JP6714976B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game.

For example, Patent Document 1 has a plurality of effect modes having different determination ratios for determining execution of a specific effect (preliminary effect in Patent Document 1), and when effect modes are switched, effect mode after switching There is disclosed a gaming machine that executes a specific effect according to.

JP 2012-55426 A

In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 described above, when the effect mode is switched during execution of the variable display, the determination rate for deciding execution of the specific effect is also immediately changed, which results in a heavy processing load.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with a reduced processing load.

(1) The gaming machine according to the present invention,
A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that executes a variable display (for example, a variable display of a decorative pattern),
Pre-reading determination means (for example, the CPU 103 that performs the process of step S211) that performs pre-reading determination on a variable display that has not yet started (for example, pending storage),
A predetermined display means for displaying a predetermined display corresponding to the variable display (for example, the effect control CPU 120 for displaying a hold display image or an active display image),
Whether to execute a specific effect that changes the display mode of the predetermined display (for example, a pre-reading change effect that changes the display color of the hold display image or the active display image to green or red) based on the determination result of the pre-reading determination A specific effect execution determining means for determining whether or not (for example, the effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S161),
Specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect when the specific effect execution determining means determines to execute the specific effect (for example, effect control CPU 120 for performing the process of step S172),
Effect mode control means capable of controlling to any of a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal mode for character A, a normal mode for character B, etc.) having different determination ratios by which the specific effect execution determination means determines to execute the specific effect. (For example, the CPU 120 for effect control that performs the processing of steps S161 and S172),
The effect mode control means can switch the current effect mode to another effect mode during execution of variable display (for example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S557A).
When the effect mode control means switches to another effect mode during execution of the variable display, the specific effect execution determination means, until the variable display being executed ends, the effect mode before the change. Whether or not to execute the specific effect is determined based on the determination ratio in (for example, processing in steps S575 and S161, see FIG. 31),
The predetermined display on the display mode is executable suggested demonstration execution means suggested effect suggesting a display mode that and after the change changes (e.g., act like rendition of FIG. 37, 38) further example Bei a,
The suggestive effects include a first suggestive effect (for example, action effect A and the like) and a second suggestive effect (for example, action effect B and the like) having a different effect mode from the first suggestive effect.
When the second suggestive effect is executed, the display mode of the predetermined display is changed more than once when the first suggestive effect is executed (for example, the display color of the hold display image is continuously changed. As for the execution pattern to be changed, the effect production B is easier to be executed),
It is characterized by

With this configuration, the processing load can be reduced.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
Further comprising detection means (for example, a stick controller 31A) for detecting the movement of the player,
The effect mode control means switches the current effect mode to another effect mode when the detecting means detects the movement of the player (for example, the processing of steps S555 and S557A).
You may do it.

With this configuration, the effect mode can be set to suit the player's preference.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above,
A sound volume adjusting means (for example, a sound volume designating unit 50 or the like) capable of adjusting a sound volume by a player,
A sound volume adjustment result display unit (for example, a production control CPU 120 that performs a sound volume adjustment process) that displays a result of the sound volume adjustment by the sound volume adjustment unit,
The volume adjustment result display means displays the result of the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment means in a first display mode (for example, the first mode) when variable display is not being executed, and while the variable display is being executed. Display in a second display mode (eg, the first mode) having lower visibility than the first display mode (see, eg, FIG. 36),
You may do it.

According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately display the result of the volume adjustment while suppressing the deterioration of the effect.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
Setting changing means (for example, the stick controller 31A or the like) capable of changing the setting (for example, the appearing character or the like) related to the effect by the player,
A first state (for example, a second battle mode) in which a change in the setting related to the effect by the setting changing unit is reflected, and a second state (for example, a first battle in which the change in the setting related to the effect by the setting changing unit is not reflected. State control means that can be controlled to
A notification unit capable of notifying the setting related to the effect during execution of the variable display in the first state, but not notifying the setting related to the effect during execution of the variable display in the second state (for example, effect performing the process of step S172 Control CPU 120, etc.),
Further comprising,
You may do it.

According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the setting related to the effect.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of various control boards mounted in the pachinko game machine of FIG. It is the figure which shows one example of the main production control command. It is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a starting winning determination processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a special figure reservation storage part. It is a flowchart etc. which show an example of a random number value determination process at the time of winning. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design normal processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a special figure display result determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a jackpot type determination table. It is a flow chart which shows an example of change pattern setting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a fluctuation pattern. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the fluctuation pattern determination table for big hits. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the variation pattern determination table for losses. It is an explanatory view explaining an example of the processing contents performed by command analysis processing. It is a figure showing the example of composition of the command buffer at the time of starting winning. It is the figure which explains production mode. It is a flowchart and the like showing an example of the effect mode value setting process. It is the flowchart which shows one example of production control process treatment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of pre-reading change production setting processing. It is a figure which shows the example of execution determination of prefetch change production. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a pre-reading change production. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a pre-reading change production. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a pre-reading change production. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of the execution pattern of a pre-reading change production. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of variable display start setting processing. It is a flowchart etc. which show an example of processing during variable display. It is a flowchart and the like showing an example of processing executed in the final round. It is a flowchart etc. which show an example of the process performed at the time of ending process ending. It is the figure which shows the transition etc of production mode. It is a figure explaining the determination rate etc. of the look-ahead change production when a character is changed. It is the figure which shows one example of the production picture. It is the figure which shows one example of the production picture. It is the figure which shows one example of the production picture. It is a flow chart which shows an example of volume adjustment processing. It is the figure which shows one example of the production picture. It is the figure which shows one example of the production picture. It is the figure which shows one example of the production picture. It is a figure which shows the example of the display mode of a hold display image and an active display image.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Structure of pachinko gaming machine 1, etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment, showing a layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (underframe) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. In the game board 2, a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails is formed. In this game area, a game ball as a game medium is shot from a predetermined ball hitting launch device and is driven into it.

At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the right side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1), a first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided. Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot-matrix LED (light emitting diode), etc., and is identified as a special symbol game as an example of a variable display game. Special symbols (also referred to as "special symbols") that are possible plural types of special identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed) (that is, variable display of special symbols is executed).

For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". To do. Then, at the end of the variable display, a fixed special symbol (a symbol of "big hit" or "miss") or the like is stopped and displayed as a variable display result, and thereby the variable display result is derived and displayed (also simply referred to as derivation).

The variable display results and the special symbols that are variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are variably displayed. It is not limited to one composed of. For example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns with different combinations of what is turned on and what is turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. The lighting pattern during variable display may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are appropriately turned off.

In the following, the special symbols variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A are also referred to as "first special symbols", and the special symbols variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B are "second special symbols". Also called. Further, the special figure game of the first special figure is referred to as a "first special figure game", and the special figure game of the second special figure is also referred to as a "second special figure game".

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images.

On the screen of the image display device 5, corresponding to the first special figure game and the second special figure game, for example, in the decorative pattern display area serving as a plurality of variable display units such as three, different identification information from the special symbol The decorative pattern, which is (a plurality of types of decorative identification information capable of identifying each), is variably displayed.

As an example, "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged on the screen of the image display device 5 (these display areas are variably displayed). It is possible to move on the screen according to the progress.) Then, corresponding to the start of one of the first special figure game and the second special figure game, each of the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C of "left", "middle", and "right", At 5R, the variation (variable display) of the decorative pattern (for example, vertical scroll display or update display) is started. After that, when the variable display result (fixed special symbol) in the special symbol game is derived and displayed, the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right" in the image display device 5 are displayed. Then, the fixed decorative design (final stop design) (the “big hit” or “miss” design etc.) that is the variable display result of the decorative design (display result of variable display of the decorative design) is stopped and displayed.

Thus, on the screen of the image display device 5, each is identified in synchronization with the first special figure game in the first special symbol display device 4A, or the second special figure game in the second special symbol display device 4B. A variable display of a plurality of possible decorative designs is performed, and at the end of the variable display, the variable display result (fixed decorative design) is derived and displayed.

Note that, for example, deriving and displaying various display symbols such as special designs and decorative designs means that identification information such as decorative designs is displayed in a stopped state (also called complete stop display or complete stop or final stop display or final stop) and variably displayed. Is to be ended (until the stop display is variable display). On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of variable display of the decorative pattern to the derivation display of the fixed decorative pattern which is the variable display result, the variable speed of the decorative pattern becomes “0”, The design may be displayed in a stopped state, and may be in a display state that causes, for example, slight shaking or expansion/contraction. Such a display state is also called a temporary stop display (or a temporary stop), and although the display result in the variable display is not definitely displayed, it is possible that the variation of the decorative pattern due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. The player can recognize it. It should be noted that the temporary stop display may include displaying the decorative pattern in a complete stop display for a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) without causing a slight shake or expansion/contraction.

A display area 5H is arranged on the screen of the image display device 5. In the display area 5H, a display that allows the number of special figure games whose execution is suspended is specified. The special figure game whose execution is suspended is a special figure game which has not been started yet, and is stored as a suspended memory. In this embodiment, by storing information for executing the special figure game (such as hold data described later), the special figure game corresponding to the information is stored as a hold storage. For this reason, the number of reserved special figure games is also referred to as the number of special figure reserved memories. Further, the display capable of specifying the number of pending special figure games displayed in the display area 5H is also referred to as a pending storage display.

To suspend the special figure game, for example, a game ball enters (for example, passes through) a first start winning hole formed by the normal winning ball device 6A and a second starting winning hole formed by the normal variable winning ball device 6B. It is generated based on the starting winning (the starting winning at the first starting winning opening is referred to as the first starting winning and the starting winning at the second starting winning opening is referred to as the second starting winning). That is, the starting condition (also called “execution condition”) for executing the special drawing game (variable display game) is satisfied, but the special drawing game based on the start condition that was previously established is being executed, or the pachinko game When the start condition for allowing the start of the special figure game is not established due to the machine 1 being controlled to the big hit game state, the special figure game corresponding to the established start condition is held.

For example, when the start condition (first start condition) of the first special figure game is satisfied due to the occurrence of the first start prize, a first special figure game based on the establishment of the first start condition is started. If the 1 start condition is not satisfied, the number of the first special figure pending storage is incremented by 1, and the execution of the first special figure game is suspended. In addition, when the start condition (second start condition) of the second special figure game is satisfied due to the occurrence of the second start winning, the second special figure game for starting the second special figure game based on the establishment of the second start condition. If the 2 start condition is not satisfied, the second special figure reservation storage number is incremented by 1, and execution of the second special figure game is suspended.

When the execution of the first special figure game is started, the first special figure reservation storage number is decremented by 1, and when the execution of the second special figure game is started, the second special figure reservation storage number is 1. It is decremented.

The variable display special figure pending storage number obtained by adding the first special figure pending storage number and the second special figure pending storage number is also referred to as a total pending storage number in particular. When simply saying "the number of special figure reservation storages", it usually means a concept including all of the number of first special figure reservation storages, the number of second special figure reservation storages, and the total number of reservation storages. The first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number are included, but the total reserved storage number is excluded).

In this embodiment, the same number of images as the special figure game that is on hold is displayed in the hold storage display (in the present embodiment, a circle mark, a square mark, and the like, hereinafter also referred to as a hold display image). Do by displaying. One pending display image corresponds to one pending special figure game and indicates the pending special figure game. Note that the hold display image is normally white, for example (obviously, it may be any color such as black).

The hold display image (also referred to as the first hold display image) corresponding to the first special figure game is displayed in the area 5Ha on the left side of the display area 5H. In the area 5Ha, a plurality of display positions of the first reserved display image are set, and the first reserved display image is displayed right-justified in order from the leftmost display position.

The hold display image (also referred to as the second hold display image) corresponding to the second special figure game is displayed left-justified in the area 5Hb on the right side of the display area 5H. In the area 5Hb, a plurality of display positions of the second hold display image are set, and the second hold display image is displayed left-justified in order from the leftmost display position.

Further, in this embodiment, the display area 5H is also provided with a region 5Hc. In the area 5Hc, an active display image (shown) corresponding to the variable display of the special drawing game or the decorative design currently being executed is displayed. The active display image corresponds to the hold display image displayed when the corresponding special figure game or the like is held, and is moved to the area 5Hc and displayed when the special figure game is executed.

When the first special figure game is executed, the rightmost first hold display image is erased from the area 5a, moved to the area 5Hc, and displayed as an active display image (note that the display mode of the active display image is the second hold display). The image is inherited, that is, the first hold display image is moved to the area 5Hc and is displayed as it is as the active display image. At this time, when there is another first reserved display image, each of the other first reserved display images shifts to the display position on the right side (shifts while the display mode is inherited). When the second special figure game is executed, the leftmost second hold display image is erased from the area 5b, moved to the area 5Hc, and displayed as an active display image (note that the display mode of the active display image is the second hold display). (The second hold display image is displayed as it is as the active display image by moving to the area 5Hc.) At this time, if there is another second reserved display image, each of the other second reserved display images is shifted to the display position on the left side (the display mode is continued to be shifted).

A display device for displaying the number of special figure reservation storages may be provided together with the display area 5H or instead of the display area 5H. In the example shown in FIG. 1, together with the display area 5H, the first special display 25A for displaying the special figure reservation storage number in a specifiable manner on the upper part of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. And a second hold indicator 25B. The first reserved indicator 25A displays the number of the first special figure reserved memories so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold storage number in a identifiable manner. For example, the first pending display unit 25A and the second pending display unit 25B correspond to the upper limit value (eg, “4”) in each of the first special figure pending storage number and the second special figure pending storage number (for example, 4). Individual LEDs). Here, the first special figure reservation storage number and the second special figure reservation storage number are displayed according to the number of lit LEDs.

Below the image display device 5, a normal winning ball device 6A and a normal variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting region (first starting region) which is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example.

The ordinary variable winning ball device 6B is an electric tulip-type hand having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed to a closed state that is a vertical position and an open state that is a tilted position by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 2) for an ordinary electric accessory. An object (normal electric accessory) is provided to form a second starting winning opening.

Ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, for example, when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position, so that the game ball does not enter the second starting winning port. (It is also called that the second start winning opening is closed.). On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball device 6B, when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state, the movable wing piece is in the tilted position, so that the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening. (The second starting winning opening is also opened.) In addition, the normal variable winning ball device 6B is normally opened when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, and when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning port than in the normally open state. It may be configured to be in a state. The normal variable winning ball device 6B may be, for example, changeable between a first variable state and a second variable state in which a game ball is more likely to enter the second starting winning port than the first variable state.

The game ball that has entered the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A is detected by, for example, the first starting opening switch 22A (see FIG. 2). The game ball that has entered the second starting winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6B is detected by, for example, the second starting opening switch 22B (see FIG. 2).

Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start opening switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as prize balls (prize game medium), and the first special figure reservation storage number is predetermined. If it is less than the upper limit value (for example, “4”), the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the second starting opening switch 22B, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball, and the second special figure reservation storage number is less than a predetermined upper limit value. If so, the second start condition is satisfied.

A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 is provided with a special winning opening door which is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 2) for the special winning opening door, and the special winning opening door changes between an open state and a closed state. Form a special winning opening as an area.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door is in the off state, the special winning opening door closes the special winning opening, and the game ball enters the special winning opening (for example, You cannot pass. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door is in the ON state, the special winning opening door opens the special winning opening, and the game ball easily enters the special winning opening. Become. In this way, the special winning opening as the specific area changes into an open state in which the game ball easily enters, which is advantageous to the player, and a closed state, in which the game ball cannot enter and is disadvantageous to the player. Instead of the closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the special winning opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially open state in which the game ball does not easily enter the special winning opening may be provided.

The game ball that has entered the special winning opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 (see FIG. 2). Based on the detection of the game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball enters the special winning opening that has been opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the game ball enters another winning opening such as the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening. More prize balls will be paid out. Therefore, when the special winning opening is opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball can enter the special winning opening, which is the first state advantageous for the player. On the other hand, if the special winning opening is closed in the special variable winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult to get the winning ball by entering the gaming ball into the special winning opening. The second state is disadvantageous for the person.

At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1), a normal symbol display device 20 is provided. As an example, the normal symbol display device 20 is composed of 7-segment or dot-matrix LEDs and the like like the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and for example, a plurality of types different from the special symbol. A normal pattern (also referred to as “general drawing” or “ordinary drawing”) that is identification information is variably displayed (variable display), and a display result is derived and displayed at the end of the variable display (here, it is performed by stop display). To do. Such variable display of normal symbols is called a normal figure game (also called "normal figure game").

Above the normal symbol display device 20, a universal symbol holding display device 25C is provided. The universal figure reservation indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and is formed as a passage gate 41 formed in a game area (a game ball is formed by a predetermined member so that the game ball can pass through the gate gate switch. The detected number is 21.), and the number of stored memories of the universal figure as the number of effective passage balls that have passed through is displayed.

In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill that changes the flow direction and speed of the game balls and a large number of obstacle nails. Further, as the winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the big winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept open by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that the game ball that has entered one of the general winning openings has been detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. At the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an outlet for taking in the game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting a sound effect and the like are provided at upper and left positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 for a game effect is provided in a peripheral portion of the game area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 is configured to include an LED.

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to shoot a game ball as a game medium toward a game area is provided. For example, the hit ball operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, a gaming ball paid out as a prize ball or a gaming ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine can be held (stored) so as to be supplied to the ball striking device. An upper plate (striking ball supply plate) is provided. At the lower part of the gaming machine frame 3, a lower plate is provided for holding (storing) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so that they can be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

A stick controller 31A that can be held by a player and tilted is attached to a member forming the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate body (for example, a central portion of the lower plate). There is. The stick controller 31A includes an operation rod held by the player, and has a trigger button at a predetermined position of the operation rod (for example, a position where the index finger of the operating hand is applied when the player holds the operation rod). The trigger button can perform a predetermined instruction operation by a push-pull operation with a predetermined operating finger (for example, an index finger) while the player holds the operation rod of the stick controller 31A with an operating hand (for example, the left hand). It may be configured as follows. It suffices that a trigger sensor that detects a predetermined instruction operation such as a push-pull operation with respect to the trigger button is built in the operation rod.

A controller sensor unit 35A (including a trigger sensor) (FIG. 2) including a tilting direction sensor unit for detecting a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod is provided inside the main body of the lower plate and the like below the stick controller 31A. It should be. For example, the tilt direction sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operating rod when viewed from the side of the player who faces the pachinko gaming machine 1. Pair) and two transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the board surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operating rod when viewed from the player's side. It may be configured to include a photo sensor. 35 A of controller sensor units output the signal according to operation to 31 A of stick controllers to the production|generation control board 12 of FIG.

As a member forming the upper plate, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the upper plate main body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). It is provided. The push button 31B may be configured to be capable of mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detecting a predetermined instruction operation, such as a pressing operation by the player. A push sensor 35B (FIG. 2) that mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detects a player's operation performed on the push button 31B inside the main body of the upper plate or the like at the installation position of the push button 31B. Should be provided. The push sensor 35B outputs a signal corresponding to the operation on the push button 31B to the effect control board 12 in FIG.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various control boards such as a main board 11, a production control board 12, a sound control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, a touch sensor board, and a power supply board are arranged on the back surface of the game board or the like of the pachinko gaming machine 1. ..

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and is equipped with various circuits for controlling the progress of a game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is mainly for setting a random number used in a special drawing game, a function for receiving a signal from a switch or the like arranged at a predetermined position, and a command to the sub-side control board including the effect control board 12 and the like. It has a function of outputting a control command (an effect control command described later) as an example of information as a control signal and transmitting the control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like. In addition, the main board 11 performs a first special figure game and a second special figure game by performing lighting/extinction control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. A function to control the variable display of a predetermined display symbol, such as controlling the figure game or controlling the normal symbol display device 20 by turning on/off/coloring the normal symbol display device 20 to control the regular symbol game. Is also equipped. The main board 11 also has a function of controlling the first hold indicator 25A, the second hold indicator 25B, the universal figure hold indicator 25C, and the like to display various numbers of hold memories.

On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, etc. are mounted.

The switch circuit 110 is a detection signal (passage of a game medium, etc.) from various switches (gate switch 21, starting opening switch (first starting opening switch 22A and second starting opening switch 22B), count switch 23) for detecting game balls. The detection signal indicating that the entry is detected (the switch is turned on) is taken in and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. It should be noted that the various switches may be those having any configuration capable of detecting a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor, for example.

The solenoid circuit 111 receives a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal for turning on the solenoid 81 or the solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100, a solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory, or a solenoid for a special winning opening door. 82.

The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board that is independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and outputs the image display device 5 and the speakers 8L and 8R. , Various circuits for controlling the production operation by the production electric parts such as the game effect lamp 9 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 has a function of performing a display operation in the image display device 5, a sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a lighting/extinguishing operation in the game effect lamp 9, that is, an electric component for effect. It has a function of controlling and executing a predetermined effect operation. Further, the effect control board 12 has a function of detecting an operation to the stick controller 31A based on a signal from the controller sensor unit 35A, and a function of detecting an operation to the push button 31B based on a signal from the push sensor 35B. It also has a function of causing the electric parts for performance to perform a performance operation according to the detected operation.

The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound (effect) from the speakers 8L and 8R based on a signal (sound effect signal) from the effect control board 12. A processing circuit that executes audio signal processing for outputting a sound specified by a sound signal) is installed.

The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control that is provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on a signal (illumination signal) from the effect control board 12, lighting/lighting in the game effect lamp 9 or the like. A lamp driver circuit and the like for performing turn-off driving (turning on/off according to the drive content indicated by the illumination signal) is mounted.

The control signal (control command) transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted as an electric signal (details will be described later). Each effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte structure, the first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). It is sufficient that the head bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always "1" and the head bit of the EXT data is "0".

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides an area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a program for game control to perform a control operation, and numerical data that indicates a random number value independently of the CPU 103 A random number circuit 104 for performing and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105 are provided.

As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes a program read from the ROM 101 to execute a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, the function of the main board 11 is realized. Processing, etc.) is executed. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101 to read fixed data, the CPU 103 writes variable data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the data, and the CPU 103 writes various variable data to the RAM 102. A variable data read operation for reading out, a receiving operation in which the CPU 103 receives an input of various signals from the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I/O 105, and a CPU 103 to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I/O 105. The transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed.

It should be noted that the one-chip microcomputer serving as the game control microcomputer 100 has at least the RAM 102 built-in in addition to the CPU 103, and the ROM 101, the random number circuit 104, the I/O 105, etc. may be externally attached.

In the game control microcomputer 100, for example, the random number circuit 104 or the like counts the numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the progress of the game in an updatable manner. The random number used to control the progress of the game is also called a game random number. The game random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 104, or may be updated by software when the CPU 103 of the game controlling microcomputer 100 executes a predetermined computer program. May be. For example, the numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value is stored in a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 or a random counter provided in an internal register separate from the RAM 102, and the CPU 103 The random number value may be updated by updating the stored value regularly or irregularly.

The ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various selection data, table data, etc. used for controlling the progress of the game, in addition to the game control program. For example, the ROM 101 stores data that configures a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, etc. prepared for the CPU 103 to make various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, in the ROM 101, table data forming a plurality of command transmission tables used by the CPU 103 to transmit control signals which are various control commands from the main board 11, and a fluctuation pattern table storing a plurality of kinds of fluctuation patterns are stored. The constituent table data and the like are stored.

