JP6962580B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine using a gaming medium.

In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, various effects are performed using an image display device equipped with a liquid crystal screen, an audio output device (speaker), an electric accessory, and the like, and devised to enhance the interest of the player.
For example, an effect pattern is determined based on the result of a lottery of a symbol performed when the game ball enters the starting port, and the effect image is displayed on the image display device according to this effect pattern (for example, a patent). Reference 1).

JP-A-2015-062748

An object of the present invention is to propose a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest of a game by producing a new aspect.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized by the following forms.
In the first aspect of the present invention, a determination means for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined special game and a determination result of the determination are displayed after the symbol is variedly displayed based on the determination result of the determination means. A symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol in the manner shown, and an effect control means for performing a predetermined effect lottery and executing an effect according to the result of the effect lottery during the variable display of the symbol. , The effect is a normal reach effect as a reach effect , a development reach effect executed after the normal reach effect is executed, a zone effect, and an effect different from the zone effect, and is expected to execute the special game. Including a high expectation effect indicating that the degree is high , an introduction effect and a specific effect can be executed during the development reach effect, and the development reach effect includes the first development reach effect and the development reach effect. The zone production is performed based on the result of the first production lottery , including the second development reach production, which is more expected to execute the special game than the first development reach production, and the first production lottery. Performs the high expectation effect based on the result of a different second effect lottery, and during the execution of the zone effect, it is possible to execute the in-zone effect indicating that the zone effect is being executed. Even if the zone effect is executed during the reach effect, the execution of the development reach effect is not confirmed, and if the high expectation effect is not executed during the normal reach effect, the execution of the development reach effect is not confirmed. When the high expectation effect is executed during the normal reach effect, the execution of the development reach effect is confirmed, and after the high expectation effect is executed during the normal reach effect, the second development reach effect is performed. When the development reach effect is executed, the introduction effect and the specific effect are executed before the second development reach effect is executed, and when the high expectation effect is not executed during the normal reach effect, the development reach is executed. There are cases where the effect is not executed and cases where the development reach effect is executed. When the second development reach effect is executed as the development reach effect, the introduction effect and the above-mentioned introduction effect are performed before the second development reach effect is executed. It features a gaming machine that makes it impossible to execute a specific effect.

Since it is configured as described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can enhance the interest of gaming.

It is a front view of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which showed an example of the back surface side of the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which showed the structure of the game control device provided in the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram of an image control board. It is a figure which showed an example of the jackpot determination table. It is a figure which showed an example of the symbol determination table which determines the stop symbol of a special symbol. It is a figure which showed an example of the hit ordinary symbol determination table. It is a figure which showed an example of the variation pattern determination table for the non-time saving game state. It is a figure which showed an example of the variation pattern determination table for the time saving game state. It is a figure which showed an example of the pre-judgment table for preliminarily judging the result of a big hit lottery. It is a flowchart explaining the main processing by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the timer interrupt process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the input control process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the 1st start port detection switch input process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the pre-determination process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special figure special electric control process by a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the special symbol memory determination process by a main control board. It is a figure (the 1) which showed an example of the variation effect pattern determination table. It is a figure (the 2) which showed an example of the variation effect pattern determination table. It is a figure (the 3) which showed an example of the variation effect pattern determination table. It is a flowchart explaining the main processing by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the timer interrupt process by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the command analysis process 1 by the effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the command analysis process 2 by the effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the effect input control process by an effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the main processing by an image control board. It is a flowchart explaining the interrupt process of an image control board. It is a figure which shows the flow of the production after the start of fluctuation and before the development of SP reach. It is a figure explaining the flow of production after development to fellow SP reach (character A). It is a figure explaining the flow of production after development to fellow SP reach (character B). It is a figure explaining the flow of production after development to fellow SP reach (character C). It is a figure explaining the flow of production after development to fellow SP reach (character D). It is a figure explaining the flow of the production of SP reach in which the own character appears independently. It is a figure which shows the flow of the production when the SP reach becomes a big hit. It is a figure which shows the flow of the production when the SP reach becomes a loss. It is a figure which shows the flow of the production of "joint fight SPSP reach". It is a figure which shows the flow of the production of SPSP reach (single). It is a figure which shows the flow of the production when the SP reach becomes a big hit. It is a figure which shows the flow of the production when the SP reach becomes a loss. It is a figure which shows an example of the icon cutting change effect. It is a figure which shows the table for determining the display change mode of a change icon. It is a figure which outlines the change mode of the change icon in "cherry hold production". It is a figure explaining the "cherry blossom hold production" performed in "the evil star zone". It is a figure which shows the table (change number determination table) for determining the number of colored petals of a petal hold icon in "cherry hold production". It is a flowchart explaining the pending change determination process executed by the CPU of the effect control board. It is a flowchart explaining the advance notice effect determination process which determines the advance notice effect using the hold icon including the icon cutting change effect, "cherry blossom hold effect". It is a figure explaining the control for connecting the production (music) without discomfort before and after opening the big prize opening after the start of a big hit in the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display example of the image display device before and after the combination gate is activated.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
<Composition of gaming machines>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the back surface side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which showed the structure of the game control device provided in the game machine.

In the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, an inner frame (opening / closing frame) 3 can be opened and closed on an outer frame 2 attached to an island structure of a game hall, and a glass frame 4 can be opened and closed on the inner frame 3. It is installed.
A window 4a is formed in the glass frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b is attached to the window 4a. A game board 10 having a board surface on which the game ball is launched is mounted on the inner frame 3, and a game area 10a in which the game ball can roll and flow down between the board surface of the game board 10 and the transparent plate 4b on the front side thereof. Is formed. The transparent plate 4b is, for example, a glass plate, and is detachably fixed to the glass frame 4.

Further, the glass frame 4 is connected to the outer frame 2 via the hinge mechanism portion 5 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the game machine), and the other end in the left-right direction with the hinge mechanism portion 5 as a fulcrum. The side (for example, the right side facing the game machine) can be rotated in the direction of opening from the outer frame 2. The glass frame 4 covers the game board 10 together with the glass plate 4b, and rotates like a door with the hinge mechanism portion 5 as a fulcrum, whereby the inner portion of the outer frame 2 including the game board 10 can be opened. On the other end side of the glass frame 4, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 4 to the outer frame 2 is provided. The lock mechanism can be unlocked with a special key. Further, the glass frame 4 is provided with a door opening switch 136 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the glass frame 4 is opened from the outer frame 2.

A plate unit 7 having storage plates 6 (upper plate 6a and lower plate 6b) for storing game balls is provided in the lower part of the glass frame 4 (lower portion of the window 4a), and the plate unit 7 is provided with a player. Equipped with an effect button 8 that can be pressed and operated, a cross key 40 that allows the player to perform various selection operations, and a discharge button 9 that discharges the game ball stored in the lower plate 6b to the outside of the game machine. There is.
The effect button 8 is effective only when, for example, a message for operating the effect button 8 is displayed on the image display device 31 described later. The effect button 8 is provided with an effect button detection switch 8a (see FIG. 4), and when the effect button detection switch 8a detects an operation of the player, a further effect is executed in response to this operation.
Further, the cross key 40 is provided with a cross key detection switch 40 (up key detection switch 40a, lower key detection switch 40b, left key detection switch 40c, right key detection switch 40d) (see FIG. 3).

An operation handle 11 is provided on the lower right side of the glass frame 4. When the player touches the operation handle 11, the operation handle 11 detects that the player touches the operation handle 11 by the touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 4) in the operation handle 11, and the launch control board described later. A touch signal is transmitted to 160. Upon receiving the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a (see FIG. 4), the launch control board 160 permits the firing solenoid 12a to be energized. Then, when the rotation angle of the operation handle 11 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 11 rotates, and the knob of the firing volume 11b (see FIG. 4) connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 11b is applied to the firing solenoid 12a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. Then, when a voltage is applied to the launching solenoid 12a (see FIG. 3), the launching solenoid 12a operates according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is played with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 11. It is fired into the game area 10a of the board 10.

An outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 are provided around the game area 10a on the game board 10. The outer rail R1 and the inner rail R2 guide the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism to the upper part of the game area 10a when the operation handle 11 is operated. The game ball guided to the upper part of the game area 10a falls in the game area 10a. At this time, the game ball will fall unpredictably due to the plurality of nails and windmills provided in the game area 10a.

A center member 12 is arranged substantially in the center of the game board 10. The center member 12 is provided with an image display device 31 composed of a liquid crystal display device and the like, and a production accessory device 32 imitating a “sword”.
Further, a first starting port 13 into which a game ball can enter is provided in the game area 10a on the lower center side of the center member 12. A second starting port 14 is provided below the first starting port 13. The second starting port 14 has an opening / closing door 14b, and is movably controlled in a first mode in which the opening / closing door 14b is maintained in the closed state and a second mode in which the opening / closing door 14b is in the open state. .. Therefore, when the second starting port 14 is in the first aspect, there is no chance of winning a game ball, and when it is in the second aspect, the chance of winning a game ball is increased.
In the present embodiment, when the second starting port 14 is controlled in the first aspect, the game ball is prevented from entering the second starting port 14. However, if there is less chance of the game ball entering the ball when it is controlled in the first aspect than when it is controlled in the second aspect, the second aspect is controlled when it is controlled in the first aspect. A game ball may enter the starting port 14. That is, the first aspect includes a state in which it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port 14.

The first start port 13 and the second start port 14 are provided with a first start port detection switch 13a (see FIG. 4) and a second start port detection switch 14a, respectively, for detecting the entry of a game ball. When these detection switches detect the entry of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring the right to execute the jackpot game described later (hereinafter referred to as "big hit lottery") is performed. Further, when the first start port detection switch 13a and the second start port detection switch 14a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, three game balls) is paid out.
In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 and the second start port 14, for example, three game balls are paid out. It is not always necessary to pay out when entering the ball. Further, the number of payouts may be different for each start port, for example, the number of payouts of the first start port 13 may be three and the number of payouts of the second start port 14 may be one.

Gates 15 through which game balls can pass are provided in the game areas 10a on both sides of the center member 12. The gate 15 is provided with a gate detection switch 15a (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of the game ball, and when the gate detection switch 15a detects the passage of the game ball, a lottery of ordinary symbols described later is performed. ..
Further, in the game area 10a on the right side of the center member 12, a first large winning opening 16 and a second large winning opening 17 into which a game ball can enter are provided. For this reason, the operation handle 11 is largely rotated so that the game ball is not won in the first large winning opening 16 and the second large winning opening 17 unless the game ball is launched with a strong force.

The first large winning opening 16 is normally maintained in a closed state by the opening / closing door 16b, making it impossible for a game ball to enter. On the other hand, when the jackpot game described later is started, the opening / closing door 16b is opened, and the opening / closing door 16b functions as a saucer for guiding the game ball into the first big winning opening 16, and the game ball becomes the first. It is possible to enter the 1st big winning opening 16. The first prize opening 16a is provided with a first prize opening switch 16a, and when the first prize opening switch 16a detects the entry of a game ball, a preset prize ball (for example, 15 prize balls) is provided. Game ball) is paid out.

The second large winning opening 17 is normally maintained in a closed state by a movable piece 17b, making it impossible for a game ball to enter. On the other hand, when the jackpot game described later is started, the movable piece 17b is activated and released, and the movable piece 17b functions as a taxiway for guiding the game ball into the second big winning opening 17. The game ball can enter the second large winning opening 17. The second major winning opening 17 is provided with a second major winning opening switch 17a, and when the second major winning opening switch 17a detects the entry of a game ball, a preset prize ball (for example, 15 prize balls) is provided. Game ball) is paid out.
Further, a plurality of general winning openings 18 are provided in the game area 10a. When a game ball wins in each of these general prize openings 18, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 10 game balls) is paid out.
At the bottom of the game area 10a, a game ball that has not entered any of the general winning opening 18, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, the first major winning opening 16, and the second major winning opening 17. An out port 19 is provided for discharging the water.

The image display device 31 displays an image during standby when the game is not being performed, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among them, when the game ball enters the first start port 13 or the second start port 14, the effect symbol 35 that notifies the player of the lottery result is displayed in a variable manner.
The effect symbol 35 is, for example, three symbols (numbers) of the first symbol (left symbol), the second symbol (right symbol), and the third symbol (middle symbol) that are scrolled and displayed, and the corresponding symbol 35 is displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time. It stops scrolling and displays a specific pattern (number) in an array.
As a result, while scrolling the symbols, the player is given the impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the lottery result is notified to the player by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variable display of the effect symbol 35, the player is given a high expectation that he may win a big hit.

Further, although not shown, the image display device 31 displays a fourth symbol in addition to the effect symbol 35. The fourth symbol is a symbol showing a fluctuating state of the effect symbol 35 used for notifying the lottery result by the jackpot lottery process.
The fourth symbol does not necessarily have to be displayed on the image display device 31, and a fourth symbol display lamp may be separately provided for display.
A pair of left and right lighting devices 33 for directing are mounted on the upper part of the glass frame 4. Each of the effect lighting devices 33 is provided with a plurality of lights, and various effects are performed while changing the irradiation direction and emission color of the light of each light.

Further, the effect lighting device 33 is provided with a plurality of lights, and various effects are performed while changing the irradiation direction and emission color of the light of each light.
Further, although not shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 34 (see FIG. 4) composed of speakers, and in addition to the above-mentioned effect devices, BGM (background music), SE (sound effect) etc. are output, and the production by sound is also performed.

Below the left side of the game area 10a are a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold display 23, and a second special symbol hold display 24. , Ordinary symbol hold display 25, round count display 26, and other display areas 27 are provided.
The first special symbol display device 20 notifies the result of a big hit lottery performed when a game ball enters the first starting port 13, and is composed of a plurality of LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is played by displaying the special symbol (lighting mode) corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 20. I am trying to notify the person. The special symbol displayed in this way is not immediately displayed, but is stopped and displayed after being displayed (blinking) for a predetermined time.

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting port 13, a jackpot lottery is performed, but the result of this jackpot lottery is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is set. The player will be notified when the lapse has passed. Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.
The second special symbol display device 21 is for notifying the result of a big hit lottery performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 14, and the display mode thereof is the above-mentioned first special symbol. It is the same as the display mode of the special symbol in the display device 20.
The ordinary symbol display device 22 is for notifying the result of a lottery of ordinary symbols performed when the game ball passes through the gate 15. As will be described in detail later, when a predetermined hit is won by the lottery of the ordinary symbols, the ordinary symbol display device 22 lights up, and then the second starting port 14 is controlled in the second mode for a predetermined time. As for this normal symbol, the lottery result is not immediately notified when the game ball passes through the gate 15, and the normal symbol fluctuates, such as blinking the normal symbol display device 22 until a predetermined time elapses. I am trying to display it.

Further, when a game ball enters the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14 and the big hit lottery cannot be performed immediately, such as during the variable display of the special symbol or during the special game described later, certain conditions are met. Under the jackpot lottery right is reserved. More specifically, the right of the jackpot lottery in which the game ball enters the first starting port 13 and is reserved is reserved as the first hold, and the game ball enters and is reserved in the second starting port 14. The right to the jackpot lottery is reserved as a second hold.
For each of these reservations, the upper limit reservation number is set to 4, and the reservation number is displayed on the first special symbol reservation indicator 23 and the second special symbol reservation indicator 24, respectively.
The maximum number of reserved symbols is also set to 4, and the number of reserved symbols is the same as that of the first special symbol reservation indicator 23 and the second special symbol reservation indicator 24. It is displayed on the vessel 25.
The round number display 26 is for notifying the number of rounds of the round game performed during the special game described later.

A light guide plate 60 is arranged on the front side of the image display device 31. The light guide plate 60 is formed with a plurality of vertical patterns that emit light when light is incident on the light guide plate 60.
A ripple-shaped light emitting pattern can be realized by providing a plurality of LED light sources capable of injecting light into each pattern and injecting light sequentially from the pattern on the center side to the patterns on the left and right sides.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 110, an effect control board 120, a payout control board 130, a power supply board 170, a game information output terminal board 27, and the like are provided. Further, the power supply board 170 is provided with a power plug 171 for supplying power to the gaming machine and a power switch (not shown).

Next, the effect button 8 will be described.
The effect button 8 is incorporated in the central portion of the plate unit 7.
The effect button 8 is configured to be able to advance and retreat over a normal operation position (not shown), a pressing position retracted below the normal operation position, and a protruding operation position protruding upward from the normal operation position. .. Further, the effect button 8 is configured so that the pressing operation can be performed from an arbitrary position including the normal operation position and the protruding operation position to the pressing position.
In this specification, the detailed structure of the effect button 8 is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-116168, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

<Configuration of game control device>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a game control device for controlling the progress of the game in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 3, the main control board 110 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 110 includes at least a one-chip microcomputer 114 composed of a main CPU 111, a main ROM 112, and a main RAM 113, and an input port and an output port (not shown) for main control.
Based on the input signal from each detection switch, the main CPU 111 reads the program stored in the main ROM 112 and performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or depending on the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards. The main RAM 113 functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the main CPU 111.

On the input side of the main control board 110, a first start port detection switch 13a, a second start port detection switch 14a, a gate detection switch 15a, a first special winning opening detection switch 16a, a second special winning opening detection switch 17a, The general winning opening detection switch 18a is connected so that the detection signal of the game ball is input to the main control board 110.
Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, there is a start port opening / closing solenoid 14c that opens / closes the opening / closing door 14b of the second starting port 14, and a first winning opening that opens / closes the opening / closing door 16b of the first winning opening 16. The opening / closing solenoid 16c and the second special winning opening opening / closing solenoid 17c for opening / closing the movable piece 17b of the second winning opening 17 are connected.
Further, on the output side of the main control board 110, a first special symbol display device 20, a second special symbol display device 21, a normal symbol display device 22, a first special symbol hold display 23, and a second special symbol hold display are displayed. 24, a normal symbol hold display 25, and a round count display 26 are connected to output various signals via an output port.
Further, the main control board 110 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing the gaming machine in a hall computer or the like of a gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 27.

The main ROM 112 of the main control board 110 stores a program for game control, which will be described later, data necessary for various games, and a table.
Further, the main RAM 113 of the main control board 110 has a plurality of storage areas.
For example, the main RAM 113 includes a normal symbol hold number (G) storage area, a normal symbol hold storage area, a first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area, a second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area, and a determination storage area. , 1st special symbol storage area, 2nd special symbol storage area, high probability game count (X) storage area, time saving game count (J) storage area, round game count (R) storage area, open count (K) storage area , 1st prize-winning number of balls (C1) storage area, 2nd prize-winning number of balls (C2) storage area, game state storage area, game state buffer, stop symbol data storage area, transmission data storage area for production Etc. are provided. The game state storage area includes a time-saving game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special figure special electric processing data storage area, and a normal figure general electric processing data storage area. The above-mentioned storage area is only an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

The game information output terminal board 27 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated by the main control board 110 to a hall computer or the like of a game store. The game information output terminal board 27 is connected to the main control board 110 by wiring, and is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer or the like of a game store.
The power supply board 170 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply plug 171 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each control board. Further, the power supply board 170 includes a backup power supply composed of a capacitor, monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine, and outputs a power failure detection signal to the main control board 110 when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. do. More specifically, when the power failure detection signal reaches a high level, the main CPU 111 is in an operable state, and when the power failure detection signal becomes a low level, the main CPU 111 is in an operation stopped state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be, for example, a battery, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.
Further, a magnetic sensor 50 for detecting an illegal radio wave is connected to the main control board 110.

The effect control board 120 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or during standby. The effect control board 120 includes a sub CPU 121, a sub ROM 122, and a sub RAM 123, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be communicable from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120 in one direction. ..
The sub CPU 121 reads and calculates the program stored in the sub ROM 122 based on the command transmitted from the main control board 110 or the input signal from the effect button detection switch 8a input via the lamp control board 140. Along with performing the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 140 or the image control board 150 based on the processing. The sub RAM 123 functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 121.

The sub ROM 122 of the effect control board 120 stores a program for effect control, data necessary for various games, and a table.
For example, a variation effect pattern determination table (not shown) for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, and an effect symbol pattern determination for determining a combination of the effect symbol 35 to be stopped and displayed. A table (not shown) and the like are stored in the sub ROM 122. It should be noted that the above-mentioned table is merely a list of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment as an example, and a large number of tables and programs (not shown) are provided in the progress of the game. ing.

