JP7116496B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

In a conventional gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined auxiliary game (for example, a variable display game in which identification information is variably displayed on a display device) is executed based on the fact that a game ball has entered a start winning slot, A special game state advantageous to the player when the result of the auxiliary game becomes a preset special result (for example, a jackpot game state in which an opening/closing member of a variable winning device provided in the game area is changed to an open state in a predetermined manner). is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2006-34663

However, the conventional gaming machine did not enhance the interest of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that enhances the enjoyment of games.

According to one representative form of the present invention, a game is executed based on the winning of a game ball into a starting hole, and when the result of the game is a special result, a special game state advantageous to the player can be generated. In a gaming machine capable of generating a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state after the special game state ends, the start port is a first start port, and the first start port is Effect control means for controlling game effects, display means capable of displaying a predetermined image, and the first start port, including a second start port that can be changed to an easy win state and a non-easy win state. a first start storage means capable of storing a first start memory that is the execution right of the game to be executed based on the winning of the game ball to the second starting port; a second start memory capable of storing a second start memory that is the execution right of the game, and before the game corresponding to the first start memory or the game corresponding to the second start memory is executed, Pre-determination means capable of pre-determining whether or not the special game state will occur, and the effect control means includes a first start memory display corresponding to the first start memory, and a second start memory display corresponding to the first start memory. and a second starting memory display corresponding to the starting memory can be displayed on the display means, and the corresponding first starting memory display or second starting memory display can be displayed based on the determination result of the prior determination means. It is possible to execute a look-ahead effect that changes the display mode, and regarding the occurrence of the special game state, it has a plurality of groups consisting of display modes that are related to each other , and one group is selected from the plurality of groups. A look-ahead effect can be executed, and whether or not the special game state will occur can be notified by a change in the display mode corresponding to the run-ahead look-ahead effect, and the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the special game state is In a display area in which one of the first starting memory display and the second starting memory display is displayed in order of occurrence, a plurality of starting memory displays in display modes belonging to one group are arranged side by side. , the display becomes larger than when the starting memory display in the display mode belonging to the one group and the starting memory display in the display mode not belonging to the one group are displayed side by side, and in the specific game state , the look-ahead effect for the first starting memory is not executed.

According to one representative aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that enhances the interest of a game.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board provided in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on a game control device for a game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on an effect control device for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the first half procedure of the main process in the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half procedure of the main process in the game control apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of command transmission processing according to the first embodiment of this invention; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the production|presentation control command transmission process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure game processing of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the starting opening switch monitoring process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart showing the procedure of the special figure starting opening switch common processing of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart showing a procedure of special figure reservation information determination processing of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big-hit determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure of compression value distribution processing according to the first embodiment of this invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of compression distribution code conversion processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a procedure for calculating an allocation value from a 1-byte compressed allocation code according to the first embodiment of this invention; It is a figure explaining the advance determination table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the mask data table of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the mask result of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the advance notification setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure normal process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure 1 fluctuation start processing of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure 2 fluctuation start processing of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 1 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 1 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the big-hit determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit determination process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the variation pattern setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a change start information setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention; It is a variation pattern selection table according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a table for winning and (B) is a table for losing. It is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern of the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) represents the distribution value and the degree of expectation at the time of hit / loss of each variation pattern, (B) each variation pattern and It represents the correspondence with the fluctuation pattern random number value. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the minimum and maximum values that can be represented by the compressed distribution code according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is the minimum distribution value and (B) is the maximum distribution value. represents FIG. 4 is a diagram showing values that can be represented by compressed distribution codes in the form of bands according to the first embodiment of this invention; 1 shows a loss variation pattern selection table according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a conventional loss variation pattern selection table. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a procedure of compression distribution code conversion processing 2 of Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram summarizing the correspondence between the value “f” of the compression distribution code, the distribution value calculation method, and the distribution value “F” in Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention; It is a diagram for explaining a variation pattern selection table of Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a winning variation pattern selection table selected when the lottery result is a big hit, (B) is a lottery This is a loss variation pattern selection table that is selected when the result is a loss. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating values that can be represented by compressed distribution codes according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment of this invention; It is a figure explaining the deviation fluctuation pattern selection table of the modification 2 of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing possible settable values of the allocation value with 1472 as a starting point, as a diagram for explaining possible settable values of the allocation value in Modification 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a configuration example of a compression distribution code according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) shows that the first bit (n) is the upper two bits and the second bit (a) is the lower (B) is a diagram composed of 6 bits, and (B) is a diagram composed of the first bit (n) of the upper 1 bit and the second bit (a) of the lower 7 bits. FIG. 13 is a deviation variation pattern selection table of Modification 3 of the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure showing the correspondence between the variation pattern number and the value of the variation pattern random number in Modification 3 of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart showing a procedure of special figure reservation information determination processing of the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the advance notification setting process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end process of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 1 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 2 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of 1st main processing in the production|presentation control apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of 1st scene control processing according to the second embodiment of this invention; FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the procedure of the pre-reading notice effect setting process of the form of 2nd execution of this invention. It is a figure explaining the pre-reading notice distribution table of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In order to explain the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when the variation display game of special figure 2 is preferentially executed. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of pre-reading notice setting processing according to the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a look-ahead window preview selection table according to the third embodiment of this invention; It is a screen transition diagram when the prefetch window is displayed according to the third embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen transition until a big hit is decided in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart showing the timing of the look-ahead effect in the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the look-ahead window announcement selection table of the modification 1 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a screen transition diagram when the prefetch window of the modification 1 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is displayed. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a look-ahead window preview selection table of Modification 2 of the third embodiment of this invention; It is a screen transition diagram when the prefetch window of the modification 2 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is displayed. It is a figure explaining the display form of the look-ahead window of the modification 3 of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a procedure of prefetching notice setting processing according to the fourth embodiment of this invention; FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the look-ahead effect selection process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a diagram showing a pre-reading notice mode of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a diagram showing a continuous display form of the pending memory displayed as a pre-reading effect, (B) is a pre-reading notice mode and expectation It is a figure showing the relationship of degree. It is a figure showing the pre-reading notice distribution table of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a screen transition when there is winning in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the look-ahead effect selection process of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a diagram showing a pre-reading notice mode of Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a diagram showing the display form of the pending memory displayed as a pre-reading effect, (B) is a pre-reading notice mode FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which memory 1 to memory 4 are connected; It is a figure showing the pre-reading notice distribution table of the modification 1 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. In order to explain Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when there is a prefetch target win and three subsequent wins in Special Figure 1. In order to explain Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when there is a prefetch target win and three subsequent wins in Special Figure 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the pre-reading announcement aspect of the modification 2 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the look-ahead effect in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen transition of the look-ahead effect in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows the procedure of the variation pattern setting process of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. In order to explain the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing an example of screen transition to the look-ahead game mode screen when there are three pending memories in the special figure 1. FIG.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

The gaming machine 1 includes an opening/closing frame, one side of which is attached to a body frame (outer frame) 2 fixed to an island facility via a hinge 4 so that the opening/closing frame can be freely opened and closed. The opening/closing frame is composed of a front frame (game frame) 3 and a glass frame (front frame) 12 .