Various data (including various flags, counters, timers, etc.) used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are rewritably temporarily stored in the RAM 102 included in the game control microcomputer 100 in a rewritable manner. ..

The I/O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals are input from the outside of the game controlling microcomputer 100, and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the game controlling microcomputer 100. It

On the effect control board 12, an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, a RAM 122 that provides a work area of the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation, a random number circuit 124 that updates numerical data indicating a random number value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and an I/O 125. And are installed.

As an example, in the effect control board 12, the CPU 120 for effect control executes the program for effect control read from the ROM 121 to control the effect operation by the electric parts for effect (predetermined for the electric parts for effect. The processing for realizing the function of executing the rendering operation) is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads fixed data from the ROM 121 for fixed data, the effect control CPU 120 writes various variable data in the RAM 122 for temporary storage, and the effect control CPU 120 stores in the RAM 122. A variation data read operation for reading various temporarily stored variation data, a reception operation in which the effect control CPU 120 receives an input of various signals from the outside of the effect control board 12 via the I/O 125, and an effect control CPU 120 performs an I/O operation. A transmission operation of outputting various signals to the outside of the production control board 12 via O125 is also performed.

The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12.

In the effect control board 12, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the like counts the numerical data indicating various random number values used for controlling the effect operation in an updatable manner. The random number used to control such a rendering operation is also referred to as a rendering random number. The effect random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 124 like the game random number used on the main board 11, or the effect control CPU 120 executes a predetermined computer program. It may be updated by software.

In the ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2, various data tables used for controlling the effect operation are stored in addition to the effect control program. For example, in the ROM 121, a plurality of determination tables prepared for the production control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, table data that configures a determination table, pattern data that configures various production control patterns, and the like are stored. Remembered

The effect control pattern is a collection of data for executing various effects such as variable display of decorative designs and reach effect, and effect control execution data (display control associated with a determination value such as a process timer determination value). Data, voice control data, lighting data, etc.), process data including an end code, etc., and is configured by combining the pattern data and set as a later-described usage pattern. Further, the pattern data which is the effect control pattern as it is is also stored, and the pattern data may be set as the effect control pattern which is the use pattern as it is.

The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data (including various flags, counters, timers, etc.) used for controlling the effect operation.

The display control unit 123 mounted on the performance control board 12 controls the performance control CPU 120 (for example, based on the display control command from the performance control CPU 120) to display the performance image displayed on the image display device 5. The video signal is output and the effect image is displayed on the image display device 5. As an example, the display control unit 123 may include a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), and the like. The VDP may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or a microprocessor for image processing, which is more commonly called a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The CGROM may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a non-volatile recording medium such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. It may be configured.

For example, the effect control CPU 120 transmits to the display control unit 123 a display control command that specifies an effect image to be displayed on the display screen of the image display device 5 according to the display control data included in the effect control pattern. According to the display control command from the effect control CPU 120, the display control unit 123 uses the data stored in the CGROM or the like (storage unit) to display a video signal for displaying the effect image designated by the display control command. Is output. As a result, the video signal of the effect image according to the control of the effect control CPU 120 (control based on the effect control pattern or the like) is output, and the effect image is displayed on the image display device 5. Become.

The I/O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 is, for example, an input port for receiving a performance control command transmitted from the main board 11 or the like, and an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the performance control board 12. It is configured to include and. For example, from the output port of the I/O 125, a video signal transmitted to the image display device 5, a control signal (sound effect signal) transmitted to the audio control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 are transmitted. A control signal (lighting signal) or the like is output. An operation signal corresponding to an operation on the stick controller 31A is input from the controller sensor unit 35A to the input port of the I/O 125, and an operation signal corresponding to an operation on the push button 31B is input from the push sensor 35B.

The image display device 5 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel and a driver circuit that drives the display panel. The video signal supplied from the display control unit 123 to the image display device 5 via the I/O 125 under the control of the effect control CPU 120 is input to the driver circuit. The driver circuit drives the display panel based on the input video signal to display the image represented by the video signal on the display panel. As a result, various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5.

With the above-described configuration, the CPU 120 for effect control controls the speakers 8L and 8R via the sound control board 13 to output sound, and turns on/off the game effect lamp 9 via the lamp control board 14. Alternatively, various effects (including effects based on operations on the stick controller 31A and push button 31B) are executed by displaying effect images in the display area of the image display device 5 via the display control unit 123. ..

As an example of a game using a game ball, a predetermined ball is shot based on a player performing a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) on a ball operation handle installed on the lower right of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A game ball as a game medium is launched toward the game area by a launch motor provided in the device.

When the game ball flowing down the game area passes through the passage gate 41 and is detected by the gate switch 21 (when the gate switch 21 is turned on), based on this detection, the normal symbol display device 20 The universal figure starting condition for executing the universal figure game is established. Then, based on the fact that the universal figure start condition for starting the variable display of the regular symbols is satisfied, such as the previous universal figure game ending, the regular figure game by the regular symbol display 20 (variable regular symbols) Display) is started.

In the ordinary figure game, after starting the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol (variable display), when a predetermined time has elapsed, the fixed ordinary symbol that is the variable display result of the ordinary symbol (display result of the ordinary figure game) is stopped (displayed) ) Do. At this time, if a specific ordinary symbol (general symbol per symbol, for example, "7") is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable display result of the ordinary symbol becomes "general symbol". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the per-universal symbol design (universal symbol loss symbol, for example, "-") is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the variable display result of the ordinary symbol becomes "general symbol defect".

Corresponding to the fact that the variable display result of the ordinary symbol is "universal symbol hit", the opening control in which the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normally variable winning ball device 6B is in the tilted position (the second starting winning port is The open state is performed), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the closing control of returning to the vertical position (the second start winning opening is closed) is performed.

Whether or not the variable display result of the normal symbol is set as "universal symbol hit" as a predetermined specific display result is determined by the variable symbol display result when the ordinary symbol display device 20 is started. Is determined (predetermined) before the derived display. Further, the variable display period (variation time) of the normal symbol is also determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed, such as when the universal figure game is started.

When the game ball flowing down the game area enters the first starting winning opening (first starting area) formed in the normal winning ball device 6A, the game ball is detected by the first starting opening switch 22A (first The first starting condition is satisfied, for example, because the starting opening switch 22A is turned on. After that, for example, based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied due to, for example, the last special figure game or the jackpot gaming state being completed, the special figure game using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A (the first special symbol display device). 1 Special map game) is started.

Further, when the game ball enters the second starting winning opening (second starting area) formed on the normally variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball is detected by the second starting opening switch 22B (second starting opening switch). 22B is turned on) and the second start condition is satisfied. After that, for example, based on the fact that the second start condition is satisfied due to, for example, the last special figure game or the jackpot gaming state being finished, the special figure game using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B (second 2 Special map game) is started. However, when the normal variable winning ball device 6B is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the second starting winning opening (in this embodiment, the second starting winning opening is opened in the high base state). Easy to get).

When the first special figure game is started, or when the second special figure game is started, the variable display result of the special symbols (the display result of the special figure game) is set as a predetermined special display result, "big hit". Or not” is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed. Then, at a predetermined rate based on the determination of the variable display result, the variation pattern (the execution time of the variable display of the special drawing or the decorative pattern, the variable display pattern of the decorative pattern, or the like is designated) is determined.

After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a definite special symbol that is the variable display result is derived. Is displayed.

When a predetermined jackpot pattern is derived and displayed as a variable display result of the special symbol (when the confirmed special symbol is a jackpot symbol), the variable display result becomes "big hit" (specific display result), and for the player. The big hit game state is controlled as an advantageous specific state. Whether or not to be controlled to the big hit game state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is "big hit", and is determined (predetermined) before the variable display result is derived and displayed. As a variable display result of the special symbol, when the big hit symbol is not derived and displayed and the lost symbol is derived and displayed (when the confirmed special symbol is the lost symbol), the variable display result is “miss”.

As an example, the special symbols showing the numbers "3" and "7" are big hit symbols, and the special symbols showing the symbol "-" are lost symbols. It should be noted that each symbol such as the big hit symbol and the lost symbol in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A may be a special symbol different from each symbol in the special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B. However, the special symbol common to both special symbol games may be a big hit symbol or a lost symbol.

In the big hit game state, the special winning opening is opened and the special variable winning ball device 7 is in the first state advantageous to the player. Then, during a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 0.5 seconds) or a period until a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls enter the special winning opening and a winning ball is generated, the special winning opening is set. A round game (also simply referred to as "round") that is continuously opened is executed. During periods other than the execution period of the round game, the special winning opening is closed, and it becomes difficult or impossible to generate winning balls. When a game ball enters the special winning opening, the count switch 23 detects a winning ball (a game ball entering the special winning opening), and a predetermined number (eg, 14) of game balls are paid out as a prize ball at each detection. Be done. The round game in the big hit game state is repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times (for example, "15" or "2") is reached.

When the variable display result of the special symbol is "big hit", the big hit type is either "probable" (sudden change) or "probable change". For example, as a variable display result of the special symbol, when the big hit symbol indicating the number "3" is derived and displayed, the big hit type is "probable", and when the big hit symbol indicating the number "7" is derived and displayed, the big hit type. Is "probability change".

When the jackpot type is “probable change”, as a round game in the jackpot game state, the special variable winning ball device 7 is in the first state advantageous to the player (the big winning opening is opened). The normally open round, which takes time (for example, 29 seconds), is executed a predetermined number of times such as 15 rounds (15 times).

When the jackpot type is "probability", as a round game in the jackpot game state, the second time when the special variable winning ball device 7 is in the first state (the jackpot opening state) advantageous to the player is short (the second time is short). A short-term open round (for example, 0.5 seconds) is executed a predetermined number of times such as 2 rounds (2 times).

The "big hit" when the big hit type is "probable change" may be called "probable change big hit", and the "big hit" when the big hit type is "probable probability" may be called "probable big hit". In addition, the jackpot game state based on the "probably strange jackpot" may be referred to as the "probably variation jackpot game state". Further, the big hit game state based on the "probable big hit" may be referred to as the "probable big hit game state".

After the jackpot gaming state is over, the probability that the variable display result is "big hit" (big hit probability) may be controlled to be a positive change state that is higher than the normal state.

Further, after the jackpot gaming state is over, the average variable display time (variable display period) may be controlled to a time saving state that is shorter than the normal state.

In the probability variation state and the time saving state, one of the ending conditions is that the special figure game is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) and the next big hit game state is started. It is controlled to continue until it is established first. The time saving state and the probability change state are advantageous game states for the player.

In this embodiment, the gaming state after the probability variation big hit game state ends and after the probability variation big hit game state ends is a time saving state and a probability variation state. In this embodiment, the time-variable state is always in the probable state, and the probabilistic state is always in the time-short state (only one of the time-saving state and the probable state is never present).

In this embodiment, the period of the round game in the sudden big hit game state is set to be extremely short such as 0.5 seconds, and the number of rounds in the sudden big hit game state is small. Therefore, in the sudden big hit game state, the prize ball is not substantially obtained, and the game ends immediately. However, since the gaming state becomes the probable variation state after the sudden probable jackpot gaming state, the player feels that the sudden probable state has suddenly arrived if the sudden probable jackpot gaming state is controlled.

In the time saving state, the normal variable winning ball device 6B is in the open state and the closed state in an advantageous change mode in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting winning opening than in the non-time saving state which is not in the time saving state such as the normal state. Change to and.

For example, control for making the variation time of the ordinary symbol in the ordinary figure game by the ordinary symbol display 20 (the period for variable display of the ordinary figure, also referred to as the ordinary figure variation time) shorter than that in the normal state, or for each time The control to improve the probability that the variable display result of the ordinary pattern in the ordinary figure game (display result of the ordinary figure game) becomes "per ordinary figure" than in the normal state, the variable display result becomes "every ordinary figure" Based on the above, the normal variable winning is achieved by the control for making the tilting control time for performing the tilting control of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6B longer than in the normal state and the control for increasing the number of times of tilting as compared with the normal state. The ball device 6B may be changed between the open state and the closed state in an advantageous change mode. Note that any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be combined and performed.

The control for changing the normally variable winning ball device 6B between the open state and the closed state in an advantageous change mode like the above control is called high open control (also referred to as "time saving control" or "high base control"). .. By controlling to such a time saving state, the time required until the next variable display result becomes a "big hit" is shortened, and a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state is achieved.

It should be noted that the normal state is a gaming state other than a specific state such as a jackpot gaming state, a time saving state, a probability variation state, or the like that is advantageous to the player. The probability of being a "hit" and the probability that the variable display result in the special figure game is a "big hit" is a predetermined return process after the power is turned on as in the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when the system is reset). Is not controlled) is controlled in the same way.

The time saving state is also called "high base state", "high base", etc., and the game state which is not the time saving state is also called "low base state", "low base", "non-time saving state", "non-time saving" and the like. The probability variation state in which the probability variation control is performed is also called "high-accuracy state", "high-accuracy", etc., and the gaming state that is not the probability variation state is "low-probability state", "low-probability", "non-probability variation state", "non-probability variation". It is also said. The gaming state when it is in the probability changing state and the time saving state is also referred to as a "highly accurate high base state" or "highly accurate high base". The normal state is also referred to as a "low accurate low base state" or "low accurate low base".

In the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided in the image display device 5, the first special symbol game in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol Corresponding to the start of one of the special figure games of the second special figure game on the display device 4B, the variable display of the decorative design (this is also one of the effects) is started. In the first special figure game and the second special figure game, when the fixed special symbol which is the variable display result (display result of the special symbol game) of the special symbol is derived and displayed, the image is synchronized with the timing of the derivation display. The variable display of the decorative pattern ends in the decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right" of the display device 5, and the fixed decorative pattern (three decorative patterns The combination is displayed as a derivation display (stop display).

In the period from the start to the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the variable display mode of the decorative pattern may be a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode is a decorative pattern that is not yet stopped and displayed when the decorative pattern that is stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes a part of a jackpot combination described later (“reach variation”). (Also referred to as “design”) is a display mode in which the fluctuation continues, or a display mode in which all or a part of the decorative patterns form the whole or a part of the big hit combination and are synchronously fluctuating. ..

Specifically, in part of the "left", "middle", "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R (for example, "left" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5R, etc.) In the remaining decorative pattern display area (for example, "medium" decorative pattern display area 5C, etc.) that is not yet stopped and displayed when the decorative pattern (for example, "7") forming the determined jackpot combination is stopped and displayed. The display mode in which the decorative pattern is changing, or all or part of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in which the decorative pattern is a big hit combination It is a display mode that changes in synchronization while being configured.

Further, in this embodiment, the reach effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach mode during variable display. In the reach effect, the display mode and the variation mode of the decorative pattern are changed, a character image (effect image imitating a person or the like) is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 separately from the decorative pattern, and a background image is displayed. By changing the mode or reproducing and displaying a moving image separately from the decorative pattern, the effect operation is different from before the reach mode.

In this embodiment, as reach effects, normal reach, super-reach A (developing from normal reach), and super-reach B (developing from normal reach), which have different effect modes, are prepared. In this embodiment, the jackpot expectation when each reach effect is executed is higher in the order of super reach B, super reach A, and normal reach (normal reach that does not develop into super reach). The reach effect may include an effect such as a sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, a lighting operation in the game effect lamp 9 or the like (the same applies to other effects).

The jackpot expectation is, for example, a rate at which the variable display result of the special symbol is “big hit”, and here, the variable display result of the decorative symbol is also a percentage of “big hit”.

Further, as will be described later in detail, in this embodiment, whether or not the determination at the time of starting winning (the display result of the suspended special figure game (also the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern) is a big hit) For example, the so-called pre-reading notice is executed based on the above-mentioned judgment, and hereinafter also referred to as pre-reading judgment. The look-ahead notice is a type of notice production that gives a notice of the jackpot expectation of the special figure game (hereinafter, also referred to as a target) that is the target of the look-ahead determination. In this embodiment, as the prefetching notice, a prefetching change effect for changing the display mode (display color here) of the hold display image or the active display image based on the determination result of the prefetching determination is prepared.

During the variable display of the decorative pattern, various effects other than the above effects are executed.

Further, in this embodiment, various effect modes are prepared as the effect modes to be executed, and, for example, the display mode of the hold display image or the active display image (here, the look-ahead change effect is performed according to the effect mode. The shape which is a display mode other than the display mode that is changed in step 1) is different, the mode of the decorative pattern or the background is different, and the characters appearing in the effect are different. Although details of the effect mode will be described later, in this embodiment, a normal mode, a first transition mode, a first battle mode, a second battle mode, and a second transition mode are prepared as the effect modes. In addition, the normal mode and the second battle mode each have two effect modes according to the appearing character (the player can select the character).

When the variable display result of the special symbol is “probable variation big hit”, the fixed decorative symbol that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 as the variable display result of the decorative symbol. As an example, the same decorative pattern (for example, "7") is stopped and displayed together on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Thus, it is only necessary to derive and display the fixed decorative pattern which is the probability variation big hit combination. In addition, in this embodiment, in the case of "probable variation big hit", the reach is always established in the variable display of the decorative pattern.

When the variable display result of the special symbol is “a sudden big hit”, the fixed decorative symbol which is a combination of predetermined chances is derived and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 as the variable display result of the decorative symbol. .. Opportunity opportunities include those at reach and those at non-reach. The chance at the time of the reach is a combination of decorative patterns that is derived and displayed after the variable display mode of the decorative patterns becomes the reach mode, and is a combination different from the above jackpot combination (eg, “7 5 7”). .. The chance at the time of non-reach is a combination of decorative patterns that are displayed in a variable manner without changing the variable display mode of decorative patterns to the reach mode (eg, “7 35 ”). In this embodiment, the chance at the time of reach is displayed and displayed only during the normal reach (it is not derived during the super reach).

In addition, in this embodiment, various effects are appropriately performed even during the big hit game state. For example, an effect in which the player selects one of the first battle mode and the second battle mode is performed.

When the variable display result of the special design is “miss”, the variable display mode of the decorative pattern does not become the reach mode, and the decorative pattern forming the predetermined non-reach combination stops as the variable display result of the decorative pattern. By being displayed, a fixed decorative pattern that is a non-reach combination (a combination different from the above-mentioned chance eye) may be derived and displayed. In addition, when the variable display result of the special symbol is “miss”, as the variable display result of the decorative symbol, after the variable display mode of the decorative symbol becomes the reach mode, a predetermined reach combination other than the jackpot combination (“reach miss shift”). When the decorative design forming the “combination” is stopped and displayed, a fixed decorative design which is a reach-miss combination (combination different from the above chance) may be derived and displayed.

(Direction control command)
Next, an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 will be described. The main board 11 controls the progress of the game. Then, the main board 11 transmits an effect control command to the effect control board 12 in accordance with the progress of the game. The effect control board 12 performs various effects by executing effect control for controlling the image display device 5 based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. By doing so, the game executed by the main board 11 and the various effects executed by the effect control board 12 are synchronized. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 shows an example of main effect control commands. In addition, the following "(H)" shows that it is a hexadecimal number.

The command 81XX(H) is to start the first special figure game or the second special figure game, and to start the special figure game and the variable display of the decorative pattern executed corresponding to the special figure game. It is an effect control command (fluctuation pattern designation command) for designating (notifying) a pattern (execution time of variable display of special figure or decorative design, or pattern of variable display of decorative design). In the command "XX" (EXT data), whether the special figure game to be started is the first special figure game or the second special figure game and each variation pattern (see FIG. 12, which will be described later in detail). A corresponding numerical value is set (for example, "00" for the variation pattern PA1-1 at the start of the first special figure game, "01" for the variation pattern PA1-1 at the start of the second special figure game, etc.). With such a setting, a variation pattern or the like is designated in the command. The variation pattern designation command is transmitted at the start of the special figure game. A command for designating the start of the first special figure game or the start of the second special figure game may be prepared separately from the variation pattern designating command. In this case, the numerical value according to the variation pattern may be set to "XX" in both the first special figure game and the second special figure game.

Command 8CXX (H) is an effect control command (display result designation command) that designates (notifies) whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” and the big hit type (that is, variable display result). In this embodiment, a display result designation command corresponding to each variable display result is set. For example, a numerical value corresponding to the display result is set to “XX” in the command (for example, “00” for “miss”, “01” for “probable jackpot”, “02” for “probable jackpot”). Such). With such a setting, the jackpot type is designated in the command. The display result designation command is transmitted at the start of the special figure game. In addition, a numerical value may be set in “XX” depending on whether the special figure game to be started is the first special figure game or the second special figure game (for example, in the first special figure game). For example, "00" for "Loss", "01" for "Loss" in the second special drawing game, and "02" for "Sudden jackpot" in the first special drawing game).

Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) for designating (notifying) the end of the special figure game (that is, deriving and displaying the variable display result). The symbol fixing designation command is to designate that the variable display (variation) of the decorative symbol is ended and the display result is derived and displayed. The symbol fixing designation command is transmitted at the end of the special figure game.

The command 95XX(H) is a production control command (background designation command) for designating the background of the production screen displayed on the image display device 5. The background varies depending on the effect mode, and the effect mode is set according to the game state. Therefore, the background designation command also designates the gaming state, and in this embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to the gaming state is set in "XX" in the command (for example, the non-probable variation state ( "00" for normal state, "01" for probability change state, etc.). With such a setting, the background (game state) is designated in the command. The background designation command also designates the current game state. The background designation command is transmitted at the time of starting the special drawing game.

The command A0XX(H) is an effect control command (hit start designation command) for designating (notifying) the start of the big hit game state (also the start of fanfare). The fanfare is an effect executed at the start of the big hit game state, such as an effect for notifying that the big hit game state has been reached. In “XX” in the command, a numerical value corresponding to the big hit type (for example, “00” for “probability”, “01” for “probability change”, etc.) is set. With such a setting, the jackpot type is also designated in the command. This command is sent at the start of the jackpot gaming state.

Command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (large winning opening opening designation command) that specifies (notifies) that the round game in the big hit game state has started, that is, the big winning opening has been opened. .. In “XX” in the command, a numerical value corresponding to the number of rounds (for example, “00” for opening the first round and “01” for opening the second round) is set. With such a setting, the number of rounds is also specified in the command. The special winning opening opening designation command is transmitted when the special winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened.

The command A2XX(H) is an effect control command (a special winning opening open designation command) that specifies (notifies) that the round game in the big hit gaming state has ended, that is, the big winning opening has been closed. .. A numerical value corresponding to the number of rounds (for example, "00" at the end of the first round and "01" at the end of the second round) is set to "XX" in the command. With such a setting, the number of rounds is also specified in the command. The command after opening the special winning opening is transmitted when the special winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is closed.

The command A3XX (H) is a production control command (hit end designation command) for designating (notifying) the end of the big hit game state (which is also the start of the ending). The ending is an effect that is executed at the end of the big hit game state, such as an effect that notifies the end of the big hit game state. In “XX” in the command, a numerical value corresponding to the big hit type (for example, “00” for “probability”, “01” for “probability change”, etc.) is set. With such a setting, the jackpot type is also designated in the command. This command is sent at the end of the last round game.

