetch effect, it can be said that the big hit expectation degree becomes higher in the order of “no effect” <“effect: pattern A” <“effect: pattern B”.

  FIG. 28B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the flash prefetch effect. When the pattern A is executed as the flash prefetching effect, four board surface lamps on the game board emit light in red and white display modes. On the other hand, when the pattern B is executed, the four surface lamps of the game board emit light in the rainbow display mode. Then, according to the effect contents (light emission color of the lamp), the degree of expectation that a big hit will occur will be announced in the next variable display. In the flash prefetching effect, only the light emission effect by the panel lamp is used, and the image display by the effect display device 70 is not performed.

<Processing on the main control board side>
Next, the procedure of operation processing in the main control board 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 29 to 43. The process on the main control board 100 side is configured to include a main control side main process and a main control side timer interrupt process.

<Main processing on the main control side>
29 to 30 are flowcharts showing main processing on the main control side of the main control board 100. In this main processing on the main control side, after the security check of the main CPU 101 is performed by resetting when the power is turned on, the program starts, and the processing from S1 onward is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a start address is set in the stack pointer as an initial value of the stack area (S1), and access to the RAM 103 is permitted (S2). Then, the vector table storing the start address of the program to be processed when the timer interrupt occurs is set (S3), and the initial value is set in the internal register of the main CPU 101 (S4).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). When the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5: YES), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero in S9, which will be described later. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power-off information flag is read and it is determined whether or not the power-off normal information is stored (S6).

  Here, when the information indicating that the power is cut off normally is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). Note that the power-on checksum calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off processing, which will be described later. Sam becomes "0". In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power was cut off. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the entire area of the RAM 103 is cleared to zero (S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the RAM 103 (S10). Next, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamp LP, a request for an effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 200 is made (S11).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, setting of power-on normal information, initial setting of various errors, and communication initial setting with the payout control board 400 are sequentially performed in the RAM 103 (S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save that the power-on was performed correctly, to store the power-on normal data in the power-off information flag and to initialize the information of the power-off occurrence, Turn off the power-off confirmation flag. Next, the data transfer source address, the data transfer destination address, and the transfer byte number are set, and the data for the transfer byte number is transferred (S13). Then, the value of the special symbol game status at the time of power off is read, and power off recovery processing relating to the special symbol game is performed (S14).

  Then, the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are requested to transmit an effect control command (“power off recovery command”) at the time of power off recovery (S15). This power-off recovery command includes information regarding the inspection of the communication line, the operating state of the special symbol, the number of times of probability variation, the number of times of shortening, the number of times of easy entry, variation pattern selection state, and error state. It should be noted that command requests for untransmitted data before power-off are cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information of the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and a performance control command including the information of the number of operation reserved balls is requested ( S16).

  Then, the reset setting for returning the normal electric accessory 622 to the state before the power is turned off (for example, the second starting opening 62 is opened) is performed (S17). Further, a reset setting is performed to return the special electric accessory 642 to the state before the power is turned off (for example, the special winning opening 64 is open) (S18). Then, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operating state of the probability varying function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (S19). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to activate the timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as the initial setting of the CTC circuit of the main control microcomputer 110, and the timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt inhibition is set to inhibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set in preparation for restarting the watchdog timer (S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of power failure, the value of the power failure confirmation flag is read and it is determined whether power failure has occurred (S23). If the power is not cut off, the initial value random number updating process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number updating process, in this initial value random number updating process, a normal symbol initial value random number, a special symbol soft initial value random number and a special symbol per symbol initial value random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0".

  Next, the interrupt permission is set to permit the generation of the timer interrupt process (S25), the process returns to the process of inhibiting the interrupt (S21), and the loop processes of S21 to S25 are repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is executed periodically at a predetermined cycle, but the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process to the occurrence of the next interrupt process is used to execute S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. Then, if there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt process is activated when the interrupt is permitted in S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, if the power-off occurs, the process proceeds to S26 and the power-off time process described below is executed.

  Next, as the power-off processing (S26 to S32), first, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If the power-on information is normal (S27: Yes), power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, when the power-on information is not normal (S27: No), power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the process proceeds to S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM 103 (S30). Then, the complement to the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM 103 (S31). Then, the access prohibition setting of the RAM 103 is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

<Main control timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control side timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse from the CTC circuit of the game control microcomputer 110 at fixed time intervals (for example, 4 ms), and is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side. As the terms used below, the terms "condition device" and "feature continuous operation device" mean conceptual control equipment, and "condition device" means that a big hit has occurred in a special symbol game. In this case, the "feature continuous actuating device" is a device that can actuate the special electric accessory 642 continuously a plurality of times.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main CPU 101 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 103, and then the interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (S52). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written into the WDT clear register of the CPU 101 within a preset time-out time, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main CPU 101 is executing the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are set periodically, so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before it times out. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, input processing is executed (S53). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the input information of the first start opening switch 611, the second start opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, the special winning opening switch 641, the door opening switch, the frame opening switch, the back set opening switch, the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, and the like. Are read out, their states are judged, and then these pieces of detection information are stored.

  Next, various random number update processing is executed (S54). In this various random number update processing, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. For the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random number, the numerical value of the random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (eg 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. If the subtracted result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50,000) is added to the subtracted result.

  Next, the initial value updating type random number updating process is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number updating process, the normal random number per symbol, the special random symbol per soft random number and the special symbol per symbol random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". Further, when the value of the counter makes one round, the value of the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

  Next, the initial value random number updating process is executed (S56). In this initial value random number updating process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0".

  Next, a timer subtraction process is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction processing, the values of various timers used for controlling the game operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the value of each timer is subtracted for each interrupt cycle (4 ms in this example). The various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, and the like.

  Next, the second starting opening valid period setting process is executed (S58). In the second starting opening valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port 62 are determined, and the valid period data or the invalid period data of the second starting port 62 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a prize monitoring process is executed (S59). In this winning prize monitoring process, based on the detection information of the first starting opening switch 611, the second starting opening switch 621, the operation gate switch 631, and the special winning opening switch 641 in the input processing (S53), the game ball switch passing inspection As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, a transmission request of an effect control command including information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch is made.

  Next, prize ball control processing is executed (S60). In this prize ball control processing, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize type, and the payout control board 400 is monitored by monitoring the received data from the payout control board 400. Conduct communication test with.

  Next, the normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the operation gate 63, the random number related to the ordinary symbol lottery is acquired as the operation reserve ball information. , The number of operation-reserving balls is updated up to a maximum of four, and the random number related to the ordinary symbol lottery is stored.

  Next, a normal symbol control process is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control processing, since a series of processing related to the normal symbol display device 75 or the normal electric auditors product 622 is performed, depending on the value of the normal symbol game status, the normal symbol changing process, the normal symbol stopped symbol displaying process , Normal electric auditors product operating process, normal electric auditors product operation end demonstration process, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) in order to display the normal symbol in a variable display or a fixed display.

  Next, normal symbol fluctuation start monitoring processing is executed (S63). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, the operating state of the ordinary symbol is monitored, and when it is determined that the variation start condition of the ordinary symbol is satisfied, the ordinary symbol operation holding ball number is extinguished, and the ordinary symbol Success / failure determination, symbol determination, variation pattern determination, variation time setting, and the like are performed in order.

  Next, the starting port monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this starting opening monitoring control processing, the winning of the game ball to the first starting opening 61 and the second starting opening 62 is monitored, and if there is a winning of the gaming ball, the number of reserved balls is updated and the special symbol lottery is involved. Random number storage, pre-reading notice effect determination, command request for the number of symbols stored, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 71, 72, depending on the value of the special symbol game status, a special symbol variation start process (S420) and a special symbol variation process (S430) described later in detail. ), Special symbol stop symbol displaying process (S440), etc. are executed.

  Next, the special electric auditors product control process is executed (S66). In this process, when the special symbol lottery result is "big hit" or "small hit", as the operation process related to the special electric auditors product 642, the setting of the start and end of the operation of the special electric auditors product 642, the setting The opening time and the number of times of opening the winning opening 64 are updated, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the variation pattern selection state, and the like are sequentially executed.

  Next, the special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (S67). In the special winning opening valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the special winning port 64 are determined, and the valid period data or the invalid period data of the special winning port 64 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control processing, if there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, one reserve ball number is consumed, the command request of the symbol memory number, the judgment of the special symbol , The symbol determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the operation pattern of the special electric auditors, the setting of the demonstration effect time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, abnormality detection processing is executed (S69). In this abnormality detection processing, based on the input information in the input processing (S53), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are sequentially inspected. , It is determined whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, in order to request the production control board 200 to display an error, a production control command including the error information (“error production designation command”) is generated.

  Next, the ball passing time abnormality detection processing is executed (S70). In this ball-passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, a ball-passing time abnormality is set, and an effect control command ("error Performance request command ”) and a security signal output request for output to an external terminal.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display processing, display data such as the number of times the special electric auditors product 642 operates continuously (the number of specified rounds), the number of operation-reserving balls of ordinary symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. Further, the display data for displaying the information on the error state detected by the abnormality detection process on the state indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

  Next, the LED output process is executed (S72). In this LED output process, the special symbol control process (S65), in order to display the special symbol and the normal symbol, the number of reserved balls, the number of times the special electric auditors operate continuously, the error, and the like. Abnormality detection processing (S69), display data created by the game state display processing (S71), each special symbol display device 71, 72, ordinary symbol display device 75, each special symbol holding lamp 73, 74, general symbol reservation It outputs to the lamp 76, the status display lamp of the main control board 100, etc., and initializes the display in these various display devices.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (S73). In this launch control signal output process, when no communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a disconnection short circuit power source abnormality is detected, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control board 400 to permit the launch of the game ball. To do. On the other hand, when the communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or the disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a signal of the firing prohibition is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the firing of the game ball.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S74). In this solenoid output process, in order to operate each electric accessory 622, 642, in the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special electric accessory control process (S66). An excitation signal is output to each electric accessory solenoid 623, 643 based on the acquired control data.