A game board 10 (see FIG. 2) having a game area 10a is housed in a housing frame (not shown) attached to the back side of the front frame 3 . A glass frame 12 having a cover glass (transparent member) 12a covering the front surface of the game board 10 is attached to the front frame 3 . The front frame 3 and the glass frame 12 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 12 can be opened to access the game area 10a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 10. Further, by opening the front frame 3 in a state where the glass frame 12 is not opened, it is possible to access the game control device (game control means) 100 (see FIG. 3) arranged on the back side of the game board 10. can.

Around the cover glass 12a of the glass frame 12, a decorative member 18 that emits decorative light is provided. Inside the decoration member 18, a frame decoration device 43 (see FIG. 4) configured by a lamp, an LED, or the like is provided. By causing the frame decoration device 43 to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode, the decorative member 18 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode.

A lighting unit 11 is provided in the upper central portion of the glass frame 12 . Light-emitting members such as LEDs and lamps are provided inside the lighting unit 11 .

A first movable lighting 13 is provided on the left side of the lighting unit 11, and a second movable lighting 14 is provided on the right side thereof. The first movable lighting 13 and the second movable lighting 14 are arranged above the upper speaker 19a. The first movable lighting 13 and the second movable lighting 14 are each provided with a lighting drive motor (frame effect device 45) in addition to lighting members such as LEDs, and operate according to the content of the effect (for example, rotation).

The gaming machine 1 is also provided with a speaker 19 that emits sounds (effect sound, warning sound, notification sound, etc.). The speakers 19 include an upper speaker 19a and a lower speaker 19b. The upper speaker 19a is arranged above the glass frame 12, and the lower speaker 19b is arranged below an upper plate 21, which will be described later.

On the right side of the first movable lighting 13, a game state LED 29 is provided for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1. FIG. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, a notification sound is output from the speaker 19 to notify the abnormality.

Abnormalities that occur in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and execution of fraud. Cheating includes, for example, illegally manipulating the trajectory of a shot game ball with a magnet, vibrating the game machine 1 to aim for winning, and the like. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with a magnetic sensor switch (SW) 61 (see FIG. 3) or detecting vibration with a vibration sensor switch (SW) 62 (see FIG. 3). An act of illegally opening an opening/closing frame is also included in illegal acts. At this time, the frame open sensor switch (front frame open detection switch 63, glass frame open detection switch 64, see FIG. 3) detects that the opening and closing frames of the front frame 3 and the glass frame 12 are opened, and during business hours If there is, a notification sound is notified from the speaker 19 . When the fraudulent act as described above is detected, the game state LED 29, the speaker 19, and the like notify the player of the abnormality.

Below the cover glass 12a of the glass frame 12, an upper plate unit including an upper plate 21 and the like is provided. The upper tray 21 supplies game balls (game media) to a ball shooting device (not shown). The upper tray unit includes an upper tray cover unit 20 having performance buttons 25. - 特許庁

Further, a fixed panel 22 positioned below the glass frame 12 and fixed to the front frame 3 is provided with a lower plate 23, an operation section 24 of the ball shooting device, and the like. When the player rotates the operation unit 24, the ball shooting device shoots the game ball supplied from the upper tray 21 to the game area 10a (see FIG. 2) of the game board 10. As shown in FIG.

The lower tray 23 is provided with a lower tray ball extracting mechanism 16 for discharging game balls accumulated in the lower tray 23. - 特許庁A key 26 for locking the glass frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 3 .

In addition, a performance button (operation means) 25 for receiving an operation input from a player is provided on the front side of the upper tray 21 in the upper tray unit. By operating the effect button 25, the player can perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the display device (variable display device) 41 (see FIG. 2). For example, it is possible to select the content of the presentation. The variable display game includes a special figure variation display game and a normal figure variation display game, and in this specification, when simply referring to a variation display game, it refers to a special figure variation display game.

Moreover, the effect pattern can be changed not only during execution of the variable display game, but also by the player operating the effect button 25 while waiting for a customer when the variable display game is not executed or in a normal state. In addition, the normal state (normal game state) is, for example, a game state in which the variable probability state, the time saving state (specific game state), or the jackpot state (special game state) does not occur.

Further, after the variable display game is started, an operation promoting effect for promoting the operation of the effect button 25 is executed, and by operating the effect button 25 while the operation promoting effect is being executed, the starting memory ( It is possible to execute a notice effect or the like that gives advance notice of the result of the variable display game corresponding to the reserved memory).

At the upper right part of the upper tray 21, there are provided a ball lending button 27 operated by the player when borrowing game balls, and an ejection button 28 operated to eject a prepaid card from a card unit (not shown). .

FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board 10 provided in the game machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The game board 10 includes a flat plate-shaped game board body 10b (made of wood or synthetic resin) that serves as a base for mounting various members, and has a game area 10a surrounded by guide rails 32 on the front surface of the game board body 10b. ing. A front component (side case) 33 is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10b and outside the guide rails 32. As shown in FIG. Then, game balls are shot from the hitting ball shooting device into the game area 10a surrounded by the guide rails 32 to play the game. A large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 10a, and the launched game ball flows down the game area 10a while changing the rolling direction by the obstacle nails and the like.

A center case 46 that forms a window that serves as a display area for the variable display game is attached to substantially the center of the game area 10a. Behind the window formed in the center case 46, a display device 41 is arranged as an effect display device capable of executing a variable display game effect that variably displays (variably displays) a plurality of pieces of identification information. The display device 41 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that display contents can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 10 through the window portion of the center case 46 . The display device 41 is not limited to having a liquid crystal display, and may have a display such as EL or CRT.

A display screen (display area) capable of displaying an image in the display device 41 is provided with a plurality of variable display areas, and each variable display area displays identification information (special symbols) and a variable display game character. be done. In addition, the display screen displays images based on the progress of the game (for example, big win display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.).