The command B100 (H) is an effect control command (first start winning award designating command) that specifies (notifies) that the first starting award due to the game medium having entered the first starting winning opening has occurred. The command B200 (H) is an effect control command (second start prize designation command) that specifies (notifies) that the second start prize has occurred due to the game medium entering the second start prize hole. The first start prize designation command and the second start prize designation command may be collectively referred to as a start prize designation command. The start winning award designation command is transmitted when a start winning is generated (at the time of starting winning).

The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first special figure reservation storage number addition specification command) that specifies (notifies) that the first start prize is generated and the first special figure reservation storage number is increased by one. is there. Command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second special figure reservation storage number addition specification command) that specifies (notifies) that the second start prize has occurred and the second special figure reservation storage number is increased by one. is there. These commands may be collectively referred to as a special figure reserved storage number addition designation command. The special figure reserved memory number addition designation command is transmitted when a start winning occurs (at the time of starting winning).

Command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation) that specifies (notifies) that the first special figure reservation storage number will decrease by one when the first special figure game is executed. Command). Command C300 (H) is a production control command (second special figure reserved storage number subtraction specification) that specifies (notifies) that the second special figure reserved storage number will decrease by one when the second special figure game is executed. Command). These commands may be collectively referred to as a special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command. The special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation command is transmitted at the start of the special figure game.

The command C4XX(H) is an effect control command (winning-time determination result specification command) that specifies (notifies) the determination result of the pre-reading determination at the time of starting winning. As will be described later in detail, when the first start prize or the second start prize occurs, random number values MR1 to MR3 used for determining whether to make a big hit, a big hit type, and a variation pattern are extracted. .. In this embodiment, regarding the special figure game corresponding to the extracted random number values MR1 to MR3, before the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied, the special figure game is extracted based on the extracted random number values MR1 to MR3. Pre-reading determination (whether or not the variable display result is "probable variation jackpot", whether super reach or reach is established, etc.) is performed for the figure game. The pre-reading determination is performed by a winning random number determination process in step S211 described later. The determination result of the pre-reading determination (also referred to as a winning determination result) is set to “XX” in the winning determination result designation command (see FIG. 7B). With such a setting, the determination result of the prefetch determination is designated in the command. The winning determination result specification command is transmitted when a start winning occurs (at the time of starting winning). Whether or not a prefetch change effect is executed is determined on the effect control board 12 side in accordance with the content of the award determination result specification command (award result).

(Main operation of pachinko machines)
Next, the main operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. Note that, although the operation will be described below with reference to a flowchart or the like, in each operation (each process), a process not appearing in the flowchart may be appropriately performed.

In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started (including restart after power failure), the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined game control main process, for example. The process is executed. In the game control main process, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings and the like after setting the interrupt prohibition.

When the CPU 103, which has executed the game control main process, receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC supplied every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) and accepts an interrupt request, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled state, for example, a game. Executes control timer interrupt processing.

In the game control timer interrupt process, the CPU 103 performs the switch process, the main side error process, the information output process, the game random number update process, the special symbol process, the normal symbol process process, the command control process, etc. of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Perform processing to control progress. At the end of the game control timer interrupt process, the interrupt enabled state is set. As a result, the game control timer interrupt process is executed every time a timer interrupt occurs, that is, every predetermined time (2 ms) which is the interval of supply of the interrupt request signal.

The switch processing is performed by determining whether or not the detection signal is input from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110. It is a process of determining whether or not it is turned on (that is, whether or not a game ball has entered or passed) for each switch, and stores the determination result in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. The determination result stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is used in a special symbol process process or a normal symbol process process described later.

The main-side error process is a process of performing an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and issuing a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result.

The information output process is a process of outputting data such as jackpot information, starting information, probability variation information, etc. supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example.

The game random number update process is a process for updating at least a part of a plurality of types of game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software. As an example, the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side include a random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result (variable display result of the special symbol), a random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and a variation pattern determination. It is sufficient that the random number MR3 and the random number MR3 are included.

The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is a random number value used to decide whether or not to control the variable display result of the special symbol or the like in the special figure game as "big hit" to the big hit game state, and "1". Can take any of the values of "65535".

The random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is a random number value used to determine the jackpot type to any one of "probable variation A", "probable variation B", and "probability" when the variable display result is "big jackpot". And can take any value from “1” to “100”.

The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random number value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of the special pattern or the decorative pattern to any one of a plurality of variation patterns prepared in advance, and "1" to It can take any value of "100".

In the special symbol process processing, which will be described in detail later, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is displayed. Is determined as "big hit" to control the big hit game state, big hit type and fluctuation pattern are determined, control of display operation in the special symbol display device 4 based on the decision result (execution of special figure game), Various processes are selected and executed in order to perform the opening/closing operation setting (execution of a round game) of the special winning opening in the special variable winning ball device 7 in the big hit game state in a predetermined procedure. By executing the special symbol process processing every time the timer interrupt occurs, the variable display result and the variation pattern are decided, the special figure game is executed based on the decision, and the big hit game state is realized.

In the normal symbol process process, for example, when the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 (for example, the determination result that the gate switch 21 is determined to be in the ON state in the switch process is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102). If the number of holdings does not reach the upper limit in (in the case), the holding storage (for example, extracting a random number value and storing it in the RAM 102) of the universal game is performed, or the holding storage (the random number value stored in the RAM 102) is used. To determine the variable display result or variation pattern (pattern for designating variation time, etc.) of the universal figure game, and control the display operation (eg, segment LED lighting, extinguishing, etc.) on the normal symbol display device 20 according to the variation pattern. To perform variable display of ordinary symbols and derive and display the variable display result of the ordinary figure game, or to perform processing to open the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B when the variable display result is "universal figure hit" To do. By executing the normal symbol process processing each time the timer interrupt occurs, the normal symbol game is executed, and the normal variable winning ball device 6B is opened for a predetermined period when the regular symbol is hit.

The command control process is a process of transmitting a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12. As an example, in a special symbol process process or a normal symbol process process, a transmission setting of a control command (production control command or the like) (for example, storing a memory address value of a control command to be transmitted is stored in the RAM 102) is performed, and command control is performed. In the process, a process of actually transmitting the control command set for transmission to the effect control board 12 is performed. In the process of transmitting, a production control INT signal or the like is used to transmit the control command.

Next, the special symbol process processing will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of special symbol process processing. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning determination process executed in step S101.

When the start winning determination processing is started, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the first starting opening switch 22A provided corresponding to the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A is turned on ( Step S201). For example, when the first starting opening switch 22A is turned on in the case where the determination result that the first starting opening switch 22A is turned on in the switch process is stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102. Just make a decision. When the first starting opening switch 22A is turned on (step S201; Yes), the first special figure reservation storage number, which is the reservation storage number of the first special figure game, has a predetermined upper limit value (here, “4”). ) Is determined (step S202). At this time, the CPU 103 sets a first special figure reserved storage number count value, which is a stored value of a first special figure reserved storage number counter (a counter that counts the first special figure reserved storage number) provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. It suffices if the first special figure reservation storage number can be specified by reading. When the number of first special figure reservation storages is not the upper limit value in step S202 (step S202; No), the starting mouth buffer value which is the stored value of the starting mouth buffer provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is set to "1". It is set (step S203).

Normally, when the first starting opening switch 22A is off in step S201 (step S201; No), and when the first special figure reservation storage number has reached the upper limit value in step S202 (step S202; Yes). It is determined whether or not the second starting port switch 22B provided corresponding to the second starting winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B is turned on (step S204). For example, when the second starting opening switch 22B is turned on when the determination result that the second starting opening switch 22B is turned on in the switch process is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, for example. Just make a decision. When it is determined that the second starting opening switch 22B is turned on (step S204; Yes), the second special figure reservation storage number, which is the reservation storage number of the second special figure game, has a predetermined upper limit value (here, It is determined whether or not it is "4") (step S205). At this time, the CPU 103 sets the second special figure reserved storage number count value which is the stored value of the second special figure reserved storage number counter (counter for counting the second special figure reserved storage number) provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. It suffices if the second special figure reservation storage number can be specified by reading. When the number of second special figure reservation storages is not the upper limit value in step S205 (step S205; No), the starting opening buffer value is set to "2" (step S206). If the second starting opening switch 22B is not turned on (step S204; No) or the second special figure reservation storage number is the upper limit value (step S205; Yes), the starting winning determination process is ended.

After performing either of the processes of steps S203 and S206, the special figure reserved storage number count value corresponding to the starting port buffer value is updated to be incremented by 1 (step S207). For example, when the starting opening buffer value is “1”, the first special figure reservation storage number count value is incremented by 1, while when the starting opening buffer value is “2”, the second special figure reservation storage number count value is set. Add one. In this way, the first special figure reservation storage number count value is updated so as to be incremented (incremented) by 1 when the first starting condition for the game ball to enter the first starting winning opening is satisfied. In addition, the second special figure reservation storage number count value is updated so as to be incremented (incremented) by one when the second starting condition for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening is satisfied. At this time, the total pending storage number count value, which is the stored value of the total pending storage number counter provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102, is updated to be incremented by 1 (step S208).

After executing the process of step S208, the CPU 103 extracts a predetermined game random number corresponding to the occurrence of the start winning (step S209). As an example, in the process of step S209, among the numerical data updated by the random number circuit 104 or a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result and the jackpot type determination are determined. Numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern are extracted. The numerical data indicating each random number extracted in this way is stored as reserved data at the beginning of an empty entry in the special figure pending storage unit (provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102) corresponding to the starting opening buffer value. (Step S210).

For example, when the starting opening buffer value is "1", the pending data is set in the first special figure pending storage unit as shown in FIG. 6(A). On the other hand, when the starting opening buffer value is "2", the pending data is set in the second special figure pending storage unit as shown in FIG. 6(B).

When the pending data is set in the first special figure pending storage unit, the CPU 103 controls the first pending indicator 25A to display a display capable of specifying the number of the first special figure pending storage incremented by one. The first hold indicator 25A may be operated (for example, the number of lit LEDs is increased by 1).

When the pending data is set in the second special figure pending storage unit, the CPU 103 controls the second pending indicator 25B to display a display capable of specifying the number of the second special figure pending storage incremented by one. The second hold indicator 25B may be operated (for example, the number of lit LEDs is increased by 1).

The first special figure reservation storage unit shown in FIG. 6(A) has not yet started, though the game ball has entered the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A and the first starting winning has occurred. The pending data of the first special figure game is stored. As an example, the first special figure reservation storage unit associates the winning number in the first starting winning opening (detection order of game balls) with the holding number, and based on the establishment of the first starting condition by the entry of the game ball. The number of storages of the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the big hit type, the numerical value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, and the like extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104 as the reserved data are stored. Is stored until a predetermined upper limit value (here, “4”) is reached. In this embodiment, in this way, the first special figure game that has not been started yet (here, numerical data for executing the first special figure game) is stored as a pending storage.

The second special figure reservation storage unit shown in FIG. 6(B), although the game ball has entered the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B and the second starting winning has occurred, it has not yet started. The pending data of the second special figure game that does not exist is stored. As an example, the second special figure reservation storage unit associates the winning number into the second starting winning opening (the order of detecting the game ball) with the holding number, and based on the establishment of the second starting condition by the entry of the game ball. The numerical value data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the big hit type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern extracted by the CPU 103 from the random number circuit 104, etc. It is stored until a predetermined upper limit value (here, “4”) is reached. In this embodiment, in this way, the second special figure game that has not been started yet (here, numerical data for executing this second special figure game) is stored as pending storage.

After that, the CPU 103 executes a winning random number determination process (a process of performing prefetching determination for the special figure game) for the special figure game (held special figure game) stored as the pending storage (step S211). FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing an example of the random number determination process at the time of winning.

In the winning random number determination process, the CPU 103 first sets the transmission of the first starting winning designation command if the starting opening buffer value is "1" (when the first special figure game is held). When the transmission setting of the first special figure hold storage number addition designation command is performed and the starting opening buffer value is "2" (when the second special figure game is held), the transmission setting of the second start winning award designation command is performed. After that, the transmission setting of the second special figure reservation storage number addition designation command is performed (step S401).

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it is currently in the big hit gaming state (step S402). Whether or not the present is a big hit game state can be specified by, for example, the value of a special figure process flag described later. Here, if it is "4"-"7", it is a big hit game state. When the value of the special figure process flag is other than "4" to "7" and is not in the big hit game state (step S402; No), whether or not the present time is in a short-time state (also in whether or not the state is a probable variation state). Is determined (step S403). Whether or not the present time is in the time saving state may be specified by the state of the time saving flag (a flag provided in the RAM 102 and turned on during the time saving state) (hereinafter the same).

When the time saving flag is on and the current time saving state is in progress (step S403; Yes), the value of the special figure process flag is "4" to "7" and the current jackpot gaming state (step S402; Yes), It is determined whether the starting opening buffer value is "2" (step S404).

When the starting mouth buffer value is "2" (step S404; Yes), when not in the time saving state (step S403; No), the CPU 103 displays the display result of the special figure game held this time (variable display result of special symbol). (Hereinafter, also referred to as a special figure display result) is a "big hit" or not (step S405).

For example, based on the random number value MR1 extracted in step S209 of this time (the random number value MR1 newly stored in the special figure reservation storage unit in step S210 of this time), the first special figure display is performed as in step S239 described later. The random number MR1 is referred to by referring to the result determination table or the second special figure display result determination table (see FIG. 9, a table referred to when determining the variable display result when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later). When the determination result (special figure display result) assigned to the determination value that matches with is “big hit”, it is determined that the display result of the special figure game held this time is “big hit”. When the gaming state is the normal state, the first special figure display result determination table is referred to, and when the gaming state is the probability variation state, the second special figure display result determination table is referred to. Whether or not the gaming state is the probability variation state may be specified based on the probability variation flag which is provided in the RAM 102 and is turned on when the probability variation state (the same applies hereinafter).

When it is determined that the special figure display result of the special figure game held this time is "big hit" (step S405; Yes), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern corresponding to the special figure game currently held is super reach. It is determined whether to specify execution of (step S407).

For example, first, based on the random number value MR2 extracted in step S209 (the random number value MR2 newly stored in the special figure reservation storage unit in step S210 this time), as in step S242 described later, the jackpot type determination table ( See FIG. 10, a table referred to when determining the jackpot type when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later), and the jackpot type assigned to the determined value that matches the random number value MR2 is specified. .. When the specified jackpot type is "acute", it does not become a super reach (see FIG. 13B, which will be described later in detail). Therefore, the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern corresponding to the special figure game held this time is changed. Judge that it does not specify execution of super reach.

When the identified jackpot type is “probable change”, based on the random number value MR3 extracted in step S209 (the random number value MR3 newly stored in the special figure reservation storage unit in step S210 this time), the same as step S262 described later. The first big hit variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 13A, a table to be referred to when determining a variation pattern at the time of the probability variation big hit when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later), The fluctuation pattern assigned to the determined value that matches the random number value MR3 is specified. When the identified variation pattern is PB3-3 or PB3-4 that specifies execution of "super reach" (see FIG. 12), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern corresponding to the special figure game held this time is changed. Is to specify execution of super reach. If the identified variation pattern is PB3-2 (see FIG. 12), it is determined that it is not super reach.

When it is determined in step S407 that the variation pattern specifies execution of super reach (step S407; Yes), a winning determination result specification command that specifies "super reach jackpot" as the determination result of winning is used. Transmission settings are made (step S408). As a result of winning the "Super Reach jackpot", it is determined that EXT data is used as the EXT data Since "03" is set (see FIG. 7(B)), the transmission setting of the winning determination result designation command in which the numerical value is set as the EXT data is performed.

If it is determined in step S407 that the variation pattern does not specify execution of super reach (step S407; No), "no judgment" is specified as the winning determination result in order to limit execution of the look-ahead change effect. The transmission setting of the winning determination result designation command is performed (step S413). As a result, execution of the prefetch change effect is limited on the effect control board 12 side. Since "00" is set as the EXT data in the winning determination result of "no determination" (the determination result of not performing the start winning determination and limiting the execution of the prefetch change effect) (see FIG. 7(B )), the transmission setting of the winning determination result designation command in which the numerical value is set as the EXT data is performed.

When it is determined that the special figure display result of the special figure game held this time is not a “big hit” (step S405; Yes), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern corresponding to the special figure game currently held is super reach. It is determined whether or not the execution is designated (variation pattern of super reach loss) (step S409).

For example, based on the random number value MR3 extracted in step S209 (the random number value MR3 newly stored in the special figure reservation storage unit in step S210 this time), as in step S263 described later, the first variation pattern determination for the deviation. The random number MR3 is referred to by referring to the table or the second variation pattern determination table for losing (see FIG. 14, a table referred to when determining the variation pattern at the time of losing when the start condition of the special figure game is satisfied. Details will be described later). The variation pattern assigned to the decision value that matches is specified. When the gaming state is the normal state, the first loss variation pattern determination table is referred to, and when the gaming state is the probability variation state, the second loss variation pattern determination table is referred to. When the identified variation pattern is PA3-3 or PA3-4 that specifies execution of "super reach" (see FIG. 12), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative design corresponding to the special figure game held this time is changed. Is a variation pattern of super-reach loss (variation pattern of loss that specifies execution of super-reach). If the variation pattern is other than that, it is determined that it is not the variation pattern of super reach loss.

When it is determined that the variation pattern is a variation pattern of super reach loss (step S409; Yes), transmission setting of a winning determination result designation command for designating "super reach loss" as the determination result of winning is performed (step S410). For the result of winning the "Super Reach Loss" (the result of the variable display of the special drawing game being held this time being lost, and the result of determining that Super Reach will be executed with the variable display of the decorative pattern), the EXT data is " 02” is set (see FIG. 7B), the transmission setting of the winning determination result specification command in which the numerical value is set as EXT data is performed.

When it is determined that the variation pattern is not the variation pattern of the super reach loss (step S409; No), the variation pattern of the variable display of the decorative pattern corresponding to the special figure game held this time is the variation pattern that specifies non-reach ( It is determined whether or not it is a non-reach-miss variation pattern (step S411).

In step S411, for example, if the fluctuation pattern identified in step S409 is PA1-1 or PA2-1 that specifies non-reach loss, it is determined that the fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern that specifies non-reach, and other than that. In this case, it is determined that the fluctuation pattern does not specify non-reach.

When it is determined that the variation pattern is a non-reach loss variation pattern (step S411; Yes), transmission setting of a prize determination result designation command that designates "non-reach loss" as a determination result is performed (step S412). "01" as the EXT data for the winning determination result of "Super reach loss" (the determination result that the variable display result of the special drawing game held this time is lost and the reach is not established by the variable display of the decorative pattern) 7 is set (see FIG. 7B), the transmission setting of the winning determination result designation command in which the numerical value is set as EXT data is performed.

When it is determined that the variation pattern is not the non-reach-miss variation pattern (step S411; No) (when the variation pattern specifies normal reach), the process of step S413 described above is performed. Also, when the starting opening buffer value is not "2" (step S404; No), the processing of step S413 described above is performed. By limiting the execution of the look-ahead change effect for the first start prize in the time saving state and the first start prize in the big hit game state (by setting the judgment result to “no judgment”), at an inappropriate timing. It is possible to prevent the prefetch change effect from being executed.

After steps S408, S410, S412, and S413, the winning random number determination process ends. In the prize winning random number determination process, pre-reading determination (steps S405, S407, S409, S411) is performed on the suspended special figure game, and transmission setting of the prize-time determination result designation command according to the pre-reading determination is performed.

It should be noted that one set of each command (start winning award designation command, special figure reserved memory number addition designation command, winning award determination result designation command) that is set to be transmitted in the process is a command for starting award winning, and command control thereafter. The data are collectively transmitted in the processing (the transmission order is the above-mentioned transmission setting order, and the order is the winning award designation command→special figure reserved memory number addition designation command→award determination result designation command). The set of the first start winning award designation command, the first special figure reserved memory number addition designation command, and the winning judgment result designation command is referred to as a first start winning award command, the second starting award designation command, the second special figure hold A set of the memory number addition designation command and the winning determination result designation command is referred to as a second start winning command.

Returning to FIG. 5, after the winning random number determination process of step S211, the CPU 103 determines whether the starting opening buffer value is “1” or “2” (step S212). At this time, if the starting opening buffer value is "2" (step S212; "2"), the starting opening buffer is cleared and the stored value (starting opening buffer value) is initialized to "0" ( (Step S213), the start winning determination process is ended. On the other hand, when the starting opening buffer value is "1" (step S212; "1"), the starting opening buffer is cleared and the stored value (starting opening buffer value) is initialized to "0". From (step S214), the process proceeds to step S204. As a result, even when both the first starting opening switch 22A and the second starting opening switch 22B simultaneously detect a valid starting winning of a game ball, the processing based on the detection of both effective starting winnings can be surely completed.

Returning to FIG. 4, after executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects one of the processes of steps S110 to S117 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. Then run.

The special symbol normal process of step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0". FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S110 as the special symbol normal process.

In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the second special symbol reservation storage number is "0" (step S231). The CPU 103 may determine whether or not the second special figure reservation storage number count value is “0”.

When the number of the second special figure reservation storages is other than "0" in step S231 (step S231; No), for example, the head area of the second special figure reservation storage unit (for example, the storage area corresponding to the reservation number "1") Numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value, which is the reserved data stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102, is read (step S232). As a result, the game random number extracted in response to the occurrence of the start winning (the second starting winning) at the second starting winning opening in the process of step S209 is read. The numerical data read at this time may be temporarily stored by being stored in, for example, a random number buffer for fluctuation.

Following the process of step S232, the second special figure reservation storage number is updated by subtracting 1 from the second special figure reservation storage number, and the second special figure is updated. The contents stored in the hold storage unit are shifted (step S233). For example, the reserved data stored in the storage area lower than the suspension number "1" (storage area corresponding to the suspension numbers "2" to "4") in the second special figure suspension storage unit is stored in the upper order (one entry at a time). It shifts to the holding numbers "1" to "3"). Further, in the process of step S233, the total number of pending storages may be updated by subtracting one. Then, the variable special map designation buffer value, which is the stored value of the variable special figure designation buffer provided in the predetermined area of the RAM 102, is updated to "2" (step S234).

When the second special figure reservation storage number is "0" in step S231 (step S231; Yes), it is determined whether the first special figure reservation storage number is "0" (step S235). The CPU 103 may determine whether or not the first special figure reserved storage number count value is “0”. Thus, the process of step S235 is executed when it is determined in step S231 that the second special figure pending storage number is "0", and the first special figure pending storage number is "0". Or not. As a result, the second special figure game is started to be executed with priority over the first special figure game.

When the number of first special figure reservation storages is other than "0" in step S235 (step S235; No), for example, the first area of the first special figure reservation storage unit (for example, the storage area corresponding to the reservation number "1") Numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value, which is the reserved data stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 102, is read (step S236). As a result, the game random numbers (numerical data of the random number values MR1 to MR3) extracted in response to the occurrence of the start winning (first starting winning) at the first starting winning opening in the process of step S209 are read. The numerical value data (numerical value data of the random number values MR1 to MR3) read at this time may be stored in, for example, a fluctuation random number buffer or the like and temporarily stored.

Subsequent to the processing of step S236, the first special figure reservation storage number is updated by subtracting 1 from the first special figure reservation storage number, and the first special figure is updated. The contents stored in the hold storage unit are shifted (step S237). For example, the reserved data stored in the storage area lower than the suspension number "1" (storage area corresponding to the suspension numbers "2" to "4") in the first special figure suspension storage unit is stored in an upper order (one entry at a time). It shifts to the holding numbers "1" to "3"). In addition, in the process of step S237, the total number of pending storages may be updated by subtracting one. Then, the variable special map designation buffer value is updated to "1" (step S238).

