JP7010512B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a first control means and a second control means for controlling a plurality of effect means based on instructions from the first control means.

For example, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, when a game ball wins a prize at the starting port, it is determined whether or not to execute a special game that is advantageous to the player, and after the symbol is displayed in a variable manner, a symbol showing the result of the above determination is displayed. Stop is displayed. In this type of gaming machine, the sub CPU of the effect control board sends a variation effect start command to the image / sound control board and the lamp control board with the start of the variation display of the symbol, and the symbol is displayed. Some send a variable effect end command along with the stop display (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-144732

By the way, in the conventional gaming machine, it cannot be said that the control performed during the execution of the production is always properly performed, and there is room for improvement in the control performed during the execution of the production.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing appropriate control during the execution of the production.

The gaming machine of the first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is
A gaming machine including a first control means and a second control means for controlling a plurality of effect means based on instructions from the first control means.
The first control means is
A first process of transmitting control data of each effect unit necessary for the second control means to control the plurality of effect means to the second control means with the start or end of the predetermined effect.
During the execution of the predetermined effect, the control data of the plurality of effect means is controlled without transmitting the control data of the effect means that does not require the change of the control data of the plurality of effect means to the second control means. The second process of transmitting the control data of the effect means that needs to be changed to the second control means, and
During the execution of the predetermined effect, the second control means repeatedly transmits the control data of the respective effect means necessary for controlling the plurality of effect means to the second control means at predetermined time intervals. It is characterized by being able to perform the processing of .

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform appropriate control during the execution of the effect.

Front view of gaming machine 1 Front view of game board 2 Enlarged view of the main display 40 in FIG. A block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device included in the gaming machine 1. Explanatory drawing for explaining game state of game machine 1 Explanatory drawing for explaining the flow of production in a normal gaming state Screen diagram showing a specific example of the effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol (No. 1) Screen diagram showing a specific example of the effect associated with the variable display of the first special symbol (Part 2) An explanatory diagram for explaining the storage area of the main RAM 83 and the information stored in each storage area. A flowchart illustrating the main process executed by the main control board 80. Detailed flowchart of power cutoff monitoring process in step S150 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of recovery process in step S120 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of interrupt processing in step S180 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the sensor detection process in step S2 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the pre-determination process in steps S211 and 219 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the fluctuation pattern selection process in step S309 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of special figure stop processing in step S317 of FIG. A flowchart illustrating a game state setting process executed at the end of a big hit game on the main control board 80. Detailed flowchart of information reception processing in step S7 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of prize ball payout instruction processing in step S8 of FIG. Explanatory drawing illustrating commands transmitted and received between the main control board 80 and the payout control board 150. Flow chart illustrating the main process performed by the payout control board 150 Detailed flowchart of interrupt processing in step S52 of FIG. 24. Detailed flowchart of the payout control process in step S521 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of payout error occurrence notification processing in step S523 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the payout error resolution notification process in step S524 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of full error-related processing in step S525 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of ballless error-related processing in step S527 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of transmission processing in step S529 of FIG. A flowchart illustrating the main process executed on the sub-control board 90. Detailed flowchart of the first interrupt process in step S48 of FIG. 32. Detailed flowchart of command reception processing in step S10 of FIG. 33. Detailed flowchart of fluctuation start command reception processing in step S16 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. Detailed flowchart of the hold command reception process in step S13 of FIG. 34. Schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the first start port 21 and each light emitting group. Time chart to explain the light emission effect Detailed flowchart of the second interrupt process in step S49 of FIG. 32. Detailed flowchart of the lamp control information transmission process in step S491 of FIG. 40. A flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the image / acoustic control board 100. Detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of FIG. 42. A flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the lamp control board 120.

Hereinafter, the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) 1 according to the embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[Configuration example of gaming machine 1]
First, a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming board 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 30 and a gaming board 2 mounted in the gaming machine frame 30. The gaming machine frame 30 includes a front frame 31 having a decorative surface, a main body frame for attaching the gaming board 2 and the like, and an outer frame for fixing the gaming machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall. There is. The front frame 31 supports a glass plate arranged in parallel with the game board 2 at a predetermined interval, and the game area in which the game ball as a game medium can flow down by the glass plate and the game board 2. 3 is formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 has a launch handle 32 for launching a game ball, an upper plate 33 for storing a game ball supplied to a launcher (not shown), and an upper plate. A lower plate 34 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in 33 is provided. For example, if the payout of the game balls continues even after the amount of the game balls stored in the upper plate 33 reaches a predetermined amount, the game balls are paid out to the lower plate 34 instead of the upper plate 33. The lower plate 34 is configured to have an opening provided in a part of the bottom surface thereof and a slide member slidable in the width direction of the gaming machine 1. This slide member is urged to the right by an elastic member such as a spring, and normally, the opening of the lower plate 34 is maintained in a state of being closed by the slide member. A lever that can be operated by the player is connected to this slide member, and when the player moves this lever to the left, the slide member slides in the same direction (to the left), and the opening is opened. Be released. Therefore, the player can pull out the game ball from the lower plate 34 and move it to the dollar box by operating the lever with the so-called dollar box placed under the lower plate 34.

When the player grasps the firing handle 32 and rotates it clockwise, the game ball stored in the upper plate 33 is guided to the launching device and is launched with a firing intensity according to the rotation angle of the firing handle 32. The launched game ball moves along the rail member 4 located on the left side of the game area 3 and then is guided to the upper position of the game area 3 and comes into contact with a game hook, a windmill, or the like provided in the game area 3. As a result, the game area 3 flows down along the game board 2 while changing the movement direction.

A ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the end of the rail member 4, and the ball return prevention piece 6 prevents the game ball once entering the game area 3 from returning to the launcher side. Further, a stop button is provided at a position close to the launch handle 32, and the player can temporarily launch the game ball by operating this stop button without returning the launch handle 32 to the initial posture. It is possible to stop it.

When the player performs "left-handed" by rotating the firing handle 32 by a small rotation angle, the game ball is fired with a relatively weak firing intensity, and the game ball flows down the left game area 3L. On the other hand, when the player performs "right-handed" by rotating the firing handle 32 by a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong firing intensity, and this game ball is located on the upper right side of the center decoration body 10. After moving along the rail member 4, it flows down the right game area 3R.

The passage path of the game ball in the left game area 3L is provided with a first starting port 21, a second starting port 22, an opening / closing member 23, and three general winning openings 24 as accessories for winning and determining. See Figure 2). Further, in the passage path of the game ball in the right game area 3R, the second start opening 22, the opening / closing member 23, one general winning opening 24, the gate 25, and the first large winning opening are used as accessories related to winning and determination. 26, an opening / closing member 27, a second large winning opening 28, and an opening / closing member 29 are provided (see FIG. 2).

In the process of flowing down the game area 3 along the game board 2, the game ball launched from the launching device has the first starting port 21, the second starting port 22, the general winning opening 24, the first large winning opening 26, and the game board 2. You may win a prize in any of the second major winning openings 28. In this case, a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning place are paid out to the upper plate 33 or the lower plate 34. The game balls that do not win any prize are discharged from the game area 3 through the discharge port formed at the lower end of the game board 2.

A center decorative body 10 is provided in the opening formed in the center of the game board 2. The center decoration body 10 includes a stage portion 11 having a game ball rolling surface on which the game ball can roll, and a warp portion 12 having a warp inlet and a warp outlet at both ends. The game ball flowing down the left game area 3L may enter the warp section 12 from the warp entrance, and the game ball is discharged from the warp exit and guided to the stage section 11. A guide groove is formed at the center of the left and right sides of the stage portion 11 to drop the game ball rolling on the stage portion 11 toward the first starting port 21. Therefore, the game ball guided to the stage portion 11 via the warp portion 12 wins a prize at the first starting port 21 as compared with the game ball that flows down the left game area 3L without passing through the warp portion 12. easy.

The first starting port 21 is a starting area that is always open. The second starting port 22 is a starting region that is normally closed when the opening / closing member 23 as an electric accessory is not operating, and is opened by operating the opening / closing member 23. In the gaming machine 1, when the gaming ball wins a prize in the first starting opening 21 (or the second starting opening 22), it is determined whether or not to execute a special game (big hit game) advantageous to the player. Then, on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), which will be described later, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and the symbols (big hit symbols or lost symbols) indicating the result of the above determination are stopped and displayed. Here, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game that opens the first jackpot 26 or the second jackpot 28 is executed.

In the following description, the determination executed in response to the winning of the game ball for the first starting opening 21 is referred to as "first special symbol determination", and is executed in response to the winning of the game ball for the second starting opening 22. The determination is referred to as "second special symbol determination", and these are collectively referred to as "special symbol determination".

The first large winning opening 26 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. An opening / closing member 27, which is a plate for opening / closing the first special winning opening 26, is provided at the opening of the first special winning opening 26. The first large winning opening 26 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 27. On the other hand, when the predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the opening / closing member 27 is operated to open the first prize opening 26. A jackpot game is executed. During this jackpot game, there are a plurality of long open round games in which the opening / closing member 27 maintains an open posture (see FIG. 2) that opens the first prize opening 26 and then returns to a closed posture that closes the first prize opening 26. It is done once. In each long open round game in which the first large winning opening 26 is opened, in the present embodiment, 10 game balls are won in the first large winning opening 26, or the first large winning opening 26 is opened. It continues until 25 seconds have passed since it was done.

The second large winning opening 28 is a special winning area that is opened according to the result of the special symbol determination. An opening / closing member 29, which is a blade member for opening / closing the second special winning opening 28, is provided at the opening of the second special winning opening 28. The second large winning opening 28 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 29. On the other hand, when the predetermined jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), the opening / closing member 29 is operated to open the second winning opening 28. A jackpot game is executed. During this jackpot game, there are a plurality of long open round games in which the opening / closing member 29 maintains an open posture (see FIG. 2) that opens the second prize opening 28 and then returns to a closed posture that closes the second prize opening 28. It is done once. In each long open round game in which the second special winning opening 28 is opened, in this embodiment, 10 game balls are won in the second large winning opening 28, or the second large winning opening 28 is opened. It continues until 25 seconds have passed since it was done.

In this way, during the jackpot game, a plurality of long-opening round games in which the first prize opening 26 (or the second winning opening 28) is opened for a long time are performed, so that the player hits right during the jackpot game. By doing so, more prize balls can be obtained than when the jackpot game is not performed.

For convenience of explanation, FIG. 2 shows an open posture in which the opening / closing members 27, 29 open the large winning openings 26, 28 when the effect symbol is variablely displayed on the display screen 70 of the image display device 7. Although the state is shown in the figure, in reality, the opening / closing members 27 and 29 are not in the open posture during the variation display of the effect symbol. Further, in the long opening round game, since either one of the first big winning opening 26 and the second big winning opening 28 is used, in reality, these big winning openings are opened at the same time as shown in FIG. There is no such thing. Further, which of the first big prize opening 26 and the second big winning opening 28 is used for the big hit game is set in advance according to the type of big hit.

An opening / closing member 23 (see FIG. 2) is arranged close to the second starting port 22. The opening / closing member 23 can change its posture between a closed posture in which the opening / closing member 23 closes the second starting port 22 and an open posture in which the second starting port 22 is opened (see FIG. 2).

The second starting port 22 is normally closed by the opening / closing member 23. On the other hand, when the game ball hit right by the player passes through the gate 25, although the prize ball is not paid out, it is determined whether or not to open the second starting port 22. Here, when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is opened, the opening / closing member 23 maintains the open posture for a predetermined time and then returns to the closed posture a predetermined number of times. As described above, the second starting port 22 is in a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to pass when the opening / closing member 23 is not operating, whereas the second starting port 22 is in a state in which the game ball is easily passed by operating the opening / closing member 23. Become.

In the following description, the determination executed on the condition that the game ball passes through the gate 25 is referred to as "ordinary symbol determination".

The general winning opening 24 is always open like the first starting opening 21, and is a winning opening in which a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by winning a game ball. However, unlike the first starting opening 21 and the like, the determination is not made even if the game ball wins in the general winning opening 24.

[Configuration example of main display 40]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the main display 40 in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol hold display 44, and a second special diagram. It includes a hold indicator 45, a normal figure hold indicator 46, a round indicator 47, a game status indicator 48, a launch direction indicator 49, and the like.

The first special symbol display 41 is configured to have eight LEDs indicated by "i to p", and when the first special symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variablely displayed and then the first special symbol is displayed. The determination result of the first special symbol determination is notified by stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the determination. Specifically, for example, the above eight LEDs are turned on in order to display the variation of the symbol, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.6) in a combination according to the determination result of the first special symbol determination. The symbol is stopped and displayed by turning it on (for a second).

The second special symbol display 42 is configured to have eight LEDs indicated by "a to h", and when the second special symbol determination is performed, the symbol is variablely displayed and then the second special symbol is displayed. The determination result of the second special symbol determination is notified by stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result of the determination. Specifically, for example, the above eight LEDs are turned on in order to display the variation of the symbol, and each LED is set for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.6) in a combination according to the determination result of the second special symbol determination. The symbol is stopped and displayed by turning it on (for a second).

The first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42) is notified that it is a big hit as a symbol showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination). "Symbol" or "Loss symbol" notifying that it is a loss is stopped and displayed. In the gaming machine 1, a plurality of jackpot symbols that differ from each other depending on the type of jackpot are prepared, and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the first jackpot 26 or the first jackpot 26 or the opening pattern according to the type of the jackpot symbol is used. A jackpot game is performed in which the second major winning opening 28 is opened.

The ordinary symbol display 43 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "s to t", and when the ordinary symbol determination is performed, the symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then the determination result of the ordinary symbol determination is shown. By stopping and displaying the symbol, the determination result of the normal symbol determination is notified. Specifically, for example, the above two LEDs are alternately turned on to display the variation of the symbol, and each LED is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a lighting mode according to the judgment result of the normal symbol determination. The symbol is stopped and displayed by turning it on. Here, when the hit symbol is stopped and displayed, an auxiliary game is performed in which the second starting port 22 is opened by operating the opening / closing member 23 in an opening pattern according to the current gaming state.

In the following description, the symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 and the second special symbol display 42 is referred to as a "special symbol", and the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 43 is referred to as a "normal symbol". It shall be called. Further, the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 41 is called a "first special symbol", and the special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display 42 is called a "second special symbol". It may be distinguished.

The first special figure hold indicator 44 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "u to v", and displays the number of holds for the first special symbol determination depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs. The second special figure hold indicator 45 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "w to x", and displays the number of holds for the second special symbol determination depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of these reservations is set to "4". The normal figure hold indicator 46 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "q to r", and displays the number of hold for normal symbol determination depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs.

The round display 47 is used in a jackpot game executed in response to a jackpot corresponding to the jackpot symbol as the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. Long open round Displays the number of rounds in the game. The round display 47 includes an LED for 4R, an LED for 6R, an LED for 8R, and an LED for 10R, and when any of these LEDs is turned on, a long opening round is performed. The number of rounds of the game is notified.

The gaming status display 48 is configured to have three LEDs indicated by "a1 to a3", and displays the gaming status of the gaming machine 1 depending on the lighting mode of these LEDs. The launch direction indicator 49 is configured to have two LEDs indicated by "y to z", and displays the launch direction of the game ball according to the lighting mode of these LEDs. That is, it displays whether the state should be left-handed or right-handed.

[Structure example of the effect means provided in the gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game board 2 and the front frame 31 are provided with a decorative member 13, a movable decorative member 14, a frame lamp 37, a speaker 38, and the like as various effects. .. Further, an image display device 7 is provided behind the game board 2.

The decorative member 13 has a built-in board lamp 5 (see FIG. 4) having a plurality of LEDs, and changes the lighting and blinking patterns of each LED and changes the emission color of each LED. By doing so, various effects by light are performed.

The movable decorative member 14 is arranged in front of the image display device 7 and behind the decorative member 13. A plurality of LEDs are built in the movable decorative member 14, and the movable decorative member 14 performs a predetermined effect by the movement and / or light of the movable decorative member 14 itself. In the present embodiment, a predetermined space in which the movable decorative member 14 can operate is provided between the game board 2 and the display screen 70 of the image display device 7, and the movable decorative member 14 is along the display screen 70. It is configured to be able to move up and down. The movable decorative member 14 is usually arranged at an initial position (see FIG. 2) in which most of the movable decorative member 14 is hidden behind the decorative member 13 and only the lower end portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible. On the other hand, the movable decorative member 14 emits a predetermined amount of light when, for example, an image display device 7 or a speaker 38 is used to perform a notice effect having a relatively high jackpot reliability, or when a jackpot is suggested. It emits light in a pattern and falls to an operating position that covers most of the display screen 70.

The frame lamp 37 is configured to have a plurality of LEDs built in various parts of the front frame 31, and changes the lighting and blinking patterns of each LED and changes the emission color of each LED. Various effects by light are performed.

The image display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device that displays an effect image on the display screen 70, and the player can visually recognize the display screen 70 through an opening formed in the central portion of the game board 2. On the display screen 70, the same number of hold images (hold) as the number of effect symbols, characters and items for notifying the determination result of the special symbol determination, and the number of hold of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) are displayed. An effect image including various display objects such as an icon) and a variation suggestion image (the icon) suggesting that a variation display of a special symbol is being performed is displayed. The image display device 7 is not limited to the liquid crystal display device as long as it can display the effect image, and may be another image display device such as an EL display device.

The speaker 38 outputs effect sounds such as music, voice, and sound effects so as to synchronize with or asynchronously with the display effect performed on the display screen 70, and perform the effect by sound.

[Configuration example of the input means provided in the gaming machine 1]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the front frame 31 is provided with a first effect button 35 and a second effect button 36 as input means that can be input by a player. The first effect button 35 is a push button for inputting operation information by being pressed by the player. The second effect button 36 is a push button for the player to input operation information by grasping the grip portion of the second effect button 36 and pressing the second effect button 36. In the gaming machine 1, the effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 and the second effect button 36 may be performed.

Further, the first effect button 35 has a built-in first effect button lamp composed of a plurality of LEDs that emit light of the first effect button 35, and the second effect button 36 causes the second effect button 36 to emit light. A second effect button lamp composed of a plurality of LEDs is built-in. In the gaming machine 1, in order to prompt the player to operate the first effect button 35 during the valid period in which the operation of the first effect button 35 is valid, the first effect button lamp is one of a plurality of emission colors. It emits light in the emission color. Further, in the gaming machine 1, in order to prompt the player to operate the second effect button 36 during the valid period in which the operation of the second effect button 36 is valid, the second effect button lamp is set to any of a plurality of emission colors. It emits light in that emission color.

The configuration of the input means is not limited to the one illustrated in this embodiment, and may be another one. That is, for example, in the present embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 1 includes two input means will be described, but the number of input means may be one or three or more. Further, not limited to the push button, a touch panel capable of detecting the player's touch operation, for example, an optical sensor capable of detecting the player's hand held over the display screen 70, and moving the player back and forth and left and right to specify the position and direction. It may be another input means such as a joystick, an input means that the player can grasp and change the posture.

[Configuration of control device included in gaming machine 1]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control device included in the gaming machine 1.
A control device for controlling the operation of the gaming machine 1 is provided on the back side of the gaming board 2. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control device of the game machine 1 is a main control board 80 that controls the progress of a game using a game ball, and a sub that comprehensively controls the production based on information from the main control board 80. It is composed of a control board 90, an image / acoustic control board 100 that controls the effect of images and sounds, a lamp control board 120 that controls the effect of various lamps and movable members, a payout control board 150 that controls the payout of game balls, and the like. There is. In the present embodiment, the main control board 80 functions as a game control unit that controls the progress of the game, and the sub control board 90, the image / acoustic control board 100, and the lamp control board 120 function as the effect control unit that controls the effect. .. The configuration of the control device is not limited to this, and for example, the sub control board 90, the image / acoustic control board 100, and the lamp control board 120 may be composed of one board.

<Configuration example of main control board 80>
The main control board 80 includes a main CPU 81, a main ROM 82, and a main RAM 83. The main CPU 81 performs various arithmetic processes related to the determination and the number of payout prize balls based on the program or the like stored in the main ROM 82. The main RAM 83 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the main CPU 81 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing.

The main control board 80 has a first start port sensor 211, a second start port sensor 221 and a gate sensor 251. The mouth solenoid 222, the first prize-winning door solenoid 262, and the second prize-winning door solenoid 282 are connected. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes four general winning opening sensors 241 corresponding to the four general winning opening 24s, but in FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, only one general winning opening sensor 241 is provided. It is written.

The first start port sensor 211 detects that the game ball has won a prize in the first start port 21, and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The second start port sensor 221 detects that the game ball has won a prize in the second start port 22, and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The gate sensor 251 detects the passage of the game ball with respect to the gate 25 and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The first large winning opening sensor 261 detects that a game ball has won a prize in the first large winning opening 26, and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The second big winning opening sensor 281 detects that the game ball has won a prize in the second big winning opening 28, and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80. The general winning opening sensor 241 detects that a game ball has won a prize in the general winning opening 24, and outputs the detection signal to the main control board 80.

The second starting port solenoid 222 is an electric solenoid connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the opening / closing member 23, and operates the opening / closing member 23 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to perform a second start. Open and close the mouth 22. The first large winning opening solenoid 262 is an electric solenoid connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the opening / closing member 27, and operates the opening / closing member 27 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to operate the first opening / closing member 27. The large winning opening 26 is opened and closed. The second large winning opening solenoid 282 is an electric solenoid connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force to the opening / closing member 29, and operates the opening / closing member 29 based on a control signal from the main control board 80 to operate the second opening / closing member 29. The large winning opening 28 is opened and closed.

Although not shown in the figure, the gaming machine 1 controls a drive motor (delivery motor 131 described later: see FIG. 4) that sends out gaming balls from a ball tank provided on the back surface side of the gaming board 2. A payout control board 150 for supplying (paying out) a game ball to the 33 or the lower plate 34 is provided. When the main CPU 81 receives a detection signal from the first start port sensor 211, the second start port sensor 221, the first big prize opening sensor 261, the second big prize opening sensor 281 or the general winning opening sensor 241 is input. The payout control board 150 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won a prize, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is managed based on the information from the payout control board 150.

Further, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the first start port sensor 211 is input, and executes the first special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Further, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers as acquisition information at the timing when the detection signal from the second start port sensor 221 is input, and executes the second special symbol determination using the acquired random numbers. Here, the various random numbers are specifically a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number.

The jackpot random number is a random number for determining a jackpot or a loss. The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (the number of rounds of the jackpot game, the game state after the jackpot game, etc.) when it is determined to be a jackpot. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach when it is determined that there is a loss. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

The main CPU 81 acquires these random numbers at the timing when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 (or the second starting port 22), and first, the acquired jackpot random numbers are stored in the main ROM 82 as a predetermined random number. It is determined whether or not to execute the jackpot game based on whether or not it matches the numerical value (winning value). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot game is executed based on the fact that the jackpot random number matches the winning value, the symbol random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is stored in the main ROM 82 (compared with the symbol random number). ) Determine the type of jackpot based on which random number value of the predetermined random number matches.

Here, as the types of jackpots, "4R probabilistic jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probabilistic game state after executing the jackpot game including four long open round games, and the jackpot game including six long open round games. "6R probability variation jackpot" where the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after executing, "8R probability variation jackpot" where the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after executing the jackpot game including 8 long open round games, 10 An example is "10R probability variation jackpot" in which the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game including the long open round game is executed.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not executed based on the fact that the acquired jackpot random number does not match the winning value, the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is stored in the main ROM 82. Based on whether or not it matches a predetermined random number value (random number value corresponding to with reach) (compared with the reach random number), it is determined whether to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach. Further, the main CPU 81 determines the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol when the special symbol is variablely displayed, based on the fluctuation pattern random number acquired together with the jackpot random number, regardless of the result of the determination based on the jackpot random number. As a result, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is determined.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is to be executed and determines the type of jackpot, the first jackpot 26 (or the first prize slot 26 (or the second) via the first jackpot solenoid 262 (or the second jackpot solenoid 282)). By controlling the opening and closing of the two big winning openings 28), a big hit game according to the type of big hit is executed.

Further, the main CPU 81 acquires a random number (ordinary symbol random number) at the timing when the detection signal from the gate sensor 251 is input, and executes the ordinary symbol determination using the acquired ordinary symbol random number. Then, when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is to be opened as a result of this normal symbol determination, the second starting port 22 is opened by controlling the opening and closing of the second starting port 22 via the second starting port solenoid 222. Perform an auxiliary game.

Further, on the main control board 80, a first special symbol display 41, a second special symbol display 42, a normal symbol display 43, a first special symbol hold indicator 44, a second special symbol hold indicator 45, and a general one are used. Figure Hold indicator 46, round indicator 47, game status indicator 48, launch direction indicator 49 are connected.

The main CPU 81 controls these indicators 41 to 49 constituting the main indicator 40 to execute the above-mentioned display process based on FIG.

<Configuration example of sub-control board 90>
The sub control board 90 includes a sub CPU 91, a sub ROM 92, a sub RAM 93, and an RTC (real time clock) 94. The sub CPU 91 performs arithmetic processing for controlling the effect based on the program stored in the sub ROM 92. The sub RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the sub CPU 91 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The RTC94 measures the current date and time (date or time).

When the first effect button 35 (see FIG. 1) is operated (pressed) on the sub control board 90, the first effect button detection that outputs operation information (operation signal) indicating that effect to the sub control board 90. The sensor 351 is connected. For example, the operation member of the first effect button 35 pressed by the player is provided with a light-shielding piece, and the first effect button detection sensor 351 is described above when the operation member is arranged at the depressed operation position. It is composed of a photointerruptor that detects a light-shielding piece and outputs the detection signal (operation signal) to the sub-control board 90. The sub CPU 91 can specify that the first effect button 35 is "single pressed" based on the fact that the operation signal from the first effect button detection sensor 351 is input once during the valid period. Further, the sub CPU 91 can specify that the first effect button 35 is "continuously hit" based on the fact that the operation signal from the first effect button detection sensor 351 is intermittently input a plurality of times during the valid period. Is. Further, from the first effect button detection sensor 351, when the operation member of the first effect button 35 that has been operated (pressed) returns from the operation position to the initial position, operation information (return signal) indicating to that effect is transmitted. It is output to the sub control board 90. Therefore, the sub CPU 91 is based on the fact that the return signal is not input even after a predetermined time (for example, 0.8 seconds) has elapsed from the input of the operation signal from the first effect button detection sensor 351. 1 It is possible to specify that the effect button 35 is "long-pressed".