A normal pattern start gate (normal pattern start gate) 34 is provided on the left side of the center case 46 of the game area 10a. Inside the normal pattern starting gate 34, a gate switch (SW) 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal pattern starting gate 34 is provided. Then, when the game ball hit into the game area 10a passes through the normal pattern starting gate 34, the normal pattern fluctuation display game is executed.

Further, three general prize winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 46, and one general prize winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 46. - 特許庁Winning of a game ball into the general winning opening 35 is detected by winning opening switches (SW) 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) provided in the general winning opening 35. FIG.

In addition, below the center case 46, there is provided a first start winning opening (first starting winning area) 36 that gives the starting condition of the special figure variation display game, and directly below it is an inverted "C" shape in the upper part. It has a pair of opening/closing members 37b that open wide to convert the game balls into a state in which it is easy to flow in, and a second start winning port (second start winning area) 37 is provided inside. And, when the game ball wins the first starting winning opening 36 or the second starting winning opening 37, a special figure variation display game is executed as an auxiliary game.

The pair of opening/closing members 37b of the second start winning opening 37 are normally kept in a closed state (disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval approximately equal to the diameter of the game ball. However, since the first starting winning opening 36 is provided above the second starting winning opening 37, it is configured so that the game ball cannot win when it is closed.

Then, when the result of the normal pattern fluctuation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, the normal electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device opens in an inverted "C" shape to perform the second start. It is configured to be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which game balls easily flow into the prize winning opening 37 .

The operation mode (general electric support) of the opening/closing member 37b of the second start winning opening 37 includes a non-easy winning state (no universal electric support) and an easy winning state (with universal electric support, time saving state).

The non-easy-to-win state is a state in which the opening/closing member 37b of the second start-up prize-winning port 37 is less likely to be in the open state, and the game ball is less likely to enter the second start-up prize-winning port 37. FIG. On the other hand, in the easy-to-win state, the opening/closing member 37b of the second starting-to-win opening 37 is more likely to be opened than in the non-easy-to-win state. For example, in the non-easy winning state, the winning probability of the normal pattern fluctuation display game is 1/251, and the opening time is 0.1 second. It is assumed that the time is 1.7 seconds and the number of opening times is 3.

Furthermore, in the game area 10a below the second start winning opening 37, an attacker type opening and closing mechanism that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side falls to the front side by a large winning opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) A special variable winning device 38 having a large winning opening with a door is provided. The special variable winning device 38 converts the state in which the large winning port is closed (disadvantageous closed state for the player) to the open state (state advantageous for the player, special game state) depending on the result of the special figure variable display game, By facilitating the inflow of game balls into the big winning opening, a predetermined game value (prize balls) is awarded to the player. In addition, a count switch 38a (see FIG. 3) as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning hole is arranged inside the big winning hole (winning area).

When the game ball wins the general winning port 35, the first starting winning port 36, the second starting winning port 37, and the special variable winning device 38, the payout control device 200 (see FIG. 3) A number of prize balls corresponding to the type of mouth are controlled to be discharged from a payout device to an upper tray 21 or a lower tray 23 of the front frame 3. - 特許庁In addition, below the special variable winning device 38, an out port 39 is provided for collecting game balls that do not win, such as a winning port.

In addition, outside the game area 10a (for example, the lower right part of the game board 10), the special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41, and the normal figure fluctuation display game triggered by winning the normal figure start gate 34 A batch display 50 is provided for execution. Further, the collective display device 50 is provided with a display section for displaying information such as the current game state.

In addition, the special figure variation display game includes a special figure 1 variation display game (first variation display game) that is executed when a game ball wins in the first start prize winning port 36, and a game in the second start prize winning port 37. A special figure 2 variation display game (second variation display game) that is executed when the ball wins is included.

Here, the collective display device 50 will be described. The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure variation display unit (special figure 1 indicator) 51 and a second special figure variation display unit ( Special figure 2 display) 52, a variation display unit for the normal figure variation display game (normal figure display) 53, and a memory display unit for notifying the number of starting memories of each variation display game, which is also composed of LED lamps ( It has a special figure 1 reservation display 54, a special figure 2 reservation display 55, and a general figure reservation display 56).

In addition, the collective display device 50 includes a first game state display unit (first game state display unit) 57 that lights up when a big win occurs to notify the occurrence of a big win, and a first game state display unit 57 that lights up when a time saving state occurs to notify the occurrence of a time saving state. a second game state display unit (second game state display device) 60, an error indicator 58 for displaying an error that the probability state of a big win is a high probability state when the power of the game machine 1 is turned on, and the number of rounds at the time of a big win. A round display section 59 for displaying (the number of times the special variable winning device 38 is opened and closed) is provided.

The special figure variation display game on the special figure 1 indicator 51 or the special figure 2 indicator 52 displays special identification information (special figure, special pattern) is changed at predetermined time intervals. While the special figure variation display game is being performed on the special figure 1 display device 51 or the special figure 2 display device 52, the decoration special figure variation display game is also performed on the display device 41 correspondingly.

Then, when the variable time determined at the start of the variable display of the special identification information has passed, the variable display is stopped with the special identification information corresponding to the result of the variable display game, and the special figure 1 display device 51 or the special figure 2 End the special figure variation display game on the display 52 .

The normal map indicator 53 flashes a lamp during fluctuation to indicate that the fluctuation is in progress. When the result of the game is "Loss", for example, the lamp is turned off, and when the result of the game is "Hit", the lamp is turned on to display the game result.

The special figure 1 reservation display 54 displays the number of undigested balls (the number of starting memories = the number of reservations) among the number of winning balls to the first start winning opening 36 which is the condition for starting the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51. . Specifically, when the number of reservations is "0", all four lamps are turned off, and when the number of reservations is "1", only lamp 1 is turned on. Also, when the number of reservations is "2", lamps 1 and 2 are turned on, when the number of reservations is "3", lamps 1, 2 and 3 are turned on, and when the number of reservations is "4", 4 All three lamps 1 to 4 are turned on.

The special figure 2 reservation indicator 55 displays the start memory number (number of reservations) of the second start winning opening 37, which is the fluctuation start condition of the special figure 2 indicator 52, in the same manner as the special figure 1 reservation indicator 54. .