After performing either of the processing of steps S234 and S238, the special symbol display result which is the variable display result of the special symbol is determined to be either "big hit" or "miss" (step S239). As an example, in the processing of step S239, when the current state is the normal state (when the probability variation flag is off), the CPU 103 refers to the first special figure display result determination table shown in FIG. In the probability variation state (when the probability variation flag is on), the special figure display result is determined with reference to the second special figure display result determination table shown in FIG. 9(B). In each special figure display result determination table, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the numerical value (decision value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is the “big hit” or “miss”. Be assigned to. The first special figure display result determination table and the second special figure display result determination table are prepared by being stored in the ROM 101 in advance.

In step S239, the CPU 103 reads out the numerical value data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result included in the random numbers for playing temporarily stored in the random number buffer for changing in step S232 or S236 from the random number buffer for reading and reads it out. Based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1, the first or second special character display result determination table or the second special character display result determination table is referred to depending on whether the state is the probable variation state or not. In the figure display result determination table, the "big hit" or "miss" assigned to the determination value that matches the random number value MR1 may be determined as the special figure display result (variable display result of the special symbol) this time. When the random number value MR1 is "9000", the CPU 103 refers to the second special figure display result determination table to determine that the special figure display result is "big hit" in the probability variation state, and in the non-probability variation state, It is determined that the special figure display result is set to "miss" by referring to the first special figure display result determination table.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the probability variation state, the special figure display result is determined as “big hit” at a higher determination rate than in the non-probability variation state. Therefore, for example, by the jackpot ending process of step S117 shown in FIG. 4 (details will be described later), the probability variation flag is set to the ON state in response to the case where the jackpot type is “probability variation”. When the current state is the probability variation state, the special figure display result is more likely to be “big hit” and is likely to be the big hit game state than in the non-probability variation state (normal state). That is, when the current state is the probability change state, it is advantageous for the player.

After that, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the special figure display result determined by the process of step S239 is “big hit” (step S240). When the special figure display result is determined to be "big hit" (step S240; Yes), a big hit flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is set to an on state (step S241).

Then, the jackpot type is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S242). As an example, in the process of step S242, the jackpot type is determined by referring to the jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 10) prepared by being stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance. In the jackpot type determination table, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a numerical value (decision value) that is compared with the random number value MR2 for jackpot type determination is assigned to the “probability” or “probability variation” that is the determination result. Good.

The CPU 103 reads out numerical data indicating the jackpot type determining random number MR2 included in the game random numbers temporarily stored in the variation random number buffer in step S232 or S236 from the variation random number buffer and reads from the variation random number buffer. Based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for determining the type, the jackpot type determination table set in the use table is referred to, and the determination value that matches the random number value MR2 in the referred jackpot type determination table is assigned. Either "probability" or "probability change" may be determined as the type of big hit this time.

After executing the processing of step S242, the jackpot type determined previously is stored (step S243). The CPU 103, in a big hit type buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, sets a big hit type buffer set value indicating the result of determination of the big hit type (for example, "0" for "probability", " By storing the value "1"), the jackpot type may be stored.

When the special figure display result is not the "big hit" (step S240; No), after step S243, the fixed special symbol which is the variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is determined (step S246). As an example, when it is determined that the special figure display result is not "big hit" in step S240 (when the big hit flag is in the off state), a special symbol that is predetermined as a lost symbol (for example, "-") Is determined as a confirmed special symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S240 that the special figure display result is "big hit" (when the big hit flag is in the on state), the big hit type buffer set value is set according to the big hit type determination result in step S242. Depending on the), one of the special symbols predetermined as a jackpot pattern of a plurality of types (for example, "3" when "probability", "7" when "probability") is determined as a fixed special symbol. Good.

After executing the process of step S246, after updating the value of the special figure process flag to "1" (step S247), the special symbol normal process is ended.

In step S235, if the number of pending storage of the first special figure game is "0" (step S235; Yes), after performing a predetermined demo display setting (step S248), the special symbol normal processing is ended. .. In this demo display setting, a production control command (demo display start designation command) for designating the start of the demonstration display (demonstration screen display) by displaying a predetermined production image on the image display device 5 is sent from the main board 11. It is determined whether it has been transmitted to the effect control board 12. At this time, if it has been transmitted, the demo display setting is ended as it is. On the other hand, if it has not been transmitted, the demo display start designation command is transmitted and set, and then the demo display setting is ended. The production control board 12 displays a demo screen when the demo display start designation command is transmitted.

The variation pattern setting process of step S111 of FIG. 4 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "1". FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed in step S111 as the variation pattern setting processing.

In the fluctuation pattern setting process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the jackpot flag is on (step S261). When the big hit flag is on (step S261; Yes), the big hit variation pattern is determined by referring to the big hit variation pattern determination table (stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance) (step S262). ). When the big hit flag is off (step S261; No), the variation pattern for loss is determined by referring to the variation pattern determination table for loss (prestored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101) (step S263).

FIG. 12 shows a specific example of the variation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, variation patterns PA1-1, PA2-1, PA3-2 to PA3-4 are prepared as variation patterns at the time of loss (variation patterns selected when the variable display result is "miss"). ing. Further, fluctuation patterns PB3-2 to PB3-4 are prepared as the fluctuation patterns at the time of probability variation big hit (variation patterns selected when the variable display result is “probability variation big hit”). Further, fluctuation patterns PC1-1 and PC3-2 are prepared as the fluctuation patterns at the time of a sudden big hit (variation patterns selected when the variable display result is “a sudden big hit”).

The fluctuation patterns PA1-1 and PA2-1 of the loss-time fluctuation pattern are non-reach fluctuation patterns that specify non-reach (that the variable display mode does not reach). The variation pattern PA2-1 is a non-reach variation pattern for time saving (with shortening) in which the special figure variation time is shorter than the normal (PA1-1). The variation pattern PA3-2 of the loss-time variation pattern is a reach variation pattern that specifies execution of normal reach (no development into super reach). The variation pattern PA3-3 is a reach variation pattern that specifies that normal reach execution is to evolve to super reach A. The variation pattern PA3-4 is a reach variation pattern that specifies that the execution of the normal reach is expanded to the super reach B.

The variation pattern PB3-2 of the variation pattern at the time of big hit is a reach variation pattern that specifies execution of normal reach (no development to super reach). The variation pattern PB3-3 is a reach variation pattern that specifies that the normal reach execution is changed to the super reach A. The variation pattern PB3-4 is a reach variation pattern that specifies the execution of normal reach to evolve to super reach B. Fluctuation pattern PC1-1 is a non-reach fluctuation pattern that specifies non-reach, and fluctuation pattern PC3-2 is a reach fluctuation pattern that specifies execution of normal reach (no development to super-reach).

In this embodiment, among the above-mentioned fluctuation patterns, the fluctuation patterns PA1-1 and PC1-1 are corresponding fluctuation patterns, and the fluctuation patterns PA3-2, PB3-2 and PC3-2 are corresponding. The patterns are variable, and the same effect can be executed from the start of the variable display to the middle (for example, immediately before the derivation of the variable display result). As a result, until the timing in the middle, it is not possible to know whether the variable display result is “miss”, “probable big hit”, or “probably variable big hit”. Similarly, the variation pattern PA3-3 and the variation pattern PB3-3 are corresponding variation patterns, and the variation pattern PA3-4 and the variation pattern PB3-4 are corresponding variation patterns. The same effect can be executed from the start of the variable display to the middle (for example, immediately before the derivation of the variable display result). As a result, until the timing in the middle, it is not possible to know whether the variable display result is “miss” or “probably variable big hit”. As is clear from the variation pattern, in the case of "a sudden big hit", non-reach or normal reach is executed and super reach is not executed (see also FIG. 13).

In step S262, for example, the first jackpot variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13(A) (refer to when the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer setting value is “probable change”) or FIG. 13(B). The second jackpot variation pattern determination table (refer to when the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer setting value is “probability”) is referred to. As shown in FIG. 13A, in the first big hit variation pattern determination table, the numerical value (decision value) that is compared with the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination is the determination result, which is the variation at the time of the big hit at the time of the probability variation big hit. It may be assigned to any of the patterns (any of the variation patterns PB3-2 to PB3-4). As shown in FIG. 13B, in the second jackpot variation pattern determination table, a numerical value (decision value) that is compared with the random number value MR3 for varying pattern determination is the determination result, and the jackpot variation during the sudden jackpot. It may be assigned to any of the patterns (variation pattern PC1-1 or PC3-2).

In step S262, the CPU 103, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination read out from the random number buffer for fluctuation, according to the big hit type, the first big hit fluctuation pattern determination table or the second big hit fluctuation pattern. It suffices to refer to the determination table and determine (select) one of the variation patterns assigned to the determination value that matches the random number value MR3 in the referred jackpot variation pattern determination table as the current jackpot variation pattern.

In addition, in FIG. 13, the determination ratio is described instead of the range of the determination value. In the actual table, it is sufficient that the determined values in the range corresponding to the determined ratio in FIG. 13 are assigned to each variation pattern. For example, in FIG. 13A, the determination rate of the variation pattern PB3-2 is 10/100, the determination rate of the variation pattern PB3-3 is 20/100, and the determination rate of the variation pattern PB3-4 is 70/. Since it is 100, the variation patterns PB3-2 are assigned decision values 1 to 10 (10% range) to be compared with the random number value MR3, and the variation patterns PB3-3 are decision values 11 to 11 to be compared with the random number value MR3. 30 (20% range) is assigned, and the variation patterns PB3-4 are assigned decision values 31 to 100 (70% range) that are compared with the random number value MR3. The same applies to other tables in which the determination rates are described and determination examples described later.

In step S263, when the current game state is the normal state (when the time saving flag is in the off state), for example, the first loss variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 14A is referred to. In the case where the current game state is the time saving state (in this embodiment, this is also the time when it is the probability changing state) (when the time saving flag is in the ON state), for example, the variation for the second loss shown in FIG. 14(B). Refer to the pattern determination table.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the first to second variation pattern determination patterns for loss, for example, a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is the variation pattern at the time of loss that is the determination result. It may be allocated to any one (variation pattern PA1-1, PA3-2 to PA3-4, or variation pattern PA1-1, PA2-1, PA3-2 to PA3-4). ..

In step S263, the CPU 103 refers to and refers to either the first or the second loss variation pattern determination table based on the numerical data indicating the variation pattern determination random number MR3 read from the variation random number buffer. It is only necessary to determine (select) one of the variation patterns assigned to the determination value that matches the random number value MR3 in the first or second variation pattern determination table for loss as the current variation pattern for loss.

In the variation pattern determination table for loss shown in FIG. 14, it is easy to select a variation pattern PA2-1 having a short special figure variation time in the time saving state, and in the time saving state, in the non-time saving state (normal state). It is possible to reduce the average variable display time, suppress the occurrence of invalid starting winnings, and reduce the player's stoppage of the game ball (so-called “stop hit”). In addition, the frequency of execution of variable display can be increased.

Referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in the case of a probability variation big hit, a variation pattern PB3-4 that executes super-reach B, a variation pattern PB3-3 that executes super-reach A, a variation pattern that executes normal-reach (developed from normal reach to super-reach Fluctuation pattern) PB3-2 has a higher determination rate in order (see FIG. 13A). On the other hand, the determination rate of each variation pattern at the time of losing is opposite (PA3-2>PA3-3>PA3-4). Therefore, when the super reach B is executed, the variable display result is “probable variation big hit” at the highest rate. Then, in the order of super reach A and normal reach, the rate at which the variable display result is “probably variable big hit” (so-called big hit expectation degree) decreases.

After executing step S262 or S263, the special figure variation time (also referred to as variation time) that is the variable display time of the special symbol is set (step S266). The special symbol variation time, which is the variable display time of the special symbol, the fixed special symbol that is the variable display result (special symbol display result) is derived and displayed after the variation of the special symbol is started in the special symbol game (variable display end Time). The special figure variation time is designated by each variation pattern (see FIG. 12 ), and the CPU 103 sets the special figure variation time designated by the variation pattern selected in the process of step S262 or S263 to obtain a special symbol or a decorative pattern. The timing of deriving the variable display result of the variable display can be set. The special figure fluctuation time is set by, for example, setting a timer value according to the special figure fluctuation time in a game control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102.

Following the processing of step S266, of the first special symbol game on the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol game on the second special symbol display device 4B, any special symbol for which the start condition is satisfied The setting for starting the variation of the special symbol is performed so as to start the game (step S267).

As an example, if the variable special figure designation buffer value is "1", a setting is made to transmit a drive signal for updating the display of the first special figure on the first special symbol display device 4A. On the other hand, if the variable special figure designation buffer value is "2", the setting for transmitting a drive signal for updating the display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B is performed.

When the first special figure game is started, the CPU 103 controls the first reserved display device 25A to display a display capable of specifying the subtracted number of the first special figure reserved memory by one. May be performed (for example, the number of lit LEDs is reduced by 1). Further, when starting the second special figure game, the CPU 103 controls the second pending display device 25B to display a display capable of specifying the number of the second special figure pending storage subtracted by one. May be performed (for example, the number of lit LEDs is reduced by 1).

Then, in order to notify the effect control board 12 side of the special figure display result and the determination result of the variation pattern, the transmission setting of the command (variation start time command) at the time of the variation start of the special symbol is performed (step S271).

For example, when the variation special figure designation buffer value is "1", as the variation start command corresponding to the first special figure game, the display result designation command (designation command indicating the present variable display result), the background designation command ( A command that sets a numerical value according to the current game state (which can be specified by the time saving flag and the probability variation flag) as EXT data), a first special figure reserved storage number subtraction designation command, a variation pattern designation command (of the first special figure game) A transmission setting for sequentially transmitting a command in which a numerical value corresponding to the execution and the current variation pattern is set as EXT data) is set.

On the other hand, when the variation special figure designation buffer value is “2”, as the variation start time command corresponding to the second special figure game, the display result designation command (designation command indicating the present variable display result), the background designation command ( A command according to the current game state), a second special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation command, a variation pattern designation command (a command that sets a numerical value according to the execution of the second special figure game and the present variation pattern as EXT data) ) Is set to send sequentially.

Each of the above commands is sequentially transmitted by one timer interrupt in the subsequent command control processing.

After the process of step S271 is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2" (step S272), and then the fluctuation pattern setting process is ended.

The special symbol variation process of step S112 of FIG. 4 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2".

In the special symbol variation process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the special symbol variation time set in step S111 has elapsed (whether or not it is the timing to derive the special symbol display result). For example, whether or not the special figure variation time has elapsed by subtracting 1 from the timer value of the game control process timer whose initial value has been set in step S111 and determining whether the subtracted timer value has become "0" It may be determined whether or not.

When the timer value (timer value after subtracting 1) of the game control process timer is not 0, the special figure change time has not elapsed, so control for executing variable display of special figure in the special figure game (for example, Update the display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (including the update for maintaining the display of the special symbol for a predetermined time as appropriate. The same applies hereinafter) Control to transmit a drive signal) and the like, and the first special symbol The display device 4A or the second special symbol display device 4B performs a process for varying the special symbol, and ends the special symbol variation process.

On the other hand, the timer value of the game control process timer becomes 0, when the elapsed time from the start of the variation of the special symbol reaches the special symbol variation time, the first special symbol display device 4A or the second special symbol display Control is performed to stop the fluctuation of the special symbol in the device 4B, and the fixed special symbol that is the variable display result of the special symbol (the fixed special symbol set in step S110) is stopped (derived display) (the fixed special symbol is It is preferable to control so as to continue displaying for a predetermined time.), transmission setting of the symbol fixing designation command is performed, and the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "3".

By repeatedly executing step S112 each time a timer interrupt occurs, variable display of special symbols, derivation display of fixed special symbols, and the like are realized.

The special symbol stop process of step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3".

In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 103 determines whether the big hit flag is in the on state.

When the jackpot flag is in the on state, the time saving flag and the probability variation flag are reset (turned off), and the remaining number of variable displays executed in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 during the time shortening state and the probability variation state is set. A process of resetting the count value of the remaining number counter for counting to "0" is performed. Then, the timer value corresponding to the fanfare wait time (waiting time from the start to the end of the fanfare in the big hit game state, which is a predetermined time) is set in the game control process timer as an initial value. After that, a hit start designation command (“XX” in the command includes a numerical value corresponding to the big hit type specified based on the big hit type buffer setting value (for example, “00” for “actual probability”, “01” for “probable change”). Etc.) is set.) is set, and the special symbol process flag is updated to “4” to end the special symbol stop processing.

When the big hit flag is in the off state (when the variable display result is "miss"), it is determined whether the time saving flag and the probability variation flag are in the on state, and when it is in the on state, the remaining number counter counts. Subtract the value by "1". After that, it is determined whether the count value after subtracting “1” is “0”, and when the count value is “0”, the end condition for ending the time saving state and the probability variation state is satisfied (that is, Since the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times that can be executed in the time saving state and the probability changing state), the time saving flag and the probability changing flag are turned off to end the time saving state and the probability changing state. If the time saving flag and the probability variation flag are off, the count value after subtracting "1" is not "0", or if the time saving flag and the probability variation flag are off, the value of the special process flag Is updated to “0” and the special symbol stop processing is ended.

The big hit opening preprocessing of step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "4".

In this jackpot opening preprocessing, for example, the timer value of the game control process timer is decremented by 1.

If the timer value after the subtraction is not "0", it means that the fanfare waiting time has not yet elapsed, so the jackpot opening preprocessing is ended.

If the timer value after the subtraction is "0", the fanfare wait time has elapsed, and it is the timing to start the round game. In this case, the process of starting the round game in the big hit game state to open the special winning opening (for example, the process of transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door), the big winning opening Set the timer initial value that corresponds to the upper limit of the period for which is opened (29 seconds when the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer setting value is "probable variation", 0.5 seconds when it is "probable"). The process of setting the game control process timer, the process of setting "1" indicating the first round as the initial value to the round number counter for counting the round game provided in the RAM 102, the count value of the round number counter (round This is a number, and here, a transmission setting of a special winning opening opening designation command in which a numerical value (here, “00”) corresponding to “1” is set as EXT data is executed. When processing such as opening the special winning opening is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5".

By repeating step S114 each time a timer interrupt occurs, waiting for the start timing of the round game (waiting for the end of fanfare) and opening of the special winning opening are realized.

The big hit opening process in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "5".

In this big hit open process, the process of subtracting 1 from the timer value of the game control process timer, the timer value after subtracting 1 or the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23 in one round game (switch In the processing, the determination result that the count switch 23 is determined to be turned on is counted by a counter (provided in the RAM 102) that counts by 1 each time it is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102. It includes a process of determining whether or not it is time to return the special winning opening from the open state to the closed state (or may be partially opened).

When it is determined that the timer value after subtracting 1 becomes 0 or the number of detected game balls (count value of the counter) has reached a predetermined number (for example, 9), the special winning opening is closed. Since it is time to perform, processing for returning the special winning opening to the closed state (for example, processing for stopping transmission of a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the special winning opening door to turn off the solenoid 82), It corresponds to the process of setting the timer value corresponding to the closing period of the winning opening (the interval period of the round game, which is a preset period) in the game control process timer, and the count value of the round number counter (round number). The transmission setting of the designated command after opening the special winning opening is executed by setting a numerical value (“00” if the count value is “1”, “01” if it is “2”, “02” if it is “3”, etc.) as EXT data. It When the special winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6", and the big hit opening process is ended.

When the timer value after subtracting 1 does not become 0 and the number of detected game balls does not reach the predetermined number, the process of maintaining the open state of the special winning opening (for example, the solenoid drive signal The process of continuing the supply) is performed to end the process during the big hit opening.

By repeating step S115 each time a timer interrupt occurs, the open state of the special winning opening is maintained until the timing of returning the special winning opening from the open state to the closed state, and finally the special winning opening is closed.

The post-big hit opening process of step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6".

In this jackpot opening post-processing, the count value of the round number counter is an upper limit value according to the jackpot type (when the jackpot type specified based on the jackpot type buffer setting value is "probable change", "15" or "probable"). At this time, a process of determining whether or not it has become "2"), a process of decrementing the timer value of the game control process timer by 1 when the upper limit value is not reached, and the like are performed.

When it is determined that the count value of the round number counter has reached the upper limit value, it means that the round game has reached the upper limit number of times, so the ending waiting time (from the start of the ending in the jackpot gaming state) to the game control process timer It is a waiting time until the end, which is a predetermined time.) The timer value corresponding to () is set in the game control process timer. In addition, a hit end designation command (“XX” in the command includes a numerical value corresponding to the big hit type specified based on the big hit type buffer setting value (for example, “00” for “probability”, “01” for “probability change”). , Etc.) is set.) and the special figure process flag is updated to “7”.

If the timer value of the game control process timer is decremented by 1, it is determined whether the timer value after decrementing by 1 is 0. If it is not 0, it is not the start timing of the round game, so the closed state. Is maintained and the processing after the jackpot opening ends. If it is 0, it is the start timing of the round game, so the process for opening the special winning opening, the timer value corresponding to the upper limit (here, 29 seconds) of the period for opening the special winning opening Is set in the game control process timer, a process of adding 1 to the count value of the round number counter, a value corresponding to the count value (round number) after addition (“01”, “3” if the count value is “2”) If so, "02" or the like) is set as the EXT data, and the transmission setting of the special winning opening open designation command is executed. When processing such as opening the special winning opening is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5".

Each round game is realized by repeatedly executing S115 and S116 each time a timer interrupt occurs after the special winning opening is opened in step S114.

The big hit ending process of step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "7". In the big hit ending process, a process of reducing the timer value of the game control process timer by 1 or the like is performed.

If the timer value decremented by 1 is not 0, the ending has not ended, so the jackpot end process ends.

When the timer value decremented by 1 becomes 0, the ending is completed, so the states of the time saving flag, the probability variation flag, the remaining number counter, etc. are set. In this embodiment, even if it is a "probable big hit" or "probable variation big hit", the game state and the end condition thereafter do not change, so the probability variation flag and the time saving flag are turned on regardless of the type of big hit, and the remaining number of times "100" is set to the counter as the count initial value (see FIG. 10). As a result, the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state becomes a highly accurate and high base state regardless of the jackpot type. In addition, the upper limit number of times of variable display executed in the one highly accurate and high base state is set to 100 times. After setting the states such as the time saving flag, the remaining number counter, and the probability variation flag, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0".

In the above series of processing, when the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”, one variable display or the like is finished, so a game control process timer, a jackpot type buffer set value, Various data such as the count value of the remaining number counter and the states of various flags (things that should not be carried over to the next variable display) may be reset appropriately.

Next, the main operation of the effect control board 12 will be described.

In the effect control board 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated to execute, for example, a predetermined effect control main process. When the effect control main process is started, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process to clear the RAM 122 and set various initial values, and the CTC (counter/timer) mounted on the effect control board 12. Circuit) register setting.

After that, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a timer interrupt flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is turned on. The timer interrupt flag is a timer interrupt process that is executed separately from the effect control main process, and is based on, for example, CTC register settings, for a predetermined time (for example, 33 ms corresponding to the image display cycle of the image display device 5). Is set to ON each time. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off, it waits. For this reason, the command analysis process, the effect control process process, and the like, which will be described later, are executed every time a timer interrupt occurs (every 33 ms).

