JP6756662B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player.

As a game machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when the game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something that can be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variable display (also referred to as “variation”) of the identification information is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes the specific display result in the variable display device, the gaming state (game). The state of the machine. Therefore, specifically, the state in which the game machine is controlled) is changed to give a predetermined game value to the player (so-called pachinko machine).

Further, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player operates the start lever to start variable display of the identification information by the variable display device, and the player changes each. By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time predetermined from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is displayed. When a prize is generated according to the display result derived when the game is stopped, a predetermined game medium determined in advance is paid out according to the prize, and a specific prize is generated, the player sets the game state to the predetermined game value. There is something that is configured to give to (so-called slot machine).

In addition, the game value means that the variable winning ball device provided in the game area of the game machine is in an advantageous state for the player who can easily win a prize, and the right to be in an advantageous state for the player is generated. It is to make it easier to meet the conditions for paying out prize balls.

In the pachinko gaming machine, as a display result of the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) started in the variable display device based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening, a predetermined specific display mode is derived and displayed. If it is done, a "big hit" will occur. The derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol (final stop symbol). When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening opens a predetermined number of times to shift to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each opening period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) is won in the large winning opening, the large winning opening is closed. The number of times the large winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the large winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each large winning opening may be referred to as a round. In addition, a game in a round may be called a round game.

Further, in the variable display device, symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol among the left, middle, and right symbols) are stopped and shaken in a state of being consistent with a specific display result for a predetermined time. A big hit can occur before the final result is displayed because it is moving, scaled or deformed, multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously with the same symbol, or the positions of the displayed symbols are swapped. The effect performed in the state where the sex continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as the reach state) is referred to as the reach effect. In addition, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Further, the variable display including the reach effect is called the reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol that is variablely displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes "off" and the variable display state ends. The player plays the game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

In such a game machine, Cited Document 1 describes that a plurality of items can be stored and an effect using the stored items is executed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-033910

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 cannot sufficiently improve the effect.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of improving the effect of production.

(1) The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that can variably display decorative identification information and can control an advantageous state (for example, a big hit game state) that is advantageous to the player, and is a display means and an item (for example, a big hit game state). , First to third items. See FIG. 32 (C). Item storage means (for example, a storage area formed in a RAM mounted on the effect control microcomputer 100. Item-identifiable data. (For example, the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S8105, S8110, etc.) that can execute a specific effect (for example, an item action effect) using the items stored by the item storage means. The display means can display the variable display of the specific identification information corresponding to the variable display of the decorative identification information, and the specific identification information can be displayed so as not to overlap with the display related to the stored items. The variable display is displayed, and the effect executing means can execute a plurality of types of advance notice effects including a first advance notice effect in which items can be used and a second notice effect in which items cannot be used. aspects (e.g., normal mode and the first to any of the representation embodiment of the third special aspect) being capable of performing the prediction effect comprising a second informational display and the first informational display by the prediction effect wherein by executing specific effect, being capable of performing the prediction effect by expectations high aspect to be controlled to the advantageous conditions than the announcement attraction (e.g., the microcomputer 100 Ya step S8105 for performance control to A part for executing S8110 or the like. The advance notice production is started in a normal mode having a low expectation, but changes to a first special mode, a second special mode, and a third special mode having a high expectation by the action of an item. . FIGS. 35 38 see.), when said relative first prediction effect performing said specific effect, the first than when not performing the specific effect to prediction effect, than the first announcement attraction executing said second prediction effect executable at a high rate in the previous timing, in one of the variable display, the first informational display a plurality of times can be executed, as the first prediction effect, predetermined first prediction effect The effect mode is different from that of the predetermined first advance notice effect, and includes a specific first advance notice effect having a higher degree of expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state than the predetermined first advance notice effect .
According to such a configuration, the effect of production can be improved.

(2) In the game machine of (1) above, the item is associated with a predetermined color or pattern (for example, blue, red and fruit pattern), and the effect executing means differs in color or pattern depending on the degree of expectation. The advance notice effect can be executed (for example, the advance notice effect can be executed according to the first to third special aspects. See FIG. 32 (B)), and by executing the specific effect for the advance notice effect, the specific effect can be executed. The notice effect may be executed by changing the color or pattern associated with the item to be used (see, for example, FIGS. 35 to 38).
According to such a configuration, the effect of production can be improved.

(3) In the game machine of the above (1) or (2), the item is associated with a predetermined character (for example, the item display 200c composed of the character image, see FIG. 39 (2)), and the effect executing means. Can execute the advance notice effect in a plurality of modes, and by executing the specific effect on the advance notice effect, the advance notice effect can be executed in the manner in which the character associated with the item used in the specific effect acts. (For example, see FIG. 39 (4)).
According to such a configuration, the effect of production can be improved.

(4) In any of the game machines (1) to (3) above, the effect execution means performs a plurality of types of advance notice effects (for example, active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, button effect, etc.). It is feasible, and by executing a specific effect for the advance notice effect, it is possible to execute the advance notice effect having a higher expectation than the advance notice effect (for example, the advance notice effect is started in a normal mode with a low expectation degree). , The action of the item changes to the first special mode, the second special mode, and the third special mode, which have high expectations. See FIGS. 35 to 38.), Even if the specific effect uses the same item, there are a plurality of specific effects. It is possible to execute a specific effect so that the degree of expectation differs depending on which of the types of advance notice effects is executed (see, for example, FIGS. 32A and 32B). Even if it is a mode, the degree of expectation for a big hit differs depending on the notice effect, so even if it is an item action effect that makes the same item act (for example, even if it is changed to the same third special mode), any notice effect The degree of expectation differs depending on whether it acts on the
According to such a configuration, the effect of production can be improved.

(5) In any of the game machines (1) to (4) above, the effect executing means is the first notice effect (for example, active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect) in which items can be used. , Button effect, etc.) and a second advance notice effect (for example, decorative lamp effect), which makes it impossible to use items, can be executed, and items are stored by the item storage means. Occasionally, the ratio of executing the first advance notice effect may be higher than when the first notice effect is not stored (for example, a portion where the effect control microcomputer 100 executes steps S6505 to S6506 and the like).
According to such a configuration, the effect of production can be improved.

(6) In any of the game machines (1) to (5) above, the change effect executing means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 100) capable of executing the change effect for changing the items stored by the item storage means. Is executed when the item grant pattern of "first item (blue)-> third item (fruit pattern)" is determined. (See FIG. 32 (C)). You may.
According to such a configuration, the effect of production can be improved.

(7) In any of the game machines (1) to (6) above, as a suggestion display suggesting the degree of expectation controlled in an advantageous state, a first suggestion display in which the display size is the first size (for example, FIG. The first size shutter image 94 displayed at the time of the shutter effect shown in 40 (a) and the second suggestion display having the display size of the second size (for example, at the time of the reach title effect shown in FIG. 40 (d)). A plurality of display means having a display means (for example, realized by an effect control microcomputer 100, an effect display device 9 or the like) capable of displaying a second size reach title image 95 or the like to be displayed, and a plurality of display means having different modes are provided. Consists of various elements (element E1 (banana), element E2 (melon), element E3 (apple), element E4 (watermelon), element E5 (strawberry), etc. shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d)). The specific image (the fruit pattern shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d)) can be displayed, and either the first suggestion display or the second suggestion display is displayed in the pattern including the specific image. , Display so that a plurality of types of elements are included in both the first suggestion display and the second suggestion display (elements in both the shutter image 94 and the reach title image 95 shown in FIGS. 40A and 40D). It may be displayed so that E1 to E5 are included).
According to such a configuration, a specific image can be preferably displayed regardless of the display size of the suggestion display. This makes it possible to accurately convey that a specific image has been displayed.
You may do so.

It is a front view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure example of the game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit composition example of an effect control board, a lamp driver board, and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU executes on a main board. It is a flowchart which shows the 4ms timer interrupt processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit determination table, the small hit determination table, and the big hit type determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of special symbol process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of special symbol process processing. It is a flowchart which shows the start port switch passing process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the configuration example of the hold storage buffer. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol normal processing. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol normal processing. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the display result specification command transmission processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process during special symbol change. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol stop processing. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot end processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of the special symbol display control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control main process executed by the effect control CPU. It is explanatory drawing which shows the configuration example of the command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the variation pattern command reception waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the effect symbol variation start processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of the effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the execution timing of each notice effect. It is a flowchart which shows the advance notice effect setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the advance notice effect execution decision table, the advance notice effect mode decision table, the item grant pattern decision table, and the additional notice effect effect decision table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing during change of an effect symbol. It is a flowchart which shows the effect symbol fluctuation stop processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the advance notice effect (active display change effect) and item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the advance notice effect (cut-in effect) and item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concrete example of the advance notice effect (step-up effect) and item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the advance notice effect (button effect) and item effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the notice effect (button effect) and the item effect using the item corresponding to a character. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a shutter effect and reach title effect.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is composed of an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape and a game frame that is openably and closably attached to the inside of the outer frame. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape provided in the gaming frame so as to be openable and closable. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanical parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (game described later). It is a structure including (excluding board 6).

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

The member forming the surplus ball saucer (lower plate) 4 is formed in a stick shape (bar shape) at a predetermined position on the front side (for example, the central portion of the lower plate) on the upper surface of the lower plate body, and the player A stick controller 122 that can be gripped and tilted in a plurality of directions (front-back, left-right) is attached. In the stick controller 122, a player holds the operating rod of the stick controller 122 with an operating hand (for example, a left hand) and presses and pulls the stick controller 122 with a predetermined operating finger (for example, the index finger). A trigger button 121 (see FIG. 3) capable of instructing operation is provided, and inside the operating rod of the stick controller 122, a trigger sensor 125 (FIG. 3) that detects a predetermined instructing operation by pushing / pulling the trigger button 121 or the like. 3) is built-in. Further, an inclination direction sensor unit 123 (see FIG. 3) for detecting an inclination operation with respect to the operation stick is provided inside the main body of the lower plate at the lower part of the stick controller 122. Further, the stick controller 122 has a built-in vibrator motor 126 (see FIG. 3) for vibrating the stick controller 122.

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

Further, the push button 120 is provided with a push button LED 29. The push button LED 29 can emit light in a plurality of modes, and as will be described later, emits light in a predetermined mode when the auto button function is enabled.

In this embodiment, the push button 120 is provided integrally with the stick controller 122. Therefore, when the stick controller 122 is vibrated, the push button 120 is also vibrated at the same time. Not limited to such a configuration, the stick controller 122 and the push button 120 may be provided separately.

An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. The display screen of the effect display device 9 has an effect symbol display area for variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that performs variable display of the effect symbol. In the effect symbol display area, for example, there is a symbol display area for variably displaying three decorative (effect) effect symbols of "left", "middle", and "right". The symbol display area has "left", "middle", and "right" symbol display areas, but the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. The three areas of the display area may be separated. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the effect control microcomputer is executing the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a, the effect display device 9 executes the effect display in accordance with the variable display, and the second special When the variable display of the second special symbol is being executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device 9 in accordance with the variable display, so that it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the game. ..

Further, in the effect display device 9, symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol among the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time, and the jackpot symbol (for example, the left middle right symbol is aligned with the same symbol). Stopped, rocked, scaled or deformed in a state that matches the combination of symbols), or multiple symbols are synchronized and fluctuated with the same symbol, or the positions of the displayed symbols are swapped. The effect performed in a state where the possibility of a big hit continues before the final result is displayed (hereinafter, these states are referred to as a reach state) is referred to as a reach effect. In addition, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Further, the variable display including the reach effect is called the reach variable display. Then, if the display result of the symbol that is variablely displayed on the effect display device 9 is not a big hit symbol, it becomes "missing" and the variable display state ends. The player plays the game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

In this embodiment, a case is shown in which a variable display of the effect symbol is performed as an effect of the liquid crystal display in the effect display device 9, but the effect performed by the effect display device 9 is the one shown in this embodiment. Not limited to this, for example, an effect having a predetermined story may be executed, and an effect of displaying the result of the story based on the result of the jackpot determination or the determination of the fluctuation pattern may be executed. For example, a professional wrestling or soccer match or a battle in which enemy or ally characters fight is performed, and if it is a big hit, a match or battle is won, and if it is out of the game, a match or battle is defeated. May be good. Further, for example, instead of displaying the result such as victory or defeat, it is possible to execute an effect in which a predetermined story such as a story is developed in order.

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

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

The 4th symbol for the 1st special symbol and the 4th symbol for the 2nd special symbol may be collectively referred to as the 4th symbol, and the 4th symbol display area 9c and the 2nd special for the 1st special symbol. The fourth symbol display area 9d for symbols may be collectively referred to as the fourth symbol display area.

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

Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a, the display color reminiscent of the jackpot in the fourth symbol display area 9c for the first special symbol (display color different from the missed, for example, the missed). Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but when it is a big hit, it is displayed in red. The display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probabilistic big hit or a normal big hit). , The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a jackpot that can be expected to win a game ball to the jackpot (for example, a jackpot other than a sudden probability change jackpot), and for multiple types of jackpots with different numbers of rounds. If it is controllable, the display color may be different according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game. Further, as in this embodiment, even if the number of rounds of each jackpot is the same, For example, the opening time of the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big hit that can not be expected to win the game ball to the big winning opening is practically, and the opening time of the big winning opening per round is long. (For example, 30 seconds) If there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big prize opening, depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big prize opening. The display color may be different. For example, there are big hits that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening and a big hit that cannot be expected due to the difference in the number of times the big winning opening is opened per round. Even in this case, the display color may be different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win a prize in the large winning opening.

Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the display color reminiscent of the jackpot in the fourth symbol display area 9d for the second special symbol (display color different from the missed, for example, the missed). Sometimes it is displayed in blue, but when it is a big hit, it is displayed in red. The display color may be different depending on the type of big hit (whether it is a probabilistic big hit or a normal big hit). , The display color may be different depending on whether or not it is a jackpot that can be expected to win a game ball to the jackpot (for example, a jackpot other than a sudden probability change jackpot), and for multiple types of jackpots with different numbers of rounds. If it is controllable, the display color may be different according to the number of rounds continued in the jackpot game. Further, as in this embodiment, even if the number of rounds of each jackpot is the same, For example, the opening time of the big winning opening per round is short (for example, 1 second), and the big hit that can not be expected to win the game ball to the big winning opening is practically, and the opening time of the big winning opening per round is long. (For example, 30 seconds) If there is a big hit that can be expected to win a game ball in the big prize opening, depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win in the big prize opening. The display color may be different. For example, there are big hits that can be expected to win a game ball to the big winning opening and a big hit that cannot be expected due to the difference in the number of times the big winning opening is opened per round. Even in this case, the display color may be different depending on whether or not the game ball can be expected to win a prize in the large winning opening.

The display color of the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d when the lights are turned off is a display color different from the background image (for example, black) in order to prevent the display colors from being assimilated with the background image and disappearing when the lights are turned off. It is desirable to have.

In this embodiment, the case where the fourth symbol display area is provided on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, but a light emitter such as a lamp or an LED is used separately from the effect display device 9. The fourth symbol display area may be realized. In this case, for example, the fluctuation (variable display) of the fourth symbol may be realized by continuing the state in which the two LEDs are alternately lit, and any of the two LEDs is stopped. Depending on whether it is displayed or not, it may be indicated whether or not the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed.

Further, in this embodiment, a case is shown in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol correspond to each other and separate fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d are provided, but the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided. A fourth symbol display area common to the symbols may be provided on a part of the display screen of the effect display device 9. Further, a fourth symbol display area common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be realized by using a light emitting body such as a lamp or an LED. In this case, when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol, and when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the second special symbol. For example, the variable display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by displaying the display of different display colors repeatedly on and off at regular time intervals. Further, when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol, and when the variable display of the fourth symbol is executed in synchronization with the variable display of the second special symbol, for example. , The variable display of the fourth symbol may be distinguished and executed by displaying the lights and turns off repeatedly at different time intervals. Further, for example, the same jackpot symbol is used when the stop symbol is derived and displayed in response to the variation display of the first special symbol and when the stop symbol is derived and displayed in response to the variation display of the second special symbol. However, the stop symbol of a different mode may be stopped and displayed.

On the right side of the effect display device 9, a first special symbol display (first variable display unit) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as identification information is provided. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, a 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. Further, on the right side of the effect display device 9 (to the right of the first special symbol display 8a), a second special symbol display (second variable display unit) 8b that variably displays the second special symbol as identification information is displayed. Is also provided. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, a 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

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

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

In this embodiment, the case where two special symbol indicators 8a and 8b are provided is shown, but the gaming machine may be provided with only one special symbol indicator.

In the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the execution condition of the variable display, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second starting winning opening). After passing through 14 (including winning), the variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0, and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed). It is started based on the establishment of a state (a state in which the jackpot game is not executed), and when the variable display time (variable time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. In addition, the passing of the game ball means that the game ball has passed through a pre-determined area such as a winning opening or a gate, and the concept includes that the game ball has entered (winned) in the winning opening. Is. Further, to derive and display the display result is to finally stop and display the symbol (example of identification information).

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

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

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

When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is extremely easy to win the second starting winning opening 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly below the effect display device 9, but the distance between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first starting winning opening 13 may be further narrowed, or the first starting winning opening may be further narrowed. By arranging the nails densely around 13 or making it difficult to guide the game ball to the 1st start winning opening 13 by arranging the nails around the 1st starting winning opening 13, the winning rate of the 2nd starting winning opening 14 It may be made higher than the winning rate of the first starting winning opening 13.

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

Above the second special symbol display 8b, there is a second special symbol hold storage display 18b composed of four indicators for displaying the number of valid winning balls entered in the second start winning opening 14, that is, the number of second hold storages. It is provided. The second special symbol hold storage display 18b increases the number of lit indicators by 1 each time there is a valid start prize. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of lit indicators is reduced by one.