The general pattern holding display 56 displays the starting memory number (holding number) of the general pattern starting gate 34 which is the fluctuation start condition of the general pattern display 53 . For example, when the number of reservations is "0", lamps 1 and 2 are turned off, and when the number of reservations is "1", only lamp 1 is turned on. Also, when the number of reservations is "2", lamps 1 and 2 are lit, when the number of reservations is "3", lamp 1 blinks and lamp 2 is lit, and when the number of reservations is "4" Make lamps 1 and 2 blink.

The first game state indicator 57, for example, turns off the lamp in the normal game state, and turns on the lamp in the event of a big win. The second game state indicator 60, for example, turns off the lamp in the case of the normal game state, and turns on the lamp in the case of the time saving state.

The error indicator 58 turns off the lamp when, for example, the jackpot probability state is the normal probability (low probability) state when the game machine 1 is powered on, and the jackpot probability state is set to the probability state when the game machine 1 is powered on. In the case of a variable (high probability) state, the lamp is turned on.

A round display part 59, for example, turns off a lamp in the normal game state, and turns on a lamp corresponding to the number of rounds of the big win (2 rounds or 15 rounds) when a big win occurs. The round display section 59 may be configured by a 7-segment type display.

Here, details of the game flow and the variation display game (normal figure variation display game, special figure variation display game) in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a game is played by shooting game balls (pachinko balls) from a ball shooting device (not shown) toward the game area 10a. The launched game ball flows down the game area 10a while changing the rolling direction by direction changing members such as obstructing nails placed in various places in the game area 10a, and enters the normal figure start gate 34, the general winning opening 35, and the second game area 10a. It wins the 1st start winning port 36, the 2nd starting winning port 37 or the special variable winning device 38, or flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 10a and is discharged from the game area. When game balls enter the general winning port 35, the first starting winning port 36, the second starting winning port 37, or the special variable winning device 38, the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning port is controlled for payout. A dispensing unit controlled by the device 200 is discharged onto the upper tray 21 or the lower tray 23 of the front frame 3 .

As described above, the normal pattern starting gate 34 is provided with a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal pattern starting gate 34. FIG. The normal figure starting gate 34 is, for example, a non-contact type switch. When the game ball hit into the game area 10a passes through the normal pattern starting gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and the normal pattern variation display game is executed.

In addition, in a state where the normal pattern fluctuation display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal pattern fluctuation display game has already been played and the normal pattern fluctuation display game has not been completed, the result of the normal pattern fluctuation display game is a hit. When the second start winning port 37 is converted to the open state, when the game ball passes through the normal pattern start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal pattern start memory number, the normal pattern start memory number is added (+1 ) and one normal pattern start memory is stored. The number of stored normal figure start winning prizes is displayed on the general figure reservation indicator 56 for notifying the number of start winning prizes of the collective display device 50 .

In addition, in the general pattern start memory, the random number value for hit judgment for determining the hit or miss of the general pattern fluctuation display game is stored. , the normal pattern variation display game becomes a hit and a specific result mode (specific result) is derived.

The normal pattern variation display game is executed by a variation display unit (normal pattern display device) 53 provided in the collective display device 50 . The normal figure display 53 is composed of an LED that indicates a hit in the case of a lighting state as normal identification information (normal pattern, normal pattern), and indicates a deviation in the case of an unlit state. Information is displayed in a variable manner, and after a predetermined variable display time has elapsed, the result is displayed by turning on or off the LED.

For example, numbers, symbols, character patterns, etc. may be used as the normal identification information, and may be displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time and then stopped. If the stop display of this normal pattern variation display game becomes a specific result, it becomes a hit of the normal pattern, and the pair of opening and closing members 37b of the second start winning opening 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). Open state. This makes it easier for the game ball to win in the second start winning port 37, and the number of times the special figure 2 variable display game is executed increases.

When the normal pattern random number value extracted at the time of detection of passage to the normal pattern starting gate 34 is a winning value, the normal pattern displayed on the normal pattern display device 53 stops in a winning state and becomes a winning state. At this time, the second starting winning port 37 is converted to a state in which the opening/closing member 37b is opened only for a predetermined time by driving the built-in general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3), and the second starting winning port 37 is opened. Winning of game balls into the mouth 37 is allowed.

The winning balls to the first start winning opening 36 and the winning balls to the second starting winning opening 37 are respectively provided inside the starting opening 1 switch 36a (see FIG. 3) and the starting opening 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). ). The game ball that has won the first start winning port 36 is detected as the starting winning ball of the special figure 1 variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4), and to the second start winning port 37 The winning game ball is detected as the start winning ball of the special figure 2 variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In addition, at the time of detection of this start winning ball, a jackpot random number, a jackpot pattern random number, and each variation pattern random number are extracted, and the extracted random numbers are stored in special figure storage in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Each predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 4 times) is stored as a special figure start winning memory in the area (part of RAM). And, the number of memories of this special figure start winning memory is displayed on the storage display unit for notifying the number of start winning prizes of the collective display device 50 (special figure 1 reservation display 54, special figure 2 reservation display 55), It is also displayed on the display device 41 of the center case 46 .

The game control device 100, based on the winning to the first starting winning port 36 or the second starting winning port 37, or their starting memory (first starting memory, second starting memory), a special figure indicator (fluctuation display A special figure 1 variation display game or a special figure 2 variation display game is performed on the device, special figure 1 display device 51 or special figure 2 display device 52).

The special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are performed by displaying a plurality of special symbols (special symbols, identification information) in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result mode. In addition, a decorative special figure variation display game is executed in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) are variably displayed corresponding to each special figure variation display game on the display device 41. ing.

The decoration special symbol variation display game in the display device 41, for example, the decoration special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-mentioned numbers etc. is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbols), the varying symbols are sequentially stopped after a predetermined time, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 carries out a decoration special figure variable display game with decoration special symbols corresponding to the number of special prize winning memories, and various performance displays such as the appearance of characters are performed to improve interest.

Furthermore, when the winning to the first starting winning opening 36 or the second starting winning opening 37 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the value of the jackpot random number at the time of winning detection is the winning value), As a result of the special figure variation display game, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the displayed symbols, resulting in a jackpot state (special game state). Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 also becomes a special result mode (for example, any of double numbers such as "7, 7, 7").

At this time, the special variable prize winning device 38 energizes the large prize winning opening solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3), so that the large winning opening is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) and does not accept game balls (the player The state is changed from a state unfavorable to the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which it is easy to accept the game ball. That is, since the big winning opening provided in the special variable winning device 38 opens wide for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls win, the player is given the privilege of being able to win a lot of game balls during this time. be done.