On the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving the effect control command from the main board 11 is generated in addition to the timer interrupt that is generated each time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is, for example, an interrupt generated when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on.

When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt disable, but if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt disable state is used, an interrupt occurs. It is desirable to issue a prohibition instruction (DI instruction).

The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to the interrupt caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt processing, among the input ports included in the I/O 125, a predetermined input port that receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 receives a control signal to be a production control command. Take in. The effect control command fetched at this time is stored in, for example, the effect control command receiving buffer provided in the RAM 122.

After that, the production control CPU 120 sets the interrupt permission, and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on, the timer interrupt flag is cleared to the off state and the command analysis process is executed. In the command analysis process, for example, the effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer is read and analyzed, and settings and control corresponding to the analysis result are performed. To do.

After executing the command analysis process, the effect control process process is executed. In the production control process processing, determination, determination, and setting of control contents of production operation using various production devices according to production control commands (commands analyzed by the command analysis processing) transmitted from the main board 11 and the like. And so on. Following the effect control process processing, effect random number updating processing is executed. In the production random number updating process, numerical data indicating the production random numbers counted by the random counter of the RAM 122 is updated by software as various random number values used for production control. After that, the determination as to whether or not the timer interrupt flag is turned on is executed again.

Next, the command analysis process will be described. In the command analysis process, the received command (the effect control command received by the effect control board 12) stored in the effect control command receiving buffer is analyzed (for example, the MODE data is confirmed), and the effect command concerned determines which effect control. Whether or not it is a command is specified, and processing according to the specified effect control command is performed. When a plurality of received commands are stored in the effect control command receiving buffer, in one command analysis process, all received commands are analyzed in the order of reception and processes according to the analysis result.

FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the effect control command (effect control command name) specified by the analysis by the command analysis process and the processing content performed in the command analysis process corresponding to the effect control command. The command reception flags, command storage areas, and command buffers shown in FIG. 15 are provided in predetermined areas of the RAM 122. Further, “set” for each command reception flag means to turn the flag on. It should be noted that the state of each command reception flag and the command stored in each command storage area may be reset or erased at an appropriate timing (reset or erase at a timing when it is not necessary to check the flag state or command). It may be erased.).

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, in the command analysis processing, effect mode value setting processing is performed when the background designation command is received (details will be described later).

As shown in FIG. 16(A), a hold display number (first hold display number) serving as a buffer number is set in the first start prize-winning command buffer. A set of commands consisting of a first start winning prize designation command, a first special figure reserved memory number addition designation command, and a winning determination result designation command (first starting winning prize transmitted from the main board 11 at the time of first starting prize) The hour command) is stored in order from the beginning of the free area in the storage area corresponding to the first hold display numbers “1” to “4”.

As shown in FIG. 16(B), a hold display number (second hold display number) which is a buffer number is set in the second start prize-winning command buffer. A set of commands consisting of a second start winning award designation command, a second special figure reserved memory number addition designation command, and a winning result determination result designation command (the second starting award transmitted from the main board 11 at the time of the second starting award) The hour command) is stored in order from the beginning of the free area in the storage area corresponding to the second hold display numbers “1” to “4”.

In addition, when the winning determination result designation command is transmitted together with the first start winning designation command and the first special figure reservation storage number addition designation command, it is stored in the first starting prize command buffer, and the second starting winning designation command. When it is transmitted together with the second special figure reserved storage number addition designation command, it is stored in the second start winning award command buffer. For example, the winning judgment result designation command is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved display number in which the start winning prize designation command and the special figure pending storage number addition designation command are stored, but the winning judgment result designation command is not stored. It should be stored. Alternatively, information that can specify the storage location (held display number) of the newly stored start winning award designation command is stored in the RAM 122, and at the time of analysis of the winning determination result designation command, the information is stored in the reserved display number identified by the information. The winning determination result specification command may be stored correspondingly. Also, a first winning determination result specifying command is prepared as a winning determination result specifying command when the first starting winning occurs, and a second winning determination result specifying command is provided as a winning determination result specifying command when the second starting winning occurs. The first winning determination result designation command may be stored in the first start winning command buffer and the second winning determination result designation command may be stored in the second starting prize command buffer.

When the winning determination result designation command is stored in the first start winning command buffer, the first winning determination result designation command reception flag is set (turned on). When the winning determination result designation command is stored in the second start winning command buffer, the second winning determination result designation command reception flag is set (turned on). Since the winning determination result specification command is transmitted last among the one set of the starting winning commands, depending on the state of the flag, the receiving of one set of the starting winning commands and the starting winning command You can see if it was stored in the buffer.

Since the first start prize command is transmitted from the main board 11 in response to the occurrence of the hold of the first special figure game, when the hold of the first special figure game is generated (when the first start prize is generated). Means that the set of received commands (first start-winning command) stored in the first start-winning command buffer is increased by one. Since the second start prize command is transmitted from the main board 11 in response to the occurrence of the hold of the second special figure game, in response to the occurrence of the hold of the second special figure game, at the time of the second start prize The set of received commands (second start winning command) stored in the command buffer is increased by one.

Further, as will be described later in detail, when the first special figure game is executed, the first start prize-winning commands stored in correspondence with the first reserved display numbers “2” to “4” are respectively the higher numbered commands. 1 Shift to the hold display number "1" to "3" (see step S322A described later). Similarly, when the second special figure game is executed, the second start prize-winning commands stored in correspondence with the second hold display numbers “2” to “4” are the second hold display numbers of higher numbers. Shift to "1" to "3" (see step S322A described later).

Due to the above, the first start prize command and the hold data are stored corresponding to the same number in the hold display number of the first start prize command buffer and the hold number of the first special figure hold storage unit. (And the first special figure game corresponding to the hold data), and the number of the first start winning prize commands stored in the first start winning prize command buffer is the same as that of the first special prize game. It is the same as the number of 1 special map reservation memory. In addition, the second start winning command and hold data (and the hold data) stored corresponding to the same number in the hold display number of the second start prize command buffer and the hold number of the second special figure hold storage unit. Corresponding to the second special figure game), and the number of the second start prize-winning commands stored in the second start prize-winning command buffer is the second special figure pending storage of the second special figure game. Will be the same as the number.

Further, the respective hold display numbers in the first start prize-winning command buffer and the second start prize-winning command buffer also correspond to the respective display positions of the hold display images. Specifically, each hold display number in the first start-winning command buffer corresponds to each display position of the first hold display image provided in the area 5Ha of the display area 5H, and the hold display number "1" is Corresponding to the rightmost display position in the area 5Ha, the reserved display number "2" corresponds to the second display position from the right in the area 5Ha, and the reserved display number "3" is the third display position from the right in the area 5Ha. The hold display number “4” corresponds to the fourth (rightmost) display position from the right in the area 5Ha. Specifically, each hold display number of the second start winning award command buffer corresponds to each display position of the second hold display image provided in the area 5Hb of the display area 5H, and the hold display number "1" is Corresponding to the leftmost display position in the area 5Hb, the hold display number "2" corresponds to the second display position from the left in the area 5Hb, and the hold display number "3" is the third display position from the left in the area 5Hb. The hold display number “4” corresponds to the fourth (rightmost) display position from the left in the area 5Hb.

Further, in the first start winning award command buffer and the second starting award command buffer, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect (see FIG. 22 to FIG. 25, which will be described later in detail) is stored corresponding to each hold display number. A storage area for storing the data is provided. The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect indicates a change pattern of display colors of the hold display image and the active display image. When the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the command buffer at the time of winning a prize, the special figure game (variable display of decorative design, hold display image, etc.) corresponding to the hold display number corresponding to the execution pattern is targeted. It indicates that the prefetch change effect is executed in the execution pattern. The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect shifts to a higher reserved display number together with the start winning award command at the start of variable display (see step S322A described later). As will be described later in detail, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is checked at the start of execution of the variable display, and the execution setting of the look-ahead change effect in the variable display is performed.

In the command buffer at the time of winning a prize of FIG. 16, "0000 (H)" indicates that no command is stored, and "-" in the column of the look-ahead change effect execution pattern indicates the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect. It is not stored (the look-ahead change effect targeting the special figure game corresponding to the hold display number corresponding to the execution pattern is not executed).

Here, the effect mode value setting process executed when the background designation command is received in the command analysis process will be described. The effect mode value is a value that specifies the effect mode prepared in this embodiment, and is a value that is stored, managed, and updated in the RAM 122 (the initial value is “00”).

Here, the effect mode will be described with reference to FIG. 17 (also refer to FIGS. 30 to 34, etc., if necessary). In this embodiment, a normal mode, a first transition mode, a first battle mode, a second battle mode, and a second transition mode are prepared as basic effect modes. The first battle mode and the second battle mode may be collectively referred to as a battle mode. Alternatively, the first transition mode and the second transition mode may be collectively referred to as a transition mode.

The normal mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is "00". The normal mode is an effect mode when the game state is the normal state. However, after the probability change state (and the time saving state) ends and after shifting to the normal state (variable display 100 times in the probability change state after the jackpot game state (variable display of special figure games and decorative patterns) ends. After), the production mode when the first (the 101st after the big hit game state) to the 15th (115th after the big hit game state) variable display is executed, even if the game state is the normal state, The first transition mode is set instead of the normal mode (the 16th time and thereafter returns to the normal mode).

The first transition mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is "01". As described above, the first transition mode is an effect mode when the first to fifteenth variable displays are executed after the transition to the normal state. The first transition mode may be a mode in which a background is displayed to make the player recognize that the probability variation state has ended or the like.

The first battle mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is "02". The second battle mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is "03". The first battle mode and the second battle mode are a production mode in which a predetermined ally character and an enemy character battle with each other (for example, the background and the enemy character are different between the first battle mode and the second battle mode). , Basically, it is an effect mode when the game state is in the probability change state. The player can select whether to control the effect mode to the first battle mode or the second battle mode in the big hit game state or the like. In addition, the "big hit" is derived and displayed in the variable display executed in the normal state (the "big hit" occurs), and the first to fifteenth decorative variable after the jackpot is controlled to the gaming state The production mode when the display is executed (that is, the production mode for the predetermined period immediately after the transition to the probability variation state) is the second battle mode, not the first battle mode or the second battle mode, even if the game state is the probability variation state. The transition mode is entered (the first battle mode or the second battle mode is entered from the 16th time onward).

The second transition mode is an effect mode when the effect mode value is "04". As described above, the second transition mode is an effect mode when the first to fifteenth variable displays are executed after the transition from the normal state before the big hit occurrence to the probability variation state. The second transition mode may be, for example, a mode in which a background is displayed to make the player recognize that the probability change state has started.

In this embodiment, in the normal mode and the second battle mode, the player can change the effect setting (here, change the appearance character (friend character)) (not changeable in other effect modes). Here, either character A or character B can be selected. Therefore, each of the normal mode and the second battle mode has a plurality of effect modes according to the appearing character, and is one of the plurality of effect modes. In other words, there are a normal mode of character A (a normal mode in which character A is selected and appears) and a normal mode of character B (a normal mode in which character B is selected and appears) as the normal mode, and the second battle mode is set. , A second battle mode of character A (a second battle mode in which character A is selected and appears) and a second battle mode of character B (a second battle mode in which character B is selected and appears). The player operates the stick controller 31A or the like to select either the character A or the character B (change the effect setting) (see step S553 described later). If the effect mode is one of the normal mode and the second battle mode when the operation is performed, the appearing character is changed to the character A or the character B (the change of the effect setting is reflected), and changed. Information indicating that is displayed on the screen of the image display device 5. When the operation is performed and the effect mode is neither the normal mode nor the second battle mode, the operation is not reflected, that is, the change in the effect setting is not reflected, and information about the change is also included. It is not displayed on the screen of the image display device 5.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart of an example of the effect mode value setting process. In the process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the background designation command received this time designates the normal state (the EXT data may be confirmed by a numerical value indicating the normal state) (step S901). When the normal state is designated (step S901; Yes), it is determined whether the effect-side probability variation flag provided in the RAM 122 is in the on state (step S902). The production side probability variation flag is a flag that can be switched on and off according to the game state designated by the background designation command, and when the game state is the probability variation state (time saving state) (when the background designation command designating the probability variation state is received). It is turned on. However, during the big hit game state when a big hit occurs in the probability variation state, the gaming state is the normal state, but the production side probability variation flag remains on (the background designation command is when the big hit game state starts. (Because it is not transmitted from the main board 11, but is transmitted from the main board 11 only when the fluctuation starts).

When the production side probability variation flag is in the ON state (step S902; Yes), it means that the main substrate 11 side has transitioned from the probability variation state to the normal state. The production mode value is updated to "01" to shift to the shift mode (step S903). After that, in order to count the number of variable displays for controlling in the first transition mode, "15" is set as a count initial value in the first transition mode fluctuation number counter (provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122) (step S904). , The production side probability change flag is turned off (step S905).

When the production side probability variation flag is in the off state (step S902; No), the game state is already in the normal state, so first it is determined whether the production mode value is "01" (step S906A), and "01". If it is (step S906A; Yes), since the current effect mode is the first transition mode, the count of the first transition mode fluctuation number counter is counted in order to count the number of variable displays executed in the first transition mode. The value is decremented by 1 (step S906B), then it is determined whether the count value after decrementing by 1 is "0" (step S907), and if it is "0" (step S907; Yes), the first shift has already been made. Since the variable display is executed 15 times in the mode, the first transition mode is ended and the effect mode is returned to the normal mode, so the effect mode value is updated to "00" (step S908).

When the effect mode value is not "01" (step S906A; No), and when the count value is not "0" (step S907; No), this processing is terminated after steps S905 and S908.

When the background specification command does not specify the normal state (when the probability variation state is specified) (step S901; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the effect side probability variation flag is in the off state (step S901). S911).

When the production side probability variation flag is in the off state (step S911; Yes), it means that there has been a transition from the normal state to the probability variation state via the jackpot gaming state, so the production mode is the first battle mode or the second battle mode. Before shifting to the mode, the effect mode value is updated to "04" to shift to the second shift mode (step S912). After that, in order to count the number of variable displays for controlling in the second transition mode, "15" is set as the count initial value in the second transition mode fluctuation number counter (provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122) (step S913). , The production side probability change flag is turned on (step S914).

When the production side probability variation flag is in the ON state (step S911; No), the game state is already in the probability variation state, so it is first determined whether the production mode value is "04" (step S915), "04". If it is (step S915; Yes), since the current effect mode is the second transition mode, the count of the second transition mode fluctuation number counter is counted in order to count the number of variable displays executed in the second transition mode. The value is decremented by 1 (step S916), and then it is determined whether the count value after decrementing by 1 is "0" (step S917), and when it is "0" (step S917; Yes), the second shift has already been made. Since the variable display is executed 15 times in the mode, in order to end the second transition mode and shift the effect mode to the first battle mode or the second battle mode, the effect mode value is a value according to the battle mode value. It is updated to (“02” or “03”) (step S918). As shown in FIG. 18B, the battle mode value is a value that can specify which of the first battle mode and the second battle mode the effect mode is to be shifted to (first battle mode (effect mode value. =“02”) or “01” corresponding to the second battle mode (rendering mode value=“03”), and is stored and managed in the RAM 122. The battle mode value may be updated by the player's selection operation of the battle mode in the jackpot gaming state (the initial value is "00") (see step S953 in FIG. 28 and the like). Therefore, the transition to the battle mode selected by the player is realized by step S918. The battle mode value may be reset to "00" when the effect mode value is updated in step S918.

When the effect mode value is not "04" (step S915; No), and when the count value is not "0" (step S917; No), this process is terminated after steps S914 and S918.

Next, the production control process processing will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process process. In the effect control process process shown in FIG. 19, the effect control CPU 120 first executes the look-ahead change effect setting process (step S161), and then the value of the effect process flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (first, " 0".), one of the following steps S170 to S175 is selected and executed.

First, the prefetch change effect setting process will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the prefetch change effect setting process.

In the prefetch change effect setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not a new start winning command has been received this time (step S671). For example, when the first winning determination result designation command reception flag or the second winning determination result designation command reception flag is in the ON state, a new start winning command buffer or a second starting winning command buffer is newly added. Since a set of start-up winning prize commands is stored, it is determined that a new start-up winning prize command has been received (step S671; Yes).

When both the first winning determination result designation command reception flag and the second winning determination result designation command reception flag are in the ON state, here, they are stored in the second start winning command buffer. It is determined that a new start prize command has been received, that is, the second start prize command has been newly received, and the following processing is performed.

It should be noted that, when a plurality of sets of start-winning commands are stored in the start-winning command buffer, the following processing may be performed for each set of start-winning commands. For example, whether the newly received command of this time is one of the start winning prize commands stored in the first starting prize command buffer and the second starting prize command buffer, the order of receiving the starting prize commands, and the like. Information that can be specified is held in the RAM 122 during the command analysis process, and in the prefetch change effect setting process, a predetermined order (the second special figure game is given priority and is held) for the start winning award command (each hold) of each set. The following processing may be performed according to the order of display numbers or the order of receiving the command at the time of starting winning.

When there is no new start winning award command received (step S671; No), because both the first winning award determination result specifying command reception flag and the second award determination result specification command receiving flag are off, etc. Since the prefetch change effect is not executed, this process ends.

When a new start winning command is received (step S671; Yes), it is determined whether or not a condition for restricting (prohibiting here) execution of the prefetch change effect is satisfied (step S672A). For example, it is determined whether or not a prefetch change effect execution prohibition condition is satisfied. The execution prohibition condition is a condition for prohibiting the execution of the look-ahead change effect, and here, the winning determination result specification command included in the newly received start winning prize command specifies “no determination” as the determination result. When there is a judgment result at the time of winning of "Super reach jackpot" in the variable display executed before the target (the special drawing game corresponding to the new start winning command), the contents of the command buffer at the time of starting winning will be changed. Checked, the winning determination result specification command for each winning display number prior to the pending display number corresponding to the newly received start winning command, and the newly received starting winning command is the first starting winning command. When there is a command that specifies the winning judgment result of "super reach jackpot" among the winning judgment result specification commands stored in the second start winning prize command buffer at the time of command) is there. In addition, when the winning judgment result specification command included in the newly received start winning prize command does not specify "no judgment" as the judgment result, each prize for all variable displays executed before the target The prefetch change effect may be executable only when the determination result is “non-reach loss”.

When the execution prohibition condition of the prefetch change effect is not satisfied (step S672A; No), it is determined whether or not the prefetch change effect is executed (step S672B).

In step S672B, for example, when the effect mode values are "00" and "03" and the look-ahead determination designation value is "00", the determination rate indicated by the first execution determination example in FIG. Determines whether or not to execute the prefetch change effect (determines "executed" (executed) at a determination ratio of 90/100).

For example, when the effect mode values are “00” and “03” and the prefetching determination designated value is “01”, the prefetching change rendering is performed at the determination ratio shown in the second execution determination example of FIG. Whether or not to execute is determined (determined as “executed” at a determination ratio of 10/100).

For example, when the effect mode values are “01”, “02”, and “04”, the presence/absence of execution of the look-ahead change effect is determined at the determination rate shown in the second execution determination example of FIG. 21C (70/100). Is determined to be “executed”).

The pre-reading determination designated value is a value that is updated at the end of the variable display based on the change of the effect setting (change to the character A or the character B) by the player during the variable display (see step S575). It is a value that designates the determination ratio or the like regarding the change effect. The pre-reading determination designated value is a value that is stored in the RAM 122 and is managed and updated (the initial value is “00”).

For example, in step S672B, the effect control CPU 120 first extracts numerical value data indicating the random number value SR1 for determining the execution of the look-ahead change effect updated by the random number circuit 124, the effect random counter, or the like. Then, based on the random number value SR1, the execution determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared is used to determine whether or not to execute the prefetch change effect. For example, as the execution determination table, the first execution determination table to the third execution determination table used for the determination in each of the first execution determination example to the third execution determination example are prepared. In each execution decision table, for example, a numerical value (decision value) that is compared with the random value SR1 is in a predetermined range (a range that realizes each decision ratio in FIG. 21), and the decision result is “executed” or “not executed”. Be assigned to ". If the determination result assigned to the determination value that matches the random number value SR1 extracted this time is “no execution” in the table to be referred to, the effect control CPU 120 determines that the prefetch change effect is not executed, and “execution is performed”. If so, it is determined that the look-ahead change effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 21, the determination rate for executing the look-ahead change effect differs depending on the effect mode value, that is, the effect mode. In addition, when the production mode is the normal mode in which the character A is selected or the second battle mode (basically when the look-ahead determination designated value is "00"), the character B is selected. Even when the normal mode or the second battle mode is being performed (basically when the prefetch determination designation value is “01”), the determination rate of execution is different. As described above, the timing of selecting a character (changing the effect setting) and the timing of updating the look-ahead determination specification value are different, so even if the character A is in the selected effect mode, In a predetermined period (from the time when the character A is changed to the time when the variable display ends), whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect is determined in the second execution determination example of FIG. 21B, and the character B is selected. Even during the effect mode in which the prefetch change effect is executed, the execution of the lookahead change effect is determined at the determination rate of FIG. 21A during a predetermined period (from the change to the character B until the end of the variable display). (See FIG. 31, etc.) As shown in FIG. 21, basically, the look-ahead change effect is easily executed when the character A is selected.

After step S672B, it is determined whether or not the prefetch change effect is determined to be executed in step S672B (step S673). If it is determined to be executed (step S673; Yes), the first start winning command is issued. The stored contents of the buffer or the second start prize command buffer are checked to specify the hold display number corresponding to the new start prize command (command to be processed), according to the specified hold display number, and The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) in accordance with the winning determination result specified by the winning determination result specification command included in the new start winning command (step S674).

In this embodiment, in the look-ahead change effect, a predetermined character image or the like acts on the target hold display image or active display image (beam hits, touches, etc.), and the display mode of the target image (here Then, the display color) is changed (see FIGS. 33 and 37 to 38). In the look-ahead change effect, the display mode may not be changed even when a predetermined character image or the like acts (for example, see the look-ahead change effect execution pattern HP1-1). The effect in which a predetermined character image or the like acts on the hold display image or the active display image, which is performed in the look-ahead change effect, may be referred to as an effect effect regardless of whether the display mode is changed. It should be noted that the action effect in which the display mode does not change may be referred to as a gaffe action effect.

The execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the first start prize-winning command buffer or the second start prize-winning command buffer, but the corresponding start prize-winning command (for the special drawing game that is the target of the look-ahead change effect (target)) The corresponding command at the time of winning a prize) is shifted to the higher order of the hold display number when the variable display is executed (see step S322A described later). Further, when the target special figure game is executed, the execution pattern is deleted from the first start prize-winning command buffer or the second start prize-winning command buffer together with the corresponding start prize-winning command (see step S322A described later). Each of the execution patterns of the look-ahead change effect shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 is a variable display (here, indicated by the hold display number of the shift destination, the deletion timing of the execution pattern, or the like) and the effect. By designating the manner of effect, etc., the manner of the look-ahead change effect (display color change pattern) is shown.