Further, when the second effect button 36 (see FIG. 1) is operated on the sub control board 90, the second effect button detection sensor that outputs operation information (operation signal) indicating to that effect to the sub control board 90. 361 is connected. A light-shielding piece is provided on the operation member of the second effect button 36 pushed forward by the player, and the second effect button detection sensor 361 is said to block light when the operation member is arranged at the pushed operation position. It is composed of a photointerruptor that detects a piece and outputs the detection signal (operation signal) to the sub control board 90.

The sub CPU 91 sets the effect content based on the game information related to the special symbol determination, the normal symbol determination, the jackpot game, etc. transmitted from the main control board 80. At that time, the input of the operation information from the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 may be accepted, and the effect content corresponding to the operation information may be set. The sub CPU 91 transmits information instructing the execution of the effect of the set effect content to the image / sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120).

<Structure example of image / acoustic control board 100>
The image acoustic control board 100 controls the image display by the image display device 7 and controls the output of the effect sound by the speaker 38. In the present embodiment, the image / sound control board 100 includes an image / sound control CPU 101, a control ROM 102, a control RAM 103, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 104, and an acoustic DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 105.

The control ROM 102 is composed of a mask ROM, and various tables such as a control program of the image / acoustic control CPU 101, a display list generation program for generating a display list, and a display list creation table used for a process of creating a display list. Is remembered. Here, the display list is composed of a group of commands for instructing the execution of drawing in frame units, and the type of the image to be drawn, the position (coordinates) to draw the image, the display priority, the display magnification, and the rotation. It includes various parameters such as angle and transmittance. The control RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the image / sound control CPU 101 executes the control program, and as a work area for data processing and the like.

The image / sound control CPU 101 stores the VDP 104 in a CGROM (not shown) provided in the image / sound control board 100 based on various tables such as the control program and the display list creation table, and commands received from the sub control board 90. An instruction is given to display the displayed image data (effect data) on the image display device 7. This instruction is mainly given by the output of the display list. Further, the image / acoustic control CPU 101 instructs the acoustic DSP 105 to output the acoustic data stored in the acoustic ROM (not shown) included in the image / acoustic control board 100 from the speaker 38.

The above-mentioned CGROM stores the effect data necessary for executing the variation effect associated with the variation display of the special symbol, the effect associated with the jackpot game, and the like. This CGROM is composed of a flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, mask ROM, etc., and is composed of a collection of pixel information in a predetermined range of pixels (for example, 32 × 32 pixels), sprite data (one image data), and a plurality of image data. Movie data, etc. consisting of a collection of images is compressed and stored. 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 CG ROM stores the palette data or the like 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.

It should be noted that only a part of the image data stored in the CGROM may be compressed. Further, as a compression method of movie data, various known compression methods such as MPEG4 can be used.

Although not shown in the figure, the audiovisual control board 100 includes VRAM. This VRAM is composed of an SRAM capable of writing and reading image data at high speed, and is not shown in the figure, but is configured to have a display list storage area, an expanded storage area, a frame buffer, and the like. Has been done.

The display list storage area temporarily stores the display list output from the image / sound control CPU 101. The expanded storage area stores image data that has been decompressed after being read from the CGROM. The frame buffer is a frame buffer that is also used for drawing and displaying the image data displayed on the display screen 70.

The VDP 104 decompresses the image data stored in the compressed state in the CGROM, and stores the decompressed image data in the expanded storage area. Further, the VDP 104 performs drawing processing on the frame buffer using the image data stored in the expanded storage area based on the display list stored in the display list storage area. Further, the VDP 104 generates an RGB signal as a video signal indicating the color of the image from the image data stored in the frame buffer, and outputs the generated RGB signal to the image display device 7.

Although not shown in the figure, an acoustic ROM, SDRAM, and an amplifier are connected to the acoustic DSP 105. The acoustic ROM stores various acoustic data related to music, voice, sound effects, warning sounds, and the like. The SDRAM is used as a work area for data processing and the like by the acoustic DSP 105. The acoustic DSP 105 reads acoustic data corresponding to the instruction from the image acoustic control CPU 101 from the acoustic ROM to the SDRAM, executes data processing, and outputs the acoustic data after the data processing to the speaker 38 (via an amplifier). The amplifier adjusts the volume according to the instruction regarding the volume obtained from the image / acoustic control CPU 101 via the acoustic DSP 105, and outputs the acoustic data to the speaker 38.

In this embodiment, the case where the VDP is responsible for drawing management and the acoustic DSP is responsible for sound management will be described, but in other embodiments, a configuration is adopted in which the VDP is responsible for both drawing management and sound management. You may. In this case, it is not necessary to separately provide an acoustic DSP.

<Configuration example of lamp control board 120>
The lamp control board 120 includes a lamp CPU 121, a lamp ROM 122, and a lamp RAM 123, and a frame lamp 37, a board lamp 5, a movable decorative member 14, and the like are connected to the lamp control board 120. The lamp ROM 122 stores a program executed by the lamp CPU 121, light emission pattern data, operation pattern data, and the like. Here, the light emission pattern data is data indicating each light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37, the board surface lamp 5, the LED built in the movable decorative member 14, and the like. The motion pattern data is data showing an motion pattern of the movable decorative member 14 and the like.

The lamp CPU 121 performs arithmetic processing for controlling the operation of the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, and the like based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 122.

The lamp CPU 121 reads out the light emission pattern data corresponding to the control data received from the sub control board 90 from the light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and reads the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, and the movable decoration. It controls the light emission of the LED (built-in LED) built in the member 14. Further, the lamp CPU 121 reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the control data received from the sub control board 90 from the operation pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 to the lamp RAM 123, and operates the movable decorative member 14. Control the drive of.

<Configuration example of payout control board 150>
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the payout control board 150 includes a payout control CPU 151, a payout control ROM 152, and a payout control RAM 153, and includes a payout device 130, a second payout ball detection sensor 154, a supply ball detection sensor 155, and error cancellation. A switch 156 or the like is connected. The payout control CPU 151 performs arithmetic processing and the like for controlling the payout of prize balls based on the program stored in the payout control ROM 152. The payout control RAM 153 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing various data used when the payout control CPU 151 executes the program, or as a work area such as data processing.

The payout device 130 includes a payout motor 131 and a first payout ball detection sensor 132. Here, although not shown in the figure, the payout motor 131 is a drive motor that sends out the game balls from the ball tank provided on the back surface side of the game board 2 to the upper plate 33 or the lower plate 34 via the payout outlet. The first payout ball detection sensor 132 detects a game ball passing through the payout outlet and outputs the detection signal to the payout control board 150.

In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the first start port sensor 211, when the game ball is detected by the second start port sensor 221, the game ball is generated by the first prize opening sensor 261. When detected, when a game ball is detected by the second large winning opening sensor 281, when the game ball is detected by the general winning opening sensor 241, a predetermined number of prizes are awarded according to the location where the game ball is detected. A payout command instructing payout of the ball is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the payout control board 150 (see FIG. 23). On the other hand, the payout control CPU 151 of the payout control board 150 controls the drive of the payout motor 131 so as to pay out the game balls (here, prize balls) by the number specified by the received payout command. Specifically, the payout control CPU 151 counts the number of game balls to be paid out from the payout device 130 based on the detection signal from the first payout ball detection sensor 132 while the payout motor 131 is being driven. 1 The driving of the payout motor 131 is continued until the number of game balls detected by the payout ball detection sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number specified by the payout command. The drive control of the payout motor 131 is not limited to the case where the prize ball is paid out to the upper plate 33 (or the lower plate 34) according to the winning of the game ball, for example, the first effect button on the front frame 31. The same applies to the case where the game ball as a lending ball is paid out to the upper plate 33 (or the lower plate) in response to the operation of the so-called ball lending button provided at a position close to the 35.

By the way, in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to suppress the occurrence of ball clogging of the game ball, the payout motor 131 is driven so that the payout device 130 does not continuously pay out the game ball for a predetermined time or longer. Is controlled by the payout control CPU 151. In other words, the time for the payout device 130 to continuously pay out the game balls is set to a time less than a predetermined time. Therefore, for example, when a large amount of prize balls are paid out during a big hit game, the payout operation for less than a predetermined time is intermittently repeated.

On the other hand, for example, due to the influence of noise or the like, the drive control of the payout motor 131 is not properly performed, and this causes a payout error in which the payout device 130 continuously pays out the game ball for a predetermined time or longer. there is a possibility. Therefore, if a payout error occurs during the payout of the game ball, the payout control CPU 151 stops (interrupts) the payout of the game ball at a predetermined timing. Then, for example, when the detection signal from the first payout ball detection sensor 132 is continuously input for a predetermined time or longer while the payout motor 131 is being driven, the payout error occurrence notification command for notifying the occurrence of the payout error is mainly controlled. It is transmitted to the substrate 80.

On the other hand, for example, due to dirt adhering to the game ball, the game ball sent out from the ball tank stays in the passage path through which it reaches the lower plate 34 and does not move, and the payout motor 131 is driven. Even though the payout motor 131 is not stopped (the payout motor 131 is stopped), there is a possibility that the first payout ball detection sensor 132 continuously detects the game ball for a predetermined time or longer, and the payout control CPU 151 may be jammed. Even when such a ball jam occurs, the payout of the game ball is stopped (interrupted) at a predetermined timing, and a payout error occurrence notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80.

The second payout ball detection sensor 154 is provided at a predetermined position near the lower plate 34 in the passage path (for example, near the exit of the passage path), detects a game ball passing through the predetermined position, and detects the game ball. The signal is output to the payout control board 150. Since the first payout ball detection sensor 132 is provided near the entrance of the passage path, the game ball to be paid out to the lower plate 34 is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 and then the second payout ball detection sensor 132. It will be detected by the sensor 154 and then discharged to the lower plate 34.

The second payout ball detection sensor 154 normally outputs a detection signal indicating that the game ball has passed to the payout control board 150 only when the game ball has passed, in other words, each time the game ball has passed. do. On the other hand, due to the fact that the lower plate 34 is full of game balls, a full error occurs in which the game balls that should be paid out to the lower plate 34 remain in the passage path for a predetermined time or longer. there's a possibility that. When this full error occurs, the payout control CPU 151 stops (interrupts) the payout of the game ball at a predetermined timing, and transmits a full error occurrence notification command notifying that the full error has occurred to the main control board 80. do.

The supply ball detection sensor 155 detects the game ball supplied to the payout device 130 and outputs the detection signal to the payout control board 150. The payout control CPU 151 determines that a ball-less error has occurred in which the game balls supplied to the payout device 130 are exhausted when the time during which the detection signal from the supply ball detection sensor 155 is not input continues for a predetermined time or longer. A ball-less error notification command for notifying the occurrence of a none error is transmitted to the main control board 80.

The error release switch 156 is an operation switch that is operated after the hall clerk in the hall where the gaming machine 1 is installed confirms the error when an error related to the payout device 130 such as a so-called ball jam or a payout error occurs. When the error release switch 156 is operated, the payout motor 131 is stopped, the payout of the game ball is stopped, and the error of the payout device 130 is resolved.

Up to this point, a part of the processing executed by the payout control CPU 151 based on the detection signal from the first payout ball detection sensor 132, the detection signal from the second payout ball detection sensor 154, and the detection signal from the supply ball detection sensor 155. Although described, the details of the processing executed by the payout control CPU 151 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 25 to 31.

[About the game status]
Next, the game state and the game flow of the game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is played in one of the three gaming states of "normal gaming state", "probability variable gaming state", and "time saving gaming state". Is controlled.

The "normal game state" is a support function (so-called) that supports a winning of a game ball for the second starting port 22 while performing a special symbol determination in a low probability state in which the probability of being determined to execute a jackpot game is relatively low. It is a gaming state in which a function called "electric support" or the like) is not given. In the normal game state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/200). Further, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to a relatively long time (for example, 20 seconds). And when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is to be opened, the opening time of the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively short time (for example, 0.1 second × 1 time).

The "probability variation game state" is a game state in which the special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state in which the probability of being determined to execute the jackpot game is relatively high, and the support function is added. That is, in the probabilistic game state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 1/80). Further, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 11/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to a relatively short time (for example, 1.5). The opening time of the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.5 seconds × 3 times) when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is opened.

The "time saving game state" is a game state in which the special symbol determination is performed in the low probability state and the support function is provided. That is, in the time-saving game state, the probability that the jackpot game is determined to be executed by the special symbol determination is set to a relatively low probability (for example, 1/200). Further, the probability that the second starting port 22 is determined to be opened by the normal symbol determination is set to a relatively high probability (for example, 11/11), and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set to a relatively short time (for example, 1.5). The opening time of the second starting port 22 is set to a relatively long time (for example, 1.5 seconds × 3 times) when it is determined that the second starting port 22 is opened.

Comparing these gaming states with respect to the variation time of the special symbol, the variation time of the special symbol in the "probability variable gaming state" and the "short-time gaming state" is relative to the variation time of the special symbol in the "normal gaming state". It is easy to set a short time. In addition, the probability that it is determined to execute the special game (big hit probability), the probability that it is determined to open the second starting port 22 (the winning probability of the normal symbol determination), and the variation of the normal symbol shown in the explanation of each game state. Needless to say, the time and the opening time of the second starting port 22 are merely examples, and may be other probabilities or times.

In the following description, a state in which the game ball can easily win a prize in the second starting port 22 due to the above support function is referred to as a "high base state", and the support function is not provided. A state in which it is difficult for a game ball to win a prize in the second starting port 22 is referred to as a "low base state".

[Flow of the game]
A game ball hit by the player to the right does not win a prize in the first starting opening 21, but may win a prize in the second starting opening 22. However, in the low base state, it is difficult to open the second starting port 22, and even if it is opened, the opening time is extremely short. Therefore, when the game is controlled in a low base state (corresponding to the "normal game state" in the present embodiment), the player decides to play the game by left-handed aiming at the first starting port 21. Become.

When a game ball hit to the left in a normal game state wins a prize in the first starting port 21, the first special symbol determination is executed, and after the first special symbol is variablely displayed, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is displayed. As the first special symbol to be shown, the jackpot symbol or the lost symbol is stopped and displayed.

Here, when the lost symbol is stopped and displayed, the jackpot game is not performed and the game state does not change. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, a jackpot game in which a predetermined number of long open round games are performed according to the jackpot symbol is executed, and after the jackpot game is completed, a probabilistic game state or a time-saving game state is executed. The game will be controlled by.

As the jackpot symbol (special symbol) for notifying that the judgment result of the special symbol determination is a jackpot, a "probability variation symbol" for notifying the probability variation jackpot and a "normal symbol" for notifying the normal jackpot are prepared. There is. Then, as a jackpot symbol for notifying that the determination result of the first special symbol determination in the normal gaming state is a jackpot, when the "probability variation symbol" is stopped and displayed, the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game ends. When the "normal symbol" is stopped and displayed, the game is controlled in the normal game state after the jackpot game ends (see FIG. 5).

In addition, when the game state shifts to the probabilistic game state or the time-saving game state when the jackpot game ends, that is, when the game state shifts from the low base state to the high base state, it is easy to win the game ball to the second starting port 22. With the above support function, the game ball is more likely to win in the second starting port 22 than in the first starting port 21. Therefore, when the game is controlled in a high base state (corresponding to the "probability variation game state" or the "time saving game state" in this embodiment), the player strikes right at the second starting port 22. Will play a game. Therefore, when the game is controlled in the probabilistic game state or the time-saving game state, the second special symbol determination is basically performed.

Further, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the probabilistic gaming state is substantially continued until the next big hit, and in this probabilistic gaming state, the "probability variation symbol" is stopped and displayed as the second special symbol. In that case, the game is controlled again in the probabilistic game state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, when the "normal symbol" is stopped and displayed as the second special symbol in the probabilistic game state, the game is controlled in the time-saving game state after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, when the "probability variation symbol" is stopped and displayed as the second special symbol in the time-saving game state, the game is controlled in the probability variation game state after the jackpot game ends, and when the "normal symbol" is stopped and displayed. After the big hit game is over, the game is controlled again in the short-time game state. On the other hand, if the big hit does not occur even if the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) is performed a specified number of times (100 times in this embodiment) in the time-saving gaming state, the gaming state is shortened. It will be returned from the gaming state to the normal gaming state.

[About variable production]
Next, a variable effect performed using the display screen 70 or the like will be described as the first special symbol is variablely displayed and then stopped and displayed in the normal gaming state.

In the game machine 1, when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 and the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display 41 and then the first special symbol. The first special symbol indicating the determination result of the symbol determination is stopped and displayed. The display screen 70 is provided with an effect symbol display area 73 (see FIG. 2) for displaying the effect symbol for notifying the determination result of the first special symbol determination, and the display screen 70 is provided with a variation of the first special symbol. Along with the display, a variable effect including a variable display of the effect symbol is performed (see FIG. 2). Then, when the first special symbol is variablely displayed for the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected when the first special symbol determination is executed, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed. The effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination.

A so-called reach effect may be performed during such a variable display of the effect symbol. Specifically, in the effect symbol display area 73 of the display screen 70, for example, a part of the effect symbol string in which the numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top is in the horizontal direction. Three columns are displayed, and when the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the variable display (scroll display) is performed so that these symbol columns scroll from top to bottom (see, for example, FIG. 7B). ). On the other hand, when the reach effect is performed, for example, the left column effect symbol (left symbol) and the right column effect symbol (right symbol) are displayed before all the effect symbols are stopped and displayed. Pseudo-stop so that they do not stop completely in order or at the same time. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which three symbols are pseudo-stopped as the left symbol, the same three symbols are pseudo-stopped as the right symbol, and the symbol row in the middle row continues to scroll. In addition, the pseudo stop is an effect of swinging the effect symbol on the spot without moving it, and in the following description, the main stop (sometimes referred to simply as "stop display") in which the effect symbol is completely stopped. ), It may be called a pseudo stop.

When the same effect symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol is pseudo-stopped on the effective line, the reach is established, and the reach effect is performed to expect the player to have three identical effect symbols. This reach effect is different from, for example, the middle symbol that is common to the reach symbol or the reach symbol by scrolling the symbol row in the middle row with the reach symbols (left symbol and right symbol) pseudo-stopped. It is a production that stops the middle symbol on the effective line and notifies the winning.

Although detailed description is omitted, other display objects such as characters and items are used for such a reach effect in addition to the effect symbol. Further, in the following description, in the variable effect in which the reach effect is performed, the effect performed until the reach is established may be referred to as "pre-reach effect".

The types of reach effects will be described in detail later, but when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "loss", three effect symbols indicating reach loss eyes (for example, "323") are pseudo-stopped in order to notify the loss. Then, as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, these three effect symbols are stopped. On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing" and the reach effect is not performed, the three effect symbols showing the irregularities (for example, "629") are pseudo-stopped in order to notify the loss. , As the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, these three effect symbols are stopped. In this way, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not executed, the three effect symbols indicating the loss or the loose eye are pseudo-stopped and then the main stop is performed to notify the loss (the jackpot game is not executed). Loss notification effect is executed.

When this loss notification effect is executed, the jackpot game is not executed, and if the right to determine the first special symbol is reserved, the first special symbol and the effect symbol are reserved for a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.6 seconds). When is stopped and displayed, the first special symbol determination is performed, and the next variation display of the first special symbol is immediately started.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", the reach effect is usually executed during the variable display of the first special symbol, and doublets (for example, "333") are shown to notify the jackpot. As the three effect symbols are pseudo-stopped and the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, these three effect symbols are finally stopped. In this way, when it is determined that the jackpot game is to be executed, the hit notification effect of notifying the jackpot (the jackpot game is executed) is performed by pseudo-stopping the three effect symbols in a manner indicating the jackpot and then stopping the game. Will be executed. When this hit notification effect is executed, the jackpot game is executed.

[Screen configuration of display screen 70]
FIG. 2 illustrates the screen configuration of the display screen 70 in the normal gaming state. When the game is controlled in the normal game state, the hold icon display area 71, the icon display area 72, and the effect symbol display area 73 are formed on the display screen 70, as illustrated in FIG. As described above, the effect symbol display area 73 displays the left symbol constituting the symbol row in the left column, the middle symbol constituting the symbol row in the middle row, and the right symbol constituting the symbol row in the right column. Display area.

<Hold icon display area 71>
The hold icon display area 71 (see FIG. 2) is a display area in which a hold icon indicating that the first special symbol determination is held is displayed. In the game machine 1, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 in a situation where the special symbol determination and the special symbol variation display cannot be started immediately, such as during the special symbol variation display or the jackpot game, the first special The right to determine the symbol is reserved up to a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment).

In this way, when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved, the same number of pending icons as the number of reserved icons for the first special symbol determination indicated by the first special symbol reserved indicator 44 are displayed in the reserved icon display area 71. Will be done. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which two hold icons are displayed in the hold icon display area 71 in order to suggest that the number of holds for the first special symbol determination is “2”.

If the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 when a highly reliable reach effect such as SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (K)) described later is being performed, the display area used for the reach effect is displayed. Not only is it restricted, but the display of the hold icon can reduce the appeal of reach production. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the display objects and the hold icons constituting the hold icon display area 71 are displayed during the pre-reach effect and the normal short reach described later, while the normal long reach, the first SP reach, and the like. As the reach effect develops into the second SP reach and the SPSP reach, a configuration is adopted in which the display object and the hold icon constituting the hold icon display area 71 are deleted from the display screen 70.

Further, when the game is controlled in the normal game state, basically, the game ball does not win a prize in the second starting port 22. Therefore, in the normal gaming state, basically, the right of the second special symbol determination is not reserved, and the hold icon related to the second special symbol determination is displayed on the display screen 70, or this hold icon is displayed. No display area is formed for display.

<The icon display area 72>
The icon display area 72 is a display area for displaying the icon as a variation suggestion image suggesting that the first special symbol is variablely displayed. The icon is displayed in the icon display area 72 with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol, and is erased from the icon display area 72 at the timing when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, for example. However, the erasure timing of the icon is not limited to this, and the icon may be erased during the variable display of the first special symbol. You may try to erase the icon.

By the way, when the game ball wins in the first starting port 21 in a state where the variable display of the special symbol is not performed and the right of the special symbol determination is not reserved, the variable display of the first special symbol is started. Accordingly, the icon is displayed in the icon display area 72. On the other hand, when the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 and the variation display of the symbol corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 is completed, the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest hold icon (hold icon displayed at the position closest to the icon display area 72) is executed. Then, as the variable display of the first special symbol is started in response to the execution of the first special symbol determination, the earliest hold icon shifts from the hold icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72. It will be displayed as a new icon. In this way, the hold icon (here, the icon) shifted to the icon display area 72 is displayed larger than when it is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, it is possible to make the player pay more attention to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 than to the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71.

When another hold icon different from the earliest hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, the hold icon display area 71 accompanies the shift of the earliest hold icon to the icon display area 72. In, the other hold icon shifts toward the icon display area 72. As is clear from the above description, in the gaming machine 1, the icon corresponding to the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 may be displayed in the icon display area 72, and thus the following description will be given. Then, when the hold icon and the icon are not distinguished, they may be collectively referred to simply as "icon".

(About icon change production)
By the way, the hold icon is usually displayed as a white hold icon (default hold icon). On the other hand, when the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, an icon change effect in which the color of the hold icon changes may be performed. When this icon change effect is performed, the white hold icon changes to a hold icon in a color suggesting jackpot reliability such as blue, green, and red. The colors suggesting the jackpot reliability exemplified here are arranged in order from the one with the lowest jackpot reliability to the one with the highest jackpot reliability. Red is when the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment corresponding to the red hold icon is "big hit", or when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively long time although it is "missing". Easy to be selected. Green is easy to select when it is a "big hit" or when it is a "miss" but the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a medium time. The blue color is easily selected when it becomes "missing" or when it is "missing" and the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to a relatively short time. In this embodiment, the jackpot reliability of the white hold icon is set to about 1%, the jackpot reliability of the blue hold icon is set to about 3%, and the jackpot reliability of the green hold icon is set to about 15%. It is set and the jackpot reliability of the red hold icon is set to about 45%.

Although the case where the icon change effect in which the display color changes only once is performed when the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 has been described here as an example, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has been described. Then, other icon change effects may be performed. That is, for example, when the white hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71, the hold icon changes to a blue hold icon and then to a green hold icon. In some cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of the hold icon changes multiple times. Further, when the white hold icon shifted from the hold icon display area 71 to the icon display area 72 is displayed as the icon, an icon change effect in which the display color changes may be performed.

Further, the display color of the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71 changes, and then the display color changes when the hold icon shifts to the icon display area 72 and is displayed as the icon. In some cases, an icon change effect is performed in which the display color of the icon changes in both the hold icon display area 71 and the icon display area 72. In addition, there may be an icon change effect in which the hold icon is displayed in a display color other than white (for example, blue) from the beginning, or an icon change effect in which the display color of the hold icon whose initial color is other than white is changed. ..

As described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment can display the hold information indicating that the right of the special symbol determination is held on the display screen 70, and change the display mode of the hold information. .. In the following description, the hold icon or the icon whose display color is a color other than white may be referred to as a "special icon" to distinguish it from a normal hold icon or the icon whose display color is white.

[Modification example of display control of pending information]
The display control of the reserved information is not limited to the one illustrated in this embodiment, and may be as follows. That is, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the case where the display colors of the icons (holding icon and the icon) are four colors of white, blue, green, and red will be described as an example, but in other embodiments, the case where the display colors are four colors will be described. Other colors may be available, such as gold, which suggests that the jackpot reliability is even higher than red, and rainbow, which is selected only when the jackpot is "big hit".