  Next, production control command transmission processing is executed (S75). In this effect control command transmission process, the effect control command designated by the pointer is read out from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage unit 180 in the above process, and this effect is generated. The control command is transmitted to the production control board 200.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (S76). In this external information output processing, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via an external terminal board.

  Next, the saved contents of the register are restored and the main CPU 101 is set to the interrupt enable state (S77). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  When the main control board 100 detects a power failure (a decrease in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during main processing on the main control side or during interrupt processing, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power failure confirmation flag is turned on. To do. Then, after returning to the original process, the above-described power-off process (S26 to S32) is executed.

≪Special symbol game processing≫
Next, a series of processes relating to the special symbol game in the main control side timer interrupt process will be described. In the processing related to the special symbol game, the above-mentioned starting opening monitoring control processing (S64), special symbol control processing (S65), special electric auditors product control processing (S66), special symbol variation start monitoring control processing (S68), etc. Is applicable.

(Starting port monitoring control process)
First, the starting port monitoring control process (S64) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing details of the starting port monitoring control process (S64).

  First, it is determined whether or not the game winning of the first starting opening 61 is detected (S201). When the winning in the first starting opening 61 is detected (S201: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (S202).

  If the number of operation reserve balls of the first special symbol is less than 4 (S202: YES), as a random number value related to the first special symbol game, a random number value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol Fluctuating pattern random number value is acquired, and each random number value is stored in the first special symbol reserved storage area (reserved n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (S203). Then, as an update of the operation reserved sphere number of the first special symbol, the value of the first special symbol reserved sphere counter is incremented by 1 (S204), and the winning check of the first starting opening 61 is completed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the game winning of the second starting opening 62 is detected (S205). When the winning in the second starting opening 62 is detected (S205: YES), it is determined whether the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number of 4 (S206). If the number of operation reserve balls of the second special symbol is less than 4 (S206: YES), as a random number value related to the second special symbol game, a random number per special symbol, a symbol random number per special symbol, a special symbol Fluctuating pattern random number value is acquired, and each random number value is stored in the second special symbol reserved storage area (reserved n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the ball entry order (S207). Then, as the update of the operation reserved sphere number of the second special symbol, the value of the second special symbol reserved sphere number counter is incremented by 1 (S208), and the winning check of the second starting opening 62 is completed.

  Then, whether or not there is an update of the operation pending ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, that is, whether the operation pending ball number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in S204 or S208 It is determined (S209). When there is an update of the operation holding ball number (S209: YES), a symbol memory number command including information on the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is the main information storage means. It is stored in the command storage area 180 (S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is the pre-determination timing (S211). If it is the pre-judgment timing (S211: YES), the random number per special symbol is read from the hit random number buffer of the reserved n storage area, and pre-judgment is performed (S212). Then, a success / failure determination command including the information (presence / absence preliminary determination number) of this preliminary determination result is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S213).

  Further, the special symbol per symbol random number value is read from the hit symbol random number buffer of the reserved n storage area, and symbol pre-determination is performed (S214). Then, a symbol preliminary determination command including the information of the preliminary determination result (symbol preliminary determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S215). Furthermore, the special pattern fluctuation pattern random value is read from the fluctuation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and fluctuation pattern pre-determination is performed (S216). Then, a variation pattern preliminary determination command including the information of this preliminary determination result (variation pattern preliminary determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S217).

(Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68) will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (S68).

  In this special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S68), of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, for the special symbol side that satisfies the fluctuation start condition, the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process described later. (S310) is executed. In addition, when both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, as described above, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is in progress (S301). Then, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for variation, that is, whether the first special symbol gaming status and the second special symbol gaming status are both "00H (waiting for variation)" It is determined whether or not (S302).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol is "0" (S303), and when the number of holding balls is not "0" (S303: NO), the second special Considering that the variation start condition of the symbol is satisfied, after setting the addresses of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage areas used in the subsequent processing) (S304) , Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S310) on the second special symbol side. That is, in the present embodiment, when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is present, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is given priority regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. It is designed to be digested. Details of this special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol is "0" (S303: YES), it is determined whether the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol is "0" (S305). .. Here, if the number of holding balls is not "0" (S305: NO), it is considered that the variation start condition of the first special symbol is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (hereinafter After setting the addresses of the various tables and the RAM storage area used in the process) (S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) on the first special symbol side.

  If the variation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not both satisfied (S301: YES, S302: NO, S305: YES), the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) is skipped. ..

(Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process)
Next, the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310).

  In this special symbol variation start monitoring process (S310), with reference to the first special symbol variation start monitoring table or the second special symbol variation start monitoring table set in S304 or S306, the subject of the variation start this time The special symbol side will be executed, but since the method of processing is the same between the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, except for special cases, it is the process on the first special symbol side. There is no distinction as to whether or not it is the process on the second special symbol side, and will be collectively described.

  First, 1 is subtracted from the number of operation holding balls on the side of the special symbol which is the target of the variation start this time (S311). Then, a symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation-reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after subtraction is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (S312). Next, access the special symbol holding storage area on the special symbol side that is the target of the fluctuation start this time, and the random number per special symbol stored in the earliest holding storage area (holding 1 storage area), per special symbol Symbol random number value, special symbol variation pattern random number values are read in order, and these random numbers are used for special symbol validity determination processing (S320), symbol determination processing (S330), variation pattern selection processing (S423), which will be described later, It is transferred to the special symbol appropriateness determination area, the special symbol determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S313). Further, as an update of the pending storage area, the pending sphere information stored in the pending 2 storage area to the pending 4 storage area is shifted to a lower pending storage area, and the pending 4 storage area is cleared to zero (S314).

  Then, a special symbol winning / discarding determination process is executed (S320). In the special symbol win / loss determination process (S320), first, the special symbol win / loss table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is the special symbol probability changing state, the winning probability lottery table with a high probability is obtained, and if the gaming state is the normal state, the winning probability lottery table with a low probability is obtained. Next, a random number per special symbol is read from the special symbol winning / discarding determination area of the main information storage unit 180. Then, referring to the special symbol win / loss lottery table, based on the random number per special symbol, the win / fail judgment of the special symbol is executed. Further, a value (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, deviating data “00H”) corresponding to the result of the hit determination is stored in the special symbol judgment flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Then, a symbol determination process is executed (S330). In the symbol determination process (S330), the stop symbol of the special symbol and the character effect number (variation-added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the hit determination. Then, the special symbol stop symbol determined this time and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage unit 180. In addition, the character effect number is the determined stop symbol type (6 patterns of big hit / small hit symbols A1 to C1, A2 to B2, K1), and the operating state of the probability varying function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (special symbol). Any of the total 24 patterns is determined based on a combination of (probability variation on / probability variation off of special symbol / normal variation probability on / normal symbol probability variation off). It should be noted that if the result of the hit / miss determination is out of alignment, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the result of the hit / miss determination corresponds to a small hit (S341), and whether or not the result of the hit / miss determination corresponds to a big hit (S342). If the result of the hit / miss determination is a small hit (S341: YES), the process proceeds to S347, and if the result of the hit / miss determination is a failure (S341: NO, S342: NO), the process proceeds to S349.

  On the other hand, when the result of the hit determination is a big hit (S341: NO, S342: YES), based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330, as a gaming state after the special game, the probability of a special symbol It is determined whether the fluctuation function is activated (S343). That is, if the type of symbol (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to add the probability variation function, and if the type of symbol indicates a normal symbol, the probability variation function is determined. Decide not to grant. The determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Further, based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330, as the gaming state after the special game, the number of operations of the variable time reduction function is determined (S344), and the number of operations of the electric chew support function is determined. (S345). The determination results (the number-of-times information on the variation time shortening function and the number-of-times information on the power-choo support function) are stored in the time saving number storage area and the easy entry state number storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Then, the operation pattern of the special electric auditors product 642 is set based on the symbol type (big hit type) determined in S330 (S346). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, the prescribed round number of round games (16 rounds, 8 rounds, 2 rounds in this example), the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 64 (30 in this example) Seconds, 0.05 seconds) and so on.

  Then, based on the type of symbols determined in S330 and the current game state, the variation pattern selection state after the special game is over or after the small hit game is set (S347). Then, based on the type of symbol determined in S330, the demonstration effect time of the special game or the small hit game (hit start demo time and hit end demo time) is set (S348). Then, the special symbol appropriateness determination area and the special symbol determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used in the special symbol appropriateness determination processing (S320) and the symbol determination processing (S330) are cleared (S349). Then, the special symbol game status on the special symbol side which is the subject of the change this time is transited from "00H (standby)" to "01H (start of change)" (S350).

(Special symbol control processing)
Next, the special symbol control process (S65) will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process (S65).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors product 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric auditors product game status is "00H (waiting for hit)" (S401). Then, if the special electric auditors product 642 is not in operation (S401: YES), it is determined whether the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)" (S402).

  If the second special symbol game status is not "00H (standby)" (S402: YES), to execute the process related to the second special symbol, the second special symbol control table (used in the subsequent process Addresses of various tables and RAM storage area) are set (S403), and special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) is performed. On the other hand, if the second special symbol game status is "00H (standby)" (S402: NO), to execute the process related to the first special symbol, the first special symbol control table (in the subsequent process Addresses of various tables and RAM storage area used) are set (S404), and the special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) is performed.

  In the special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) described below, using the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in the above S403 or S404, the special target of the change this time. Although the process of the symbol side will be executed, since the method of processing is common between the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, unless otherwise specified, is it the process of the first special symbol side? , Will be collectively described without distinguishing whether or not the processing is on the second special symbol side. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410) will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Special symbol control general-purpose processing)
Then, special symbol control general-purpose processing is executed (S410). Here, FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose processing (S410).