Further, above the second special symbol hold storage display 18b, the number of effective winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first holding storage number (holding memory is also referred to as starting memory or starting winning memory. ) Is provided as a first special symbol hold storage display 18a composed of four displays. The first special symbol hold storage display 18a increases the number of lit indicators by 1 each time there is a valid start prize. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of lit indicators is reduced by one.

Further, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, a total hold storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number (total hold storage number) which is the total of the first hold storage number and the second hold storage number is provided. ing. In this embodiment, since the total hold storage display unit 18c for displaying the total number is provided as described above, it is easy to grasp the total number of execution conditions for which the start condition for variable display is not satisfied. be able to. A first hold storage display unit for displaying the first hold storage number and a second hold storage display unit for displaying the second hold storage number may be provided.

Further, at the lower part of the display screen of the effect display device 9, an active display unit 18d for displaying an active display corresponding to a variable display during execution is provided. In this embodiment, the total hold storage display unit 18c performs the hold display corresponding to the hold memory for which the change display has not yet started, and from the start to the end of the change display based on the hold memory. Meanwhile, the hold display corresponding to the hold storage is displayed as an active display on the active display unit 18d different from the total hold storage display unit 18c. In this embodiment, the active display is displayed in the same mode as the hold display, but it does not necessarily have to be in the same mode as the hold display, and is, for example, a unique mode composed of figures, characters, and the like. It may be.

The effect display device 9 is for decoration (for effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 8b. Variable display of the production symbol as the symbol of. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized with each other. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized with each other. Further, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect symbol reminiscent of the jackpot on the effect display device 9. The combination of is stopped and displayed.

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

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

When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. Then, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol, for example, symbol "7"), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 is a state in which the player is advantageous from a disadvantageous state to an advantageous state (a state in which the game ball can be won in the second starting winning opening 14) when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a hit symbol. Changes to. In the vicinity of the ordinary symbol display 10, an ordinary symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Every time the game ball passes through the gate 32, that is, every time the game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol hold storage display 41 increases the number of lit LEDs by one. Then, each time the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of lit LEDs is reduced by 1. Furthermore, the probability change state is a state in which the probability of being determined to be a big hit is higher than that in the normal state (a state in which the probability of being judged as a big hit as a result of the fluctuation display of a special symbol is increased as compared with the normal state). Then, the probability that the stopped symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a hit symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Further, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased even in the time saving state (the game state in which the variable display time of the special symbol is shortened) in which the fluctuation time of the symbol is shortened although it is not the probabilistic state.

At the bottom of the game board 6, there is an out port 26 in which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken in. Further, four speakers 27 for producing sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the upper left and right upper parts and the lower left and right lower parts on the outside of the game area 7. A frame LED 28 is provided on the front frame on the outer periphery of the game area 7. The frame LED 28 can emit light in a plurality of modes. In this embodiment, the frame LED 28 is capable of emitting white, blue, green and red light.

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

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

In this embodiment, in the case of a probability variation jackpot, the game state is shifted to a high probability state (probability variation state), and the game ball is easily started and won a prize (that is, special symbol displays 8a, 8b and the effect. It shifts to a high base state which is a game state controlled so that the execution condition of the variable display on the display device 9 is easily satisfied (in this embodiment, it shifts to a time saving state). Also, when the gaming state is changed to the time saving state, it is also changed to the high base state. In the high base state, for example, the frequency with which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is increased, or the time during which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is extended as compared with the case where the high base state is not achieved. It becomes easier to win a start prize.

In addition, instead of extending the time during which the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state (also referred to as an open extension state), the state shifts to a normal symbol probability variation state in which the probability that the stopped symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a hit symbol is increased. By doing so, it may shift to a high base state. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. In this case, by controlling the transition to the normal symbol probability change state, the probability that the stopped symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a hit symbol is increased, and the frequency with which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened increases. Therefore, if the state shifts to the normal symbol probability change state, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and the starting winning is easy to win (high base state). That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is the hit symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is the probabilistic symbol, which is disadvantageous to the player. It changes from a state to an advantageous state (a state in which it is easy to win a start). It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

Further, the normal symbol display 10 may shift to the high base state by shifting to the normal symbol time saving state in which the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the normal symbol is shortened. In the normal symbol time reduction state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, as the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases, the frequency of opening the variable winning ball device 15 increases, and the start winning is easy to win (high base state).

In addition, by shifting to a time-saving state in which the fluctuation time (variable display period) of the special symbol or the effect symbol is shortened, the fluctuation time of the special symbol or the effect symbol is shortened, so that the fluctuation of the special symbol or the effect symbol starts. It can be done more frequently (in other words, the pending memory is digested faster), and the situation where an invalid start prize is generated can be reduced. Therefore, a valid start winning prize is likely to occur, and as a result, the possibility that a big hit game is performed increases.

Furthermore, by shifting to all the states shown above (open extension state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol time reduction state and special symbol time reduction state), it becomes easier to win a starting prize (shift to a high base state). You may. In addition, by shifting to any one or more of the above-mentioned states (open extension state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol time reduction state, and special symbol time reduction state), it becomes easier to win a start prize (high base). It may be changed to the state). In addition, by shifting to only one of the above-mentioned states (open extension state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol time reduction state, and special symbol time reduction state), it becomes easier to win a start prize (high). It may move to the base state).

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

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

Since the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 560 executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 54, the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) will execute (or process) the following. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. This also applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit used to generate a random number for determination for determining whether or not to make a big hit based on the display result of the variable display of the special symbol. The random number circuit 503 updates the numerical data according to the set update rule within the numerical range in which the initial value (for example, 0) and the upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and the start is generated at a random timing. It has a random number generation function in which the read numerical data becomes a random number value based on the time when the winning is the time of reading (extracting) the numerical data.

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

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

Further, an input driver circuit 58 that gives detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 that drives a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15 and a solenoid 21 that opens and closes the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a large winning opening according to a command from the game control microcomputer 560. It is mounted on 31.

Further, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a first special symbol display 8a for variably displaying a special symbol, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying a normal symbol, and a first special symbol hold memory. The display control of the display 18a, the second special symbol holding storage display 18b, and the normal symbol holding storage display 41 is performed.

An information output circuit 64 that outputs an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer via the terminal board 160 is also mounted on the main board 31.

In this embodiment, the effect control means (consisting of the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect content from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. It receives the effect control command and controls the display of the effect display device 9 that variably displays the effect symbol.

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but a microcomputer may be mounted. Further, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 may not be provided, and only the effect control board 80 may be provided for the effect control.

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

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

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

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

As a signal direction regulating means, the relay board 77 allows the signal input from the main board 31 to pass only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal does not pass in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 of the above is mounted. As a unidirectional circuit, for example, a diode or a transistor is used. FIG. 3 illustrates a diode. Further, a unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Further, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 which is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (on the side of the game control microcomputer 560). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port portion 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit which is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided on the outside of the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

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

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

In the lamp driver board 35, the signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a current to a light emitter such as the frame LED 28 based on the signal for driving the LED.

In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesis IC 703 generates voices and sound effects according to the sound number data and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplifier circuit 705 outputs a voice signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. Control data corresponding to the sound number data is stored in the voice data ROM 704. The control data according to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output mode of the sound effect or the sound in a predetermined period (for example, the fluctuation period of the effect symbol) in chronological order.

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

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

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

If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing in the backup RAM area (for example, processing when power supply is stopped such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the game machine was stopped. (Step S7). After confirming that such protection processing has not been performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop processing.

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

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

Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Further, the CPU 56 transmits a display result designation command specifying a display result (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot, small hit, or loss) stored in the backup RAM to the effect control board 80 (step). S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S44, for example, when the value of the special symbol pointer described later is also stored in the backup RAM, the CPU 56 also transmits the first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command (see FIG. 8). You may try to do it. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may restart the variation display of the fourth symbol based on the reception of the first symbol variation designation command and the second symbol variation designation command.

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

The CPU 56 may first check whether or not the value of the variable time timer stored in the backup RAM area is 0, instead of always transmitting the display result specification command when the power failure is restored. .. Then, if the value of the fluctuation time timer is not 0, it is determined that a power failure occurs during the fluctuation, and a display result specification command is transmitted. If the fluctuation time timer is 0, the fluctuation time occurs during the power failure. It may be determined that the state is not present and the display result specification command may not be sent.

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

In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity to execute the game state recovery process.

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

By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a random number counter for determining a normal symbol hit, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively processing according to the control state are initially set. The value is set.

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

Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 503 (step S14). The CPU 56 sets the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random number R, for example, by executing the process according to the random number circuit setting program.

Then, in step S15, the CPU 56 sets the CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied at predetermined time (for example, 4 ms). That is, as an initial value, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the timer is interrupted periodically every 4 ms.

When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt prohibition state is set (step S16), and when the execution of the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process is completed, the interrupt enable state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol when it is not a big hit, or a random number for determining whether or not to reach when it is not a big hit, and it is displayed. The random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number for display. Further, the initial value random number update process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to hit the normal symbol (normal symbol hit determination random number generation counter). It is a random number to determine. Game control processing that controls the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls the game devices such as the effect display device, the variable winning ball device, and the ball payout device provided in the game machine. In the process of performing, or the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, also called the game device control process), the count value of the normal symbol hit judgment random number is one lap (normal symbol hit judgment random number taking). The initial value is set in the counter when the step is taken by the number of numerical values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible value.

In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed by using the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the reach effect is always executed (however, in the case of a sudden probability variation jackpot, the sudden probability variation jackpot symbol (for example, "135") is not a reach. May be displayed as stopped). When the display result of the special symbol is not a big hit symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect by performing a lottery to determine the fluctuation pattern type and the fluctuation pattern using random numbers. To do. However, it is the effect control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the control of the reach effect.

When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power failure detection process for detecting whether or not a power failure signal has been output (whether or not it has been turned on) is executed (step S20). The power off signal is output when, for example, the power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supply supplied to the game machine. Then, in the power supply cutoff detection process, when the CPU 56 detects that the power supply cutoff signal is output, it executes a power supply stop time process for storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, the detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, and the count switch 23 are input via the input driver circuit 58, and their states are determined (switch processing: step S21). ).

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

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

Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process process (step S26). In the special symbol process process, the corresponding process is executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the grand prize opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the game state.

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 56 relates to turning on / off the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S31: output processing).

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

Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process of setting the normal symbol display control data for displaying the effect of the normal symbol according to the value of the normal symbol process flag in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data (the normal symbol display control process). Step S33). For example, when the start flag related to the fluctuation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“○” and “×”) of the fluctuation speed of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. At such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating "○" and 0 indicating "x") is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 executes the effect display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting the drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

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

With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the process of steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. Further, in this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process, but in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is the main process. It may be executed in.

When the misaligned symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. A combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not reach the reach state may be stopped and displayed without reaching the reach state. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a "non-reach" (also referred to as "normally out of place") variable display mode when the variable display result is an out-of-order symbol.

When the misaligned symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. The reach effect is executed after the reach state is reached, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not finally become a jackpot symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of "reach" (also referred to as "reach loss") when the variable display result is "out of reach".

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

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

Here, the small hit is a hit that is allowed up to a number of times that the number of times the big winning opening is opened is smaller than that of the big hit (in this embodiment, the opening for 0.1 second is twice). When the small hit game is completed, the game state does not change. That is, there is no transition from the probabilistic state to the normal state or from the normal state to the probabilistic state. In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is allowed up to the number of times that the big winning opening is opened a small number of times in the big hit game state (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second is twice), but the opening time of the big winning opening is extremely long. A short jackpot and a jackpot that shifts the gaming state after the jackpot game to a probabilistic state (that is, by doing so, it appears to the player as if it suddenly became a probabilistic state. Is). That is, in this embodiment, the sudden change big hit and the small hit have the same opening pattern of the big winning opening. By controlling in this way, if the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds, it is not possible to recognize whether it is a sudden change big hit or a small hit, so it is a high probability state for the player. (Probability change state) can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determine the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot, which will be described later) (for determining the jackpot type).
(2) Random 2 (MR2): Determine the type (type) of the fluctuation pattern (for determining the fluctuation pattern type)
(3) Random 3 (MR3): Determine the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) (for determining the fluctuation pattern)
(4) Random 4 (MR4): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for determining a normal symbol hit).
(5) Random 5 (MR5): Determine the initial value of random 4 (for determining the initial value of random 4)

In this embodiment, the variation pattern is first determined by using the variation pattern type determination random number (random 2), and the variation is determined by using the variation pattern determination random number (random 3). Determine one of the fluctuation patterns included in the pattern type. As such, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is determined by a two-step lottery process.

The fluctuation pattern type is a group of a plurality of fluctuation patterns according to the characteristics of the fluctuation mode. For example, a plurality of fluctuation patterns are grouped by reach type, and include a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern with normal reach, a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern with super reach A, and a fluctuation pattern with super reach B. It may be divided into fluctuation pattern types. Further, for example, a plurality of fluctuation patterns are grouped by the number of re-variations of the pseudo-ream, and a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern without a pseudo-ream, a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern of one re-variation, and a re-variation. It may be divided into a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern of two fluctuations and a fluctuation pattern type including a fluctuation pattern of three re-variations. Further, for example, a plurality of fluctuation patterns may be grouped according to the presence or absence of a specific effect such as a pseudo-ream or a sliding effect.

In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 560 is a counter for generating the big hit type determination random number (1) and the ordinary symbol hit determination random number (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are random numbers for determination, and random numbers other than these are random numbers for display (random 2, random 3) or random numbers for initial value (random 5). In addition, random numbers other than the above random numbers may be used in order to enhance the game effect. Further, in this embodiment, as the jackpot determination random number, a random number generated by the hardware built in the game control microcomputer 560 (may be external hardware of the game control microcomputer 560) is used. As the big hit determination random number, a software random number may be used instead of the hardware random number.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54, and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table used in a normal state and a time saving state (that is, a gaming state that is not a probability variation state) and a probability variation jackpot determination table used in the probability variation state. Each numerical value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each numerical value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability variation jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value shown in FIG. 7A is the jackpot determination value.

7 (B) and 7 (C) are explanatory views showing a small hit determination table. The small hit determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54, and is a table in which a small hit determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The small hit determination table includes a small hit determination table (for the first special symbol) used when displaying the variation of the first special symbol and a small hit determination table used when displaying the variation of the second special symbol. (For the second special design) Each numerical value shown in FIG. 7 (B) is set in the small hit determination table (for the first special symbol), and in FIG. 7 (C) in the small hit determination table (for the second special symbol). Each numerical value described is set. Further, the numerical values shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C are small hit determination values.

It should be noted that the small hit may be determined only when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, and the small hit may not be provided when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the small hit determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 7 (C). In this embodiment, when the gaming state is shifted to the probabilistic state, the variation display of the second special symbol is mainly executed. If a small hit is generated even when the game state is shifted to the probabilistic state, and if it is configured to incite whether or not the game state is probable, even though the current game state is in the probable state. On the contrary, it makes the player feel annoyed. Therefore, if it is configured so that small hits do not occur during the variable display of the second special symbol, it is difficult for small hits to occur when the game state is in the probable change state, and the fanning effect for the probable change is not performed more than necessary. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the player feels annoyed.

The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the jackpot determination random number (random R). The jackpot determination random number value is shown in FIG. 7A. If any of the jackpot determination values is matched, it is decided to make a jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot, sudden probability variation jackpot, which will be described later) for the special symbol. Further, when the random value for big hit determination matches any of the small hit determination values shown in FIGS. 7 (B) and 7 (C), it is determined to make a small hit with respect to the special symbol. The "probability" shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, the "probability" shown in FIGS. 7 (B) and 7 (C) indicates the probability (ratio) of a small hit. Further, deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big hit game state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is determined. It also means deciding whether or not to make a big hit design. Further, determining whether or not to make a small hit means determining whether or not to shift to the small hit game state, but stop at the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. It also means deciding whether or not to make the symbol a small hit symbol.

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

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

The jackpot type determination tables 131a and 131b set the jackpot type to "normal jackpot" or "normal jackpot" based on a random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type when it is determined that the variable display result is a jackpot symbol. It is a table referred to for determining either "probability change jackpot" or "sudden change jackpot". In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E), 5 determination values are assigned to the “sudden probability change jackpot” in the jackpot type determination table 131a (40 minutes). The jackpot type judgment table 131b is assigned one judgment value for the "sudden probability change jackpot" (1/40 percentage). (Suddenly determined to be a probabilistic jackpot). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first start winning opening 13 is entered and the variation display of the first special symbol is executed, the second starting winning opening 14 is entered and the second special symbol is displayed. Compared to the case where the fluctuation display is executed, the rate of being determined as "sudden probability change jackpot" is high. It should be noted that the "sudden probability change jackpot" is distributed only to the jackpot type determination table 131a for the first special symbol, and the "sudden probability variation jackpot" is not distributed to the jackpot type determination table 131b for the second special symbol (that is, , "Sudden probability change jackpot" may be determined only when the variation display of the first special symbol is performed).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E), a sudden probability change jackpot as the first specific game state in which a predetermined amount of game value is given, and an amount larger than the game value. In some cases, it may be determined as a 15-round normal jackpot or a probabilistic jackpot as the second specific gaming state that gives the game value, and the first specific gaming state is performed at a high rate when the variation display of the first special symbol is executed. However, the game value to be given is not limited to the number of rounds as shown in this embodiment. For example, as compared with the first specific game state, the second specific game state in which the permissible amount of the number of winnings (count number) of the game ball to the large winning opening per round is increased as the game value is determined. May be good. Further, for example, the second specific gaming state may be determined in which the opening time of the big winning opening per big hit is lengthened as a game value as compared with the first specific gaming state. Further, for example, even in the same 15-round big hit, the first specific gaming state in which the big winning opening is opened once per round and the second specific gaming state in which the big winning opening is opened a plurality of times per round. It may be prepared to increase the game value of the second specific game state by substantially increasing the number of times the large winning opening is opened. In this case, for example, in either the first specific game state or the second specific game state, when the large winning opening is opened 15 times (in this case, all 15 rounds in the case of the first specific game state). In the case of the second specific game state, an undigested round remains), and an effect of a mode that encourages whether or not the jackpot continues further may be executed. Then, in the case of the first specific game state, all 15 rounds are internally completed, so the jackpot game is ended, and in the case of the second specific game state, undigested rounds remain internally. Therefore, the big hit game may be continued (a production in which the opening of the big winning opening is additionally started with a bonus after finishing the big hit of 15 times opening).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E), the jackpot types include "normal jackpot", "probability change jackpot", and "sudden probability variation jackpot". In this embodiment, the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is shown in two types, 15 rounds and 2 rounds, but the number of rounds executed in the jackpot game is shown in this embodiment. It is not limited to the ones. For example, a 10R probability variable jackpot controlled for a 10-round jackpot game, a 7R probability variable jackpot controlled for a 7-round jackpot game, and a 5R probability variable jackpot controlled for a 5-round jackpot game may be provided. Further, in this embodiment, the case where the big hit types are three types of "normal big hit", "probability change big hit" and "sudden change big hit" is shown, but the case is not limited to three types, for example, four or more types. A jackpot type may be provided. On the contrary, the number of jackpot types may be less than three, and for example, only two types may be provided as jackpot types.