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the icon change effect for changing the display color of the icon (holding icon or the icon) is performed will be described as an example, but the icon change effect is an effect for changing the display mode of the icon. The effect is not limited to the effect exemplified in the present embodiment, and may be an icon change effect that changes the shape and size of the icon, an icon change effect that changes the display color in addition to the shape and size of the icon, and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the icon change effect targeting the hold icon displayed in the hold icon display area 71, it is possible to execute the icon change effect targeting the icon displayed in the icon display area 72. However, in another embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which only the former icon change effect can be executed without providing the icon display area 72 (without displaying the icon).

Further, in the present embodiment, a case where a hold icon as hold information is displayed on the display screen 70 and the display color of the hold icon is changed will be described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, for example, four color LEDs whose emission colors can be changed are provided, and the same number of LEDs as the number of reserved numbers for the first special symbol determination are turned on, and the emission color of any of the LEDs is set. By changing it, the display mode of the reserved information may be changed.

[Flow of production accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the flow of the effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state will be described. Here, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the effect accompanying the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state.

When the first special symbol determination is executed in the normal game state, the first special symbol is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display 41, and the first special symbol indicating the result of the first special symbol hit / miss determination is stopped and displayed. To. On the other hand, on the display screen 70, as the variation display of the first special symbol is started, the variation display of the three symbol strings in the effect symbol display area 73 is started (see FIG. 6A). .. Specifically, in the effect symbol display area 73, for example, a part of the effect symbol symbol sequence in which the numbers "1" to "9" are continuously written in the vertical direction from the bottom to the top is 3 in the horizontal direction. The columns are displayed, and as the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the scroll display of the three symbol columns is started so that these symbol columns scroll from top to bottom.

Here, if the determination result of the first special symbol hit / miss judgment performed at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is "missing" and it is determined not to execute the reach effect, the variation of the first special symbol At the end of the display, the three effect symbols indicating the random eyes (for example, "458") are pseudo-stopped, and the loss notification is stopped as the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol. The production is performed (see FIG. 6B).

On the other hand, when the result of the first special symbol hit / fail judgment is "big hit" or when it is decided to perform the reach effect of the "missing", for example, during the variable display of the first special symbol, the effect is produced. A pre-reach effect is performed in which the left symbol is pseudo-stopped on the effective line in the symbol display area 73, and the symbol row in the right column is scrolled at a low speed so that the right symbol common to the left symbol moves on the effective line. (See FIG. 6 (C)). Then, as a result of this pre-reach effect, when the common left symbol and right symbol are pseudo-stopped on the effective line, the reach is established (see FIG. 6D).

In this way, when the effect symbols common to the left and right symbols are pseudo-stopped and reach is established, the effect symbols common to these effect symbols (reach symbols) stop on the effective line in the middle row. A reach production that makes people expect is performed. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, as a reach effect that can be executed with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, a normal short reach, a normal long reach, a first SP reach, and a second SP reach. , And SPSP reach 5 types of reach effects are available.

The normal short reach (see FIG. 6E) is a reach effect having the lowest jackpot reliability among the above five types of reach effects (for example, jackpot reliability: about 2%). This normal short reach is a reach effect in which the effect execution time is shorter than that of the normal long reach described later, and when the reach is established, the normal short reach is usually performed. When this normal short reach is performed, when the reach is established, the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row gradually decreases, and the same middle symbol or reach symbol as the reach symbol is between the left and right symbols forming the reach. The scroll display of the middle symbol string that pseudo-stops the middle symbol different from the above is performed.

Here, when a variable effect pattern for notifying a hit is set in the normal short reach, a hit notification effect (hit notification effect or loss notification effect) is performed at the end of the normal short reach (see FIG. 6 (F)). .. Specifically, when the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment this time is "big hit", doublet (for example, "222") is obtained by pseudo-stopping the same medium symbol as the reach symbol on the effective line. After the effect symbols shown are pseudo-stopped, a hit notification effect is performed in which these effect symbols are stopped as they are. On the other hand, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination this time is "missing", a medium symbol different from the reach symbol is pseudo-stopped on the effective line to indicate a reach losing eye (for example, "232"). After the symbols are pseudo-stopped, a loss notification effect is performed in which these effect symbols are stopped as they are.

On the other hand, when a variable effect pattern that develops from a normal short reach to another reach effect is set, the following effect is performed. For example, when the normal short reach (see FIG. 6 (E)) is evolved into the normal long reach (see FIG. 6 (G)) and a variable effect pattern for notifying the winner is set in the normal long reach, the normal short is set. At the end of the reach, a predetermined development suggestion effect that suggests the development to the normal long reach is performed, and the high-speed scrolling of the symbol row in the middle row is resumed, and the reach effect develops to the normal long reach. In this normal long reach, for example, an effect display is performed in the central region of the display screen 70 so that a predetermined character expects a pattern alignment.

The normal long reach is the reach effect with the lowest jackpot reliability next to the normal short reach among the above five types of reach effects (for example, the jackpot reliability: about 2%), and in most cases, the normal long reach. The loss notification effect (see Fig. 6 (F)) is performed in the normal long reach without developing into other reach effects, but if the judgment result of the first special symbol judgment this time is a big hit, it will be the normal long reach. In some cases, a hit notification effect (see FIG. 6 (F)) is performed. Further, when a variable effect pattern that develops from the normal long reach to another reach effect (in this embodiment, the first SP reach or the SPSP reach) is set, the normal long reach to the first SP reach (FIG. 6 (H)). )) Or SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (K)).

Here, the 1st SP reach is a reach production with the lowest jackpot reliability next to the normal long reach (for example, the jackpot reliability: about 11%), and when developing from the normal long reach to the 1st SP reach, it is as follows. Production is performed. That is, after the same middle symbol as the reach symbol passes on the effective line, high-speed scrolling of the middle row symbol row is restarted, and the reach symbol (left symbol and right symbol) that is pseudo-stopped on the effective line is in the reach state. It moves to the upper left area and the upper right area of the display screen 70, respectively, while being reduced while maintaining the above. Then, the first SP reach effect image is displayed in the central region of the display screen 70, and a predetermined effect display for expecting a big hit is performed.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the normal short reach (see FIG. 6 (E)) develops to the above-mentioned first SP reach (see FIG. 6 (H)) without going through the normal long reach, or When directly developing from the normal short reach to the second SP reach (see Fig. 6 (I)) without going through the normal long reach, or from the normal short reach to the SPSP reach without going through the normal long reach (Fig. 6 (K)). See) may develop directly.

Here, the 2nd SP reach is a reach effect with a slightly higher jackpot reliability than the 1st SP reach (for example, the jackpot reliability: about 12%), and when developing from the normal short reach to the 2nd SP reach, it is as follows. Production is performed. That is, after the same middle symbol as the reach symbol passes on the effective line, high-speed scrolling of the middle row symbol row is restarted, and the reach symbol (left symbol and right symbol) that is pseudo-stopped on the effective line is in the reach state. It moves to the upper left area and the upper right area of the display screen 70, respectively, while being reduced while maintaining the above. Then, the second SP reach effect image is displayed in the central region of the display screen 70, and a predetermined effect display for expecting a big hit is performed.

By the way, the 1st SP reach and the 2nd SP reach are displayed with the same screen configuration to expect a big hit, but the contents of these reach effects are different from each other. Specifically, in the 1st SP reach, if the own character cannot prevent the enemy character from attacking, it becomes a big hit, and conversely, if the own character cannot prevent the enemy character from attacking, it becomes a loss. On the other hand, the second SP reach is configured as a mission production, and if the character succeeds in the mission, it becomes a big hit, and conversely, if the mission fails, a production display that becomes a loss is performed.

When it develops into the 1st SP reach and the 2nd SP reach, since the jackpot reliability of these reach effects is relatively low, the loss notification effect is the hit notification effect in the hit notification effect (see FIG. 6 (J)). Easier to execute than. Therefore, when developing into the 1st SP reach or the 2nd SP reach, the player expects to develop into the SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (K)) in the same manner as when developing into the normal long reach. Become.

Here, the SPSP reach (FIG. 6 (K)) is the reach effect having the highest jackpot reliability among the above five types of reach effects. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when directly developing to SPSP reach immediately after the reach is established (see FIGS. 6 (D) and 6 (K)), via normal short reach and normal long reach. When developing into SPSP reach (see FIGS. 6 (E), (G), and (K)) and when developing into SPSP reach via normal short reach and first SP reach (FIG. 6 (E)). , (H), and (K)) and when developing to SPSP reach via normal short reach and second SP reach (see FIGS. 6 (E), (I), and (K)) and normal. There are cases where the short reach directly develops into the SPSP reach (see FIGS. 6E and 6K).

Although detailed explanation is omitted, in SPSP reach, the SPSP reach effect image is displayed on the display screen 70, and a battle effect in which the own character and the enemy character battle is executed. If the judgment result is a big hit, the victory effect and the hit notification effect that the own character wins over the enemy character are executed, and if the judgment result is a loss, the defeat effect and the loss notification effect that the own character is defeated by the enemy character are executed. To.

On the other hand, when the variation display of the first special symbol and the three symbol sequences is started (see FIG. 6 (A)), it subsequently develops into a special variation effect (see FIG. 6 (L)) described later, and this At the end of the special variation effect, the winning notification effect (hit notification effect or loss notification effect: see FIG. 6F) may be executed.

(Specific example of variable production)
Next, a specific example of the variation effect in the normal gaming state will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIGS. 7 and 8 are screen views showing a specific example of the effect associated with the variation display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state. Here, as the variation pattern of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, a normal short reach (normal short reach) In the SPSP reach (see FIG. 6 (K)) directly developed from (see FIG. 6 (E)), the effect executed when the variation pattern in which the loss notification effect is to be performed is selected will be described.

FIG. 7A shows a first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon displayed in the icon display area 72 in a state where two hold icons are displayed in the hold icon display area 71 on the display screen 70. In order to notify that the determination result of is "missing", the lost symbol is stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, and the effect symbol indicating the disparity of "526" is stopped and displayed. Illustrated. In this way, when a predetermined fixed time (0.6 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the lost symbol was stopped and displayed as the first special symbol, the earliest hold displayed in the hold icon display area 71 is reached. The first special symbol determination corresponding to the icon (here, the green hold icon) is executed. Then, the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing", and when a variable effect pattern that directly develops from normal reach to SPSP reach is selected as the variation pattern of the first special symbol, the following effect is produced. Will be done.

That is, as the variable display of the first special symbol is started according to the execution of the first special symbol determination corresponding to the earliest hold icon, the earliest displayed in the hold icon display area 71. The hold icon of is shifted to the icon display area 72, the remaining hold icons displayed in the hold icon display area 71 are shifted to the icon display area 72 side in the hold icon display area 71, and three symbol columns are displayed. The scroll display of (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) is started. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the scroll display of these three symbol rows is started, for example, a dialogue notice effect image showing how a predetermined character emits a dialogue is displayed on the display screen 70, and the dialogue is displayed from the speaker 38. The announcement of the dialogue to be output is executed (see FIG. 7 (C)). In this dialogue notice, the jackpot reliability is suggested by the type of the character that emits the dialogue, the content of the dialogue, the character color of the dialogue, and the like.

Following the above-mentioned dialogue notice, a pseudo-continuous production may be executed. Here, the pseudo-continuous effect means that the effect symbol displayed in the effect symbol display area 73 is varied and displayed a plurality of times during the variation display of one special symbol (here, the first special symbol). It is a pretending production. Regarding this pseudo-continuous production, the following production display is performed.

That is, the scroll speed of the symbol row in the left column decreases and the left symbol (for example, 6 symbols) pseudo-stops, and then the scroll speed of the symbol row in the right column decreases (with the left symbol that pseudo-stops first). The right symbol (for example, 4 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, and then the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row is reduced, and 7 symbols are pseudo-stopped as the middle symbols that notify the execution of the pseudo-continuous effect (FIG. 7). See (D)).

In this way, when seven symbols are pseudo-stopped in the middle row after the effect symbols that are different from each other as the left symbol and the right symbol are pseudo-stopped, the pseudo-second variation effect following the pseudo-first variation effect is started. .. Specifically, after the character "x2" suggesting the start of the pseudo-second variation effect is displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, the character "x2" is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 70. It is displayed small in the square area, and accordingly, the scroll display of the three symbol columns is restarted in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIGS. 7 (D) and 7 (E)). When this pseudo-second variation effect is being performed, for example, a dialogue notice may be executed as in the case of the pseudo-first variation effect (see FIG. 7 (F)).

As described above, when the dialogue notice is executed during the pseudo-second variation effect, the second pseudo-continuous effect during the variation display of the first special symbol is executed (see FIG. 7 (G)). ). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (G), the scroll speed of the symbol row in the left column decreases, the left symbol (for example, two symbols) pseudo-stops, and then the symbol row in the right column. The scroll speed is reduced and the right symbol (for example, 5 symbols) is pseudo-stopped, and then the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row is reduced and 7 symbols are pseudo-stopped as the middle symbol.

When the second pseudo-continuous effect is executed during the variation display of the first special symbol, the pseudo-third consecutive variation effect following the pseudo-second variation effect is started. Specifically, after the character "x3" suggesting the start of the pseudo-third consecutive variation effect is displayed large in the central area of the display screen 70, the character "x3" is displayed on the upper left of the display screen 70. It is displayed small in the square area, and accordingly, the scroll display of the three symbol columns is restarted in the effect symbol display area 73 (see FIGS. 7 (G) and 7 (H)).

Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the pseudo-third consecutive variation effect in this way, the scroll speed of the symbol column in the left column decreases, the left symbol (for example, three symbols) pseudo-stops, and then. , The scroll speed of the symbol row in the right column is reduced (same as the symbol on the left), and the right symbol (here, 3 symbols) is pseudo-stopped to establish reach (see FIG. 7 (I)).

Here, the case where the "pre-reach pseudo-ream" that restarts the scroll display of each symbol string is executed before the reach is established has been described as an example, but the "reach" that restarts the scroll display of each symbol row after the reach is established has been described. In some cases, "post-pseudo-ream" is executed. In addition, both the pre-reach pseudo-reach and the post-reach pseudo-reach may be executed.

As described above, when the same effect symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol is pseudo-stopped and the reach is established, the normal short reach (see FIG. 6 (E)) is executed (see FIG. 8 (A)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the scroll speed of the middle row of symbols gradually decreases after the reach is established, and the reach symbols (here, the left 3 symbols and the right 3 symbols) are used. An effect display is performed to show how the same middle symbol (here, the middle 3 symbols) approaches the effective line defined by the reach symbol.

Here, when developing from normal reach to SPSP reach, the following effect display is performed. That is, when the scroll display of the symbol row in the middle row is performed, the same middle symbol (here, 3 symbols) as the reach symbol passes on the effective line, and the scroll speed of the symbol row in the middle row is accompanied by this. Will rise, making it difficult to identify the middle symbol, and a development effect will be performed that suggests that it will develop into SPSP reach (see FIG. 8 (B)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, in the process of moving to the upper left region of the display screen 70 while the three symbols on the left are reduced, one rotation is made clockwise with the scroll direction as the axial direction. Moves from to the upper left area, and at the same time, in the process of moving to the upper right area of the display screen 70 while the three symbols on the right are reduced, one rotation clockwise with the scroll direction as the axial direction, and then to the upper right area. Moving. After that, until the end of the variation display of the first special symbol this time, the left three symbols are pseudo-stop displayed in the upper left region, and the right three symbols are pseudo-stop displayed in the upper right region (FIGS. 8 (C) to (G). )reference).

Next, following the development effect (see FIG. 8B) that suggests the development to SPSP reach as described above, for example, when a group notice is performed as a notice effect for notifying the possibility of a big hit. (See FIG. 8 (C)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, an effect display showing how a large number of characters move from right to left on the display screen 70 is performed. The jackpot reliability of this group notice changes depending on the types of characters that make up the group.

When the SPSP reach is started after the development effect and the group notice as described above, the SPSP reach effect image, which is an effect image related to the SPSP reach, is displayed on the display screen 70 (see FIG. 8D). As a result, for example, an effect display showing how the main character and the enemy character battle each other is performed. After that, when the final stage of the SPSP reach is approached, the first effect button operation promotion effect for urging the player to operate the first effect button 35 is performed (see FIG. 8E). Specifically, a first effect button image imitating the first effect button 35 and an effective period gauge indicating the remaining time of the effective period in which the operation of the first effect button 35 is effective are displayed.

In this first effect button operation promotion effect, a big hit is possible at the timing when the first effect button 35 is operated during the valid period or at the timing when the valid period ends without operating the first effect button 35. As a notice effect for notifying that there is a property, for example, a cut-in is performed in which a predetermined cut-in image is superimposed and displayed on the effect image (other than the reach symbol) displayed on the display screen 70 (FIG. 8 (F)). reference). This cut-in is an effect that suggests how high the jackpot reliability is, and there are cases where a green cut-in that superimposes a green cut-in image is performed and a red that superimposes a red cut-in image. There are cases where a cut-in is performed and a case where a gold cut-in is performed in which a golden cut-in image is superimposed and displayed. The order is red cut-in and gold cut-in.

When the cut-in is generated in this way and the end of the SPSP reach is reached, the second effect button operation promotion effect for urging the player to operate the second effect button 36 is performed (see FIG. 8 (G)). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 8 (G), during the valid period of the second effect button operation promotion effect, the second effect button image imitating the second effect button 36 and "press!" A character indicating the operation content of the second effect button 36 and a valid period gauge indicating the remaining time of the valid period are displayed.

When the second effect button 36 is operated during the valid period of the second effect button operation promotion effect, the three effect symbols indicating the reach loss eyes are pseudo-stopped and then the main stop as an operation corresponding effect according to the operation. A loss notification effect is performed (see FIG. 8 (H)).

Here, since the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is "loss", the loss notification effect is performed as an operation corresponding effect. When the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "big hit", as an operation corresponding effect, a hit notification effect is performed in which the three effect symbols indicating doublets are pseudo-stopped and then the main stop is performed.

[Configuration example of main RAM 83]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the storage area of the main RAM 83 and the information stored in each storage area. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the main RAM 83 has a determination storage area 830 as a storage area for storing acquired information or the like acquired when the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21. 1st and 1st reserved storage areas 831, 1st and 2nd reserved storage areas 832, 1st and 3rd reserved storage areas 833, and 1st and 4th reserved storage areas 834 are provided. Further, in the main RAM 83, as a storage area for storing the acquired information or the like acquired when the game ball wins in the second starting port 22, the determination storage area 830 and the special figure 2 / first reserved storage area 835 are stored. , Special Figure 2 / 2nd Hold Storage Area 836, Special Figure 2 / 3rd Hold Storage Area 837, and Special Figure 2 / 4th Hold Storage Area 838 are provided.

The determination storage area 830 is a storage area in which various information used for the special symbol determination is stored when the special symbol determination is actually executed. The special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1 and the fourth reserved storage area 834 are storage areas for storing various information related to the first special symbol determination, and the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area. 835 to the special figure 2 and the fourth reserved storage area 838 are storage areas for storing various information related to the second special symbol determination. When both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are suspended, the second special symbol determination is preferentially digested over the first special symbol determination. Therefore, in the determination storage area 830, when the second special symbol determination is suspended when the reserved special symbol determination is executed, it is stored in the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area 835. When various information is shifted and only the first special symbol determination is reserved, the various information stored in the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 is shifted.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the reserved storage areas 831 to 838 are areas for storing information for holding the right of special symbol determination, and each is a jackpot random number acquired by the main CPU 81. It includes an area for storing a symbol random number, an area for storing a reach random number, an area for storing a variation pattern random number, an area for storing prior determination information which is information indicating a preliminary determination result, and the like.

Here, the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number are as described above. The pre-determination information is information obtained by a pre-determination process (see FIG. 15) described later based on a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, and a fluctuation pattern random number. The pre-judgment information is, specifically, winning start information, information indicating whether or not the judgment result of the special symbol judgment is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, information indicating what kind of jackpot is. It includes information indicating a variation pattern of a special symbol, information indicating a gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Here, the winning start opening information is acquired when the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the same reserved storage area are won by the game ball in the first starting opening 21. This is information indicating whether or not the game ball was acquired when the game ball won a prize in the second starting port 22. The pre-determination information including such information is stored in the same reserved storage area as the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number used in the pre-determination process.

In the game machine 1, each time a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21, the five pieces of information explained based on FIG. 9B are displayed in order from the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831. -It is stored in any of the first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1 and the fourth reserved storage area 834. Further, each time the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 22, the above five pieces of information are displayed in the order of the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area 835 from the special figure 2 and the first reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2. It is stored in any of the fourth reserved storage areas 838.

For example, in a state where the information is stored in the determination storage area 830 and the information is not stored in any of the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1/4 reserved storage area 834, the first When the game ball wins a prize in the starting port 21, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired in response to the winning are stored in the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831. Further, for example, the first start port 21 has five pieces of information stored in each of the determination storage area 830, the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831, and the special figure 1/2 reserved storage area 832. When the game ball wins a prize, five pieces of information related to the first special symbol determination newly acquired according to the prize are stored in the special figure 1 and 3 reserved storage areas 833.

Further, when the information stored in the special figure 1 / 1st reserved storage area 831 is shifted to the determination storage area 830 when the first special symbol determination is executed, the special figure 1 / 2nd reserved storage area 832 or later is used. The information stored in the reserved storage area related to the first special symbol determination is shifted to the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 side. For example, the information stored in the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831 while the information is stored in each of the special figure 1 and the first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1 and the third reserved storage area 833. When the determination storage area 830 is shifted, the information stored in the special figure 1 and 2 reserved storage areas 832 is shifted to the special figure 1 and 1 reserved storage area 831, and the special figure 1 and 3 reserved storage areas are stored. The information stored in the area 833 is shifted to the special figure 1 and the second reserved storage area 832.

Such information shift processing is also performed in the special figure 2 / first reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2/4 reserved storage area 838 in which the information related to the second special symbol determination is stored. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when both the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination are reserved, that is, the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 and the special figure 2 / first reserved When information is stored in both of the storage areas 835, the special figures 2 and 2 are prior to the shift processing for the special figure 1 and 1st reserved storage areas 831 to the special figure 1 and 4 reserved storage areas 834. 1 The shift process for the reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2 and the fourth reserved storage area 838 is prioritized.

By the way, even if a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22 and various random numbers are acquired during the variable display of the special symbol or during the big hit game, the special symbol determination or the variable display of the special symbol is displayed. It cannot be done immediately. Therefore, when various random numbers are acquired under such a situation, the main CPU 81 uses the acquired various random numbers and the like as information for retaining the right of special symbol determination as the reserved storage area 831. It is supposed to be stored in any of the areas of ~ 838. On the other hand, when the special symbol is not displayed in a variable manner, the special symbol determination is not suspended, and the jackpot game is not in progress, the main CPU 81 receives various random numbers and the like acquired as a trigger for the start opening prize. It is directly stored in the determination storage area 830.

[Main processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the main process executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the main process executed by the main control board 80. This main process is started when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the main control board 80 is running.

First, the main CPU 81 executes a predetermined initial setting process including a process of setting an interrupt time (step S100). Next, it is determined whether or not the backup flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" (step S110). Here, if it is determined that the backup flag is set to "ON" (step S110: YES), the recovery process is executed (step S120). This restoration process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S120 or determines that the backup flag is not set to "ON" (step S110: NO), the interrupt prohibition process that prohibits the interrupt of the interrupt process of step S180. Is executed (step S140), and a power cutoff monitoring process for monitoring the power cutoff is executed (step S150). This power cutoff monitoring process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the process in step S150, the main CPU 81 executes a random number update process similar to the random number update process described later (see step S1 in FIG. 13) (step S160), and interrupts the interrupt process in step S180. Execute the permission process (step S170).

[Power cutoff monitoring process by the main control board 80]
Next, the power cutoff monitoring process executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 11 is a detailed flowchart of the power cutoff monitoring process in step S150 of FIG.

Following the process of step S140, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the power supply is cut off based on, for example, whether or not a power supply cutoff signal is input from a power supply board (not shown), as illustrated in FIG. Is determined (step S151). Here, if it is determined that the power supply is not cut off (step S151: NO), the process proceeds to step S160 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power is cut off (step S151: YES), the main CPU 81 executes a RAM area storage process for storing data such as a game state in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83 (step S152), and sets a backup flag. It is set to "ON" (step S153), and a RAM access prohibition process for prohibiting access to the main RAM 83 is executed (step S154).

The processes of steps S152 to S154 are performed during the period from when the power supply voltage starts to decrease due to the start of power off of the power supply that supplies power to the main control board 80 until the power supply voltage becomes “0”.

[Recovery processing by main control board 80]
Next, the recovery process executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. Here, FIG. 12 is a detailed flowchart of the recovery process in step S120 of FIG. When the main CPU 81 determines that the backup flag is set to "ON" (step S110: YES), as illustrated in FIG. 12, the main CPU 81 sets the work area of the main RAM 83 at the time of power restoration. The process is executed (step S121). Next, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the jackpot game was in progress when the power was cut off, based on the data stored in the main RAM 83 in the process of step S152 (see FIG. 11) described above (step S122).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is in progress when the power is cut off (step S122: YES), the main CPU 81 executes a jackpot gaming state recovery process for restoring the gaming state to the jackpot gaming state immediately before the power is cut off (step S123).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the main CPU 81 is not in the jackpot gaming state when the power is cut off (step S122: NO), whether or not the main CPU 81 is in the probabilistic gaming state when the power is turned off based on the data stored in the main RAM 83 in the process of step S152. Is determined (step S124). Here, when it is determined that the probabilistic gaming state was in the probabilistic gaming state when the power was cut off (step S124: YES), the probabilistic gaming state restoration process for restoring the gaming state to the probabilistic gaming state immediately before the power cutoff is executed (step S125).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the game is not in the probabilistic gaming state when the power is cut off (step S124: NO), the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the game was in the time-saving gaming state when the power is cut off, based on the data stored in the main RAM 83 in the process of step S152. (Step S126). Here, when it is determined that the time-saving gaming state was reached when the power was cut off (step S126: YES), the time-saving gaming state restoration process for restoring the gaming state to the time-saving gaming state immediately before the power is cut off is executed (step S127). On the contrary, when it is determined that the game is not in the time-saving game state when the power is cut off (step S126: NO), that is, when the game state is in the normal game state when the power is turned off, the normal game state in which the game state is restored to the normal game state immediately before the power is cut off is restored. The state recovery process is executed (step S128).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S123, the process of step S125, the process of step S127, or the process of step S128, the sub control board 90 and the audiovisual control Peripheral device setting processing for setting peripheral devices such as the board 100, the lamp control board 120, and the payout control board 150 is executed (step S129), and the backup flag is set to "OFF" (step S130).