  In this special symbol control general-purpose process (S410), a branch process (S411 to S414) for shifting to a process corresponding to the value ("01H", "02H", "03H") of the special symbol game status is executed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side which is the target of the change this time is not 0 (S411). If the special symbol game status is not "00H" (S411: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "01H (start of fluctuation)" (S412). If the special symbol game status is "01H" (S412: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start process (S420). Details of this special symbol variation start processing (S420) will be described later with reference to FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "02H (changing)" (S413). If the special symbol game status is "02H" (S413: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (S430). Details of this special symbol changing process (S430) will be described later with reference to FIG. In the case of NO in S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (during symbol display)" (S414). If the special symbol game status is "03H" (S414: YES), the process proceeds to the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (S440). Details of the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (S440) will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Special symbol fluctuation start processing)
Next, the special symbol variation start process (S420) will be described. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start process (S420).

  First, the special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the winning / disapproval lottery and the variation pattern selection state (S421). Subsequently, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (S422). Then, referring to the special symbol variation pattern table, based on the special symbol variation pattern random value, one is selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns (S423).

  Next, the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected this time is set (S424). Then, as the setting of the variation start of the special symbol, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 165 (S425), and the variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (S426). As the variation start command, in order to start the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 70, a communication inspection command, a variation addition symbol information designation command, a variation pattern designation command, a symbol designation command are sequentially generated, and this is the main information storage means. This is stored in the command storage area 180.

  Then, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (S427). Then, the special symbol game status is transited from "01H (start of fluctuation)" to "02H (during fluctuation)" (S428).

(Processing during special symbol fluctuation)
Next, the special symbol changing process (S430) will be described. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol changing process (S430).

  First, in order to perform variable display of special symbols, display pattern number switching processing of special symbols is executed (S431). In this display pattern number switching process (S431), display pattern number data of a special symbol is generated every predetermined switching time. This display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 in the LED output process (S73) so that the special symbol is variably displayed or confirmed.

  Next, whether or not the special symbol game timer has become “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has ended (S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is over (S432: YES), the stop symbol of the special symbol to be confirmed and displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 or the second special symbol display device 72 is set (S433). Then, a variation stop command for instructing the final display of the decorative symbol to the effect control board 200 is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (S434).

  Next, "500 (ms)" is stored as the confirmed display time in the special symbol game timer (S435). The "confirmed display time" is the time during which the stop symbol is definitely stopped and displayed when the special symbol is changed and stopped. Then, the special symbol game status is changed from "02H (during change)" to "03H (during symbol display)" (S436).

(Processing during special symbol stop symbol display)
Next, the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (S440) will be described. 39 to 40 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (S440).

  First, whether or not the special symbol game timer is "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the confirmed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has ended (S441). Here, when the fixed display time of the special symbol is over (S441: YES), the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (displaying stopped symbol)" to "00H (standby)" (S442).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the hit / miss determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 is the big hit data “55H” (S443). If the hit determination data is a big hit data (S443: YES), the probability variation function of the special symbol is deactivated (S444), the variation time shortening function of the special symbol is deactivated (S445), and the electric chewing support function is activated. Stop (S446) is performed in order. Specifically, the special symbol mode flag is set to "00H (not activated)", and the time saving counter and the easy entry state number counter are set to "00H" to be zero-cleared.

  Next, as the start demonstration setting process of the special game, the start demonstration display time is set and a production control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing the start of the start demonstration production is generated (S447). Then, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (S448). Also, the special electric auditors game game status is changed from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "01H (special game)" (S449). Then, "00H" is set to clear the contents of the hit / miss determination flag (S450).

  On the other hand, if the hit determination data is not the big hit data (S443: NO), it is determined whether or not the probability varying function of the special symbol is in operation (S451). If the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (S451: YES), the probability variation number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as the consumed amount of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S452). .. Then, it is determined whether the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). If the probability variation counter is zero (S453: YES), the operation of the probability variation function of the special symbol is stopped (S454). When the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero (S453: NO), S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to S455.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S455). When the variation time reduction function of the special symbol is in operation (S455: YES), the hour / hour counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 as the consumed amount of the variation number of the special symbol this time (step S456). .. Then, it is determined whether or not the hour / hour counter is zero (step S457). When the hour / hour counter is zero (S457: YES), it is determined that the number of times of ending the special symbol time saving state has been reached, and the operation of the variable time reduction function of the special symbol is stopped (S458). If the hour / hour counter after subtraction is not zero (S457: NO), S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to S459.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the power cable support function is operating (S459). When the electric power support function is in operation (S459: YES), 1 is subtracted from the easy entry state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the amount of change in the number of times of change of the special symbol this time (step S460). .. Then, it is determined whether or not the easy-ball-in state count counter is zero (step S461). If the easy-ball-in state count counter is zero (S461: YES), it is determined that the number of times the easy-ball-in state has ended has been reached, and the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped (S462). When the number-of-easy-to-enter state counter after subtraction is not zero (S461: NO), S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to S463.

  Next, the fluctuation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180 is decremented by 1 (S463). Then, the variation pattern selection state is updated (S464). Specifically, by referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number, and the end number is determined. When it has reached, it switches to the fluctuation pattern selection state defined next. On the other hand, when the number of end times has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current game state information and variation pattern selection state information updated in S451 to S464 is generated, and this is generated in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (S465). On the side of the effect control board 200, the effect mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the small hit data "33H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466). When the small hit data is stored (S466: YES), as a start demonstration setting process of the small hit game, a start demonstration display time is set and an effect control command (small hit) for instructing the start of the start demonstration effect. A start demo command) is generated (S467). Then, the special electric accessory game game status is changed from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "02H (small hit game)" (S468). Then, "00H" is set to clear the content of the hit / miss determination flag (S469).

  On the other hand, if the small symbol data "33H" is not stored in the special symbol determination flag (S466: NO), that is, if the deviation data "00H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag, S467 to S469 are performed. skip. When the special symbol determination flag is the outlier data, the process of clearing the content of the flag is not performed because "00H" is originally stored as the outlier data.

(Special electric accessory control processing)
Next, the special electric auditors product control process (S66) will be described. 41 to 43 are flowcharts showing details of the electric accessory control process (S66).

  First, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors game game status is "01H (special game)" (S501). When the special electric auditors product game status is "01H" (S501: YES), the special game process is executed in the subsequent process. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors products 642, 652 are in operation (S502). When the special electric accessory 642, 652 is not operating (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642, 652 (S503). The operation start time of the special electric auditors products 642 and 652 is the timing to start the operation of the special electric auditors products 642 and 652 in each round game.

  When it is the operation start time of the special electric auditors products 642 and 652 (S503: YES), a production control command (round production designation command) is generated to start the round production, and this is stored in the main information storage unit 180. It is stored in the command storage area (S504). On the side of the effect control board 200, a round effect corresponding to each round game during the special game is executed based on the information (information such as the current number of rounds) of this round effect designation command. Then, the operation of the special electric accessory 642, 652 is started (S505), and the processing of S506 to S510 is executed as the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, 652.

  As processing during the operation of the special electric auditors products 642, 652, it is determined whether or not the game balls have won the maximum winning number in the special winning openings 64, 65 (S506), and the special electric auditors products 642, 652 are operated. It is determined whether the time (opening time) has elapsed (S507). At this time, if the game balls have won the maximum number of winnings in the special winning openings 64, 65 (S506: YES) or if the operation time of the special electric auditors products 642, 652 has elapsed (S507: YES), special electric The operations of the accessory items 642 and 652 are stopped (S507). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric auditors products 642 and 652 has reached a preset number of rounds (S509). When the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds (S509: NO), the number of continuous operations of the special electric auditors products 642 and 652 is incremented by 1 (S510).

  On the other hand, when the number of continuous operation of the special electric auditors products 642, 652 has reached the specified number of rounds (S509: YES), the process proceeds to S511, and the end demonstration display time is set as the special game hit end demo setting process. Is set, and an effect control command (big hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (S511).

  Subsequently, the variable time reduction frequency information set in S344 is stored in the time reduction frequency counter (S512). Further, the information on the number of easy-to-enter states set in S345 is stored in the easy-to-enter state counter (S513).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is an operation according to a specific symbol (so-called probability variation symbol) with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in S343 (S514). If it is the operation of the condition device according to the specific symbol (S514: YES), the operation time data "7FH" is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage unit 180, and the operation of the probability variation function of the special symbol is started. Yes (S515). On the other hand, when the condition device is not operating according to the specific symbol (S514: NO), the non-operation data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter and S515 is skipped.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the variation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction counter is variation time reduction function operation data (data other than "00H") (S516). If it is the variable time shortening function operation data (S516: YES), the operation of the variable time shortening function of the special symbol is started (S517). On the other hand, if it is not the variation time reduction function operation data (S516: NO), S517 is skipped.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the easy-ball-on state number information stored in the easy-ball-in-count number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than "00H") (S518). If the data is the electric power support function operation data (S518: YES), the operation of the electric power support function is started (S519 to S521). That is, the operation start of the probability variation function of the normal symbol (S519), the operation start of the variation time shortening function of the ordinary symbol (S520), the operation start of the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 (S521) are sequentially executed. On the other hand, if it is not the data of the electric power support function operation, S519 to S521 are skipped.

  Next, the state is switched to the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 (S522). Subsequently, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in S512 to S522 described above is generated and stored in the main information storage means 180. It is stored in the command storage area (S523). On the side of the effect control board 200, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of this game state designation command. Then, the special electric accessory game game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (hit waiting state)" (S524).

  On the other hand, if the special electric auditors product game status is not "01H (special game)" (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S530, and whether the special electric auditors product game status is "02H (small hit game)". It is determined whether or not (S530). When the special electric accessory game game status is "02H" (S530: YES), the small hit game process is executed in the subsequent process.