The sub RAM 123 of the effect control board 120 has a plurality of storage areas.
The sub RAM 123 includes a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, an effect pattern storage area, an effect symbol storage area, a determination storage area (0th storage area), a first hold storage area, and a second hold storage area. Etc. are provided. The above-mentioned storage area is only an example, and many other storage areas are provided.
Further, the effect control board 120 is equipped with an RTC (real-time clock) 124 that outputs the current time. The sub CPU 121 inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 124, and executes various processes based on the current date and time.
Normally, the RTC 124 is operated by the power supply from the gaming machine when the power is supplied to the gaming machine, and is operated by the power supply supplied from the backup power supply mounted on the power supply board 170 when the power of the gaming machine is turned off. Operate. Therefore, the RTC 124 can time the current date and time even when the power of the gaming machine is turned off. The RTC 124 may be operated by providing a battery on the effect control board 120 and using such a battery.

The payout control board 130 controls the launch of the game ball and the payout control of the prize ball. The payout control board 130 includes a payout CPU 131, a payout ROM 132, and a payout RAM 133, and is connected to the main control board 110 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. The payout CPU 131 reads the program stored in the payout ROM 132 and performs arithmetic processing based on the input signals from the payout ball counting switch 135 and the door opening switch 136 that detect whether or not the game ball has been paid out. Based on the process, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 110.

Further, a payout motor 134 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to a player from a storage portion of the game balls is connected to the output side of the payout control board 130. The payout CPU 131 reads a predetermined program from the payout ROM 132 and performs arithmetic processing based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 110, and controls the payout motor 134 of the prize ball payout device to perform a predetermined prize. Pay out the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 133 functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the payout CPU 131.
Further, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 130, and if the game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the launch control board 160 is used to launch the game ball. Send launch control data that allows it.
Further, a dish full tank detection switch 51 and a ball jam detection switch 52 are connected to the payout control board 130.

The plate full tank detection switch 51 is a switch for detecting that the storage plate (lower plate) of the game ball is full.
Further, the ball clogging detection switch 52 is, for example, a switch for detecting clogging of a game ball in a passage where the game ball is discharged from a storage portion of the game ball.
When the launch control board 160 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 130, the launch control board 160 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 11a and the input signal from the firing volume 11b are read out, the firing solenoid 12a and the ball feed solenoid 12b are energized and controlled to fire the game ball.

The firing solenoid 12a is composed of a rotary solenoid. A launching member (not shown) is directly connected to the launching solenoid 12a, and the launching member is rotated by the rotation of the launching solenoid 12a.
Here, the rotation speed of the firing solenoid 12a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) from the frequency based on the output cycle of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 160. As a result, the number of firing game balls in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) because one is fired for each rotation of the firing solenoid. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.
The ball feed solenoid 12b is composed of a straight-moving solenoid, and feeds the game balls on the upper plate 6a (see FIG. 1) one by one toward the launching member directly connected to the launch solenoid 12a.

The lamp control board 140 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and an effect button detection switch 8a provided on the effect button 8 is connected to the input side thereof. When the detection signal is input from 8a, it is output to the effect control board 120.
Further, the effect accessory device 32 and the effect lighting device 33 provided on the game board 10 are connected to the lamp control board 140, and the lamp control board 140 is connected to the data transmitted from the effect control board 120. Based on this, the lighting device 33 for effect is controlled to be lit, and the drive control for the motor for changing the irradiation direction of light is performed. In addition, the drive sources such as the solenoid and the motor that operate the effect accessory device 32 are energized and controlled. In the present embodiment, since the effect button 8 is configured to protrude, the effect accessory device 32 includes the effect button 8.
The image control board 150 is connected to the effect control board 120 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 are connected to the output side thereof.

<Structure of image control board>
Here, the configuration of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image control board.
The image control board 150 includes a host CPU 151, a host RAM 152, a host ROM 153, a CGROM 154, a crystal oscillator 155, a VRAM 156, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 200 in order to control the image display of the image display device 31.
Further, the VDP 200 includes a voice control circuit 300 for controlling the voice output in the gaming machine.

The host CPU 151 gives an instruction to display the image data stored in the CGROM 154 in the VDP 200 on the image display device 31 based on the effect pattern designation command to be described later received from the effect control board 120. Such an instruction is given by setting data in the control register 201 of the VDP 200 and outputting a display list composed of drawing control commands.
Further, when the host CPU 151 receives the V blank interrupt signal or the drawing end signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 performs interrupt processing as appropriate.

Further, the host CPU 151 also instructs the voice control circuit 300 included in the VDP 200 to output predetermined voice data to the voice output device 34 based on the effect pattern designation command received from the effect control board 120.
The host RAM 152 is built in the host CPU 151, functions as a work area for data during arithmetic processing of the host CPU 151, and temporarily stores the data read from the host ROM 153.

Further, the host ROM 153 is composed of a mask ROM, and is a program for controlling the host CPU 151, a symbol array information in which the symbol number of the effect symbol and the type of the effect symbol 35 are associated with each other, and a display for generating a display list. The list generation program, the animation pattern for displaying the animation of the production pattern, the animation scene information, etc. are stored.
This animation pattern is referred to when displaying the animation of the production pattern, and stores the combination of animation scene information included in the production pattern, the display order of each animation scene information, and the like. In addition, the animation scene information stores information such as wait frames (display time), target data (sprite identification number, transfer source address, etc.), parameters (sprite display position, transfer destination address, etc.), drawing method, and the like. doing.

The CGROM 154 is composed of a flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, mask ROM, etc., and compresses and stores image data (sprite, movie), etc., which is a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels). ing. The pixel information is composed of color number information that specifies a color number for each pixel and an α value that indicates the transparency of the image.
Further, the CGROM 154 stores the palette data in which the color number information for designating the color number and the display color information for actually displaying the color are associated with each other without compression.
The CGROM 154 may be configured to compress only a part of the image data without compressing all the image data. Further, as the movie compression method, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.
In addition, a large amount of voice data is also stored in the CGROM 154.

The crystal oscillator 155 outputs a pulse signal to the clock generation circuit 205 of the VDP 200, and divides the pulse signal to synchronize with the system clock and the image display device 31 for the VDP 200 to control the clock generation circuit 205. A synchronization signal or the like is generated to achieve the above.

The VRAM 156 is composed of an SRAM having a high speed of writing or reading image data.
Further, the VRAM 156 draws or displays an image, a display list storage area 156a for temporarily storing the display list output from the host CPU 151, and an expansion storage area 156b for storing the image data expanded by the expansion circuit 206. It has a first frame buffer 156c and a second frame buffer 156d for the purpose. Palette data is also stored in the VRAM 156.
The two frame buffers 156c and 156d are alternately switched between the "drawing frame buffer" and the "display frame buffer" at each start of drawing.

The VDP 200 is a so-called image processor, reads image data from one of the frame buffers (display frame buffer) based on an instruction from the host CPU 151, and based on the read image data, a video signal (RGB signal or the like). Is generated and output to the image display device.
However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the VDP 200 is not only an image processor but also has an audio output function.
The VDP 200 includes a control register 201, a CG bus I / F 202, a CPU I / F 203, a clock generation circuit 205, an extension circuit 206, a drawing circuit 207, a display circuit 208, a memory controller 209, and a voice control circuit. It has 300 and.

The control register 201 is a register for the VDP 200 to control drawing and display, and drawing control and display control are performed by writing and reading data to the control register 201. The host CPU 151 can write and read data to the control register 201 via the CPUI / F203.
The control register 201 includes a system control register that makes basic settings necessary for the VDP 200 to operate, a data transfer register that makes settings necessary for data transfer, and drawing that makes settings for drawing control. Six types of registers, a bus interface register that sets the settings required for bus access, an decompression register that sets the settings required for decompressing the compressed image, and a display register that sets the display control. It has a register.

The CG bus I / F202 is an interface circuit for communication with the CGROM 154, and image data from the CG ROM 154 is input to the VDP 200 via the CG bus I / F 202.
Further, the CPUI / F203 is an interface circuit for communication with the host CPU 151, and the host CPU 151 outputs a display list to the VDP200, accesses a control register, and various types from the VDP200 via the CPUI / F203. The host CPU 151 inputs an interrupt signal.
The data transfer circuit 204 transfers data between various devices.
Specifically, data transfer between the host CPU 151 and VRAM 156, data transfer between CGROM 154 and VRAM 156, and data transfer between various storage areas (including frame buffers) of VRAM 156 are performed.
The clock generation circuit 205 inputs a pulse signal from the crystal oscillator 155 and generates a system clock that determines the arithmetic processing speed of the VDP 200. In addition, a synchronization signal generation clock is generated, and the synchronization signal is output to the image display device via the display circuit.

The decompression circuit 206 is a circuit for decompressing the image data compressed in the CGROM 154, and stores the decompressed image data in the expansion storage area 153b.
The drawing circuit 207 is a circuit that performs sequence control by a display list composed of drawing control command groups.
The display circuit 208 generates an RGB signal (analog signal) indicating the color data of the image as a video signal from the image data (digital signal) stored in the "display frame buffer" in the VRAM 156, and the generated video signal (the generated video signal). This is a circuit that outputs an RGB signal) to the image display device 31. Further, the display circuit 208 also outputs a synchronization signal (vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, etc.) for synchronizing with the image display device 31 to the image display device 31.
In the present embodiment, as the video signal, the RGB signal obtained by converting the digital signal into an analog signal is output to the image display device 31, but the video signal may be output as the digital signal.

The memory controller 209 controls to switch between the "drawing frame buffer" and the "display frame buffer" when the host CPU 151 gives an instruction to switch the frame buffer.
The voice control circuit 300 reads a predetermined program based on the command transmitted from the effect control board 120, and controls the voice output in the voice output device 34.
The voice control circuit 300 outputs voice using the voice data stored in the CGROM 154. In this case, the CGROM 154 shall include an audio ROM for storing audio data.

The audio data may not be stored in the CGROM 154, but the sound source ROM may be separately provided in the VDP 154.
In this case, since the audio data is not stored in the CGROM 154 with a fixed capacity and more image data can be stored, the effect using the video can be made more colorful and impressive.
Further, the voice control circuit 300 is not included in the VDP 200 and may be independently provided in the image control board 150. In that case, the sound source ROM may be included in the voice control circuit 300.

Next, the details of the various tables stored in the main ROM 112 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.
<Big hit judgment table>
5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams showing an example of a jackpot determination table referred to when determining whether or not the stop result of special symbol variation is a jackpot. FIG. 5 (a) is a diagram. The jackpot determination table referred to in the first special symbol display device, FIG. 5B, is a jackpot determination table referred to in the second special symbol display device. In the tables of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the odds of winning a small hit are different, but the odds of a big hit are the same.

The jackpot determination table shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is composed of a low probability random number determination table and a high probability random number determination table, and refers to the game state, and is a low probability random number determination table or a high probability random number determination table. A determination table is selected, and any one of "big hit", "small hit", and "loss" is determined based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for special symbol determination.
For example, according to the low-probability random number determination table of the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5A, two special symbol determination random number values are determined to be "big hits". On the other hand, according to the high-probability random number determination table, 20 special symbol determination random number values are determined to be "big hits".

Further, in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5A, four special symbol determination random numbers are used regardless of whether the low probability random number determination table or the high probability random number determination table is used. The numerical value is determined to be a "small hit".
Then, in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5A, if it is a random number value other than the above, it is determined to be "missing".
Since the random number range of the random number value for special symbol determination is 0 to 598, the probability of being determined as a jackpot at a low probability in the jackpot determination table of the first special symbol display device is 1 / 299.5, which is a high probability. Sometimes the probability of being judged as a big hit is 10 times, which is 1 / 29.95. Further, the probability of being determined as a small hit is 1 / 149.75 in both the low probability and the high probability.

On the other hand, in the jackpot determination table of the second special symbol display device shown in FIG. 5B, the random value for special symbol determination, which is determined to be a jackpot at low probability and high probability, is the same as that of the first special symbol display device. However, the random value for special symbol determination determined to be a small hit is different from the jackpot determination table in the first special symbol display device. For example, in the big hit determination table in the second special symbol display device, "small hit" is determined only when the random value for special symbol determination is "50".
Therefore, in the low-probability random number determination table in the second special symbol display device, the probability of being determined as a big hit at low probability is 1 / 299.5, as in the low-probability random number determination table in the first special symbol display device. , The probability of being judged as a big hit at the time of high probability is 10 times, which is 1 / 29.95. On the other hand, the probability of being judged as a small hit is 1/599 in both the low probability and the high probability.

<Collision detection table>
FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a hit determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not to hit the stop result of the normal symbol variation.
The hit determination table shown in FIG. 5C is composed of a random number determination table in the non-time-saving game state and a random number determination table in the time-saving game state, and refers to the game state, and is a random number determination table in the non-time-saving game state or a time-saving game. A random number determination table at the time of state is selected, and it is determined whether it is "hit" or "miss" based on the selected table and the extracted random number value for hit determination.
In the collision detection table shown in FIG. 5C, the probability that the normal symbol is determined to be a hit in the non-time-saving game state is 1/20, and the probability that the normal symbol is determined to be a hit in the time-saving game state is 19/20. Is.

<Design determination table>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol of a special symbol.
FIG. 6A is a jackpot symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a jackpot, and FIG. 6B is a small hit symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of a small hit. (C) is a loss symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol at the time of loss. Further, in more detail, each symbol determination table is configured for each special symbol display device, and is composed of a symbol determination table for the first special symbol display device and a symbol determination table for the second special symbol display device.

In the jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6A, the jackpot symbol random value is referred to. Then, when the jackpot symbol is determined by the first special symbol display device 20, if the random number value for the jackpot symbol is "0" to "59", "01" (first special symbol 1) is determined as the stop symbol data. do. Further, at the start of the change of the special symbol, the effect symbol designation commands "E0H" and "01H" as the information of the special symbol are generated based on the determined type of the special symbol (stop symbol data).

Further, when the jackpot symbol is determined by the first special symbol display device 20, if the random number value for the jackpot symbol is "60" to "69", "02" (first special symbol 2) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the effect symbol designation commands "E0H" and "02H" are generated, and if the random value for the jackpot symbol is "70" to "99", "03" (first special symbol 3) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the effect symbol designation commands "E0H" and "03H" are generated.
Further, when the second special symbol display device 21 determines that the jackpot is a jackpot, if the random number value for the jackpot symbol is "0" to "69", "04" (second special symbol 1) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the effect symbol designation commands "E1H" and "01H" are generated, and if the random value for the jackpot symbol is "70" to "99", "05" (second special symbol 2) is determined as the stop symbol data. Then, the effect symbol designation commands "E1H" and "02H" are generated.

Next, in the small hit symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6B, the random value for the small hit symbol is referred to. Then, when the first special symbol display device 20 determines that the small hit is made, "11" (special symbol for small hit) is determined as the stop symbol data regardless of the random value for the small hit symbol. Then, at the start of the change of the special symbol, the effect symbol designation commands "E0H" and "0AH" are generated based on the determined special symbol type (stop symbol data).
Further, at the time of the small hit of the second special symbol display device 21, "12" (special symbol for small hit) is determined as the stop symbol data regardless of the random value for the small hit symbol, and the effect symbol designation commands "E1H" and " Generate "0AH".

Next, in the lost symbol determination table shown in FIG. 6 (c), when the first special symbol display device 20 determines that the lost symbol is lost, "00" (special symbol 0 (lost) is determined as the stop symbol data, and the special symbol is special. At the start of symbol fluctuation, the effect symbol designation commands "E0H" and "00H" are generated. If the second special symbol display device 21 determines that the command is lost, "00" (special symbol 0 (special symbol 0)) is used as the stop symbol data. Loss) is determined, and when the special symbol starts to fluctuate, the effect symbol designation commands "E1H" and "00H" are generated.
Since the game state and the jackpot mode after the end of the jackpot are determined by the type of the special symbol (stop symbol data), it can be said that the type of the special symbol determines the gaming state and the jackpot mode after the end of the jackpot game. ..

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hit normal symbol determination table referred to when determining a normal symbol based on the stop result of the normal symbol fluctuation, and FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a hit determination random value value. The ordinary symbol determination table referred to when it is determined to be a hit, FIG. 7B is an ordinary symbol determination table to be referred to when it is determined to be lost by the determination of the random value for hit determination.

In the ordinary symbol determination table shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), a random value (0 to 10) for ordinary symbols is referred to.
When the normal symbol random value of the normal symbol display device 22 is determined to be a hit in the hit determination table, the normal symbol random values are "0" and "1" as shown in FIG. 7A. If there is, the long open symbol is determined, and if the normal symbol random value is "2" to "10", the short open symbol is determined.
In the case of a long open symbol, "01" is determined as the stop symbol data, and when the fluctuation of the normal symbol starts, the normal symbol designation commands "E8H" and "01H" are generated. If it is determined to be a short open symbol, "02" is determined as the stop symbol data, and when the fluctuation of the normal symbol starts, the normal symbol designation commands "E8H" and "02H" are generated.

On the other hand, when the normal symbol random value of the normal symbol display device 22 is determined to be lost in the collision detection table, the normal symbol random value is "0" to "10" as shown in FIG. 7 (b). The loss symbol is determined regardless of the value.
In the case of a lost symbol, "00" is determined as the stop symbol data, and when the fluctuation of the normal symbol starts, the normal symbol designation commands "E8H" and "00H" are generated.

<Variation pattern determination table>
8 and 9 are diagrams showing a variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, and FIG. 8 is a variation pattern referred to in a non-time saving gaming state (for low probability non-time saving gaming state). It is an example of the determination table, and FIG. 9 is an example of the variation pattern determination table referred to in the time-saving game state (low-probability time-saving game state, high-probability time-saving game state).
Specifically, depending on the fluctuation pattern determination table, the type of the special symbol display device, the random value for determining the special symbol (winning or losing the jackpot), the random value for the jackpot symbol (big hit symbol), the presence or absence of the time-saving game state, and the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the number of holds, the random value for reach determination, and the random value for the fluctuation pattern (random value for special figure fluctuation).
The variation pattern is determined at the start of variation of the special symbol, and a variation pattern specification command is generated based on the determined variation pattern. This variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 120 in the output control process.

Since the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to always reach when it is a big hit or a small hit, it is configured so that the reach determination random value is not referred to when it is a big hit or a small hit.
The "reach" referred to in the present embodiment means that after a part of the combination of the effect symbols 35 for notifying the transition to the special game is stopped and displayed, the remaining part of the effect symbols 35 continue the variable display. To say. For example, when the combination of the three-digit effect symbols 35 of "777" is set as the combination of the effect symbols 35 for notifying the shift to the jackpot game, the two effect symbols 35 are stopped and displayed at "7". , The state in which the remaining effect symbols 35 are displayed in a variable manner.

Further, when the variation pattern designation command is "E6H" as the MODE, the game ball enters the first starting port 13, and the variation pattern determined at the start of the variation of the special symbol of the first special symbol display device 20. When the mode is "E7H", the game ball enters the second starting port 14, and when the special symbol of the second special symbol display device 21 starts to fluctuate. Indicates that the command is a fluctuation pattern specification command corresponding to the determined fluctuation pattern. The DATA of the fluctuation pattern designation command indicates a specific fluctuation pattern number. That is, the fluctuation pattern specification command is also information indicating the fluctuation pattern.

<Variation pattern determination table for non-time saving game state>
The configuration of the variation pattern determination table for the non-time saving gaming state shown in FIG. 8 will be described.
In the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 8, as variation patterns of the special symbols of the first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21, variation patterns 1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1 and 3 -2, 3-3, 3-4, 5, 6, 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 10, 11, 12-1, 12-2 , 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4, 15 are set.
Based on the type of special symbol display device, special symbol judgment random value (big hit win or lose), jackpot symbol random value (big hit symbol), special symbol hold number, reach judgment random value, and variable pattern random value. Among these fluctuation patterns, one fluctuation pattern is selected by the allocation shown in FIG.