In step S674, for example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "1" and the effect mode values are "00" and "03", the prefetch decision is made. When the designated value is “01”, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the first determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP1-1 to HP1-4 are prepared, and any of these is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "1", the effect mode value and the prefetch determination designated value are values other than the values in the first determination example. In this case, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the second determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP1-1 to HP1-3 are prepared, and any of these is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "2", the effect mode values are "00" and "03", and the look-ahead determination designated value is " When it is “01”, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the third determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP2-1 to HP2-6 are prepared, and any one of them is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "2", the effect mode value and the look-ahead determination designated value are values other than the values in the third determination example. In this case, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the fourth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP2-1 to HP2-5 are prepared, and any one of them is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "3", the effect mode values are "00" and "03", and the look-ahead determination designated value is " When it is “01”, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the fifth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP3-1 to HP3-9 are prepared, and any one of them is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "3", the effect mode value and the look-ahead determination designated value are values other than the values in the fifth determination example. In this case, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the sixth determination example of FIG. 24(B). As the execution pattern determined here, HP3-1 to HP3-8 are prepared, and any of these is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "4", the production mode values are "00" and "03", and the look-ahead determination designated value is " When it is “01”, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the seventh determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP4-1 to HP4-9 are prepared, and any one of them is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

For example, when the hold display number corresponding to the new start winning command (command to be processed) is "4", the effect mode value and the look-ahead determination designated value are values other than the values of the seventh determination example. In this case, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined (selected) at the determination rate shown in the eighth determination example of FIG. As the execution pattern determined here, HP4-1 to HP4-8 are prepared, and any of these is determined as the execution pattern of this time.

22 to 25, "-" indicates that the action effect is not executed or cannot be executed during the execution of the variable display. Further, the column in which the color is described indicates that it is determined to execute the action effect (including no change) in the color. The display color of the hold display image and the active display image (including the display color after being changed by the action effect) is maintained until it is changed by another action effect or the display of the active display image is ended. ..

For example, the look-ahead change effect execution pattern HP1-1 (FIG. 22) is a variable display (special figure game) executed when the pattern is deleted from the first start prize command buffer or the second start prize command buffer. And variable display of decorative patterns) (that is, during execution of target variable display executed by moving the target hold display image to the area 5Hc and displayed as the active display image) To be performed on the target active display image.

For example, the look-ahead change effect execution pattern HP2-5 is during execution of the variable display executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “1” (that is, the target hold display image is displayed in the display area 5H). Action effect of changing the display color from white to green at a position (during execution of variable display executed by moving to a position (rightmost or leftmost position) corresponding to the reserved display number “1” of the area 5Ha or the area 5Hb) Is executed for the target hold display image (the hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern), and the pattern is deleted from the first start winning prize command buffer or the second starting prize command buffer. During execution of the variable display executed at the time, it is specified that the action effect of changing the display color from green to red is performed on the target active display image.

For example, the look-ahead change effect execution pattern HP3-8 is executed during the variable display executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “2” (that is, the target hold display image is displayed in the display area 5H). The display color is changed from white to green while the variable display is executed by moving to the position (the second position from the right or the second position from the left) corresponding to the reserved display number “2” in the area 5Ha or the area 5Hb. It is specified that the action effect to be changed to is executed for the target hold display image (hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern), and is executed when the pattern shifts to the hold display number "1". During execution of the variable display that is performed, it is specified that the action effect of changing the display color from green to red is performed on the target hold display image (the hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern) ( The effect production is not executed when the variable display of the target is executed.)

For example, the look-ahead change effect execution pattern HP4-9 is executed during the variable display executed when the pattern is shifted to the hold display number “3” (that is, the target hold display image is displayed in the display area 5H). The display color is changed from white to green while the variable display is executed by moving to the position (third position from the right or the third position from the left) corresponding to the reserved display number “3” in the region 5Ha or the region 5Hb. It is designated to sequentially execute the action effect of changing the display color and the action effect of changing the display color from green to red for the target hold display image (the hold display image corresponding to the storage position of the execution pattern). The effect production is not executed when the variable display is executed thereafter.)

For example, in step S674, the effect control CPU 120 first extracts numerical data indicating the random number value SR2 for determining the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect updated by the random number circuit 124, the effect random counter, or the like. Then, based on the random number value SR2, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined by referring to the execution pattern determination table stored in advance in the ROM 121 and prepared. For example, as the execution pattern determination table, the first determination table to the eighth determination table used for the determination in each of the first determination example to the eighth determination example are prepared. In each determination table, for example, the numerical value (determination value) to be compared with the random number value SR2 is different in accordance with the winning determination result designated by the winning determination result designating command (each determination ratio in FIGS. It may be allocated to various execution patterns as the determination result within the range of realization). In the table to be referred, the effect control CPU 120 sets the random value SR2 extracted this time to a determination value that matches the winning determination result specified by the winning determination result specification command included in the new start winning command. The execution pattern of the assigned look-ahead change effect is determined as the current usage pattern.

As can be seen from the determination ratios of FIGS. 22 to 25, when the final display color of the display image displayed as the pending display image and then displayed as the active display image remains white or becomes green, When the execution pattern is determined to be red, the determination rate of the execution pattern (when there are a plurality of execution patterns having the same final display color, the sum of the determination rates of the execution patterns) is in the first to eighth determination examples. It's the same. For example, in the first to eighth determination examples, the final determination rate of the execution pattern that becomes red is 60/100 (the determination result at the time of winning is a super-reach jackpot), 10/100 (the determination result at the time of winning). Is when the super reach is lost) and 5/100 (when the winning judgment result is non-reach lost). The determination rate of the execution pattern that finally becomes red is more likely to be selected during a big hit than the execution pattern that is finally green or white, and is less likely to be selected at the time of loss (at the time of super reach loss or non-reach loss). The determination rate of the execution pattern that finally becomes green is more likely to be selected during a big hit than the execution pattern that is finally white, and is less likely to be selected during loss. Further, the determination rate of execution of the prefetch change effect does not depend on the winning determination result. From this, the big hit expectation is high when the display color (substantially the display color of the active display image) finally becomes red, green is next highest, and white is the lowest. In addition, the jackpot expectation level does not change depending on the effect mode (only the execution ratio of the look-ahead change effect changes according to the effect mode).

In addition, in this embodiment, the look-ahead change effect capable of performing a plurality of action effects (a plurality of changes in the display color) can be executed in one variable display, because the character B is selected and the look-ahead determination specified value is selected. Is only "01", and when the character A is selected and the look-ahead determination designated value is "00", the look-ahead change effect cannot be executed (HP1-4, HP2-6). , HP3-9, HP4-9).

Returning to FIG. 20, after the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined in step S674, the determined execution pattern is associated with the new start winning command (process target command) and the first starting prize command. It is stored in the buffer or the command buffer for the second start winning a prize (step S675). Then, by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, the display position corresponding to the reserved display number of the new start winning award command in the area 5Ha of the display area 5H is first displayed. A new hold display image is additionally displayed (when the first start winning command is received), or a second hold display is displayed at a display position corresponding to the hold display number of the new start winning command in the area 5Hb of the display area 5H. An image is newly added and displayed (at the time of receiving the second start winning award command) (step S676). It should be noted that this process may be performed for all commands when a plurality of commands at the time of starting winning is received. The addition of the hold display image may be performed in the command analysis process when the special figure hold storage number addition designation command is received.

If there is a restriction on execution of the prefetch change effect (step S672A; Yes), and if there is no execution of the prefetch change effect (step S673; No), the process ends after step S676.

Next, the processing of steps S170 to S175 will be described.

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "0".

In this variable display start waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command from the main board 11 has been received. The determination may be made, for example, based on whether the command is stored in the variation pattern designation command storage area.

When the variation pattern designation command is received, the variable display start waiting process is performed after updating the value of the production process flag to “1” in order to start the variable display of the decorative pattern in synchronization with the start of the special figure game. Ends. If the variation pattern designation command has not been received, the variable display start waiting process ends as it is. A variation pattern designation command reception flag is provided, and when the variation pattern designation command is received, the flag is set in the command analysis process, and in the variable display start waiting process, the variation pattern designation command is received based on the state of the flag. The presence/absence of reception of may be determined.

The variable display start setting process of step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "1". FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display start setting process.

In the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first sets the current variation pattern (designated by the variation pattern designation command stored in the variation pattern designation command storage area; the same applies hereinafter) and the current variable display result ( The final stop design (determined decorative design) is determined with the display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area (hereinafter the same) (step S321). For example, if the variation pattern is PC1-1, the non-reach chance item is determined as the final stop symbol, and if the variation pattern is PC3-2, the reach chance item is determined as the final stop symbol. In addition, the final stop design is decided according to whether reach or non-reach at the time of losing. Each final stop symbol may be randomly selected from a plurality of combinations using a random number value and a table.

The stored contents of the first start-winning command buffer or the second start-winning command buffer are shifted (step S322A), and the presence or absence of the execution pattern of the prefetch change effect is checked (step S322B).

In the shift of the stored contents, when the variation pattern designation command this time designates the start of the first special figure game, the first hold display numbers "2" to "4" in the first start winning prize command buffer are changed. Correspondingly stored first start winning command and look-ahead change effect execution pattern are respectively shifted to higher numbers of first reserved display numbers "1" to "3" (first reserved display number before shifting). The stored content corresponding to "1" is deleted from the first start prize-winning command buffer and is retained in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 until the end of the variable display this time). If the variation pattern designating command this time designates the start of the second special figure game, it is stored corresponding to the second hold display numbers "2" to "4" in the second start winning award command buffer. The second start prize command and the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect are shifted to the higher numbered second hold display numbers "1" to "3" (corresponding to the second hold display number "1" before shifting). The stored contents are deleted from the command buffer at the time of the second start winning, and are retained in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 until the end of the variable display this time).

To check the presence or absence of the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect, it is sufficient to check whether the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the command buffer at the time of winning a prize for which the stored content is shifted or in the predetermined area.

When the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is stored in the command buffer at the time of winning a prize and the predetermined area where the stored content is shifted (step S322C; Yes), the content indicated by the stored execution pattern and the execution concerned Execution setting of the look-ahead change effect (specifically, action effect) is performed based on the storage location of the pattern (holding display number (holding display number after shift) or the predetermined area) (step S322D). For example, if the execution pattern HP3-7 (that is, the execution pattern deleted from the command buffer at the time of winning a prize and the execution pattern corresponding to the target) is stored in the predetermined area, the display color is changed from green to red. If the execution setting of the action effect to be performed is set and the execution pattern HP4-7 is shifted to the hold display number “3”, the target first hold display image (the first hold display image moving to the third from the right) That is, when the stored contents of the command buffer at the first start winning a prize is shifted) or the second reserved display image (the second reserved display image moving to the third from the left), the stored contents of the command buffer at the second starting winning a prize (When is shifted) is set to execute the effect that changes the display color from white to green. In addition, when the execution pattern HP3-8 is stored in the predetermined area, the effect effect is set not to be executed. As described above, in step S322D, depending on the storage location of the execution pattern, the execution setting of the action effect may not be performed. When a plurality of execution patterns are stored, action effect execution settings are made for each execution pattern.

After step S322D or when the execution pattern of the reading change effect is not stored (step S322C; No), the result of the above execution setting, the variation pattern of this time, the final stop design, the effect mode indicated by the effect mode value, the character Use the production control pattern to execute the effect (including the variable display of the decorative pattern and the action effect that is set to be executed) with the character specified by the specified value for the variable display of the decorative pattern and the performance execution this time. It is set as a pattern (step S324).

After step S334, the CPU 120 for effect control sets, for example, a timer value corresponding to the special figure change time corresponding to the change pattern of this time as an initial value in the effect control process timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. (Step S326).

Then, the setting for starting the variation of the decorative pattern in the image display device 5 (start setting of effect operation control) is performed (step S327). At this time, for example, by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123 based on the display control data included in the effect control pattern set as the usage pattern, the image display device 5 is operated. The variation of the decorative pattern is started in each of the “left”, “middle” and “right” decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided in the display area.

After that, the display update of the hold display image is set (step S328). For example, when the first special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation command is received (when the first special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is on), a predetermined value is set for the VDP of the display control unit 123. By transmitting the display control command of (1), the rightmost first reserved display image in the left area 5Ha of the display area 5H is moved to the area 5Hc (the moved first reserved display image is displayed as an active display image). .), and shifts each of the other first reserved display images to the adjacent display position on the right (when there is one first reserved display image, only the first reserved display image is moved to the area 5c). .. For example, when the second special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation command is received (when the second special figure reservation storage number subtraction designation command reception flag is on), a predetermined value is set for the VDP of the display control unit 123. By transmitting the display control command of the above, the leftmost second reserved display image of the right area 5Hb of the display area 5H is moved to the area 5Hc (the moved second reserved display image is displayed as an active display image). .), and shifts each of the other second hold display images to the display position on the left side (when there is one second hold display image, only the second hold display image is erased). Note that the moved (shifted) hold display image or active display image moves (shifts) while maintaining the display color before the movement.

After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2" (step S329), and the variable display start setting process is ended.

The variable display process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "2". FIG. 23A is a flowchart showing an example of the variable display process.

In the process during variable display, the effect control CPU 120 first determines, for example, based on the timer value of the effect control process timer, whether or not the variable display time (special figure change time) corresponding to the current change pattern has elapsed. Yes (step S551). As an example, in the process of step S551, the data included in the production control pattern, which is associated with the process timer determination value that is the same as the timer value obtained by subtracting 1 from the timer value of the production control process timer, is the end code. It is determined whether or not the special figure variation time has elapsed by determining whether or not

If it is not the end code, that is, if the special figure variation time has not elapsed (step S551; No), it is determined whether the effect mode value is "00" or "03" (step S552). When the value is "00" or "03" (step S552; Yes), since the effect mode is the normal mode or the second battle mode, the present period for accepting a character change operation by the player (for changing effect settings) It is determined whether it is the operation acceptance period) (step S553). The period may be defined by the production control pattern. The change operation acceptance period may be a part of the variable display period or the entire period.

If it is during the change operation acceptance period (step S553; Yes), effect operation control for notifying that the operation is accepted is performed (step S554). For example, the effect control CPU 120 transmits a predetermined display control command to the VDP and the like of the display control unit 123 based on the effect operation control (effect control pattern set as a use pattern) to cause a predetermined image to be transmitted. Is displayed, a predetermined control signal (sound effect signal) is output to the voice control board 13, and a voice or a sound effect is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. A predetermined control signal (illumination signal) to the lamp control board 14 is displayed. The same effect is applied to other effect operation control such as control for performing at least one of turning on/off the game effect lamp 9 and the like by the output of, and notifying that the operation is accepted ( For example, an image (screen for highlighting the characters A and B according to the operation) that informs that the operation is received is displayed on the image display device 5, or an audio notification is performed).

After that, it is determined whether there is an operation for changing (selecting) the character (step S555), and when there is an operation (step S555; Yes), the character designation value is updated according to the operation (step S556). The character designation value is a value that designates character A or character B, is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, and is updated every time a character selection operation is performed. As shown in FIG. 27B, “00” (which is also an initial value) specifies the character A, and “01” specifies the character B. The operation of selecting the character is performed by, for example, the stick controller 31A. For example, the character is changed every time the stick controller 31A is tilted in either the left or right direction. Therefore, when the signal indicating the tilting operation is input to the effect control board 12, it is determined that the selection operation has been performed. The character designation value is updated to "01" when a signal indicating the tilting operation is input when the current value is "00", and the tilting operation is updated when the current value is "01". When the signal shown is input, it is updated to "00". Thus, here, the character designation value is alternately updated to “00” and “01” for each operation.

After step S556, control for changing the current effect mode according to the updated character designation value is performed (step S557A). Specifically, when there is a change to the character B, control is performed to change the character A that appears in the effect in the normal mode or the second battle mode to the character B (for example, the effect control pattern for the character A is changed to that for the character A). The display control is performed by rewriting the production control pattern) (see FIG. 33 and the like). At this time, along with the change to the character B, control for changing the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image is also performed (the display color related to the jackpot expectation level is maintained). This control is performed by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123. Specifically, when there is a change to the character A, control is performed to change the character B appearing in the production in the normal mode or the second battle mode to the character A (for example, the production control pattern for the character B is changed. The display control is performed by rewriting the production control pattern) (see FIG. 33 and the like). At this time, along with the change to the character A, control for changing the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image is also performed (the display color related to the jackpot expectation level is maintained). This control is performed by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123.

After that, effect operation control for notifying that the character has been changed (effect setting has been changed) is performed (step S557B). For example, the effect of changing the character, a description of the changed character, and the like are superposed on the image display device 5 (FIG. 33, etc.). Further, the notification may be given by voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R.

In this embodiment, since the designated character value is only changed by the above operation, the character selected at the timing when the operation acceptance period has elapsed is also the character that appears in the variable display thereafter. The designated character value may be reset to the initial value "00" during the big hit game state. Also, the initial value may be reset when the demo is displayed.

When the effect mode value is not "00" or "03" (step S552; No), when it is not during the character change operation acceptance period (step S553; No), when there is no change operation (step S555; No), step After S557B, it is determined whether the present time is the action effect execution period (step S558). The period may be defined by the production control pattern. When it is the period (step S558; Yes), effect operation control for executing the effect effect is executed (step S559). The effect operation control is repeated for each timer interrupt, so that the effect effect is executed (FIG. 33 and the like). This action effect may change the display color of the target hold display image or active display image. In this case, display control is performed so as to maintain the changed color even after this.

When it is not the action effect execution period (step S558; No), after step S559, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the present time is the reach effect execution period (step S564). The execution period may be defined by a production control pattern or the like. When it is the execution period (step S564; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 performs effect operation control for executing the reach effect, for example (step S565). Execution of the reach effect is realized by repeatedly executing step S565 for each timer interruption. The form of the reach effect may be different depending on the effect mode.

After step S565, or when it is not the reach effect execution period (step S564; No), the effect control CPU 120 performs other effect operation control according to the effect control pattern that is currently set (for example, variable display of decorative symbols). And effect control for executing other effects) are performed (step S566). After step S566, the variable display process ends.

If the data corresponding to the timer value subtracted by 1 in the process of step S551 is the end code and the special figure variation time has elapsed from the start of the variable display of the decorative design (also the special figure game) (step S551; Yes). ), it is determined whether or not the symbol confirmation designation command has been received (whether or not the corresponding reception flag is on) (step S571). At this time, if the command has not been received (step S571; No), the variable display processing is ended and waits. After the variable display time has elapsed, if the predetermined time has elapsed without receiving the symbol confirmation designating command, the predetermined error processing is performed in response to the failure to receive the symbol confirmation designating command normally. It may be executed.

When the design confirmation designation command is received (step S571; Yes), for example, by transmitting a predetermined display control command to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123, the variable display result in the variable display of the decorative design. The final stop symbol that becomes is derived and displayed (step S572). The final stop design is the final stop design determined in step S171. The control content of the derivation display may be defined by, for example, the effect control pattern, but for example, the data of the final stop symbol is stored in the RAM 122, and the final stop symbol is derived and displayed based on the retained data. Good. After step S572, a timer value corresponding to the hit start designation command reception waiting time is set in the effect control process timer or the like (step S573).

Then, it is determined whether or not the effect mode value is "00" or "03" (step S574). When the effect mode value is "00" or "03", the character can be changed by the operation of the player. The pre-reading determination designated value is updated in accordance with (step S575). When the character designation value is "00", the look-ahead decision designation value is "00", and when the character designation value is "01", the look-ahead decision designation value is "01". The look-ahead decision designation value also designates an execution decision example (decision rate of execution) of the look-ahead change effect according to the selected character (effect mode). Even if the character is changed during the variable display by the process of step S575, the determined ratio corresponding to the changed character (rendering mode) is not immediately reflected, but the change ratio after the end of the variable display is changed. The determined rate (prefetch change effect execution rate) corresponding to the character (effect mode) is reflected. In this way, the timing of changing the effect mode (changing the character) and the timing of starting the determination of whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect at the determined proportion of the changed effect mode are deviated.

After step S575, if the effect mode value is not "00" or "03" (step S574; No), the value of the effect process flag is updated to "3" which is the value corresponding to the special figure waiting process (step S574). (S575), the variable display processing is ended.

By repeatedly executing step S172 for each timer interruption, various effects such as variable display of decorative designs, action effects, and reach effects are realized.

The special figure winning waiting process of step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "3".

In the special figure hit waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a hit start designation command has been received (for example, it can be determined depending on whether or not the command is stored in the hit start designation command storage area). When it is determined that the hit start designation command has been received, the execution setting of the big hit medium effect (effect executed during the big hit game state) is performed. The big hit mid effect is an effect from the start of fanfare to before the ending among the effects executed during the big hit game state. In the execution setting of the big hit medium effect, for example, the effect control pattern for executing the big hit medium effect is set in the use pattern, and the timer initial value according to the execution time of the effect control pattern set as the use pattern is set in the effect control process. Set to timer. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "4", and the special figure winning waiting process is ended.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the hit start designation command has not been received, it is determined whether the hit start designation command reception waiting time has elapsed. For example, the passage of the waiting time is determined by subtracting 1 from the timer value of the production control process timer and determining whether the timer value obtained by subtracting 1 is "0". If the timer value after subtraction of 1 is not "0", it means that the hit start designation command reception waiting time has not elapsed, and thus this processing is ended as it is.

When the timer value after subtracting 1 is "0", it means that the hit start designation command reception waiting time has elapsed, so it is determined that the special figure display result in the special figure game is "miss", The value of the effect process flag is updated to "0" which is the initial value, and this processing ends.

The hitting process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "4".

In the hitting process, the effect control CPU 120 decrements the timer value of the effect control process timer by 1 and performs effect operation control for executing the big hit effect based on the effect control pattern set as the usage pattern. In the hitting process, the main winning opening opening designation command and the big winning opening opening designation command are transmitted from the main board 11. Here, the special winning opening open designation command for designating the final round (15 rounds if the jackpot start designation command stored in the hit start designation command storage area is “probability variation”, 2 rounds if it is “probability”) Is stored in the special winning opening opening designated command storage area, the processing of FIG. 28(A) is executed.

In the process of FIG. 28(A), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a special winning opening open designation command for designating the final round has been received (whether the command has been stored in the special winning opening open designation command storage area). It may be determined by whether or not) (step S951). When the command is received (step S951; Yes), this process is terminated (this process may not be performed thereafter). When the command is not received (step S951; No), it is determined whether there is a battle mode selection operation (step S951). The operation of selecting the battle mode is performed by, for example, the stick controller 31A. For example, the battle mode to be selected is changed every time the stick controller 31A is tilted in either the left or right direction. Therefore, when the signal indicating the tilting operation is input to the effect control board 12, it is determined that the selection operation has been performed.

If there is a battle mode selection operation (step S952; Yes), the battle mode value corresponding to the operation is updated (step S953). The battle mode value is “01” (FIG. 28) when a signal indicating the tilting operation is input when the current value is “00” (see FIG. 28B, corresponding to the first battle mode). (See (B), corresponding to the second battle mode), and is updated to "00" when a signal indicating the tilting operation is input when the current value is "01". Thus, here, the battle mode value is alternately updated to “00” and “01” for each operation. After step S953, or if there is no battle mode selection operation (step S952; No), the production of executing the final round production (notification that the currently selected battle mode type and operation are accepted) The operation is controlled (step S954). For example, in step S954, a screen display in which the battle mode corresponding to the battle mode value is selected (for example, a screen in which the first battle mode and the second battle mode are displayed, and the battle mode of the selection target is highlighted) Display operation control is performed to display). By performing such control for each timer interrupt, for example, the highlighted battle mode (battle mode to be selected) is switched and displayed each time the operation is performed. The battle mode corresponding to the battle mode value at the end of the final round (the battle mode that is switched and highlighted each time the operation is performed) becomes the battle mode selected this time (when the first battle mode value is "00"). Then, if there is no operation, the first battle mode will be selected.)