  In the small hit game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric auditors products 642 and 652 are in operation (S531). When the special electric accessory 642, 652 is not operating (S531: NO), the operation of the special electric accessory 642, 652 is started (S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 642, 652 is in operation (S531: YES), S532 is skipped.

  Subsequently, as a process during operation of the special electric auditors products 642, 652, it is determined whether or not the game balls have won the maximum winning number in the special winning openings 64, 65 (S533), and the special electric auditors products 642, It is determined whether the operation time (opening time) of 652 has elapsed (S534). At this time, when the game balls have won the maximum winning number in the special winning openings 64, 65 (S533: YES) or when the operation time of the special electric auditors products 642, 652 has elapsed (S534: YES), the special electric The operations of the accessory items 642 and 652 are stopped (S535).

  Subsequently, as a small hit game end demo setting process, an end demo display time is set and an effect control command (small hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (S536). Then, the state is switched to the variation pattern selection state determined in S347 (S537). Subsequently, a production control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 ( S538). This game state designation command is used on the side of the effect control board 200 to determine the timing of the effect mode transition, specify the destination effect mode, and the like. Then, the special electric accessory game game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (hit waiting state)" (S539).

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, the procedure of the operation process in the effect control board 200 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 43 to 53. The process on the effect control board 200 side includes a reset start process (including the effect control side main process) that is executed when the sub-main CPU 201 is reset such as after power is turned on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. The process, the reception interrupt process of the effect control command activated due to the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and the lamp activated upon the arrival of the predetermined generation time defined in the time schedule of the variable effect pattern. It is configured to include an effect interruption process and an image control command transmission interruption process that is activated at regular intervals.

  Each interrupt process (exception process) is set with a priority level indicating the priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occur. In this example, "reset start processing by power supply reset: highest priority", "reset start processing by various abnormalities: highest priority" → "reception interrupt processing of production control command: level 7" → "WDT (when runaway is detected) The priority levels are prioritized in the order of reset start processing: level 3> image control command transmission interrupt processing: level 2> performance control timer interrupt processing: level 1. It should be noted that the “reset start processing upon various abnormalities” is performed by, for example, DMA (Direct Memory) when the sub-main CPU 201 executes an illegal instruction, when the sub-main CPU 201 tries to access in an illegal area or an illegal method. Access) Activated when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-described plurality of types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but in reality, other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main processing, basically, the processing is performed after setting all the interrupts disabled or interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt. Then, when the effect control side main process is in the interrupt enabled state, each interrupt process is activated by interrupting the main process. In each interrupt process, if there is a request for another interrupt process (multiple interrupts occur) during the execution of the interrupt process, as long as the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process in execution, it is a rule. While the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt processing has a lower priority level or the same priority processing as the interrupt processing being executed. That is, each interrupt process proceeds in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or low priority levels are prohibited. Then, each interrupt process returns to the main process on the production control side in a state where all interrupts are permitted. In addition, the priority order (priority level) of such an interrupt factor is defined by register setting of the effect control microcomputer 210 (interrupt controller).

<< Reset start processing >>
First, the reset start process of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start processing, the power is turned on, a reset caused by various abnormalities, or a reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection) is started, and a security check is performed on the sub-main CPU 201. , The program starts, and the processing after S601 is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a leading address is set in the stack pointer as an initial value of the stack area (S601). Then, all interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (S602).

  Subsequently, as a basic setting regarding hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the sub-main CPU 201 and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (S603). Further, the memory area in the RAM 203 of the effect control microcomputer 210 is initialized (S604). Here, an initial value is set to a variable with an initial value, and a variable without an initial value is initialized by clearing 0. Further, the sub-main CPU 201 expands the control program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 as appropriate.

  Then, interrupts other than the reception interrupt process of the effect control command are prohibited (S605). Next, processing is performed to set the type of error that should be validated for the model among various errors set in advance for each model (S606). Further, a turn-off request is made in order to turn off all the effect lamps LP (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25) (S607). Then, the watchdog timer is activated to monitor the runaway of the sub-main CPU 201 (S608).

  Then, the main process of the production control side is executed as the main process of the game production (S609). Details of this effect control side main processing (S609) will be described later with reference to FIG. It should be noted that when the process shifts to the main control process on the production control side in S609, there is normally no possibility of returning from the main process to the reset start process, but in the unlikely event that a process such as a bug in the program causes a return to this process. First, the power consumption is changed to a small power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal operation.

<Main processing on the production control side>
Next, the main process (S609) on the effect control side of the effect control board 200 will be described. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main processing (S609).

  First, an address (start address where the program is expanded) for starting a check as to whether or not the control program is correctly expanded in the RAM 203 in the main process on the effect control side is acquired (S611). Subsequently, all interrupts are permitted (starting of various interrupt processes is permitted) (S612).

  Next, the device initialization operation is executed (S613). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned on (when reset is started), and in order to control the operation of the movable accessory 24 by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the positional information required for. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 24 returns to the preset initial position (reference position).

  Then, the watchdog timer is cleared to restart the watchdog timer (S614). At this time, when the sub-main CPU 201 is executing the program normally, a predetermined clear word is written in the WDT clear register of the sub-main CPU 201 within a preset time-out period, so that the watchdog timer It is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Then, the input port check process is executed (S615). In this input port check process, the reading of the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) in the port input / output process S912 in the timer interrupt process described later is monitored every time an interrupt occurs, and is monitored a plurality of times (for example, four times). If the input port states are all "1", the signal level is "1 (H level)", if all "0", the signal level is "0 (L level)", otherwise the signal level is Do not change (this determines the input signal).

  Subsequently, an error effect management process is executed (S616). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (S620). Further, in the error effect management process, an error management timer is set to an initial value (error effect time) to manage the progress of the error effect. This error management timer is subtracted and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer updating process (S920) of the effect control side timer interrupt process. When the error management timer times out, the error effect is ended.

  Subsequently, effect button monitoring control processing is executed (S617). In this effect button monitoring control process, when the button advance notice effect is incorporated during symbol change, the input state of the effect button 15 is monitored within the operation valid time, and information regarding the input state of the effect button 15 is held.

  Next, a device management process is executed (S619). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices in the command analysis process (S620) described later, plural types of pattern data (lamp pattern, drive pattern) stored in the ROM 203. ), The pattern data corresponding to the effect number (lamp effect number, accessory notice effect number) is specified, and control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamp LP, lamp data associated with each one frame time (time required to update the image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In the present example, one frame time corresponds to the time required for one frame drawing processing when the effect display device 70 draws at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps). Similarly, in the drive pattern data of the movable accessory 24, drive data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, each control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in the effect control timer interrupt processing described later, and the operation of the target device is started. On the other hand, in the production control timer interrupt process described later, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is all completed, the production lamp LP is turned off or the operation of the movable accessory 24 is stopped. , Control of the target device ends.

  Then, a command analysis process (S620) is executed. In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260, and if the effect control command is stored, this command is read and the read effect control command is read. Perform effect control processing corresponding to the type. Details of this command analysis processing (S620) will be described later using FIG.

  Then, during the current loop processing, it is determined whether command analysis (effect control command analysis) has been executed (S621). If it is immediately after the command analysis (S621: YES), the process returns to S614 and shifts to the next loop processing. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed (S621: NO), the effect lottery random number updating process is executed (S622). In this production lottery random number update processing, various production lottery random numbers such as a look-ahead notice lottery random number, a decorative pattern random number, a variation production pattern random number, a notice production pattern random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value.

(Command analysis process)
Next, the command analysis process (S620) will be described. FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis process (S620). In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command from the main control board 100 is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage means 260, and the effect corresponding to the type of the stored effect control command is monitored. Perform control processing.

  First, it is determined whether a game state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage unit 260 (S631). When the game state designation command is stored (step S631: YES), the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (S632). In the effect state transition process (S632), a process of changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S633). Here, the hold-related commands include a symbol storage number command and a preliminary determination command. If this hold-related command is stored (S633: YES), the process moves to the hold information management process (S634). In the hold information management process (S634), the symbol storage number command or the pre-determination command is read from the sub-main information storage unit 260, the pre-reading determination is executed based on the information of the pre-determination result, and the suspension display of the effect display device 70 is performed. Processing for updating the display number and display mode (display color and the like) of the reserved images displayed in the units 701 and 702 is performed. Details of this hold information management processing (S633) will be described later using FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S635). Here, the symbol variation related command includes a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored (step S635: YES), the process proceeds to the variation effect content determination process (S636). In this variation effect content determination process (S636), if the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, a process for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command. If there is, a process for ending the symbol variation effect being executed is executed. Details of this variation effect content determination processing (S636) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a big hit production related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S637). Here, the big hit performance related commands include a big hit start demonstration effect command, a round effect designation command, and a big hit end demonstration effect command. When the big hit production related command is stored (step S637: YES), the process shifts to the big hit production content determination processing (S638). In this jackpot effect content determination processing (S638), processing for executing a start demonstration effect, a round effect, and an end demonstration effect is performed.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a small hit production related command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S639). Here, the small hit production related commands include a small hit start demonstration effect command and a small hit end demonstration effect command. When the small hit production related command is stored (step S639: YES), the processing shifts to the small hit production content determination processing (S640). In this small hit production content determination process (S640), a process for executing a small hit start demonstration effect and a small hit end demonstration effect is performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S641). When this error effect designation command is stored (S641: YES), the process proceeds to the error effect content determination processing (S642). In the error effect content determination process (S642), an error effect designation command is read from the sub-main information storage unit 260, and an error for notifying the error state is displayed by the image display of the effect display device 70 or the light emission mode of the effect lamp LP. Determine the effect pattern.

  If the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S631: NO, S633: NO, S635: NO, S637: NO, S639: NO, S641: NO), The command analysis process ends without doing anything.

(Hold information management process)
Next, the pending information management process (S634) will be described. FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing details of the pending information management process (S634).