In the following description, in the "normal reach (effect)", two effect symbols 35 (left symbol and right symbol) are temporarily stopped in the left side region and the right side region in the display unit of the image display device 31, and remain in the center region. This is a reach production with a low expectation of winning a big hit in which one production symbol 35 fluctuates.
The "SP reach production" is a super reach with a higher expectation of winning a big hit (a special game is executed) than the above "normal reach (directing)".
Further, the "SPSP reach (directing)" is a reach with a higher expectation of winning a big hit (a special game is executed) than the "SP reach (directing)". It develops from "SP reach (directing)" or directly from "normal reach (directing)". A production screen, a movie, or the like that is different from the "SP reach (production)" is displayed.

For example, in the variation pattern 1, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 40,000 ms, after the normal reach effect is executed, the probability variation jackpot (probability variation game state after the jackpot). Corresponds to the production that becomes a big hit).

Further, in the variation pattern 2-1 when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 1 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 2-2, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 2 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a probable change jackpot.

Further, when this fluctuation pattern is selected, the fluctuation pattern 3-1 is performed via the SP reach effect after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms. Directly execute SPSP reach 1 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 3-2, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is used. Directly execute SPSP reach 2 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.
Further, when this fluctuation pattern is selected, the fluctuation pattern 3-3 is performed via the SP reach effect after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms. Directly execute SPSP reach 3 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 3-4, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is used. Directly execute SPSP reach 4 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.

Further, the fluctuation pattern 5 corresponds to a small hit or short hit effect performed by the effect control board 120 using a variation time of 20,000 ms when this variation pattern is selected.
Further, in the variation pattern 6, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 40,000 ms, after the normal reach effect is executed, the normal jackpot (normal game state after the jackpot) is obtained. Corresponds to the production that becomes a big hit).

Further, in the variation pattern 7-1, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 1 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 7-2, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 2 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that is usually a big hit.

Further, in the variation pattern 8-1, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 1 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 8-2, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is used. Directly execute SPSP Reach 2 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 8-3, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 3 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 8-4, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 4 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.

For example, the variation pattern 10 corresponds to an effect that, when this variation pattern is selected, is lost without performing a reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 3,000 ms.
For example, the variation pattern 11 corresponds to an effect that, when this variation pattern is selected, is lost after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 40,000 ms.

Further, in the variation pattern 12-1, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 1 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 12-2, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 2 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a loss.

Further, when the fluctuation pattern 13-1 is selected, in the production performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 1 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 13-2, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 2 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 13-3, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 3 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 13-4, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 4 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, the variation pattern 15 is an effect that, when this variation pattern is selected, is lost without performing a reach effect in an effect performed by the effect control board 120 using an extremely short variation time of 2,000 ms. handle.

<Variation pattern determination table for time-saving game state>
The configuration of the variation pattern determination table for the time-saving gaming state shown in FIG. 9 will be described.
In the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9, variation patterns 21, 22-1, 22-223-1, 23-2 are used as variation patterns of the special symbols of the first special symbol display device 20 and the second special symbol display device 21. , 23-3, 23-4, 25, 26, 27-1, 27-2, 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 28-4, 30, 31, 32-1, 32-2, 33 -1, 33-2, 33-3, 33-4 are set.
Based on the type of special symbol display device, special symbol judgment random value (big hit win or lose), jackpot symbol random value (big hit symbol), special symbol hold number, reach judgment random value, and variable pattern random value. Among these fluctuation patterns, one fluctuation pattern is selected by the allocation shown in FIG.
The variation pattern shown in FIG. 9 is also associated with the effect content performed at the time of the variation effect (of the effect symbol 35) by the effect control board 120.

For example, in the variation pattern 21, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 40,000 ms, after the normal reach effect is executed, the probability variation jackpot (probability variation game state after the jackpot) Corresponds to the production that becomes a big hit).
Further, in the variation pattern 22-1, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 1 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 22-2, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 2 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a probable change jackpot.

Further, when this variation pattern is selected, the variation pattern 23-1 is performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms. Directly execute SPSP reach 1 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 23-2, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is used. Directly execute SPSP reach 2 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 23-3, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 3 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.
Further, in the variation pattern 23-4, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 4 and respond to the production that will be a probable change jackpot.

Further, the fluctuation pattern 25 corresponds to a small hit or short hit effect performed by the effect control board 120 using a variation time of 20,000 ms when this variation pattern is selected.
For example, when this fluctuation pattern is selected, the fluctuation pattern 26 is a normal jackpot (a normal game state after the jackpot) after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 40,000 ms. Corresponds to the production that becomes a big hit).

Further, in the variation pattern 27-1, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 1 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 27-2, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 2 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that is usually a big hit.

Further, when this variation pattern is selected, the variation pattern 28-1 is performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms. Directly execute SPSP Reach 1 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 28-2, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 2 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 28-3, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 3 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.
Further, in the variation pattern 28-4, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 4 to deal with the production that is usually a big hit.

For example, the variation pattern 30 is an effect that, when this variation pattern is selected, is lost without performing a reach effect in an effect performed by the effect control board 120 using an extremely short variation time of 2,000 ms. handle.
For example, the variation pattern 31 corresponds to an effect that, when this variation pattern is selected, is lost after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 40,000 ms.

Further, in the variation pattern 32-1 when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 1 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 32-2, when this variation pattern is selected, SP reach 2 is executed after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 60,000 ms. , Corresponds to the production that becomes a loss.

Further, when this fluctuation pattern is selected, the fluctuation pattern 33-1 is performed via the SP reach effect after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms. Directly execute SPSP Reach 1 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 33-2, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 2 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 33-3, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP Reach 3 to deal with the production that causes a loss.
Further, in the variation pattern 33-4, when this variation pattern is selected, in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the variation time of 70,000 ms, the normal reach effect is executed and then the SP reach effect is passed through or Directly execute SPSP reach 4 to deal with the production that causes a loss.

<Preliminary judgment table for special symbols>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a pre-determination table for preliminarily determining the result of the jackpot lottery.
In the pre-judgment table shown in FIG. 10, the type of the special symbol display device (the type of the start port detection switch that detects that the game ball has won the start port), the special symbol determination random value, and the jackpot symbol random value. , The winning information for determining the result of the jackpot lottery in advance is generated based on the reach determination random value, the fluctuation pattern random value, and the fluctuation pattern determined based on these. Then, based on the generated prize information, a start prize designation command for determining the result of the jackpot lottery in advance is generated.

In the pre-judgment table shown in FIG. 10, as the winning information for the first special symbol display device 20, the winning information 1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 5, 7, 8, 9-1, 9-210-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 are set.
Further, as the winning information about the second special symbol display device 21, the winning information 11, 12-1, 12-213-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4, 15, 17, 18, 19-1 , 19-220-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-4 are set.
Based on the type of special symbol display device, random value for special symbol judgment (win or lose of big hit), random value for big hit symbol (big hit symbol), random value for reach judgment and random value for variable pattern, these winning information One of the winning information is selected by the allocation shown in FIG.

For example, the winning information 1 and 11 can be used as a long-hit effect after executing the normal reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 40,000 ms when the winning information is selected. handle.
Further, the prize information 2-1 and 12-1 are the SP reach after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 60,000 ms when the prize information is selected. Execute 1 to deal with a long-running production.
Further, the winning information 2-2 and 12-2 are the SP reach after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 60,000 ms when the winning information is selected. Execute 2 to deal with a long-running production.

Further, when the winning information 3-1 and 13-1 are selected, the SP reach is performed after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 70,000 ms. The SPSP reach effect 1 is executed via or directly from the effect to deal with a long-running effect.
Further, when the winning information 3-2 and 13-2 are selected, the SP reach is performed after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 70,000 ms. The SPSP reach effect 2 is executed via or directly from the effect to deal with a long-running effect.
Further, when the winning information 3-3 and 13-3 are selected, the SP reach is performed after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 70,000 ms. The SPSP reach effect 3 is executed via or directly from the effect to deal with a long-running effect.
Further, when the winning information 3-4 and 13-4 are selected, the SP reach is performed after the normal reach effect is executed in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 70,000 ms. The SPSP reach effect 4 is executed via or directly from the effect to deal with a long-running effect.
Further, when the prize information is selected, the prize information 4 and 14 are subjected to the normal reach effect and then via the SP reach effect in the effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 70,000 ms. Directly execute the SPSP reach effect, and respond to the long-running effect.

Further, the winning information 5 and 15 correspond to the small hit or short hit effect performed by the effect control board 120 using the fluctuation time of 20,000 ms when the winning information is selected.
Winning information 7, 8, 9-1 to 9-2, 10-1 to 10-4, 17, 18, 19-1 to 19-2, 20-1 to 20-4, 21 correspond to the case of loss. doing.
Further, during the time-saving game, regardless of whether the special symbol determination random value in the first special symbol display device 20 is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss, when the game state is the time-saving game state, the first start port 13 is used. The winning information corresponding to the winning of the game ball and the start winning designation command are not generated.

The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is a type of gaming machine that gives priority to symbol variation corresponding to the second special symbol display device 21. In this type of gaming machine, as a result of prior determination as to whether or not the random value for special symbol determination in the first special symbol display device 20 in which the symbol variation is non-priority during the time-saving game is a big hit, the target is When the player is notified that it is a big hit and that it is a big hit by a preliminary determination effect, the player is notified that there is a big hit in the first special symbol display device 20 in which the symbol variation is not prioritized. By winning a game ball at the second starting port where the symbol variation is prioritized, the jackpot lottery in the second special symbol display device 21 is held while the jackpot of the first special symbol display device 20 is held. Can receive. In this case, the gambling of the gaming machine becomes extremely high, which is not appropriate.
Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the setting of the winning information corresponding to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 13 which is the non-priority side during the time saving game and the generation of the starting winning designation command are generated. I try not to do it.

As described above, in the special symbol pre-judgment table, "big hit", "small hit", and "loss" are determined by the special symbol judgment random value, and whether it is "long hit" or "short hit" depending on the big hit symbol random value. The type of special game is determined.
Further, "presence or absence of reach" and the like are determined by the reach determination random number value.
The fluctuation pattern is determined based on the type of the special symbol display device, the random value for special symbol determination (winning or losing the jackpot), the random value for the jackpot symbol (big hit symbol), the random value for reach determination, and the random value for the fluctuation pattern. NS.
Therefore, from the DATA data of the start prize designation command, it is possible to determine the type of jackpot, the fluctuation pattern, and the presence or absence of reach before the start of fluctuation of the special symbol. In addition, since a big hit always accompanies a "reach", it can be determined that a reach occurs because of the big hit.

<Explanation of game status>
Next, the game state when the game progresses will be described.
In the present embodiment, the game proceeds in any of the "low-probability gaming state", "high-probability gaming state", "time-saving gaming state", and "non-time-saving gaming state".
However, when the game state is "low probability game state" or "high probability game state" while the game is in progress, it is always in "time saving game state" or "non-time saving game state". That is, there are cases where the "low-probability gaming state" is the "time-saving gaming state", cases where the "low-probability gaming state" is the "non-time-saving gaming state", and "high-probability gaming state". There will be cases where the game is in a "short-time game state".

In the present embodiment, the "low probability gaming state" means that the jackpot winning probability is 1 / in the jackpot lottery performed on the condition that the game ball enters the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14. The gaming state set to 299.5. Winning a big hit here means acquiring the right to execute a "long hit game" or a "short hit game" described later.
On the other hand, the "high probability gaming state" refers to a gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot is set to 1 / 299.5. Therefore, in the "high-probability gaming state", it is easier to acquire the right to execute the "long-hit game" or the "short-hit game" than in the "low-probability gaming state".

In the present embodiment, the "non-time saving game state" means that in a lottery of ordinary symbols performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 15, the time required for the lottery is set to 10 seconds and the game is open for a long time. A game in which the total opening time of the second starting port 14 when the symbol is determined is set to 4.2 seconds, and the total opening time of the second starting port 14 when the short opening symbol is determined is set to 0.2 seconds. The state.
On the other hand, the "time saving game state" is a lottery of ordinary symbols performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 15, and the time required for the lottery is set to 1 second, and the long open symbol is used. Refers to a gaming state in which the total opening time of the second starting port 14 is set to 5 seconds when is determined, and the total opening time of the second starting port 14 is set to 3 seconds when the short opening symbol is determined.

In addition, in the "short-time game state", the probability of winning in a lottery of ordinary symbols is higher than in the "non-short-time game state". Therefore, in the "time-saving game state", the second starting port 14 is more likely to be controlled in the second mode as long as the game ball passes through the gate 15 than in the "non-time-saving game state". As a result, in the "time-saving game state", the player can proceed with the game without consuming the game ball, and the game efficiency can be significantly improved as compared with the non-time-saving game state.

Further, in the "time-saving game state", a fluctuation pattern (variation time) is set so that the number of lottery of special symbols in the unit time is faster than in the non-time-saving game state. That is, in the "time-saving game state", the lottery of special symbols is performed more efficiently than in the "non-time-saving game state".
For example, in the "non-time saving game state", it is difficult for the game ball to win the second starting port 14, so that the first special symbol changes mainly due to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 13. Therefore, in the "non-time saving game state", the fluctuation pattern at the time of (normal) loss of the first special symbol is set to "3 seconds".

On the other hand, in the "short-time game state", since the game ball is likely to win the second starting port 14, the second special symbol changes mainly due to the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 14.
Therefore, in the "time saving game state", the fluctuation pattern at the time of (normal) loss of the second special symbol is set to "2 seconds".
With this configuration, in the "time-saving game state", most of the time required for one change of the second special symbol is "2 seconds", whereas in the "non-time-saving game state", it is sufficient. , The time required for one change of the first special symbol is "3 seconds", which is longer than that in the "time saving game state".
Therefore, the special symbol lottery can be performed more quickly in the "time-saving game state" than in the "non-time-saving game state".

Further, in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the ratio of winning a jackpot that is advantageous to the player when the game ball enters the second starting port 14 is higher than when the game ball enters the first starting port 13. Because of the higher value, it is easier to win a jackpot that is advantageous to the player during the short-time game than during the normal game.
In addition, the probability of winning in the lottery of ordinary symbols may be set so as not to change regardless of the game state of "non-time saving game state" or "time saving game state".

Next, the progress of the game in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
<Main processing of main control board>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the main process by the main control board.
When power is supplied by the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 111, and the main CPU 111 performs the following main processing.
First, in step S10, the main CPU 111 performs an initialization process. In this process, the main CPU 111 reads the boot program from the main ROM 112 and initializes the flags and the like stored in the main RAM 113.

In step S20, the main CPU 111 performs a game random value update process for updating the fluctuation pattern random value and the reach determination random value.
In step S30, the main CPU 111 updates the initial random number value for special symbol determination, the initial random number value for the big hit symbol, and the initial random number value for the small hit symbol.
After that, the main CPU 111 repeats the processes of steps S20 and S30 until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

<Timer interrupt processing on the main control board>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process by the main control board.
The reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the main control board 110 generates clock pulses at predetermined intervals (4 milliseconds, hereinafter referred to as "4 ms"), so that the timer interrupt process described below can be performed. Will be executed.
First, in step S101, the main CPU 111 saves the information stored in the register in the stack area.
Next, in step S102, the main CPU 111 updates the special symbol time counter, updates the special game timer counter such as the opening time of the special electric accessory, updates the normal symbol time counter, and updates the normal electric opening time counter. Performs time control processing for updating various timer counters such as processing.
Specifically, the main CPU 111 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol time counter, the special game timer counter, the normal symbol time counter, and the normal power release time counter.

In step S103, the main CPU 111 performs random number update processing of the special symbol determination random number value, the big hit symbol random number value, the small hit symbol random number value, and the hit determination random number value.
Specifically, 1 is added to each random number counter to update the random number counter. If the result of addition exceeds the maximum value of the random number range, the random number counter is returned to 0, and if the random number counter makes one round, the random number is updated from the value of the initial random number at that time.
In step S104, the main CPU 111 performs an initial random number counter update process for updating the random number counter by adding 1 to the initial random number counter for special symbol determination, the initial random number counter for big hit symbols, and the initial random number counter for small hit symbols. conduct.

In step S105, the main CPU 111 performs an input control process.
In this input control process, the main CPU 111 inputs to each switch of the first start port detection switch 13a, the second start port detection switch 14a, the gate detection switch 15a, the large winning opening detection switch 16a, and the general winning opening detection switch 18a. Determine if it was there. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.
In step S106, the main CPU 111 performs a special figure special electric control process for controlling a special symbol and a special electric accessory. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 to 17.
In step S107, the main CPU 111 performs a normal symbol normal electric control process for controlling a normal symbol and a normal electric accessory.

In step S108, the main CPU 111 performs the payout control process.
In this payout control process, the main CPU 111 checks whether or not a game ball has won a prize in the large winning opening 16, the first starting opening 13, the second starting opening 14, and the general winning opening 18, and if there is a winning. Sends a payout quantity designation command corresponding to each to the payout control board 130.
More specifically, the general winning opening prize ball counter, the large winning opening winning ball counter, and the starting opening winning ball counter are checked, and the payout number designation command corresponding to each winning opening is transmitted to the payout control board 130. After that, predetermined data is subtracted from the prize ball counter corresponding to the transmitted number of payouts specification command and updated.
In step S109, the main CPU 111 performs data creation processing of external information data, starting port opening / closing solenoid data, winning opening opening / closing solenoid data, special symbol display device data, ordinary symbol display device data, and storage number designation command.
In step S110, the main CPU 111 performs output control processing.
In this output control process, the main CPU 111 performs a port output process for outputting signals of the external information data, the start opening opening / closing solenoid data, and the winning opening opening / closing solenoid data created in step S109.

Further, the main CPU 111 uses the special symbol display device data and the ordinary symbol created in step S109 to light the LEDs of the first special symbol display device 20, the second special symbol display device 21, and the ordinary symbol display device 22. Performs display device output processing that outputs display device data. Further, the main CPU 111 also performs a command transmission process for transmitting a command set in the effect transmission data storage area of the main RAM 113.
In step S111, the main CPU 111 restores the information saved in step S101 to the register of the main CPU 111.

<Input control processing>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an input control process by the main control board.
First, in step S121, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the detection signal is input from the general winning opening detection switch 18a, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered the general winning opening 18. When the detection signal is input from the general winning opening detection switch 18a, the main CPU 111 adds predetermined data to the general winning opening winning ball counter used for the winning ball and updates it.
In step S122, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the detection signal from the large winning opening detection switch 16 has been input, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered the large winning opening 16.
When the detection signal is input from the large winning opening detection switch 16a, the main CPU 111 adds and updates predetermined data to the large winning opening prize ball counter used for the winning ball, and also wins the large winning opening 16. The large winning opening ball entry counter (C1) for counting the game balls that have been played is added and updated by the counter in the storage area.

In step S123, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 13a is input, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered the first start port 13, and determines the jackpot. Set the predetermined data to do. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.
In step S124, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the detection signal from the second start port detection switch 14a has been input, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 14.
When the detection signal is input from the second start port detection switch 14a, the main CPU 111 performs the same process as in step S123.
However, in this second start port detection switch input process, "1" is added to the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area, and the extracted special symbol determination random value, jackpot symbol random value, and small hit The symbol random value and the reach determination random value are stored in the second special symbol storage area. That is, the first start port detection switch input process and the second start port detection switch input process differ only in the storage area for storing various data, and all other processes are the same.
In step S125, the main CPU 111 determines whether the gate detection switch 15a has input a signal, that is, whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 15.

<First start port detection switch input process>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a first start port detection switch input process by the main control board.
First, in step S131, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 13a has been input.
When the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 13a is input (Yes in step S131), the process is transferred to step S132, and when the detection signal from the first start port detection switch 13a is not input, the process is transferred to step S132. (No in step S131), the first start port detection switch input process is terminated.
In step S132, the main CPU 111 performs a process of adding and updating predetermined data to the start port prize ball counter used for the prize ball.
Next, in step S133, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the number of reservations set in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is less than 4. If the number of reserved items set in the first special symbol reserved number (U1) storage area is less than 4, the process is transferred to step S134, and the process is set in the first special symbol reserved number (U1) storage area. If the number of holdings is not less than 4, the first start port detection switch input process is terminated.

In step S134, the main CPU 111 acquires a random value for determining a special symbol, searches for a vacant storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area, and sets the vacant storage unit into the vacant storage unit. The acquired random value for determining a special symbol is stored.
In step S135, the main CPU 111 acquires a random value for the jackpot symbol, searches for a vacant storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area, and acquires the vacant storage unit in the vacant storage unit. Store the random value for the jackpot symbol.