In addition, the special figure 1 indicator 51 and the special figure 2 indicator 52 may be separate indicators or the same indicator, but each special figure variation display game is not executed at the same time. Also, regarding the decorative special figure variation display game on the display device 41, the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game may be executed on separate display devices or separate display areas, or the same may be executed on a display device or display area. In this case, the decoration special figure variation display games corresponding to the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game are not executed at the same time.

Also, the special figure 2 variation display game is preferentially executed over the special figure 1 variation display game. That is, when there is a start memory of the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game, and the special figure variation display game can be executed, the special figure 2 variation display game is executed.

In addition, in a state where the special figure 1 variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game) can be started and the number of starting memories is 0, the game is played in the first start winning port 36 (second starting winning port 37) When the ball wins, the starting memory is stored with the generation of the starting right. At this time, the starting memory number is added by 1, and the special figure 1 variation display game (special figure 2 variation display game) is started immediately based on the starting memory, and the starting memory number is subtracted by 1 at this time.

On the other hand, the special figure 1 variation display game (special figure 2 variation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the special figure 1 variation display game or the special figure 2 variation display game has already been performed, and the special figure variation display game ends. When the game ball wins in the first start winning port 36 (second starting winning port 37) in the state where it is not done or in the special game state, if the number of starting memories is less than the upper limit number, the number of starting memories is incremented by 1 and one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number is 1 or more, a state in which the special figure 1 variation display game (special figure 2 variation display game) can be started (end of the previous special figure variation display game or end of the special game state) Then, the starting memory number is subtracted by 1, and the special figure 1 variation display game (special figure 2 variation display game) is started based on the stored starting memory.

In the following description, when the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the special figure variation display game.

It should be noted that, although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the first starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the second starting winning port 37, the gate switch 34a, and the winning port switch 35a. 35n, the count switch 38a is a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that detects a game ball by utilizing a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when metal is brought close to the coil provided with a magnetic detection coil. ) are used. A microswitch having a mechanical contact can be used for the front frame open detection switch 63 on the front frame 3 and the glass frame open detection switch 64 provided on the glass frame 12 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game control device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The game machine 1 is provided with a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for overall control of the game. a CPU unit 110 having an input port; an input unit 120 having an input port; an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, etc.;

The CPU unit 110 logically inverts a signal (start winning detection signal) from a game microcomputer 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and an interface chip (proximity I/F) 121 for a proximity switch in the input unit 120. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 and the like. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 to enable operation. Configured.

The power supply device 400 has an AC-DC converter that generates a DC voltage of 32V from a 24V AC power supply, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V or DC5V from a voltage of DC32V, etc. A normal power supply unit. 410, a backup power supply unit 420 that supplies power supply voltage to the internal RAM 111c of the game microcomputer 111 at the time of power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 100 of power failure occurrence and recovery. A control signal generator 430 for generating and outputting control signals such as power failure monitoring signals, initialization switch signals, and reset signals is provided.

In FIG. 3, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a separate board or integrated with the game control device 100, that is, the main board It may be configured to be provided on the top. Since the game board 10 and the game control device 100 are subject to replacement when the model is changed, by providing the backup power supply section 420 and the control signal generation section 430 on a board different from the power supply device 400 or the main board, replacement can be easily performed. Cost reduction can be achieved by excluding it from the target.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be configured with one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. Backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (especially built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM 111c is retained even during a power failure or after the power is cut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32 V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, and when it drops below 17 V, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and changes the power failure monitoring signal after a predetermined time. to output Also, when the power is turned on or when the power is restored, the reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from that time. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 100 restores the game state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 111c. The backup power supply unit 420 is capable of holding game data for two to three days or longer.

The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes the information stored in the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111 . A reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit, microprocessor) 111a, a ROM (read-only memory, non-volatile storage means) 111b that stores data in a non-rewritable state, and a rewritable data store ( It has a random access memory (random access memory, volatile storage means) 111c which can be read and written at any time.

The ROM 111b stores non-volatile (non-rewritable) immutable information (programs, fixed data, various random number determination values, etc.) for game control, and the RAM 111c stores the work area of the CPU 111a and various signals and Used as a storage area for random numbers. An electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM (registered trademark) may be used as the ROM 111b or RAM 111c.

In addition, the ROM 111b stores, for example, variation pattern distribution information for determining variation patterns that define the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the content of the effects, the presence or absence of occurrence of the ready-to-win state, and the like.

The fluctuation pattern distribution information is distribution information for the CPU 111a to refer to the fluctuation pattern random number (distribution random number) stored as the starting memory to determine the fluctuation pattern. In addition, the variation pattern distribution information includes loss variation pattern distribution information selected when the result is a loss, and big hit variation pattern distribution information selected when the result is a 15R hit or a 2R hit. For example, the variation pattern distribution information related to the variation pattern in which the special figure variation display game does not reach, the variation pattern distribution information related to the variation pattern in which normal (N) reach is executed in the special figure variation display game, and the special figure variation display game Variation pattern distribution information related to the variation pattern that executes the special (SP) 1 reach, variation pattern distribution information related to the variation pattern that executes the special (SP) 2 reach in the special figure variation display game, to the special figure variation display game There are variation pattern distribution information related to the variation pattern that executes special (SP) 3 reach, variation pattern distribution information related to the variation pattern that executes premium reach in the special figure variation display game that will be a big hit, and the like.

Here, the ROM 111b constitutes variation distribution information storage means for storing a plurality of variation distribution information relating to the setting of execution time in the special figure variation display game.

In addition, reach (reach state) means that the display device has a display device whose display state can be changed, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are set in advance. In the gaming machine 1 in which the game state becomes a game state (special game state) advantageous to the player when the special result mode is set, a part of a plurality of display results has already been derived and displayed at a stage where the display results have not yet been derived and displayed. A display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the conditions for a special result mode (for example, a plurality of identification information excluding the last identification information to be stopped is in a special game state. Stop with identification information that can generate a special result. and the identification information that stops last is displayed in a variable manner). In other words, the ready-to-reach state means that even when the variable display control of the display device progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed, the display conditions for the special result mode are not met. It refers to a display mode that does not exist. And, for example, a state in which variable display is performed using a plurality of variable display areas while maintaining a state in which the special result modes are uniform (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. In addition, the reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. It means a display state when at least some of the display results of a plurality of variable display areas that are present satisfy the conditions for the special result mode.

Therefore, for example, the decorative special figure variation display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure variation display game displays a plurality of pieces of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right variation display areas of the display device 41. After the variable display, when the variable display is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle to display the result mode, the left and right variable display areas meet the conditions for the special result mode (for example, , the same identification information) and the variable display is stopped is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas satisfy the condition for the special result mode (for example, the same The state of the identification information (excluding the special result mode) may be set as the ready-to-win state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from this ready-to-win state.