  First, it is determined whether or not a symbol storage number command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S671). When the symbol storage number command is stored (S671: YES), the content of this symbol storage number command is analyzed, and the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol included in the content of this command are analyzed. Information is acquired (S672). Then, based on the operation holding ball number information acquired in S612, the first holding ball number counter or the second holding ball number counter is updated (S673). As a result, the special symbol operation holding ball number information managed on the production control board 200 side matches the special symbol operation holding ball number information managed on the main control board 100 side. Next, an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 side of the number of the reserved images determined in the process based on the numerical values of the first reserved sphere number counter and the second reserved sphere number counter updated in S673. It is generated and stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S674).

  On the other hand, when the symbol storage number command is not stored (S671: NO), it is determined whether or not the preliminary determination command is stored in the sub main information storage unit 260 (S675). When the advance determination command is stored (S675: YES), the contents of this advance determination command are analyzed, and the advance determination result information included in the contents of this command is acquired (S676). Then, the pre-determination result information is combined with the ball entry order of the operation holding balls, so that the pre-read information storage area (hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4) of the sub-main information storage means 260 is formed. The data is stored in the storage area) (S677).

  Then, the prefetching effect determination process at the time of winning is executed (S680). In this pre-reading effect determination process at the time of winning (S680), among the various pre-reading effects, the pre-reading lottery is individually executed for the route pre-reading effect, the waiting pre-reading effect, the pending change pre-reading effect, the flash pre-reading effect, and the cut-in pre-reading effect. Then, the pre-reading effect pattern is determined together with whether or not the pre-reading effect can be executed. The details of the prefetching effect determination process at the time of winning will be described later with reference to FIG. Next, an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 side of the various look-ahead effect pattern numbers determined in S680 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S674). ).

(Pre-reading effect determination process when winning)
Next, the winning pre-reading effect determination process (S680) will be described. Here, FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the details of the prefetching effect determination process at the time of winning (S680).

  First, it is determined whether or not the current game state is the normal state (S681). When the gaming state is the normal state (S681: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation holding ball of the first special symbol exists by referring to the first holding ball number counter of the holding information display control means 222. (S682). This is because the existence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is a necessary condition for the prefetch lottery. If the operation holding ball of the first special symbol exists (S682: YES), by referring to the second holding ball number counter of the holding information display control means 222, whether the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists or not. It is determined (S683). In the present embodiment, since the priority digestion which preferentially digests the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol rather than the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol is adopted, the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol is excluded as a prefetch lottery target. This is because If the operation pending ball of the second special symbol does not exist (S683: NO), that is, if the existing operation pending balls are all the operation pending balls of the first special symbol, the second special symbol is in variable display. It is determined whether or not (S684). When the variable display of the second special symbol is not in progress (S684: NO), various prefetch lottery processes are executed thereafter (S685 to S689).

  First, the route prefetch lottery process is executed (S685). In the route prefetch lottery process, when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied, whether or not to execute the route prefetch production and its production pattern (preliminary route) are determined. Further, according to the result of the route prefetch lottery (preliminary route), the effect pattern of the main prefetch effect, the effect pattern of the same color pattern stop prefetch effect, and the effect pattern of the zone prefetch effect are sequentially determined. As for the effect pattern of the same-color symbol stop prefetching effect, as described above, after determining the effect effect type (corresponding to the symbol attribute) in the effect effect lottery, the symbol combination mode of the same-color symbol (the chance eye) To decide. The lottery result (effect pattern number, etc.) determined here is temporarily stored in the look-ahead effect pattern storage area set in the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Then, the standby prefetch lottery is executed (S686). In the waiting prefetching lottery, whether the prefetching waiting standby is executable or not and the effect pattern thereof are determined when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied. The lottery result (effect pattern number, etc.) determined here is temporarily stored in the look-ahead effect pattern storage area set in the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Subsequently, the winning change pending change prefetch lottery is executed (S687). In this hold change prefetch lottery, whether or not the hold change prefetch effect can be executed and its effect pattern (hold change pattern) are determined when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied. The lottery result (holding change pattern number or the like) determined here is temporarily stored in the prefetch effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Next, the flash prefetch lottery is executed (S688). In the flash prefetch lottery, whether or not to execute the flash prefetch effect and its effect pattern are determined when the above-described lottery execution condition is satisfied. The lottery result (effect pattern number or the like) determined here is temporarily stored in the prefetch effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Subsequently, the cut-in prefetch lottery is executed (S689). In this cut-in pre-reading lottery, whether or not the cut-in pre-reading effect can be executed and its effect pattern are determined when the above-described lottery execution condition is satisfied. The lottery result (effect pattern number or the like) determined here is temporarily stored in the prefetch effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  In addition, if the game state is not a normal state (S681: NO), if the operation holding ball of the first special symbol does not exist (S682: NO), if the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists (S683: YES) ), If the variable display of the second special symbol is not being performed (S684: YES), the process is ended as it is. The "prefetch effect pattern storage area" is provided as a common storage area for storing the lottery results of various prefetch effects.

(Variation effect content determination processing)
Next, the variation effect content determination processing (S636) will be described. FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing details of the variation effect content determination processing (S636). In this variation effect content determination process, as the scenario distribution lottery described above, the first layer lottery process (S703 to S706), the second layer lottery process (S707 to S708), and the third layer (S709 to S710). The lottery process is sequentially executed.

  First, it is determined whether the fluctuation start command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S701). When the variation start command is stored (S701: YES), the content of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation additional information designation command, symbol designation command) is analyzed and included in the content of this command. Information indicating a variation pattern (variation time), a special symbol (stop symbol), a variation addition time, a game state, etc. is acquired (S702). The acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Subsequently, a variation effect pattern lottery process is executed (S703). In this variation effect pattern lottery processing, a variation effect pattern table is acquired based on the information (mainly variation pattern information) acquired in S702, and a lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210 to obtain a plurality of types. One of the variation effect patterns is determined by lottery. The variation effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variation effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260. Further, the lamp effect number corresponding to the variation effect pattern is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Next, a stopped symbol lottery process is executed (S704). In this stop symbol lottery process, based on the information (mainly special symbol information) acquired in S702 and the variable effect pattern selected in S703, the decorative symbol stop pattern table is acquired, and the effect lottery random number generating means. The random number value is obtained from 210, and the stop symbol patterns that specify the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) are determined by lottery. The stop symbol pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Subsequently, the variable group lottery process for each additional information is executed (S705). In this variable group lottery process by additional information, the variable group lottery table by variable information is acquired based on the variable effect pattern selected in S703, and the random number value of the lottery random number is generated from the effect lottery random number generation means 210 to be added. The information-based variable group is determined by lottery.

  Next, the reach-by-reach variable group lottery process is executed (S706). In this reach-by-reach variable group lottery, the reach-by-reach variable group lottery table is acquired based on the variation effect pattern selected in S703, and the lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210 to reach-by-reach variable group. Is decided by lottery.

  Then, the advance scenario lottery process is executed (S707). In this advance notice scenario lottery process, the advance notice scenario lottery table is acquired based on the variation effect pattern selected in S703, and the lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210 to determine the advance notice scenario by lottery. ..

  Next, the SP scenario lottery process is executed (S708). In this SP scenario lottery, the SP scenario lottery table is acquired based on the variation effect pattern selected in S703, the lottery random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and the SP scenario is determined by lottery. In the advance scenario lottery process and the SP scenario lottery process, the lottery table is switched based on the information (route ID number, etc.) regarding the execution of the prefetch lottery so that the production corresponding to the prefetch lottery is output. Control.

  Then, the notice lottery process is executed (S709). In this notice lottery process, based on the notice scenario selected in S707, a notice lottery table corresponding to each notice specified according to the scenario is obtained, and a lottery random number value is obtained from the effect lottery random number generation means 210. Then, the notice production pattern (variation of the notice production) is determined by lottery. In addition, when the accessory preview effect pattern is selected as the announcement effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and the drive pattern of the movable accessory 24 is specified in the subsequent device management process (S619).

  Next, the SP reach lottery process is executed (S710). In this SP reach lottery process, based on the SP scenario selected in S708, an SP reach effect lottery table for each effect specified according to the scenario is acquired, and a lottery random value is generated from the effect lottery random number generation means 210. The SP reach production pattern (variation of the SP reach production) is acquired and determined by lottery.

  Then, by a scenario distribution lottery (S703 to S710) using a hierarchical structure such as the first to third layers, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the variation start to the variation stop of the decorative symbol is determined. At the same time, the specific contents of the notice effect and the SP reach effect that occur at each stage in the display process are determined.

  Next, as the update processing of the prefetch information storage area set in the sub-main information storage means 260, the preliminary determination information (reservation sphere information to be used for the prefetch lottery) stored in the reservation 2 storage area to the reservation 4 storage area is reserved in the lower order. It shifts to the storage area (first storage area to third storage area) and clears the pending 4 storage area to zero (S711).

  Subsequently, a digest prefetching effect determination process is executed (S712). In this digest pre-reading effect determination process, among various pre-reading effects, the route pre-reading effect, the pending change pre-reading effect, and the cut-in pre-reading effect are individually executed in the pre-reading lottery, and whether or not the pre-reading effect can be executed is pre-read. Determine the effect pattern. Details of the digest prefetching effect determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the notice related effect determination process is executed (S713). In this notice related effect determination processing, individual lottery processing is executed for the timer notice effect (stock notice effect, countdown notice effect) and the pending change symbol effect. First, in the stock advance notice lottery, whether or not to execute the stock advance notice effect and the effect pattern thereof are determined when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied. In the countdown notice lottery, when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied, whether or not to execute the countdown notice production and the production pattern thereof are determined. The effect pattern number selected here is temporarily stored in the notice effect pattern storage area set in the sub-main information storage unit 260. On the other hand, in the pending change symbol lottery, the pending change is scheduled when the variable display is stopped based on the pending change pattern determined in the pending change look-ahead lottery, and when the above prohibition condition is not satisfied, the pending change Decide the execution of the symbol effect. When the execution of the pending change symbol effect is determined, the stop symbol pattern of the decorative symbol selected in S704 is changed to the stop symbol pattern for the pending variable symbol effect (a symbol combination in which the pending variable symbol is superimposed on the middle symbol). Replace.