In step S136, the main CPU 111 acquires a random value for the small hit symbol, searches for a vacant storage unit in order from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area, and sets the vacant storage unit into the vacant storage unit. The acquired random number value for the small hit symbol is stored.
In step S137, the main CPU 111 acquires the game random value (variable pattern random value and reach determination random value), and sequentially vacates the storage unit from the first storage unit in the first special symbol storage area. The search is performed, and the acquired random number values for games (random values for fluctuation patterns and random values for reach determination) are stored in a vacant storage unit.
In step S138, the main CPU 111 adds "1" to the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area and stores it.
In step S139, the main CPU 111 performs a pre-determination process (FIG. 15) for determining each random number value acquired in steps S134 to S137 based on the pre-determination table corresponding to the current gaming state.

<Preliminary judgment processing>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a pre-determination process by the main control board.
First, in step S151, the main CPU 111 determines the special symbol determination random value newly written in the special symbol reservation storage area based on the pre-determination table shown in FIG.
Next, in step S152, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the jackpot determination as a result of the jackpot determination in step S151 has been tentatively determined as a jackpot.
If it is tentatively determined to be a big hit (Yes in step S152), the main CPU 111 shifts the process to step S153, and if it is not tentatively determined to be a big hit (No in step S152), it shifts the process to step S156.
When the jackpot is tentatively determined in step S152, the main CPU 111 tentatively determines the type of special symbol (stop symbol data) by determining the newly written random number value for the jackpot symbol in step S153.

Next, in step S154, the main CPU 111 determines the newly written random number value for special symbol variation, and provisionally determines the variation pattern of the special symbol.
Next, in step S155, the main CPU 111 generates a start prize designation command corresponding to the tentatively determined special symbol type and the tentatively determined variation pattern, sets the command in the transmission data storage area for effect, and performs pre-determination processing. To finish.
The start prize designation command is provided so as to be identifiable in the same manner as the variation pattern designation command shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, and each information of big hit, small hit, and loss is associated with each other.
If it is not tentatively determined as a big hit in step S152 (No in step S152), the main CPU 111 makes a tentative determination as to whether or not it is determined as a small hit in step S156.

If it is not tentatively determined as a small hit in step S155 (No in step S155), the main CPU 111 determines the random number value for special figure variation in step S159 to tentatively determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. Then, in step S160, the main CPU 111 sets a start winning designation command (including a tentatively determined variation pattern) indicating that the command is lost in the production transmission data storage area, and ends the pre-determination process.
On the other hand, if it is tentatively determined to be a small hit (Yes in step S156), the main CPU 111 determines the random number value for special symbol variation in step S157 to tentatively determine the variation pattern of the special symbol.
In step S156, a start winning designation command (including a tentatively determined variation pattern) indicating that it is a small hit, that is, a chance effect is set in the effect transmission data storage area, and the pre-determination process is terminated.
In the second start port detection switch input process shown in step S124 (FIG. 13), the main CPU 111 also refers to the pre-determination table to generate prize information, and controls the start prize designation command based on the prize information. A pre-determination process for transmitting to the substrate 120 is performed.

By the above pre-determination process, when the game ball enters the first starting port 13 or the second starting port 14, the winning information can be transmitted to the effect control board 120 as a starting winning designation command.
Therefore, the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 that has received the start prize designation command analyzes the start prize command and starts the change of the special symbol triggered by the winning of the game ball to the first start port this time. It is possible to execute a predetermined effect in advance from the front.
However, this pre-determination process is determined according to the game state at the time when the game ball enters the starting ports 13 and 14, respectively. Therefore, if the game state is changed before the first hold or the second hold reserved by the entry is processed, the result of the jackpot determination process described later may be different from the result of the advance determination process. There is.

<Special figure special electric control processing>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a special figure special electric control process by the main control board.
First, the main CPU 111 loads the value of the special figure special electric processing data in step S181, and refers to the branch address from the special figure special electric processing data loaded in step S182.
If the special symbol special electric processing data = 0 in step S183 (Yes in step S183), the main CPU 111 shifts the process to the special symbol storage determination process (step S184).
When the special figure special electric processing data = 0 in step S183 (No in step S183), the main CPU 111 determines in step S185 whether the special figure special electric processing data = 1.
If the special symbol special electric processing data = 1 in step S185 (Yes in step S185), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the special symbol variation processing (step S186).

In the special symbol variation process of step S186, when the variation time of the special symbol set in the special symbol memory determination process has elapsed, the special symbol set in the special symbol memory determination process is designated on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21. The symbol stop time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is stopped and displayed.
When the special figure special electric processing data = 1 is not set in step S185 (No in step S185), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special electric processing data = 2 in step S187.

If the special symbol special electric processing data = 2 in step S187 (Yes in step S187), the main CPU 111 shifts the process to the special symbol stop processing (step S188).
In the special symbol stop processing in step S188, when the predetermined symbol stop time set in the special symbol variation processing has elapsed, if the special symbol displayed as stopped is a jackpot symbol, "3" is set in the special symbol special electric processing data. After that, set the opening command and opening time for the big hit, and if the special symbol displayed as stopped is the small hit symbol, set "4" in the special figure special electric processing data, and then set the opening command and opening for the small hit. Set the time.

When the special figure special electric processing data = 2 is not set in step S187 (No in step S187), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special electric processing data = 3 in step S189.
If the special figure special electric processing data = 3 in step S189 (Yes in step S189), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the jackpot game processing (step S190).
In the jackpot game process of step S190, when the opening of the jackpot is completed, the jackpot 16 is opened for a predetermined period according to the opening mode determination table (not shown) for the jackpot. After the opening of the large winning opening 16, the ending is performed for a predetermined period, and after the ending is completed, "5" is set in the special figure special electric processing data.

When the special figure special electric processing data = 3 is not set in step S189 (No in step S189), the main CPU 111 determines whether the special figure special electric processing data = 4 in step S191.
If the special figure special electric processing data = 4 in step S191 (Yes in step S191), the main CPU 111 shifts the processing to the small hit game processing (step S192).

In the small hit game process of step S192, when the opening of the small hit is completed, the large winning opening 16 is opened for a predetermined period according to the opening mode determination table (not shown) for the small hit. After the opening of the large winning opening 16, the ending is performed for a predetermined period, and after the ending is completed, "5" is set in the special figure special electric processing data.
If the special figure special electric processing data = 4 is not set in step S191 (No in step S191), the main CPU 111 determines that the special figure special electric processing data = 5, and shifts the processing to the special game end processing (step S193).
In the special game end process of step S193, after the game state after the big hit game is set to the probability change game state or the time-saving game state at the end of the big hit, "0" is set in the special figure special electric processing data.

<Special symbol memory judgment processing>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a special symbol memory determination process by the main control board.
In step S201, the main CPU 111 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. Here, if the variation of the special symbol is being displayed, that is, if the special symbol time counter ≠ 0 (Yes in step S201), the special symbol storage determination process ends.
Further, if the fluctuation display of the special symbol is not in progress, that is, if the special symbol time counter = 0 (No in step S201), the main CPU 111 shifts the process to step S202 and stores the second special symbol hold number (U2) storage area. Is 1 or more.
If the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area is not 1 or more (No in step S202), the CPU 111 shifts the process to step S204, and the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area is “1”. If it is determined that the above is the case, the process is moved to step S203.
As a result, the second special symbol storage area is processed with priority over the first special symbol storage area.
In step S203, the main CPU 111 subtracts "1" from the value stored in the second special symbol reservation number (U2) storage area and stores it.

In step S204, the main CPU 111 determines whether the first special symbol hold number (U1) storage area is 1 or more. If the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is not 1 or more (No in step S204), the process is transferred to step S215, and the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area is “1” or more. If it is determined that (Yes in step S204), the process is transferred to step S205.

In step S205, the main CPU 111 subtracts "1" from the value stored in the first special symbol reservation number (U1) storage area and stores it.
In step S206, the main CPU 111 uses a predetermined random number value (random value for special symbol determination, which is stored in the special symbol hold storage area corresponding to the special symbol hold number (U) storage area subtracted in steps S202 to S205. Random value for big hit symbol, random value for small hit symbol, random value for reach judgment, random value for fluctuation pattern) and start prize designation command shift processing. Specifically, a predetermined random value stored in the first to fourth storage units in the first special symbol storage area or the second special symbol storage area and the start prize designation command are stored in the previous storage unit. Shift to.

Here, the predetermined random number value stored in the first storage unit and the start winning designation command are shifted to the determination storage area (0th storage unit). At this time, the predetermined random number value stored in the first storage unit and the start winning designation command are written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit) and already written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit). The stored data will be deleted from the special symbol hold storage area. As a result, the predetermined random number value used in the previous game and the start prize designation command are deleted. Further, after the shift, the MODE of the start prize designation command is processed so as to correspond to the storage area after the shift.

In step S207, the main CPU 111 uses the data (special symbol determination random value, jackpot symbol random value, small hit symbol) written in the determination storage area (0th storage unit) of the special symbol hold storage area in step S206. The jackpot determination process is executed based on the random value).
In the jackpot determination process of step S207, when it is determined that the jackpot has been won, the special symbol for the jackpot to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21 is determined. If it is determined that the small hit has been won, the special symbol for the small hit to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21 is determined, and in the case of the loss, the special symbol for the loss is determined.

In step S208, the main CPU 111 performs the fluctuation pattern determination process.
In the variation pattern determination process, first, the variation pattern determination table based on the current gaming state is determined with reference to the game state storage area of the main RAM 113. Specifically, the variation pattern determination table for the time-saving gaming state shown in FIG. 9 is determined in the case of the time-saving gaming state, and the variation of the non-time-saving gaming state shown in FIG. 8 is determined in the non-time-saving gaming state. Determine the pattern determination table.
After that, the variation pattern is determined based on the determined variation pattern determination table with reference to the special symbol determination random value, the jackpot symbol random value, the reach determination random value, and the variation pattern random value.

In step S209, the main CPU 111 sets the variation pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the production transmission data storage area.
In step S210, the main CPU 111 confirms the game state at the start of the fluctuation, and sets the game state designation command corresponding to the current game state in the production transmission data storage area.

In step S211 the main CPU 111 starts the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display devices 20 and 21. That is, the variable display data of the special symbol is set in the processing area. As a result, when the information written in the processing area is related to the first hold (U1), the first special symbol display device 20 is blinked, and when the information is related to the second hold (U2), the second special symbol display is displayed. The device 21 will be blinked.
In step S212, when the main CPU 111 starts the fluctuation display of the special symbol as described above, the fluctuation time (counter value) based on the fluctuation pattern determined in step S208 is set to the special symbol time counter in the special symbol time counter. set. The special symbol time counter is subtracted every 4 ms in S110.

In step S213, the main CPU 111 sets the customer waiting determination flag to 00H. That is, the customer waiting determination flag is cleared. The customer waiting determination flag = "00H" indicates that the special symbol is currently being displayed in a variable manner or a special game is being played. On the other hand, when neither the variable display of the special symbol nor the special game is in progress, the customer waiting determination flag "01H" is stored. When the customer waiting determination flag = "01H" is stored, the customer waiting command is set in step S217 described later, and it is transmitted to the effect control board 120 that the special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner or in a special game.

In step S214, the main CPU 111 sets the special symbol special electric processing data = 1 and ends the special symbol storage determination process.
In step S204, when it is determined that the first hold (U1) is "0", that is, when neither the first hold (U1) nor the second hold (U2) is reserved, the main CPU 111 Determines whether or not 01H is set in the customer waiting determination flag in step S215.
When 01H is set in the customer waiting determination flag (Yes in step S215), the special symbol memory determination process is completed, and when 01H is not set in the customer waiting determination flag (No in step S215). , The process is transferred to step S216.
In step S216, the main CPU 111 sets 01H to the customer waiting determination flag so that the customer waiting command is not set many times in step S217 described later.
In step S217, the main CPU 111 sets the customer waiting command in the production transmission data storage area, and ends the special symbol storage determination process.

Next, the process executed by the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 will be described.
As described above, when the effect control board 120 receives the variation pattern designation command from the main control board 110, the effect corresponding to the received variation pattern designation command is determined and executed by lottery.

Hereinafter, the effects performed on the gaming machine of the present embodiment and the handling of various commands used to realize the effects will be described.
The effect performed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment is controlled by the effect control board 120.
First, a variable effect pattern determination table for the effect control board 120 to determine the effect performed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described.

<Variable production pattern determination table>
18 to 20 are diagrams showing an example of a variation effect pattern determination table based on the variation pattern of the special symbol in the first special symbol display device 20 and the variation pattern of the special symbol in the second special symbol display device 21. ..
The "variable effect pattern determination table" refers to, for example, one variable effect pattern determination table from among a plurality of variable effect pattern determination tables according to the current gaming state and the effect mode. Here, the variable effect pattern determination table is used. One of the determination tables will be illustrated and described.
It should be noted that the effect mode is a mode in which, for example, the background, BGM, options for variable effect, and the like are different, and can be appropriately shifted in order to eliminate the monotony of the game during the game.

The "variable effect pattern" is a specific effect mode in the effect means (image display device 31, effect accessory device 32, effect lighting device 33, audio output device 34) performed during the variation of the special symbol. To say. For example, in the image display device 31, the variation mode of the effect symbol 35 is determined by the variation effect pattern.

By the way, the "reach" in the present embodiment means a state in which a part of the combination of the effect symbols 35 for notifying the transition to the special game is stopped and displayed, and the other effect symbols 35 are performing the variable display. .. For example, when the combination of the three-digit effect symbols 35 of "777" is set as the combination of the effect symbols 35 for notifying the shift to the jackpot game, the two effect symbols 35 are stopped and displayed at "7". , The state in which the remaining effect symbols 35 are displayed in a variable manner.

As described with respect to the variation pattern determination table of FIGS. 8 and 9, "reach" includes "normal reach", "SP reach", and "SPSP reach" as its modes.
In the "normal reach", two effect symbols 35 (left symbol and right symbol) are temporarily stopped in the left side region and the right side region in the display unit of the image display device 31, and the remaining one effect symbol 35 fluctuates in the central region. It is a reach with low expectations. As will be described later, during the "normal reach", the effect symbol 35 is a symbol in which a decoration is added to the number symbol.
The "SP reach" is a super reach with a higher expectation of winning a big hit (a special game is executed) than the above "normal reach", and mainly develops from the "normal reach".
The effect screen is changed to a special one, and the display mode of the effect symbol 35 is also changed. For example, the decorative symbol 35 has no decoration and only a number symbol.
Further, the "SPSP reach" is a reach with a higher expectation of winning a big hit (a special game is executed) than the "SP reach". It develops from "SP reach" or directly from "normal reach". A production screen, a movie, or the like that is different from the "SP reach" is displayed.

In particular, there is a zone production as a kind of advance notice production performed by fluctuations that develop into SP reach and SP reach.
In the zone effect, a band display indicating that the zone effect is performed, a change in the background screen, a change in the decoration of the effect pattern, etc. are made, and even if the same content as the other effect is performed, it is more Is a production that suggests that expectations are high. When the symbol is changed by the fluctuation pattern that causes the reach effect with high expectation, the execution of the zone effect can be selected.
It is possible to develop into SPSP reach regardless of whether it goes through the zone effect or not, but if the SPSP reach is performed via the zone effect, the zone zone is displayed during the SPSP reach. NS.
Even if the band is displayed during the SPSP reach with the zone effect, even if the band is not displayed without the zone effect, the band is displayed after the winning decision (after the decision effect is executed and the symbol is provisionally confirmed). It ends and becomes the same production.

The variation effect pattern determination table shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 is configured such that the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110, the effect random value value 1, and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other.
The sub CPU 121 acquires the effect random value value 1, refers to the variation effect pattern determination table shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, and sets the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 and the acquired effect random value value 1. Based on this, the variation effect pattern is determined. Then, the effect pattern designation command corresponding to the determined variable effect pattern is transmitted to the host CPU 151 of the image control board 150.

In the variable effect pattern table of FIG. 18, a variable effect pattern that develops into normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot is mainly defined.
In the variation effect pattern table of FIG. 19, the variation effect pattern that develops into normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach and becomes a normal jackpot is mainly defined.
In the variation effect pattern table of FIG. 20, variation effect patterns that develop into normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach and become lost are mainly defined.

The variation effect pattern designated in the variation effect pattern determination table shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 and the effect contents thereof will be described.
First, a case where the fluctuation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates fluctuation patterns 1 and 21 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "49", the variable effect pattern 1 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 1 is an effect content that becomes a probabilistic jackpot after executing the normal reach.
If the effect random number value 1 is "50" to "99", the variable effect pattern 2 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 2 is an effect content that becomes a probabilistic jackpot after executing the normal reach.

The case where the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates variation patterns 2-1 and 22-1 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "49", the variable effect pattern 11 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 11 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "50" to "99", the variable effect pattern 12 is selected.
For example, the variable effect pattern 12 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

The case where the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates variation patterns 2-2 and 22-2 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "49", the variable effect pattern 21 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 21 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "50" to "99", the variable effect pattern 22 is selected.
For example, the variable effect pattern 22 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

The case where the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates variation patterns 3-1 and 23-1 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "14", the variable effect pattern 31 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 31 develops into a fellow SP reach (character A) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character A)", develops into "co-op SP SP reach" (character A), and changes probablely. It is a production content that will be a big hit.

If the effect random number value 1 is "15" to "29", the variable effect pattern 32 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 32 develops into a fellow SP reach (character A) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character A)", develops into "growth SPSP reach" (character A), and changes probabilistically. It is a production content that will be a big hit.
If the effect random number value 1 is "30" to "44", the variable effect pattern 33 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 33 develops into a fellow SP reach (character A) after executing a normal reach, executes a "cooperative attack effect (character A)", develops into an extreme SPSP reach (character A), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot. It is the production content.
If the effect random number value 1 is "45" to "59", the variable effect pattern 34 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 34 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character A)" during a normal reach, develops into a "co-op SPSP reach" (character A), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "60" to "74", the variable effect pattern 35 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 35 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character A)" during a normal reach, develops into a "growth SPSP reach" (character A), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

If the effect random number value 1 is "75" to "89", the variable effect pattern 36 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 36 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character A)" during a normal reach, develops into a "super-growth SPSP reach" (character A), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "90" to "99", the variable effect pattern 37 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 37 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

The case where the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates variation patterns 3-2 and 23-2 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "14", the variable effect pattern 41 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 41 develops into a fellow SP reach (character B) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character B)", develops into "co-op SP SP reach" (character B), and changes probablely. It is a production content that will be a big hit.

If the effect random number value 1 is "15" to "29", the variable effect pattern 42 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 42 develops into a fellow SP reach (character B) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character B)", develops into "growth SPSP reach" (character B), and changes probabilistically. It is a production content that will be a big hit.
If the effect random number value 1 is "30" to "44", the variable effect pattern 43 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 43 develops into a fellow SP reach (character B) after executing a normal reach, executes a "cooperative attack effect (character B)", develops into an extreme SPSP reach (character B), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot. It is the production content.
If the effect random number value 1 is "45" to "59", the variable effect pattern 44 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 44 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character B)" during a normal reach, develops into a "co-op SPSP reach" (character B), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

If the effect random number value 1 is "60" to "74", the variable effect pattern 45 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 45 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character B)" during a normal reach, develops into a "growth SPSP reach" (character B), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "75" to "89", the variable effect pattern 46 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 46 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character B)" during a normal reach, develops into a "super-growth SPSP reach" (character B), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "90" to "99", the variable effect pattern 47 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 47 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

The case where the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates variation patterns 3-3 and 23-3 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "12", the variable effect pattern 51 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 51 develops into a fellow SP reach (character C) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character C)", develops into "co-op SP SP reach" (character C), and changes probablely. It is a production content that will be a big hit.

If the effect random number value 1 is "13" to "25", the variable effect pattern 52 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 52 develops into a fellow SP reach (character C) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character C)", develops into "growth SPSP reach" (character C), and changes probabilistically. It is a production content that will be a big hit.
If the effect random number value 1 is "26" to "38", the variable effect pattern 53 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 53 develops into a fellow SP reach (character C) after executing a normal reach, executes a "cooperative attack effect (character C)", develops into an extreme SPSP reach (character C), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot. It is the production content.
If the effect random number value 1 is "39" to "51", the variable effect pattern 54 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 54 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character C)" during a normal reach, develops into a "co-op SPSP reach" (character C), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.