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

The "probability change jackpot" is a jackpot that controls the jackpot game state of 15 rounds and shifts to the probability change state after the end of the jackpot game state (in this embodiment, it shifts to the probability change state and also in the time saving state. Migrate. See steps S169 and S170 described later). Then, the probabilistic state and the time saving state continue until the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

Further, the "sudden change jackpot" is allowed up to the number of times the big winning opening is opened less than the "normal jackpot" and the "probability change jackpot" (in this embodiment, opening for 0.1 second is twice). It is a big hit to be done. That is, in the case of "sudden probability change big hit", it is controlled to the big hit game state of two rounds. In addition, in "normal jackpot" and "probability jackpot", the opening time of the jackpot per round is as long as 29 seconds, while in "sudden jackpot", the opening time of the jackpot per round is long. It is extremely short at 0.1 seconds, and it can hardly be expected that a game ball will win a prize at the big prize opening during a big hit game. Then, in this embodiment, after the sudden end of the probabilistic jackpot gaming state, the probabilistic state is shifted (in this embodiment, the probabilistic state is shifted and the time is shortened as well. Step S169, which will be described later, See S170). Then, the probabilistic state and the time saving state continue until the next big hit occurs (see step S132).

The mode of the sudden change jackpot is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, the number of times the big winning opening is opened may be 15 times (15 rounds), which is the same as a normal big hit or a sudden change big hit, and only the opening time of the big winning opening may be extremely short, 0.1 seconds.

As described above, in this embodiment, even when a "small hit" occurs, the big winning opening is opened twice for 0.1 seconds each, and the big hit game state due to the "sudden probability change big hit" is obtained. Similar control is performed. Then, in the case of a "small hit", the gaming state does not change after the two opening of the large winning opening is completed, and the gaming state before the "small hit" is maintained. By doing so, it becomes impossible to recognize whether it is a "sudden change big hit" or a "small hit", and the interest of the game is improved. If all the big hit types are configured to be probabilistic big hits, it is not necessary to provide small hits. In addition, when a small hit is provided when all the jackpot types are probability variable jackpots, the sudden probability variable jackpot is only shifted to the probability variation state (high probability state) and is not accompanied by the time saving state (high base state). It is preferable to provide (the opening pattern of the big winning opening is also the same for the sudden change big hit and the small hit).

The jackpot type judgment tables 131a and 131b are numerical values to be compared with the value of random 1, and are judgment values corresponding to each of "normal jackpot", "probability variation jackpot", and "sudden probability variation jackpot" (big hit type judgment value). ) Is set. When the value of random 1 matches any of the jackpot type determination values, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type as the type corresponding to the matched jackpot type determination value.

8 and 9 are explanatory views showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) that specifies a variation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variable display of the special symbol. ) (Each corresponds to the fluctuation pattern XX). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the fluctuation patterns that can be used, there is a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to each of the fluctuation patterns specified by the number. In addition, "(H)" indicates that it is a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for specifying the fluctuation pattern is also a command for designating the fluctuation start. Therefore, when the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the command 80XX (H), the effect display device 9 controls to start the variable display of the effect symbol.

The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a small hit, and the type of big hit. Since the effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the effect symbol in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H), the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

The command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display (variation) of the fourth symbol is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Upon receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variable display (variation) of the fourth symbol and derives and displays the display result.

The command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when the power supply to the game machine is started. The command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when the power supply to the game machine is restarted. When the power supply to the game machine is started, the game control microcomputer 560 sends a power failure recovery designation command if the data is saved in the backup RAM, and if not, the initialization designation. Send a command.

The command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demo designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

The commands A001 to A003 (H) are effect control commands (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command) for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, a jackpot start 1 designation command, a jackpot start 2 designation command, or a small hit / sudden probability change jackpot start designation command is used depending on the type of jackpot. Specifically, in the case of "normal jackpot", the jackpot start 1 designation command (A001 (H)) is used, and in the case of "probability variation jackpot", the jackpot start 2 designation command (A002 (H)) is used. In the case of "sudden probability change big hit" or "small hit", the small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (A003 (H)) is used. Although the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a fanfare designation command for suddenly probabilistic jackpot start designation when it is a sudden big hit, it may be configured not to send a fanfare designation command when it is a small hit. Good.

The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (command for designating the opening of the winning opening) indicating the display during the opening of the winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Since the value for designating the round is set in the EXT data and transmitted for the command for specifying the opening of the large winning opening, a different command for specifying the opening for the large winning opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the jackpot game, a command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted and the tenth round during the jackpot game is executed. Is transmitted a command (A10A (H)) during which the large winning opening is open to specify round 10. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designated command after opening the large winning opening) indicating the closing of the large winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. Since the value for designating the round is set in the EXT data and transmitted for the designated command after opening the large winning opening, a different designated command after opening the large winning opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when ending the first round during the jackpot game, a designation command (A201 (H)) is sent after opening the jackpot to specify round 1, and when ending the tenth round during the jackpot game. Is transmitted a designated command (A30A (H)) after opening the large winning opening that designates round 10.

The command A301 (H) is an effect control command (big hit end 1 designation command: ending 1 designation command) for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, designating the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot end 1 designation command (A301 (H)) is used when ending the jackpot game by "normal jackpot". The command A302 (H) is an effect control command (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command) for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, designating the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot end 2 designation command (A302 (H)) is used when ending the jackpot game by "probability variation jackpot". Command A303 (H) is an effect control command (small hit / sudden probability change big hit end designation command: ending 3 designation command) for designating the end of the small hit game or the end of the sudden probability change big hit game. The game control microcomputer 560 is configured to send an ending designation command for suddenly probabilistic jackpot end designation when it is a sudden probability change jackpot, but not to send an ending designation command when it is a small hit. May be good.

The command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state background designation command) for designating the background display when the game state is the normal state. The command B001 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state background designation command) for designating the background display when the game state is the probability change state. The command B002 (H) is an effect control command (time saving state background designation command) for designating the background display when the gaming state is the time saving state.

The command C000 (H) is an effect control command (first hold storage number addition designation command) that specifies that the first hold storage number has increased by 1. The command C100 (H) is an effect control command (second hold storage number addition designation command) for designating that the second hold storage number has been increased by 1. The command C200 (H) is an effect control command (first hold storage number subtraction designation command) for designating that the first hold storage number has decreased by 1. The command C300 (H) is an effect control command (second hold storage number subtraction designation command) for designating that the second hold storage number has decreased by 1.

In this embodiment, as the reserved storage information, the effect control command (first reserved storage number addition designation) indicating that the reserved storage number has increased or decreased for the first reserved storage number and the second reserved storage number, respectively. The case where the command and the second hold storage number addition designation command) are transmitted is shown, but the form of the hold storage information is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and for example, the hold storage in the following modes is shown. You may want to send the information.

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

(2) As the hold storage information, only one command is transmitted, and in that one command, which of the first hold memory and the second hold memory is increased is specified, and the total number of hold memories is EXT data. It may be set as and sent.

(3) As the reserved memory information, it is specified which of the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 has started winning (which of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory has increased). In addition to sending the effect control command (1st start winning prize designation command, 2nd start winning designation command), a hold storage number designation command for specifying the hold memory number is sent separately, and the hold memory number designation command is used. The total number of pending storages may be set as EXT data and transmitted.

(4) As the reserved memory information, it is specified which of the first start winning opening 13 and the second starting winning opening 14 has started winning (which of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory has increased). In addition to sending the effect control command (1st start winning prize designation command, 2nd start winning designation command), a hold memory number designation command for specifying the hold memory number is sent separately, and the hold memory number designation command is used. The increased number of reserved storages (first reserved storage number or second reserved storage number) may be set as EXT data and transmitted.

(5) Instead of providing the hold storage number subtraction designation command, the fluctuation pattern command is transmitted to indicate that the hold storage number has decreased. That is, when the effect control board 80 side receives the variation pattern command, it determines that the number of reserved storages has decreased and executes the process.

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

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

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

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

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

10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process processing (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the large winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 starts the first start winning opening 13 if the first starting opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won is turned on, that is, the first starting winning opening 13. If a prize has been won, the first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). Further, when the second start opening switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning opening 14 is turned on, the CPU 56 has generated a start winning to the second start winning opening 14. Then, the second start port switch passing process is executed (steps S313 and S314). Then, any of the processes of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first start winning opening switch 13a or the second starting opening switch 14a is not turned on, any of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

The processes of steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 0. When the game control microcomputer 560 is in a state where the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the storage number of the numerical data stored in the hold storage buffer (total hold storage number) is confirmed. The number of numerical data stored in the hold storage buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total hold storage counter. Further, if the count value of the total reserved memory counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. If you want to make a big hit, set the big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S301 (1 in this example). The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. In addition, the fluctuation pattern is determined, and the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of the variable display to the derivation display (stop display) of the display result) is defined as the fluctuation time of the variable display of the special symbol. Decide to do. In addition, control is performed to transmit a fluctuation pattern command according to the determined fluctuation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100, and a fluctuation time timer for measuring the fluctuation time of the special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S302 (2 in this example).

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

Special symbol changing process (step S303): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the variation time timer becomes 0), the symbol is confirmed on the effect control microcomputer 100. Controls the transmission of the specified command, and updates the internal state (special symbol process flag) to the value corresponding to step S304 (4 in this example). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 so that the fourth symbol is stopped when the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 is received.

Special symbol stop processing (step S304): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the jackpot flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). In this embodiment, based on the fact that the value of the special symbol process flag is 4, as will be described later, special symbol display control for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol in the special symbol display control process. The data is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data (see FIG. 21), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually stopped and displayed according to the setting content of the output buffer in the display control process in step S22.

Pre-processing for opening the large winning opening (step S305): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-processing for opening the large winning opening, control is performed to open the large winning opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the large winning opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the large winning opening. In addition, while controlling the transmission of the large winning opening opening designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the execution time of the large winning opening opening processing is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set in step S306. Update to the value corresponding to (6 in this example). The large winning opening pre-opening process is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the large winning opening pre-opening process is also a process for starting the big hit game. Further, since the value for designating the round is set in the EXT data and transmitted for the command for specifying the opening of the large winning opening, a different command for specifying the opening for the large winning opening is transmitted for each round. For example, when executing the first round during the jackpot game, a command (A101 (H)) for specifying round 1 is transmitted and the tenth round during the jackpot game is executed. Is transmitted a command (A10A (H)) during which the large winning opening is open to specify round 10.

Processing during opening of the large winning opening (step S306): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. In the process of opening the large winning opening, processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the large winning opening is performed. If the closing condition of the big winning opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). In addition, control is performed to send a designated command to the effect control microcomputer 100 after the jackpot is opened, and when all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to a value corresponding to step S307 (this). In the example, update to 7).

Jackpot end processing (step S307): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed so that the effect control microcomputer 100 performs display control for notifying the player that the jackpot game state has ended. In addition, a process of setting a flag indicating the game state (for example, a probability change flag or a time saving flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example).

Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the small hit opening pre-processing, control is performed to open the large winning opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the large winning opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the large winning opening. Further, the execution time of the process during the opening of the large winning opening is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). The small hit opening pre-processing is executed every time the large winning opening is opened during the small hit game, but when the first opening during the small hit game is started, the small hit opening pre-processing is performed by the small hit game. It is also the process to start.

Small hit opening process (step S309): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Performs processing to confirm the establishment of the closing conditions for the grand prize opening. If the closing condition of the big winning opening is satisfied and the number of times the big winning opening is opened still remains, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is set to the value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). Update. When all the releases are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S310 (10 in this example).

Small hit end process (step S310): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed so that the effect control microcomputer 100 performs display control for notifying the player that the small hit game state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to the value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Of these, FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the process of passing the first start port switch in step S312. Further, FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing the process of passing the second start port switch in step S314.

First, the process of passing the first start port switch will be described with reference to FIG. 12 (A). In the first start port switch passing process executed when the first start port switch 13a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first (Whether or not the value of the first hold storage number counter for counting the number of hold storage numbers is 4) is confirmed (step S1211A). If the number of first reserved storage reaches the upper limit, the process ends as it is.

If the first hold storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first hold storage number counter by 1 (step S1212A), and at the same time, the value of the total hold storage number counter for counting the total hold storage number. Is increased by 1 (step S1213A). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and the counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the first hold storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214A). .. In the process of step S1214A, a random R (random number for jackpot determination) which is a hardware random number, a random number for determining a jackpot type (random 1) which is a software random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern type (random 2), and a variation pattern The judgment random number (random number 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. It should be noted that the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern (random 3) is not extracted in the first start port switch passing process (at the time of starting winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol. You may do so. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random number 3) in the variation pattern setting process described later.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (holding storage buffer) for storing random numbers and the like corresponding to the holding storage. As shown in FIG. 13, in the first hold storage buffer, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first hold storage number is secured. Further, in the second hold storage buffer, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the second hold storage number is secured. In this embodiment, the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer include a random R (random number for jackpot determination) which is a hardware random number, a random number for jackpot type determination (random 1) which is a software random number, and a variation. The pattern type determination random number (random 2) and the variation pattern determination random number (random 3) are stored. The first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

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

Next, the second start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. 12 (B). In the second start port switch passing process executed when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second hold storage number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second hold). It is confirmed (whether or not the value of the second reserved memory counter for counting the number of memories is 4) (step S1211B). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit, the process ends as it is.

If the second hold storage number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second hold storage number counter by 1 (step S1212B), and at the same time, the value of the total hold storage number counter for counting the total hold storage number. Is increased by 1 (step S1213B). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and the counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in the storage area in the second hold storage buffer (see FIG. 13) (step S1214B). .. In the process of step S1214B, a random R (random number for determining a jackpot) which is a hardware random number, a random number for determining a jackpot type (random 1) which is a software random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern type (random 2), and a variation pattern The judgment random number (random number 3) is extracted and stored in the storage area. It should be noted that the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern (random 3) is not extracted in the second start port switch passing process (at the time of starting winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of fluctuation of the second special symbol. You may do so. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from the variation pattern determination random number counter for generating the variation pattern determination random number (random number 3) in the variation pattern setting process described later.

Then, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the second hold storage number addition designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1215B).

14 and 15 are flowcharts showing a special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol normal processing, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage counter is checked. If the total number of pending storages is 0, if the customer waiting demo designation command has not yet been transmitted, control is performed to send the customer waiting demo designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S51A), and the process is performed. finish. For example, when the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted in step S51A, the CPU 56 sets the customer waiting demo designation command transmission flag indicating that the customer waiting demo designation command has been transmitted. Then, when the special symbol normal processing after the next timer interrupt is executed after the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted, the customer wait demo designation command is repeatedly waited based on the fact that the sent customer flag is set. You can control not to send the demo specification command. Further, in this case, the customer waiting demo designation command sent flag may be reset when the next variation display of the special symbol is started.

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

In this embodiment, by executing the processes of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed with respect to the variation display of the first special symbol. In other words, the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is controlled to be satisfied in preference to the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

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

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

That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 56 sets the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55. Each stored random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n-1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", each is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved storage buffer of the RAM 55. The random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n-1. Further, the CPU 56 adds up the values (values indicating "first" or "second") stored in the storage area corresponding to the total number of pending storages = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. Stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storage = m-1.

Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved storage number (or each second reserved storage number) is always extracted is the first reserved storage number (or each second reserved storage number). The order of the second reserved memory) = 1, 2, 3, 4 is matched. Further, the order in which each value stored in each storage area corresponding to each total number of reserved storages is extracted always matches the order of total number of reserved storages = 1 to 8.

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

Further, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the background designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 according to the current gaming state (step S60). In this case, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the probability change state background specification command when the probability change flag indicating the probability change state is set. Further, the CPU 56 controls to transmit only the time saving flag indicating that the time saving state is set, and if the probability change flag is not set, the time saving state background designation command is transmitted. Further, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the normal state background specification command if neither the probability change flag nor the time saving flag is set.

Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the CPU 56 sets the address of the command transmission table (previously set in the ROM for each command) corresponding to the effect control command. Set to the pointer. Then, the address of the command transmission table corresponding to the effect control command is set in the pointer, and the effect control command is transmitted in the effect control command control process (step S28). In this embodiment, when the special symbol variation is started, the background specification command, the variation pattern command, the display result specification command, and the hold storage number subtraction specification command (first hold storage number subtraction) are used for each timer interrupt. It will be transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the order of the designated command or the second reserved storage number subtraction designated command). Specifically, when starting the variation of the special symbol, the background specification command is first transmitted, the variation pattern command is transmitted after 4 ms, the display result specification command is transmitted after 4 ms, and then 4 ms later. The hold storage number subtraction designation command (first hold storage number subtraction designation command or second hold storage number subtraction designation command) is transmitted. When the special symbol variation is started, the symbol variation specification command (first symbol variation specification command, second symbol variation specification command) is also transmitted, but the symbol variation specification command is the same timer interrupt as the variation pattern command. Is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100.

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

Next, the CPU 56 reads a random number R (random number for jackpot determination) from the random number buffer area and executes the jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 is for jackpot determination extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passage process and step S1214B of the second start port switch pass process and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer. Read the random number and make a big hit judgment. The big hit judgment module compares a predetermined big hit judgment value or small hit judgment value (see FIG. 7) with a random number for big hit judgment, and if they match, executes a process of deciding to make a big hit or a small hit. It is a program to do. That is, it is a program that executes processing of big hit determination and small hit determination.

In the jackpot determination process, when the gaming state is in the probabilistic state, the probability of becoming a jackpot is higher than when the gaming state is in the non-probability state (normal state or time saving state). Specifically, the number of jackpot determination values is probabilistically changed between the probability variation jackpot determination table (the table in which the numerical value on the right side of FIG. 7A in ROM 54 is set) in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance. A normal time jackpot determination table (a table in which the numerical value on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 is set) is provided, which is set less than the hour jackpot determination table. Then, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the gaming state is in the probabilistic state, and when the gaming state is in the probabilistic state, the CPU 56 performs a jackpot determination process using the probabilistic jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When it is in the state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the normal jackpot determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches any of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7 (A), the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. If it is decided to make a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. It should be noted that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big hit game state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol on the special symbol display a big hit symbol. But also.

It should be noted that confirmation of whether or not the current gaming state is in the probabilistic state is performed depending on whether or not the probabilistic flag is set. The probability change flag is set when the game state is changed to the probability change state, and is reset when the probability change state is finished. Specifically, it is determined to be a "probability change jackpot" or a "sudden change jackpot", and is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. Then, after the big hit game is completed, it is reset when the next big hit occurs.

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

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

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

Next, the CPU 56 uses the selected jackpot type determination table to use the type (“normal jackpot”, “probability variation”) corresponding to a value that matches the value of the random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type stored in the random number buffer area. "Big hit" or "Sudden probability change big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S1214A of the first start port switch passage process and step S1214B of the second start port switch pass process and stored in advance in the first hold storage buffer and the second hold storage buffer. Read the random number to determine the jackpot type. Further, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E), when the variable display of the first special symbol is executed, it is compared with the case where the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Therefore, the ratio of sudden change jackpots is high.

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

Next, the CPU 56 determines the stop symbol of the special symbol (step S75). Specifically, when neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, "-", which is an outlier symbol, is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol. When the jackpot flag is set, any one of the jackpot symbols "1", "3", and "7" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the determination result of the jackpot type. That is, when the jackpot type is determined to be "suddenly probable jackpot", "1" is determined to be the stop symbol of the special symbol, and when it is determined to be "normal jackpot", "3" is determined to be the stop symbol of the special symbol. Then, when the "probability change jackpot" is determined, "7" is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol. When the small hit flag is set, "5", which is the small hit symbol, is determined as the stop symbol of the special symbol.

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

Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S76).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process. In the fluctuation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the jackpot flag is set (step S91). When the jackpot flag is set, the CPU 56 selects one of the jackpot variation pattern type determination tables as the table used to determine the variation pattern type to one of a plurality of types (step). S92). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

If the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S93). When the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 selects the small hit variation pattern type determination table as the table used to determine the variation pattern type to one of a plurality of types (step S94). ). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

If the small hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time saving flag indicating that the time saving state is set is set (step S95). The time saving flag is set when the game state is changed to the probability change state or the time saving state, and is reset when the time saving state is finished. Specifically, when it is decided to make a "normal jackpot", a time saving flag is set in the process of ending the jackpot game. Further, after the jackpot game is completed, it is reset when the variable display of a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) is completed. Even before the end of the predetermined number of fluctuation displays, the time saving flag is reset even when the next big hit occurs. Further, when it is determined to be "probability change big hit" or "sudden change big hit", the probability change flag is set and the time saving flag is set in the process of ending the big hit game. Then, when the next big hit occurs, the time saving flag is reset together with the probability change flag.

If the time saving flag is not set (N in step S95), the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (step S96). If the total number of pending storage is less than 3 (N in step S96), the CPU 56 determines the variation pattern type for normal use as a table used to determine the variation pattern type to be one of a plurality of types. Select a table (step S97). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

When the total number of pending storages is 3 or more (Y in step S96), the CPU 56 uses the variation pattern for shortening as a table used to determine the variation pattern type to be one of a plurality of types. The type determination table is selected (step S98). Then, the process proceeds to step S100. In this embodiment, when the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the variation pattern type determination table for shortening is used, but the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the total is added. Regardless of the number of reserved storages, in the time saving state (high base state), when the second number of reserved storages is 3 or more, the variation pattern type determination table for shortening may be used, or usually In the state (low base state), when the first reserved storage number is 3 or more, the deviation pattern type determination table for shortening may be used.

When the time saving flag is set (Y in step S95), that is, when the gaming state is the probabilistic state or the time saving state (in this embodiment, when shifting to the probabilistic state, the time saving state is always set. (Refer to steps S169 and S170), if it is determined to be Y in step S95, it may be in a probabilistic state or controlled only in a time-saving state). As a table used to determine one of a plurality of types, a time-saving variation pattern type determination table for loss is selected (step S99). Then, the process proceeds to step S100.

In this embodiment, when the processing of steps S95 to S99 is executed and the game state is the normal state and the total number of pending storages is 3 or more, the variation pattern type determination table for shortening is lost. Is selected. Further, when the gaming state is a probability change state or a time saving state, the time saving variation pattern type determination table for loss is selected. In this case, in the process of step S100 described later, a fluctuation pattern type including a shortened fluctuation fluctuation pattern may be determined as a fluctuation pattern type, and when a fluctuation pattern type including a shortened fluctuation fluctuation pattern is determined, In the process of step S102, the fluctuation pattern of the shortened fluctuation is determined as the fluctuation pattern. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is a probability change state or a time saving state, or when the total number of reserved storages is 3 or more, the variation display of the shortened variation may be performed.

Next, the CPU 56 reads random number 2 (random number for determining the variation pattern type) from the random number buffer area (first hold storage buffer or second hold storage buffer), and selects it in the process of steps S92, S94, S97, S98, or S99. By referring to the table, the variation pattern type is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S100).

Next, the CPU 56 uses a hit variation pattern determination table or a loss variation pattern determination table as a table used to determine the variation pattern to any one of a plurality of types based on the determination result of the variation pattern type in step S100. One of the above is selected (step S101). Further, by reading random number 3 (random number for determining variation pattern) from the random number buffer area (first hold storage buffer or second hold storage buffer) and referring to the variation pattern determination table selected in the process of step S101, the variation pattern Is determined to be one of a plurality of types (step S102). When the random number 3 (random number for determining the fluctuation pattern) is not extracted at the timing of the start winning, the CPU 56 is a random number counter for determining the fluctuation pattern for generating the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern (random number 3). The value may be directly extracted from, and the fluctuation pattern may be determined based on the extracted random number value.

Next, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the symbol variation designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S103). Specifically, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the first symbol variation designation command when the special symbol pointer indicates "first". Further, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the second symbol variation designation command when the special symbol pointer indicates "second". Further, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S104).

Next, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to the fluctuation time corresponding to the selected fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits one of the display result 1 designation to display result 5 designation production control commands (see FIG. 8) according to the determined type of big hit, small hit, and loss. Control to do. Specifically, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the jackpot flag is set (step S110). If it is not set, the process proceeds to step S116. When the jackpot flag is set and the jackpot type is "normal jackpot", control is performed to transmit the display result 2 designation command (steps S111 and S112). It should be noted that whether or not it is a "normal jackpot" can be specifically determined by confirming whether or not the data set in the jackpot type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is "01". .. Further, when the jackpot type is "probability variation jackpot", the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 3 designated command (steps S113 and S114). It should be noted that whether or not it is a "probability variation jackpot" can be specifically determined by confirming whether or not the data set in the jackpot type buffer in step S74 of the special symbol normal processing is "02". .. Then, when it is neither "normal jackpot" nor "probability jackpot" (that is, when it is "suddenly probabilistic jackpot"), the CPU 56 controls to transmit the display result 4 designated command (step S115).

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

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

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol change processing, the CPU 56 first confirms whether or not the hold storage number subtraction designation command (first hold storage number subtraction designation command or second hold storage number subtraction designation command) has already been transmitted ( Step S1121). Whether or not the hold storage number subtraction designation command has already been transmitted indicates, for example, that the hold storage number subtraction designation command was transmitted when the hold storage number subtraction designation command was transmitted in step S1122 described later. The storage number subtraction designation command transmitted flag may be set, and in step S1121, it may be confirmed whether or not the hold storage number subtraction designation command transmitted flag is set. Further, in this case, the set hold storage number subtraction specification command transmission flag should be reset by the special symbol stop processing or the jackpot end processing described later when the variable display of the special symbol is terminated or the jackpot is terminated. Just do it.

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

Next, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the fluctuation time timer (step S1125), and when the fluctuation time timer times out (step S1126), controls to send a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S1127). Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S304) (step S1128). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends as it is.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the jackpot flag is set (step S131). When the jackpot flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability variation flag indicating the probability variation state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state (step S132) if the jackpot flag is set, and the effect control. Control is performed to send a jackpot start designation command to the microcomputer 100 (step S133). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is "normal jackpot", the jackpot start 1 designation command (command A001 (H)) is transmitted. If the type of jackpot is "probability variation jackpot", the jackpot start 2 designation command (command A002 (H)) is transmitted. If the type of jackpot is a sudden probability change jackpot, a small hit / sudden probability change jackpot start designation command (command A003 (H)) is transmitted. Whether the jackpot type is "normal jackpot", "probability variation jackpot", or "sudden probability variation jackpot" is data indicating the jackpot type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the jackpot type buffer). Judgment is based on.

Further, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (time for notifying the occurrence of the jackpot, for example, in the effect display device 9) is set in the jackpot display time timer (step S134). In addition, the number of times of opening of the big winning opening opening counter is set (for example, 15 times in the case of "normal big hit" or "probability change big hit", and 2 times in the case of "sudden change big hit") (step S135). .. In addition, the round time per round in the jackpot game is also set. Specifically, in the case of a sudden big hit, 0.1 seconds is set as the round time, and in the case of a normal big hit or a probable big hit, 29 seconds is set as the round time. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the large winning opening pre-opening process (step S305) (step S136).

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

Next, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the small hit flag is set (step S141). If the small hit flag is set, the CPU 56 transmits a small hit / sudden probability change big hit start designation command (command A003 (H)) to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S142). Further, a value corresponding to the small hit display time (time for notifying the occurrence of the small hit by, for example, the effect display device 9) is set in the small hit display time timer (step S143). In addition, the number of times of opening (for example, twice) is set in the large winning opening opening number counter (step S144). In addition, the opening time for each large winning opening in the small hit game is also set. Specifically, 0.1 seconds, which is the same as the round time of the sudden change big hit, is set as the opening time per big winning opening in the small hit game. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit start pre-processing (step S308) (step S145).

If the small hit flag is not set (N in step S141), the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (step S300) (step S146).

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process process. In the jackpot end processing, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160), and if the jackpot end display timer is set, proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control is performed to transmit the jackpot end designation command (step S162). Here, if it is a "normal jackpot", a jackpot end 1 designation command (command A301 (H)) is transmitted, and if it is a "probability variation jackpot", a jackpot end 2 designation command (command A302 (H)) is transmitted. ) Is transmitted, and if it is a "sudden probability change big hit", a small hit / sudden probability change big hit end designation command (command A303 (H)) is transmitted. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time (big hit end display time) in which the big hit end display is being performed on the effect display device 9 is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the process is terminated.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the special symbol display control process (step S32) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the special symbol display control process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (step S3201). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 3 (that is, if the processing during special symbol change is being executed), the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for the special symbol change display for setting the special symbol display control data. A process of setting or updating the output buffer is performed (step S3202). In this case, the CPU 56 sets or updates special symbol display control data for variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the value of the special symbol display control data set in the output buffer is added by 1 every time 0.2 seconds elapse. After that, the display control process (see step S22) is executed, and drive signals are output to the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b according to the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b is executed.

If the value of the special symbol process flag is not 3, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (step S3203). If the value of the special symbol process flag is 4 (that is, when the process shifts to the special symbol stop processing), the CPU 56 stops and displays the stop symbol of the special symbol set in the special symbol normal processing. A process of setting the display control data in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data is performed (step S3204). In this case, the CPU 56 sets the special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) indicated by the special symbol pointer. After that, the display control process (see step S22) is executed, and drive signals are output to the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b according to the contents of the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. The stop symbol of the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b. Since the setting data is not changed after the process of step S3204 is executed and the special symbol display control data for the stop symbol display is set, the latest special symbol display control data is set in the display control process of step S22. Based on this, the latest stop symbol will continue to be stopped and displayed until the next variable display is started. Further, if the value of the special symbol process flag is either 2 or 3 in step S3201 (that is, if it is either the display result designation command transmission process or the special symbol changing process), the special symbol variation display is used. The special symbol display control data may be updated. In this case, in order to prevent a discrepancy between the fluctuation time recognized by the game control microcomputer 560 and the fluctuation time recognized by the effect control microcomputer 100, the display result designation command transmission process also fluctuates. It may be configured to subtract 1 from the time timer.

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

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. When the power is turned on, the effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process. In the main process, first, the initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing the timer for determining the activation interval (for example, 4 ms) of the effect control is performed (step S701). .. After that, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to the loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets the timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704).

Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs the effect control process process (step S705). In the effect control process process, the display control of the effect display device 9 is executed by selecting the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) from each process according to the control state.

Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs the fourth symbol process process (step S706). In the fourth symbol process process, the process corresponding to the current control state (fourth symbol process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state in the fourth symbol display areas 9c and 9d of the effect display device 9. The display control of the fourth symbol is executed.

Next, a random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number such as a random number for determining a jackpot symbol is executed (step S707). After that, the process proceeds to step S702.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing an effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command reception buffer capable of storing six 2-byte production control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is composed of a 12-byte area of the reception command buffers 1 to 12. Then, a command reception number counter is used to indicate in which area the received command is stored. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. It does not necessarily have to be in the ring buffer format.

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

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the received command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first confirms whether or not the received command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether or not it is stored is determined by comparing the value of the command reception count counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). After reading, the value of the read pointer is added by 2 (step S613). The value is added by 2 because it reads 2 bytes (1 command) at a time.

If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the received variation pattern command in the variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

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

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

If the received effect control command is any of the jackpot start designation commands (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot start designation command reception flag corresponding to the received jackpot start designation command (step S622). Specifically, if the effect control CPU 101 receives the jackpot start 1 designation command (command A001 (H)), the jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag is set, and the jackpot start 2 designation command (command A002 (command A002)) is set. If H)) is received, set the jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag, and if the jackpot / sudden probability change jackpot start designation command (command A003 (H)) is received, the jackpot / sudden probability change jackpot Set the start specification command reception flag.

If the received effect control command is any of the jackpot end designation commands (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot end designation command reception flag corresponding to the received jackpot end designation command (step S624). Specifically, if the effect control CPU 101 receives the jackpot end 1 designation command (command A301 (H)), the jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag is set, and the jackpot end 2 designation command (command A302 (command A302 (command A302)) is set. If H)) is received, set the jackpot end 2 designated command reception flag, and if a small hit / sudden probability change jackpot end designation command (command A303 (H)) is received, a small hit / sudden probability change jackpot Set the end specification command reception flag.

If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S625). Then, the process proceeds to step S611. For example, the effect control CPU 101 sets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag when the first symbol variation designation command is received, and the second symbol variation designation command when the second symbol variation designation command is received. Set the receive flag.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. 22. In the effect control process process, the effect control CPU 101 performs any of steps S800 to S807 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following processes are executed. In the effect control process process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled to realize the variable display of the effect symbol, but the control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process process. It should be noted that even if the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the second special symbol are configured to be executed by different effect control process processes. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is executed depending on which effect control process process is executing the variation display of the effect symbol.

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

Effect symbol variation start process (step S801): Control is performed so that the effect symbol variation is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802).

Processing during effect symbol change (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each change state (fluctuation speed) constituting the change pattern, and monitors the end of the change time. Then, when the fluctuation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803).

Effect symbol fluctuation stop processing (step S803): Control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

Big hit display process (step S804): After the end of the fluctuation time, the effect display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the processing during the round (step S805).

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

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

Jackpot end effect processing (step S807): The effect display device 9 performs display control to notify the player that the jackpot game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. 25. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813). As described above, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is transmitted even when the power failure is restored (see step S44). However, as shown in FIG. 26, in this embodiment, the display result designation command is normally transmitted. , The effect symbol variation start processing is started based on the reception of the variation pattern command, and the variation display of the effect symbol is started. Therefore, the effect symbol variation only by receiving the display result specification command without receiving the variation pattern command. The display does not start.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. 25. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 first reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8000). Next, the effect control CPU 101 displays a display result (stop) of the effect symbol according to the variation pattern command read in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specification command storage area (that is, the received display result specification command). The symbol) is determined (step S8001). That is, by executing the process of step S8001 by the effect control CPU 101, the display result of the variable display of the identification information (stop of the effect symbol) according to the variable display pattern (variable pattern) determined by the variable display pattern determining means. A display result determining means for determining a symbol) is realized. When the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, in step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 uses a chance pattern symbol (for example, "223" or "445") as a temporary stop symbol of the pseudo-ream. , A combination of a jackpot symbol that does not reach but one symbol is out of alignment) is also determined. The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area. In step S8001, the effect control CPU 101 may determine whether or not it is a big hit based on the received variation pattern command, and determine the stop symbol of the effect symbol based only on the variation pattern command. ..