  Then, a pre-reading prohibition confirmation process is executed (S714). In this pre-reading prohibition confirmation processing, when the pre-reading lottery in S712 is won (when execution of route pre-reading effect or cut-in pre-reading effect is determined), the change effect pattern in the variable display selected in S703 is selected. , N reach effect, L reach effect, weak SP reach effect, or strong SP reach effect variable effect patterns, the route prefetch effect and the cut-in prefetch effect are canceled. That is, the route prefetch effect and the cut-in prefetch effect are allowed to be executed only when the variable display is the shortened variable effect or the normal variable effect. At this time, in the route prefetch lottery, if the same color symbol stop prefetch is won, the decorative symbol is replaced at this timing.

  Next, the hold correction determination process is executed (S715). In this hold correction determination process, the hold change pattern selected in the above-described hold change prefetch lottery in S687 or S736 described below is referred to, and if the hold change is scheduled when the variable display is stopped, the hold change is performed. By confirming the hold display data 1 and 3 or 4 of the pattern, it is determined whether or not the correction change process can be executed. When it is determined to execute the correction change process, the pending display data to be corrected and the execution timing data of the correction change are temporarily stored in the correction change data storage area set in the sub-main information storage unit 260. Remember.

  Then, based on the various effect information acquired in S703 to S715, an image control command (variation effect start command) required to start changing the decorative design is generated, and this image control command is a command of the sub-main information storage unit 260. It is set in the storage area (S716).

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation start command is not stored (S701: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation stop command is stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S717). When the fluctuation stop command is stored (S717: YES), the contents of the fluctuation stop command are analyzed and the symbol stop information included in the contents of this command is acquired (S718).

  Then, an image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the variation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260 (S716).

(Pre-reading effect determination process during digestion)
Next, the digest prefetching effect determination process (S680) will be described. Here, FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing details of the digest prefetching effect determination processing (S680).

  First, it is determined whether or not the current game state is the normal state (S731). When the gaming state is the normal state (S731: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation holding ball of the first special symbol exists by referring to the first holding ball number counter of the holding information display control means 222. (S732). This is because the existence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is a necessary condition for the prefetch lottery. If the operation holding ball of the first special symbol exists (S732: YES), by referring to the second holding ball number counter of the holding information display control means 222, whether or not the operation holding ball of the second special symbol exists. It is determined (S733). In the present embodiment, since the priority digestion which preferentially digests the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol rather than the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol is adopted, the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol is excluded as a prefetch lottery target. This is because If there is no operation reserved ball of the second special symbol (S733: NO), that is, if the existing operation reserved balls are all the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol, the variable display of this time is the second special symbol. It is determined whether or not the display is variable (S734). When the variable display of the second special symbol is not scheduled (S734: NO), various prefetch lottery processing is executed thereafter (S735 to S737).

  First, the route prefetch lottery process is executed (S735). In the route prefetch lottery process, when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied, whether or not to execute the route prefetch production and its production pattern (preliminary route) are determined. Further, according to the result of the route prefetch lottery (preliminary route), the effect pattern of the main prefetch effect, the effect pattern of the same color pattern stop prefetch effect, and the effect pattern of the zone prefetch effect are sequentially determined. As for the effect pattern of the same-color symbol stop prefetching effect, as described above, after determining the effect effect type (corresponding to the symbol attribute) in the effect effect lottery, the symbol combination mode of the same-color symbol (the chance eye) To decide. The lottery result (effect pattern number, etc.) determined here is temporarily stored in the look-ahead effect pattern storage area set in the sub-main information storage means 260.

  Then, the digest change pending change prefetch lottery is executed (S736). In this hold change prefetch lottery, whether or not the hold change prefetch effect can be executed and its effect pattern (hold change pattern) are determined when the above-mentioned lottery execution condition is satisfied. The lottery result (holding change pattern number or the like) determined here is temporarily stored in the prefetch effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 260.

  Then, the cut-in prefetch lottery is executed (S737). In this cut-in pre-reading lottery, whether or not the cut-in pre-reading effect can be executed and its effect pattern are determined when the above-described lottery execution condition is satisfied. The lottery result (effect pattern number or the like) determined here is temporarily stored in the prefetch effect pattern storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

  In addition, if the game state is not a normal state (S731: NO), if the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol does not exist (S732: NO), if the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol exists (S73: YES) ), If the variable display of the second special symbol is scheduled as the current variable display (S774: YES), the process is ended as it is.

<Reception control command reception interrupt processing>
Next, the reception interrupt processing of the production control command will be described. FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing reception interrupt processing of a production control command. In this effect control command reception interrupt process, as described above, an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal from the main control board 100, and various effect control commands are acquired in this interrupt process. It is like this. The effect control command has a configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and the MODE data and the EVENT data are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200 in this order. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the MODE data is also referred to as a “first command” and the EVENT data is also referred to as a “second command”.

  First, when an interrupt based on a strobe signal from the main control board 100 occurs, it is determined whether the input value of the effect control command has been decided (S901). Specifically, the command value is read up to 5 times, and the input value becomes fixed when the same value is read twice consecutively. This is because reading of the effect control command may fail due to noise or the like, and the input value is not fixed until the same value is read twice consecutively.

  Then, it is determined whether the command received this time is the first command (MODE), in other words, whether it is the first command (MODE) or the second command (EVENT) (S902). When the command received this time is the first command (S902: YES), the first command is temporarily stored in the temporary area (S903). Then, the effect lottery random number is obtained from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and this random number information is temporarily stored in the effect lottery random number storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260 (S904). The production lottery random number is acquired when the production control command is received. The production control command is transmitted at a physically irregular timing such as when the game ball starts winning or when the special symbol starts changing. Therefore, this is an opportunity to prevent the occurrence of periodicity at the time of acquisition. By thus setting the random acquisition time of the effect lottery random number, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the same effect is unnaturally and repeatedly selected even in various effect lottery.

  On the other hand, if the command received this time is the second command (S902: NO), it is determined whether the first command has already been received (S905). That is, it is determined whether or not the production control commands are received in the order of the first command (MODE) and the second command (EVENT), and it is confirmed whether or not there is a contradiction in the combination of the production control commands. If there is no contradiction in the combination of effect control commands (S905: YES), the address indicated by the write pointer (pointer for writing) is acquired (S906). Then, the first command and the second command are stored in the effect control command buffer (ring buffer) of the sub-main information storage unit 260 in accordance with the address designated by the write pointer (S907). The stored command data is read in the command analysis process (S620) in the main process, and the effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command is executed. Next, the address indicated by the write pointer is updated (S908). Further, the command data (first command) temporarily stored in S903 is cleared (S909). Then, the effect control command reception interrupt process is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt.

《Timer interrupt processing on the production control side》
Next, the production control timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the effect control timer interrupt processing. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse at regular intervals, and is executed by interrupting the above-mentioned effect control side main process.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the registers in the sub-main CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the RAM 203, and then the processing from S911 onward is sequentially executed. In this timer interrupt process, interrupts of priority level 2 or higher such as effect control command reception interrupts from the main control board 100 and watchdog timer interrupts are permitted (S911).

  Then, a port input / output process is executed (S912). In this port input / output processing, input / output processing of port data in the I / O port circuit 204 is performed. In the input process, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) are read and stored as input information. In the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the sub-main information storage unit 260 are read out and output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port).

  Subsequently, a device control data output process is executed (S913). In this device control data output processing, drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management processing (S619) and set in the drive data storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When the drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 (output port) to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output processing, the drive data is switched every interrupt period (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

  Next, the performance timer update process is executed (S914). In this effect timer update processing, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated for each interrupt cycle (1 ms in the present embodiment). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative design, a timer for managing the occurrence timing of the notice effect, and the like. This production timer manages the time schedule in the fluctuating production pattern, and time management of the drive timing of the movable accessory 24, the lighting timing of the production lamp LP, etc. is performed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (S913) and the lamp data update process (S917) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

  Subsequently, the button control timer updating process is executed (S915). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the effective operation time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated for each interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). In addition, the operation valid time is a time when the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

  Subsequently, the task control counter updating process is executed (S916). In this task control counter update processing, the task counter value (“0” to “15”) is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is "0" to "14", it is incremented by 1, and if the value of the task counter is "15", it is returned to "0". That is, this task counter can take a circulation cycle of 16 ms. Then, various tasks (task processing) are assigned corresponding to the value of the task counter updated this time, and the ramp control task (lamp data update processing of S917) and runaway monitoring are assigned according to the value of the task counter. Each processing such as a task (image CPU runaway monitoring processing in S9189) and an error management task (error management timer updating processing in S919) is executed. In this example, one of the values (“0” to “15”) of the task counter is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values at intervals of 8 ms) are used for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to the task, and the other one value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). In addition, as described above, the circulation cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms in order to match it with the minimum unit (16 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP. The minimum unit (16 ms) of the switching control of the effect lamp LP corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and the image effect and the lamp effect are synchronized with each other.

  Then, a ramp data update process is executed (S917). In this lamp data update processing, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management processing (S619) and the like. The lamp data set in this process is data indicating the lighting control for 16 ms which is the minimum unit of the switching control of the effect lamp LP. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The output process of the ramp data is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data in the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the lamp data in the transmission buffer in 1-byte units, and outputs it to the lamp connection board 91 bit by bit in synchronization with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, whereby all the lamp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in this lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and this lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer.