[Interrupt processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the interrupt processing executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 13 is a detailed flowchart of the interrupt processing in step S180 of FIG. The main control board 80 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 13 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. .. The processing of the main control board 80 described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 13 is performed according to an instruction issued by the main CPU 81 based on the program stored in the main ROM 82.

First, the main CPU 81 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a symbol random number, a reach random number, a variable pattern random number, and a normal symbol random number (step S1). The jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, the fluctuation pattern random number, and the normal symbol random number are added by "1" each time the process of this step S1 is performed. A loop counter is used as the counter that performs the process of step S1, and each random number is returned to "0" and updated after reaching the preset maximum value.

Following the process of step S1, the main CPU 81 acquires various random numbers according to the input of the detection signals from the sensors of the first start port sensor 211, the second start port sensor 221 and the gate sensor 251. The sensor detection process including the process is executed (step S2). This sensor detection process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S2, the main CPU 81 executes a special symbol determination to cause the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 to display the special symbol in a variable manner, and then the determination result of the special symbol determination. A special symbol process including a process of stopping and displaying the special symbol indicating the above is executed (step S3). This special symbol processing will be described in detail later based on FIG.

Following the process of step S3, the main CPU 81 executes a normal symbol determination, causes the normal symbol display 43 to display the normal symbol in a variable manner, and then stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the result of the normal symbol determination. Ordinary symbol processing is executed (step S4).

Following the process of step S4, the main CPU 81 controls the second start port solenoid 222 to operate the opening / closing member 23 when it is determined that the second start port 22 is to be opened as a result of the normal symbol determination. 2 The second starting port opening / closing control process for opening / closing the starting port 22 is executed (step S5).

Following the process of step S5, when the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot determination process executed in the special symbol process of step S3 is a "big hit", the first big prize opening solenoid 262 (or the second big prize) The large winning opening opening / closing control process for opening / closing the first special winning opening 26 (or the second special winning opening 28) is executed by controlling the mouth solenoid 282) (step S6).

Following the process of step S6, the main CPU 81 uses the information transmitted from the payout control board 150 (in this embodiment, a payout error occurrence notification command, a payout error resolution notification command, a full error occurrence notification command, and a full error resolution notification command). , A ballless error occurrence notification command, or a ballless error resolution notification command: see FIG. 23) is executed, and an information reception process is executed to perform a predetermined process in response to the reception (step S7). This information reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S7, the main CPU 81 executes a prize ball payout instruction process for instructing the payout control board 150 to pay out the prize ball according to the winning of the game ball (step S8). The prize ball payout instruction processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 22.

Following the processing in step S8, the main CPU 81 transmits various commands set (stored) in the main RAM 83 in the processing steps prior to step S8 to the payout control board 150 and the sub control board 90, and determines the effect content. A transmission process such as transmitting information necessary for this to the sub-control board 90 is executed (step S9).

[Sensor detection processing by the main control board 80]
FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart of the sensor detection process in step S2 of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the main CPU 81, following the random number update process in step S1, the gate sensor 251 passes the game ball to the gate 25 based on the presence / absence of the input of the detection signal from the gate sensor 251. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (step S201). Here, when it is determined that the gate sensor 251 has detected the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 (step S201: YES), the hold number F for the normal symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is set in advance. It is determined whether or not it is less than the maximum number of pending symbols Fmax (“4” in this embodiment) for symbol determination (step S202).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number F is less than "4" (step S202: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the hold number F to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S203), and the random number update process in step S1 is performed. With respect to the normal symbol random number updated every time the random number is performed, the value of the timing at which the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 is detected is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 83 (step S204).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S204 and determines that the gate sensor 251 has not detected the passage of the game ball to the gate 25 (step S201: NO), the hold number F is less than "4". If it is determined that this is not the case (step S202: NO), the second start port sensor 221 detects that the game ball has won a prize for the second start port 22 based on the presence or absence of the input of the detection signal from the second start port sensor 221. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S206). Here, when it is determined that the second starting port sensor 221 has detected the winning of the game ball for the second starting port 22 (step S206: YES), the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83. Is less than the preset maximum hold number T2max (“4” in this embodiment) for the second special symbol determination (step S207).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number T2 is less than "4" (step S207: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the hold number T2 to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S208), and the random number update process in step S1 is performed. With respect to the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, which are updated every time the game is performed, the value of the timing at which the winning of the game ball for the second starting port 22 is detected is acquired (step S209).

In this way, various random numbers related to the second special symbol determination are generated according to the establishment of the acquisition condition that the winning of the game ball for the second starting port 22 is detected when the holding number T2 is less than the maximum holding number T2max. To be acquired. When various random numbers are acquired in a situation where the second special symbol determination and the variation display of the second special symbol can be immediately executed, these random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830 and cannot be executed immediately. When various random numbers are acquired in the situation, these random numbers are stored in any of the special figure 2 / first reserved storage area 835 to the special figure 2/4 reserved storage area 838.

When the process of step S209 is executed, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state (step S210). The time saving game flag is stored in the main RAM 83. At this time, the time-saving game flag is set to "OFF" when controlling the operation of the opening / closing member 23 so that the game ball is in a low base state in which it is difficult for the game ball to win in the second start port 22, and the game ball is set in the second start port 22. Is a flag set to "ON" when the operation of the opening / closing member 23 is controlled so as to be in a high base state in which a prize is easily won. In step S210, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state based on whether or not the time saving game flag is set to “ON”.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the current state is the high base state (step S210: YES), that is, when the time saving game flag is set to "ON", the pre-determination relating to the hold of the second special symbol determination The process is executed (step S211). Specifically, the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 17) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 18), which will be described later, are executed based on various random numbers acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 22. Based on the various random numbers acquired in the process of step S209, it is determined in advance whether or not it will be a big hit, and the change of the second special symbol when the second special symbol determination is executed. A pre-determination process for predetermining which variation pattern is selected as a pattern is executed. The pre-determination information that is the result of this pre-determination process is stored in the same reserved storage area in which the jackpot random numbers and the like used in the pre-determination process are stored.

If the game ball wins a prize in the second starting port 22 while the number of pending numbers T2 for the second special symbol determination is "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol, the winning is received. The various acquired random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830, and the second special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, since the second special symbol determination is not suspended, the preliminary determination process related to the second special symbol determination is not performed. Such a preliminary determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S211 or determines that it is not in the high base state (step S210: NO), the main CPU 81 sets the hold command related to the second special symbol determination in the main RAM 83 (step S212). This hold command is a command for notifying that the second special symbol determination has been held, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S9. If the process of step S212 is performed without the pre-determination process of step S211 being performed, a hold command that does not include the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. On the other hand, when the process of step S212 is performed after the pre-determination process of step S211 is performed, a hold command including the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the second start port sensor 221 has not detected the winning of the game ball for the second start port 22 when the process of step S212 is executed (step S206: NO), the second When it is determined that the hold number T2 of the special symbol determination is not less than "4" (step S207: NO), the first start port sensor 211 is based on the presence / absence of the input of the detection signal from the first start port sensor 211. It is determined whether or not the winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is detected (step S214). Here, when it is determined that the first start port sensor 211 has detected the winning of the game ball for the first start port 21 (step S214: YES), the number of hold numbers T1 for the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83. Is less than the preset maximum hold number T1max (“4” in the present embodiment) for the first special symbol determination (step S215).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number T1 is less than "4" (step S215: YES), the main CPU 81 updates the hold number T1 to a value obtained by adding "1" (step S216), and the random number update process in step S1 is performed. With respect to the jackpot random number, the symbol random number, the reach random number, and the fluctuation pattern random number, which are updated every time the game is performed, the value of the timing at which the winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is detected is acquired (step S217).

In this way, various random numbers related to the first special symbol determination are generated according to the establishment of the acquisition condition that the winning of the game ball for the first starting port 21 is detected when the holding number T1 is less than the maximum holding number T1max. To be acquired. When various random numbers are acquired in a situation where the first special symbol determination and the variation display of the first special symbol can be immediately executed, these random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830 and cannot be executed immediately. When various random numbers are acquired in the situation, these random numbers are stored in any of the special figure 1 / first reserved storage area 831 to the special figure 1/4 reserved storage area 834.

When the process of step S217 is executed, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the current state is the high base state, as in the process of step S210 (step S218). Here, when it is determined that the current state is not the high base state (step S218: NO), that is, when the time saving game flag is set to "OFF", the pre-determination process relating to the suspension of the first special symbol determination is made. Is executed (step S219). Specifically, the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 17) and the variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 18), which will be described later, are executed based on various random numbers acquired in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 21. Based on the various random numbers acquired in the process of step S217, it is determined in advance whether or not it will be a big hit, and the change of the first special symbol when the first special symbol determination is executed. A pre-determination process for predetermining which variation pattern is selected as a pattern is executed. The pre-determination information that is the result of this pre-determination process is stored in the same reserved storage area in which the jackpot random numbers and the like used in the pre-determination process are stored.

If the game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 21 while the number of pending numbers T1 for the first special symbol determination is "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol, the winning is received. The various acquired random numbers are directly stored in the determination storage area 830, and the first special symbol determination based on these random numbers is immediately executed. In this case, since the first special symbol determination is not suspended, the preliminary determination process related to the first special symbol determination is not performed. Such a preliminary determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S219 or determines that it is in the high base state (step S218: YES), the main CPU 81 sets the hold command related to the first special symbol determination in the main RAM 83 (step S220). This hold command is a command for notifying that the first special symbol determination has been held, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S9. If the process of step S220 is performed without performing the pre-determination process of step S219, a hold command that does not include the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90. On the other hand, when the process of step S220 is performed after the pre-determination process of step S219 is performed, a hold command including the pre-determination information is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

[Preliminary determination processing by the main control board 80]
Hereinafter, the pre-determination process executed by the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 15 is a detailed flowchart of the pre-determination process in steps S211 and 219 of FIG. Here, the pre-judgment process performed when the right of the first special symbol determination is reserved will be described as an example, but the right of the second special symbol determination is described except that the random numbers and tables used are different. Is suspended, the same pre-determination process is performed.

When the main CPU 81 determines in the process of step S210 of FIG. 14 that it is in the high base state (step S210: YES), or when it determines in the process of step S218 of FIG. 14 that it is not in the high base state (step S218: NO), the jackpot determination process is executed (step S2191). Specifically, in the case of a low probability state (in this embodiment, the "normal game state" corresponds to this), the jackpot random number table for low probability is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83. On the other hand, in the case of a high probability state (in this embodiment, the "probability variation game state" corresponds to this), the jackpot random number table for high probability is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83. Then, whether or not the jackpot random number acquired in the process of step S209 of FIG. 14 (or the process of step S217 of FIG. 14) matches any of the winning values stored in the jackpot random number table set in the main RAM 83. Based on this, it is determined whether or not a jackpot will be determined at the start of the fluctuation.

Next, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not it is determined to be a big hit at the start of the fluctuation based on the determination result in step S2191 (step S2192). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is determined at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192: YES), the jackpot fluctuation pattern selection table is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S2193).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit at the start of the fluctuation (step S2192: NO), it determines whether or not the reach effect is performed during the fluctuation (step S2194). Specifically, it is based on whether or not the reach random number acquired together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process in step S2191 matches the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82. It is determined whether or not the reach effect is performed during the fluctuation.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the reach effect is to be performed (step S2194: YES), the main CPU 81 reads out the variation pattern selection table for reach loss from the main ROM 82 and sets it in the main RAM 83 (step S2195).

By the way, when the determination result of the first special symbol determination is "missing" and the reach effect is not performed during the change, the first special symbol is based on the number of pending first special symbol determination at the start of the change. Fluctuation pattern is determined. Then, the number of reserved first special symbol determinations may be different before and after the reserved first special symbol determination is digested. Therefore, the variation pattern of the special symbol acquired before the first special symbol determination is digested may be different from the variation pattern of the special symbol selected when the first special symbol determination is actually digested. be. That is, for the right of the first special symbol determination in which the reach effect is not performed during the variation, it may not be possible to acquire an accurate variation pattern of the first special symbol prior to the first special symbol determination.

Therefore, when it is determined by the main CPU 81 that the reach effect is not performed (step S2194: NO), the process proceeds to step S2197 without performing the variation pattern random number determination process of step S2196 described later.

When the main CPU 81 sets the variation pattern selection table for big hits or the variation pattern selection table for reach loss, the main CPU 81 executes the variation pattern random number determination process (step S2196). Specifically, the variation pattern random number acquired at the start opening winning along with the jackpot random number used in the process of step S2191 is among the random number values defined in the variation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83. Based on which random number value of the throat matches, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol to be selected in the special symbol determination performed at the start of the fluctuation is specified.

When the process of step S2196 is executed, or when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S2194: NO), the main CPU 81 generates pre-determination information and stores it in the main RAM 83 (step S2197). The area in which the prior determination information is stored is as described above based on FIG.

In this way, the main CPU 81 is based on the acquisition information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins the first start opening 21 (or the second start opening 22), and the jackpot based on this acquisition information. Prior to the determination process and the variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern (that is, the variation time) of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) is acquired.

[Special symbol processing by the main control board 80]
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the details of the special symbol processing executed by the main control board 80 will be described. Here, FIG. 16 is a detailed flowchart of the special symbol processing in step S3 of FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not a jackpot game is in progress based on whether or not the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to “ON” (. Step S301). This jackpot game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the jackpot game is being executed, and is set to "ON" at the start of the jackpot game and "OFF" at the end of the jackpot game. Here, if it is determined that the jackpot game is in progress (step S301: YES), the process proceeds to the normal symbol processing in step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the jackpot game is not in progress (step S301: NO), the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S302). Here, when it is determined that the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S302: NO), it is determined whether or not the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or more. (Step S303). Here, when it is determined that the hold number T2 is "1" or more (step S303: YES), the hold number T2 is updated to a value subtracted by "1" (step S304).

When the main CPU 81 determines that the hold number T2 is not "1" or more (step S303: NO), whether or not the hold number T1 of the first special symbol determination stored in the main RAM 83 is "1" or more. (Step S305). Here, when it is determined that the hold number T1 is "1" or more (step S305: YES), the hold number T1 is updated to a value subtracted by "1" (step S306).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S304 or the process of step S306, the main CPU 81 executes the information shift process (step S307). Specifically, when the process of step S307 is executed following the process of step S304, the shift process of shifting the information stored in the first reserved storage area 835 to the determination storage area 830 is executed. do. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved storage area after the special figure 2 second reserved storage area 836, the shift process for shifting the information to the special figure 2 first reserved storage area 835 side. Also execute. On the other hand, when the shift process is executed following the process of step S306, the shift process for shifting the information stored in the first reserved storage area 831 of FIG. 1 to the determination storage area 830 is executed. At that time, if information is also stored in the reserved storage areas after the special figure 1 and 2 reserved storage areas 832, the shift process for shifting the information to the special figure 1 and 1 reserved storage area 831 side. Also execute.

When the main CPU 81 stores the information necessary for the second special symbol determination (or the first special symbol determination) such as the jackpot random number and the symbol random number by the shift process in step S307 in the determination storage area 830, the main CPU 81 is based on these information. , The jackpot determination process in step S308 and the variation pattern selection process in step S309 are executed.

It should be noted that the first start of the game ball is in a state where both the hold number T1 for the first special symbol determination and the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination are "0", neither during the jackpot game nor during the variable display of the special symbol. When a prize is won in the mouth 21 (or the second starting mouth 22), information such as a jackpot random number and a symbol random number acquired in response to the prize is directly stored in the determination storage area 830. In such a case, the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process are executed without executing the shift process in step S307.

The main CPU 81 executes the jackpot determination process based on the random numbers stored in the determination storage area 830 (step S308). By executing this jackpot determination process, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is determined to be a jackpot, the type of jackpot (big hit symbol) is determined. Then, the setting information of the special symbol indicating the result of these processes is set in the main RAM 83. This jackpot determination process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the jackpot determination process in step S308, the main CPU 81 executes a variation pattern selection process for selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol (step S309). This variation pattern selection process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S309, the main CPU 81 determines whether the special symbol setting information set in the process of step S308, the setting information of this special symbol is related to the first special symbol determination, or the second special symbol determination. A fluctuation start command including information indicating whether the information is related, setting information of the fluctuation pattern selected in the process of step S309, information on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the like is set in the main RAM 83 (step S310). This variation start command is a command instructing the start of the effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol, and is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S9. As a result, the variable effect including the variable display of the effect symbol on the display screen 70 is started.

Following the process of step S310, the main CPU 81 starts the variation display of the special symbol based on the variation pattern setting information included in the variation start command set in the process of step S310 (step S311). At that time, when the processes of steps S308 to S310 are performed with the information related to the first special symbol determination stored in the determination storage area 830, the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 41 Starts the variable display of. On the other hand, when the processes of steps S308 to S310 are performed with the information related to the second special symbol determination stored in the determination storage area 830, the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 42 Start variable display.

Next, the main CPU 81 starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of the variation display of the special symbol in step S311 (step S312). When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S312 or determines that the special symbol variation is being displayed (step S302: YES), the elapsed time when the measurement is started in the process of step S312 is the variation of step S309. It is determined whether or not the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in the pattern selection process has been reached (step S313). Here, if it is determined that the elapsed time has not reached the fluctuation time (step S313: NO), the process proceeds to the normal symbol processing in step S4.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the elapsed time has reached the variation time (step S313: YES), the main CPU 81 sets a variation end command in the main RAM 83 to notify that the variation display of the special symbol ends (step S314). This variable end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process in step S9. As a result, a process of stopping and displaying the effect symbols that have been variablely displayed on the display screen 70 in a manner showing the determination result of the special symbol determination is performed.

Following the process of step S314, the main CPU 81 ends the variable display of the special symbol started in the process of step S311 (step S315). Specifically, the special symbol (big hit symbol or lost symbol) set in the process of step S308 is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display that has been variablely displaying the special symbol. The stop display of this special symbol is continued until at least a predetermined symbol confirmation time (for example, 0.6 seconds) has elapsed.

In this way, the main CPU 81 displays the special symbol on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 in a variable manner, and then displays the special symbol (big hit symbol or lost symbol) indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process. The first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42 is stopped and displayed.

Following the process of step S315, the main CPU 81 resets the elapsed time at which the measurement was started in the process of step S312 (step S316), and when the special figure is stopped including the process of starting the jackpot game when the jackpot is a big hit. The process is executed (step S317). This special figure stop processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[Big hit determination process by the main control board 80]
FIG. 17 is a detailed flowchart of the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. First, the main CPU 81 executes a jackpot determination based on the jackpot random numbers stored in the determination storage area 830 (step S3081). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is a jackpot based on whether or not it matches a preset winning value. The winning value here is a jackpot winning value specified in the high-probability jackpot random number table or the low-probability jackpot random number table. When the jackpot determination is executed in the high probability state (in this embodiment, the "probability variation game state" corresponds to this), the winning value stored in the jackpot random number table for high probability is used. On the other hand, when the jackpot determination is executed in the low probability state (in this embodiment, the "normal game state" corresponds to this), the winning value stored in the jackpot random number table for low probability is used. To.

In this way, the main CPU 81 starts by storing the acquisition information such as the jackpot random number acquired when the game ball wins in the first start port 21 or the second start port 22 in the determination storage area 830. When the condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not to execute the jackpot game advantageous to the player based on the jackpot random number.

Following the process of step S3081, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result of the jackpot determination is "big hit" (step S3082). Here, when it is determined that the determination result of the jackpot determination is not "big hit" (step S3082: NO), that is, when the determination result of the jackpot determination is "missing", the setting information of the losing symbol is set in the main RAM 83. (Step S3083). As a result, during the process of step S315, the lost symbol set here is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. In this case, the jackpot game is not performed.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the determination result of the jackpot determination is "big hit" (step S3082: YES), the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42. The jackpot symbol selection process for selecting is executed (step S3084). Specifically, when the symbol random number stored in the determination storage area 830 together with the jackpot random number used for the jackpot determination in step S3081 is related to the first special symbol determination, the symbol random number is , One of the jackpot symbols is selected based on which jackpot symbol is matched with the random number value specified in the symbol determination table for the first start opening winning. Further, when the symbol random number is related to the second special symbol determination, which jackpot symbol random number value specified in the symbol determination table for the second starting opening winning is matched with the symbol random number. Based on, select one of the jackpot symbols.

Then, the main CPU 81 sets the setting information of the selected jackpot symbol in the main RAM 83 (step S3085). As a result, during the process of step S315, the jackpot symbol set here is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 or the second special symbol display 42, and then the jackpot game according to the jackpot symbol. Will be done.

[Variation pattern selection process by main control board 80]
FIG. 18 is a detailed flowchart of the fluctuation pattern selection process in step S309 of FIG. After executing the jackpot determination process in step S308 of FIG. 16, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the determination result in step S3081 is a jackpot (step S3091). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit (step S3091: YES), the jackpot variation pattern selection table is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3092).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3091: NO), the reach random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is the winning value of the reach random number stored in the main ROM 82 (for the effect with reach). Based on whether or not it matches with the corresponding random number value), it is determined whether or not to perform a reach effect that causes the player to expect a big hit (step S3093). Here, when it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed (step S3093: YES), the variation pattern selection table for reach loss is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3094). On the contrary, when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed (step S3093: NO), the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach is read from the main ROM 82 and set in the main RAM 83 (step S3095).

The main CPU 81 executes a variation pattern random number determination process with reference to the variation pattern selection table set in the main RAM 83 by the process of step S3092, the process of step S3094, or the process of step S3095 (step S3096). Specifically, when the variation pattern selection table for jackpot or the variation pattern selection table for reach loss is set in the main RAM 83, the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number stored in the determination storage area 830 is set. One variation pattern is selected by reading from the variation pattern selection table. Further, when the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach is set in the main RAM 83, the hold number T1 for the first special symbol determination (or the hold number T2 for the second special symbol determination) stored in the main RAM 83 is used. One variation pattern is selected by specifying the number of holds and reading the variation pattern corresponding to the specified number of holds from the variation pattern selection table for loss without reach. By selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol in this way, the variation time of the special symbol is inevitably determined.

When the fluctuation pattern is selected, the main CPU 81 sets the setting information of the selected fluctuation pattern in the main RAM 83 (step S3097). The fluctuation pattern setting information is included in the fluctuation start command and transmitted to the sub control board 90 together with the symbol setting information set in the main RAM 83 by the jackpot determination process in step S308 described above.

[Processing when the special figure is stopped by the main control board 80]
FIG. 19 is a detailed flowchart of the special figure stop processing in step S317 of FIG. After resetting the elapsed time by the process of step S316, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not it is a big hit, as in the process of step S3082 (see FIG. 17), as illustrated in FIG. 19 (step). S3171). Here, when it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step S3171: YES), the jackpot game flag stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "ON" (step S3172).

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the probabilistic game flag stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3173), and sets the time saving game flag also stored in the main RAM 83 to "OFF" (step S3174). ). Here, the probability variation game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the special symbol determination is a relatively high probability state.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state is controlled by setting the probabilistic gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag. That is, when the gaming state is controlled to the "probability-changing gaming state", both the probabilistic gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag are set to "ON". Further, when the gaming state is controlled to the "normal gaming state", both the probabilistic gaming flag and the time-saving gaming flag are set to "OFF". Further, when the game state is controlled to the "time saving game state", the probability variation game flag is set to "OFF" and the time saving game flag is set to "ON".

Following the process of step S3174, the main CPU 81 sets an opening command in the main RAM 83 for notifying that the jackpot game is started (step S3175). This opening command includes information such as the type of big hit, the opening pattern of the first big winning opening 26 (or the second big winning opening 28) during the big hit game, and the sub-control board 90 by the transmission process of step S9. Will be sent to.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that it is not a big hit (step S3171: NO), it determines whether or not the probabilistic game flag is set to "ON" (step S3176). Here, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S3176: YES), that is, when the special symbol determination is performed in a high probability state, the high probability stored in the main RAM 83 is high. The game remaining number K is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S3177). The high-probability game remaining number K indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in the high-probability state.

Following the process of step S3177, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the high-probability game remaining number K is “0” (step S3178). Here, when it is determined that the high-probability game remaining number K is "0" (step S3178: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "OFF" (step S3179). As a result, the special symbol determination is performed in a low probability state.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S3179, when it is determined that the probability variation game flag is not set to "ON" (step S3176: NO), or the high probability game remaining number K is not "0". If it is determined (step S3178: NO), it is determined whether or not the time saving game flag is set to "ON" (step S3180). Here, when it is determined that the time saving game flag is set to "ON" (step S3180: YES), the time saving game remaining number J stored in the main RAM 83 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step). S3181). The time-saving game remaining number J indicates the remaining number of times that the special symbol determination is executed in the time-saving state (high base state).

Following the process of step S3181, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the time-saving game remaining number J is "0" (step S3182). Here, when it is determined that the time-saving game remaining number J is "0" (step S3182: YES), the time-saving game flag is set to "OFF" (step S3183). As a result, the support function for facilitating the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 is not provided.

[Game state setting process by the main control board 80]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a game state setting process executed at the end of a big hit game on the main control board 80. In the gaming machine 1, the jackpot game is executed by the big winning opening opening / closing control process in step S6, but when the ending period in this jackpot game ends, the gaming state setting for setting the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game ends. The process is executed.