If the effect random number value 1 is "52" to "64", the variable effect pattern 55 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 55 is an effect content that executes "cooperative attack effect (character C)" during normal reach, develops into "growth SPSP reach" (character C), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "65" to "77", the variable effect pattern 56 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 56 is an effect content that executes a "cooperative attack effect (character C)" during a normal reach, develops into a "super-growth SPSP reach" (character C), and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "78" to "99", the variable effect pattern 57 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 37 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing the normal reach and becomes a probable change jackpot after performing the “cherry blossom full bloom effect”.

The case where the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 18 indicates variation patterns 3-4 and 23-4 will be described.
If the effect random number value 1 is "0" to "14", the variable effect pattern 61 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 61 develops into a fellow SP reach (character D) after executing normal reach, executes "cooperative attack effect (character D)", develops into "co-op SP SP reach" (character D), and changes probablely. It is a production content that will be a big hit.

If the effect random number value 1 is "15" to "29", the variable effect pattern 62 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 62 develops into a fellow SP reach (character D) after executing the normal reach, executes the "cooperative attack effect (character D)", executes the "character D continuous hit effect", and then executes the "co-op SP SP reach". It is a production content that develops into (Character D) and becomes a probable change jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "30" to "44", the variable effect pattern 63 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 63 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after executing normal reach, develops into joint battle SP reach, and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "45" to "59", the variable effect pattern 64 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 64 is an effect content that develops from a normal reach to a “joint battle SPSP reach” (character D) and becomes a probabilistic jackpot.
If the effect random number value 1 is "60" to "99", the variable effect pattern 65 is selected. For example, the variable effect pattern 65 is an effect content that develops into SP reach after the normal reach is executed, and becomes a probable change jackpot after the "Sakura full bloom effect" is performed.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 5 and 25, the variation effect is produced regardless of the values “0” to “99” of the effect random value 1. Select pattern 71. The variable effect pattern 71 is an effect content indicating, for example, a small hit or a short hit.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 6 and 26, variation effect patterns 81 and 82 are selected.
Each of these variable effect patterns 81 and 82 is an effect content that usually becomes a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 1 and 2, respectively.
If the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 7-1 and 27-1, the variation effect patterns 91 and 92 are selected.
Each of the variable effect patterns 91 and 92 is an effect content that usually becomes a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 11 to 12.

When the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 7-2 and 27-2, variation effect patterns 101 and 102 are selected.
The variable effect patterns 101 and 102 are the effect contents that usually become a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 21 and 22, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 8-1, 28-1, variation effect patterns 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117. Select.
Each of these variable effect patterns 111 to 117 is an effect content that usually becomes a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 31 to 37.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 8-2, 28-2, variation effect patterns 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127. Select.
Each of these variable effect patterns 121 to 127 is an effect content that usually becomes a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 41 to 48.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 8-3 and 28-3, variation effect patterns 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137 Select.
Each of these variable effect patterns 131 to 137 is an effect content that usually becomes a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 51 to 57.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 8-4, 28-4, variation effect patterns 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 Select.
Each of these variable effect patterns 141 to 147 is an effect content that usually becomes a big hit after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 61 to 65.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates the variation pattern 10, the variation effect pattern 161 is selected. The effect content of the variation effect pattern 161 is, for example, a normal variation effect (normal loss).
As shown in FIG. 20, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 15 and 30, the variation effect pattern 162 is selected. The effect content of the variation effect pattern 162 is, for example, a shortened variation effect (shortening loss).
Further, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 11 and 31, the variation effect patterns 171 and 172 are selected.
These variable effect patterns 171 and 172 are effects that are lost after the same reach effects as those of the variable effect patterns 1, 2, 81, and 82 are performed.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 12-1 and 32-1, the variation effect patterns 181, 182, 173, and 174 are selected.
These variable effect patterns 171 to 174 are the effect contents that are lost after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 11, 12, 91 to 92.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 indicates variation patterns 12-2 and 32-2, variation effect patterns 191 and 192 are selected.
These variable effect patterns 191 and 192 are effect contents that are lost after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 21, 22, 101, and 102.

When the variation pattern specification command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 20 indicates variation patterns 13-1, 33-1, the variation effect patterns 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 are selected. do.
These variable effect patterns 201 to 207 are effect contents that are lost after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 31 to 37 and 111 to 117.
When the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 20 indicates variation patterns 13-2 and 33-2, variation effect patterns 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 Select.
These variable effect patterns 211 to 218 are the effect contents that are lost after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 41 to 47 and 121 to 127.

When the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 20 indicates variation patterns 13-3 and 33-3, variation effect patterns 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228 Select.
These variable effect patterns 221 to 228 are effect contents that are lost after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 51 to 57 and 131 to 137.

When the variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 110 shown in FIG. 20 indicates variation patterns 13-4 and 33-4, variation effect patterns 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 are selected.
These variable effect patterns 231 to 235 are effect contents that are lost after performing the same reach effect as the variable effect patterns 61 to 65 and 141 to 145.
In addition to the commands corresponding to the variable effect patterns, the effect pattern specification commands include "effect pattern specification command corresponding to the customer waiting effect pattern", "effect pattern specification command corresponding to the hit start effect pattern", and "big hit effect". Various effect pattern specification commands such as "effect pattern designation command corresponding to the pattern" and "effect pattern designation command corresponding to the hit end effect pattern" are transmitted to the image control board 150.

<Main processing of production control board>
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the main process by the effect control board.
In step S510, the sub CPU 121 performs an initialization process. In this process, the sub CPU 121 reads the main processing program from the sub ROM 122 in response to the power being turned on, and also performs a process of setting a character D period such as a flag stored in the sub RAM 123. When this process is completed, the process is moved to step S520.
In step S520, the sub CPU 121 performs the effect random number value update process. In this process, the sub CPU 121 performs a process of updating various random value values stored in the sub RAM 123. After that, the process of step S510 is repeated until a predetermined interrupt process is performed.

<Timer interrupt processing of production control board>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process by the effect control board.
Although not shown, a reset clock pulse generation circuit provided on the effect control board 120 generates a clock pulse at predetermined intervals (2 milliseconds), reads a timer interrupt processing program, and reads the effect control board 120. The timer interrupt process is executed.
First, in step S601, the sub CPU 121 saves the information stored in its own register to the stack area.

In step S602, the sub CPU 121 updates various timer counters used in the effect control board 120.
In step S603, the sub CPU 121 performs a command analysis process. In this process, the sub CPU 121 performs a process of analyzing the command stored in the receive buffer of the sub RAM 123. A specific description of the command analysis process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24.
When the effect control board 120 receives a command transmitted from the main control board 110, a command reception interrupt process of the effect control board 120 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. After that, the analysis process of the command received in step S603 is performed.

In step S604, the sub CPU 121 checks the signal of the effect button detection switch 8a input via the lamp control board 140, and performs the effect input control process related to the effect button 8. A specific description of the effect input control process will be described later with reference to FIG. 25.
In step S605, the sub CPU 121 transmits various data set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123 to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.
In step S606, the sub CPU 121 restores the information saved in step S601 to the register of the sub CPU 121.

<Command analysis processing>
23 and 24 are flowcharts for explaining the command analysis process by the effect control board. The command analysis process 2 shown in FIG. 24 is performed following the command analysis process 1 shown in FIG. 23.
In step S611, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not there is a command in the receive buffer, and confirms whether or not the command has been received.
If there is no command in the receive buffer (No in step S611), the sub CPU 121 ends the command analysis process, and if there is a command in the receive buffer (Yes in step S611), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S621.

In step S621, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a customer waiting command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a customer waiting command (Yes in step S621), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S622, and if it is not a customer waiting command (No in step S621), the sub CPU 121 processes in step S631. To move.
In step S622, the sub CPU 121 performs a customer waiting effect pattern determination process for determining the customer waiting effect pattern. Specifically, the customer waiting effect pattern is determined, the determined customer waiting effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and the information of the determined customer waiting effect pattern is transmitted to the image performance control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. Therefore, the data based on the determined customer waiting effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.

In step S631, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a start winning designation command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a start prize designation command (Yes in step S631), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S632, and if it is not a start prize designation command (No in step S631), the sub CPU 121 moves to step S641. Move the process to.
In step S632, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the received start prize designation command and executes the data update process corresponding to the start prize designation command. The start prize designation command is associated with information related to a big hit, a small hit, a loss, and a fluctuation pattern that are tentatively determined by the preliminary determination process. Therefore, here, the information about the newly reserved first hold (U1) or second hold (U2) is stored in the predetermined storage area of the sub RAM 123.

In step S633, the sub CPU 121 analyzes the start winning designation command and performs a hold display mode determination process of transmitting the hold display command to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 in order to perform the hold display in a predetermined mode. As a result, the image display device 31 displays the current number of reserved items of the first hold (U1) and the second hold (U2).
In step S634, the sub CPU 121 executes the variation effect pattern provisional determination process based on the start prize designation command. This process will be described in detail later.
In step S635, the sub CPU 121 executes the hold change determination process based on the tentatively determined variation effect pattern based on the start prize designation command. This process will also be described in detail later.

In step S641, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a variation pattern specification command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a variation pattern specification command (Yes in step S641), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S642, and if it is not a variation pattern specification command (No in step S641), the sub CPU 121 moves to step S651. Move the process to.
In step S642, the sub CPU 121 determines one variation effect pattern from a plurality of variation effect patterns based on the received variation pattern designation command based on FIGS. 18 to 20 described later. I do.
Next, the sub CPU 121 performs the advance notice effect determination process based on the determined variation effect pattern in step S642.

Next, in step S644, the sub CPU 121 shifts the hold display data stored in the first hold storage area and the second hold storage area and the data corresponding to the start winning designation command, and the hold display after the shift. A hold display mode update process is performed in which data information is transmitted to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

In step S651, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is an effect symbol designation command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is the effect symbol designation command (Yes in step S651), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S652, and if it is not the effect symbol designation command (No in step S651), the sub CPU 121 moves to step S661. Move the process to.
In step S652, the sub CPU 121 performs an effect symbol determination process for determining the effect symbol 35 to be stopped and displayed on the image display device 31 based on the content of the received effect symbol designation command. Specifically, the effect symbol designation command is analyzed to determine the effect symbol data constituting the combination of the effect symbols 35 according to the presence or absence of the jackpot and the type of the jackpot, and the symbol command based on the determined effect symbol data is executed. Set in the production symbol storage area.

In step S661, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a symbol confirmation command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a symbol confirmation command (Yes in step S661), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S662, and if it is not a symbol confirmation command (No in step S661), the sub CPU 121 processes in step S671. To move.
In step S662, the sub CPU 121 performs the effect symbol stop process of setting the symbol stop command for stopping and displaying the effect symbol in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.

In step S671, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a command for specifying a fluctuation pattern of a normal figure.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a normal map fluctuation pattern specification command (Yes in step S671), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S672, and if it is not a normal map fluctuation pattern specification command (No in step S671). ), The process is transferred to step S681.
In step S672, the sub CPU 121 performs a normal map variation effect pattern determination process for determining one normal map variation effect pattern from a plurality of normal map variation effect patterns based on the received normal map variation pattern designation command.

In step S681, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a long release start command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a long release start command (Yes in step S681), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S682, and if it is not a long release start command (No in step S681), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S681. Move the process to.
In step S682, the sub CPU 121 performs the effect processing during the long opening. Here, a notification effect is executed in order to notify the player that the second start port 14 will be opened for a long time (4.2 seconds) in the non-time saving game state.

In step S691, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a normal symbol confirmation command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a normal symbol confirmation command (Yes in step S691), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S692, and if it is not a normal symbol confirmation command (No in step S691), the sub CPU 121 moves to step S700. Move the process to.
In step S692, the sub CPU 121 sends the effect symbol data corresponding to the received normal symbol confirmation command and the symbol stop command for stopping and displaying the normal symbol effect symbol in the sub RAM 123 in order to stop and display the normal symbol effect symbol. Performs normal symbol fluctuation stop processing to be set in the transmission buffer.

In step S700, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a game state designation command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a game state specification command (Yes in step S700), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S701, and if it is not a game state specification command (No in step S700), the sub CPU 121 moves to step S711. Move the process to.
In step S701, the sub CPU 121 sets the game state based on the received game state designation command in the game state storage area in the sub RAM 123.
In step S711, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is an opening command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is the opening command (Yes in step S711), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S712, and if it is not the opening command (No in step S711), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S721. ..

In step S712, the sub CPU 121 performs a hit start effect pattern determination process for determining a hit start effect pattern. Specifically, the hit start effect pattern is determined based on the opening command, the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and the information of the determined hit start effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the board 140, the data based on the determined hit start effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.
In step S721, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening opening designation command indicating the start of a big hit round game.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a command for specifying the opening of the winning opening (Yes in step S721), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S722, and if it is not the command for specifying opening of the winning opening (No in step S721). ), The process is transferred to step S731.

In step S722, the sub CPU 121 performs the effect pattern determination process during the round to determine the jackpot effect pattern. Specifically, the effect pattern during the round is determined for each round to be started, based on the large winning opening opening designation command having information on how many round games are to be started. Then, the determined effect pattern during the round is set in the effect pattern storage area, and the corresponding data is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123 in order to transmit the information of the effect pattern to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140. ..
In step S731, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is a round end designation command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is a round end specification command (Yes in step S731), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S732, and if it is not a round end specification command (No in step S731), the sub CPU 121 moves to step S7341. Move the process to.
In step S732, the sub CPU 121 performs a paused effect pattern determination process for determining an effect pattern between each round.

In step S741, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the receive buffer is an ending command.
If the command stored in the receive buffer is the ending command (Yes in step S741), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S742, and if it is not the ending command (No in step S741), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S751. ..
In step S742, the sub CPU 121 performs a hit end effect pattern determination process for determining a hit end effect pattern. Specifically, the hit end effect pattern is determined based on the ending command, the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the effect pattern storage area, and the information of the determined hit end effect pattern is controlled by the image control board 150 and the lamp. In order to transmit to the board 140, the data based on the determined hit end effect pattern is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123.

In step S751, the sub CPU 121 confirms whether or not the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening ball entry command.
If the command stored in the reception buffer is a big winning opening ball entry command (Yes in step S751), the sub CPU 121 shifts the process to step S752, and if it is not a big winning opening ball entry command (No in step S751). ), Ends the command analysis process.
In step S752, the sub CPU 121 is set in the transmission buffer of the sub RAM 123 in order to transmit the big winning opening ball entry command to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140.

<Production input control processing>
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the effect input control process by the effect control board.
First, in step S831, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not there is a valid effect button detection signal from the effect button detection switch 8a based on the effect button detection command from the lamp control board 140. Here, if the sub CPU 121 determines that there is no effect button detection signal (No in step S831), the process ends, and if it determines that there is an effect button detection signal (Yes in step S831), step S832 Move to processing.

In step S832, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not the button operation effect execution enable flag = 01 is set in the storage area of the sub RAM 123. Here, if the button operation effect execution enable flag = 01 is not set (No in step S832), the sub CPU 121 ends the process and if the button operation effect execution enable flag = 01 is set (step). Yes) in S832, the process proceeds to step S833.

The button operation effect execution enable flag determines whether or not the effect corresponding to the operation can be executed based on the button operation, and the flag "01". ", It is possible to execute the effect corresponding to the operation, and the flag" 00 "indicates that it is impossible to execute the effect corresponding to the operation, and the operation validity period of the effect button 8 The flag "01" is set at the start of the operation, or the flag "00" is set when the effect button 8 is operated or the operation valid period ends without the effect button 8 being operated.

In step S833, the sub CPU 121 sets the button operation effect execution command in the transmission buffer. This command is a command for causing the image control board 150 to execute an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect button 8.
Here, the sub CPU 121 transmits the command set in the transmission buffer to the image control board 150 and the lamp control board 140 in step S605 (see FIG. 19) after the effect input control process. The image control board 150 operates the image display device 31 and the audio output device 34 based on the received command, and the lamp control board 140 operates the effect accessory device 32 and the effect lighting device 33 based on the received command. Let me.

Next, the image control board 150 will be described.
In the image control board 150, when a command for effect is received from the effect control board 120, the host CPU 151 reads the audio output device control program from the host ROM 153 based on the received command for effect, and the audio in the audio output device 342. The host CPU 151 reads the animation control program from the host ROM 153 to control the image display in the image display device 31.

Here, the processing executed by the host CPU 151 on the image control board 150 will be described.

<Host CPU main processing>
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the main process by the image control board.
When power is supplied by the power supply board 170, a system reset occurs in the host CPU 151, and the host CPU 151 performs the following main processing.
First, in step S901, the host CPU 151 performs the initialization process. In this process, the host CPU 151 reads the main processing program from the host ROM 153 and instructs the initial settings of the various modules of the host CPU 151 and the VDP 200 in response to the power being turned on.

In step S902, the host CPU 151 performs an effect pattern specification command analysis process for analyzing the effect pattern specification command (command stored in the receive buffer of the host RAM 152) transmitted from the effect control board 120.
When the image control board 150 receives a command transmitted from the effect control board 120, a command reception interrupt process of the image control board 150 (not shown) occurs, and the received command is stored in the reception buffer. After that, the analysis process of the command received in step S902 is performed.

The effect pattern specification command analysis process confirms whether or not the effect pattern specification command (+ effect control command) is stored in the reception buffer. If the effect pattern specification command is not stored in the reception buffer, the process proceeds to step S903 as it is.
If the effect pattern specification command (+ effect control command) is stored in the reception buffer, a new effect pattern specification command is read, and one or more animation groups to be executed are determined based on the read effect pattern specification command. At the same time, the animation pattern is decided from each animation group. Then, when the animation pattern is determined, the read effect pattern specification command is deleted from the transmission buffer.

In step S903, the host CPU 151 performs animation control processing. In this process, the addresses of various animation scenes are updated based on the "scene switching counter", "weight frame", and "frame counter" updated in step S921 described later and the animation pattern determined in step S902. do.
In step S904, the host CPU 151 sets the display list from the display information (sprite identification number, display position, etc.) of one frame of the animation scene at the updated address according to the priority (drawing order) of the animation group to which the animation scene belongs. Will be generated. Then, when the generation of the display list is completed, the host CPU 151 outputs the display list to the VDP 200. The display list output here is stored in the display list storage area 156a of the VRAM 156 via the CPUI / F203 in the VDP 200.

In step S905, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the FB switching flag = 01.
Here, as will be described later in FIG. 26B, the FB switching flag is FB if the previous display list drawing is completed in the V blank interrupt every 1/60 second (about 16.6 ms). The switching flag = 01. That is, in step S905, it is determined whether or not the previous drawing is completed.
If the FB switching flag = 01 (Yes in step S905), the host CPU 151 shifts the process to step S906, and if the FB switching flag = 00 (No in step S905), waits until the FB switching flag = 01. do.

In step S906, the host CPU 151 sets the FB switching flag = 00 (turns off the FB switching flag), and shifts the process to step S906.
In step S907, the host CPU 151 performs the drawing execution start process.
In this process, in order to instruct the VDP 200 to execute drawing on the already output display list, drawing execution start data is set in the drawing register. That is, the execution of drawing on the display list output in step S904 is instructed.
After that, the processes of steps S902 to S907 are repeated until a predetermined interrupt shown in FIG. 26 is generated.

<Interruption processing of image control board>
The interrupt process of the image control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 27.
The interrupt process of the image control board 150 includes at least a drawing end interrupt process performed by inputting a drawing end interrupt signal and a V blank interrupt process performed by inputting a V blank interrupt signal. There is.

<Host CPU drawing end interrupt processing>
FIG. 27A is a flowchart illustrating a drawing end interrupt process by the image control board.
When the drawing of a frame (1 frame) of a predetermined unit is completed, the VDP 200 outputs a drawing end interrupt signal to the host CPU 151 via the CPUI / F203.
When the drawing end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 executes the drawing end interrupt process.
In the drawing end interrupt process, in step S911, the host CPU 151 sets the drawing end flag = 01 (turns on the drawing end flag), and ends the current drawing end interrupt process. That is, the drawing end flag is turned on each time the drawing is completed.