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 28, when the received display result designation command indicates "normal jackpot" (when the received display result designation command is the display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 is stopped. As the symbols, the combination of the effect symbols in which the three symbols are the same even-numbered symbols is determined. In addition, when the received display result specification command indicates "probability variation jackpot" (when the received display result specification command is the display result 3 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 has 3 symbols as stop symbols. Determine the combination of production symbols with the same odd-numbered symbols.

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

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

As for the production symbols, the stop symbol (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle, and right are all the same symbol) reminiscent of a jackpot is called a jackpot symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that reminds us of an outlier is called an outlier symbol. Further, a symbol that reminds us of being in a probabilistic state (odd number symbol in this embodiment) is also called a probabilistic symbol, and a symbol that reminds us that it will not be in a probabilistic state (even symbol in this embodiment) is a non-probability variation symbol. Also called.

Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes a notice effect setting process for determining the presence / absence of various advance notice effects and the effect mode when the effect display device 9 is executed during the variable display of the effect symbol (step S8002).

Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table according to the advance notice effect when executing the variation pattern and the advance notice effect (step S8003). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S8004).

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data to be referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls the effect device (effect component) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table is composed of a collection of a plurality of combinations of process timer setting values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data. The display control execution data includes data and the like indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol. Specifically, data related to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. Further, in the process timer set value, the fluctuation time in the mode of fluctuation is set. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and controls the display control to display the effect symbol in the variation mode set in the display control execution data only for the time set in the process timer set value.

The process table shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. In addition, the process table is prepared according to each fluctuation pattern.

If the effect control CPU 101 is determined to execute the advance notice effect, the process table corresponding to the advance notice effect to be executed in step S8003 is selected.

In the process table used when executing the effect control for the fluctuation pattern accompanied by the reach effect, the left symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fluctuation, and the right symbol is stopped when the predetermined time elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbol to be stopped and displayed in the process table, the image for displaying the symbol is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the pseudo-ream, and the temporary stop symbol in the sliding effect. You may.

Further, the effect control CPU 101 serves as an effect device (effect display device 9 as an effect component, effect component 9) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of various lamps and the speaker 27) as an effect component is executed (step S8005). For example, the effect display device 9 outputs a command to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the fluctuation pattern. Further, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to control lighting / extinguishing of various lamps. Further, in order to output the sound from the speaker 27, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70.

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

Further, the effect control CPU 101 shifts each hold display on the total hold storage display unit 18c and performs display control to display a new active display on the active display unit 18d in accordance with the process of step S8005.

Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern command in the fluctuation time timer (step S8006).

Then, the effect control CPU 101 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (step S802) (step S8007).

Here, the notice production will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the execution timing of each notice effect. In this embodiment, as the advance notice effect, the decorative lamp effect, the active display change effect, the cut-in effect, the step-up effect, and the button effect can be executed in the order shown in FIG. Further, the cut-in effect and the step-up effect are executed after the reach is established, and the button effect is executed after the transition to the super reach. When the pseudo-ream is specified by the fluctuation pattern command, the advance notice effect can be executed for each re-variation. In this case, the same advance notice effect may be repeatedly executed for each re-variation, or different advance notice effects may be executed. For example, in the advance notice effect setting process described later, it can be realized by determining the type and effect mode of the advance notice effect to be executed and the item giving pattern for each re-variation, and executing the effect according to the determined contents.

In addition, in this embodiment, each notice effect can be executed in the order shown in FIG. It may be possible to decide by lottery from the timing.

The decorative lamp effect is an effect that suggests that the frame LED 28 emits light to provide a variable display with a high degree of expectation (for example, a variable display accompanied by super reach) or a big hit. In this embodiment, the decorative lamp effect is executed by one effect mode, unlike other active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, and button effect, but a plurality of effect modes (for example, light emission). It may be feasible depending on the color and emission pattern). In this case, the degree of expectation for the big hit may be different depending on the production mode. Although the details will be described later, the active display change effect, the cut-in effect, the step-up effect, and the button effect are configured so that the degree of expectation for the big hit differs depending on the effect mode.

The active display change effect is an effect in which the display mode of the active display changes. In this embodiment, the active display change effect can be executed by any of the normal aspect and the first to third special aspects. Change suggestion display suggesting that the active display changes when the active display change effect is executed in the normal manner (for example, change suggestion display 38f composed of the character display of "change?" In FIG. 35 (3)). Is displayed, but the active display does not change in the normal mode (white in this example). Further, when the active display change effect is executed in the first special mode, the active display changes to the first special mode (blue in this example) after the change suggestion display is displayed, and the active display change effect is the second special mode. When executed according to the mode, the active display changes to the second special mode (red in this example) after the change suggestion display is displayed, and when the active display change effect is executed by the third special mode, the change suggestion display is displayed. Is displayed, the active display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern in this example). In addition, instead of the configuration example of this embodiment, for example, when the active display change effect is executed in the normal mode, the active display is changed from the normal mode to another mode (for example, "change?" Inside the white active display. ”Will be displayed), and then when the active display change effect is executed in the first special mode, the active display may be changed to the first special mode (blue in this example). Good. Further, as will be described in detail later, the fruit pattern is composed of elements E1 (banana), element E2 (melon), element E3 (apple), element E4 (watermelon), element E5 (strawberry) and the like.

The cut-in effect is an effect in which the effect display device 9 controls the display to cut in a predetermined image during the variable display of the effect symbol. In this embodiment, the cut-in effect can be performed by any of the normal aspect and the first to third special aspects. When the cut-in effect is executed in the normal mode, the cut-in display is displayed in the normal mode (white in this example) on the effect display device 9 (see FIG. 36 (3)), and the cut-in effect is displayed in the first special mode. When executed, the cut-in display is displayed in the first special mode (blue in this example), and when the cut-in effect is executed in the second special mode, the cut-in display is displayed in the second special mode (red in this example). ) (See FIG. 36 (5)), and when the cut-in effect is executed in the third special mode, the cut-in display is displayed in the third special mode (fruit pattern in this example).

The step-up production is a production in which the production develops step by step. For example, a character appears as the first stage effect and then a different character appears as the second stage effect. The background image is sequentially switched, or the same character changes stepwise. It is a production that seems to go on. In this embodiment, the step-up effect can be executed by any of the normal aspect and the first to third special aspects. For example, when the step-up effect is executed in the normal mode, display control is performed in which the step-up display in the normal mode (white frame in this example) is sequentially displayed, and the step-up effect is executed in the first special mode. Then, display control is performed in which the step-up display of the first special mode (blue frame in this example) is sequentially displayed, and when the step-up effect is executed by the second special mode, the second special mode (this). When the display control is performed so that the step-up display of the red frame in the example is sequentially displayed and the step-up effect is executed by the third special aspect, the step of the third special aspect (the frame of the fruit pattern in this example) is performed. Display control is performed so that the up display is displayed in sequence.

In this embodiment, as will be described later, the degree of expectation for the jackpot differs depending on which of the normal mode and the first to third special modes the step-up effect is executed. However, in addition to such a configuration, the step-up effect develops to one of a plurality of stages (for example, a mode in which the step-up effect develops to the fourth stage out of a maximum of four stages, as well as the third stage and the second stage. It is configured so that the expectation for a big hit increases with each step (that is, it often develops to a high stage when it is a big hit). There is.

The button effect is an effect of displaying a notice display (for example, a character display such as "chance!") Based on the detection of the operation during the operation valid period of the push button 120. In this embodiment, the button notice effect can be executed by any of the normal aspect and the first to third special aspects. When the button notice effect is executed in the normal mode, the operation promotion display (for example, an image imitating the appearance of the push button 120) prompting the operation of the push button 120 is displayed in the normal mode (white in this example) in the effect display device 9. When the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the normal mode (white in this example). Further, when the button notice effect is executed in the first special mode, the operation promotion display is displayed in the first special mode (blue in this example), and when the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the first special mode (this example). Is displayed in blue). Further, when the button notice effect is executed in the second special mode, the operation promotion display is displayed in the second special mode (red in this example), and when the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the second special mode (this example). Is displayed in red). Further, when the button notice effect is executed in the third special mode, the operation promotion display is displayed in the third special mode (fruit pattern in this example), and when the operation is detected, the notice display is displayed in the third special mode (this). In the example, it is displayed by (fruit pattern).

In this embodiment, as will be described later, the degree of expectation for the jackpot differs depending on which of the normal mode and the first to third special modes the button effect is executed. However, in addition to such a configuration, when the operation of the push button 120 is detected, one of a plurality of notice displays (for example, a character display such as "super heat!" Or "chance!") Is displayed. It is configured so that the degree of expectation for a big hit differs depending on which notice display is displayed.

Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute an item effect using an item as a notice effect. The item effect includes an item grant effect that grants an item, an item change effect that changes the item, and an item action effect that causes the granted item to act on another notice effect.

As shown in FIG. 30, the item granting effect is executed after the start of the fluctuation and before the other advance notice effects. By executing the item granting effect, any or a plurality of the first to third items are granted and stored. The storage of items means storing data that can identify an item in a storage area formed in a RAM mounted on the effect control microcomputer 100, and displaying the corresponding item in a specific area of the effect display device 9. (For example, the area on the upper right of the display screen. See FIG. 35 (2)). The stored item disappears when used for item action production. That is, the corresponding data is deleted from the storage area, and the corresponding item display is deleted. In addition, the stored item disappears when the variable display ends, even if it is not used for the item action effect. The timing at which the stored item disappears is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and for example, even if the variable display to which the item is attached ends, until it is used in the item action effect in the subsequent variable display. It may not disappear. Further, the execution timing of the item granting effect, that is, the timing of granting the item is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and may be any timing such as, for example, a pseudo continuous effect or a reach effect. Further, in this embodiment, when the stored item is used, the corresponding item display is deleted, but for example, the item display is displayed in a manner in which it can be determined that the item has been used (specifically). May display the used item in a lighter color display mode or a darker color display mode than before use, or display in a display mode marked with a cross).

When an item is given by the item giving effect, the item display corresponding to the given item is displayed on the effect display device 9. In this embodiment, a blue sphere image is displayed as the first item display corresponding to the first item (see FIG. 35 (2). In the example of FIG. 35 (2), the first item display 200a is displayed. It is represented by a circular pattern with vertical stripes). Further, a red sphere image is displayed as the second item display corresponding to the second item (see FIG. 35 (2). In the example of FIG. 35 (2), the second item display 200b is a circular pattern with horizontal stripes. (Represented by). Further, as a third item display corresponding to the third item, a spherical image of a fruit pattern (see FIG. 40) is displayed.

The item action effect is a notice effect that causes the stored items to act on other notice effects (specifically, one of active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, and button effect). It is a production that changes the production mode. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the item action effect is executed after the other notice effect is started, and the item acts on the notice effect. However, the other notice effect and the item action effect may be started at the same time, or the other notice effect may be started after suggesting that the item action effect is to be executed.

In this embodiment, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the first item display (blue sphere image) moves and acts on the active display (in this example). After the collision display) is performed, the active display changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue). In addition, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves and acts on the active display (display that collides in this example). After that, the active display changes to the second special mode (red). In addition, when the item action effect that causes the third item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the third item display (spherical image with a fruit pattern) moves and acts on the active display (in this example, the display collides). ) Is performed, the active display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern).

Further, when the cut-in effect is executed according to the normal mode and the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the first item display (blue sphere image) moves and cuts. The cut-in display changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue) after the display acting on the cut-in display displayed by the in-effect (display that collides in this example) is performed. In addition, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves and the display that acts on the cut-in display displayed by the cut-in effect. After the (collision display in this example) is performed, the cut-in display changes to the second special mode (red). In addition, when the item action effect that causes the third item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the third item display (spherical image of the fruit pattern) moves and acts on the cut-in display displayed by the cut-in effect. After the display (collision display in this example) is performed, the cut-in display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern).

In addition, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the step-up effect is executed while the step-up effect is being executed in the normal mode, the first item display (blue spherical image) moves and steps. After the display that acts on the step-up display displayed by the up effect (display that collides in this example) is performed, the step-up display changes from the normal mode (white frame in this example) to the first special mode (this example). Then, it changes to (blue frame) (after that, the step-up display frame that is displayed sequentially becomes blue). In addition, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the step-up effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves and the display that acts on the step-up display displayed by the step-up effect. After the (collision display in this example) is performed, the step-up display changes to the second special mode (red frame in this example) (hereinafter, the step-up display frame displayed sequentially becomes red). .. In addition, when the item action effect that causes the third item to act on the step-up effect is executed, the third item display (spherical image of the fruit pattern) moves and acts on the step-up display displayed by the step-up effect. After the display (collision display in this example) is performed, the step-up display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern frame in this example) (the frame of the step-up display displayed sequentially thereafter is the fruit pattern). become).

In addition, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the button effect is executed while the button effect is being executed in the normal mode, the first item display (blue sphere image) is moved by the button effect. The operation promotion display or notice display changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue) after the display acting on the displayed operation promotion display or notice display (in this example, the display that collides) is performed. To do. In addition, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the button effect is executed, the second item display (red sphere image) moves and acts on the operation promotion display or the notice display displayed by the button effect. After the display (in this example, the collision display) is performed, the operation promotion display or the notice display changes to the second special mode (red). In addition, when the item action effect that causes the third item to act on the button effect is executed, the third item display (spherical image of the fruit pattern) moves and acts on the operation promotion display or the notice display displayed by the button effect. After the display (in this example, the display of collision) is performed, the operation promotion display or the notice display changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern).

As described above, when the stored item acts on another notice effect (specifically, one of active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, and button effect) by the item action effect, the notice is given. It is configured so that the production mode of the production changes. Therefore, the item given by the item giving effect is also a privilege that the notice effect can be changed to the effect mode with higher expectation. Further, the effect mode of the notice effect after the action is configured to be different depending on the first to third items used for the item action effect. In this example, the characteristics of the first to third items (specifically, colors and patterns) and the characteristics of the first to third special aspects (specifically, colors and patterns) of the advance notice effect after the item action are It is closely related. Therefore, the type of the item to be given also indicates which effect mode can be changed.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the item is given, it is configured so that it may disappear as it is without being used by the item action effect, but the given item is not limited to such a configuration. May always be used for item action production.

Further, in this embodiment, regarding the item action effect, the item display is the target of the notice effect (for example, active display, cut-in display, step-up display, operation promotion display, notice display, etc. Although it is explained using an example of changing the production mode of the notice effect by colliding with (also referred to as), the mode in which the item acts on the notice effect is not limited to this, and for example, the item display is combined with the notice effect display. Alternatively, the item display may be absorbed by the notice effect display, or the item display may cover the notice effect display to change the effect mode of the notice effect. Further, the mode of changing the type of the notice effect (for example, the mode of changing from the active display change effect to the cut-in effect) is not limited to the mode of changing the effect mode of the notice effect by the item acting on the notice effect. A mode of changing from a button effect that displays a notice display based on the operation of the push button 120 to a button effect that displays a notice display based on a repeated hit operation or a long press operation of the push button 120, which has a higher expectation for a big hit. The button effect of displaying the notice display based on the operation of the push button 120 may be changed to an effect of displaying the notice display based on the operation of the stick controller 122, which has a higher expectation for a big hit). .. That is, the fact that an item acts on a notice effect does not mean that the item display collides with the display that is the target of the notice effect and changes the effect mode of the notice effect, but that the item exerts a force on the notice effect and influences it. Means.

It should be noted that although the item display is displayed so as to collide with the notice effect display, it may be possible to execute a fake item action effect in which a part of the action effect and the effect is common so that the effect mode of the advance notice effect does not change. In this embodiment, although the item is given, it may disappear when the fluctuation is stopped without being used, but such an item may be used in the fake item action effect. ..

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a notice effect setting process (step S8002) in the effect symbol variation start process. In the advance notice effect setting process, the effect control CPU 101 first performs a lottery process based on random numbers using the advance notice effect determination table for determining the presence / absence and type of the advance notice effect, and determines whether or not the advance notice effect is executed. The type of advance notice effect in the case is determined (step S6501).

FIG. 32A is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the advance notice effect execution decision table. In the advance notice effect execution decision table, each decision item ("no effect", "decorative lamp effect", "active display change effect", "cut-in effect", "step-up effect" and "button effect" according to the fluctuation pattern A determination value is assigned to each of them, but in the example shown in FIG. 32 (A), the ratio of the assigned determination values (that is, the determination ratio for each fluctuation pattern) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 32 (A), in this embodiment, "button effect"> "step-up effect"> "cut-in effect"> "active display change effect"> "decorative lamp effect"> "no effect" It is configured so that the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit increases in the order of. With such a configuration, it is possible to be interested in whether or not the advance notice effect is executed and the type of the advance notice effect to be executed. In this embodiment, when the fluctuation pattern is a super reach jackpot, the determination value is not assigned to "no effect", but it may be assigned. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the deviation from being confirmed when the advance notice effect is not executed.

Next, when it is decided in step S6501 to execute a notice effect other than the "decorative lamp effect" (Y in step S6502), the process proceeds to step S6503, and the execution of the notice effect other than the "decorative lamp effect" is not decided. In that case (N in step S6502), that is, when it is determined that "decorative lamp effect" or "no effect" is set, the advance notice effect setting process is terminated as it is. Since the decorative lamp effect is executed by one effect mode, the subsequent processing for determining the effect mode and the like are omitted. If it is decided to execute the decorative lamp effect, the item is not given, but it may be given. In this case, the item is granted but never used.