When the designation command after opening the special winning opening has not been received (step S951; No), this processing ends after step S954. In the case of "a sudden big hit", since the round game is extremely short, it is not necessary to execute an effect for accepting the selection of the battle mode. In addition, in the case of "a sudden big hit", the battle mode value may be kept at the previous value (in this case, the battle mode selected at the time of the sudden change big hit is continued). Since it is fixed to one battle mode, the battle mode value may be reset to "00" when the jackpot gaming state of "probable jackpot" is reached (in this embodiment, it is reset).

In the hitting process, it is further determined whether or not a hit end designation command is received (it may be determined by whether or not the command is stored in the hit end designation command storage area), and the hit end designation command is not received. In this case, since each round game is not completed, the hitting process is ended without updating the value of the effect process flag. Further, when the hit end designation command is received, it means that all the round games have ended, so to start the execution of the ending effect, the value of the effect process flag is "5" corresponding to step S175. Is updated to ", and the hitting process is terminated.

At the time of updating, the effect control pattern for executing ending is set as a use pattern, and a timer initial value corresponding to the execution time of the effect control pattern selected as the use pattern is set in the effect control process timer. The ending effect control pattern may be set in advance.

The step S174 (particularly, the above-mentioned effect operation control) is repeatedly executed for each timer interruption, whereby the execution of the big hit medium effect set to be executed and set in step S173 is realized.

The ending process of step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "5".

In the ending process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the ending execution period has elapsed. For example, the timer value of the production control process timer is decremented by 1, and it is determined whether the data included in the production control pattern associated with the process timer determination value that is the same value as the timer value obtained by subtracting 1 is the end code. By doing so, it is determined whether the ending period has elapsed.

When the data included in the effect control pattern is not the end code and the ending execution period has not elapsed, the effect operation control of the ending is performed based on the effect control pattern set as the use pattern, and the present process is ended. .. When the data included in the effect control pattern is the end code and the ending execution period has elapsed, the processing of FIG. 29 is performed to end the ending processing.

In the process of FIG. 29, it is determined whether the production side probability variation flag is in the on state (step S931), and when it is in the on state (step S931; Yes), since there is no transition to the second transition mode, the production mode value is set. Set the value according to the battle mode value (when the battle mode value is "00", the effect mode value is set to "02", and when the battle mode value is "01", the effect mode value is "03". ")" (step S932). At this time, the battle mode value may be reset to "00". After step S932, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "0" which is the initial value (step S933), and this processing ends. Further, when the production side probability variation flag is in the off state, the process shifts to the second transition mode in step S912 or the like, and thus the process of step S933 is performed as it is and the present process is ended.

By repeatedly executing step S175 for each timer interrupt, the ending effect set and executed in the hitting process is executed.

In the above series of processes, when the value of the effect process flag is updated to "0" which is the initial value, one variable display or the like is finished, so the effect control process timer and the state of various flags It is advisable to properly reset various data such as values of counters and counters (things that should not be carried over to the next variable display).

(Transition of production mode, etc.)
An example of the transition of effect modes will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the variation in FIG. 30 and the like means variable display of special drawings and decorative designs.

First, with reference to FIG. 30(A), a transition example of the effect mode when the probability variation big hit occurs in the normal state will be described. When the "probable variation big hit" occurs when the game state is the normal state (the effect mode is the normal mode (see the effect screen in FIG. 32A)), the big hit game state is started. The gaming state of the big hit game state remains the normal state. Also, in the final round in the big hit game state, the battle mode is selected by the operation of the player (operation of the stick controller 31A or the like). After the jackpot gaming state ends, the gaming state changes to the probability changing state, and the production mode of the variable display from the first time to the fifteenth time becomes the second transition mode (the production screen is FIG. 32(B)). After the jackpot gaming state, the production mode of the variable display from the 16th time becomes the battle mode (either the first battle mode or the second battle mode) selected in the final round (the production screen is shown in FIG. 32(C. ) And (D)). The battle mode and the probability change state are ended by executing the variable display for the 100th time after the jackpot game state is ended. After this, the game state shifts to the normal state. Further, the effect mode is changed to the first transition mode (see the effect screen in FIG. 32E). The first transition mode ends at the 115th variable display after the jackpot gaming state ends. After the end of the first transition mode (after the 116th variable display), the effect mode becomes the normal mode. The transition of the effect mode at the time of "probable big hit" may be the same, but the battle mode cannot be selected and is assumed to be the first battle mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 30(B), a transition example of the effect mode when the probability variation big hit occurs in the probability variation state will be described. When the "probable variation jackpot" occurs when the gaming state is the probable variation state (the production mode is the first battle mode or the second battle mode), the jackpot gaming state is started. The gaming state of the big hit gaming state is a normal state, but since the background designation command is not transmitted until the next variable display starts, the production side probability variation flag remains on. Also, in the final round in the big hit game state, the battle mode is selected by the operation of the player (operation of the stick controller 31A or the like). After the jackpot gaming state is finished, the gaming state becomes a probability variation state, but since here was the probability variation state before the jackpot, there is no transition to the second transition mode, and the production mode after the jackpot gaming state is the final round. It becomes the selected battle mode (either the first battle mode or the second battle mode). The battle mode and the probability change state continue during the execution period of the variable display for the first time to the 100th time after the jackpot game state ends, and thereafter (in the variable display after the 101st time), the game state becomes the normal state. Further, the effect mode becomes the first transition mode in the 101st to 115th variable display. The first transition mode ends at the 115th variable display after the jackpot gaming state ends. After the end of the first transition mode (after the 116th variable display), the effect mode becomes the normal mode. The transition of the effect mode at the time of "probable big hit" may be the same, but the battle mode cannot be selected and is assumed to be the first battle mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a description will be given of an effect mode and the like when the operation of changing the appearing character is performed in the normal mode or the second battle mode. For example, if the player changes the character A to the character B by an operation (an operation on the stick controller 31A, etc.) in the variable display executed during the normal mode or the second battle mode in which the character A appears. On the screen, the appearing character is changed to the character B, and the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image (the display colors related to the jackpot expectation level are maintained) are also changed for the character B production mode ( See FIG. 33).

In the effect mode, the determination rate of execution of the look-ahead change effect is basically different between the character A and the character B (see FIG. 21). This is because the look-ahead determination designated value differs between the character A and the character B, but the look-ahead determination designated value is executed when there is a change even if the character is changed. Is not updated until the variable display is completed (until the symbol confirmation command is received, step S575 in FIG. 27). Therefore, the determination rate of the execution of the look-ahead change effect is updated for the first time at the end of the variable display when the character is changed. This also applies when the character B is changed to the character A.

Even if the character is changed a plurality of times in one variable display, the look-ahead determination designated value corresponding to the last changed character is set. In addition, the look-ahead change effect decided to be executed before the change from the character A to the character B is executed even if the change to the character B is made. In addition, the display color changed in the hold display image is inherited in the active display image.

(Direction screen, etc.)
The effect screen will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a basic screen of each effect mode will be described with reference to FIG. 32. As shown in FIGS. 32A to 32E, the background is first different in the normal mode, the first transition mode, the first battle mode, the second battle mode, and the second transition mode. Further, in the normal mode and the second battle mode, the characters A and B are displayed as changeable appearing characters (when the character A is displayed (selected), the character A production mode is set and the character B is displayed. When (selected), the effect mode of character B is set). These characters may be always displayed, or may be displayed only when the action effect is executed. Characters appearing in other effect modes (which may be always displayed or may be temporarily displayed if necessary), even if they are characters dedicated to the respective effect modes, are the characters of character A and character B. It may be either (however, it cannot be changed by operation). As shown in FIG. 32(B), in the first transition mode, notification of the end of the probability change may be performed. As shown in FIG. 32C, in the first battle mode, the target for defeating the monster A for the mode may be notified. As shown in FIG. 32D, in the second battle mode, the target for defeating the monster B for the mode may be notified. In the second transition mode as shown in FIG. 32(E), the notification of the start of the probability change may be performed.

Next, an effect screen and the like when the appearance character is changed during the variable display of the normal mode as a change of the effect setting will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. When the player performs the operation of changing the character A to the character B after the variable display is started with the character A selected in the normal mode (FIG. 33(A)), the character B is replaced by the character A. Then, the shapes of the hold display image and the active display image are changed from circles to squares (see step S557A). In this way, when the character changing operation is performed, the effect mode is immediately changed from the normal mode in which the character A appears to the normal mode in which the character B appears (note that the background and the like of the character A and the character B are changed). It may be changed.) (FIG. 33B).

Further, in step S557B, the changed character name (character B) and an explanation that the execution ratio (“prefetch frequency” in the figure) of the lookahead change effect for character B is small (small) are displayed (FIG. 33). (B)). Even if an operation is performed in the first transition mode, the second transition mode, or the first battle mode, such an explanation is not displayed. Even if there is a change to the character B, the determination rate of execution of the look-ahead change effect is maintained to that of the character A (look-ahead determination specification value=00) until the variable display being executed ends (pre-read determination specification). The value is first reflected in step S575 at the end of variable display).

Here, it is assumed that the first start winning occurs and a new reserved memory of the first special figure game is generated, and the execution of the look-ahead change effect targeting the reserved memory is determined (the determination ratio is that of the character A. At that time (prefetch determination designated value=00), refer to the determination example in FIG. 21(A). At this time, the first reserved display image T that is the target is newly displayed in the area 5Ha (FIG. 33C). After that, when the variable display ends (FIG. 33(D)), the look-ahead decision designation value is updated to "01" corresponding to character B (step S575), and the determination ratio (pre-read decision designation value) for character B thereafter. =01), the execution of the look-ahead change effect is determined (see the determination example in FIG. 21B). After that, when the next variable display is started, the first reserved display image is shifted to the right by one, and the first reserved display image corresponding to the variable display executed this time is moved to the area 5Hc and displayed. The look-ahead change effect (action effect) determined before the start of display is executed (FIG. 33(E)). Here, the character B applies a beam to the target first reserved display image T to change the display color of the image T to green. After that, when the variable display ends (FIG. 33(F)) and the next variable display (target variable display) starts, the target hold display image (green) moves to the region 5Hc and becomes the active display image. It is displayed (the display color etc. does not change) (FIG. 33(G)).

After that, when there is a change operation from the character B to the character A, the character A is displayed and the shape of the green active display image is changed from a circle to a square (FIG. 33(H)) (step S557A). .. At this time, the display color remains unchanged, and the jackpot expectation is maintained. Note that the changed character name and the like are also displayed in FIG. 33(H) (step S557B).

(Volume adjustment etc.)
Further, in this embodiment, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R can be adjusted. In this regard, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a volume designating section 50 including volume knobs and volume buttons. The volume designation unit 50 is operated by the player to adjust the volume, and sends a signal according to the operation content to the effect control board 12. The volume designating unit 50 may be set at a position or the like that the player can operate during the game.

The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a volume adjusting process shown in FIG. The processing is executed after the command control processing for each timer interrupt. The effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not a volume adjustment operation has been performed based on an operation signal from the volume designating unit 50 (step S971). If there is an operation, the volume up to that time is determined according to the operation content. Is performed (step S972), and whether or not the variable display of the decorative pattern is currently being executed (changing) (for example, when the effect process flag is "2" is changing). The determination is made (step S973). If it is not changing (step S973; No), control is performed to display the result of volume adjustment (change result in step S972) in the first mode (step S974), and if it is changing (step S973). Yes), and the control for displaying the volume adjustment result (change result in step S972) in the second mode is performed (step S975). For example, a predetermined display control command may be transmitted to the VDP or the like of the display control unit 123 to display the adjustment result.

The second mode is a mode with lower visibility than the first mode. In the second mode, for example, the size of the image to be displayed may be smaller than that in the first mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 36A, when the volume is adjusted when the variable display is executed, the volume adjustment result (“volume+1” or the like) is displayed in the second mode (displayed in a small size). As shown in FIG. 36B, when the volume is adjusted when the variable display is not executed, the volume adjustment result (“volume+1” or the like) is displayed in the first mode (displayed larger than in the first mode). ..

(Other aspects of look-ahead change effect)
The look-ahead change effect (particularly the effect effect) may be executed, for example, in a manner shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. For example, in the action effect, the character A (may be the character B) emits the beam BM1 toward the target first reserved display image, and the same color as the beam BM1 (here Then, a green area is generated and gradually expanded (FIGS. 37(B), (C), and (D1)). In the case where the action effect is a gaze action effect, the first hold display image returns to the original state before the region fills all the first hold display images, but if successful, the region holds all the first hold display images. Is filled in to change the color of the first reserved display image to the same color (green) as the beam BM1. Similarly, the red beam BM2 is made to act on the target first reserved display image to change the color of the first reserved display image to red (FIGS. 37(F1) and (G1)). A similar beam may be applied to the active display image to change the display color (FIG. 38).

(Display mode of hold display image and active display image)
The shapes of the hold display image and the active display image are different between the character A and the character B, but may be changed to a common shape depending on the look-ahead change effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 39, in the circular reserved display image X1 (character A production mode), the display colors change to X2 (green) and X3 (red), and the rectangular reserved display image Y1 ( In the character B production mode), the display color changes like Y2 (green) and Y3 (red), but at the final stage the image Z (diamond image) of the same display mode does not depend on the production mode. It may be displayed as a hold display image (such a change in the display mode is the same for the active display image). Alternatively, it does not depend on the effect mode without passing through the circled hold display image X1 (character A production mode) through X2 or the like, or without passing through the square hold display image Y1 (character B presentation mode) through Y2 or the like. The image may be changed to the image Z (diamond image) having the same display mode (for example, it may be defined by the execution pattern of the prefetch change effect).

(Operation and effect of the above embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment and the like, in the normal mode and the second battle mode, depending on whether the appearing character is the character A or the character B (the effect mode is the character A effect mode or the character B effect mode). Therefore, the execution ratio (frequency) of the look-ahead change effect (particularly, the look-ahead change effect that changes the display color of the hold display image or the active display image) is different. This is because the corresponding look-ahead determination designated values are different between the character A and the character B, and the execution determination ratio of the look-ahead change effect (see FIG. 21) is different depending on this value. Note that since the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is determined after determining whether or not the look-ahead change effect is executed (see FIG. 20), the look-ahead change effect of changing the display color of the hold display image or the active display image is eventually determined. The execution rate also differs depending on whether the production mode is the production mode of character A or the production mode of character B. Here, when the appearing character (character A or character B) is changed during execution of the variable display in the normal mode or the second battle mode (when the effect mode is switched), the effect screen is immediately changed. Although it is changed to the screen (the screen in which the appearance characters and the hold display image are changed), the execution decision ratio of the lookahead change effect (particularly, the lookahead change effect that changes the display color of the hold display image or the active display image) is , Is changed at the end of the variable display (see FIG. 31, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load related to the effect mode switching and the look-ahead change effect. If, for example, the execution determination rate is changed every time the production mode is switched (the appearance character is changed) or whether the prefetch change production is executed or not, the processing becomes complicated. The processing can be simplified by changing the variable display at the end of the variable display, and the processing load related to the effect can be reduced. In particular, when the effect mode is switched (change of the appearing character) is performed a plurality of times for one variable display (in this embodiment, the switching can be performed a plurality of times), the processing such as switching the execution determination ratio is performed for each switching. However, in the present embodiment, the processing load can be reduced because the execution determination ratio is not switched even if there is a plurality of switching operations in this embodiment. Further, according to the effect mode (appearing character) selected at the end of the variable display, the execution determination ratio of the lookahead change effect after the end of the variable display is set, so the lookahead change effect for each effect mode switching. The processing related to the above becomes unnecessary, and the processing load related to the performance is reduced.

Further, when the execution of the look-ahead change effect is determined, even if the effect mode is switched (switch to the character A or switch to the character B) after that, the look-ahead change effect whose execution is already determined is the execution pattern. Is executed without changing (see FIG. 31, etc.), it is not necessary to redo the process for executing the prefetch change effect by switching the effect mode, and the processing load can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the switching of the effect mode (switching to the character A or switching to the character B) can be performed by the operation of the player, and the game suitable for the player's taste can be performed. Also, as shown in FIG. 36, the visibility of the result when displaying the result of the volume adjustment is made lower during execution of the variable display than during the non-execution period of the variable display. It is possible to make it easier to see, and it is possible to suppress the reduction of the effect due to the display of the result of the volume adjustment. In addition, in this embodiment, an effect mode (normal mode or second battle mode) in which the changing operation of the appearing character is reflected, and an effect mode (normal mode or second battle mode) in which the changing operation of the appearing character is not reflected. In the effect mode in which the change operation is reflected, the changed appearance character is notified (such as "change to character A!!") (see FIGS. 33 and 34), and the effect mode in which the change operation is not reflected. Then, since the notification is not performed, the changed appearance character is appropriately notified.

Further, even if the effect mode is switched (switching to the character A or switching to the character B), the display color of the active display image is the display color of the active display image before switching or the active display image is displayed on hold. The display color when it was displayed as an image is inherited (see FIG. 31, FIG. 34, etc.), and the jackpot expectation level does not change (because it is not necessary to re-determine whether or not the prefetch change effect is executed. Accordingly, the expectation degree of the big hit of the display color does not change. The gaming machine may be configured so as to satisfy any one of them, so that the expectation degree of the big hit may not be changed.) For example, switching of the production mode A hold display image when the display color is held by displaying the active display image again by deciding whether or not to execute the look-ahead change effect along with (switching to character A or switching to character B) It is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the player is confused by a color completely different from the display color of (for example, the expectation of a big hit is lowered).

Further, as shown in FIG. 39, by preparing an image of a common display mode for the hold display image and the active display image, the display modes of the hold display image and the active display image can be diversified. In addition, the background may differ between the effect mode of character A and the effect mode of character B, and the background and the character may be changed when the effect mode is switched. In such a case, the effect mode can be changed and the frequency of the change can be improved even while the hold display image is being changed (if the hold display image is changed by switching the effect mode. Then, there is a risk that the switching of the effect mode may be restricted while the hold display image is being changed by another effect, but this fear disappears in the configuration.

In addition, in this embodiment, as the effect for changing the display color of the hold display image and the active display image, the effect using the character A (hereinafter, also referred to as the effect A) and the effect using the character B are used. Effects (hereinafter, also referred to as action effects B) are prepared. Further, when the action effect B (when the pre-reading determination designated value is “01”) is executed, the display color of the hold display image can be continuously changed in one variable display (execution pattern HP1- 4, HP2-6, etc.). Note that the execution patterns HP1-4, HP2-6, etc. that continuously change the display color of the hold display image in one variable display are selected only when the pre-reading determination designated value is "01" (Fig. 22 to 25), it is difficult to be executed in the action effect A (may be executed when the character B is changed to the character A by an operation). By the action effect B, it is understood that the display color is changed stepwise by continuously changing the display color of the hold display image in one variable display, and the look-ahead change effect (especially, the look-ahead change when the character B is changed). It is possible to improve the interest of the game by focusing on the production. Note that the display color of the active display image may be continuously changed in one variable display (a prefetch change effect execution pattern for designating such a thing may be prepared). Even in such a case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, when the display color of the hold display image or the active display image is changed, the hold display image or the active display image is set to the area of the current display color, The candidate display color area after the change is separately displayed, and the candidate display color area after the change has a predetermined size (the size does not have to cover the entire area of the display image). In this case, the display color of the hold display image or the active display image is changed to the display color of the candidate. As a result, the player pays attention to the change mode and the interest of the game is improved.

(Structure exemplifying at least a part of the above-described embodiments etc.)
Next, a configuration that takes at least a part of the above-described embodiments and the like as an example will be described, but the following configuration may be partially omitted as appropriate, or only a part of the configuration is used to configure the pachinko gaming machine 1. You may. Moreover, you may combine at least one part of each structure. Furthermore, the description of each configuration may be applied to other configurations.

(Structure 1)
(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1 or the like) that executes a variable display (for example, a variable display of a decorative pattern),
Pre-reading determination means (for example, the CPU 103 that performs the process of step S211) that performs pre-reading determination on a variable display that has not yet started (for example, pending storage),
Specific effect execution determining means for determining whether or not to execute a specific effect (for example, a read-ahead change effect for changing the display color of the hold display image or the active display image to green or red) based on the determination result of the prefetch determination (For example, the CPU 120 for effect control that performs the processing of step S161),
Specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect when the specific effect execution determining means determines to execute the specific effect (for example, effect control CPU 120 for performing the process of step S172),
Effect mode control means capable of controlling to any of a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal mode for character A, a normal mode for character B, etc.) having different determination ratios by which the specific effect execution determination means determines to execute the specific effect. (For example, the CPU 120 for effect control that performs the processing of steps S161 and S172),
The effect mode control means can switch the current effect mode to another effect mode during execution of variable display (for example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S557A).
The specific effect execution determination means, when there is a change to another effect mode by the effect mode control means during execution of the variable display, until the timing related to the end of the variable display being executed before the change. It is determined whether or not to execute the specific effect at the determination rate in the effect mode (for example, the processing of steps S575 and S161, see FIG. 31),
A gaming machine characterized by that.

The “prefetch determination” may be a determination as to whether or not the variable display of the target is in a specific mode. The specific mode may be "big hit", establishment of super-reach, or the like (at the time of pre-reading determination, whether a "big hit" or super-reach is executed may be determined by a random number value or the like). The “look-ahead determination” may be performed based on the information for performing variable display (such as the random number value stored as the pending data). Note that the random number data used in the prefetch determination and the random number data used when starting the variable display that is the target may be stored in different storage areas.

The "specific effect" is, in addition to an effect that changes the display mode (display color, shape, etc.) of the hold display image, pre-reading chance notice, pre-reading notice by deriving special symbols, background change It may be various types of pre-reading notices such as zone effects. Further, the “specific effect” may be only an effect that changes the active display image. The "specific effect execution determination means" may also determine the type (effect mode) of the specific effect to be executed. That is, "determining whether or not to execute the specific effect based on the determination result of the prefetching determination" includes determining whether or not to execute the specific effect and the type of the specific effect when executing the specific effect. (The "production mode" may be a mode in which the determination rate of the type of the specific production is different.) The "specific effect" may include a look-ahead change effect that changes the display color and a geek look-ahead change effect that does not change the display color.

The switching of the “production mode” may be performed by a player's operation, or may be performed when a lottery is won or when a predetermined time is reached. The “plurality of effect modes” may be a mode in which the background is different, a mode in which the appearing characters are different, a mode in which the manner of the reach effect is changed, and the like. It should be noted that when the “determined ratio” is different, one may be “0%” or “100%” (the same applies to the ratio in this specification).

The "timing related to the end of the variable display" is the timing that comes when the variable display ends, and the timing of the start of the next variable display (reception of the variation pattern specification command) in addition to the reception of the symbol fixing designation command. Time). The timing when any one of a plurality of conditions (such as reception of a command) prepared in advance is satisfied in consideration of missing of a command may be set as the “timing related to the end of variable display”.