  Subsequently, the image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (S918). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, the toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and when the toggle signal does not continuously change for 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames), the image control board 300 is monitored. It is determined that the sub-sub CPU 301 is running out of control, and the effect control board 200 transmits a reset signal to the image control board 300. As a result, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the sub-sub CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated for each frame time.

  Next, the error management timer process is executed (S919). In this error management timer process, the value of the error effect timer for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (S617) is subtracted and updated. Then, after all interrupts are enabled and the saved contents of the register are restored, the effect control timer interrupt process is terminated and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt occurred.

<Image control command transmission interrupt processing>
Next, the transmission interrupt processing of the image control command will be described. FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the transmission interrupt processing of the image control command. This image control command transmission interrupt process occurs at preset constant intervals (500 μs).

  In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the sub-main information storage unit 260 is checked (S931). Then, the read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (S932). Next, it is determined whether the image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (S933). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, the read pointer and the write pointer, and when the read pointer and the write pointer match, it means that the image control command is not stored. When the image control command is stored (S933: YES), the image control command is read from the area pointed to by the read pointer (S934). The read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit designated as the output destination (S935). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (command data transmitted in S935) is cleared (S936). Then, the read pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (S937). Then, the transmission interrupt process of the image command is ended, and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt.

[Action]
Next, in order to facilitate the understanding of the present embodiment, the characteristic operation of the pachinko game machine PM will be described with additional reference to FIGS. 54 to 57. In the present description, except for special cases, during the variable display of the symbols, only the operation holding balls of the first special symbol are generated, and the operation holding balls of the second special symbol are not generated. Therefore, when simply referred to as "operation holding ball (or holding image)", it means the operation holding ball (or holding image) of the first special symbol.

<Action 1>
First, with reference to FIG. 54, a basic flow of the pending change prefetching effect will be described. As shown in (A) in the figure, in the state where there are three operation holding balls of the first special symbol (holding images H1, H2, H3), the variable display of the decorative symbol (first variable display) is executed. It is assumed that a new starting prize has occurred. In addition, in the figure, according to the ball entry order of the operation holding balls of the first special symbol at this time, the first holding image is "H1", the second holding image is "H2", the third The reserved image is represented by "H3", and the reserved image to be subjected to the variable display (the reserved image digested this time) is represented by "H0". When the fourth operation hold ball is generated based on this new start winning, the hold change look-ahead lottery is executed based on the preliminary determination result, and the hold change pattern is determined. In this example, it is assumed that the hold change pattern 29 is selected as the hold change route (scenario) of the fourth operation hold ball (trigger hold). In this hold change pattern 29, hold display data 1 = blue, hold display data 2 = green, hold display data 3: red, and hold display data 4: red are set.

  As shown in (B) in the figure, the hold image H4 corresponding to the operation hold ball (trigger hold) that has won this time is displayed as the fourth hold image. The display mode of the hold image H4 is “blue” according to the hold display data 1 described above. Note that, as shown in (C) in the figure, no hold change occurs when the first variable display (variation display during winning) is stopped, and the display mode of the held image H4 remains "blue".

Subsequently, as shown in (D) in the figure, when the next variable display (second variable display) is started, the reserved image H1 that is the target of this variable display is shifted to the reserved digest display area 703. , The reserved images H2, H3, and H4 before digestion shift to the reserved display area on the right side by one.
Next, as shown in (E) in the figure, at the timing of stop of the second variable display, the three rows of decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. At this time, as shown in (F) in the figure, the middle symbol of the three decorative symbols changes to "UP", and the pending change symbol is fixedly displayed. By executing this hold change symbol effect, the player is notified of the occurrence of the hold change. As shown in (G) in the figure, the display mode of the reserved image H4 is changed from "blue" to "green" immediately after the fixed display of the decorative symbol. As shown in (H) in the figure, when the next variable display (the third variable display) is started, the pending image H2 that is the target of this variation shifts to the digestion pending display area 703, and the pre-digested image is displayed. The reserved images H3 and H2 are shifted to the display area on the right side by one. Similarly, according to the hold change pattern, the hold image is changed or continuously displayed when the variable display is stopped.

<Action 2>
Next, with reference to FIG. 55, a case where a pending change occurs after execution of the same-color symbol prefetch effect will be described. As shown in (A) in the figure, in the state where there are three operation holding balls of the first special symbol (held images H1, H2, H3), the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed. In addition, in the figure, according to the ball entry order of the operation holding balls of the first special symbol at this time, the first holding image is "H1", the second holding image is "H2", the third The reserved image is represented by "H3", and the reserved image to be subjected to the variable display this time (the reserved image digested this time) is represented by "H0". At this time, the third hold image (blue hold image) H3 is the hold image related to the trigger hold, and the hold change is scheduled when the variable display is stopped for the hold image related to the trigger hold. And

  As shown in (B) in the figure, by performing the character notice effect (success effect) in the process of the variable display, the same-color symbol pre-reading effect is executed when the variable display is stopped (that is, the chance eye). Is established) is suggested. Then, as shown in (C) in the figure, when the variable display is stopped, the chance of the red attribute is stopped. In this way, when a chance occurs when the variable display is stopped, even if a pending change is scheduled when the variable display is stopped, use of the pending change symbol is prohibited. As a result, the same color symbol stop lookahead effect and the pending change symbol effect do not conflict with each other, and the rule of pattern combination of the chance eye can be maintained, and the effect of the effect is prevented from being diluted with each other due to the competition of both effects. be able to.

  Next, as shown in (D) in the figure, after the decorative design is confirmed and displayed, the display mode of the reserved image H3 changes from "blue" to "green". Then, as shown in (E) in the figure, when the next variable display (second variable display) is started, the pending image H1 to be subject to this variation shifts to the digest pending display area 703, and The previous reserved images H3 and H2 are shifted to the display area on the right side by one.

<Action 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 56, a case where a pending change occurs after the reach effect is executed will be described. The display process of (A) → (B) → (C) → (D) in the figure shows a case where the hold image changes from “white” to “green” while the variable display is stopped. The display process of (A) → (B) → (E) → (F) shows the case where the hold image changes from “white” to “blue” while the variable display is stopped.

  As shown in (A) in the figure, in the state where there are three operation holding balls of the first special symbol (held images H1, H2, H3), the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed. In addition, in the figure, according to the ball entry order of the operation holding balls of the first special symbol at this time, the first holding image is "H1", the second holding image is "H2", the third The reserved image is represented by “H3”, and the reserved image to be subjected to the variable display this time (the reserved image digested this time) is represented by “H0”. At this time, the third hold image H3 is the hold image related to the trigger hold, and the hold change is scheduled when the variable display is stopped for the hold image related to the trigger hold.

  As shown in (B) in the figure, the reach development is performed in the process of the variable display, and the SP reach effect (weak SP reach effect in this example) occurs. When the SP reach effect is generated, the decorative pattern which is being variably displayed is displayed in a reduced state toward the edge of the screen.

  Here, as shown in (C) and (D) in the figure, when the display mode of the hold image H3 changes from “white” to “green” when the variable display is stopped (relatively the jackpot expectation degree In the case of changing to a high display mode), at the timing of this variation stop, the hold change symbol is stopped and displayed, and then the hold change occurs. At this time, as a design for displaying (or replacing) the pending change design in an overlapping manner, not the design in which the reach state is formed, but the next design (“3” design in the diagram), etc. It is possible to execute a winning / branching effect (inclination effect) related to this.

  On the other hand, as shown in (E) and (F) in the figure, when the display mode of the hold image H3 changes from “white” to “blue” when the variable display is stopped (the jackpot expectation is relatively low). In the case of changing to a display mode), at the timing of this fluctuation stop, the combination mode of decorative symbols (“2”-“3”-“2”) that is out of reach without stopping and displaying the pending change symbol After is confirmed and displayed, the pending change occurs.

  Note that, unlike the present example, when a strong SP reach effect occurs during variable display, the use of the hold change symbol is prohibited regardless of which display mode the hold image is displayed on. To be done.

<Action 4>
Next, with reference to FIG. 57, a case where the correction change process is executed will be described. As shown in (A) in the figure, in the state where there is one operation holding ball of the first special symbol (held image H1), when the variable display of decorative symbols (first variable display) is executed, It is assumed that a new starting prize has occurred. In addition, in the figure, the first reserved image is represented by "H1" according to the entry order of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol at this time, and the reserved image that is the target of the variable display (this time is digested) Reserved image) is represented by "H0". When the second operation holding ball is generated based on this new start winning, the hold change look-ahead lottery is executed based on the preliminary determination result, and the hold change pattern is determined. In this example, it is assumed that the hold change pattern 20 is selected as the hold change route of the second operation hold ball (trigger hold). In this hold change pattern 20, hold display data 1 = white, hold display data 2 = blue, hold display data 3: green, and hold display data 4: red are set. At this time, it is determined whether or not to execute the correction change process at the start of the next variable display, by referring to the newly generated hold order of the operation hold balls and the hold display data 1 to 4 above. As a result, it is decided to execute the correction change process.

  As shown in (B) in the figure, the hold image H2 corresponding to the operation hold ball (trigger hold) that has won this time is displayed as the second hold image. The display mode of the hold image H2 is “white” according to the hold display data 1 described above. In addition, as shown in (C) in the figure, when the first variable display (variation display at the time of winning) is stopped, the hold change does not occur, and the hold image H2 remains “white”.

  Subsequently, as shown in (D) in the figure, when the next variable display (second variable display) is started, the reserved image H1 that is the target of this variable display is shifted to the reserved digest display area 703. , The reserved image H2 before digestion is shifted to the display area on the right side by one.

  Then, as shown in (E) in the figure, immediately after the holding image H2 is shifted, the display mode of the holding image H2 is changed from "white" to "green" as a correction change process. When the correction change process is executed in this way, a pending change for adjusting the promotion range is executed in an interrupted manner at the start of the change.