In addition, the reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and as reach effects with different possibilities of deriving special result modes (different degrees of reliability), normal reach (reach A), special 1 reach (reach B), special 2 reach (reach C), special 3 reach (reach D), premium reach (reach E), etc. are set. Note that the reliability increases in the order of no reach<normal reach<special 1 reach<special 2 reach<premium reach. Also, the ready-to-win state is included in the variable display mode at least when the special result mode is derived in the special figure variable display game (when the game becomes a big hit). That is, when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variation display game (when it is lost), the variation display mode may be included.

The CPU 111a executes a game control program in the ROM 111b to generate control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the performance control device (performance control means) 300, and to generate driving signals for solenoids and display devices. The game machine 1 as a whole is controlled by outputting the data.

In addition, although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 generates a jackpot random number for a special figure variation display game, a jackpot symbol random number for determining a jackpot symbol, a normal figure per random number for a normal figure variation display game, and the like. It has a random number generator. Further, a clock generator is provided for generating a timer interrupt signal with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111a based on an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113 and a clock for giving an update timing of the random number generation circuit. there is

In addition, the CPU 111a selects any one variation pattern distribution information from among a plurality of variation pattern distribution information stored in the ROM 111b in the starting port switch monitoring processing and special pattern normal processing in the special game processing to be described later. get. Specifically, the CPU 111a, the game result of the special figure variation display game (big hit or lose), the probability state of the special figure variation display game as the current gaming state (normal probability state or high probability state), the current game Based on the operating state (normal operating state or time saving operating state) of the second start winning port 37 as a state, the number of start memories, etc., select any one variation pattern distribution information from among a plurality of variation pattern distribution information. to obtain.

The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, etc., although not shown, and drives the payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , control for paying out prize balls. Further, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball rental request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the rental balls.

The input unit 120 of the game microcomputer 111 includes a starting port 1 switch 36a in the first starting winning port 36, a starting port 2 switch 37a in the second starting winning port 37, a gate switch 34a in the normal starting gate 34, It is connected to the winning port switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a, and a negative logic signal with a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches is input and converted to a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. An interface chip (proximity I/F) 121 is provided. The proximity I/F 121 has an input range of 7V to 11V, so it is possible that the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly short-circuited, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is cut and left floating. abnormal state can be detected, and an abnormality detection signal is output when an abnormality is detected. At this time, the abnormality detection signal is input to the input port 123 .

All outputs of signals input to the proximity I/F 121 are supplied to the input port 122 and read into the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and are transmitted from the game control device (main board) 100 through the relay board 70. It is designed to be supplied to a trial firing test device (not shown). In addition, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121 are configured to be input to the game microcomputer 111 via the input port 122 and the inverting circuit 112. ing. The reason why the inverting circuit 112 is provided is that the signal input terminal of the game microcomputer 111 assumes that a signal from a microswitch or the like is input, and negative logic, that is, the low level (0 V) is detected as an effective level. because it is designed to

Therefore, when microswitches are used as the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a, the inverting circuit 112 is not provided, and the detection signal can be directly input to the game microcomputer 111. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I/F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I/F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V in addition to a voltage of 5 V required for normal IC operation from the power supply device 400. It's becoming

In addition, the input unit 120 includes signals from the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 for fraud detection provided on the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1, and the first start winning opening converted by the proximity I/F 121. Signals from the starting port 1 switch 36a in 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the second start winning port 37, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switches 35a to 35n, and the count switch 38a are taken in and played through the data bus 140. An input port 122 is provided to supply the microcomputer 111 for the application. The data held by the input port 122 can be read by asserting (changing to a valid level) an enable (CE) signal 1 by decoding the address assigned to the input port 122 by the gaming microcomputer 111. can be done. The same applies to other ports described later.

Further, the input unit 120 receives signals from the front frame open detection switch 63 provided on the front frame 3 of the gaming machine 1 and the glass frame open detection switch 64 provided on the glass frame 12, and signals from the payout control device 200. An input port 123 is provided for taking in a status signal indicating an abnormal payout, a shoot ball disconnection switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating overflow, and supplying them to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. ing. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that the lower tray 23 is filled with a predetermined amount or more of game balls (that the tray is full).

Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmidt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as power failure monitoring signals, initialization switch signals, and reset signals from the power supply device 400 to the game microcomputer 111 and the like. Circuit 124 has the function of removing noise from these input signals. Among the signals from the power supply device 400 , the power failure monitor signal and the initialization switch signal are once input to the input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140 . That is, they are treated as signals equivalent to the signals from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals for receiving signals from the outside provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to the reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is also supplied to each output port of the output section 130 . Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test-firing test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test-firing test apparatus. is configured as Also, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test-fire test apparatus via the relay board 70 . Note that the reset signal RST is not supplied to each input port (122, 123) of the input section 120. FIG. The data set to each output port of the output section 130 by the game microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input must be reset to prevent malfunction of the system. This is because the data read by the game microcomputer 111 from each input port is discarded when the game microcomputer 111 is reset.

The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity/invalidity of the data, and a data strobe signal SSTB to be output to the effect control device 300. and a second output port 132 for generating an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300 . Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication. In addition, in order to prevent the signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the effect control device 300 side, the data strobe signal SSTB from the first output port 131 is provided to the output unit 130, that is, in order to ensure one-way communication. and a unidirectional buffer 133 for outputting the 8-bit data signal from the second output port 132 . A buffer may also be provided for the signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200 .

In addition, the output unit 130 outputs, via the relay board 70, data for notifying the special pattern information of the variable display game and a signal indicating the probability state of the big hit to the test firing test equipment of the certification body (not shown) connected to the data bus 140. A buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine as an actual machine (mass-produced product) installed in amusement arcades. A detection signal of a switch that does not need to be processed, such as a starting switch, output from the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the test-firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134 .