The main CPU 81 determines whether or not the ending period in the jackpot game has ended during the jackpot game (step S631). Here, when it is determined that the ending period has ended (step S631: YES), for example, it is determined whether or not the current jackpot is a probabilistic jackpot based on the setting information of the symbol set in the main RAM 83 (step). S632). Here, when it is determined that the probability variation jackpot is (step S632: YES), the probability variation game flag is set to "ON" (step S633), and the high probability game remaining number K is set to, for example, "10000" (step S634). ). By performing the processing of step S633 and the processing of step S634, the high probability state will continue until 10,000 special symbol determinations are executed.

Next, the main CPU 81 sets the time saving game flag to "ON" (step S635), and sets the time saving game remaining number J to, for example, "10000" (step S636). By performing the processing of step S635 and the processing of step S636, the high base state will continue until 10,000 special symbol determinations are executed. By performing the series of processes from step S633 to step S636 in this way, the game is controlled in the probabilistic game state from the end of the jackpot game until the execution of 10,000 special symbol determinations.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the current jackpot is not a probable variable jackpot (step S632: NO), that is, when the current jackpot is a normal jackpot, the time saving game flag is set to "ON" as in the process of step S635. (Step S637), and the time-saving game slash number J is set to, for example, "100" (step S638). By performing the process of step S637 and the process of step S638 in this way, the game is controlled in the time-saving game state from the end of the big hit game to the execution of 100 special symbol determinations.

[Information reception processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the information reception process executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 21. Here, FIG. 21 is a detailed flowchart of the information reception process in step S7 of FIG. Following the large winning opening opening / closing control process (see FIG. 13) in step S6, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the error notification information transmitted from the payout control board 150 has been received, as illustrated in FIG. (Step S71). In the present embodiment, as the error notification information, the payout error occurrence notification command, the full error occurrence notification command, or the ballless error occurrence notification command exemplified in FIG. 23 is transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80. Therefore, in step S71, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the payout error occurrence notification command, the full error occurrence notification command, or the ballless error occurrence notification command has been received from the payout control board 150.

Here, the payout error occurrence notification command is not limited to a payout error in which the payout device 130 pays out the game ball continuously for a predetermined time or longer, and the game ball is not paid out (the payout motor 131 is not driven). When a ball jam occurs in which a game ball is continuously detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 for a predetermined time or longer, it is transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80 in order to notify the occurrence of these errors. Command. The full error occurrence notification command is a command transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80 in order to notify the occurrence of the full error when a full error occurs in which the lower plate 34 is filled with the game balls. .. The ballless error occurrence notification command is transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80 in order to notify the occurrence of the ballless error when a ballless error occurs in which the game balls supplied to the payout device 130 are exhausted. Command.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the error notification information (here, any of the above three error occurrence notification commands) transmitted from the payout control board 150 has been received (step S71: YES), the main RAM 83 issues the error notification command. (Step S72). Specifically, when a payout error occurrence notification command is received as error notification information, an error notification command instructing execution of error notification for notifying that an error has occurred in the payout device 130 is set in the main RAM 83. When a full error notification command is received as error notification information, an error notification start command for instructing execution of error notification for notifying that a full error has occurred is set in the main RAM 83. Further, when the ballless error occurrence notification command is received as the error notification information, the game ball supplied to the payout device 130 is exhausted. The error notification start command for instructing the execution of the error notification that the ballless error has occurred has occurred. Is set in the main RAM 83.

The error notification command set in the main RAM 83 in the process of step S72 is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 by the transmission process of step S9 (see FIG. 13). On the other hand, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 eliminates the error notification command for instructing the execution of the error notification for notifying that the error of the payout device 130 has occurred, or the game ball supplied to the payout device 130. When an error notification command is received to notify that an error has occurred without a ball, an error notification start command to start displaying an error message such as "Call a staff member" is issued. It is transmitted to the control board 100. Further, when the sub CPU 91 receives an error notification command instructing execution of error notification to notify that a full error has occurred, the sub CPU 91 starts displaying an error message such as "please pull out the ball" and "lower plate". Is full, please pull out the ball. ”An error notification start command instructing the start of output from the voice speaker 38 is transmitted to the image / sound control board 100.

As described above, when the error notification information notifying that the error of the payout device 130 (for example, the payout error, the ball jam, the ballless error) is detected is transmitted from the payout control board 150, the main CPU 81 is used. In order to receive the error notification information and realize the error notification, the error notification command is set in the main RAM 83 in the process of step S72.

When the sub CPU 91 receives an error notification command instructing execution of error notification to notify that an error has occurred in the payout device 130, the sub CPU 91 causes the frame lamp 37 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the error of the payout device 130. Information instructing light emission control is transmitted to the lamp control board 120. Further, when an error notification command instructing execution of error notification for notifying that a ball-less error has occurred in which the game balls supplied to the payout device 130 are exhausted is received, the frame lamp 37 is set to a light emitting pattern dedicated to the ball-less error. Information instructing the light emission control to emit light is transmitted to the lamp control board 120. Further, when an error notification command for instructing execution of error notification for notifying that a full error has occurred is received, information indicating light emission control for causing the board lamp 5 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the full error is transmitted to the lamp control board. Send to 120. The process of transmitting this information from the sub-control board 90 to the lamp control board 120 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 41.

Whether or not the main CPU 81 has received the resolution information transmitted from the payout control board 150 when the process of step S72 is executed or when it is determined that the error notification information has not been received (step S71: NO). Is determined (step S73). In the present embodiment, as the resolution information, the payout error resolution notification command, the full error resolution notification command, or the ballless error resolution notification command exemplified in FIG. 23 is transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80. In the process of step S73, the main CPU 81 determines whether or not the payout error resolution notification command, the full error resolution notification command, or the ballless error resolution notification command has been received from the payout control board 150.

Here, the payout error resolution notification command is transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80 to notify that the payout error or the ball jam has been resolved when the above payout error or the ball jam has been resolved. Command. The full error resolution notification command is a command transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80 to notify that the full error has been resolved when the full error is resolved. The ballless error resolution notification command is a command transmitted from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80 in order to notify the resolution of the ballless error when the ballless error is resolved.

When the main CPU 81 determines that the resolution information transmitted from the payout control board 150 has been received (step S73: YES), the main CPU 81 notifies that the error corresponding to the error notification instructed to be executed by the error notification command has been resolved. The error resolution command is set in the main RAM 83 (step S74).

The error resolution command set in the main RAM 83 in the process of step S74 is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 by the transmission process of step S9 (see FIG. 13). On the other hand, the sub CPU 91 transmits an error notification end command instructing the end of the error notification started by the error notification command to the image / sound control board 100. As a result, if an error message such as "Call a staff member" is being displayed, the display of the error message ends. Also, if an error message such as "Please pull out the ball" is being displayed, or if a voice such as "The lower plate is full, please pull out the ball" is being output, these error messages are displayed and the voice is being output. Output and exit.

In this way, the main CPU 81 starts the necessary error notification by transmitting the error notification command to the sub control board 90, and ends the running error notification by transmitting the error resolution command to the sub control board 90. ..

[Prize ball payout instruction processing by the main control board 80]
Next, the prize ball payout instruction process executed on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. Here, FIG. 22 is a detailed flowchart of the prize ball payout instruction process in step S8 of FIG. Following the information reception process (see FIG. 13) in step S7, the main CPU 81 is based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the first start port sensor 211, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the first start port sensor 211. Determines whether or not has detected a game ball (step S801). Here, when it is determined that the first start port sensor 211 has detected the game ball (step S801: YES), the number of payout prize balls stored in the main RAM 83 is set to "4" (step S802).

The number of payout prize balls is set to "0" when no game ball has won, and the process of step S802, the process of step S804, the process of step S806, the process of step S808, or the process of step S810 is performed. By executing, it is updated to a value of "1" or more.

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S802, or when it is determined that the first start port sensor 211 does not detect the game ball (step S801: NO), the detection signal from the second start port sensor 221 It is determined whether or not the second start port sensor 211 has detected the game ball based on the presence or absence of the above (step S803). Here, when it is determined that the second start port sensor 211 has detected the game ball (step S803: YES), the payout prize ball number is set to "1" (step S802).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S804, or when it is determined that the second start opening sensor 221 does not detect the game ball (step S803: NO), the detection signal from the general winning opening sensor 241 is transmitted. Based on the presence / absence, it is determined whether or not the general winning opening sensor 241 has detected the game ball (step S805). Here, when it is determined that the general winning opening sensor 241 has detected a game ball (step S805: YES), the number of payout prize balls is set to "3" (step S806).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S806, or when it is determined that the general winning opening sensor 241 does not detect the game ball (step S805: NO), the detection signal from the first large winning opening sensor 261 It is determined whether or not the first large winning opening sensor 261 has detected the game ball based on the presence or absence of the above (step S807). Here, when it is determined that the first prize opening sensor 261 has detected a game ball (step S807: YES), the number of payout prize balls is set to "10" (step S808).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S808, or when it is determined that the first special winning opening sensor 261 does not detect the game ball (step S807: NO), the second major winning opening sensor 281 is used. Based on the presence or absence of the detection signal, it is determined whether or not the second large winning opening sensor 281 has detected the game ball (step S809). Here, when it is determined that the second prize opening sensor 281 has detected the game ball (step S809: YES), the number of payout prize balls is set to "10" (step S810).

When the main CPU 81 executes the process of step S810, or when it is determined that the second prize opening sensor 281 does not detect the game ball (step S809: NO), the number of payout prize balls is "1" or more. It is determined whether or not the value is set to (step S811). Here, when it is determined that the payout prize ball number is set to a value of "1" or more (step S811: YES), the payout command is set in the main RAM 83 (step S812).

This payout command is a command for instructing the payout control board 150 to pay out the prize balls, includes the number of payout prize balls stored in the main RAM 83, and is the transmission process of step S9 described above (see FIG. 13). Is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the payout control board 150. That is, a command for causing the payout control board 150 to control the payout device 130 is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the payout control board 150. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 151 of the payout control board 150 starts driving the payout motor 131, and the number of game balls detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 is the payout prize ball (included in the payout command). When the number is reached, the payout motor 131 is stopped. As a result, the number of prize balls specified by the payout command is paid out to the upper plate 33 or the lower plate 34.

On the other hand, when the main CPU 81 determines that the number of payout prize balls is not set to a value of "1" or more (step S811: NO), the controllable notification command is set in the main RAM 83 (step S813).

This controllable notification command is a controllable state in which the main control board 80 can execute game control and commands can be transmitted to the sub control board 90 and the payout control board 150 in order to realize the necessary control. This is a command transmitted from the main control board 80 to the payout control board 150 in order to notify that the command is. This controllable notification command is transmitted to the payout control board 150 by the transmission process (see FIG. 13) in step S9 described above (see FIG. 23).

By repeatedly executing the interrupt process (see FIG. 13) including the prize ball payout instruction process in step S8, the payout control CPU 151 of the payout control board 150 repeats the controllable notification command (or payout command) at a predetermined cycle. It is possible to receive, and it is possible to recognize that the main control board 80 is in a controllable state based on receiving one of these commands.

In this embodiment, since the payout command has the same function as the controllable notification command, when the payout command is transmitted to the payout control board 150, the controllable notification command is sent to the payout control board 150. The explanation will be given by taking the case of not transmitting as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the payout control board 150 issues a controllable notification command each time interrupt processing is performed, regardless of whether or not the payout command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the payout control board 150. A configuration such as repeated transmission may be adopted. In other words, in each interrupt process that is repeatedly executed, there may be a case where only the controllable notification command is transmitted, or a case where both the controllable notification command and the payout command are transmitted.

[Command type]
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating commands transmitted and received between the main control board 80 and the payout control board 150. Each command exemplified in FIG. 23 is as described above, but the payout command and the controllable notification command are transmitted from the main control board 80 to the payout control board 150. Further, from the payout control board 150 to the main control board 80, a payout error occurrence notification command, a payout error resolution notification command, a full error occurrence notification command, a full error resolution notification command, a ballless error occurrence notification command, and a ballless error A resolution notification command is sent.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout error occurrence notification command, the payout error resolution notification command, the full error occurrence notification command, the full error resolution notification command, the ballless error occurrence notification command, and the ballless error resolution notification command If the payout control CPU 151 cannot receive the controllable notification command or the payout command from the main control board 80 while any of the commands is set in the payout control RAM 153, until the payout control CPU 151 can receive the controllable notification command or the payout command. , The transmission of the command set in the payout control RAM 153 to the main control board 80 is suspended. The control related to the command set in the payout control RAM 153 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 31.

[Main processing by the payout control board 150]
Next, the main process executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. Here, FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the main process executed by the payout control board 150. This main process is started when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, and is continuously executed while the payout control board 150 is activated. The process performed by the payout control board 150 described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 24 and 24 is performed according to an instruction issued by the payout control CPU 151 based on the program stored in the payout control ROM 152.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the payout control CPU 151 first executes a RAM initialization process for initializing the payout control RAM 153 (step S50), and performs device initialization for initializing various devices on the payout control board 150. The process is executed (step S51). When this device initial setting process is executed, a loop process is performed, and the interrupt process of step S52 is executed every 2 ms during this loop process.

[Interrupt processing by payout control board 150]
Next, the interrupt processing executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 25. Here, FIG. 25 is a detailed flowchart of interrupt processing in step S52 of FIG. 24.

The payout control CPU 151 first executes a payout control process for controlling the payout of the game ball (prize ball) by the payout device 130 (step S521). This payout control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 26.

Following the process in step S521, the payout control CPU 151 executes a payout error occurrence notification process for notifying the main control board 80 of the occurrence of an error in the payout device 130 (here, a payout error or a ball jam) (step S523). .. The payout error occurrence notification process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 27.

Following the process of step S523, the payout control CPU 151 notifies the main control board 80 when the error of the payout device 130 notified to the main control board 80 by the payout error occurrence notification process in step S523 is resolved. Is executed (step S524). The payout error resolution notification process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 28.

Following the process of step S524, the payout control CPU 151 notifies the main control board 80 of the occurrence of a full error that the lower plate 34 is full with the game ball, and the main control board 80 that the full error has been resolved. A full error-related process including a process of notifying to is executed (step S525). This full error-related process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 29.

Following the process of step S525, the payout control CPU 151 notifies the main control board 80 that the above-mentioned ballless error related to the payout device 130 has occurred, and main control that the ballless error has been resolved. A ballless error-related process including a process of notifying the board 80 is executed (step S527). This ballless error-related process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Following the process of step S527, the payout control CPU 151 executes a transmission process including a process of transmitting a command set in the payout control RAM 153 to the main control board 80 (step S529). This transmission process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 31.

[Payout control process by payout control board 150]
Next, the payout control process executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 26. Here, FIG. 26 is a detailed flowchart of the payout control process in step S521 of FIG. 25.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the payout command transmitted from the main control board 80 has been received in response to the process of step S812 in FIG. 22 (step S5211). Here, when it is determined that the payout command has been received (step S5211: YES), the number of payouts is set based on the received payout command (step S5212). Specifically, for example, when a payout command indicating that the number of payout prize balls is "4" is received, the payout number is set to "4" and the setting information is set in the payout control RAM 153. Further, for example, when a payout command indicating that the number of payout prize balls is "10" is received, the payout number is set to "10" and the setting information is set in the payout control RAM 153. Then, the payout control CPU 151 starts driving the payout motor 131 (step S5213).

When the payout control CPU 151 executes the process of step S5213 or determines that the payout command has not been received (step S5211: NO), the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the payout motor 131 is being driven (step). S5214). Here, when it is determined that the payout motor 131 is being driven (step S5214: YES), the game ball is moved by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 based on the presence or absence of the detection signal from the first payout ball detection sensor 132. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (step S5215). Here, when it is determined that the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 (step S5215: YES), the payout number subtraction is updated to the value obtained by subtracting "1" from the payout number set in the payout control RAM 153. The process is executed (step S5216).

When the payout control CPU 151 executes the process of step S5216, when it is determined that the payout motor 131 is not being driven (step S5214: NO), or the game ball is not detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132. (Step S5215: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of payouts stored in the payout control RAM 153 is 1 or more (step S5217). Here, when it is determined that the number of payouts is not 1 or more (step S5217: NO), that is, when the number of payouts is "0", the payout of the prize balls according to the payout command is completed, and the payout is completed. The motor 131 is stopped (step S5218).

In this way, the payout control CPU 151 receives the payout command transmitted from the main control board 80, and causes the payout device 130 to execute a process (here, payout of the prize ball) according to the received payout command.

When the payout control CPU 151 executes the process of step S5218 or determines that the number of payouts is 1 or more (step S5217: YES), the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the lower plate detection time is being measured (step S5217: YES). Step S5220). When the game ball is detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 in the process of step S5253 (see FIG. 29) described later, the payout control CPU 151 is the lower plate detection time, which is the elapsed time from the start of detection of the game ball. Information indicating the lower plate detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. The information indicating the lower plate detection time is appropriately updated by the payout control CPU 151 while the state in which the game ball is detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 continues, and the game ball is released by the second payout ball detection sensor 154. It is held in the payout control RAM 153 until it is no longer detected. Therefore, in step S5220, the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the lower plate detection time is being measured based on whether or not the information indicating the lower plate detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153.

Since the game ball sent out from the ball tank by the payout motor 131 usually passes through the second payout ball detection sensor 154 in an extremely short time, basically, the information indicating the lower plate detection time is the payout control. Even if it is stored in the RAM 153, the information is immediately discarded from the payout control RAM 153, and it is determined as "NO" in the process of step S5220. On the other hand, when the lower plate full tank error occurs, the state in which the game ball is detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 continues, so that the information indicating the lower plate detection time is held in the payout control RAM 153. become.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the lower plate detection time is being measured (step S5220: YES), the lower plate detection time specified by the information indicating the lower plate detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 is determined. It is determined whether or not the lower plate detection time has reached the first time based on whether or not it matches the first time (for example, 1.5 seconds) stored in the payout control ROM 152 (step S5221). .. Here, when it is determined that the lower plate detection time has reached the first time (step S5221: YES), it is determined that a plate full tank error has occurred, and the payout motor 131 is stopped (step S5222).

By the way, as described above, the game ball sent out from the ball tank by the payout motor 131 usually passes through the second payout ball detection sensor 154 in an extremely short time, so basically, the second payout ball detection sensor The state in which the game ball is still detected by 154 does not continue for a predetermined time or longer. Therefore, by setting the first time to be a predetermined time or longer, it is possible to determine whether or not the lower plate 34 is full of game balls, and the payout control CPU 151 pays out. When it is determined that the lower plate 34 is full of the game ball during the payout of the game ball by the device 130, the state in which the game ball is still detected by the predetermined first timing (here, the second payout ball detection sensor 154) is determined. At the timing when the first time is reached), the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 is stopped.

Here, a case will be described as an example in which the fullness determination timing in which the lower plate 34 is determined to be full with the game ball and the first timing in which the payout device 130 stops the payout of the game ball are the same timing. However, the above-mentioned first timing may be a timing after the above-mentioned fullness determination timing. That is, at the first timing when a certain time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed from the full timing, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 may be stopped.

Returning to the description of FIG. 26, when the payout control CPU 151 executes the process of step S5222, it is determined that the lower plate detection time is not being measured (step S5220: NO), or the lower plate detection time is the first. When it is determined that the time has not been reached (step S5221: NO), it is determined whether or not the payout detection time is being measured (step S5223). When the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 in the process of step S5233 (see FIG. 27) described later, the payout control CPU 151 determines the payout detection time, which is the elapsed time from the start of detection of the game ball. The measurement is started, and the information indicating the payout detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. The information indicating the payout detection time is appropriately updated by the payout control CPU 151 while the state in which the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 continues, and the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132. It is held in the payout control RAM 153 until it is no longer used. Therefore, in step S5223, the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the payout detection time is being measured based on whether or not the information indicating the payout detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153.

Since the game ball sent out from the ball tank by the payout motor 131 usually passes through the first payout ball detection sensor 132 in an extremely short time, the information indicating the payout detection time is basically the payout control RAM 153. Even if it is stored in, the information is immediately discarded from the payout control RAM 153, and it is determined as "NO" in the process of step S5223. On the other hand, when a payout error or ball jam occurs, the state in which the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 continues, so that the payout control RAM 153 holds information indicating the payout detection time. become.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the payout detection time is being measured (step S5223: YES), the payout detection time specified by the information indicating the payout detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 is the payout control ROM 152. It is determined whether or not the payout detection time has reached the third time based on whether or not it coincides with the third time (for example, 1.0 second) stored in (step S5224). Here, when it is determined that the payout detection time has reached the third time (step S5224: YES), it is determined that an error related to the payout device 130 (for example, a ball jam or a payout error) has occurred, and the payout motor 131 is set. Stop (step S5225).

By the way, as described above, the game ball sent out from the ball tank by the payout motor 131 usually passes through the first payout ball detection sensor 132 in an extremely short time, so basically, the first payout ball detection sensor The state in which the game ball is still detected by 132 does not continue for a predetermined time or longer. Therefore, by setting the above-mentioned third time to a time equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is possible to determine whether or not an error related to the payout device 130 has occurred, and the payout control CPU 151 can use the payout device 130. When it is determined that an error related to the payout device 130 has occurred during the payout of the game ball by the above-mentioned third timing (here, the state in which the game ball is still detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 is the above-mentioned third timing. At the timing when the time is reached), the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 is stopped.

Here, an example will be described in which the error occurrence determination timing for determining that an error related to the payout device 130 has occurred and the third timing for stopping the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 are the same timing. , The above-mentioned third timing may be a timing after the above-mentioned error occurrence determination timing. That is, at the third timing when a certain time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed from the error occurrence determination timing, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 may be stopped.

[Distribution error occurrence notification processing by the payout control board 150]
Next, the payout error occurrence notification process executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 27. Here, FIG. 27 is a detailed flowchart of the payout error occurrence notification process in step S523 of FIG. 25. In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, there is a payout error in which the payout device 130 continuously pays out the game ball for a predetermined time or longer, and the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 even though the payout motor 131 is not driven. When a ball jam is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer, the following processing is executed in order to transmit a payout error occurrence notification command for notifying the occurrence of these errors to the main control board 80.

That is, the payout control CPU 151 is first based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the first payout ball detection sensor 132, as illustrated in FIG. 27, following the payout control process (see FIG. 25) in step S521. It is determined whether or not the game ball is detected by the payout ball detection sensor 132 (step S5231). Here, when it is determined that the game ball is not detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 (step S5231: NO), the process proceeds to the payout error resolution notification process in step S524 described later.

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 (step S5231: YES), it is the elapsed time from the start of detection of the game ball by the first payout ball detection sensor 132. It is determined whether or not a certain payout detection time is being measured (step S5232). Specifically, when the measurement of the payout detection time is started, the information indicating the payout detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. Therefore, for example, whether or not the payout control RAM 153 stores the information indicating the payout detection time. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the payout detection time is being measured.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the payout detection time is not being measured (step S5232: NO), the payout control CPU 151 starts measuring the payout detection time (step S5233). When the process of step S5233 is executed, or when it is determined that the payout detection time is being measured (step S5232: YES), has the payout detection time reached the fourth time (for example, 2.0 seconds)? It is determined whether or not (step S5234). Specifically, the fourth time to be compared with the payout detection time is stored in the payout control ROM 152, and the payout control CPU 151 stores the payout detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 and the payout control ROM 152. It is determined whether or not the payout detection time has reached the 4th time based on whether or not the 4th time is the same.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the payout detection time has reached the fourth time (step S5234: YES), the payout control CPU 151 sets the payout error occurrence notification command in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5235). This payout error occurrence notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 by the transmission process of step S529, whereby the error notification for notifying that the above-mentioned error of the payout device 130 has occurred is started.

In this way, at the third timing when the payout detection time when the game ball is detected by the first payout ball detection sensor 132 reaches the third time, the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 is stopped (process of step S5225). At the fourth timing when the payout detection time (longer than the third time) reaches the fourth time, the error notification for notifying that the error of the payout device 130 has occurred is started.

[Distribution error resolution notification processing by the payout control board 150]
Next, the payout error resolution notification process executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 28. Here, FIG. 28 is a detailed flowchart of the payout error resolution notification process in step S524 of FIG. 25. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when an error related to the payout device 130 such as a ball jam or a payout error occurs and the hall clerk operates the error release switch 156, the payout notifies that the error has been cleared. The following processing is executed in order to send the error resolution notification command to the main control board 80.

That is, the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not it is in the payout error state, as illustrated in FIG. 28, following the payout error occurrence notification process in step S523 in FIG. 25 (step S5421). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the payout error state is established based on whether or not the payout detection time for which the measurement is started in the process of step S5233 is the third time or more. Here, when it is determined that the payout error state is not present (step S5421: NO), that is, when the payout detection time is less than the third time, the full error-related process in step S525 described later (see FIG. 25). Processing proceeds to.

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that the payout error state is reached (step S5421: YES), that is, when the payout detection time is the third hour or longer, the operation signal from the error release switch 156 is displayed. It is determined whether or not the error release switch 156 has been operated based on the presence or absence (step S5422). Here, if it is determined that the error release switch 156 is not operated (step S5422: NO), the process proceeds to the full error-related process in step S525.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the error release switch 156 has been operated (step S5422: YES), the payout control CPU 151 sets the payout error resolution notification command in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5243). This payout error resolution notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 by the transmission process of step S529. Here, when the payout detection time has reached the fourth hour, an error notification for notifying that an error has occurred in the payout device 130 such as a ball jam or a payout error is being executed, so that the payout error resolution notification command is issued. By transmitting to the main control board 80, the error notification during execution is terminated.

[Full error-related processing by the payout control board 150]
Next, the full error-related processing executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 29. Here, FIG. 29 is a detailed flowchart of the full error-related process in step S525 of FIG. 25. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a full error occurrence notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 when a full error occurs when the lower plate 34 is full with a game ball, and a full error occurs when the full error is resolved. In order to send the cancellation notification command to the main control board 80, the following processing is executed on the payout control board 150.