  Next, as shown in (F) in the figure, at the timing of the stop of the second variable display, when the three rows of decorative symbols stop in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol, the middle symbol is " "UP" and the pending change symbol is confirmed and displayed. By executing this hold change symbol effect, the player is notified of the occurrence of the hold change.

  Then, as shown in (G) in the figure, immediately after the decorative design is confirmed and displayed, the display mode of the reserved image H2 changes from "green" to "red". At this time, in the above-described correction change process, at the start of this change, the hold image is changed to “green” and the promotion range is adjusted due to the change in the hold, so it is possible to prevent a situation in which the jackpot expectation is mistakenly recognized. can do. Then, as shown in (H) in the figure, the trigger hold (hold image H2) is consumed, and the next variable display (the third variable display) is started.

[effect]
As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment, the pre-reading lottery is executed in the lottery table that does not depend on the number of holdings at the time of winning, and the pending change is generated according to the scenario of the pending change pattern determined in the pre-reading lottery. By doing so, it is not necessary to prepare any lottery table corresponding to the number of holdings at the time of winning as in the past, and it is not necessary to execute a pre-reading lottery at each timing of holding hold, so the game effect is controlled. Processing can be simplified, and the data volume related to the simplified processing can be reduced. As a result, control of the game effect can be smoothly advanced and the enjoyment of the game can be improved. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine PM according to the present embodiment, by executing a hold change suggesting effect (hold change changing pattern effect) using a decorative design which is highly noticeable to the player, a hold change ( Since it is possible to clearly teach that a change in the display mode of the hold image) occurs, the effect of the hold change can be further enhanced, and the enjoyment of the game can be improved.

  Further, in the pachinko game machine PM according to the present embodiment, when the pending change lookahead effect competes with another lookahead effect using a symbol combination (for example, chance eye) of a specific aspect of the decorative symbol (in the case of simultaneous occurrence). , By prioritizing other look-ahead effects, by prohibiting the pending change symbol effect, without breaking the rule of the symbol combination of the above-described specific aspect, and by the competition between the pending change look-ahead effect and other look-ahead effects It is possible to prevent the effects from diluting each other, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the fun of the game.

  Further, in the pachinko game machine PM according to the present embodiment, when the hold change look-ahead effect competes with the reach effect as a variable display of the decorative symbol (when they occur at the same time), the reach effect is prioritized and the hold change symbol is given. By prohibiting the effect, in the process of displaying the reach effect, the left symbol and the right symbol among the three decorative symbols are aligned, and the remaining middle symbols are also aligned and the player's attention is gathered. Despite that, when the fluctuation stops (especially, as the other one middle symbol), the pending change symbol stops and becomes definite, and further, the pending changed pending image changes to a display mode with a relatively low jackpot expectation. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player's expectation for a big hit is diminished at the same time, and it is possible to prevent the interest of the game from decreasing.

  Further, in the pachinko game machine PM according to the present embodiment, by correcting and changing the display mode of the reserved image at a predetermined timing, as a harmful effect of using a single lottery table that does not depend on the number of reserved pieces at the time of winning, It is possible to prevent a situation in which the expectation degree of a big hit is erroneously recognized by the player because the display mode of the reserved image is changed more than expected by one change, and thus the enjoyment of the game is reduced. It becomes possible to prevent it.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be appropriately improved within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In addition, a combination of the constituent elements described in the above-described embodiments and modifications is appropriately combined, or a part of the constituent elements described in the above-described embodiments and modifications is deleted or converted by a well-known / common technique or the like. These are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the above-mentioned embodiment, as the digestion order of the operation reserve balls of the special symbol, the priority digestion that preferentially digests the operation reserve balls of the second special symbol is adopted, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol and the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol are made to coexist, and the first special symbol and the first special symbol according to the order of entering the first starting opening 61 and the second starting opening 62. You may comprise so that the operation | movement holding ball of 2 special symbols may be digested. In this way, when the order of extinguishing the operation-reserving balls is the order of entering the starting ports 61 and 62, the special symbol variation start condition is different from the case of preferential extinction. That is, in the case of the order of entering the ball, as the variation start condition of the special symbol, (1) not a big hit or a small hit, (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for variation That, (3) at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol has a number of operation-reserving balls, (4) that the digestion order of the operation-retaining balls to be digested this time is consistent with the order of entry. When all the conditions of and are satisfied, it is determined that the fluctuation can be started. In addition, when the order of consuming the operation-reserving balls is the order of entering the starting ports 61 and 62, the operation-retaining balls are updated when the operation-retaining balls are updated, that is, when the operation-retaining balls are acquired or consumed. Not only the update of, but the point that it is necessary to update the total number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the update of the incoming order, it differs from the case where the priority digestion is adopted.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the holding change targeting the operation holding ball of the first special symbol when the gaming state is the normal state has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the gaming state changes positively. Hold change targeting the operation holding ball of the second special symbol when in a state, or, in any game state, the hold for both the operation holding ball of the first special symbol and the second special symbol Changes may be applied.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, even when the operation holding ball exists in both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is either one of the special symbols that the number of operation retaining balls is consumed, The special symbol and the second special symbol are so-called series models in which winning / winning lottery, symbol fluctuation, and the like are not performed at the same time. On the other hand, a so-called parallel model in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol are independently subjected to winning / absence lottery, symbol variation, etc. may be adopted. According to this parallel model, since it is not necessary to include the operating state of the special symbol on the other side (that is, the standby for variation) in the variation start condition of the special symbol, the processing load related to control is reduced. ..

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the first starting opening 61 and the second starting opening 62 are illustrated and described as being arranged side by side in the substantial center of the game area PA, but the present invention is not limited to this. , For example, by arranging the first starting opening 61 in the relatively left area in the game area and arranging the second starting opening 62 in the relatively right area, the entry into the two starting openings 61, 62 is made. The ball may be hit separately.

PM Pachinko game machine PA game area 1 outer frame 2 front frame 5 glass frame 20 game board 61 1st starting opening 62 2nd starting opening 64 big winning opening 70 production display device 71 1st special design display device 72 2nd special design Display device 100 Main control board 130 Hold control means 135 Predetermination means 140 Special symbol lottery processing means 141 Special symbol validity determination means 142 Special symbol stop symbol determination means 143 Special symbol fluctuation pattern determination means 150 Special game control means 156 Special symbol display control Means 160 Electric accessory control means 165 Game state control means 200 Production control board 220 Production control means 222 Hold information display control means 223 Look-ahead notice control means 224 Fluctuation production control means 225 Decorative symbol control means 226 Notice production control means 300 Image control board

Claims (1)

A game board with a game area formed,
A starting opening provided in the game area, into which a game ball can enter,
Random number acquisition means for acquiring a random number value upon the entry of the game ball into the starting opening,
When a random number value is acquired by the random number acquisition means, a predetermined upper limit number N (where N is 2 is used as the hold information with the acquired random number value until the predetermined success / failure determination permission condition is satisfied. A storage means for storing up to the above natural number),
When the winning / disallowing determination permission condition is satisfied, one or more pieces of holding information stored in the holding storage means are consumed in a predetermined order, and a winning / judging determination means is executed based on the digested holding information. When,
Prior to the hit determination by the hit determination means, pre-determination means for performing a predetermined pre-determination on the pending information stored in the pending storage means,
Special game execution means capable of shifting from a non-special game state to a special game state advantageous to the player when the result of the hit / miss determination is a big hit,
A production display device in which a plurality of symbols showing the result of the hit determination are displayed in a variable manner and stopped,
In one or more variable displays before the variable display corresponding to the hold information that is the target of the preliminary determination is executed, the effect content that suggests or informs the result of the preliminary determination as a predetermined look-ahead effect is produced. A pre-reading notice control means for controlling display on the display device is provided,
The prefetching advance notice control means causes the effect display device to display a hold image corresponding to predetermined hold information of the hold information stored in the hold storage means, and displays a hold image corresponding to the predetermined hold information. By changing from a normal display mode to a special display mode, a hold change control means for executing a hold change look-ahead effect that suggests or notifies the special game transition expectation degree related to the predetermined hold information is provided,
The hold change control means is a production start display mode that is a display mode of a hold image displayed in a variable display when the execution of the hold change prefetching effect is started, and the execution of the hold change prefetching effect is started. The display mode at the time of change, which is the display mode of the held image displayed in the variable display at each time until the predetermined holding information is exhausted, is set as the variable display after the next time the variable display is performed. Determine the pending change pattern,
In the hold change pattern, regardless of the order in which the predetermined hold information is consumed at the time when the predetermined hold information is acquired, the order in which the predetermined hold information is consumed is the variation-time display mode. Of the variable displays at each time corresponding to the upper limit number N, the variable display at the time corresponding to the Nth, to the variable display at the time when the order in which the predetermined suspension information is consumed corresponds to the first, the Nth change display display mode of the finally displayed is held image at each time varying display except the variable display when the corresponding has been determined, respectively,
The hold change control means, in accordance with the hold change pattern, in each time of the variable display, as the display mode of the hold image, to display the change time display mode corresponding to the order in which the predetermined hold information is consumed,
In a certain variable display, under the situation that the predetermined hold information is the M-th hold information (where M is a natural number of 2 or more and less than N), the predetermined hold information is displayed in the change display. Continuing to display the display mode at the time of starting the production, in the variable display at each time after the next time, display the variable time display mode corresponding to the order in which the predetermined holding information is consumed as the display mode of the holding image. ,
In a certain variable display, under the situation where the M-th hold information is acquired as the predetermined hold information, the presentation start display mode and the change display when the order corresponds to the M-th are finally displayed. If it said variation time display mode to be displayed is different at the next variable display, as display mode of the pending images, the order is finally displayed on the variable display when corresponding to M-th the A pachinko game machine characterized by displaying the display mode during change and then displaying the display mode during change that is finally displayed in the change display when the order corresponds to M-1.