On the other hand, detection signals such as those from the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62, which cannot be directly supplied to the test-firing apparatus, are temporarily taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. For example, it is supplied from the data bus 140 through the buffer 134 and the relay board 70 to the test-firing test apparatus as an error signal indicating that the game machine is in a state in which game control is not possible. The relay board 70 is provided with a port for taking in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplying it to the test firing test apparatus, a connector for relaying the signal line of the detection signal of the switch without passing through the buffer, and the like. there is A chip enable (CE) signal output from the game microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selectively controlled by the CE signal is supplied to the test firing test device. there is

In addition, the output section 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and includes a solenoid (large winning opening solenoid 38b) for opening and closing the special variable winning device 38 and a solenoid (general electric solenoid 37c) for opening and closing the opening/closing member 37b of the second start winning opening 37. ) and the ON/OFF data of the digit line to which the cathode terminals of the LEDs of the batch display device 50 are connected, the third output port 135 for outputting the data to be displayed on the batch display device 50. A fourth output port 136 for outputting ON/OFF data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of the terminal is connected, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information related to the game machine 1 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71. is provided. Information relating to the gaming machine 1 output from the external information terminal 71 is supplied to, for example, an information collecting terminal (not shown) installed in the amusement arcade or a game arcade internal management device (not shown).

Further, the output section 130 is provided with a first driver (drive circuit) 138a, a second driver 138b, a third driver 138c, and a fourth driver 138d. The first driver 138a receives the open/close data signal of the big winning opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135 and receives the solenoid drive signal and the open/close data signal of the general solenoid 37c to generate and output the solenoid drive signal. . The second driver 138 b outputs an on/off drive signal for the digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 output from the third output port 135 . The third driver 138 c outputs an on/off drive signal for the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 that is output from the fourth output port 136 . The fourth driver 138d outputs to the external information terminal 71 an external information signal to be supplied from the fifth output port 137 to an external device such as a management device.

DC 32V is supplied from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage to the first driver 138a so as to drive a solenoid that operates at 32V. Also, DC 12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50 . The second driver 138b, which drives the digit lines, draws current from the digit lines according to display data, so the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. A third driver 138c that outputs 12 V supplies a current to the anode terminal of the LED via a segment line, and a second driver 138b that outputs a ground potential draws current from the cathode terminal via a segment line, thereby achieving a dynamic drive system. A power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in , and the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d for outputting the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC 12V to give the external information signal a level of 12V. The buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, etc. may be provided on the output section 130 of the game control device 100, that is, not on the main board but on the relay board 70 side.

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as the identification code and program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500 . The photocoupler 139 is configured to enable two-way communication so that the game microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 by serial communication. It should be noted that since the transmission and reception of such data is performed using a serial communication terminal of the game microcomputer 111 as in a normal general-purpose microprocessor, a port such as the input port 122 is not provided.

Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the effect control device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 composed of an amusement chip similar to the game microcomputer 111, and a video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 that exclusively performs video control under the control of the main control microcomputer 311. , a VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for image display on the display device 41 according to commands and data from the image control microcomputer 312, and output of various melodies and sound effects. and a sound source LSI 314 that controls the .

The main control microcomputer 311 and the video control microcomputer 312 are respectively connected with program ROMs 321 and 322 consisting of PROMs (programmable read only memory) storing programs executed by each CPU, and a VDP 313 stores character images and video data. An image ROM 323 in which the sound data is stored is connected, and an audio ROM 324 in which audio data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314 . The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 111, determines the content of the effect, instructs the image control microcomputer 312 to output image content, instructs the sound source LSI 314 to reproduce sound, and lights the decoration lamp. , motor drive control, performance time management, and other processing. RAMs (311a and 312a) that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer 311 and the video control microcomputer 312 are provided inside the respective chips. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

Although not particularly limited, data is transmitted and received serially between the main control microcomputer 311 and the video control microcomputer 312, and between the main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314. It is Further, data is transmitted and received in parallel between the video control microcomputer 312 and between the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 313 . Sending and receiving data in parallel allows commands and data to be sent in a shorter period of time than in the case of the serial method. The VDP 313 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 313a used to develop and process image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and a scaler for enlarging and reducing images. 313b, a signal conversion circuit 313c for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method, and the like.

A vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image on the display device 41 with lighting of the decoration lamps provided on the front frame 3 and the game board 10 . In addition, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is in a state of waiting for reception of interrupt signals INT0 to n and commands and data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing to the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT for Further, a synchronization signal SYNC is input from the video control microcomputer 312 to the main control microcomputer 311 to notify that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and to give command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data in a handshake manner.

Note that the video control microcomputer 312 uses a CPU that is faster than the main control microcomputer 311, that is, is more expensive. By providing a video control microcomputer 312 separately from the main control microcomputer 311 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast-moving video on a large screen on the display device 41, which is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer 311 alone. In addition, compared to the case of using two CPUs having the same processing capability as the video control microcomputer 312, the increase in cost can be suppressed. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to develop control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period for new models.

Also, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I/F) 331 for receiving commands transmitted from the game control device 100 . Via this command I / F 331, the variation start command, customer waiting demo command, fanfare command, probability information command, error designation command, etc. transmitted from the game control device 100 to the production control device 300 are used as production control command signals. receive. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC5V and the main control microcomputer 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC3.3V, the command I/F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function. there is

In addition, the effect control device 300 includes a SW input circuit 336 that transfers a detection signal from the outside to the main control microcomputer 311, and an amplifier circuit 337a that includes an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speaker 19a provided on the front frame 3. , an amplifier circuit 337b for driving the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 3 is provided. The input side of the SW input circuit 336 is connected to the first operation means SW25a that emits a detection signal when the production button 25 is operated, and the production motor SW10h that detects the initial position of the motor in the board production device 44. .

In addition, the effect control device 300 includes a board decoration LED control circuit 332 for controlling a board decoration device 38 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) provided on the game board 10 (including the center case 46), and a board decoration LED control circuit 332 provided on the front frame 3. A frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for controlling a frame decoration device 43 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) mounted thereon, a board effect device provided on the game board 10 (including the center case 46) (for example, effect display on the display device 41 A board production motor/SOL control circuit 334 that drives and controls a motorized accessory etc. that enhances the production effect in cooperation with a board production motor / SOL control circuit 334, a frame production device provided on the front frame 3 (for example, the first movable lighting 13 described above, A frame effect motor control circuit 335 is provided to drive and control the motor 45 for operating the second movable lighting 14 . These control circuits (332, 333, 334, 335) for driving and controlling lamps, motors, solenoids, etc. are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via an address/data bus 340. FIG.

The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400 supplies a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 300 having the configuration described above and the electronic components controlled by it, so that multiple types of voltages can be generated. is configured to Specifically, in addition to DC 32 V for driving motors and solenoids, DC 12 V for driving the display device 41 consisting of a liquid crystal panel and the like, and DC 5 V as the power supply voltage for the command I/F 331, the LED and the speaker 19 are driven. It is possible to generate a voltage of DC 18V for this purpose and a voltage of NDC 24V used for turning on the power supply monitor lamp as a reference for these DC voltages. Furthermore, when using an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V as the main control microcomputer 311 or the video control microcomputer 312, DC 3.3 V or DC 1.2 V is used based on DC 5 V. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating. Note that the DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410 .