With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the processing load (in particular, the processing load for determining to execute the specific effect).

When adopting this configuration, for example, when the production mode is switched after it is decided to execute the specific effect, the execution of the specific effect is stopped (for example, the first start winning command buffer or the second start prize command buffer). Start-up prize Delete the look-ahead change effect execution pattern stored in the command buffer, or rewrite the effect control pattern that executes the specific effect (action effect) to the effect control pattern that does not execute the specific effect), and the effect after switching Whether or not the specific effect is executed, the type of the specific effect, or the like may be determined again based on the determination rate of the mode (only the type of the specific effect (execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect, etc.) may be determined again). .. Furthermore, the active display image does not have to take over the display mode of the hold display image. That is, the display mode of the hold display image and the display mode of the active display image may be managed separately, and the jackpot expectation and the like may also be managed separately. Furthermore, when the production mode is switched after executing the look-ahead change production and changing the display mode, the display mode or the like is determined or redetermined at the determined ratio of the production mode after the switching, and after the determination. The display mode of the hold display image or the active display image may be changed to the display mode.

(2) The gaming machine further includes a detection unit (for example, a stick controller 31A) that detects the movement of the player,
The effect mode control means switches the present effect mode to another effect mode when the detecting means detects the movement of the player (for example, the processing of steps S555 and S557A).

The "detection means" may be an operation means such as an operation button or a cross key, or may be an infrared sensor, a camera, or the like that detects a movement of the player.

With this configuration, the effect mode can be set to suit the player's preference.

(3) The gaming machine is
A sound volume adjusting means (for example, a sound volume designating unit 50 or the like) capable of adjusting a sound volume by a player,
A sound volume adjustment result display unit (for example, a production control CPU 120 that performs a sound volume adjustment process) that displays a result of the sound volume adjustment by the sound volume adjustment unit,
The volume adjustment result display means displays the result of the volume adjustment by the volume adjustment means in a first display mode (for example, the first mode) when variable display is not being executed, and while the variable display is being executed. The image is displayed in the second display mode (eg, the first mode) whose visibility is lower than that of the first display mode (see, eg, FIG. 36).

“Low visibility” includes, for example, the size of the display image is small and the transparency of the display image is high.

According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately display the result of the volume adjustment while suppressing the deterioration of the effect.

(4) The game machine
Setting changing means (for example, the stick controller 31A or the like) capable of changing the setting (for example, the appearing character or the like) related to the effect by the player,
A first state (for example, a second battle mode) in which a change in the setting related to the effect by the setting changing unit is reflected, and a second state (for example, a first battle in which the change in the setting related to the effect by the setting changing unit is not reflected. State control means that can be controlled to
A notification unit capable of notifying the setting related to the effect during execution of the variable display in the first state, but not notifying the setting related to the effect during execution of the variable display in the second state (for example, effect performing the process of step S172 Control CPU 120, etc.),
Is further provided.

The above-mentioned "setting regarding effect" may be the selected character, the setting effect frequency, the brightness of the display screen/light emitter, the volume, the effect mode, or the like.

The "first state" and the "second state" may be, in addition to the effect mode, a gaming state, a jackpot gaming state, or the like.

According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the setting related to the effect. In particular, although the setting change operation can be performed at any time, when the change is reflected in the first state and the change is not reflected in the second state, the setting related to the effect is set only in the first state. By notifying, appropriate notification can be performed (if the setting related to the effect is notified in the second state, contents that are not reflected are notified, and appropriate notification cannot be performed). In particular, in the second state, the operation for changing the setting relating to the effect can be performed, but if the change is not reflected, the above effect becomes effective.

It should be noted that the phrase “setting-related information can be notified” may be, for example, a notification that allows the player to recognize that the setting has been changed (for example, notification that the setting has been changed). When the "effect-related setting" is an image of a selected character or the like, "notifying the effect-related setting" indicates a display other than the image (for example, a description (name, etc.) of the image or the image). The display of the contents of (1), a display to the effect that there has been a change) and various effects such as voice and light emission of a lamp can be notified of the "setting related to effect".

The "setting changing means" may be configured to be able to change the frequency with which the specific effect is executed. For example, the execution rate of the specific effect is changed according to the operation on the stick controller 31A or the like. With such a configuration, it is possible to execute the specific effect at a frequency suitable for the player, and to improve the interest of the game.

Further, the player is provided with a character selection unit (for example, a stick controller 31A) capable of selecting any one of a plurality of types of characters (for example, the character A and the character B), and the setting regarding the effect is selected by the character selection unit. The initial setting (for example, the initial setting of the volume and the initial setting of the effect execution frequency) may be different depending on the character. For example, the volume and the effect execution frequency can be changed by the setting changing means, but the initial setting is made different depending on the character. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the effect of production.

(5) The effect mode control means can switch the current effect mode to another effect mode (for example, effect control CPU 120 that performs the process of step S557A).
When the special effect execution unit switches to another effect mode by the effect mode control unit after the specific effect execution determination unit determines to execute the specific effect, the specific effect execution has been determined before the switching. An effect is executed (for example, the processing of steps S161, S171 and S172, see FIG. 31 and the like).

With such a configuration, the processing load can be reduced. It should be noted that the look-ahead change effect includes, after the effect effect, continuing to display with the display color of the hold display image or the like different from white. For example, even if the character is changed after changing the display color of the hold display image by executing the look-ahead change effect, if the display color is maintained, the “execution was determined before the change” is performed. The condition "to execute the specific effect" is satisfied. Further, the specific effect may be an action effect of the look-ahead change effect.

When adopting this configuration, the configuration of (1) above may be unnecessary. For example, when the effect mode is switched, the determination rate of whether or not the specific effect is executed may be immediately changed to the determined rate of the effect mode after the switching (for example, steps S574 and S575 are executed. Instead, the look-ahead decision designated value is updated in step S557A or the like, or the look-ahead decision designated value is made unnecessary and the execution decision example of FIG. 21 is selected according to the character designated value). Furthermore, the active display image does not have to take over the display mode of the hold display image. That is, the display mode of the hold display image and the display mode of the active display image may be managed separately, and the jackpot expectation and the like may also be managed separately. Furthermore, when the production mode is switched after executing the look-ahead change production and changing the display mode, the display mode or the like is determined or redetermined at the determined ratio of the production mode after the switching, and after the determination. The display mode of the hold display image or the active display image may be changed to the display mode.

(Configuration 2)
(1) In a gaming machine (such as a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can perform variable display (such as a variable display of a decorative pattern) and can be controlled in an advantageous state advantageous to a player (such as a big hit gaming state) There
Hold display means (for example, the image display device 5 or the like) that displays a hold display (for example, a hold display image or the like) corresponding to the variable display that has not been started yet;
Corresponding display means (for example, the image display device 5 or the like) that displays a corresponding display (for example, an active display image or the like) corresponding to the variable display while the variable display is being executed,
Effect mode control means (for example, processing of steps S161 and S172) that can be controlled to any of a plurality of effect modes (for example, a normal mode for character A, a normal mode for character B, etc.) having different display modes of the hold display and the corresponding display. CPU 120 for effect control for performing)
And,
In the case where the display mode of the hold display is the first special mode that suggests that the expected degree of controlling the advantageous state is a predetermined expectation degree, the hold display is performed after the effect mode is switched. And a second special mode in which at least a part of the display modes is common to the first special mode so that the display mode of the corresponding display corresponds to the predetermined degree of expectation suggested in the first special mode. (For example, see FIG. 34),
A gaming machine characterized by that.

The “second special aspect” may be an expectation degree higher than the predetermined expectation degree. The “common display mode” may be a shape or the like. The “display mode” may be a shape, a lighting mode (whether or not it is blinking, a blinking cycle, etc.), brightness, etc., in addition to the display color.

The above-mentioned "to maintain the predetermined degree of expectation suggested in the first special aspect" means that, for example, the degree of expectation of the second special aspect does not fall below the predetermined degree of expectation (predetermined expectation). It may be larger than the degree.). For example, when the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display is changed to the effect mode after the switching when the effect mode is switched, the display mode of the hold display or the corresponding display is determined at the determined ratio according to the effect mode after the switching. The hold display and the corresponding display may be redisplayed in the determined display mode, but the jackpot expectation of the display mode should not be less than the jackpot expectation of the display mode displayed before the switching. (The display mode (execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect, etc.) may be adjusted according to the determination rate of the table, etc.).

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the confusion of the player.

When adopting this configuration, for example, when the effect mode is switched, the determination rate such as whether or not the specific effect is executed may be immediately changed to the determined rate of the effect mode after the switching ( For example, instead of executing steps S574 and S575, the look-ahead determination designated value is updated in step S557A or the like, or the look-ahead determination designated value is made unnecessary and the execution determination example of FIG. 21 is selected according to the character designated value). For example, when it is determined that the specific effect is to be executed and then the effect mode is switched, the execution of the specific effect is stopped (for example, a look-ahead change stored in the first start prize command buffer or the second start prize command buffer). The production execution pattern is deleted, or the production control pattern that executes the specific production (action production) is rewritten to the production control pattern that does not execute the specific production), and the specific production is executed at the determined ratio of the production mode after switching. The presence/absence or the type of the specific effect may be determined again (only the type of the specific effect (execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect, etc.) may be determined again). Furthermore, the active display image does not have to take over the display mode of the hold display image. That is, the display mode of the hold display image and the display mode of the active display image may be managed separately, and the jackpot expectation and the like may also be managed separately.

(2) The first special aspect and the second special aspect have the same degree of expectation (see, for example, FIGS. 21 to 26). For example, the configuration is realized by not re-determining the presence or absence of execution of the prefetch change effect and the type (execution pattern), and by inheriting the display mode such as the display color. The configuration can also be realized by deciding the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect so as not to change the jackpot expectation degree of the display color according to the effect mode and inheriting the display mode such as the display color. ..

According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the confusion of the player and reduce the processing load of controlling the display mode (because re-lottery or the like for determining the display mode of the corresponding display is unnecessary).

(3) At least the colors of the first special mode and the second special mode are common (for example, the display colors are the same). Both the hold display and the corresponding display may be displayed in a light emission mode such as blinking, and the light emission mode (flashing cycle or the like) may be common to the first special mode and the second special mode.

According to this configuration, the confusion of the player can be effectively suppressed.

(4) The display mode of the hold display and the display mode of the correspondence display can be a common mode that does not depend on the effect mode (for example, see FIG. 39 and the like).

With this configuration, it is possible to diversify the display modes of the hold display and the correspondence display.

(5) At least the backgrounds of the effect images are different among the plurality of effect modes, and the effect mode control unit switches the current effect mode to another effect mode by switching the backgrounds (for example, character A The background may be different between the normal mode of (1) and the normal mode of character B).

According to this configuration, since the effect mode is switched between the backgrounds, it is possible to switch the effect mode even while changing the display mode of the hold display and the corresponding display, and improve the effect mode switching frequency. You can

(Structure 3)
(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be variably displayed (for example, a variable display of a decorative pattern) and controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to the player,
During execution of the variable display, the corresponding display (for example, active display image) corresponding to the variable display is displayed in any of a plurality of display modes (for example, a plurality of display colors) corresponding to the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state. A corresponding display means (for example, the effect control CPU 120 that changes the color of the active display image by the look-ahead change effect);
Change effect execution means (eg, prefetch change) capable of executing a special effect (for example, action effect of character A) and a specific effect (for example, action effect of character B) for notifying whether or not the display mode of the correspondence display changes. And a production control CPU 120) for performing production,
In the specific effect, the display mode of the corresponding display changes in a plurality of stages than in the special effect (for example, when performing the effect effect of character B, it is easy to execute the effect effect multiple times in one variable display). Or, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is adjusted so that the display mode of the specific effect is more likely to change in a plurality of stages.
In the specific effect, when the display mode of the corresponding display changes in a plurality of steps, it is possible to continuously display the stepwise change of the display mode of the corresponding display (for example, execution patterns HP1-4, HP2-6). ) Is a gaming machine.

According to such a configuration, the player can recognize that the display mode of the corresponding display has changed in a plurality of steps by continuously displaying the stepwise change of the display mode of the corresponding display, and The interest in change can be improved. In the special effect, the rate of change in the display mode of the correspondence display in a plurality of stages may be 0% or more than 0%.

(2) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be variably displayed (for example, a variable display of a decorative pattern) and controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to a player,
A specific display (also referred to as a hold display) (for example, a hold display image) corresponding to the variable display that has not been started yet, is displayed in a plurality of display modes (for example, a plurality of display) corresponding to the degree of expectation controlled to the advantageous state. Specific display means (for example, the CPU 120 for effect control for changing the color of the hold display image by the look-ahead change effect), which can be displayed in any of
Change effect execution means (for example, look-ahead change) capable of executing a special effect (for example, effect effect of character A) and a specific effect (for example, effect effect of character B) for notifying whether or not the display mode of the specific display changes. CPU120) for effect control for effect,
Equipped with
In the specific effect, the display mode of the specific display changes at a plurality of stages in comparison with the special effect (for example, when performing the effect effect of character B, it is easy to execute the effect effect multiple times in one variable display). Or, the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect is adjusted so that the display mode of the specific effect is more likely to change in a plurality of stages.
In the specific effect, when the display mode of the specific display changes in a plurality of steps, it is possible to continuously display the stepwise change of the display mode of the specific display (for example, execution patterns HP1-4, HP2-6). ) Is a gaming machine.

With such a configuration, the player can recognize that the display mode of the specific display has changed in a plurality of stages by continuously displaying the stepwise change of the display mode of the specific display, and The interest in change can be improved. In the special effect, the rate of change of the display mode of the specific display in a plurality of stages may be 0% or more than 0%.

It should be noted that first change effect executing means for executing a first change effect (for example, change effect B) that changes the display mode of the specific display corresponding to the variable display that has not been started yet (effect control for executing the processing of step S343, for example). CPU 120),
Second change effect executing means (for example, executing the process of step S343) that executes a second change effect (for example, icon display change effect) that is displayed during execution of the variable display and that changes the display mode of the corresponding display corresponding to the variable display. And CPU 120) for effect control to perform,
The display mode of the specific display that is displayed after the first change effect is executed is the first special mode that is not displayed as the display mode of the corresponding display after the second change effect is executed (for example, "secret" display, etc. ) Is included,
The display mode of the corresponding display that is displayed after the second change effect is executed is the second special mode that is not displayed as the display mode of the specific display after the first change effect is executed (for example, “chance” or “NEXT”). ], “intense heat” display, etc.) may be included.

With such a configuration, the interest can be further improved by the first change effect and the second change effect.

The change effect executing means, after executing the specific effect, lowers the rate at which the display mode of the corresponding display or the specific display changes,
The change effect executing means may change the corresponding display or the specific display to a display mode in which the degree of expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is high after the execution of the specific effect.

This configuration may be realized by adjusting the determination rate of the execution pattern of the look-ahead change effect. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the player pay more attention to the change in the mode of the correspondence display after the specific effect.

The change effect execution means limits execution of the special effect before execution of the specific effect (including prohibition and reduction of execution rate when execution of the specific effect is determined. The same applies to restrictions. ) May be.

With such a configuration, it is possible to further emphasize the change in the aspect of the correspondence display in the specific effect.

In the specific effect, when notifying whether the display mode of the specific display or the corresponding display is changed, the display mode of the candidate after the change and the display mode before the change are visibly displayed in separate regions, Based on that the area of the display mode of the candidate after the change is larger than the area of the display mode of the state before the change, or the area of the display mode of the candidate after the change reaches the entire area of the specific display or the corresponding display. The display mode of the specific display or the corresponding display may be changed (see, for example, FIGS. 37 and 38).

According to such a configuration, since it is notified whether or not the mode changes due to the area change, it is possible to realize an effect that is easily recognized by the player.

In the present specification, one of the expressions for comparison of various ratios such as the execution ratio of the effect (expressions such as “high”, “low”, “different”) is “0%”. May be included. For example, it is also included that one is a ratio of "0%" and the other is a ratio of "100%" or a ratio less than "100%".

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not have to have all the technical features shown in the above-described embodiment and the like, and one described in the above-described embodiment so as to solve at least one problem in the conventional technology. It may have a partial structure. Below, the modification of the said embodiment is shown. At least a part of each of the following modifications may be combined.

(Modification 1)
The look-ahead change effect may be an effect that changes the display mode of the hold display image or the active display image without the action effect.

(Modification 2)
There may be three or more effect modes selectable by the player. Further, the characters (character A or character B) appearing in the normal mode may be selectable during the demo display.

(Modification 3)
In the variation pattern determination table of FIG. 14, the determination rate of the variation pattern may be different depending on the number of pending storages (for example, the more the number of pending storages, the easier the selection of the variation pattern having the shorter variation time. ). At this time, the range of the decision value (the value that is compared with the random number value) assigned to some of the variation patterns (for example, super-reach with high jackpot expectation) is the same as the range of the common decision value regardless of the number of pending storages. It is preferable to configure the fluctuation pattern determination table so as to have it. Thereby, for example, the accuracy of the pre-reading determination such as whether to reach the super reach can be ensured.

(Modification 4)
The variable display (may be simply variable display) of the identification information (special drawing, decorative design, general drawing, etc.) also includes blinking of the identification information. For example, in a special drawing or a general drawing, a pattern in which all the segments are turned off and a pattern in which at least some of the segments are turned on (for example, a lost pattern) are alternately repeated. This is included in the variable display of identification information ( In this case, the one pattern (for example, a lost pattern) appears to blink. Further, the decorative design or the normal design may be variably displayed by blinking. Further, the identification information variably displayed in the variable display and the identification information as the result of the variable display may be different. For example, as a variable display of a special drawing or a general drawing, a display with one horizontal bar (“−”) blinking is performed, and as a variable display result, other display (“7” for “big hit”, The variable display of the identification information includes deriving and displaying "1" or the like in the case of "miss". For example, a decorative pattern other than the scrolled decorative pattern may be the confirmed decorative pattern. In the variable display of one time, the mode in which the identification information that was not displayed in the initial predetermined period is displayed after the predetermined period has passed is also included in the variable display of the identification information (the special symbol is the temporary stop of the final stop symbol). It may be a decorative design that appears for the first time.) The gaming machine may be, for example, one that performs variable display.

(Modification 5)
The pre-reading determination may be performed on the production control board 12 side. For example, a command indicating each random number value at the time of starting winning may be transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 at the time of starting winning, and the look-ahead determination may be performed in the effect control board 12.

(Modification 6)
In the above embodiment, when the winning determination result designation command of “no determination” is transmitted, the winning determination result designation command may not be transmitted. Even if the winning determination result designation command is not transmitted at the time of starting winning, the effect control board 12 side can specify that the number of holdings is increased by the starting winning designation command or the special figure holding storage number addition designation command, which is inconvenient. There is no.

(Modification 7)
In the above embodiment, by determining the jackpot type at the start of fluctuation, it is determined whether or not the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state is the "probability variation state", but at the start of variation, the big winning opening pattern ( Only the mode of the round game) is determined, and the gaming state after the jackpot gaming state is determined based on the fact that the game ball has passed a certain area (for example, a specific area in the special winning opening) during the jackpot gaming state. You may choose to.

(Modification 8)
In step S161, the target of the look-ahead notice (target) may be limited to either the hold of the first special figure game or the hold of the second special figure game in accordance with the game state (state of the high base flag). For example, during the high base (when the high base flag is on), the prefetching notice may be given only for the hold of the second special figure game. In this case, for example, whether or not to execute the pre-reading announcement may be determined based on the stored contents of the second start prize-winning command buffer in step S161. Further, the target of the prefetch notice may be the suspension of the first special figure game during the low base, and the suspension of the second special figure game during the high base. In this case, step S161 is executed during the low base. At this time, if the second start-winning prize command buffer stores the second start-winning prize command, execution of the prefetching advance notice may be prohibited.

(Modification 9)
The hold display image is normally white, and changes from white to red or blue depending on the look-ahead change effect, but when it is decided to execute the look-ahead change effect, the display mode of the target hold display image or active display image is normally set. As a special mode different from (for example, blinking), the player may be informed easily that the display image is a target.

(Modification 10)
In the above-described embodiment, one variation pattern command is issued at the start of variation in order to notify the variation control pattern indicating the variation time and the variation pattern such as the type of reach production and the presence/absence of pseudo-relation. Although the example of transmitting is shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control board 12 by two or more commands. Specifically, in the case of notifying with two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-relation, whether or not there is a sliding effect, and the like before reaching (so-called when not reaching. A command indicating the variation time and variation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command indicates the type of reach and the presence/absence of re-lottery production, etc., after the reach (so-called the first when the reach is not reached). It is also possible to transmit a command indicating the fluctuation time or the fluctuation mode after 2 stops). In this case, the effect control board 12 may perform the effect control in the variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands. Incidentally, the game control microcomputer 100 notifies the variation time by each of two commands, and the effect control board 12 selects the specific variation mode executed at each timing. Good. When sending two commands, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period has elapsed after sending the first command (for example, the next timer interrupt). (In) the second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. By thus notifying the variation pattern by using two or more commands, it is possible to reduce the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern command.

(Modification 11)
In addition, the image display operation in the image display device and the voice output operation in the speaker for executing the device configuration and data configuration of the gaming machine, the processing shown in the flowchart, and the lighting operation in the game effect lamp and the decorative LED. Various effect operations including the above can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pay-out type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as a prize based on the occurrence of a prize, and encloses the game medium to score points based on the occurrence of a prize. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that gives a.

The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to the form distributed and provided to a computer device included in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 1 by a removable recording medium. Alternatively, it may be distributed by being pre-installed in a storage device such as a computer device. Furthermore, the program and data for implementing the present invention may be distributed by being downloaded from another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

The game can be executed not only by mounting a removable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing the program and data downloaded via a communication line in the internal memory or the like. Alternatively, the hardware resources on the other device side may be directly used on the network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

1 ... Pachinko game machine 2 ... Game board 5 ... Image display device 11 ... Main board 12 ... Production control board 100 ... Game control microcomputer 120 ... Production control CPU
123... Display control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that executes variable display,
Pre-reading determination means for performing pre-reading determination for variable display that has not yet started,
A predetermined display means for displaying a predetermined display corresponding to the variable display,
Based on the determination result of the look-ahead determination, a specific effect execution determination means for determining whether to execute a specific effect for changing the display mode of the predetermined display,
Specific effect execution means for executing the specific effect when the specific effect execution determining means determines to execute the specific effect,
And a production mode control means capable of controlling in any one of a plurality of production modes in which the determination rate for determining that the specific production execution determination means executes the specific production is different,
The production mode control means is capable of switching the current production mode to another production mode during execution of variable display,
When the effect mode control means switches to another effect mode during execution of the variable display, the specific effect execution determination means, until the variable display being executed ends, the effect mode before the change. It is determined whether or not to execute the specific effect with the determination ratio in
The example further Bei suggested demonstration execution unit capable of executing the suggested effect suggesting a display mode after it and change the predetermined display on the display mode is changed,
The suggestive effect includes a first suggestive effect and a second suggestive effect having a different effect mode from the first suggestive effect.
When the second suggestive effect is executed, the proportion of the display mode of the predetermined display changing a plurality of times is higher than when the first suggestive effect is executed,
A gaming machine characterized by that.