<Host CPU V blank interrupt processing>
FIG. 27B is a flowchart illustrating the V blank interrupt process by the image control board.
The VDP 200 outputs a V blank interrupt signal (vertical synchronization signal) to the host CPU 151 via the CPUI / F203 every 1/60 second (about 16.6 ms).
When the host CPU 151 inputs the V blank interrupt signal from the VDP 200, the host CPU 151 executes the V blank interrupt process.

In step S921, the host CPU 151 performs a process of updating various counters of the "scene switching counter", the "wait frame", and the "frame counter".
In step S922, the host CPU 151 determines whether or not the drawing end flag = 01. That is, it is determined whether or not the drawing of the frame of the predetermined unit is completed.
If the drawing end flag = 01 (Yes in step S922), the host CPU 151 shifts the process to step S923, and if the drawing end flag = 01 (No in step S922), the host CPU 151 ends the current V blank interrupt process. do. That is, even if the V blank interrupt signal is input, if the drawing is not completed, the processing after step S923 is not performed.
In step S923, the host CPU 151 sets the drawing end flag = 00 (turns off the drawing end flag).
In step S924, the host CPU 151 gives an instruction to the memory controller 209 of the VDP 200 to switch between the “display frame buffer” and the “drawing frame buffer”.
In step S925, the host CPU 151 sets the FB switching flag = 01 (turns on the FB switching flag), cancels the standby state in step S905 (see FIG. 23), and ends the current V blank interrupt process. do.

Next, the outline of the lamp control board 140 will be briefly described.
When the effect control board 120 receives the effect command, the lamp control board 140 reads out the effect device operation program based on the received effect command and controls the operation of the effect device 32. At the same time, the effect lighting device control program is read out based on the received effect command to control the effect lighting device 33 and the light guide body 60.
Further, in the lamp control board 140, when a command for the effect button is received from the image control board 150 via the effect control board 120, the effect button operation program is read out based on the received command for the effect button, and the effect button is read. 8 is controlled.

Hereinafter, an example of the effect performed on the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a flow of production after the start of fluctuation and before the development of SP reach.
In FIG. 28A, the effect symbol 35 is in the stop mode. In this state, for example, when the game ball wins the first starting port 13, the variable icon 36 is displayed in the lower center of the image display device 31, and as shown in FIG. 28B, the own character CH1 Appears and the variable display of the effect symbol 35 is started.
If this fluctuation is a normal fluctuation, the effect symbol 35 is stopped and displayed without reaching.

In FIG. 28 (c), the effect symbol 35 is in a reach state in which the left symbol and the right symbol are temporarily stopped with the same outcome, and the normal reach effect is started. When this fluctuation becomes a big hit or a loss in the normal reach, the effect symbol 35 is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol or the lost symbol.
After the start of the normal reach production, in FIG. 28D, the enemy character CH2 appears against the own character CH1 and develops into the SP reach production.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the SP reach production that can be developed from the normal reach production is a fellow SP reach in which a fellow character appears and the production progresses together with the fellow character, and the directing is performed only by the own character CH1 without the fellow character appearing. Other SP reach productions that are in progress.
In addition, the fellow character may be simply abbreviated as a fellow character.
The own character and the enemy character may also be abbreviated as the own character and the enemy character.
In this embodiment, there are four types of fellow SP reach in which the appearing fellow characters are different.
"Character A", "Character B", "Character C", and "Character D" are set as fellow characters that proceed with the production together with the own character CH1.

In the following, the fellow SP reach in which the fellow character A appears is referred to as the fellow SP reach (character A), the fellow SP reach in which the fellow character B appears is referred to as the fellow SP reach (character B), and the fellow SP reach in which the fellow character C appears. Is explained as a fellow SP reach (character C).
The contents of these fellow SP reach differ depending on the fellow characters that appear, and the jackpot expectation level differs depending on the fellow characters. For example, the jackpot expectation increases in the order of "Character A", "Character B", "Character C", and "Character D".

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the production after the development to the fellow SP reach (character A).
In FIG. 29 (a), the effect symbol 35 (right symbol, left symbol) moves to the left and right sides of the upper end of the image display device 31 in a mode without decoration (transition effect), and the SP reach effect is started. NS.
The SP reach production started here is a fellow SP reach (character A).
In addition to the opposing character CH1 and enemy character CH2, a fellow character CH-A (character A) appears, and a caption such as "Suketa sword!" Is displayed as a line of the fellow character CH-A (character A). NS.
In the fellow SP reach (character A), a battle is fought between the own character CH1, the fellow character CH-A (character A), and the enemy character CH2, and then by the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-A (character A). The unfolded "cooperative attack production" is started.
Such a "cooperative attack production" is a preliminary production that suggests to the player the degree of expectation of the fluctuation and the reach of the development destination by the production content in which the own character CH1 and the fellow character collaborate.

As will be described later, a "cooperative attack production" with a fellow character is performed even during the ally SP reach with another fellow character. In addition, the "cooperative attack production" has different contents depending on the companion characters that appear.
In the following, the cooperative attack performed with the fellow character A during the fellow SP reach (character A) is referred to as "cooperative attack production (character A)", and the cooperation performed with the fellow character B during the fellow SP reach (character B) described later. The attack is called "cooperative attack production (character B)", and the cooperative attack performed with fellow character C during fellow SP reach (character C) is called "cooperative attack production (character C)", and during fellow SP reach (character D). The cooperative attack performed with the fellow character "Character D" will be described as "Cooperative attack production (Character D)".

The "cooperative attack effect (character A)" will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 (b) to 29 (e).
When the "cooperative attack production (character A)" is started in FIG. 29 (b), the fellow character CH-A (character A) fights against the enemy character CH2 in FIG. 29 (c), and each time the enemy character wins, the enemy character becomes an enemy character. The "aura" of CH2 is combined with the variable icon 36, and the effect of changing the variable icon 36 is performed.
The variable icon 36, which was the default color (white) in FIG. 29 (b), changes to "blue" in FIG. 29 (c), changes to "green" in FIG. 29 (d), and changes to "green" in FIG. 29 (e). Then it changes to "red". Of course, there are cases where the fellow character CH-A (character A) cannot defeat the enemy at all and the variable icon 36 does not change from the default color, or the change ends up to the halfway changed color.
The change of the variable icon due to the "cooperative attack effect (character A)" can be executed exclusively from the pending change according to the table of FIG. 41, which will be described later. That is, when performing the "cooperative attack effect (character A)", it is possible to control so that the hold change based on FIG. 41 is not performed.
In addition, the change of the variable icon due to the "cooperative attack effect (character A)" can be exclusively executed for the "cherry hold effect" described later, and it is possible to control so that both are not executed at the same time. ..
In the change of the variable icon due to "cooperative attack production (Character A)", in the case of a big hit, the variable icon remains the default "white" with a probability of 10%, and becomes "blue" with a probability of 20%. It changes, with a 30% chance of changing to "green" and a 40% chance of changing to "red".
In the case of a loss, the variable icon will remain the default "white" with a 40% chance, change to "blue" with a 30% chance, and change to "green" with a 20% chance. There is a 10% chance that it will turn "red".

When the "cooperative attack production (character A)" is completed, the joint battle SPSP production (character A) is executed in FIG. 29 (f).
The joint battle SPSP production is a production in which the own character and the fellow character fight together to fight against the enemy character, and the joint battle SPSP production (character A) is a production in which the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-A (character A) fight together. be.
According to the outcome of this "joint battle SPSP reach" (win or lose of the battle with the enemy character), the jackpot or loss is definitely shown.

From "Cooperative attack production (Character A)", not only the joint battle SPSSP production, but also "Growth SPSP reach" and "Super growth" in which only your character CH1 appears without fellow characters appearing in Fig. 29 (g). It can develop into "SPSP reach".
The jackpot or loss is definitely shown according to the outcome of the "growth SPSP reach" and "super-growth SPSP reach" (win or lose of the battle with the enemy character).
"Super-growth SPSP reach" has a higher expectation of big hits than "Growth SPSP reach", and "Co-op SPSP reach" has a higher expectation than "Super-growth SPSP reach". Compared to the reach in which only the own character CH1 appears, the “joint battle SPSP reach” in which the joint battle with fellow characters is performed is set to have a higher expectation for big hits.

In addition, it may be possible to develop the joint battle SPSP production (Character A) and other "growth SPSP reach" and "super growth SPSP reach" only from the "cooperative attack production (character A)" of the fellow SPSP production (character A). No.
By the way, in particular, "joint battle SPSP reach" (character A) can not be developed only from fellow SP reach (character A).
As shown in FIG. 29, even if the character CH1 does not develop into a fellow SP reach (character A) from FIG. 28 (d) but develops into an SP reach (single) in which the own character CH1 appears alone, the SP reach It can develop from (single) to "joint battle SPSP reach" (character A).

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the production after the development to the fellow SP reach (character B).
In FIG. 30A, the effect symbol 35 (right symbol, left symbol) moves to the left and right sides of the upper end of the image display device 31 in a mode without decoration (transition effect), and the SP reach effect is started. NS.
The SP reach production started here is a fellow SP reach (character B).
In addition to the opposing character CH1 and enemy character CH2, a fellow character CH-B (character B) appears, and a caption such as "It's an assistant sword!" Is displayed as a line of the fellow character CH-B (character B). NS.

The “cooperative attack effect (character B)” will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 (b) to 29 (e).
When the "cooperative attack effect (character B)" is started in FIG. 30 (b), the fellow character CH-B (character B) attacks the roulette R to change the display content.
This roulette R indicates the SPSP reach of the development destination, and the "cooperative attack production (character B)" is the production content of indicating the development destination SPSP reach to the player.
"Growth" is displayed on the roulette R in FIG. 30 (c) by the first attack of the fellow character CH-B (character B). This means that after the end of "cooperative attack production", it will develop into "growth SPSP reach".

Further, when the fellow character CH-B (character B) attacks the roulette R, "super growth" is displayed on the roulette R in FIG. 30 (d). This means that after the end of the "cooperative attack production", it will develop into a "super-growth SPSP reach".
Further, when the fellow character CH-B (character B) attacks the roulette R, "joint battle" is displayed on the roulette R in FIG. 30 (e). This means that after the end of the "cooperative attack production", it will develop into a "co-op SPSP reach". This "co-op SPSP reach" is a "co-op SPSP reach (character B)" that fights with a fellow character CH-B (character B).

Eventually, the roulette R advanced to "joint battle", so it was decided that this change would develop into "joint battle SPSP reach (character B)" after the end of "cooperative attack production".
The development destination by the "cooperative attack production (character B)" in FIG. 30 is an example, and depending on the number of attacks by the fellow character CH-B (character B) against the roulette R, "growth SPSP reach" or "super growth SPSP reach" Can be shown to develop into any of the above. In addition, the display of roulette R does not change due to the attack of fellow character CH-B (character B), and as a result, whether it develops into "growth SPSP reach", "super growth SPSP reach", or "co-op SPSP reach" It may not be specified.
When the "cooperative attack production (character B)" is completed, according to the result, it develops into "co-op SPSP reach" (character B) as shown in FIG. 30 (f), or as shown in FIG. 30 (g). It develops into other SPSP reach, such as "Growth SPSP Reach" and "Super Growth SPSP Reach", in which the character CH1 progresses independently.
In this way, in "Cooperative Attack Direction (Character B)", all SPSP reach of development destination candidates are displayed on roulette R, and it is fun to watch which SPSP reach develops from the specified candidates. Can be done.
By the way, in particular, "joint battle SPSP reach (character B)" cannot be developed only from fellow SP reach (character B) including this "cooperative attack production (character B)".
As shown in FIG. 30, even if the character CH1 does not develop into the fellow SP reach (character B) from FIG. 28 (d) but develops into the SP reach (single) in which the own character CH1 appears alone, the SP reach It can be directly developed from (single) to "joint battle SPSP reach (character B)".

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the production after the development to the fellow SP reach (character C).
In FIG. 31 (a), the effect symbol 35 (right symbol, left symbol) moves to the left and right sides of the upper end of the image display device 31 in a mode without decoration (transition effect), and the SP reach effect is started. NS.
The SP reach production started here is a fellow SP reach (character C).
In addition to the opposing character CH1 and enemy character CH2, a fellow character CH-C (character C) appears, and the fellow character CH-C (character C) displays a caption such as "Suketa Sword" as a line. Will be done.
The “cooperative attack effect (character C)” will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 (b) to 31 (e).
After the "cooperative attack production (character C)" is started in FIG. 31 (b), the fellow character CH-C (character C) CH and the own character CH1 cooperate in FIG. 31 (c) to display the "cooperative attack effect (character C)" on the screen. Start stocking icons with "Co-op", "Growth", "Super Growth", etc.
The icon indicates the SPSP reach of the development destination, and the "cooperative attack effect (character C)" is an effect content that indicates the SPSP reach of the development destination to the player.

When the fellow character CH-C (character C) and the own character CH1 stock the "growth" icon, it develops into "growth SPSP reach" after the end of "cooperative attack production".
When the fellow character CH-C (character C) and the own character CH1 stock the "super growth" icon, it develops into "super growth SPSP reach" after the end of "cooperative attack production".
When the fellow character CH-C (character C) and the own character CH1 stock the "co-op" icon, it develops into "co-op SPSP reach" after the "cooperative attack production" is completed.

In FIG. 31 (d), the fellow character CH-C (character C) and the own character CH1 stocked the "co-op" icon. It was decided to develop into.
In addition, the development destination by the "cooperative attack production (character C)" in FIG. 31 is an example, and when the fellow character CH-C (character C) stocks the "growth" icon or the "super growth" icon, the "growth SPSP" It is shown to develop into either "reach" or "super-growth SPSP reach".
When the "cooperative attack production (character C)" is completed, according to the result, it develops into "co-op SPSP reach" (character C) as shown in FIG. 31 (e), or as shown in FIG. 30 (f). It develops into other SPSP reach, such as "Growth SPSP Reach" and "Super Growth SPSP Reach", in which the character CH1 progresses independently.

By the way, in particular, "joint battle SPSP reach" (character D) can not be developed only from the fellow SP reach (character D) including this character D continuous striking performance.
As shown in FIG. 31, even if the character CH1 does not develop into the fellow SP reach (character C) from FIG. 28 (d) but develops into the SP reach (single) in which the own character CH1 appears alone, the SP reach It can be directly developed from (single) to "joint battle SPSP reach" (character C).
Further, in FIG. 31 (c), all the icons corresponding to the SPSP reach that can be developed such as "joint battle", "growth", and "super growth" are displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, if only one icon is displayed at the beginning and the fellow character CH-C (character C) stocks the icon, a new icon will appear each time and the fellow character CH-C (character C) will appear. You may try to stock it. Finally, it develops into an SPSP reach corresponding to the icon stocked by the fellow character CH-C (character C).
By doing so, the player can watch the production without knowing all of the SPSP reach of the development destination candidate, and can enjoy the game while feeling the thrill and expectation.
Since the SPSP reach of all development destination candidates is displayed on the roulette R, it is possible to find pleasure in watching which SPSP reach develops from the specified candidate "cooperative attack production (character B)". Has different meanings.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the production after the development to the fellow SP reach (character D).
In FIG. 32 (a), the effect symbol 35 (right symbol, left symbol) moves to the left and right sides of the upper end of the image display device 31 in a mode without decoration (transition effect), and the SP reach effect is started. NS.
The SP reach production started here is a fellow SP reach (character D).
In addition to the opposing character CH1 and enemy character CH2, a fellow character CH-D (character D) appears, and the fellow character CH-D (character D) has a caption such as "I will fight!" Is displayed.
The “cooperative attack effect (character D)” will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 (b) to 32 (e).
After the "cooperative attack effect (character D)" is started in FIG. 32 (b), the fellow character CH-D (character D) starts stocking the icons on the screen in FIG. 32 (c).
In FIGS. 32 (d) and 32 (e), when the fellow character CH-D (character D) stocks the icon, the continuous hit points to be used in the subsequent continuous hit production are accumulated, and the effect button 8 corresponding to the points is accumulated. A large number of icons imitating are arranged on the screen.
The number of icons imitating the effect button 8, that is, the size of the repeated hit points, indicates the degree of expectation of a big hit. If this fluctuation is a big hit, the number of icons imitating the effect button 8 will increase, and if it is lost, the number of icons will decrease.

When the "cooperative attack effect (character D)" is completed in this way, the "character D continuous hit effect" shown in FIGS. 32 (f) to 32 (h) is performed as the effect of the first half of the SPSP reach effect.
The "character D continuous striking effect" is an effect in which the continuous striking operation of the effect button 8 can be performed by the amount of the continuous striking points accumulated in the "cooperative attack effect (character D)".

When the "character D repeated hitting effect" is started in FIG. 32 (f), a boss-like appearance appears in FIG. 32 (g), a caption such as "VS boss" is displayed, and in FIG. 32 (h), "continuous hitting" is displayed. The caption "And defeat the enemy!" Is displayed, and the player can repeatedly hit the effect button 8.
Each time the effect button 8 is operated, the number of icons is reduced by one, and all the icons are not displayed, or when a predetermined period elapses after the start of the "character D continuous hit effect", the "character D continuous hit effect" is produced. Is the end.
For development that indicates whether the roulette R at the end will develop into "joint battle SPSP reach" or other SPSP reach such as "growth SPSP reach" and "super growth SPSP reach" in which the character CH1 progresses independently. The icon stops.

It should be noted that this "Character D repeated hitting effect" does not settle with the boss enemy (the jackpot or loss of this fluctuation is definitely shown).
When the "Character D continuous hitting effect" is completed, it develops into "Co-op SPSP reach" (Character D) as shown in FIG. 32 (i), or "Growth SPSP reach" as shown in FIG. 32 (j). It develops into other SPSP reach, such as "Super Growth SPSP Reach", in which your character CH1 progresses independently.

By the way, in particular, "Co-op SPSP Reach" (Character D) can not be developed only from fellow SP Reach (Character D) including this "Character D continuous hitting production".
As shown in FIG. 32, the SP reach (single) in which the own character CH1 appears independently without developing from the fellow SP reach (character D) including the "cooperative attack production (character D)" from FIG. 28 (d). Even if it develops into, it can develop directly from the SP reach (single) to "joint battle SPSP reach" (character D).
However, in order to develop into "Co-op SP SP Reach" (Character D) via fellow SP Reach (Character D) including "Cooperative Attack Direction (Character D)", "Co-op SP SP Reach" (Character D) " As the first half (first stage) of, the above-mentioned "Character D continuous hitting production" is always performed.

When the "cooperative attack production (character D)" is started from FIG. 28 (d), a band such as "character D is fighting together!" Indicates that the production related to the fellow character CH-D (character D) is being performed. The display is done.
The band display of "Character D is fighting together!" Is "Character D in a continuous striking effect" in FIGS. 28 (d) to 28 (h), and "Character D in a continuous striking effect" is being executed. It can be continuously executed even during the execution of the "Co-op SPSP Reach" production.
As will be explained later with reference to FIG. 36, in the "Co-op SPSP reach" with the character D, the band display of "Character D co-op is in progress!" Continues to be displayed, and the "Co-op SPSP reach" development after the "Character D continuous hit production" Immediately after, immediately before the execution of the winning branch effect accompanied by the button operation, when the symbol is temporarily stopped after the winning branch effect is executed, and until the symbol is confirmed, it can be continuously performed.
The band display of "Character D in joint battle!" May be hidden immediately after the development of "Collaboration SPSP Reach" after "Character D continuous hit production", or it is hidden immediately before the execution of the winning branch production accompanied by button operation. It may be hidden when the symbol is temporarily stopped after the winning branch effect is executed, or it may be hidden when the symbol is confirmed.
And even if "Character D continuous hitting production" is not performed and "Co-op SP SP reach" develops from SP reach (single) in Fig. 38 (k), "Character D is fighting together" in "Co-op SP SP reach" with character D! Display the band display. Even if the band display of "Character D is fighting together!" Is performed before and after the start of "Cooperative attack production (Character D)" in which Character D first appears (from FIG. 32 (a) or FIG. 32 (b)). good.