In step S6503, the effect control CPU 101 uses the advance notice effect mode determination table to perform a lottery process based on random numbers to determine the effect mode of the advance notice effect.

FIG. 32B is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the advance notice effect mode determination table. In the advance notice effect mode determination table, determination values are assigned to each decision item (“normal aspect”, “first special aspect”, “second special aspect”, and “third special aspect”) according to the fluctuation pattern. However, in the example shown in FIG. 32 (B), the ratio of the assigned determination values (that is, the determination ratio for each fluctuation pattern) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 32 (B), in this embodiment, the degree of expectation (reliability) for the jackpot is in the order of "third special mode"> "second special mode"> "first special mode"> "normal mode". Degree) is configured to be high. With such a configuration, it is possible to be interested in the production mode of the advance notice effect to be executed.

Further, in this embodiment, the white-based notice effect is executed in the normal mode, the blue-based notice effect is executed in the first special mode, and the red-based notice effect is executed in the second special mode. , In the third special aspect, the notice effect of the fruit pattern keynote is executed. With such a configuration, it is possible to intuitively grasp the degree of expectation (reliability) for a big hit even when the type of advance notice effect is different.

In step S6507, when it is decided to execute the step-up effect, it is determined to which stage among the plurality of stages to develop based on the fluctuation pattern, and it is decided to execute the button effect. If so, it is determined which of a plurality of notice displays (for example, character displays such as "super heat!" And "chance!") Is displayed based on the fluctuation pattern. As a result, the degree of expectation for the big hit will differ depending on to what stage the step-up effect develops or which notice display is displayed by the button effect.

In this embodiment, all of the active display change effect, the cut-in effect, the step-up effect, and the button effect can be executed by the first to third special modes in addition to the normal mode. The applicable effect mode may be different for each notice effect. For example, a button effect having a high degree of expectation can be executed only by one of the second special aspect and the third special aspect, and an active display change effect having a low degree of expectation can be performed only by one of the normal aspect and the first special aspect. It may be feasible. Further, the determination ratio of the effect mode may be different for each advance notice effect. For example, a button effect with a high degree of expectation is likely to be determined as a second special mode or a third special aspect with a high degree of expectation, and an active display change effect with a low degree of expectation is a normal mode or a first aspect with a low degree of expectation. The proportion determined in the special embodiment may be increased. By configuring in this way, it is possible to make it easy to understand the degree of expectation of the advance notice production.

Further, not limited to the example shown in FIG. 32 (B), for example, in addition to the normal mode and the first to third special modes, an effect mode or effect that is selected only in the case of a big hit (that is, the big hit is confirmed) Items corresponding to the modes (for example, rainbow-colored production modes and rainbow-colored items) may be provided.

Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs a lottery process based on a random number using the item grant pattern determination table to determine the item grant pattern (step S6504).

FIG. 32C is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the item grant pattern determination table. In the item grant pattern determination table, each decision item ("no grant", "first item (blue)", "first item (blue) + second item (red)", depending on the production mode of the notice effect, Judgment values are assigned to each of "2nd item (red) + 3rd item (fruit pattern)" and "1st item (blue) → 3rd item (fruit pattern)", but FIG. 32 (C) In the example shown in (1), the ratio of the assigned determination values (that is, the determination ratio for each effect mode of the advance notice effect determined in step S6503) is shown.

In the item grant pattern determination table of FIG. 32 (C), "no grant" indicates that the item grant effect is not executed, and "first item (blue)" executes the item grant effect that grants the first item. "1st item (blue) + 2nd item (red)" indicates that the item granting effect of granting the 1st item and the 2nd item is executed, and "2nd item (red) +" "Third item (fruit pattern)" indicates that the item granting effect of granting the second item and the third item is executed, and "first item (blue) → third item (fruit pattern)" is once the first item. It indicates that one item is given and the item giving effect and the item change effect that change from the first item to the third item during storage are executed.

In the item grant pattern determination table of FIG. 32 (C), when the effect mode of the notice effect is determined to be the normal mode (white tone), it is determined to be "no grant" at a rate of 95% and at a rate of 5%. Determined as the "first item". In this case, if it is determined to be "no grant", one of the advance notice effects will be executed in the normal mode without executing the item grant effect after the start of the fluctuation. When the item is determined to be the "first item", an item giving effect for giving the first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed after the start of fluctuation, and then one of the advance notice effects is the normal mode (white). Keynote) is executed. However, the item action effect using the stored first item is not executed, and the advance notice effect is executed in the normal mode. That is, the given first item is not used and disappears when the fluctuation is stopped. In such a case, the fake item action effect may be executed using the first item. By doing so, the item can be more convincing than disappearing without being used.

When the production mode of the notice effect is determined to be the first special mode (blue tone), it is determined to be "no grant" at a rate of 10%, "first item" at a rate of 85%, and 5%. It is decided as "1st item + 2nd item" at the ratio of. In this case, if it is determined to be "no grant", the advance notice effect is executed according to the determined effect mode without executing the item grant effect and the item action effect. When the item is determined to be the "first item", an item giving effect for giving the first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed after the start of fluctuation, and then one of the advance notice effects is the normal mode (white). Keynote) is executed. Then, the item action effect using the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed, and the advance notice effect changes to the first special mode (blue tone). In addition, when it is determined as "first item + second item", an item that gives the first item (blue sphere image in this example) and the second item (red sphere image in this example) after the start of fluctuation. The grant effect is executed, and then one of the notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed, and the advance notice effect changes to the first special mode (blue tone). However, the item action effect using the second item (red sphere image in this example) stored thereafter is not executed, and the advance notice effect is executed in the first special mode (blue tone). That is, the given second item is not used and disappears when the fluctuation is stopped.

When the production mode of the notice effect is determined to be the second special mode (red keynote), it is determined to be "no grant" at a rate of 5% and "first item + second item" at a rate of 90%. And it is decided as "2nd item + 3rd item" at a rate of 5%. In this case, if it is determined to be "no grant", the advance notice effect is executed according to the determined effect mode without executing the item grant effect and the item action effect. In addition, when it is determined as "first item + second item", an item that gives the first item (blue sphere image in this example) and the second item (red sphere image in this example) after the start of fluctuation. The grant effect is executed, and then one of the notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed, and the advance notice effect changes to the first special mode (blue tone). Further, the item action effect using the stored second item (red sphere image in this example) is executed, and the advance notice effect changes to the second special mode (red tone). In addition, when it is determined as "second item + third item", the second item (red sphere image in this example) and the third item (fruit pattern sphere image in this example) are given after the fluctuation starts. The item granting effect is executed, and then one of the advance notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored second item (red sphere image in this example) is executed, and the advance notice effect changes to the second special mode (red tone). However, the item action effect using the third item (in this example, the sphere image of the fruit pattern) stored after that is not executed, and the advance notice effect is executed in the second special mode (red tone). That is, the given third item is not used and disappears when the fluctuation is stopped.

When the production mode of the notice effect is determined to be the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote), it is determined to be "second item + third item" at a rate of 95%, and "first item →" at a rate of 5%. "Third item" is decided. In this case, if "2nd item + 3rd item" is determined, the 2nd item (red sphere image in this example) and the 3rd item (fruit pattern sphere image in this example) are given after the fluctuation starts. The item granting effect to be performed is executed, and then one of the advance notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored second item (red sphere image in this example) is executed, and the advance notice effect changes to the second special mode (red tone). Further, the item action effect using the stored third item (in this example, the sphere image of the fruit pattern) is executed, and the notice effect is changed to the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote). Further, when "first item-> third item" is determined, an item giving effect of giving the first item (blue sphere image in this example) is executed after the start of fluctuation. Then, before the advance notice effect is started, the item change effect in which the stored first item (blue sphere image in this example) is changed to the third item (fruit pattern sphere image in this example) is executed. To. Then, one of the advance notice effects is executed in the normal mode (white tone). Then, the item action effect using the stored third item (in this example, the sphere image of the fruit pattern) is executed, and the notice effect changes to the third special mode (fruit pattern keynote).

In this embodiment, when the item action effect is executed using the third item, the notice effect changes to the third special mode, and when the item action effect is executed using the second item, the notice effect is changed. When the item action effect is executed using the first item after changing to the second special aspect, the notice effect changes to the first special aspect. Further, as for the production mode of the advance notice effect, the degree of expectation for the big hit is high in the order of the third special mode> the second special mode> the first special mode. Therefore, the degree of expectation differs for each item. Specifically, the degree of expectation increases in the order of the third item> the second item> the first item.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, the item having the lowest expectation is used first (see steps S8109 and S8110 and FIG. 35 described later). With such a configuration, the feeling of expectation can be raised stepwise, and the effect of production can be improved. In this embodiment, a plurality of items are given at the same time by the item giving effect, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of items are given at different timings. You may do it. That is, the item granting effect may be executed a plurality of times. For example, during one variable display, an item granting effect that grants two items is executed, and an item action effect that causes one of the two stored items to act on the advance notice effect is executed. After that, an item giving effect that grants one item may be executed, and an item action effect that causes the two stored items to act on the advance notice effect may be executed. In such a configuration, for example, even when the first item is given after the second item is given, it is desirable that the first item with a low expectation is used first. Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and among the plurality of given items, the item with a high degree of expectation may be used first. In this case, it is desirable that items with low expectations are used first rather than items with high expectations. If an item with a high degree of expectation is used first, then an item with a low degree of expectation may not be used or may be used. Further, if the item with high expectation is used first, the item with low expectation may disappear.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 35 to 39, the item action is performed after the advance notice effect is started (for example, after the advance notice effect is started in an effect mode in which the degree of expectation is not high). By executing the effect, the notice effect is configured to change to an effect mode with a higher degree of expectation. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively produce that the expectation of the advance notice effect has changed. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and may be executed according to the effect mode determined from the beginning of the advance notice effect. For example, when it is decided to execute the cut-in effect by the first special aspect, the cut-in effect may be executed by the first special aspect from the beginning. In this case, the item may not be given, or the item may be given but not used, or may be used for a fake item action effect. Further, in this embodiment, the advance notice effect is started in the normal mode, but is not limited to the normal mode, and other production modes (however, the expectation for the big hit is lower than the determined production mode). It may be started by (desirable). For example, when it is decided to execute the cut-in effect by the second special aspect, the cut-in effect may be started by the first special aspect. In this case, the second item is given, and the second item acts on the cut-in effect, so that the effect mode changes from the first special mode to the second special mode.

Further, in this embodiment, active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect and button effect can be executed as the advance notice effect to be the target of the item action effect, and button effect> step-up effect> cut-in effect. > It is configured so that the degree of expectation (reliability) for the big hit increases in the order of the active display change effect. Therefore, even if the effects are the same (for example, even in the same third special mode), the degree of expectation (reliability) for the jackpot is higher in the order of button effect> step-up effect> cut-in effect> active display change effect. high. Therefore, even if the same item is given, the degree of expectation will differ depending on which advance notice effect is applied. With such a configuration, it is possible to pay attention to which advance notice effect the given item acts on, and it is possible to improve the effect of the effect.

Further, in this embodiment, when the item granting pattern is determined as "first item-> third item", an item change effect is executed in which the granted item changes to an item with a high degree of expectation during storage. Will be done. With such a configuration, even when an item with a low degree of expectation is given by the item giving effect, it is possible to have an expectation that the item will change to an item with a high degree of expectation, so that the sense of expectation should be maintained. It is possible to improve the effect of production. In this embodiment, the item change effect of "first item-> third item" is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and "first item-> second item" or "second item-> third item" is executed. An item change effect such as "item" or "second item-> first item" may be executed.

As an item change effect, a character (here, a character different from the character associated with the item described later) may appear, and the item may be changed by displaying the character acting on the item. However, the operation of the push button 120 may be prompted, and the item may be changed based on the detection of the operation. In addition, as an item change effect, a pattern that suggests that the stored items change (for example, a character appears near the item display or prompts the operation of the push button 120) and then changes, A pattern that does not change may be provided.

Further, the item change effect may be, for example, a mode in which a plurality of given items are integrated and changed into one item having a high degree of expectation. Specifically, when a plurality of first items are given, or when the first item and the second item are given, they may be integrated and changed into a third item. In such a configuration, for example, an item that can be integrated and an item that cannot be integrated are provided so that the item that can be integrated has a very low expectation in each state, but the expectation is high when it is integrated. May be good.

Further, in this embodiment, although the third item with the highest expectation is given, if it disappears as it is without being used in the item action production, the player may be greatly discouraged. Therefore, the third item Is configured to be used in the item action effect whenever is given, but not limited to such a configuration, the third item may disappear as it is without being used in the item action effect. May be good.

Next, when it is determined to grant the item (Y in step S6505), the effect control CPU 101 adds the advance notice effect determined to be executed in step S6501 to the presence / absence of execution of another advance notice effect, and executes the item. Determine with another type of notice production in the case. (Step S6506). If it is determined not to give the item (N in step S6505), the advance notice effect setting process is terminated as it is.

In step S6506, the effect control CPU 101 is one of the first to fourth additional notice effect execution decision tables shown in FIGS. 32 (D) to 32 (G) according to the type of the advance notice effect determined to be executed in step S6501. Is used to perform a lottery process based on a random number, and determine whether or not to execute the advance notice effect to be additionally executed, and determine another type of advance notice effect to be executed. After that, the notice effect setting process is finished.

32 (D) to 32 (G) are explanatory views showing a specific example of the additional notice effect execution decision table. In each additional notice effect execution decision table, each decision item ("no effect", "decorative lamp effect", "active display change effect", "cut-in effect", "step-up effect" and "step-up effect" according to the fluctuation pattern Judgment values are assigned to each of the button effects), but in the examples shown in FIGS. 32 (D) to (G), the ratio of the assigned judgment values (that is, the determination ratio for each fluctuation pattern) is shown. ing.

When it is decided in step S6501 to execute the "active display change effect", it is determined to execute the "cut-in effect" using the first additional notice effect execution decision table shown in FIG. 32 (D). In this case, the second additional notice effect execution decision table shown in FIG. 32 (E) is used, and when it is decided to execute the "step-up effect", the third additional notice effect shown in FIG. 32 (F) is used. When it is decided to execute the "button effect" by using the execution decision table, the fourth additional notice effect execution decision table shown in FIG. 32 (G) is used.

The advance notice effect additionally executed by the process of step S6506 is one of the types of advance notice effects on which the item action effect can act, but the item action effect does not act. Therefore, the advance notice effect to be additionally executed is executed according to the normal mode, and the effect mode does not change as it is. Hereinafter, the advance notice effect additionally executed by the process of step S6506 is also referred to as a non-change advance notice effect.

In this embodiment, since the degree of expectation differs depending on which advance notice effect the given item acts on, there is a growing interest in which advance notice effect is executed when the item is given. However, if an item action effect is executed while the item is stored, the item action effect is always executed for the advance notice effect, which sufficiently raises the attention. It may not be possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute a non-change notice effect in which the item is a type that can act but is not acted on. With such a configuration, when the item is stored, even if the notice effect that the item can act on is started, it is not known whether the item action effect is executed, so attention is paid to the notice effect and the item action effect. The degree can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined by the processing of steps S6505 to S6506 that the item is to be given, the ratio of executing the non-change notice effect is increased. With such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to understand which advance notice effect the item acts on when the item is stored, and it is possible to increase the degree of attention to the advance notice effect and the item action effect.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the execution order of each notice effect is defined. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 32 (D) to 32 (G), the additionally executed non-change advance notice effect is any one of the advance notice effects executed at a timing before the advance notice effect on which the item action effect acts. Is. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the flow of the effect from becoming worse due to the non-change advance notice effect being executed after the advance notice effect on which the item action effect is applied (that is, after the item is used). can do. Further, in this embodiment, since the advance notice effect that is executed at an earlier timing has a lower expectation, the item does not act on the notice effect with a high expectation, and then the item is applied to the notice effect with a low expectation. By acting, it is possible to prevent the interest from being lowered. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and the non-change notice effect may be executed after the notice effect on which the item action effect is applied (that is, after the item is used). It is desirable that the rate is lower than the rate at which the non-change notice effect is executed before the notice effect on which the action effect acts (that is, before the item is used).

In this embodiment, the non-change notice effect is executed in the normal mode, but it may be executed in a mode other than the normal mode. However, it is desirable that the degree of expectation is lower or the same as that of the advance notice effect executed at a later timing.

In this embodiment, in the process of step S6501, it is configured to determine which of the plurality of types of advance notice effects is to be executed, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, execution of each advance notice effect is performed. The presence or absence (and the mode of production) may be determined independently. That is, it may be possible to execute a plurality of types of notice effects. Further, from each of the advance notice effects determined to be executed, an item may be applied to determine an effect mode to be changed on the way. In this case, the advance notice effect that does not act on the item may be executed according to the effect mode determined from the beginning, or the effect mode may be changed without the item being acted upon after a predetermined period from the start. You may. Specifically, if it is determined that the cut-in effect is executed in the first special mode and the item is not allowed to act on the cut-in effect, it may be executed in the first special mode from the beginning. However, after a lapse of a predetermined period from the start, the item may change from the normal mode to the first special mode without any action.