That is, the payout control CPU 151 detects the second payout ball based on the presence or absence of the detection signal from the second payout ball detection sensor 154, as illustrated in FIG. 29, following the payout error resolution notification process in step S524. It is determined whether or not the game ball is detected by the sensor 154 (step S5251). Here, when it is determined that the game ball is not detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 (step S5251: NO), the process proceeds to step S5257 described later.

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that the game ball is detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 (step S5251: YES), it is the elapsed time from the start of detection of the game ball by the second payout ball detection sensor 154. It is determined whether or not a certain lower plate detection time is being measured (step S5252). Specifically, when the measurement of the lower plate detection time is started, the information indicating the lower plate detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. Therefore, for example, the information indicating the lower plate detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. It is determined whether or not the lower plate detection time is being measured based on whether or not the lower plate is detected.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the lower plate detection time is not being measured (step S5252: NO), the payout control CPU 151 starts measuring the lower plate detection time (step S5253). When the process of step S5253 is executed, or when it is determined that the lower plate detection time is being measured (step S5252: YES), has the lower plate detection time reached the second time (for example, 3 seconds)? It is determined whether or not (step S5254). Specifically, the second time to be compared with the lower plate detection time is stored in the payout control ROM 152, and the payout control CPU 151 stores the lower plate detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 and the lower plate detection time in the payout control ROM 152. It is determined whether or not the lower plate detection time has reached the second time based on whether or not the second time is matched. In the present embodiment, the first time used for the determination process (see FIG. 26) in step S5221 is set to 1.5 seconds, whereas the second time here is set to 3 seconds. The second time is set to be longer than the first hour.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the lower plate detection time has reached the second time (step S5254: YES), the full error occurrence notification command is set in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5255), and is stored in the payout control RAM 153. The full flag is set to "ON" (step S5256). Here, the full flag is a flag indicating whether or not a full error is occurring, and as described above, when the lower plate detection time of the game ball by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 reaches the second hour. It is set to "ON", and is set to "OFF" when the game ball is pulled out from the lower plate 34 and the full error is resolved.

The full error occurrence notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 by the transmission process of step S529, and an error notification command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 in response to the transmission process, for example. The display of the error message on the display screen 70 such as "Please pull out the ball" starts, the output from the speaker 38 of the voice such as "The lower plate is full, please pull out the ball", and the board lamp with a predetermined error notification pattern. The error notification including the error light emission that causes 5 to emit light is started.

As described above, when it is determined that the lower plate 34 is full of the game ball during the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130, the payout device 130 determines that the lower plate detection time reaches the first hour at the first timing. At the second timing when the payout of the game ball is stopped (process of step S5222) and the lower plate detection time reaches the second time (longer than the first time), the display screen 70, the speaker 38, and the board lamp 5 are notified. Notification by means is started. The second timing here is a timing after the first timing, and is a timing at which a predetermined time (the above-mentioned second time) has elapsed while the lower plate 34 is full of game balls.

When the payout control CPU 151 executes the process of step S5256, when it is determined that the game ball is not detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 (step S5251: NO), or when the lower plate detection time is the second time. (Step S5254: NO), it is determined whether or not the full flag is set to "ON" (step S5257). Here, when it is determined that the full flag is not set to "ON" (step S5257: NO), a series of full error-related processes are completed, and the process proceeds to the ballless error-related process in step S527.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the full flag is set to "ON" (step S5257: YES), is the game ball detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 as in the process of step S5251? It is determined whether or not (step S5258). Here, when it is determined that the game ball is detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 (step S5258: YES), since the full error is continuing, the processing after step S5259 described later is not performed. , The process proceeds to the ballless error-related process in step S527.

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that the game ball is not detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154 (step S4248: NO), the game ball is not detected by the second payout ball detection sensor 154. It is determined whether or not the non-detection time, which is the elapsed time, is being measured (step S5259). Specifically, when the measurement of the non-detection time is started, the information indicating the non-detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. Therefore, for example, whether or not the payout control RAM 153 stores the information indicating the non-detection time. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the non-detection time is being measured.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the non-detection time is not being measured (step S5259: NO), the payout control CPU 151 starts the measurement of the non-detection time (step S5260). When the process of step S5260 is executed, or when it is determined that the non-detection time is being measured (step S5259: YES), whether or not the non-detection time has reached the specified time (for example, 2 seconds) is determined. Determination (step S5261). Specifically, the specified time to be compared with the non-detection time is stored in the payout control ROM 152, and the payout control CPU 151 stores the non-detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 and the payout control ROM 152. Based on whether or not the specified time matches, it is determined whether or not the non-detection time has reached the specified time.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the non-detection time has reached the specified time (step S5261: YES), the full error resolution notification command is set in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5262), and is stored in the payout control RAM 153. The full flag is set to "OFF" (step S5263).

The full error resolution notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 by the transmission process of step S529, and the error resolution command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 accordingly. As a result, in the present embodiment, an error message such as "Please pull out the ball" is displayed, a voice output such as "The lower plate is full, please pull out the ball", and a board lamp 5 with a predetermined error notification pattern. The error notification including the error light emission is terminated.

[Error-related processing without balls by the payout control board 150]
Next, with reference to FIG. 30, a ballless error-related process executed on the payout control board 150 will be described. Here, FIG. 30 is a detailed flowchart of the ballless error-related processing in step S527 of FIG. 25. In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a ball-less error occurs in which the game balls supplied to the payout device 130 are exhausted, a ball-less error occurrence notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80, and the ball-less error is resolved. In this case, the following processing is executed on the payout control board 150 in order to send the ballless error resolution notification command to the main control board 80.

That is, the payout control CPU 151 is subjected to the game ball by the supply ball detection sensor 155 based on the presence / absence of the detection signal from the supply ball detection sensor 155, as illustrated in FIG. 30, following the full error-related processing in step S525. Is determined (step S5271). Here, when it is determined that the game ball is detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155 (step S5271: YES), the process proceeds to step S5277 described later.

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that the game ball is not detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155 (step S5271: NO), it is the elapsed time since the game ball is not detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155. It is determined whether or not the non-detection time is being measured (step S5272). Specifically, when the measurement of the non-detection time is started, the information indicating the non-detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. Therefore, for example, whether or not the payout control RAM 153 stores the information indicating the non-detection time. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the non-detection time is being measured.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the non-detection time is not being measured (step S5272: NO), the payout control CPU 151 starts the measurement of the non-detection time (step S5273). When the process of step S5273 is executed, or when it is determined that the non-detection time is being measured (step S5272: YES), whether or not the non-detection time has reached the specified time (for example, 4 seconds) is determined. Determination (step S5274). Specifically, the specified time to be compared with the non-detection time is stored in the payout control ROM 152, and the payout control CPU 151 stores the non-detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 and the payout control ROM 152. Based on whether or not the specified time matches, it is determined whether or not the non-detection time has reached the specified time.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the non-detection time has reached the specified time (step S5274: YES), the payout control CPU 151 sets the ballless error occurrence notification command in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5275), and stores the command in the payout control RAM 153. The no-ball flag is set to "ON" (step S5276). Here, the ball-less flag is a flag indicating whether or not a ball-less error of the game ball supplied to the payout device 130 is occurring, and as described above, the game ball is not played by the supply ball detection sensor 155. When the detection time reaches the specified time, it is set to "ON", and when the ballless error is resolved, it is set to "OFF".

The ballless error occurrence notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 by the transmission process of step S529, and an error notification command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 accordingly. As a result, error notification including the display of an error message such as "Please call a staff member" and the error light emission that causes the frame lamp 37 to emit light in a predetermined error notification pattern is started.

When the payout control CPU 151 executes the process of step S5276, when it is determined that the game ball is detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155 (step S5271: YES), or when the non-detection time has reached the specified time. If it is determined that there is no ball (step S5274: NO), it is determined whether or not the no-ball flag is set to “ON” (step S5277). Here, when it is determined that the no-ball flag is not set to "ON" (step S5277: NO), a series of no-ball error-related processing is completed and processing is performed in the transmission processing of step S529 (see FIG. 25). Is advanced.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the no-ball flag is set to "ON" (step S5277: YES), whether or not the game ball is detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155 as in the process of step S5271. (Step S5278). Here, when it is determined that the game ball is not detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155 (step S5278: NO), that is, when the ball-less error is not resolved, the process proceeds to the transmission process of step S529. ..

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that the game ball is detected by the supply ball detection sensor 155 (step S5278: NO), the detection time is the elapsed time from the start of detection of the game ball by the supply ball detection sensor 155. It is determined whether or not the measurement is in progress (step S5279). Specifically, when the measurement of the detection time is started, the information indicating the detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. Therefore, for example, it is based on whether or not the information indicating the detection time is stored in the payout control RAM 153. It is determined whether or not the detection time is being measured.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the detection time is not being measured (step S5279: NO), the payout control CPU 151 starts the measurement of the detection time (step S5280). When the process of step S5280 is executed, or when it is determined that the detection time is being measured (step S5279: YES), it is determined whether or not the detection time has reached the specified time (for example, 2 seconds). (Step S5281). Specifically, the specified time to be compared with the detection time is stored in the payout control ROM 152, and the payout control CPU 151 has the detection time stored in the payout control RAM 153 and the specified time stored in the payout control ROM 152. Based on whether or not matches with, it is determined whether or not the detection time has reached the specified time.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the detection time has reached the specified time (step S5281: YES), the payout control RAM 151 sets the ballless error resolution notification command in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5282), and is stored in the payout control RAM 153. The no-ball flag is set to "OFF" (step S5283).

The ballless error resolution notification command is transmitted to the main control board 80 by the transmission process of step S529, and the error resolution command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 accordingly. As a result, the error notification including the display of the error message "Please call the staff" and the error light emission that causes the frame lamp 37 to emit light in the predetermined error notification pattern ends.

[Transmission processing by payout control board 150]
Next, the transmission process executed on the payout control board 150 will be described with reference to FIG. 31. Here, FIG. 31 is a detailed flowchart of the transmission process in step S529 of FIG. 25. The payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the transmission hold flag stored in the payout control RAM 153 is set to "ON", as illustrated in FIG. 31, following the ballless error-related processing in step S527. (Step S5921).

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main CPU 81 transmits a payout command or a controllable notification command to the payout control board 150 by the above-mentioned prize ball payout instruction process based on FIG. 22, and the payout control CPU 151 performs these. It is configured to recognize that the main control board 80 is in a controllable state based on the reception of any one of the commands of.

By the way, if the payout control CPU 151 cannot receive the payout command or the controllable notification command, it is possible that the main control board 80 is not in the controllable state. Under such circumstances, the payout control CPU 151 with respect to the main control board 80. Even if the command is transmitted, the main CPU 81 may not be able to properly execute the control according to the command.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the payout command or the controllable notification command cannot be received from the main control board 80 while the command is set in the payout control RAM 153, the command is immediately transmitted. After confirming that the main control board 80 is in a controllable state (that is, after it is in a state where a payout command or a controllable notification command can be received), the command set in the payout control RAM 153 is mainly used. It is supposed to be transmitted to the control board 80.

Since the command to be transmitted to the main control board 80 cannot be confirmed that the main control board 80 is in a controllable state even though the command to be transmitted to the main control board 80 is set in the payout control RAM 153, the transmission hold flag immediately issues the command. It is a flag set to "ON" when waiting without transmitting, and is set to "OFF" when the set command is transmitted.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the transmission hold flag is set to "ON" (step S5921: YES), the payout control RAM 153 is in a state where the command is already set, so that the process of step S5282 is executed. The process of step S5283 is executed without doing so.

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the transmission hold flag is not set to "ON" (step S5921: NO), the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not there is a command set in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5922). Specifically, it is paid out by any of the processes of step S5235 of FIG. 27, the process of step S5243 of FIG. 28, the process of steps S5255 and S5262 of FIG. 29, and the process of steps S5275 and S5282 of FIG. One of the error occurrence notification command, the payout error resolution notification command, the full error occurrence notification command, the full error resolution notification command, the ballless error occurrence notification command, and the ballless error resolution notification command is set in the payout control RAM 153. Determine if it is. Here, when it is determined that none of the commands is set in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5292: NO), the series of transmission processes is completed and the process is returned to the payout control process (see FIG. 25) in step S521. Is done.

On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 151 determines that there is a command set in the payout control RAM 153 (step S5292: YES), or when it determines that the transmission hold flag is set to "ON" (step S5921: YES), it is determined whether or not the payout command transmitted from the main control board 80 has been received in response to the process of step S812 in FIG. 22 (step S5283). Here, when it is determined that the payout command has not been received (step S5293: NO), it is determined whether or not the controllable notification command transmitted from the main control board 80 has been received in response to the process of step S813 in FIG. Determination (step S5294).

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that a payout command has been received (step S5293: YES) or has determined that a controllable notification command has been received (step S5294: YES), the main control board 80 is in a controllable state. Since it has been confirmed that there is, the command set in the payout control RAM 153 is transmitted to the main control board 80 (step S5295).

When the payout control CPU 151 determines that the controllable notification command has not been received (step S5294: NO), the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the transmission hold flag is set to "ON" (step S5298). Here, when it is determined that the transmission hold flag is not set to "ON" (step S5298: NO), the transmission hold flag is set to "ON" (step S5299).

As described above, although the command is set in the payout control RAM 153 (“YES” in step S5292), the payout command is not received (“NO” in step S5293), and the controllable notification command Is not received (“NO” in step S5294), and if the transmission hold flag is not set to “ON” (“NO” in step S5298), the payout control CPU 151 is set to the transmission hold flag by the process of step S5299. Is set to "ON" to suspend the transmission of commands stored in the payout control RAM 153.

On the other hand, following the process of step S5295, the payout control CPU 151 determines whether or not the transmission hold flag is set to "ON" (step S5296). Here, when it is determined that the transmission hold flag is set to "ON" (step S5296: YES), that is, the command whose transmission is held is executed with the transmission hold flag set to "ON". When transmission is performed to the main control board 80 in the process of step S5295, the transmission hold flag is set to "OFF" (step S5297).

As is clear from the description so far based on FIG. 31, the payout control CPU 151 has error notification information (in the present embodiment, a payout error occurrence notification command, a full error) when the main control board 80 is in a controllable state. The occurrence notification command or the ballless error occurrence notification command) is transmitted to the main control board 80, and if the main control board 80 is not in the controllable state, the error notification information is transmitted until the main control board 80 is in the controllable state. do not do. Further, when the main control board 80 is in a controllable state, the payout control CPU 151 sends resolution information (payout error resolution notification command, full error resolution notification command, or ballless error resolution notification command) to the main control board 80. If the main control board 80 is not in the controllable state, the resolution information is not transmitted until the main control board 80 is in the controllable state.

[Main processing by sub-control board 90]
Next, the main process executed on the sub-control board 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 32. Here, FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the main process executed on the sub-control board 90. The processing performed by the sub-control board 90 described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 32 and 32 is performed according to an instruction issued by the sub CPU 91 based on the program stored in the sub ROM 92.

The sub CPU 91 first executes the initial setting process (step S40). Specifically, the stack setting, the constant setting, the setting of SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller) and the like, and the process of resetting the flags, statuses, counters and the like stored in the sub RAM 93 are executed. Next, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the power cutoff signal is “ON” (step S41). Here, when it is determined that the power cutoff signal is "ON" (step S41: YES), the process proceeds to step S44, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the power cutoff signal is not "ON" (step S41: NO), the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the stored contents of the sub RAM 93 are normal (step S42). Here, if it is determined that the stored contents of the sub RAM 93 are normal (step S42: YES), the process proceeds to step S44. On the contrary, when it is determined that the stored contents of the sub RAM 93 are not normal (step S42: NO), the RAM initialization process for initializing the sub RAM 93 is executed (step S43).

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S43, determines that the power cutoff signal is "ON" (step S41: YES), and determines that the stored contents of the sub RAM 93 are normal (step S42: YES), interrupt processing is prohibited (step S44), and random number update processing for updating various random numbers for deciding whether or not to execute various effects and determining the effect pattern when executing the effects is performed. Is executed (step S45).

Following the process of step S45, the sub CPU 91 is a command for transmitting a command stored in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 93 to the image / sound control board 100 by the first interrupt process in step S48 and the second interrupt process in step S49, which will be described later. The transmission process is executed (step S46). On the other hand, the image / sound control CPU 101 performs processing based on this command to control the execution of the effect using the image display device 7 and the speaker 38.

Following the command transmission process in step S46, the sub CPU 91 executes an interrupt enable process for permitting execution of the interrupt process (step S47), and the interrupt enable process is executed to execute the first interrupt process in step S48. And the second interrupt process in step S49 can be executed. After the second interrupt process in step S49 is executed, the process is returned to the interrupt prohibition process in step S44, and the processes after step S44 are repeatedly executed.

[First interrupt processing by the sub control board 90]
Hereinafter, the first interrupt process executed on the sub-control board 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 33. Here, FIG. 33 is a detailed flowchart of the first interrupt process in step S48 of FIG. 32. First, when the sub CPU 91 receives a command from the main control board 80, the sub CPU 91 executes a command reception process that performs a process according to the command (step S10). This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 34.

Following the process of step S10, the sub CPU 91 is shown in FIG. 1 based on the presence / absence of input of operation information from the first effect button detection sensor 351 or the second effect button detection sensor 361 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the 1 effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 has been operated (step S25). Here, when it is determined that the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 has been operated (step S25: YES), an operation command for notifying that fact is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S26). By transmitting this operation command to the image / sound control board 100 (and the lamp control board 120), a process for realizing an effect on the effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 can be performed. Will be done.

When the sub CPU 91 executes the process of step S26, or when it is determined that the first effect button 35 or the second effect button 36 is not operated (step S25: NO), the sub CPU 91 executes the data transfer process (step). S27). Specifically, since the data related to the image / sound control is transmitted from the image / sound control board 100, the data is transferred to the lamp control board 120. As a result, the effect by the effect means such as the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, and the movable decorative member 14 is controlled by the lamp control board 120 so as to be synchronized with the effect performed by the image display device 7 (display screen 70) and the speaker 38. Will be done.

[Command reception processing by the sub control board 90]
FIG. 34 is a detailed flowchart of the command reception process in step S10 of FIG. 33. As illustrated in FIG. 34, the sub CPU 91 first determines whether or not a command from the main control board 80 has been received (step S11). Here, if it is determined that the command has not been received (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S25 (see FIG. 33) described above.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command from the main control board 80 has been received (step S11: YES), the command is transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S212 or the process of step S220 of FIG. It is determined whether or not the command is on hold (step S12). Here, if it is determined that the command is not a hold command (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S15, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), the sub CPU 91 holds a hold including a process of setting a hold icon display command instructing the display of the hold icon and the execution of the icon change effect in the sub RAM 93. The icon reception process is executed (step S13). The hold icon reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 37.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a hold command (step S12: NO), is the command a variable start command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S310 of FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S15). Here, if it is determined that the received command is not the fluctuation start command (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S17, which will be described later.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is the variation start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes the variation start command reception process (step S16). The variable start command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 35.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the variation start command (step S15: NO), the command is the variation end command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S314 of FIG. Whether or not it is determined (step S17). When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command is a variation end command (step S17: YES), the sub CPU 91 stops the effect symbol in a manner indicating the determination result of the special symbol determination executed at the start of the symbol variation after ending the variation display of the effect symbol. A variable effect end command instructing the execution of the process to be displayed is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S18).

By transmitting this variation effect end command to the image / acoustic control board 100 by the command transmission process (see FIG. 32) in step S46, a special indicating the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is shown. As the symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 41 (or the second special symbol display 42), an effect symbol showing the determination result of the first special symbol determination (or the second special symbol determination) is displayed. It will be stopped and displayed on the screen 70.

If the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not a variable end command (step S17: NO), is the command an opening command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S3175 of FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S19). Here, when it is determined that the received command is an opening command (step S19: YES), an image shows the start of an opening effect such as notifying the type of jackpot or urging the player to hit right during the opening period of the jackpot game. An opening effect start command for instructing the acoustic control board 100 is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S20).

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not the opening command (step S19: NO), the sub CPU 91 is an error notification command transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S72 in FIG. It is determined whether or not there is (step S21). Here, when it is determined that the received command is an error notification command (step S21: YES), the error notification start command is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S22). Specifically, an error notification command including information notifying that an error has occurred in the payout device 130 (or information notifying that a ballless error has occurred in which the game balls supplied to the payout device 130 are exhausted) is issued. When received, for example, an error notification start command instructing the image / acoustic control board 100 to start displaying an error message such as "Call a staff member" is set in the sub RAM 93. Also, when an error notification command containing information notifying that a full error has occurred is received, an error message such as "Please pull out the ball" starts to be displayed and "The lower plate is full, pull out the ball." Set the error notification start command in the sub RAM 93 to instruct the image / sound control board 100 to start the output of the voice such as "Please" from the speaker 38.

As described above, the error notification start command set in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S22 is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the image / sound control board by the command transmission process of step S46 (see FIG. 32). The error notification corresponding to the received error notification command will be started.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is not an error notification command (step S21: NO), that is, the received command is transmitted from the main control board 80 in response to the process of step S74 in FIG. If it is an error resolution command, an error notification end command instructing the end of the error notification started by the process of step S22 is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S23).

When this error notification end command is transmitted to the image / sound control board 100 by the command transmission process of step S46, the error notification started in response to the process of step S22 ends.

[Variation start command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 35 is a detailed flowchart of the fluctuation start command reception process in step S16 of FIG. 34. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the command received from the main control board 80 is the variation start command (step S15: YES), the sub CPU 91 executes a series of variation start command reception processes exemplified in FIG. 35.

That is, the sub CPU 91 acquires the value at the time when the fluctuation start command is received from the main control board 80 with respect to the effect random number appropriately updated by the random number update process in the sub control board 90, and stores it in the sub RAM 93 (step S161). .. Then, the variation start command analysis process for analyzing the received variation start command is executed (step S162).

As described above, this fluctuation start command includes the setting information of the symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination process, whether the setting information of this symbol is related to the first special symbol determination, or is related to the second special symbol determination. It includes information on a winning start port indicating whether or not the game is a game, information on setting a variation pattern of a special symbol, information indicating the game state of the gaming machine 1, and the like. Therefore, by analyzing the fluctuation start command, the type and result of the special symbol determination can be specified. That is, it is possible to specify whether it is a big hit or a loss, and if it is a big hit, what kind of big hit it is. Further, by specifying whether or not the fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern for loss based on the fluctuation pattern setting information, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to perform the effect with reach or the effect without reach. .. Further, it is also possible to specify the fluctuation time of the special symbol based on the setting information of the fluctuation pattern. Further, the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 can be specified based on the information indicating the gaming state.

When the sub CPU 91 analyzes the variation start command, the sub CPU 91 executes a variation effect pattern setting process for setting a variation effect pattern of the variation effect accompanying the variation display of the special symbol based on the analysis result (step S163). By executing this variable effect pattern setting process, the variation mode of the effect symbol, the presence / absence of the reach effect, the presence / absence of the pseudo-continuous effect, the type of the effect symbol constituting the reach pattern, the type and content of the reach effect, and the pseudo-continuous effect. The content of, the presence or absence of a special variation effect, the type of effect symbol to be stopped and displayed, etc. are determined. This variation effect pattern setting process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 36.

Following the process of step S163, the sub CPU 91 executes various advance notice effects (for example, step-up effect, dialogue advance notice, group advance notice) when the effect symbol is variablely displayed in the variable effect pattern set in the process of step S163. , Cut-in, etc.) is executed (step S164).

Next, the sub CPU 91 sub-commands the start of the variation effect in the variation effect pattern set in the process of step S163 and the execution of the advance notice effect in the advance notice effect pattern set in the process of step S164. It is set in the RAM 93 (step S166).

This variation effect start command includes information indicating the variation effect pattern set by the process of step S163 and information indicating the advance notice effect pattern set by the process of step S164, and includes the command transmission process of step S46. Is transmitted to the image / sound control board 100. As a result, the image / acoustic control board 100 realizes the variation effect and the advance notice effect in which the effect pattern is determined on the sub control board 90.

Following the process of step S166, the sub CPU 91 updates the reserved number stored in the sub RAM 93 to a value obtained by subtracting "1" (step S167). Specifically, when the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 80 notifies the start of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol, the value obtained by subtracting "1" from the number of pending first special symbol determinations. Update to. On the other hand, when the received variation start command notifies the start of the variation display of the second special symbol, the pending number of the second special symbol determination is updated to a value obtained by subtracting "1".

[Variation effect pattern setting process by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 36 is a detailed flowchart of the variation effect pattern setting process in step S163 of FIG. 35. Following the process of step S162, the sub CPU 91 sets an effect symbol to be finally confirmed (mainly stopped) on the display screen 70 along with the stop display of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) (step). S1631). Specifically, based on the symbol setting information included in the fluctuation start command received from the main control board 80, is the special symbol (big hit symbol) indicating the jackpot stopped and displayed at the end of the symbol variation? It is specified whether the special symbol (missing symbol) indicating the loss is stopped and displayed. When it is specified that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, an effect symbol for notifying the jackpot (for example, an effect symbol indicating doublet) is set as the effect symbol to be stopped, and the lost symbol is stopped and displayed. When it is specified that the case is specified, an effect symbol for notifying the loss is set. In addition, when setting the effect symbol for notifying the loss, if the loss is notified after the reach effect is performed, the reach loss eye is set as the effect symbol for notifying the loss, and the reach effect is performed. In the case of notifying the loss, a random eye is set as an effect symbol for notifying the loss.

Next, whether or not the sub CPU 91 needs to perform a reach effect with the variation display of the special symbol based on the setting information of the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the received variation start command. Is determined (step S1632). Here, when it is determined that it is not necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1632: NO), the variable effect pattern of the effect without reach is set (step S1633). For example, from the reachless variation effect pattern selection table to which a plurality of types of reachless effect variation effect patterns are associated with each special symbol variation pattern, any one corresponding to the effect random number acquired in the process of step S161. The variation effect pattern is read out, and the information indicating the variation effect pattern is set in the sub RAM 93.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that it is necessary to perform the effect with reach (step S1632: YES), the sub CPU 91 sets a variable effect pattern of the effect with reach (step S1634). For example, from the variation effect pattern selection table for reach, in which a plurality of types of variation effect patterns of reach effect are associated with each combination of the determination result of the special symbol determination and the variation pattern of the special symbol, step S161 is performed. Any one of the variation effect patterns corresponding to the effect random numbers acquired in the process is read out, and the information indicating the variation effect pattern is set in the sub RAM 93.