In this way, even if it develops into "Co-op SP SP Reach" (Character D) via Companion SP Reach (Character D) including "Cooperative Attack Direction (Character D)", Companion SP Reach (Character D) Even if it develops from SP reach (single) to "joint battle SPSP reach" (character D) without going through, after the winning production (decision production, symbol temporary stop) performed in "joint battle SPSP reach" (character D) " The same production is performed.
With or without passing through the fellow SP reach (character D) including "cooperative attack production (character D)", after a specific timing (for example, "character D continuous hitting production" in the former case, the SPSP production After the deciding effect is executed and the design is provisionally confirmed), the same effect that the band display of "Character D is fighting together!" Is finished is being performed.

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the SP reach effect in which the own character appears independently.
After the development of SP reach in FIGS. 29 (h), 30 (h), 31 (g), and 32 (k), in FIG. 33 (a), "capture the enemy" together with the enemy character CH2, etc. Caption is displayed.
Further, in FIG. 33B, a caption such as "Where is the enemy?" Is displayed together with the own character CH1, indicating that the own character CH1 and the enemy character CH2 are confronted with each other.

If this fluctuation develops into SPSP reach or becomes a loss, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), a caption such as "The enemy has escaped!" Is displayed together with the own character CH1, and the production symbol 35 Is temporarily stopped in the lost mode, and in FIG. 33 (d), only the effect symbol 35 that is temporarily stopped in the lost mode is displayed.
When this fluctuation develops into SPSP reach, the process proceeds to FIGS. 29, 30, 31, and 32, and in the case of loss, the process proceeds to FIG. 35.
If this fluctuation becomes a big hit as it is, as shown in FIG. 33 (e), a caption such as "I caught an enemy!" Is displayed together with the own character CH1 and the enemy character CH2, and the effect symbol 35 is a big hit. Only the effect symbol 35 that temporarily stops in the mode and is temporarily stopped in the jackpot mode is displayed in FIG. 33 (f). If this fluctuation is a big hit, proceed to FIG. 34.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a flow of production when the SP reach is a big hit.
FIG. 34 (a) shows a temporary stop display of the effect symbol 35 that continues from FIG. 33 (f).
In FIG. 34 (b), the effect symbol 35 starts to re-variate (starts to move away in the depth direction), and the effect symbol 35 finally becomes invisible in FIG. 34 (c).

When this variation display is accompanied by re-variation (promotion), the effect symbol 35 moves (approaches) toward the player in FIG. 34 (d) and becomes visible again when it becomes visible again. It changes to a mode (for example, a probabilistic symbol of "5", "5", "5") and is temporarily stopped.

Then, with the end of the fluctuation time (stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol), the effect symbol 35 is fixedly stopped in FIG. 34 (e).
When this variation display is not accompanied by re-variation (promotion), the effect symbol 35 moves (approaches) toward the player in FIG. 34 (f) and becomes visible again when the display becomes visible again. It is temporarily suspended without changing from the result of (a) (promotion fails).
Then, with the end of the fluctuation time (stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol), the effect symbol 35 is fixedly stopped in FIG. 34 (g).

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a flow of production when the SP reach is lost.
FIG. 35A shows a temporary stop display of the effect symbol 35 continuing from FIG. 33D.
In FIG. 35 (b), the screen conversion effect is performed while leaving the effect symbol 35. For example, the screen is blacked out as a conversion effect.
Then, in FIG. 35 (c), when the blackout is completed, the effect screen is returned to the normal effect screen (at the start of fluctuation), and the effect symbol 35 is also returned to the decorated mode and oscillating display. Will be done.

After that, with the end of the fluctuation time (stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol), as shown in FIG. 35 (d), the effect symbol 35 is fixedly stopped in the loss mode (“4”, “5”, “4”).
As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the SP reach ends, the large effect symbol 35 is stopped (lost) without a character or the like. After that, when the screen is blacked out as a conversion effect and the effect screen returns to the normal screen (screen before reach development) after the blackout, the effect symbol 35 returns to the decorated state and is confirmed.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a flow of production of “joint battle SPSP reach”. In FIG. 36, an example of “joint battle SPSP reach” (character D) will be described. Although the enemy characters that appear in "Co-op SPSP Reach" (Character D) with different companion characters are different, it can be said that basically any "Co-op SPSP Reach" (Character D) has similar contents.
Continuing from FIGS. 29 (f), 30 (f), 31 (e), and 31 (i), the “joint battle SPSP reach” effect is developed in FIG. 36 (a).
As described with reference to FIG. 32, immediately after the development of the “joint battle SPSP reach” with the character D, the band display of “immediately before the execution of the winning branch effect accompanied by the button operation” that continues from the character D continuous hitting effect is displayed.

In FIG. 36 (b), the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-D (character D) confront the enemy character CH2, and the battle is started.
At this point, the band display of "Character D is fighting together !!" may be deleted or the display may be continued.
In FIG. 36 (c-1), the effect is performed in which the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-D (character D) make a first strike against the enemy character CH2.
FIG. 36 (c-2) shows an effect in which the enemy character CH2 makes a first strike against the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-D (character D).
The production of the own character first strike in FIG. 36 (c-1) corresponds to the fluctuation production pattern of high expectation, and the production of the enemy character first strike in FIG. 36 (c-2) has high expectation. It is performed in response to the variable production pattern.
At the time of FIGS. 36 (c-1) and 36 (c-2), the band display of "Character D is fighting together !!" may be deleted or the display may be continued.

Next, the button effect is performed in FIG. 36 (d). In the button effect, the effect button image 80 and the remaining time gauge 81 are displayed on the image display device 31.
In the present embodiment, at this point, the band display of "Character D is fighting together !!" is deleted. However, the display may be continued as it is.

When the fluctuation being performed becomes a big hit directly without going through the recovery from the suggestion of loss, when the effect button 8 is operated, the confirmation gimmick 32 operates as the hit operation effect in FIG. 36 (e).
Then, after the hit operation effect, the final gimmick 32 returns to the origin position, and then the victory effect shown in FIG. 36 (f) is performed.
In the winning effect, the effect symbol 35A is temporarily stopped in a hit manner. At the same time, the appearance of the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-D (character D) defeating the enemy character CH2 is displayed.

When the fluctuation being performed is revived from the loss or the suggestion of the loss and becomes a big hit, the confirmation gimmick 32 indicating the hit confirmation does not operate (fall) even if the effect button 8 is operated, as shown in FIG. 36 (g). Further, in FIG. 36 (h), the production symbol is temporarily stopped in a lost manner while the own character CH1 and the fellow character CH-D (character D) are defeated.
The band display of "Character D in battle !!", which had been continuously displayed at the time of FIG. 36 (d), may be deleted at this point, and the display continues until the symbols shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 are stopped. You may.
When this fluctuation is accompanied by an effect of recovering from the suggestion of loss, the confirmation gimmick 32 operates from the state in which the effect symbol 35 is temporarily stopped in the loss mode.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing the flow of the production of SPSP reach (single).
Continuing from FIGS. 29 (g), 30 (g), 31 (f), and 31 (j), the SPSP reach effect is developed in FIG. 37 (a).
In FIG. 37 (b), the own character CH1 confronts the enemy character CH2, and the battle is started.
In FIG. 37 (c-1), the effect that the own character CH1 makes a first strike against the enemy character CH2 is performed.
FIG. 37 (c-2) shows an effect in which the enemy character CH2 makes a first strike against the own character CH1.
The production of the own character first strike in FIG. 37 (c-1) corresponds to the fluctuation production pattern of high expectation, and the production of the enemy character first strike in FIG. 37 (c-2) has high expectation. It is performed in response to the variable production pattern.

Next, the button effect is performed in FIG. 37 (d). In the button effect, the effect button image 80 and the remaining time gauge 81 are displayed on the image display device 31.

When the fluctuation being performed becomes a big hit directly without going through the recovery from the suggestion of loss, when the effect button 8 is operated, the confirmation gimmick 32 operates as a hit operation effect.
Then, after the hit operation effect, the final gimmick 32 returns to the origin position, and then the victory effect shown in FIG. 37 (f) is performed.
In the winning effect, the effect symbol 35A is temporarily stopped in a hit manner. At the same time, the appearance of the own character CH1 defeating the enemy character CH2 is displayed.

When the fluctuation being performed is revived from the loss or the suggestion of the loss and becomes a big hit, the confirmation gimmick 32 indicating the hit confirmation does not operate (fall) even if the effect button 8 is operated, as shown in FIG. 37 (g). Further, in FIG. 36 (h), the production symbol is temporarily stopped in a lost manner as the own character CH1 is defeated.
When this fluctuation is accompanied by an effect of recovering from the suggestion of loss, the confirmation gimmick 32 operates from the state in which the effect symbol 35 is temporarily stopped in the loss mode.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a flow of production when the SP reach is a big hit.
Continuing from FIGS. 36 and 37, this is a flow of production common to the “joint battle SPSP reach” and the SPSP reach performed by the own character alone.
FIG. 38 (a) shows a temporary stop display of the effect symbol 35 that continues from FIGS. 36 (f) and 37 (f).
In FIG. 38 (b), the effect symbol 35 starts to re-variate (starts to move away in the depth direction), and the effect symbol 35 finally becomes invisible in FIG. 34 (c).

When this variation display is accompanied by re-variation (promotion), the effect symbol 35 moves (approaches) toward the player in FIG. 34 (d) and becomes visible again when it becomes visible again. It changes to a mode (for example, a probabilistic symbol of "5", "5", "5") and is temporarily stopped.

Then, with the end of the fluctuation time (stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol), the effect symbol 35 is fixedly stopped in FIG. 34 (e).
When this variation display is not accompanied by re-variation (promotion), the effect symbol 35 moves (approaches) toward the player in FIG. 34 (f) and becomes visible again when the display becomes visible again. It is temporarily suspended without changing from the result of (a) (promotion fails).
Then, with the end of the fluctuation time (stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol), the effect symbol 35 is fixedly stopped in FIG. 34 (g).

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a flow of production when the SP reach is lost.
FIG. 35 (a) shows a temporary stop display of the effect symbol 35 that continues from FIGS. 36 (h) and 37 (h).
In FIG. 35 (b), the screen conversion effect is performed while leaving the effect symbol 35. For example, the screen is blacked out as a conversion effect.
Then, in FIG. 35 (c), when the blackout is completed, the effect screen is returned to the normal effect screen (at the start of fluctuation), and the effect symbol 35 is also returned to the decorated mode and oscillating display. Will be done.

After that, with the end of the fluctuation time (stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol), as shown in FIG. 35 (d), the effect symbol 35 is fixedly stopped in the loss mode (“4”, “5”, “4”).
As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the SP reach ends, the large effect symbol 35 is stopped (lost) without a character or the like. After that, when the screen is blacked out as a conversion effect and the effect screen returns to the normal screen (screen before reach development) after the blackout, the effect symbol 35 returns to the decorated state and is confirmed.

[Change effect of the variable icon]
Next, the change effect of the variable icon (holding icon) performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described.
(1) Icon disconnection change effect In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, two types of change effects of the variable icon 36 described below are performed. One is a pending change effect that changes the mode of the variable icon 36 by cutting the variable icon with a sword.
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of the icon cutting change effect.
The icon disconnection change effect can be executed when it is confirmed that the hold change effect is to be performed in the hold change determination process performed at the time of starting winning.
In FIG. 40A, for example, when the variable icon 36 is green, the sword image 37 is displayed and the icon cutting change effect is started.
In FIG. 40 (b), the sword image 37 cuts into the variable icon 36, the sound effect of "Zubaba" and the character image 38 are displayed, and the variable icon 36 is about to be cut.
When the sound effect of "Bassari" and the character image 38 are displayed as they are in FIG. 40 (c), the variable icon 36 is disconnected.
Then, in FIG. 40 (d), the variable icon 36 becomes “red” and the change is successful, and the pending change effect is performed.
On the other hand, when the sound effect and the character image 38 of "Bassari" are not displayed after FIG. 40 (b) as shown in FIG. 40 (e), the variable icon 36 is displayed as shown in FIG. 40 (f). The change icon 36 remains "green" without being disconnected, the change fails, and the hold change effect is not performed.

The icon cutting change effect can be performed according to the table shown in FIG.
In addition, when the above-mentioned "cooperative attack effect (character A)" which is a substantial change effect of the variable icon is performed, it is possible not to perform the icon disconnection change effect. That is, the variable icon change of the "cooperative attack effect (character A)" and the variable icon change due to the icon disconnection change effect can be performed exclusively with each other.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a hold change scenario table when the execution of the hold change effect is confirmed in the hold change determination process performed at the time of starting winning.
In FIG. 41, the starting colors of the pending change are “blue”, “green”, and “red”, but it is natural that the starting color may be started from the default “white”.
During normal reach, there is a 10% chance that the hold change effect specified in the change scenario will be performed, during SP reach there will be a 50% chance that the hold change effect specified in the change scenario will be performed, and during SPSP reach. There is a 90% chance that the pending change effect specified in the change scenario will be performed.
First, a mode of pending change in the case of a big hit will be described. When hitting from normal reach, the starting color is "blue". Change scenario 1 is selected with a 40% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach, and change scenario 2 with a 60% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach. Is selected.

If you win from SP reach and the start color is "blue", there is a 10% chance that the variable icon will be kept "blue" during normal reach and SP reach. Change scenario 3 will be selected. There is a 20% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach, and change scenario 4 will be selected that will change to "green" during SP reach, and there is a 25% chance that the variable icon will have normal reach. Change scenario 5 that changes to "green" during and remains "green" during SP reach is selected, and there is a 45% chance that the variable icon will change to "green" during normal reach and SP reach. Change scenario 6 that changes to "red" is selected.
If you win from SP reach and the start color is "green", there is a 20% chance that change scenario 7 will be selected in which the variable icon will be kept "green" during normal reach and SP reach, and 80 There is a% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach and change scenario 8 will change to "red" during SP reach.

When hitting from SPSP reach and the starting color is "blue", there is a 4% chance that the variable icon will be maintained at "blue" during normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach. Change scenario 9 Is selected, and there is a 6% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach and SP reach, and change scenario 10 will change to "green" during SPSP reach.
In addition, there is a 9% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach, change to "green" during SP reach, and change scenario 11 will remain "green" during SPSP reach. Then, with an 11% probability, the change scenario 12 in which the change icon changes to "green" during normal reach and is maintained in "green" during SP reach and SPSP reach is selected.
In addition, there is a 30% chance that the variable icon will change to "green" during normal reach, change to "red" during SP reach, and change scenario 13 will be maintained at "red" during SPSP reach. Will be done.
Also, with a 40% chance, a change scenario 14 is selected in which the variable icon changes to "green" during normal reach, changes to "red" during SP reach, and changes to "gold" during SPSP reach. ..

If you win from SPSP reach and the start color is "green", there is a 30% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach and change to "red" during SP reach. , Change scenario 15 that remains "red" during SPSP reach is selected, with a 70% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach and "red" during SP reach. Change scenario 16 is selected, which changes and changes to "gold" during SPSP reach.

When hitting from SPSP reach and the starting color is "red", there is a 40% chance that the variable icon will be maintained at "red" during normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach. Is selected, and there is a 60% chance that the variable icon will remain "red" during normal reach and SP reach, and change scenario 18 will change to "gold" during SPSP reach.

A mode of pending change in the case of loss will be described.
If the normal reach is lost, the starting color is "blue". A change scenario 21 is selected with a 60% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach, and a 40% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach 22. Is selected.

When the SP reach is lost and the start color is "blue", there is a 45% chance that the change scenario 23 will be selected in which the variable icon will be maintained in "blue" during normal reach and SP reach. There is a 25% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach, a change scenario 24 that will change to "green" during SP reach will be selected, and a 20% chance that the variable icon will reach normal. A change scenario 25 that changes to "green" during and remains "green" during SP reach is selected, and with a 10% chance, the variable icon changes to "green" during normal reach and SP reach. A change scenario 26 that changes to "red" is selected.
If the SP reach is lost and the start color is "green", there is an 80% chance that the variable icon will be maintained in "green" during normal reach and SP reach. Change scenario 27 will be selected, and 20 There is a% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach and change scenario 28 will change to "red" during SP reach.

If the SPSP reach is lost and the start color is "blue", there is a 40% chance that the variable icon will be maintained in "blue" during normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach. Is selected, and with a 30% chance, a change scenario 30 is selected in which the variable icon is maintained in "blue" during normal reach and SP reach, and changes to "green" during SPSP reach.
In addition, there is an 11% chance that the variable icon will remain "blue" during normal reach, change to "green" during SP reach, and the change scenario 31 will remain "green" during SPSP reach. Then, with a 9% probability, the change scenario 32 in which the change icon changes to "green" during normal reach and is maintained in "green" during SP reach is selected.

In addition, there is a 6% chance that the variable icon will change to "green" during normal reach, change to "red" during SP reach, and a change scenario 33 that will remain "red" during SPSP reach will be selected. Will be done.
Also, with a 4% chance, a change scenario 34 is selected in which the variable icon changes to "green" during normal reach, changes to "red" during SP reach, and changes to "gold" during SPSP reach. ..

If the SPSP reach is lost and the start color is "green", there is a 70% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach and change to "red" during SP reach. , Change scenario 35 that remains "red" during SPSP reach is selected, and there is a 30% chance that the variable icon will remain "green" during normal reach and "red" during SP reach. A change scenario 36 that changes and changes to "gold" during SPSP reach is selected.

If the SPSP reach is lost and the start color is "red", there is a 60% chance that the variable icon will be maintained in "red" during normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach 37. Is selected, and there is a 40% chance that the variable icon will remain "red" during normal reach and SP reach, and change scenario 38 will change to "gold" during SPSP reach.
It should be noted that the change of the hold shown in FIG. 43 is just an example, and the timing of any of the start of the fluctuation, before reach, after reach, during reach, first half of SP reach, second half of SP reach, first half of SPSP reach, and second half of SPSP reach. It may be possible to occur in.

The icon disconnection change effect is performed based on the pending change scenario table of FIG. 41 described above.
In the pending change scenario shown in FIG. 41, the icon disconnection change effect that succeeds with a probability of 15% is performed during the normal reach, and the icon disconnection change effect that fails with a probability of 10% is performed. The rest is the case where the icon disconnection change effect is not performed.
During the SP reach, the icon disconnection change effect that succeeds with a 20% probability is performed, and the icon disconnection change effect that fails with a probability of 5% is performed. The rest is the case where the icon disconnection change effect is not performed.
During the SPSP reach, the icon disconnection change effect that succeeds with a probability of 30% is performed, and the icon disconnection change effect that fails with a probability of 2% is performed. The rest is the case where the icon disconnection change effect is not performed.
Therefore, after the SP reach, there is a high possibility that the variable icon 36 cut as "Zubaba" will be cut off as "Bassari" and the display change will be successful (successful icon cutting change effect will be performed).

Another effect of changing the hold icon is cherry blossom hold (petal hold).
(2) "Sakura hold production"
FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a change mode of the variable icon in the “cherry blossom hold effect”.
When the "cherry blossom hold effect" is executed, the variable icon 36 is changed to a mode (petal hold icon 36S) in the shape of a cherry blossom petal.
As shown in FIG. 42, in the initial aspect of the petal hold icon 36S, there is, for example, one petal colored in pink. After that, a change effect is performed in which the number of colored petals changes from 2 to 5. Of course, the colored petals may not change from one of the initial modes. As the number of colored sheets increases, the jackpot expectation increases. Even if the number of colored petals changes up to a maximum of 5, it only shows the degree of expectation based on the number of colored petals. Further, the same applies to the above-mentioned icon cutting change effect, which only shows the degree of expectation based on the color after the change.
On the other hand, as a feature of the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the number of colored petals of the petal holding icon 36S is five under specific conditions, the degree of expectation shown is greatly increased. The specific condition is that you are staying in a production zone called the "Evil Star Zone".
The "Evil Star Zone" itself is not a high-expectation effect, and the "Sakura Hold Production" basically only shows the degree of expectation based on the number of colored petals.
However, when the "Sakura Hold Production" is performed in the "Evil Star Zone" and the maximum 5 petals are colored, the highly anticipated "Sakura Full Bloom Production" is performed and the "Super Growth SPSP Reach" is high. It leads to the reach production of the degree of expectation.