Further, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, they are configured to act on the same advance notice effect in sequence, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration and acts on different advance notice effects. It may be possible. For example, in step S6501, it is possible to determine a plurality of advance notice effects to be executed, and in step S6503, whether or not to determine the effect mode for each determined notice effect to be executed and to act the item to change the effect mode on the way. To determine. Then, in step S6504, it can be realized by deciding the item to be given according to the item used for each advance notice effect and executing the effect according to the determined content. In this case as well, it is desirable that items with low expectations are used first. With this configuration, when multiple items are given, even if the first item acts on the notice effect with low expectation, the second item has high expectation. Since it is possible to have expectations for acting on the advance notice effect, it is possible to maintain a sense of expectation and improve the effect of the effect. Further, in addition to the plurality of advance notice effects on which the item is applied, in step S6506, it may be determined whether or not the additional advance notice effect is to be executed (one or more), and the effect may be executed according to the determined content. In this case, it is desirable that the additional notice effect having an earlier execution timing (that is, the non-change notice effect having a low expectation) is executed at a higher rate.

Further, in the examples of FIGS. 32 (D) to 32 (G), in the case of the super reach jackpot, the determination value is assigned so that the non-change notice effect is always executed, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Even in the case of a super reach jackpot, a determination value may be assigned so as to be determined as "no effect".

Further, not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 32 (A), (B), (D) to (G), when the fluctuation pattern is normal reach, the judgment value is determined depending on whether the display result is a big hit or a miss. The distribution may be different. With this configuration, it is possible to more accurately suggest the degree of expectation for a big hit.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 first subtracts 1 from the process timer value (step S8101) and 1 subtracts the value of the variation time timer (step S8102). When the process timer times out (step S8103), the process data is switched. That is, the next set process timer setting value in the process table is set in the process timer (step S8104). Further, the control state for the effect device is changed based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data set next (step S8105).

Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes the item granting effect according to the item granting pattern determined in the advance notice effect setting process (step S8107) at the timing of granting the item (Y in step S8106). In addition, data that can identify the item to be added and stored by the item giving effect is stored in the storage area formed in the RAM. In this embodiment, the timing of granting items is fixedly determined for each fluctuation pattern, but for example, it may be determined by lottery from a plurality of timings. Further, in this case, the degree of expectation of a big hit may be different depending on which timing is used.

Next, if it is the timing to change the item (Y in step S8107a), the effect control CPU 101 executes the item change effect according to the item giving pattern determined in the advance notice effect setting process (step S8107b). In addition, data that can identify the item changed by the item change effect is stored in the storage area formed in the RAM. In this embodiment, the timing of changing the item is fixedly determined for each fluctuation pattern, but for example, it may be determined by lottery from a plurality of timings. Further, in this case, the degree of expectation of a big hit may be different depending on which timing is used.

Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects the item with the lowest expectation among the stored items (step S8109) at the timing of operating the item (Y in step S8108), and uses the selected item. The item action effect is executed (step S8110).

In step S8108, when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the advance notice effect for which the item determined in the advance notice effect setting process is applied, it is determined that it is the timing for the item to act. In this embodiment, the timing at which the item is activated is fixedly determined for each target advance notice effect, but for example, it may be determined by lottery from a plurality of timings. Further, in this case, the degree of expectation of a big hit may be different depending on which timing is used.

In step S8109, for example, when the first item and the second item are stored, the first item is selected. Then, by the process of step S8110, the item action effect is executed, and the effect mode of the notice effect being executed changes. In this embodiment, the item with the lowest expectation is selected from the stored items, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the item may be selected by lottery. Good. That is, an item other than the item with the lowest expectation may be selected. In this case, it is desirable to increase the ratio of items with the lowest expectation to be selected (or to decrease the ratio of items with the highest expectation to be selected first).

Further, when a plurality of items are applied to a plurality of notice effects, the items to be applied are selected in the order in which the notice effects are executed. Therefore, for example, the item having a relatively high expectation is selected first. After acting on the notice effect having a relatively low expectation, an item having a relatively low expectation may be selected to act on the notice effect having a relatively high expectation. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the earlier the timing during the fluctuation display, the lower the expectation level of the advance notice effect is executed, and as shown in FIG. 32 (B), the fluctuation pattern with the higher expectation level is executed. It is configured so that a production mode (color or pattern) with a higher degree of expectation is selected (see step S6503). Further, it is configured to give an item corresponding to the effect mode (color or pattern) of the advance notice effect selected as shown in FIG. 32 (C) (see step S6504). With such a configuration, in this embodiment, the lower the expectation, the easier it is to use the item first.

Next, if the fluctuation time timer has timed out (step S8111), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol fluctuation stop process (step S803) (step S8112).

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol fluctuation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process process. In the effect symbol fluctuation stop process, first, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the stop symbol display flag indicating that the stop symbol of the effect symbol is displayed is set (step S8301). If the stop symbol display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S8305. In this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol is displayed as the stop symbol of the effect symbol, the stop symbol display flag is set in step S8304. Then, the stop symbol display flag is reset when the fanfare effect is executed. Therefore, the fact that the stop symbol display flag is set means that the jackpot symbol has been stopped and displayed, but the fanfare effect has not yet been executed. Therefore, the process of displaying the stop symbol of the effect symbol in step S8302 is executed. Without fail, the process proceeds to step S8305.

When the stop symbol display flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 controls to stop and display the determined stop symbol (missing symbol, jackpot symbol) (step S8302). Further, the effect control CPU 101 controls to erase the active display of the active display unit 18d in accordance with the process of step S8302. Note that the control to stop the stop symbol (missing symbol, jackpot symbol) and the control to erase the active display are based on the fact that the symbol confirmation designation command is received, that is, the confirmation command reception flag is set. You may do it first.

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

When the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the process of step S8302 (Y in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 sets the stop symbol display flag (step S8304) and receives the big hit start 1 designation command. Big hit start 1 designated command reception flag indicating that the jackpot has been performed, jackpot start 2 designated command reception flag indicating that the designated command has been received, or small hit / sudden probability change jackpot start designation command has been received. It is confirmed whether or not the sudden probability change big hit start designation command reception flag is set (step S8305). When the jackpot start 1 designated command reception flag, jackpot start 2 designated command reception flag, or small hit / sudden probability change jackpot start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 resets the stop symbol display flag. (Step S8306), a process table corresponding to the fanfare effect is selected (step S8307). If the jackpot start 1 designated command reception flag, the jackpot start 2 designated command reception flag, or the small hit / sudden probability change jackpot start designation command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 is set. To reset.

Then, the effect control CPU 101 starts the process timer by setting the process timer set value in the process timer (step S8308), and the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number). Control of the effect device (effect display device 9 as the effect component, various lamps as the effect component, and speaker 27 as the effect component) is executed according to the data 1 and the movable member control data 1) (step S8309). After that, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) (step S8310).

When it is determined that neither the big hit nor the small hit is performed (N in step S8303), the effect control CPU 101 resets a predetermined flag (step S8311). For example, the effect control CPU 101 resets the first symbol variation designation command reception flag and the second symbol variation designation command reception flag. The effect control CPU 101 may reset the command reception flag immediately after being referred to in the effect control process process or the fourth symbol process process (for example, as shown in step S811 of FIG. 26, the variation pattern. The variation pattern command reception flag may be reset as soon as the command reception flag is confirmed). However, for example, since the symbol variation designation command is referred to in both the effect control process process and the fourth symbol process process, as shown in this embodiment, the effect symbol variation stop process and the like are performed at the end of the variation. It is desirable to reset in the jackpot end effect process at the end of the jackpot.

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

Next, a display mode when the notice effect and the item effect are executed will be described. FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of a notice effect (active display change effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 35, the mode of the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

As shown in FIGS. 35 (1) and 35 (2), when the variable display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is deleted and a new variable display of the effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect for granting the first item and the second item is executed, and the first item display 200a and the second item display 200b are displayed. Although the first item display 200a is a blue spherical image, it is represented by a vertical striped circle in FIG. 35 (2). The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, which is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG. 35 (2).

Next, when the active display change effect is started, as shown in FIG. 35 (3), the change suggestion display 18f including the character display of "change?" Suggesting that the display mode of the active display changes is actively displayed. It is displayed above 18e.

Here, when the item action effect that causes the first item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the first item display 200a moves to the active display 18d as shown in FIGS. 35 (4) and 35 (5). After the collision display is made, the active display 18e changes from the normal mode (white) to the first special mode (blue). In FIG. 35 (5), the active display 18e of the first special aspect (blue) is represented by a circular pattern with vertical stripes.

Next, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the active display change effect is executed, the second item display 200b moves and collides with the active display 18d as shown in FIGS. 35 (6) and 35 (7). The active display 18e changes from the first special mode (blue) to the second special mode (red) after the display is performed. In FIG. 35 (7), the active display 18e of the second special aspect (red) is represented by a horizontal striped circle.

As shown in FIG. 35, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, the item having the lowest expectation is used first. With such a configuration, the feeling of expectation can be raised stepwise, and the effect of production can be improved.

For example, at the timing shown in FIG. 35 (2), the first grant sound effect is output in response to the grant of the first item (or the storage of the first item), and the second item. The second grant sound effect may be output according to the grant (or the storage of the second item). Further, for example, at the timings shown in FIGS. 35 (4) and 35 (5), for the first action, depending on the fact that the first item acts on the notice effect (or that the notice effect has changed to the first special mode). A second sound effect is output, and at the timing shown in FIGS. 35 (6) and 35 (7), the second item acts on the advance notice effect (or the advance notice effect is changed to the second special mode). The action sound effect may be output. Since the player's attention is increased when the item acts on the advance notice effect, the action sound effect may be a flashier sound effect (for example, a louder sound effect) than the imparting sound effect. In addition, the granting sound effect and the action sound effect related to the same item are related (for example, the first granting sound effect and the first action sound effect related to the first item), and eventually It may be easy to understand whether the item has been given and acted on.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of a notice effect (cut-in effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 36, the mode of the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

As shown in FIGS. 36 (1) and 36 (2), when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is deleted and a new variation display of the effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect of granting the second item is executed, and the display that the second item display 200b appears is made. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG. 36 (2).

Next, when the cut-in effect is started, as shown in FIG. 36 (3), the cut-in display 201 including the character display of "chance" is displayed in a normal mode (white in this example).

Here, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the cut-in effect is executed, the second item display 200b moves to the cut-in display 201 as shown in FIGS. 36 (4) and 36 (5). After the collision display is performed, the cut-in display 201 changes from the normal mode to the second special mode (red in this example, represented by a horizontal stripe pattern in FIG. 36 (5)). At this time, the character display of the cut-in display 201 may also change (for example, it may change from "chance" to "extreme heat").

As shown in FIG. 36, in this embodiment, by executing the item action effect after the advance notice effect is started, the executed advance notice effect can be changed to an effect mode with a higher degree of expectation. It is configured in. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively produce that the feeling of expectation has changed.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of the advance notice effect (step-up effect) and the item effect. In FIG. 37, the mode of the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

As shown in FIGS. 37 (1) and 37 (2), when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is deleted and a new variation display of the effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect of granting the second item is executed, and the display that the second item display 200b appears is made. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG. 37 (2).

Next, when the step-up effect is started, as shown in FIG. 37 (3), the step-up display 202 of the first stage including the character display of "SU1" is displayed in a normal mode (white frame in this example). Will be done. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. 37 (4), the step-up display 202 of the second stage including the character display of "SU2" is displayed in a normal mode (white frame in this example).

After a further predetermined period of time, the step-up display 202 of the third stage including the character display of "SU3" is displayed in a normal mode (white frame in this example). Here, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the step-up effect is executed, the second item display 200b moves to the step-up display 202 as shown in FIGS. 37 (5) and 37 (6). After the collision display is performed, the step-up display 202 changes from the normal mode to the second special mode (red in this example, represented by a horizontal striped frame in FIG. 37 (6)). Although not shown in FIG. 37, the step-up display 202 after the fourth stage is displayed in the second special mode.

When the execution timing of the item action effect is determined by lottery from a plurality of timings, the degree of expectation of a big hit may be different depending on the execution timing. For example, even when the same item is applied to the step-up effect (or the same step-up effect in the final development stage), when the item action effect is executed when the step-up effect is the first stage, The degree of expectation for the jackpot may be different from that when the item action effect is executed in the second stage.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing specific examples of a notice effect (button effect) and an item effect. In FIG. 38, the mode of the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

As shown in FIGS. 38 (1) and 38 (2), when the variation display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is deleted and a new variation display of the effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect of granting the second item is executed, and the display that the second item display 200b appears is made. The second item display 200b is a red sphere image, but is represented by a horizontal striped circle in FIG. 38 (2).

Next, when the button effect is started, as shown in FIG. 38 (3), the operation promotion display 203 imitating the push button 120 is displayed in a normal mode (white in this example).

Here, when the item action effect that causes the second item to act on the button effect is executed, the second item display 200b moves and collides with the operation promotion display 203 as shown in FIGS. 38 (4) and 38 (5). After the display is performed, the operation promotion display 203 changes from the normal mode to the second special mode (red in this example, represented by a horizontal stripe pattern in FIG. 38 (5)).

When the item action effect is executed for the button effect, a notice display (for example, a character display such as "super heat!" Or "chance!") Is displayed according to the detection of the operation of the push button 120. After that, the item may be acted on to change the display mode of the notice display.

Further, the display timing of the operation promotion display 203 and the start timing of the detection valid period of the push button 120 do not necessarily have to coincide with each other. For example, the detection valid period of the push button 120 may be started after the operation promotion display 203 is displayed and the item action effect is executed (after the display mode of the operation promotion display 203 is changed). Further, the display mode such as the display size and the operation may be changed in addition to the colors and patterns of the operation promotion display 203 and the notice display by executing the item action effect.

Further, in addition to the button effect of displaying the notice according to the detection of the operation of the push button 120, the motion detection effect of displaying the notice according to the detection of the player's motion by other motion detecting means such as the stick controller 122 is performed. The operation promotion display may be changed from an image imitating the push button 120 to an image imitating the stick controller 122 by making it executable and executing the item action effect. That is, it may be changed to another motion detection effect. In this case as well, it is desirable that the motion detection effect after the change has a higher degree of expectation for a big hit.

In this embodiment, the item granting effect is configured to grant an item corresponding to a predetermined color or pattern, but the item that can be granted is not limited to this. For example, an item associated with a predetermined character may be given. An example of assigning an item associated with a character will be described below.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a notice effect (button effect) and an item effect using an item associated with a character. In FIG. 39, the mode of the display screen changes in the order of (1), (2), and (3).

As shown in FIGS. 39 (1) and 39 (2), when the variable display of the effect symbol is stopped, one hold display is deleted and a new variable display of the effect symbol is started. At this time, the item granting effect of granting the item associated with the character is executed, and the item display 200c composed of the character image is displayed. Further, at this time, the character storage sound effect may be output according to the storage of the item associated with the character.

Next, when the button effect is started, as shown in FIG. 39 (3), the operation promotion display 203 imitating the push button 120 is displayed in a normal mode (white in this example and no character around). ..

Here, when the item action effect that causes the item to act on the button effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 39 (4), the item display 200c composed of the character image moves to the side of the operation promotion display 203. At the same time, the text "Chance! Press!" Is displayed. By being displayed as shown in FIG. 39 (4), the expectation for the jackpot is higher than when the operation promotion display 203 is displayed in the normal mode (in this example, there is no character around). It will be suggested.

As shown in FIG. 39, as an item giving effect, an item associated with the character may be given, and as an item action effect, the character may act on the running advance notice effect. Further, both the item associated with the color or the pattern and the item associated with the character can be given and stored, and each of them may be able to act on the advance notice effect.

Further, in addition to the example shown in FIG. 39, for example, by acting the character on the advance notice effect of the mode aiming at clearing the predetermined mission, the character can help the clearing of the mission (that is, the possibility of clearing the mission). As the number increases, the degree of expectation for a big hit increases). In this case, the possibility of clearing the mission differs depending on which of the plurality of characters acts (that is, the expectation of the advance notice effect after the item action depends on which character the item associated with is used. It may be different). With this configuration, it is possible to increase the variety of advance notice production and item production, and synergistically enhance the production effect.

Further, in this embodiment, when a plurality of items are given, the items are sequentially used, but in addition to such a configuration, a plurality of items can be used at the same time. Good. For example, when an item associated with character A and an item associated with character B are given, the character A alone acts on the advance notice effect of the mode aiming at clearing a predetermined mission. There are times when character B is made to act alone, and when character A and character B are made to act at the same time, and the possibility of clearing the mission is different (that is, the expectation of the advance notice effect after the item action is different). ) May be done. With this configuration, it is possible to pay attention to the mode of the item action effect.

Further, in this embodiment, when the item granting effect is executed, an item display appears at the upper right of the display screen of the effect display device 9, but the present invention is not limited to this mode, and for example, an item is granted. After suggesting that the item will be added (for example, after displaying the suggested image, outputting the sound effect, etc.), the item may be added (or not added), or the push button 120 may be operated. The item may be given (or not given) in response to the prompt and the detection of the operation of the push button 120.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and for example, the item giving effect and the item action effect may be made feasible as a so-called look-ahead notice effect. For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the look-ahead notice effect determines whether or not a big hit is obtained at the time of starting winning, and which determination value range the value of the random number for determining the variation pattern type falls within, and also determines. The winning time determination process for transmitting a command indicating the result (design specification command or variable category command) is executed, and the presence or absence of the pre-reading advance notice effect is executed based on the received start winning command in the effect control microcomputer 100. , Type, and execution timing are determined and executed.

In this case, in this embodiment, an item is added and stored during one variation display, and the item is made to act on the advance notice effect targeting the one variation display. Items are added and stored by the look-ahead notice effect before the start of the change display (hereinafter, also referred to as the look-ahead item grant effect), and the notice for the change display of the one during the change display of the look-ahead target. You may make the item act on the production. In this case, the granted item will be stored over a plurality of fluctuations. The item granting effect and the look-ahead item granting effect may have the same mode or different modes.