When the process of step S1633 or the process of step S1634 is performed to display the effect symbol in a variable pattern, which reach effect is to be performed when the reach effect is performed, and when the reach effect is to be developed. Will decide how to develop the reach production.

[Holding command reception processing by sub-control board 90]
FIG. 37 is a detailed flowchart of the hold command reception process in step S13 of FIG. 34. When the sub CPU 91 determines that the received command is a hold command (step S12: YES), the sub CPU 91 adds "1" to the hold number of the special symbol determination stored in the sub RAM 93, as illustrated in FIG. 37. It is updated to the value (step S131). Specifically, when the hold command related to the first special symbol determination is received, the hold number related to the first special symbol determination is updated to the value obtained by adding "1", and the hold command related to the second special symbol determination is executed. When it is received, the pending number of the second special symbol determination is updated to the value obtained by adding "1".

Following the process of step S131, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the received hold command includes the pre-determination information (step S132). Here, when it is determined that the received hold command does not include the prior determination information (step S132: NO), the hold icon display command is set in the sub RAM 93 (step S133). This hold icon display command is a command for instructing the display of the hold icon, which does not include the setting information of the icon change effect, and is transmitted to the image / sound control board 100 by the command transmission process in step S46.

When the image / sound control CPU 101 of the image / sound control board 100 receives, for example, a hold icon display command related to the first special symbol determination that does not include the setting information of the icon change effect, the image / sound control CPU 101 controls the drawing process by the VDP 104 to hold the hold icon. A white hold icon is displayed in the display area 71 (see FIG. 2). As for this white hold icon, the above-mentioned icon change effect is not performed because the setting for the icon change effect is not made.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the received hold command includes the pre-determination information (step S132: YES), the sub CPU 91 stores the pre-determination information in the sub RAM 93 (step S134). Next, the sub CPU 91 reads the final color selection table from the sub ROM 92 and sets it in the sub RAM 93 (step S135), acquires the final color selection random number for selecting the final color of the icon, and stores it in the sub RAM 93 (step S135). Step S136). This final color selection random number is added by "1" each time the random number update process is performed on the sub control board 90, and the sub CPU 91 uses the count value at the time of receiving the hold command from the main control board 80 as the final color selection random number. get.

Then, the sub CPU 91 executes a final color selection process for selecting the final color of the icon displayed in response to receiving the hold command this time (step S137). Specifically, the final color corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol specified based on the prior determination information stored in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S134 and the final color selection random number acquired in the process of step S136 is finalized. By reading from the color selection table, one of white, blue, green, and red is selected as the final color.

The sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the selected final color is white based on the processing result of step S137 (step S138). In other words, it is determined whether or not to execute the icon change effect using the hold icon displayed in response to the receipt of the hold command this time. Here, if it is determined that the selected final color is white (step S138: YES), the process proceeds to step S133 described above. Since white is selected as the final color of the icon here, the period during which the hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 and the hold icon are shifted to the icon display area 72 and displayed as the icon. No icon change effect is performed during any of the periods.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that the selected final color is not white (step S138: NO), the sub CPU 91 reads the change pattern selection table for determining the change pattern of the icon display color from the sub ROM 92 into the sub RAM 93. It is set (step S139), and a change pattern selection random number for selecting a change pattern of the display color of the icon is acquired and stored in the sub RAM 93 (step S140). This change pattern selection random number is added by "1" each time the random number update process is performed on the sub control board 90, and the sub CPU 91 changes the count value at the time of receiving the hold command from the main control board 80. Get as.

Next, the sub CPU 91 executes a change pattern selection process for selecting a change pattern of the icon displayed in response to receiving the hold command this time (step S141). Specifically, for example, when the hold icon related to the first special symbol determination is received, the final color selected in the process of step S137 in the set change pattern selection table and the first special stored in the sub RAM 93 are stored. A random number value is assigned to each of the plurality of change patterns associated with the pending number of symbol judgments, and the change pattern to which the same random number value as the acquired change pattern selection random number is assigned is assigned from the change pattern selection table. By reading, one change pattern is selected.

Following the process of step S141, the sub CPU 91 sets the information indicating the change pattern selected in the process of step S141 in the sub RAM 93 as the setting information of the icon change effect (step S142). Then, the sub CPU 91 sets the hold icon display command including the setting information of the icon change effect set in the process of this step S142 in the sub RAM 93 (step S143).

By transmitting this hold icon display command to the image / sound control board 100 by the command transmission process of step S46, the icon (the hold icon or the icon corresponding to the hold icon) is displayed in the change pattern selected in the process of step S141. The icon change effect that changes the display color of is performed.

[About light emission effect using each light emission group]
Hereinafter, the light emitting effect executed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39. Here, FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the first starting port 21 and each light emitting group. FIG. 39 is a time chart for explaining the light emission effect.

(Arrangement of each light emitting group)
As illustrated in FIG. 38, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a first board 510 and a second board 520 on which a plurality of color LEDs functioning as board lamps 5 are mounted. The second substrate 520 is on the back surface side of the game board 2 and is provided at a position on the left side of the display screen 70 when viewed from the front. On the other hand, the first board 510 is on the back surface side of the game board 2, extends leftward from directly below the first starting port 21, and then extends diagonally upward to the left toward the lower end of the second board 520. It is provided. In the present embodiment, these the first substrate 510 and the second substrate 520 are connected to the lamp control board 120 via a relay board (not shown), and are based on the control signal output from the lamp control board 120. The light emission control of the color LED mounted on the first substrate 510 and the color LED mounted on the second substrate 520 is performed. The game board 2 is composed of at least a translucent acrylic plate on the front side of the first board 510 and the front side of the second board 520, and the player can emit light from the color LED mounted on the first board 510. And, it is possible to visually recognize the light emission of the color LED mounted on the second substrate 520 through the game board 2.

The color LED mounted on the first substrate 510 is different from the color LED located directly under the first starting port 21 and the other color LEDs. Therefore, in the following description, the color LED is controlled differently. , A plurality of color LEDs arranged at positions close to the first starting port 21 on the first substrate 510 are referred to as a second light emitting group 512 (see FIG. 38), and the remaining color LEDs on the first substrate 510 (second). A color LED (color LED arranged at a position farther from the first starting port 21 than the light emitting group 512) is referred to as a first light emitting group 511 (see FIG. 38) to distinguish between the two. On the other hand, since common light emission control is performed for a large number of color LEDs mounted on the second board 520, in the following description, a large number of color LEDs mounted on the second board 520 are used as the third color LED. It shall be referred to as a light emitting group 523 (see FIG. 38).

[Light emission effect of each light emission group]
Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the light emission effect of each light emitting group when the hold icon and the display color of the icon change due to the icon change effect will be described. In addition, "variation" and "stop" in the symbol of FIG. 39 mean here, variation display and stop display of the first special symbol in the normal gaming state, respectively. Further, in the icon of FIG. 39, "white hold" means a white hold icon, "blue hold" means a blue hold icon, "blue hold" means a blue hold icon, and "green hold" means. Means the green icon, and "red" means the red icon.

(First light emission effect of each light emission group)
FIG. 39A is a time chart for explaining the first light emission effect of each light emission group. In this first light emission effect, when there is a new prize to be read ahead, a white hold icon (white hold) is displayed according to this new prize, and this white hold icon is changed to a blue hold icon (blue hold). At the start of the variation display (look-ahead target variation) of the first special symbol corresponding to the first special symbol determination of the look-ahead target, this icon is shifted as the blue hold icon shifts to the icon display area 72. Is displayed as the green icon, and further, it is a light emitting effect performed when the green icon is changed to the red icon in the middle of the look-ahead target change.

In the example shown in FIG. 39 (A), with respect to the three-time variation display of the first special symbol performed before the look-ahead target variation, the variation pattern for the first special symbol is the variation for loss without reach. A pattern is selected, and a non-reach effect is executed along with the variable display of the first special symbol.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the normal mode and the jackpot reliability are higher than those of the normal mode and the normal mode as the effect mode related to the variable effect performed by using the display screen 70 when the game is controlled in the normal game state. Chance mode and intense heat mode with higher jackpot reliability than chance mode are prepared, and the production is usually performed in normal mode. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, with respect to the hold of the first special symbol determination which is the look-ahead target, the pre-determination result showing that the jackpot reliability is relatively high (for example, in the look-ahead target change). When a pre-judgment result indicating that it is a "big hit" or a pre-judgment result indicating that a fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol having a relatively long fluctuation time is selected with respect to the pre-reading target fluctuation) is obtained, pre-reading is obtained. Before the target fluctuation starts, the production mode shifts from the normal mode to the chance mode, from the normal mode to the intense heat mode, or from the normal mode to the intense heat mode via the chance mode. It may happen. Further, such a transition of the effect mode may be performed both before the look-ahead target change is started and during the look-ahead target change. For example, the normal mode is changed to the chance mode before the look-ahead target change is started. In some cases, the mode shifts from the chance mode to the intense heat mode in the middle of the change in the look-ahead target. In some cases, the effect mode does not shift before the look-ahead target change starts, and the effect mode shifts after the look-ahead target change starts.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment in which such transition control of the effect mode is performed, during the variable display of the effect symbol in which the above-mentioned non-reach effect is executed in the normal mode, the first light emission pattern corresponding to the normal mode is displayed. The light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light. In the present embodiment, as a normal mode, a first normal mode, a second normal mode, and a third normal mode in which there is no difference in jackpot reliability are prepared. For example, in the first normal mode by the sub CPU 91. When the effect is controlled, the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light in a light emitting pattern dedicated to the first normal mode. Further, when the effect is controlled in the second normal mode by the sub CPU 91, the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light in the light emitting pattern dedicated to the second normal mode. Further, when the effect is controlled in the third normal mode by the sub CPU 91, the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light in the light emitting pattern dedicated to the third normal mode.

In FIG. 39 (A), the first light emitting group 511 and the first light emitting group 511 and the first light emitting group 511 are shown in the normal mode for the three times of the variation display of the first special symbol performed before the look-ahead target variation, since the effect without reach is performed in the normal mode. It is exemplified that the third light emitting group 523 emits light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the normal mode.

On the other hand, regarding the variation display of the first special symbol, which is the look-ahead target variation in FIG. 39 (A), the green icon (“green corresponding” in the figure) and the red icon (“red corresponding” in the figure). As is clear from the fact that is displayed, the fluctuation pattern for big hits (or the fluctuation pattern for reach loss) is selected instead of the fluctuation pattern for loss without reach, and it accompanies the fluctuation display of the first special symbol. The reach effect will be executed, and various advance notice effects (step-up notice and dialogue notice) that expect a big hit will be executed. Therefore, when the look-ahead target change is started, the reach effect is performed by the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 based on the determination result of the first special symbol determination performed at the start of the look-ahead target change. It emits light with a light emission pattern that corresponds to the fluctuation / notice corresponding to the fluctuation effect and the notice effect.

Although not shown in FIG. 39, when the normal mode of any one of the first normal mode to the third normal mode is changed to the chance mode, the first light emitting group 511 and the first light emitting group 511 and the first light emitting group are used in the light emitting pattern dedicated to the chance mode. 3 The light emitting group 523 emits light. Further, when the mode shifts from any of the normal modes (or chance modes) to the intense heat mode, the first light emission group 511 and the third light emission group 523 emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the intense heat mode.

On the other hand, regarding the second light emitting group 512 (see FIG. 38), the following light emitting effect is performed. That is, when the special icon is not displayed in either the hold icon display area 71 or the icon display area 72, that is, even if the hold icon or the icon is displayed, these are all white icons. Occasionally, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in a white blinking pattern so that it blinks slowly (brightens or darkens) in white. In FIG. 39 (A), the second light emitting group 512 is displayed during the variation display of the first special symbol three before the look-ahead target variation (and the period during which the first special symbol stops after the variation display). It is exemplified that it blinks white.

On the other hand, as also illustrated in FIG. 39 (A), the variation display of the first special symbol that was performed when there was a new prize for the look-ahead target (three before the above-mentioned look-ahead target variation). A blue blinking pattern in which the second light emitting group 512 blinks in blue as the white hold icon changes to a blue hold icon when the next variation display of the first special symbol (variation display) is started. Start emitting light at. That is, as the white hold icon changes to the blue hold icon, the light emission pattern of the second light emitting group 512 changes from the white blinking pattern to the blue blinking pattern. In FIG. 39 (A), a blue hold icon (“blue hold” in the figure) is displayed both in the change display of the first special symbol one before and two before the look-ahead target change. Therefore, it is exemplified that the second light emitting group 512 emits light in a blue blinking pattern during these two fluctuation displays.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (A), when the look-ahead target variation starts, the blue hold icon changes to the green icon, and the second light emitting group 512 turns green. Start emitting light with a blinking green blinking pattern. That is, as the blue hold icon changes to the green icon, the light emission pattern of the second light emitting group 512 changes from the blue blinking pattern to the green blinking pattern. After that, at a predetermined timing during execution of the look-ahead target change (for example, at the timing when the reach is established or at the start of the highly reliable reach effect such as SPSP reach), the green icon changes to the red icon. Along with this, the second emission group 512 starts emitting light in a red blinking pattern in which the second emission group 512 blinks in red. That is, as the green icon changes to the red icon, the light emission pattern of the second light emitting group 512 changes from the green blinking pattern to the red blinking pattern (see FIG. 39 (A)).

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to make the second light emitting group 512 blink in the same color as the hold icon (or the icon), the pre-judgment result relating to the hold of the first special symbol determination which is the look-ahead target. The light emission of the second light emission group 512 is controlled based on the above.

Further, when the loss notification effect is executed in the look-ahead target change, the light emission pattern of the second light emitting group 512 is returned from the red blinking pattern to the white blinking pattern at the end of the look-ahead target change (FIG. 39 (FIG. 39). A) See).

(Second light emission effect of each light emission group)
FIG. 39B is a time chart for explaining the second light emission effect of each light emission group. This second light emission control displays a hold icon other than white (here, a blue hold icon) at the timing when there is a new prize for the look-ahead target, and when the look-ahead target change starts, the blue hold icon Is a light emitting effect performed when the hold icon is displayed as the green icon as the icon shifts to the icon display area 72.

In the example shown in FIG. 39 (B), the variation pattern for loss without reach is selected for the variation display of the first special symbol twice performed before the look-ahead target variation, and the first variation pattern is selected. Since the non-reach effect is executed along with the variable display of the special symbol, the first light emission group 511 and the third light emission are performed in the light emission pattern corresponding to the current effect mode (any of the first normal mode to the third normal mode). Group 523 emits light. This is the same as described above based on FIG. 39 (A). In addition, in the look-ahead target change, as is clear from the fact that the green icon is displayed, the reach effect is executed, and various advance notice effects that expect a big hit are executed. Therefore, in the look-ahead target change. , The first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light in the above-mentioned light emission pattern corresponding to the fluctuation / notice.

On the other hand, regarding the second light emitting group 512, the following light emitting effect is performed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (B), before there is a new prize to be read ahead, the special icon is not displayed, so that the second light emitting group 512 emits light in a white blinking pattern. .. On the other hand, as the blue hold icon is displayed in the hold icon display area 71 according to the new prize to be read ahead, the second light emitting group 512 starts emitting light in the blue blinking pattern. Therefore, the blue hold icon is displayed at the timing when there is a new prize to be read ahead, and almost at the same time, the emission pattern of the second emission group 512 changes from the white blink pattern to the blue blink pattern.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (B), when the look-ahead target variation is started, the blue hold icon changes to the green icon, and the second light emitting group 512 has a green blinking pattern. Start emitting light at. That is, as described above based on FIG. 39 (A), the emission pattern of the second emission group 512 changes from the blue blink pattern to the green blink pattern as the blue hold icon changes to the green icon. Changes to.

(Third light emission effect of each light emission group)
FIG. 39C is a time chart for explaining the third light emission effect of each light emission group. This third light emitting effect displays a white hold icon according to the new prize of the look-ahead target at the timing when there is a new prize of the look-ahead target, and when the look-ahead target change starts, the white hold icon displays the icon. This is a light emitting effect performed when the hold icon is displayed as the red icon as it shifts to the area 72.

In the example shown in FIG. 39 (C), as described above based on FIG. 39 (B), in the two first special symbol variation display performed before the look-ahead target variation, the current effect is achieved. The first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light in the light emitting pattern corresponding to the mode (any of the first normal mode to the third normal mode), and in the look-ahead target variation, the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 511 and the third light emission. Group 523 emits light in the above-mentioned emission pattern corresponding to the fluctuation / advance notice.

On the other hand, regarding the second light emitting group 512, the following light emitting effect is performed. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 39C, since the special icon is not displayed before there is a new prize to be read ahead, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in a white blinking pattern. .. Further, a hold icon is displayed according to the new prize of the look-ahead target, but this hold icon is a white hold icon, and its display color does not change until the look-ahead target change starts. Therefore, even after a new prize for the look-ahead target is received, light emission in the white blinking pattern of the second light emitting group 512 continues until the change of the look-ahead target starts (see FIG. 39 (C)). ..

After that, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (C), when the look-ahead target variation is started, the white hold icon changes to the red icon, and the second light emitting group 512 has a red blinking pattern. Start emitting light at. That is, as the white hold icon changes to the red icon, the light emission pattern of the second light emitting group 512 changes from the white blinking pattern to the red blinking pattern.

Here, the light emitting effect of the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 and the light emitting effect of the second light emitting group 512 have been described, but as is clear from the above description based on FIG. 39, the hold icon (or the said). When the icon change effect of changing the display mode of the icon) from the first display mode to the second display mode is executed, light emission corresponding to the second display mode which is the display mode after the change of the hold icon (or the icon). When the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the pattern (first light emitting pattern) and the second light emitting group 512 emits light in this first light emitting pattern, the first light emitting pattern is different from the first light emitting pattern. The light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 emit light.

In the present embodiment, since the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the same color as the display color after the change of the hold icon (or the icon), the player does not need to look at the hold icon (or the icon). By looking at the two light emitting groups 512, it is possible to easily recognize the display color after the change of the hold icon (or the icon). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the icon of the look-ahead target may be temporarily hidden during the change of the look-ahead target, and the second light emitting group 512 also emits light in the first light emitting pattern at this time. Therefore, even when the icon is temporarily hidden, the player can recognize the display color of the icon.

Further, when the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the first light emitting pattern, the second light emitting pattern different from the first light emitting pattern (the emission color when the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the first light emitting pattern). Is a light emission pattern that emits light in different colors), and the first light emission group 511 and the third light emission group 523 emit light. Therefore, it is possible to make the light emission of the second light emission group 512 in the first light emission pattern stand out, and the icon change effect of the hold icon (or the icon) and the light emission that causes the second light emission group 512 to emit light in the first light emission pattern. It is possible to further improve the effect obtained by the synergistic effect with the effect.

The blinking pattern of the second light emitting group 512 has the following characteristics. Since the white blinking pattern of the second light emitting group 512 is set to the longest period in which the second light emitting group 512 blinks in white, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the white blinking pattern. The light emitting group 512 blinks at a slow speed. Further, in the blue blinking pattern of the second light emitting group 512, since the cycle in which the second light emitting group 512 blinks in blue is set to a longer time, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the blue blinking pattern. The second light emitting group 512 blinks at a low speed. Further, in the green blinking pattern of the second light emitting group 512, since the cycle in which the second light emitting group 512 blinks in green is set to a medium time, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the green blinking pattern. , The second light emitting group 512 blinks at a medium speed. Further, since the red blinking pattern of the second light emitting group 512 is set to the shortest period in which the second light emitting group 512 blinks in red, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the red blinking pattern. The second light emitting group 512 blinks at high speed.

In this way, the second light emitting group 512 emits light in the same color as the hold icon (or the icon), and the higher the jackpot reliability, the faster the blinking speed of the second light emitting group 512. Expectations can be effectively improved.

The frame lamp 37 is configured to have a plurality of color LEDs, and light emission control similar to that of the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 constituting the board surface lamp 5 is performed.

[Second interrupt processing by the sub control board 90]
Hereinafter, the second interrupt process executed on the sub-control board 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 40. Here, FIG. 40 is a detailed flowchart of the second interrupt process in step S49 of FIG. 32. First, the sub CPU 91 executes a lamp control information transmission process for transmitting lamp control information for controlling light emission of the frame lamp 37 and the board lamp 5 to the lamp control board 120 (step S491). This lamp control information transmission process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 41.

Following the process of step S491, the sub CPU 91 executes the accessory control information transmission process of transmitting the accessory information for controlling the movable decorative member 14 to the lamp control board 120 (step S492).

[Ramp control information transmission processing by the sub control board 90]
FIG. 41 is a detailed flowchart of the lamp control information transmission process in step S491 of FIG. 40. As illustrated in FIG. 41, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not a predetermined effect (variable effect in the present embodiment) is started or ended (step S4911). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the variable effect is started or ended based on whether or not the variable effect start command or the variable effect end command is set in the sub RAM 93.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation effect is started or ended (step S4911: YES), the sub CPU 91 sets the lamp specific information and the control data of all the lamps in the sub RAM 93 (step S4912). Specifically, the frame lamp 37 includes lamp specific information that can identify the frame lamp 37 and information necessary for the lamp CPU 121 (corresponding to this specific information) to select the light emission pattern data of the frame lamp 37. Control data, lamp identification information that can identify the first light emitting group 511 constituting the board surface lamp 5, and lamp CPU 121 (corresponding to this specific information) selects light emission pattern data of the first light emitting group 511. The control data of the first light emitting group 511 including the information necessary for the purpose, the lamp specific information capable of specifying the second light emitting group 512 constituting the board surface lamp 5, and the lamp CPU 121 (corresponding to this specific information) The control data of the second light emitting group 512 including the information necessary for selecting the light emitting pattern data of the second light emitting group 512, the lamp specific information capable of specifying the third light emitting group 523 constituting the board surface lamp 5, and ( The control data of the third light emitting group 523 including the information necessary for the lamp CPU 121 (corresponding to this specific information) to select the light emitting pattern data of the third light emitting group 523, and the built-in built-in in the movable decorative member 14. The sub RAM 93 sets the control data of the built-in LED including the lamp specific information that can specify the LED and the information necessary for the lamp CPU 121 (corresponding to this specific information) to select the light emission pattern data of the built-in LED. ..

As the control data here, information for designating the light emission pattern of each lamp (for example, light emission pattern identification information) can be given as an example, but the lamp CPU 121 can select the light emission pattern (stored in the lamp ROM 122). (It is possible to select and read any one of the plurality of light emission pattern data), for example, other information such as identification information of the light emission pattern data of each lamp stored in the lamp ROM 122. It may be information.

Following the process of step S4912, the sub CPU 91 executes a transmission process of transmitting the lamp specific information and control data set in the sub RAM 93 to the lamp control board 120 (step S4913). For example, with respect to the first light emitting group 511, the second light emitting group 512, and the third light emitting group 523 by executing the process of step S4913 following the process of step S4912 with the start or end of the variation effect. Each time the variable display of the first special symbol is started or ended, each light emitting pattern is selected, and the above-mentioned light emitting effect is realized based on FIG. 39.

For example, when the variation display of the first special symbol two before the look-ahead target variation exemplified in FIG. 39 (A) is started, the first emission group 511, the second emission group 512, and the third emission group are started. In addition to the respective lamp specific information of the group 523, the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 have a light emitting pattern corresponding to the current effect mode (here, any one of the first normal mode to the third normal mode). The control data instructing the execution of the light emission control to emit light and the control data instructing the execution of the light emission control to cause the second light emitting group 512 to emit light in a blue blinking pattern are transmitted to the lamp control board 120.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (A), the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 changed the look-ahead target change during the change display of the first special symbol two before the look-ahead target change. As in the case of the variable display of the first special symbol three times before, the light is emitted in the light emission pattern corresponding to the current effect mode. On the other hand, the emission pattern of the second light emitting group 512 changes from the white blinking pattern to the blue blinking pattern with the start of the variation display of the first special symbol two before the look-ahead target variation.

Further, for example, when the variation display of the first special symbol, which is the look-ahead target variation exemplified in FIG. 39 (B), is started, the first emission group 511, the second emission group 512, and the third emission group are started. In addition to the lamp specific information of each lamp of 523, the control data instructing the execution of the light emission control for causing the first light emission group 511 and the third light emission group 523 to emit light in the light emission pattern corresponding to the fluctuation / advance notice described above, and the second light emission group. Control data instructing execution of light emission control for causing 512 to emit light in a green blinking pattern is transmitted to the lamp control board 120.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (B), with the start of the look-ahead target variation, the emission patterns of the first emission group 511 and the third emission group 523 change / notice from the emission patterns corresponding to the normal mode. The light emission pattern changes to the corresponding light emission pattern, and the light emission pattern of the second light emission group 512 changes from a blue blinking pattern to a green blinking pattern.

As is clear from the notations of FIGS. 39 (A) to 39 (C), in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, following the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol, the first special symbol and the effect symbol are displayed. Even during the stop display period, the first light emitting group 511, the second light emitting group 512, and the third light emitting group 523 emit light in the same light emitting pattern as in the variable display of the immediately preceding first special symbol and the effect symbol, respectively. .. In order to realize such light emission control, even when the first special symbol and the effect symbol are stopped and displayed, the same lamp specific information and control as when the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol is started are started. Data is transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the lamp CPU 121 is set with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol, or with the end of the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol. The control data of each lamp necessary for controlling the light emission of each lamp is transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120, and the light emission of each lamp accompanying the variation display or the stop display of the first special symbol is the lamp CPU 121. Will be controlled by.