Regardless of the jackpot or loss, if the fluctuation develops to normal reach, there is a 10% chance that the "evil star zone" will be executed, and if the fluctuation develops to SP reach, there is a 20% chance that the "evil star" will be executed. If the "zone" is executed and the fluctuation is an SPSP reach that does not include the "cherry blossom full bloom effect", there is a 10% probability that the "evil star zone" will be executed, and if the SPSP reach includes the "cherry blossom full bloom effect", 100 There is a% chance that the "Evil Star Zone" will be executed.
If the fluctuation becomes a big hit, it is likely to develop to SPSP reach, and if the fluctuation becomes a loss, it is likely to develop to SP reach.
The "evil star zone" is a notice production that is easier to execute with the SP reach, which is more likely to be lost than the SPSP reach. That is, the "evil star zone" is an effect in which the reliability (expectation) is set low. However, since 100% is selected in the SPSP reach where the "Sakura full bloom production" is performed, in that case, it will be executed as a highly reliable production.

Overall, the "Sakura Hold Production" is a more reliable production than the "Sakura Hold Production", or conversely, the "Sakura Hold Production" is generally more reliable than the "Sakura Hold Production". It may be a production.

FIG. 43 is a diagram for explaining the “cherry blossom hold effect” performed in the “evil star zone”.
For example, the SP reach shown in FIG. 43 (a) is performed. It may be normal reach or before reach.
When the evil star Y appears in FIG. 43 (b) and covers the entire screen, the "evil star zone" is started in FIG. 43 (c).
During the stay in the "evil star zone", the variable icon 36 changed to the petal hold icon 36S in FIG. 43 (d), and the "cherry hold effect" was started. Of course, the "cherry blossom hold production" can be performed regardless of whether or not the "evil star zone" is executed.
In FIG. 43 (d), as a result of the “growth charge” effect of increasing the number of colored petals of the petal hold icon 36S, when a maximum of 5 petals are colored, “cherry blossoms” as shown in FIG. 43 (e). "Full bloom production" production is performed, and it develops into "super growth SPSP reach" and so on.
The "Sakura full bloom production" production is a highly expected production that can be developed from the "Evil Star Zone" and is more likely to be executed at the time of a big hit than in the case of a loss.
Using the table below, when the "Evil Star Zone" that develops into the "Sakura Full Bloom Production" is being performed, by executing the "Sakura Hold Production" in which up to 5 petals are colored, the "Evil" When the "Sakura Hold Production" in which a maximum of five petals are colored in the "Star Zone" is executed, it can be ensured that the "Sakura Full Bloom Production" develops.
The "Sakura Hold Production", which can be developed from the "Evil Star Zone" to the highly anticipated "Sakura Full Bloom Production", has extremely high expectations compared to the "Sakura Hold Production" that is performed in other cases regardless of the number of colors. , The "growth charge" production will be full of fun for the player.
It should be noted that the change effect of the variable icon in FIG. 41 described above is also performed regardless of whether or not the "evil star zone" is executed.
However, the presence or absence of execution of the "evil star zone" has no effect on the normal change effect of the change icon, and only the degree of color change always indicates the degree of jackpot expectation of the change being performed. ..

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a table (change number determination table) for determining the number of colored petals of the petal hold icon in the “cherry blossom hold effect”.
FIG. 44 (a) is a variation effect pattern in which the cherry blossoms are not in full bloom, but is a table for determining the number of changes when the "evil star zone" is performed. In this case, the number of colored petals of the cherry blossom hold icon 36S does not change to five.
When it becomes a big hit from SP reach, there is a 10% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 30% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 50% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 10% probability of changing to 4 colored petals.
When it becomes a big hit from SPSP reach, there is a 5% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 15% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 25% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 55% probability of changing to 4 colored petals.

If the normal reach is lost, there is a 90% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, there is a 10% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will change to two colored petals.
If the SP reach is lost, there is a 10% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 30% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 50% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 10% probability of changing to 4 colored petals.
If the SPSP reach is lost, there is a 5% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 15% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 25% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 55% probability of changing to 4 colored petals.

FIG. 44 (b) is a table for determining the number of changing sheets when the "evil star zone" is not performed.
When it becomes a big hit from SP reach, there is a 10% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 25% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 45% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 10% probability of changing to 4 colored petals. There is a% chance that the colored petals will change to 5 (maximum).
When it becomes a big hit from SPSP reach, there is a 3% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 12% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 20% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 30% probability of changing to 4 colored petals, 35. The number of colored petals changes to 5 (maximum) at a rate of%.

If the normal reach is lost, there is a 90% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, there is a 10% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will change to two colored petals.
If the SP reach is lost, there is a 10% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 25% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 45% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 10% probability of changing to 4 colored petals. There is a% chance that the colored petals will change to 5 (maximum).
If the SPSP reach is lost, there is a 3% chance that the cherry blossom hold icon 36S will not change and the colored petals will remain one. Then, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S has a 12% probability of changing to 2 colored petals, a 20% probability of changing to 3 colored petals, and a 35% probability of changing to 4 colored petals, 30 The number of colored petals changes to 5 (maximum) at a rate of%.

FIG. 44 (c) is a table for determining the number of changing sheets when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom after the "evil star zone" is performed.
In this case, the cherry blossom hold icon 36S unconditionally changes to 5 (maximum) colored petals regardless of the reach effect and the jackpot determination result.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the notice effect using the hold icon including the icon cutting change effect and the "cherry blossom hold effect" is realized by the process described below performed by the effect control board 120.
FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a pending change determination process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In step S1001, the sub CPU 121 of the effect control board 120 determines whether or not to execute the “cherry blossom hold effect”.
If the tentatively determined variation effect pattern corresponds to the normal reach, SP reach, and SPSP reach that do not include the "Sakura full bloom effect", it is determined that the "Sakura hold effect" is executed with the variation with a probability of 10%. If the tentatively determined variation effect pattern corresponds to the effect including the "sakura full bloom effect", it is determined that the "sakura hold effect" is executed with the variation with a 100% probability.
When it is decided to execute the "cherry blossom hold effect" (Yes in step S1001), the sub CPU 121 decides to execute the "cherry blossom hold effect" in step S1002 and sets a flag for the fluctuation. Details of the "cherry blossom hold effect", such as the number of changing petals, will be determined at the time of the change.
If it is determined not to execute the "cherry blossom hold effect" (No in step S1001), the sub CPU 121 determines in step S1003 whether or not to perform the hold change effect. If the look-ahead result is normal reach, the hold change effect based on the hold change scenario shown in FIG. 41 is performed with a probability of 10%, and if the read-ahead result is SP reach, the hold change scenario shown in FIG. 41 is performed with a probability of 50%. Based on the hold change effect, if it is SPSP reach, the hold change effect based on the hold change scenario shown in FIG. 41 is performed with a probability of 90%.
When it is determined to perform the hold change effect (Yes in step S1003), the sub CPU 121 determines the hold change scenario based on the hold change scenario table of FIG. 41 in step 1004, and sets a flag for the change. ..
As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the "cherry blossom hold effect" and the hold change effect are executed exclusively with each other, and are not executed in parallel or before and after.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating the advance notice effect determination process for determining the advance notice effect using the hold icon including the icon cutting change effect and the “cherry blossom hold effect”.
In step S1101, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not to execute the "evil star zone". Regardless of jackpot or loss, for example, if the fluctuation develops to normal reach, the "evil star zone" is executed with a 10% probability, and if the fluctuation develops to SP reach, there is a 20% probability. If the "Evil Star Zone" is executed and the fluctuation develops into an SPSP reach that does not include the "Sakura Full Bloom Production", there is a 10% chance that the "Evil Star Zone" will be executed and the "Sakura Full Bloom Production" will be included. If the fluctuation develops into SPSP reach, there is a 100% chance that the "Evil Star Zone" will be executed.
Further, in step S1101, the sub CPU 121 determines whether or not it is determined to execute the "cherry blossom hold effect" in the hold change determination process of FIG. 45.
When it is determined that the "cherry blossom hold effect" is to be executed (Yes in step S1101), the sub CPU 121 determines the number of petal changes in the "cherry blossom hold effect" in step S1103 based on the change number determination table of FIG. 44. decide.

When it is determined that the "cherry blossom hold effect" is not executed (No in step S1101), whether or not the sub CPU 121 decides to execute the hold change effect in the hold change determination process of FIG. 45 in step S1104. To judge.
If it is determined that the hold change effect is to be executed (Yes in step S1104), the sub CPU 121 determines the scenario of the icon disconnection effect that ends in success in step S1105.
If it is determined that the hold change effect is not executed (No in step S1104), the sub CPU 121 determines the scenario of the icon disconnection effect that ends in failure in step S1106.

[Ren Gate]
By the way, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when a big hit is made, the big winning opening is not unconditionally opened with the passage of time.
The big winning opening is opened on condition that the game ball passes through an area called a winning combination gate provided at an appropriate position in the right area of the game board 10 after the big hit game state is reached. Therefore, the gaming machine of the present embodiment includes a detection switch (not shown) that detects that the gaming ball has passed through the winning combination gate.
The gate 15 (right gate) provided in the right side area of the game area may also serve as a combination gate. In that case, the detection switch for detecting that the game ball has passed through the combination gate is the gate detection switch 15a of the right gate.
If the game ball passes through the right gate during the validity period of the role-ream gate, a lottery of ordinary symbols will be held and the big prize opening will be opened.
The gate 15 provided in the left side area of the game area cannot also serve as a combination gate.
In such a gaming machine, there is a time lag between the start of the big hit and the opening of the big winning opening, and after the big hit starts, until the game ball passes through the role gate and the opening of the big winning opening is started. It is desirable to configure the production (musical piece) so that the production (musical piece) after the opening of the big prize opening is started can be connected without any discomfort.

FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating control for connecting the effects (musical pieces) without discomfort before and after the opening of the big winning opening after the start of the big hit in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.
・ After the big hit starts / Opening (1st period)
When the gaming machine is in the jackpot gaming state by winning the jackpot, the opening effect is performed.
As shown in FIG. 47 (a), in the opening effect, in the image display device 31, the first instruction display 400 and the first instruction display 400 such as "Aim to the right" requesting that the game ball be passed through the winning combination gate to satisfy a predetermined condition. 2 The instruction display 401 is performed. Along with this, the intro part (A part) of the jackpot music that is reproduced and output after the start of the round game is repeatedly reproduced and output. Here, the display size and the instruction content are different between the first instruction display 400 and the second instruction display 401. For example, the first instruction display 400 is displayed relatively small in the upper right region of the image display device 31, and a plurality of right-pointing arrows are displayed so as to flow from left to right to give the player a right-handed strike. It is an instruction.
Further, the second instruction display 401 is displayed in a large size in the central region of the image display device 31, and displays the characters right-handed (aim at the right!) And highlights such as illuminating the characters from the left side. The player is instructed to hit the right side by displaying it so as to flow to the right side.
As will be described later in FIG. 48, the first instruction display 400 is not performed immediately after the start of the opening effect.
As shown in FIG. 47 (b), some displays having a high priority (first instruction display 400 for instructing right-handed movement, second instruction display 401) are repeatedly displayed as moving images, and the priority is higher than that. Some low displays (background screen, etc.) are displayed as still images (single picture).
When the round game is started, the round effect is displayed, and only the first instruction display 400 out of the first instruction display 400 and the second instruction display 401 that have been displayed up to that point is continuously displayed.
As shown in FIG. 47 (a), when the game ball passes through the winning combination gate and the condition is satisfied during the playback output of the intro part (A part) of the jackpot middle song, the playing A part is played to the end. Output. The second instruction display 401 such as "Aim to the right" in the image display device 31 continuously displays the A part until the end of reproduction. The first instruction display 400 is continuously displayed even during the round game described later. The intro part (A part) is repeatedly reproduced until the condition is satisfied, but the output volume is lowered if the combination gate is not passed for a certain period of time. When the passage of the combination gate is detected while the output volume is low, the output volume is returned to the original volume and the main part (B part) is output.

・ Opening of the big prize opening / round game (second period)
As shown in FIG. 47 (a), when the reproduction output of the A part is completed when the condition is satisfied, the display and the sound are different from those in the first period.
That is, the reproduction output of the main part (B part) of the jackpot middle music is started. Along with this, the image display device 31 displays the effect image (round display) during the jackpot game, and the first instruction display 400 is continuously displayed. Naturally, this round display is different from the opening effect.
The intro part of the jackpot song is repeatedly played and output using the period until the condition is satisfied (the game ball passes through the role gate), and the main part of the jackpot song is played and output when the condition is met. As a result, it is possible to seamlessly play and output a jackpot song whose content changes before and after the condition is satisfied.
Although the explanation has been made so that the right-handed instruction display and the music switching timing are the same timing, the music may be switched at different timings. For example, when the condition is satisfied, the display of the second instruction display 401 may be stopped, a round display may be performed, and the intro portion (A part) may be continuously reproduced until the end.

It should be noted that here, an example is shown in which a gaming machine provided with a combination gate of one type or one type of one, and the voice, music, and display are switched as the combination gate passes, but other types of gaming machines are shown. It may be.
For example, it may be a type 2 or type 1 type 2 type gaming machine. In this gaming machine, a small hit occurs and a big hit state is obtained when the game ball wins a prize in the V winning area provided in the large winning opening. Here, when it becomes a small hit, the large winning opening is opened, and a display such as "Aim for V" and a voice such as "Aim for V" are repeatedly output in order to notify the player of the launch to the V winning area. When a game ball enters the V area in this state, the output is switched to the audio and display output during the round. Even in such a case, the control of the present embodiment can be applied.
Further, it may be a type 1 or type 1 type 1 type gaming machine, and may be a so-called V probability change machine that changes by passing through a specific V region. In this gaming machine, a big hit occurs and the game ball wins a prize in the V winning area provided in the big winning opening, so that the gaming state after the big hit becomes a probabilistic gaming state. Here, when a big hit occurs, the big winning opening is opened, and a display such as "Aim for V" and a voice such as "Aim for V" are repeatedly output in order to notify the player of the launch to the V winning area. When a game ball enters the V area in this state, the output is switched to the audio and display output during the round. Even in such a case, the control of the present embodiment can be applied.
Alternatively, in a gaming machine in which the selection of the effect can be switched by operating the chance button, the sound and display are switched before and after the button operation (when the button operation is performed during the variable effect or the jackpot, the effect is switched, and the sound and display are also switched. It will switch from the one that prompts the button operation until then). Even in such a case, the control of the present embodiment can be applied.

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a display example of the image display device before and after the combination gate is activated.
FIG. 48A shows a display example of the image display device 31 when a jackpot is won in a normal gaming state in which a left-handed hit is performed.
(A-1) indicates a state in which the jackpot symbol is stopped. Here, the first instruction display 400 and the second instruction display 401 (right-handed instruction) such as "Aim to the right" described with reference to FIG. 47 are not performed.
(A-2) indicates a state in which the jackpot is started and the opening effect is being executed. Here, too, the first instruction display 400 and the second instruction display 401 (right-handed instruction) such as "Aim to the right" described with reference to FIG. 47 are not performed.
As an opening effect, a display such as "challenge bonus" is performed on the background screen to indicate the jackpot type to indicate the jackpot to be executed. The effect sound output here is an effect sound indicating that the "challenge bonus" is executed.
If a big hit occurs in the normal game state, the opening effect is executed for a relatively long time (for example, 10 seconds). Therefore, even if the first instruction display 400 and the second instruction display 401 are performed at this timing, the game ball is not fired. Since it is meaningless and useless, the instruction display for instructing the player to hit right is not performed at this timing.

(A-3) indicates a state in which the combination gate is enabled. In (a-3), the same "challenge bonus" display as in (a-2) is displayed on the background screen. After the opening period of (a-2) has elapsed, the combination gate becomes effective. Here, first, the first instruction display 400 is displayed superimposing on the display of the "challenge bonus" displayed on the background screen from (a-2). After that, the second instruction display 401 is displayed by the cut-in effect superimposing on the display of the "challenge bonus". At this time, the intro part (A part) of the jackpot middle song is repeatedly played.
(A-4) shows a state in which the game ball passes through the winning combination gate and the round game is executed. Here, the round effect is displayed and the first instruction display 400 is continuously displayed. At this time, the main part (B part) of the jackpot song is played.

FIG. 48B shows a display example of the image display device 31 when a big hit is won during a probability variation game or a time-saving game in which a player is hitting right.
(B-1) indicates a state in which the jackpot symbol is stopped. Here, the second instruction display 401 of "Aim to the right" described with reference to FIG. 46 is not performed. The first instruction display 400 displayed in the probabilistic game state is continuously displayed.
(B-2) indicates a state in which the jackpot is started and the opening effect is being executed. Here, the second instruction display 401 of "Aim to the right" described with reference to FIG. 47 is not performed. The first instruction display 400 is continuously displayed.
Instead of displaying the "challenge bonus" that was performed in FIG. 48 (a-2), another opening display that is displayed at the time of the consecutive villas is displayed on the background screen. If the villa is a big hit, the opening effect is executed for a relatively short time (for example, 2 seconds), so even if the first instruction display 400 is displayed at this timing, it will not be too disadvantageous for the player. The first instruction display 400 is continuously displayed so that the round game can be enjoyed immediately after the combination gate is activated.

(B-3) indicates a state in which the combination gate is enabled. In (b-3), the same other opening display as in (b-2), which is displayed at the time of consecutive villas, is displayed on the background screen.
After the opening period of (b-2) has elapsed, the combination gate becomes effective. Here, the second instruction display 401 is displayed by the cut-in effect superimposing on the opening display of (b-2). At this time, the intro part (A part) of the jackpot middle song is repeatedly played as the directing sound. The first instruction display 400 is continuously displayed.
(B-4) shows a state in which the game ball passes through the winning combination gate and the round game is executed. Here, a display such as "hyper bonus" is performed so as to indicate the jackpot type executed as a round effect. At this time, the main part (B part) of the jackpot song is played. The music output at the time of consecutive villas may be the same music as the music output at the time of the first hit, or may be a different music.

As the image display device of the gaming machine 1, a liquid crystal display device, a rear projector, or any other display device can be adopted.
Further, the display mode of the image display device of the present invention can be applied not only to pachinko machines but also to slot machines, other game machines having a display device, and game machines in general.

1 game machine, 10 game board, 13 1st start port, 14 2nd start port, 31 image display device, 35 effect design, 110 main control board, 111 main CPU, 112 main ROM, 113 main RAM, 120 effect control board , 121 sub CPU, 122 sub ROM, 123 sub RAM, 140 lamp control board, 150 image control board, 151 host CPU, 152 host RAM 152 host ROM

Claims (1)

A determination means for determining whether or not to execute a predetermined special game, and
Based on the determination result of the determination means, the symbol display control means for displaying the symbol in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the symbol in a manner showing the determination result of the determination.
It is provided with an effect control means for performing a predetermined effect lottery and controlling the effect according to the result of the effect lottery to be executed during the variable display of the symbol.
The production is
A normal reach effect as a reach effect , a development reach effect that is executed after the normal reach effect is executed, and a development reach effect that is executed after the normal reach effect is executed.
Zone production and
Includes a high-expectation effect that is different from the zone effect and indicates that the expectation for executing the special game is high.
During the development reach production, the introduction production and the specific production can be executed.
The development reach production includes a first development reach production and a second development reach production in which the expectation of executing the special game is higher than that of the first development reach production.
Based on the result of the first production lottery, the zone production is performed,
Based on the result of the second production lottery, which is different from the first production lottery, the high expectation production is performed.
During the execution of the zone effect, it is possible to execute the in-zone effect indicating that the zone effect is being executed.
Even if the zone effect is executed during the normal reach effect, the execution of the development reach effect is not confirmed.
If the high expectation effect is not executed during the normal reach effect, the execution of the development reach effect is not confirmed, and if the high expectation effect is executed during the normal reach effect, the development reach effect is performed. Confirm execution,
When the second development reach effect is executed as the development reach effect after the high expectation effect is executed during the normal reach effect, the introduction effect and the specific effect are executed before the second development reach effect is executed. ,
When the high expectation effect is not executed during the normal reach effect, there are a case where the development reach effect is not executed and a case where the development reach effect is executed, and the second development reach is performed as the development reach effect. When executing the effect, the introduction effect and the specific effect cannot be executed before the second development reach effect is executed.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

Images