Further, for example, an item assigned and stored during one variation display is put on hold corresponding to the target variation display (for example, a look-ahead notice effect targeting the variation display executed after the one variation display. It may act on a pending change effect in which the display mode of the display changes, a look-ahead continuous notice that is continuously executed over a plurality of variable displays up to the target variable display, etc.), or the one variation. It may be made to act on the look-ahead notice effect (for example, a series of effects executed before the start of the one variable display) for the display (hereinafter, also referred to as a look-ahead item action effect). For example, an item given during one variable display changes the display mode of the hold display by acting on the hold display (that is, the jackpot expectation of the variable display specified by the hold display increases), or the look-ahead continuous By acting on the notice, the effect mode of the look-ahead continuous notice may be changed. In addition, the item given during one variable display is displayed by taking over the display mode at the time of hold display (for example, blue, which corresponds to the first special mode of active display) changed by the look-ahead notice effect. The display mode of the active display may be changed by acting on the active display (for example, the first special mode).

Further, for example, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the target variable display changes for the pre-reading notice effect (for example, the display mode of the hold display corresponding to the target variable display) for the items given and stored by the look-ahead item giving effect. It may be made to act (that is, execute the look-ahead item action effect) to act on the hold change effect to be performed, the look-ahead continuous notice that is continuously executed over a plurality of change displays up to the target change display, etc.). However, it may be made to act on the advance notice effect for the variable display during execution. In this case, the look-ahead item giving effect and the look-ahead notice effect or the notice effect are subject to the same variable display. Further, in this case, the look-ahead notice effect may be started during the change display before the reference change display when the change display in which the look-ahead item granting effect is executed is used as a reference. It may be started during the fluctuation display that becomes, or it may be started during the fluctuation display after the reference fluctuation display.

Further, the look-ahead item giving effect and the look-ahead item action effect for which one variable display is a notice target may be executed a plurality of times at different timings. For example, when the pre-reading notice effect for which one variation display is the target of advance notice is started from the variation display two before the one variation display, the item is added by the look-ahead item addition effect during the variation display three before. The item action effect that is given and causes the item to act on the look-ahead notice effect during the previous variable display may be executed, and the look-ahead item grant effect that a new item is given may be executed. Then, the item action effect that causes the item to act on the pre-reading notice effect may be executed during the previous variable display.

Here, a display example when applying the display mode of the fruit pattern to various effects will be described. In this embodiment, the fruit pattern display mode can be applied to the notice effect, but the fruit pattern display mode may be applicable to effects other than the above-mentioned notice effect.

In addition to the above-mentioned advance notice effects, it is possible to execute a suggestion effect that suggests a suggestion degree that is controlled by an advantageous state such as a big hit game state. The suggestion effect includes a first suggestion effect (shutter effect) and a second suggestion effect (reach title effect). In the shutter effect as the first suggestion effect, an effect of covering the screen with a shutter display is executed after the start of fluctuation. Further, in the reach title production as the second suggestion effect, an effect of displaying the reach title indicating the development destination of the reach effect is executed after the reach. When displaying either the shutter display or the reach title display, a specific image may be included and displayed.

A specific image is an image that is displayed including a plurality of types of elements in the image. The plurality of types of elements include a banana image of element E1, a melon image of element E2, an apple image of element E3, a watermelon image of element E4, and a strawberry image of element E5. A fruit pattern image composed of these elements E1 to E5 is a specific image. In both the shutter display and the reach title display, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to be visible. Further, the display sizes of the elements E1 to E5 constituting the specific image are changed and displayed according to the difference in display size between the shutter display and the reach title display. Further, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to fit in each of the shutter display and the reach title display.

FIG. 40 is a display screen view when the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed. 40 (a) to 40 (f) are examples of a case where the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed when the super reach is executed.

As shown in FIG. 40A, when the shutter effect is executed, the shutter image 94 is displayed on the screen. In the shutter image 94, an image of a fruit pattern including all the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. Further, when the shutter effect is executed, the speaker 27 executes a notification to output a common sound (melody), and also executes a notification by emitting light from the effect lamp. When the closed shutter is opened, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), the variable display of the effect symbol is started. The downward arrows indicate the fluctuation display of the left, middle, and right symbols. When the variation display of the left symbol and the right symbol is temporarily stopped, the reach state is reached as shown in FIG. 40 (c).

Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (d), the super reach effect is started. The variable display is displayed small in the upper right corner of the screen, and the character is displayed on the left side of the screen. The reach title image 95 is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and the content of the super reach to be executed is shown as the reach title display. In the reach title image 95, an image of a fruit pattern including all the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. Further, in the reach title image 95, the characters "battle reach" indicating that the battle reach effect is executed are displayed.

Here, the battle reach production is a production in which the enemy character and the ally character fight, and when the ally character wins, it becomes a big hit, and when the ally character loses to the enemy character, it becomes a loss. In the reach title effect, the contents of a plurality of types of reach effects including such a battle reach are shown by the reach title image 95 before the reach effect is executed.

Further, when the reach title effect is executed, the speaker 27 executes a notification to output a common sound (melody), and the speaker 27 executes a notification by emitting light from the effect lamp. Further, after outputting the common sound, an effect of emitting a specific sound (voice) indicating that the character has a high expectation of a big hit such as "hot" is executed. Here, in the reach title effect, the size of the suggestion display to be displayed is smaller than that in the shutter effect. However, in this way, in the reach title production, by outputting a specific sound, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize that the fruit pattern image is displayed. Although the case where the output periods of the common sound and the specific sound are completely separated has been described, the output periods may partially overlap.

After that, the battle reach effect as shown in FIG. 40 (e) is executed. Enemy characters are displayed on the left side of the screen, and ally characters are displayed on the right side of the screen. When a ally character wins a battle with an enemy character, the characters "Battle win!" Are displayed in the upper left of the screen. It is notified that the big hit has been confirmed by winning the battle. When the battle effect is completed, the screen returns to the variable display screen with the original number pattern. As shown in FIG. 40 (d), all the symbols are stopped and the jackpot symbol of "777" is displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d), both the shutter image 94 and the reach title image 95 are displayed including all the elements E1 to E5 constituting the fruit pattern image. In this way, the fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in both the shutter image 94 and the reach title image 95 having different display sizes. As a result, it is possible to accurately convey that the fruit pattern image with high expectation for a big hit is displayed.

Although the case where the fruit pattern display mode is applied in the suggestion effect has been described, the fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in any of the above-mentioned notice effects by applying the same method. ..

For example, when the display mode of the fruit pattern is applied to the step-up effect and the cut-in effect, the frame portion of the step-up display (see FIG. 37 (6)) and the entire cut-in display (see FIG. 36 (5)). ), All the elements E1 to E5 constituting the fruit pattern image are included and displayed. Further, since the display size of the frame portion of the step-up display is smaller than that of the entire cut-in display, the elements E1 to E in the frame portion of the step-up display are displayed smaller than the elements E1 to E in the entire cut-in display. To. By applying in this way, the fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in any of the effects.

Further, the display size of the shutter image 94 shown in FIG. 40 (a) is displayed larger than the display size of the reach title image 95 shown in FIG. 40 (d). Therefore, it is possible to pay attention to the difference between the display size of the shutter image 94 and the display size of the reach title image 95.

Further, the shutter image 94 shown in FIG. 40 (a) and the reach title image 95 shown in FIG. 40 (d) are displayed at different timings. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the fruit pattern image, which is a specific image, from becoming difficult to see due to overlapping execution timings.

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of items including the first item and the second item (for example, the first to third items; see FIG. 32 (C)) can be stored in a plurality of items. A means (for example, a storage area formed in a RAM mounted on the effect control microcomputer 100. Stores data that can identify an item) and a specific effect using the item stored by the item storage means (for example). , Item action effect) is provided as an effect execution means that can be executed.

As for the effect execution means, the specific effect using the second item (for example, the second item (red)) is more expected than the specific effect using the first item (for example, the first item (blue)). (For example, see FIG. 32B), when the first item and the second item are stored, the specific effect using the first item is used rather than the specific effect using the second item. The ratio of performing the production first is high (see, for example, FIG. 35). Therefore, the feeling of expectation can be raised stepwise, and the effect of production can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the effect executing means can execute the advance notice effect in a plurality of modes (for example, the effect mode of any one of the normal aspect and the first to third special aspects), and is specific to the advance notice effect. By executing the effect, it is possible to execute the advance notice effect in a mode having a higher expectation than the advance notice effect (for example, the advance notice effect is started in a normal mode having a lower expectation degree, but by the action of the item, the notice effect can be executed. It changes to the first special mode, the second special mode, and the third special mode, which have high expectations. (See FIGS. 35 to 38). Therefore, it is possible to effectively produce the change in the expectation of the advance notice effect, and it is possible to improve the effect.

Further, in this embodiment, the effect executing means can execute a plurality of types of advance notice effects (for example, active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, button effect, etc.), and is a specific effect for the advance notice effect. By executing, it is possible to execute a notice effect having a higher expectation than the notice effect (for example, the notice effect is started by a normal mode in which the expectation is low, but the expectation is increased by the action of the item. It changes to a higher first special mode, second special mode, and third special mode. See FIGS. 35 to 38.), Any of a plurality of types of notice effects even if the specific effect uses the same item. It is possible to execute a specific effect so that the degree of expectation differs depending on whether or not the item is executed (see, for example, FIGS. 32 (A) and 32 (B). Even if the same effect mode is used, the expectation for a big hit by the advance notice effect. Since the degree is different, even if it is an item action effect that causes the same item to act (for example, even if it is changed to the same third special mode), the degree of expectation differs depending on which advance notice effect is applied). Therefore, it is possible to pay attention to which of the advance notice effects the specific effect is executed, and it is possible to improve the effect.

Further, in this embodiment, the item is associated with a predetermined color or pattern (for example, blue, red, and fruit pattern), and the effect executing means executes a notice effect in which the color or pattern is different depending on the degree of expectation. It is possible (for example, the advance notice effect can be executed by the first special aspect (blue keynote), the second special aspect (red keynote), and the third special aspect (fruit pattern keynote). See FIG. 32 (B)). By executing the specific effect on the notice effect, the notice effect can be executed by changing the color or pattern associated with the item used in the specific effect (see, for example, FIGS. 35 to 38). Therefore, the relationship between the specific effect and the advance notice effect can be enhanced, and the effect can be synergistically improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the item is associated with a predetermined character (for example, an item display 200c composed of a character image, see FIG. 39 (2)), and the effect executing means is a notice effect in a plurality of modes. Is possible, and by executing the specific effect for the advance notice effect, the advance notice effect can be executed in such a manner that the character associated with the item used in the specific effect acts (for example, FIG. 39 (4). ) Refer to). By doing so, it is possible to increase the variety of the advance notice production and the specific production, and synergistically enhance the production effect.

Further, in this embodiment, the effect executing means may use the first notice effect (for example, active display change effect, cut-in effect, step-up effect, button effect, etc.) and the item on which the item can be used. It is possible to execute a plurality of types of notice effects including an impossible second notice effect (for example, a decorative lamp effect), and when the item is stored by the item storage means, the first is higher than when the item is not stored. The ratio of executing the notice production is high. Therefore, when an item is given, it is possible to pay attention to which advance notice effect the specific effect affects, and it is possible to improve the effect.

Further, in this embodiment, the change effect execution means (for example, "first item (blue) → third item (fruit pattern)" that can execute the change effect that changes the items stored by the item storage means It is executed when the item grant pattern is determined. (See FIG. 32 (C)). Therefore, even when items with low expectations are stored, it is possible to have expectations for changing to items with high expectations, so that expectations can be maintained and the effect of production is improved. Can be made to.

Further, in this embodiment, as a suggestion display suggesting the degree of expectation controlled in an advantageous state (for example, a jackpot gaming state), a first suggestion display having a display size of the first size (for example, FIG. 40A). (Display by the shutter image 94 of the first size displayed at the time of the shutter effect shown in FIG. 40) and the second suggestion display having the display size of the second size (for example, the second display displayed at the time of the reach title effect shown in FIG. 40 (d)). A display means capable of displaying a reach title image 95 of a size (for example, realized by an effect control microcomputer 100, an effect display device 9, etc.) is provided, and the display means has a plurality of types of elements (for example, different modes). A specific image composed of elements E1 (banana), element E2 (melon), element E3 (apple), element E4 (watermelon), element E5 (strawberry), etc. shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d). (Fruit pattern, etc. shown in FIGS. 40 (a) and 40 (d)) can be displayed, and when displaying either the first suggestion display or the second suggestion display in a pattern including a specific image, a plurality of types are displayed. The elements are displayed so as to be included in both the first suggestion display and the second suggestion display (elements E1 to E5 are included in both the shutter image 94 and the reach title image 95 shown in FIGS. 40A and 40D). It may be displayed so as to be included). By doing so, the specific image can be suitably displayed regardless of the display size of the suggestion display. This makes it possible to accurately convey that a specific image has been displayed.

In the above embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer 100 of the variation time, the variation pattern indicating the variation mode such as the type of reach effect and the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, when the variation is started, 1 Although an example of transmitting one variation pattern command is shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer 100 by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 560 has the presence or absence of a pseudo-ream, the presence or absence of a sliding effect, etc. in the first command before reaching (so-called when not reaching). A command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode before the second stop is sent, and the second command indicates the type of reach, the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect, etc. after reaching the reach (if it does not reach the so-called first). 2 After the stop, a command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode may be transmitted. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 may perform the effect control in the variation display based on the variation time derived from the combination of the two commands. The game control microcomputer 560 notifies the fluctuation time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer 100 selects the specific fluctuation mode executed at each timing. It may be. When sending two commands, the two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period has passed after the first command is sent (for example, the next timer interrupt). In), the second command may be sent. The variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the transmission order can be changed as appropriate. By notifying the fluctuation pattern by two or more commands in this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of data that must be stored as the fluctuation pattern command.

Further, in the above embodiment, "different ratios" are not limited to those having different ratios due to a relationship such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%. It is a concept that includes those having different ratios due to a relationship such as A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one having 100% allocation and the other having 0% allocation).

Further, in the above embodiment, for example, a case where a plurality of types of special symbols, effect symbols, and ordinary symbols of "1" to "9" are variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed is shown, but the variable display is the same. It is not limited to such an aspect. For example, the variably displayed symbol and the derived symbol do not necessarily have to be the same, and a symbol different from the variably displayed symbol may be derived and displayed. Further, it is not always necessary to variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and the variable display may be executed using only one type of symbol. In this case, for example, the variable display may be executed by alternately lighting and blinking the one type of symbol display. Even in this case, one type of symbol used for the variable display may be derived and displayed at the end, or a symbol different from the one type of symbol is derived and displayed at the end. It may be a thing.

Further, in the above embodiment, the effect control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the board on which the circuit for controlling the effect device is mounted, but the circuit for controlling the effect device is provided. It may be mounted on one board. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted, and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamp, LED, speaker 27, etc.) are mounted. Two boards may be provided with the effect control board of 2.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100, but the game control microcomputer 560 uses another substrate (for example, FIG. 3). The sound / lamp board having the functions of the circuit mounted on the audio output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35, and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted so as to be transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another substrate. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or a control means such as a microcomputer is mounted on the audio output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board, and the control means receives the command. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 by executing control related to voice control and lamp control according to the operation, and further changing the received command to the command as it is or, for example, a simplified command. It may be sent to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs display control in response to the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in each of the above embodiments, and similarly, the sound output board 70 and the lamp Display control can be performed according to a command received from the driver board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

Further, in the above embodiment, a pachinko machine is taken as an example of the gaming machine, but in the present invention, a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting medals, and a plurality of types are used according to the operation of the operation lever by the player. When the symbol is rotated and the symbol is stopped in response to the operation of the stop button by the player, if the combination of the stop symbols becomes a specific combination of symbols, it is applied to the slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player. It is also possible.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example is obtained in which a game medium is used as a game machine, but the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as a prize, and is a game ball. It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine in which a game medium such as the above is enclosed and a score is given when the conditions for giving a prize are satisfied.

Further, in the above embodiment, a gaming machine is shown in which the jackpot type includes a probabilistic jackpot and a normal jackpot, and the jackpot type is determined to be a probabilistic jackpot, and is controlled to a probabilistic state after the jackpot game ends. , Not limited to such gaming machines. For example, a special variable winning ball device having a predetermined probability variation region inside (a probability variation region may be provided in only one special variable winning ball device, or a plurality of special variable winning balls provided. A probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device), and the probability variation is determined based on the game ball passing through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the jackpot game, and the jackpot game It is also possible to apply the configuration shown in each of the above embodiments to the gaming machine controlled to the probabilistic state after the end.

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

1 Pachinko game machine 8a 1st special symbol display 8b 2nd special symbol display 9 effect display device 13 1st start winning opening 14 2nd starting winning opening 18c total hold storage display 18d active display 20 special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP
120 push button

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine that can variably display decorative identification information and control it to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player.
Display means and
Item storage means that can store items and
It is provided with an effect executing means capable of executing a specific effect using the items stored by the item storage means.
The display means
It is possible to display the variable display of specific identification information corresponding to the variable display of decorative identification information.
Display a variable display of specific identification information so that it does not overlap with the display related to stored items,
The effect executing means is
It is possible to execute multiple types of notice effects, including a first notice effect in which items can be used and a second notice effect in which items cannot be used.
It is capable of performing the prediction effect comprising a second informational display and the first informational display of a plurality of aspects,
Wherein by executing the specific effect to informational display is capable of executing the prediction effect by expectations high aspect to be controlled to the advantageous conditions than the informational display,
The first when the relative prediction effect performing said specific effect, the first than when not performing the specific effect to informational display, the first informational display the executable at the timing earlier than the second Perform notice production at a high rate ,
In one variable display, the first notice effect can be executed multiple times.
As the first notice effect, the predetermined first notice effect is different from the predetermined first notice effect, and the specific first notice effect has a higher expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state than the predetermined first notice effect. ,including,
A game machine characterized by that.

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