On the other hand, if the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation effect is not started or ended (step S4911: NO), that is, if it is not the start timing (or end timing) of the variation effect, whether or not the variation effect is being executed. Is determined (step S4914). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a variation start command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90 with the start of the variation display of the first special symbol, and with the end of the variation display of the first special symbol. A variable end command is transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90. Therefore, the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not the variation effect is being executed based on whether or not the state is after receiving the variation start command and before receiving the variation end command. It is possible to do. Here, when it is determined that the variation effect is not being executed (step S4914: NO), a series of lamp control information transmission processes are completed, and the accessory control information transmission process in step S492 (see FIG. 40) is performed. Processing proceeds.

When the sub CPU 91 determines that the variation effect is being executed (step S4914: YES), the sub CPU 91 determines whether or not it is the change timing of a part of the lamp emission (step S4915).

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, there is a new prize during the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol in the normal gaming state, and the hold icon corresponding to this new prize is a special icon (different from the white hold icon). When displaying as, it is necessary to change the light emission pattern of the second light emission group 512 that emits light in a white blinking pattern. For example, as described above based on FIG. 39 (B), when the blue hold icon is displayed as the hold icon corresponding to the new prize, the display of the blue hold icon is started and the second light emitting group 512 is displayed. It is necessary to change the emission pattern from a white blinking pattern to a blue blinking pattern.

On the other hand, when an error occurs in the payout device 130, it is necessary to change the light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37 to the light emission pattern dedicated to the error of the payout device 130 described above, and when an error without a ball occurs, the frame It is necessary to change the light emission pattern of the lamp 37 to the light emission pattern dedicated to the ballless error described above, and when a full error occurs, it is necessary to change the light emission pattern of the board lamp 5 to the light emission pattern dedicated to the full error. be.

Therefore, in the process of step S4915, the sub CPU 91 sets the hold icon display command instructing the execution of the display control to display the special icon as the hold icon in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S143 (see FIG. 37). Based on whether or not the error notification start command is set in the sub RAM 93 in the process of step S22 (see FIG. 34), it is determined whether or not it is the change timing of a part of the lamp emission. Here, when it is determined that it is not the change timing of a part of the lamp emission (step S4915: NO), a series of lamp control information transmission processes are completed, and the accessory control information transmission process of step S492 (see FIG. 40). ) Proceeds with processing.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 determines that it is the change timing of a part of the lamp emission (step S4915: YES), the lamp specific information and the control data of the corresponding lamp are set in the sub RAM 93 (step S4916) and set. The transmission process of transmitting the lamp specific information and the control data to the lamp control board 120 is executed (step S4913). Specifically, when the hold icon display command instructing the execution of the display control to display the special icon as the hold icon is set in the sub RAM 93, it is determined that it is the change timing of the light emission effect using the second light emission group 512. Then, the lamp identification information that can identify the second light emitting group 512 and the control data of the second light emitting group 512 indicating the display color of the special icon are set in the sub RAM 93, and these lamp identification information and the control data are lamped. It is transmitted to the control board 120. At that time, with respect to the built-in LEDs of the frame lamp 37, the first light emitting group 511, the third light emitting group 523, and the movable decorative member 14, which do not need to change the light emitting pattern, the respective lamp specific information and control data are lamp controlled. It is not transmitted to the substrate 120.

Further, when the sub CPU 91 receives the error notification command instructing the execution of the error notification to notify that the error of the payout device 130 has occurred from the main control board 80, the sub CPU 91 determines that it is the light emission change timing of the frame lamp 37. Then, the lamp identification information that can identify the frame lamp 37 and the control data instructing the execution of the light emission control that changes the light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37 to the light emission pattern dedicated to the error of the payout device 130 are set in the sub RAM 93. , These lamp specific information and control data are transmitted to the lamp control board 120. At that time, with respect to the built-in LEDs of the first light emitting group 511, the second light emitting group 512, the third light emitting group 523, and the movable decorative member 14, which do not need to change the light emitting pattern, the respective lamp specific information and control data are lamps. It is not transmitted to the control board 120.

Further, when the sub CPU 91 receives an error notification command instructing execution of an error notification to notify that a ball-less error has occurred in which the game balls supplied to the payout device 130 are exhausted, the light emission change timing of the frame lamp 37 is reached. The sub RAM 93 is set with lamp identification information that can identify the frame lamp 37 and control data instructing execution of light emission control that changes the light emission pattern of the frame lamp 37 to a light emission pattern dedicated to a ballless error. Then, these lamp specific information and control data are transmitted to the lamp control board 120. At that time, with respect to the built-in LEDs of the first light emitting group 511, the second light emitting group 512, the third light emitting group 523, and the movable decorative member 14, which do not need to change the light emitting pattern, the respective lamp specific information and control data are lamps. It is not transmitted to the control board 120.

Further, when the sub CPU 91 receives an error notification command instructing execution of error notification to notify that a full error has occurred from the main control board 80, the light emission changes of the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 are received. The lamp identification information that can identify the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 by determining that it is the timing, and the light emitting patterns of the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 are filled with the light emission dedicated to the error. The control data instructing the execution of the light emission control to be changed into a pattern is set in the sub RAM 93, and these lamp specific information and the control data are transmitted to the lamp control board 120. At that time, with respect to the built-in LEDs of the frame lamp 37, the second light emitting group 512, and the movable decorative member 14, which do not need to change the light emitting pattern, the respective lamp specific information and control data are transmitted to the lamp control board 120. There is no.

As described above, the sub CPU 91 has a light emitting pattern among the built-in LEDs of the frame lamp 37, the first light emitting group 511, the second light emitting group 512, the third light emitting group 523, and the movable decorative member 14 during the execution of the variation effect. The control data of the lamp whose emission pattern needs to be changed is transmitted to the lamp control board 120 without transmitting the control data of the lamp which does not need to be changed to the lamp control board 120.

As is clear from the description so far, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when changing the light emission of a part of the lamps during the fluctuation effect, the control of the lamps that do not need to change the light emission pattern among the plurality of lamps. The data is not transmitted to the lamp control board 120, and the control data of the lamp whose emission pattern needs to be changed among the plurality of lamps is transmitted to the lamp control board 120. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load of the sub CPU 91 (and the lamp CPU 121) when the light emission of a part of the lamp changes. Further, it is possible to reduce the amount of lamp specific information and control data transmitted to the lamp control board 120 as compared with the start or end of the variation effect, and the number of lamps that change the light emission pattern is relative. Even if there are many cases, it is possible to change the lamp emission without causing any trouble.

In the present embodiment, when the light emission pattern of the board lamp 5 is changed due to the occurrence of a full error, the light emission patterns of the first light emitting group 511 and the third light emitting group 523 constituting the board lamp 5 are dedicated to the full error. The case where the light emitting pattern of the second light emitting group 512 constituting the board surface lamp 5 is not changed while changing to the light emitting pattern of the above will be described as an example. On the other hand, when the sub CPU 91 receives an error notification command related to a full error while the second light emitting group 512 is emitting light in the light emission pattern corresponding to the special icon, this error notification command is received. While the emission pattern of the second emission group 512 is not changed according to the above, the error notification command related to the full error is received when the special icon is not displayed and the second emission group 512 emits light in the white blinking pattern. If this is the case, a configuration may be adopted in which the light emission pattern of the second light emission group 512 is changed from a white blinking pattern to a light emission pattern dedicated to a full error in response to receiving this error notification command.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the plurality of effect means are all lamps will be described as an example, but in other embodiments, the effect accessory (for example, the movable decorative member 14) that can be operated by the plurality of effect means will be described. ) May be included. Further, the plurality of effect means may not include the lamp and may include a plurality of effect objects such as a movable first effect and a movable second effect. That is, the control described with reference to FIG. 41 is effective not only in the case of controlling the light emission of the lamp but also in the case of performing the drive control of a plurality of effect objects. In this case, instead of the lamp specific information and the control data of each lamp, the accessory identification information capable of specifying each effect accessory and the information necessary for the lamp CPU 121 to select the operation pattern of each effect accessory are included. The control data may be transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120.

[Interrupt processing by the image / sound control board 100]
Next, the interrupt processing executed on the image / acoustic control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 42. Here, FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the interrupt processing executed on the image / acoustic control board 100. The image / sound control board 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes exemplified in FIG. 42 at regular time intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. .. The processing of the image / sound control board 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 42 and 42 is performed according to the command issued by the image / sound control CPU 101 based on the program stored in the control ROM 102.

First, the image / sound control CPU 101 executes an image display control process for controlling the image display on the display screen 70 based on the command received from the sub control board 90 (step S71). This image display control process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 43.

Following the process of step S71, the image / sound control CPU 101 executes an effect sound output control process for outputting various effect sounds from the speaker 38 so as to synchronize with or asynchronously with the screen display performed on the display screen 70. (Step S73).

Following the process in step S73, the audiovisual control CPU 101 executes the data transmission control process (step S74). Specifically, data related to image acoustic control performed on the image acoustic control board 100 is transmitted to the sub control board 90. On the other hand, the sub CPU 91 of the sub control board 90 transfers the data related to the image / sound control received from the image / sound control board 100 to the lamp control board 120. As a result, the frame lamp 37, the board lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, and the like are controlled so as to be synchronized with the effect performed by the display screen 70 and the speaker 38.

[Image display control processing by the image / sound control board 100]
FIG. 43 is a detailed flowchart of the image display control process in step S71 of FIG. 42. The image / sound control CPU 101 first determines whether or not a command transmitted from the sub control board 90 has been received (step S711). Here, if it is determined that the command has not been received (step S7111: NO), the process proceeds to step S73.

On the other hand, when the image / sound control CPU 101 determines that the command from the sub control board 90 has been received (step S711: YES), the setting information included in the command is set in the control RAM 103 (step S712). Then, based on the setting information set in the control RAM 103, it is determined how the image should be displayed on the display screen 70, a display list for controlling the drawing process of the VDP 104 is created, and the predetermined area of the control RAM 103 is set. It is stored (step S713), and the display list is set in the display list storage area of the VRAM (step S714). When the VDP 104 executes the drawing process based on the display list set in the display list storage area, the effect display and the error notification instructed by the sub control board 90 are realized.

[Interrupt processing by lamp control board 120]
Next, the interrupt processing executed on the lamp control board 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 44. Here, FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing executed on the lamp control board 120. The lamp control board 120 repeatedly executes a series of processes illustrated in FIG. 44 at regular time intervals (for example, 33 milliseconds) during normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The process of the lamp control board 120 described based on the flowchart of FIG. 44 is performed according to an instruction issued by the lamp CPU 121 based on the program stored in the lamp ROM 122.

First, the lamp CPU 121 executes a data reception process of receiving data related to image acoustic control transmitted from the image acoustic control board 100 via the sub control board 90 (step S901). The lamp CPU 121 has a frame lamp 37 and a board lamp 5 (first light emitting group 511, first light emitting group 511, first) so as to synchronize with the effect of the display screen 70 and the speaker 38 based on the data related to the image / sound control received by the process of step S901. The 2 light emitting group 512, the 3rd light emitting group 523), the movable decorative member 14, and the built-in LED thereof are controlled.

Following the process of step S901, the lamp CPU 121 determines whether or not the lamp specific information and control data transmitted from the sub-control board 90 are received by the transmission process of step S4913 of FIG. 41 (step S902). Here, when it is determined that the lamp specific information and the control data have not been received (step S902: NO), the process proceeds to step S905, which will be described later.

When the lamp CPU 121 determines that the lamp specific information and the control data have been received (step S902: YES), the lamp CPU 121 executes a light emission pattern setting process for setting the light emission pattern of the lamp (step S903). Specifically, first, the lamp for which the light emission pattern should be set is specified based on the received lamp identification information. For example, when the lamp identification information is the information indicating the frame lamp 37, it is specified that the lamp for which the light emission pattern should be set is the frame lamp 37. Further, for example, when the lamp specifying information is information indicating the first light emitting group 511, it is specified that the lamp for which the light emitting pattern should be set is the first light emitting group 511. Further, in the present embodiment, since the control data transmitted from the sub control board 90 together with the lamp specific information is the identification information of the light emission pattern, the lamp CPU 121 has the light emission pattern designated by the sub CPU 91. Whether it is a pattern is specified based on the control data, and the light emission pattern data of the light emission pattern specified based on the control data is read out from the plurality of light emission pattern data stored in the lamp ROM 122 with respect to the specified lamp. Set in the lamp RAM 123.

Then, the lamp CPU 121 starts the light emission control of the lamp specified in the process of step S903 based on the light emission pattern data set in the lamp RAM 123 (step S904). In this embodiment, lamp specific information and control data are transmitted from the sub-control board 90 with respect to a plurality of lamps by the process of step S4912 (or the process of step S4916) and the process of step S4913 described above based on FIG. 41. May be done. Therefore, in such a case, the process of step S903 and the process of step S904 are performed for each lamp.

Whether or not the lamp CPU 121 has received the accessory identification information and the control data when the process of step S904 is executed or when it is determined that the lamp specific information and the control data have not been received (step S902: NO). Is determined (step S905).

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the bonus character identification information and the control data may be transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120 by the bonus control information transmission process in step S492 of FIG. 40. Here, as for the accessory identification information, since the gaming machine 1 includes one effect accessory called the movable decorative member 14, the lamp CPU 121 can specify the effect object (in this embodiment, the movable decorative member 14). Information. Further, the control data is control data of the movable decorative member 14 including information necessary for the lamp CPU 121 to select an operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14, and specifically, identification of the operation pattern of the movable decorative member 14. Information.

When the lamp CPU 121 determines that the accessory identification information and the control data have been received (step S905: YES), the lamp CPU 121 executes an operation pattern setting process for setting the operation pattern of the effect accessory (step S906). Specifically, based on the received accessory identification information, it is specified that the effect accessory that needs to be operated is the movable decorative member 14. Then, the operation pattern designated by the sub CPU 91 is specified based on the received control data (along with the accessory identification information), and the movable decorative member 14 is stored in the lamp ROM 122. The operation pattern data of the specified operation pattern is read out from the operation pattern data of the above and set in the lamp RAM 123.

Then, the lamp CPU 121 starts operation control (drive control of the motor for operating the movable decorative member 14) of the movable decorative member 14 specified in the process of step S906 based on the operation pattern data set in the lamp RAM 123 (step). S907).

In the present embodiment, the case where the effecting object included in the gaming machine 1 is only the movable decorative member 14 will be described as an example, but in other embodiments, a plurality of effecting objects are provided and a plurality of producing objects are provided. The present invention may adopt a configuration in which the accessory identification information and the control data are transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120. When such a configuration is adopted, when the lamp CPU 121 receives the accessory identification information and the control data for a plurality of effect objects, the process of step S906 and the process of step S907 are performed for each effect object. You can do it. In addition, the lamp specific information is replaced with the accessory specific information, the lamp control data is replaced with the effect accessory control data, and the accessory control information transmission process in step S492 of FIG. 40 is described above with reference to FIG. 41. It may be performed in the same manner as the lamp control information transmission process.

[Structure and action of gaming machine 1]
The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has the following configurations, and by having the configurations, the following functions and effects are exhibited.

The gaming machine 1 is
A storage unit (for example, a lower plate 34) capable of storing a game medium (for example, a game ball), and
Predetermined winning areas provided in the game area (for example, first starting opening 21, second starting opening 22, general winning opening 24, first major winning opening 26, second major winning opening 28), and
A payout means (for example, a payout motor 131) capable of stopping the payout of the game medium to the storage portion while paying out a predetermined number of the game media to the storage portion according to the passage of the game medium through the winning area is controlled. Withdrawal control CPU 151)
A determination means for determining whether or not the storage unit is full with the game medium (for example, a payout for determining whether or not the lower plate 34 is full based on a detection signal from the second payout ball detection sensor 154. Control CPU 151) and
A notification means (for example, an image display device 7, a speaker 38, a first light emitting group 511, a third light emitting group 523) capable of notifying that the storage unit is full of a game medium, and
When the determination means determines that the storage unit is full of the game medium during the payout of the game medium by the payout means, the payout control means for stopping the payout of the game medium by the payout means at a predetermined first timing. (For example, the lamp CPU 121 that executes the process of step S5222 when "YES" is determined in the process of step S5221 in FIG. 26).
When the determination means determines that the storage unit is full with the game medium during the payout of the game medium by the payout means, the notification control means (for example, the notification control means) for starting the notification by the notification means at a predetermined second timing. The main CPU 81) that executes the process of step S72 in FIG. 21 and the process of step S9 in FIG. 13 in response to receiving the full error occurrence notification command from the payout control board 150 is provided.

According to this configuration, if the storage unit is filled with the game medium during the payout of the game medium, the payout of the game medium is stopped at a predetermined first timing, and the notification that the storage unit is full with the game medium is notified. It is started at a predetermined second timing. Therefore, by setting the first timing and the second timing to appropriate timings, the payout of the game medium is stopped and the notification that the storage unit is full of the game medium is started at the optimum timing. It is possible.

Further, in the gaming machine 1,
The second timing is a timing after the first timing, and is a timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed while the storage unit is full of the game medium.

By the way, when it is determined by the determination means that the storage unit is full of the game medium, the player immediately starts the stop of the payout of the game medium by the payout means and the notification by the notification means from the storage unit. The notification will be given before the game medium is removed, which may cause discomfort to the player. Therefore, in order to suppress the occurrence of such a problem, at the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after the determination means determines that the storage unit is full with the game medium, the payout of the game medium is stopped and the notification means is notified. It is conceivable to adopt other configurations such as starting and.

However, when such another configuration is adopted, if the predetermined time is too long, even after the storage unit is filled with the game medium, the game medium is continuously paid out until the predetermined time elapses. It can cause other problems such as jamming of the medium and failure of the motors that make up the payout means.

On the other hand, according to the above configuration, at the first timing after the storage unit is filled with the game medium, the payout of the game medium by the payout means is first stopped, and after this first timing. Since the notification by the notification means is started at the second timing, it is possible to easily and effectively suppress the above-mentioned two problems.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 is
A first control means (for example, a sub CPU 91) and a plurality of effect means (for example, a frame lamp 37, a first light emitting group 511, a second light emitting group 512, a third light emitting group) based on instructions from the first control means. 523, a gaming machine including a second control means (for example, a lamp CPU 121) for controlling a built-in LED of a movable decorative member 14.
The first control means is
With the start or end of a predetermined effect (for example, variable effect), the second control means transmits control data of each effect necessary for controlling the plurality of effect means to the second control means. (For example, if "YES" is determined in step S4911 in FIG. 41, the process of step S4912 is executed.) On the other hand.
During the execution of the predetermined effect, the effect pattern among the plurality of effect means is used without transmitting the control data of the effect means that does not require the change of the effect pattern among the plurality of effect means to the second control means. The control data of the effect means that needs to be changed can be transmitted to the second control means (for example, if "YES" is determined in the process of step S4915 in FIG. 41, the process of steps S4916 and 4913 is executed). be.

According to this configuration, during the execution of the predetermined effect, the effect pattern can be changed without transmitting the control data of the effect means that does not require the change of the effect pattern from the first control means to the second control means. The control data of the necessary effect means is transmitted. Therefore, the amount of control data can be reduced as compared with the control data transmitted at the start or end of the predetermined effect, and the processing load of the first control means can be reduced.

[Modification example]
In other embodiments, the following configurations may be adopted.
That is, in the present embodiment, when a full error occurs, the first timing at which the payout motor 131 is stopped and the second timing at which the error notification regarding the full error is started are different (in the present embodiment, the first timing). (2) When the timing is later than the first timing) has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the first timing and the second timing are set to be the same, and when a full error occurs, for example, when the lower plate detection time reaches a predetermined time, the payout motor 131 is operated. The error notification regarding the full error may be started at the same time as the stop.

According to this configuration, it is not necessary to separately manage the time for stopping the payout of the game medium and the notification by the notification means, so that the control is simpler than when the first timing and the second timing are different timings. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control load of the payout control CPU 151.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the second timing at which the error notification regarding the full error is started is the timing when the lower plate detection time reaches the second time has been described as an example. That is, for example, when it is determined that a full error has occurred based on the lower plate detection time reaching the first hour, the error notification is not started and the error notification is suspended until the second timing. explained. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the timing immediately after the determination that the full error has occurred is set as the second timing, and the error notification regarding the full error is started immediately after the determination that the full error has occurred. May be good.

According to this configuration, when it is determined that the lower plate 34 is full with the game ball, the error notification regarding the full error is immediately started. Therefore, after the lower plate 34 is full with the game ball, the player It is possible to shorten the time until the game ball is removed from the lower plate 34, and if the lower plate 34 continues to be full with the game ball for a long period of time, the payout of the game ball will be hindered. It is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of problems.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the error notification regarding the full error is started at the timing when the lower plate detection time reaches the second time has been described, but in other embodiments, the timing A (when the full error occurs) ( The lower plate detection time may be the first timing when the first time is reached, or the timing may be later than the first timing), the first error notification regarding the full error is started, and the timing. If the full error is not resolved even at the timing B after A, a second error notification may be started, and two-step error notification may be performed for the full error.

As such a two-step error notification, at timing A, for example, a first error notification is started in which a white character such as "Please pull out the ball" is displayed small at the edge of the display screen 70, and a full error occurs. When the timing B is reached without being resolved, for example, a red character such as "Please pull out the ball" is displayed in a large size in the center of the display screen 70, and a voice such as "Please pull out the ball" is output from the speaker 38. An example is a configuration in which error notification is started. In this way, when performing two-step error notification, the display mode of the display image related to the error notification (here, the character color, the size of the character, and the display position) is changed, or the notification means used for the error notification. It is preferable to increase the number of.

Further, for example, in the first error notification, a voice such as "please pull out the ball" is output at the first volume, and in the second error notification, a voice such as "please pull out the ball" is output at the first volume. The volume of the sound related to the error notification may be changed, such as outputting at a second volume larger than that of the error notification. Further, for example, in the first error notification, a voice such as "Let's pull out the ball" is output, and in the second error notification, a different voice such as "Pull out the ball quickly!" Is output. The content of the voice related to the error notification may be changed. Further, the change in the volume of the voice related to the error notification and the change in the content of the voice related to the error notification may be combined.

Up to this point, the case where the first error notification is changed to the second error notification has been described at the timing B, but at the timing B, the second error notification is started while continuing the first error notification. Alternatively, another configuration may be adopted in which two error notifications are performed at the same time.

Further, although the configuration example in the case of performing the two-step error notification regarding the full error has been described here, the two-step error notification is similarly performed for the error of the payout device 130 (ball jam or payout error). You may.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 1 has two plates, the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34, has been described as an example, but the number of plates is not limited to two, and in other embodiments, the number of plates is not limited to two. , The upper plate 33 is not provided, and all the game balls may be paid out to the lower plate 34. When such a configuration is adopted, since it has the same as the present embodiment in that it has the lower plate 34, the control of the payout of the game ball by the payout device 130 and various error notifications are performed. It is possible to carry out in the same manner as in this embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, with reference to FIG. 41, during the execution of the predetermined effect, the lamp specific information and the control data of the lamp whose emission pattern needs to be changed are sub-controlled at the change timing of a part of the lamp emission. The case of transmitting from the board 90 to the lamp control board 120 has been described as an example. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the lamp specific information and the control data of the lamp whose light emission pattern needs to be changed are transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120 during the execution of the predetermined effect, and the lamp is transmitted to the lamp control board 120. A configuration may be adopted in which lamp specific information and control data of all lamps are repeatedly transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120 at predetermined time intervals.

According to this configuration, the lamp specific information and the control data regarding the lamps that do not need to change the light emission pattern are repeatedly transmitted from the sub control board 90 to the lamp control board 120 during the execution of the predetermined effect. Therefore, for a lamp that does not need to change the light emission pattern, a check process is performed to check whether the actual light emission pattern and the light emission pattern specified by the sub CPU 91 are inconsistent, and the lamp is checked according to the result of this check process. It is possible to control the light emission such that the light emission pattern is changed when the light emission pattern is incorrect. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the problem that the lamp emits light with an erroneous light emission pattern due to the influence of noise, for example, during the execution of the predetermined effect.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the predetermined effect is a variable effect has been described as an example, but for example, when it is necessary to change the light emission pattern of some lamps during the round game of the jackpot game, the predetermined effect is predetermined. It is possible to perform the same control as described above based on FIG. 41 as the effect during the round, which is executed in association with the round game.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a one-type pachinko gaming machine called a so-called probabilistic loop type has been described. It may be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, which are so-called one-kind and two-kind mixed types.

Further, it is needless to say that the configuration of the gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other configurations and operation modes. Further, the processing order, set value, random value, threshold value used for determination, etc. in the above-mentioned flowchart are merely examples, and the present invention may have other orders or values as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, it can be realized. The drawings and the like exemplified in the above embodiment are merely examples, and may be other embodiments.

1 game machine (pachinko game machine), 5 board lamp, 7 image display device, 14 movable decorative member, 21 1st start port, 22 2nd start port, 23 opening / closing member, 26 1st big prize opening, 28 2nd big Winning opening, 35 1st effect button, 36 2nd effect button, 37 frame lamp, 41 1st special symbol display, 42 2nd special symbol display, 70 display screen, 80 main control board, 81 main CPU, 90 sub Control board, 91 sub CPU, 100 audiovisual control board, 101 audiovisual control CPU, 120 lamp control board, 121 lamp CPU, 130 payout device, 131 payout motor, 132 first payout ball detection sensor, 150 payout control board, 151 Payout control CPU, 152 payout control ROM, 153 payout control RAM, 154 second payout ball detection sensor, 155 supply ball detection sensor, 156 error release switch, 511 first light emission group, 512 second light emission group, 523 third light emission group ..

Claims (1)

A gaming machine including a first control means and a second control means for controlling a plurality of effect means based on instructions from the first control means.
The first control means is
A first process of transmitting control data of each effect unit necessary for the second control means to control the plurality of effect means to the second control means with the start or end of the predetermined effect.
During the execution of the predetermined effect, the control data of the plurality of effect means is controlled without transmitting the control data of the effect means that does not require the change of the control data of the plurality of effect means to the second control means. The second process of transmitting the control data of the effect means that needs to be changed to the second control means, and
During the execution of the predetermined effect, the second control means repeatedly transmits the control data of the respective effect means necessary for controlling the plurality of effect means to the second control means at predetermined time intervals. A gaming machine characterized by being able to process and execute .

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