The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 is applied to the main control microcomputer 311, the video control microcomputer 312, the VDP 313, the sound source LSI 314, and the control circuits (332 to 335) that drive and control lamps, motors, and the like. , are supplied to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b for driving the speaker 19 to reset them. The control signal generation unit 430 is configured to have a function of generating and supplying a reset signal to the VDP 313 using a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 . As a result, it is possible to improve the cooperation between the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 .

The above is the configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, the game control performed by these control circuits will be described.

The CPU 111a of the game control device 100 extracts a random number per normal pattern based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball passing through the gate switch 34a provided in the normal pattern starting gate 34, and outputs the judgment value stored in the ROM 111b. By comparing, the hit/loss of the normal pattern fluctuation display game is determined. Then, after the identification symbols are variably displayed for a predetermined time on the normal pattern display device 53, the normal pattern fluctuation display game is displayed in a stopped manner. If the result of this normal pattern variation display game is a hit, a special result mode is displayed on the normal pattern display device 53, the general electric solenoid 37c is operated, and the opening and closing member 37b of the second start winning opening 37 is opened for a predetermined time. Control to open.

In addition, when the result of the normal pattern variation display game is a loss, the CPU 111a controls the normal pattern display device 53 to display the result mode of the loss.

In addition, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 stores the starting winning (starting memory) based on the input of the game ball detection signal from the starting opening 1 switch 36a provided in the first starting winning opening 36. Then, based on this starting memory, the big hit random number of the special figure 1 variation display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111b to determine the hit or miss of the special figure 1 variation display game.

In addition, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 stores start memory based on the input of the game ball detection signal from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the second start winning prize port 37 . Then, based on this starting memory, the jackpot random number of the special figure 2 variation display game is extracted and compared with the judgment value stored in the ROM 111b, and the hit/loss of the special figure 2 variation display game is determined.

Then, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (production control command) including the determination result of the special figure 1 fluctuation display game or the special figure 2 fluctuation display game to the production control device 300. Then, after the identification symbols are variably displayed for a predetermined period of time on the special figure 1 display device 51 and the special figure 2 display device 52, processing for displaying a special figure variation display game to be stopped and displayed is performed.

In addition, the effect control device 300 performs processing for displaying a decoration special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game on the display device 41 based on a control signal from the game control device 100 .

Further, the effect control device 300 performs processing such as outputting sounds from the speakers 19 (19a, 19b) and controlling light emission of various LEDs based on control signals from the game control device 100. FIG.

Then, when the result of the special figure variation display game is hit, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 indicator 51 and the special figure 2 indicator 52, and generates a special game state. process to cause

In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100, for example, opens the opening/closing door of the special variable prize winning device 38 by means of the special prize winning port solenoid 38b, thereby allowing game balls to flow into the special prize winning port. to control.

Then, either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the big winning opening, or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses after the opening of the big winning opening is achieved. It is assumed that one round is to open the big winning opening until the game is played, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeated) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times).

In addition, when the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is lost, the special figure 1 display device 51 and the special figure 2 display device 52 are controlled to display the result mode of the loss.

Next, control by the game control device 100 will be specifically described.

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main processing will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the first half procedure of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the second half procedure of the main processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, it is executed when the game machine is turned on to start business at the game arcade or when the game machine recovers from a power failure.

When the execution of the main process is started, the game control device 100 first prohibits an interrupt (S501). Next, a vector address indicating a jump destination to be executed when an interrupt occurs is set (S502). Furthermore, a stack pointer, which is the top address of the area where the values of registers and the like are saved when an interrupt occurs, is set (S503). Furthermore, the interrupt processing mode is set (S504).

Next, the game control device 100 waits until the program of the payout control device (payout board) 200 starts normally (S505). For example, wait 4 milliseconds. By controlling in this way, the game control device 100 is started first when the power is turned on, and the command is transmitted to the payout control device 200 before the start of the payout control device 200 is completed, and the payout control device 200 can be avoided from missing the transmitted command.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 permits access to a readable and writable RWM (read/write memory) such as RAM and EEPROM (S506). Further, all output ports are set to OFF (no output) (S507). Also, the game microcomputer 111 is set to a state in which the serial port pre-installed is not used (S508). This is because, in the embodiment of the present invention, the game control device 100 performs parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, and does not use a serial port.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 400 is set to ON (S509). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that when the power is turned off in the variable probability state when the store is closed and the power is turned on when the store opens the next day, the game is started in the initialized state. be done. On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after the power failure occurs, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game in a state as close as possible to the gaming state before the power failure. set.

When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (the result of S509 is "N": NO), the game control device 100 checks whether or not the data in the blackout inspection area in the RWM is normal. (S510-S513). More specifically, the power outage inspection area includes power outage inspection area 1 and power outage inspection area 2 . Power failure inspection area check data 1 is stored in the power failure inspection area 1, and power failure inspection area check data 2 is stored in the power failure inspection area 2. In the processes of S510 and S511, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 1 stored in the power failure inspection area 1 is normal. Similarly, in the processes of S512 and S513, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 2 stored in the power failure inspection area 2 is normal.

Game control device 100, when it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data of the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (result of S513 is "Y": YES), to calculate verification data called checksum checksum calculation processing is executed (S514).

Then, the game control device 100 compares the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process with the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off (S515), and determines whether these values match. Determine (S516).

On the other hand, the game control device 100, if the initialization switch signal is set to ON (result of S509 is "Y"), if the value of the power failure inspection area is not normal (result of S511 or S513 is "N") If the checksum value at the time of power-off does not match the checksum value calculated in the process of S514 (the result of S516 is "N"), the initialization process of S539 to S543 in FIG. 6 is executed. do. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

If the calculated checksum value and the checksum value at the time of power-off match (the result of S516 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines that the power-off process has been performed normally. (S517 to S523 in FIG. 5).

First, the game control device 100 clears ( initialize. Specifically, all the blackout inspection areas are cleared (S517), and the area in which the checksum was stored is cleared (S518). Furthermore, the area for storing error-related information and information for monitoring fraud is reset (S519).

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the game state at the time of power failure was a high probability state from the area for storing the game state in the RWM (S520). If it is determined that the state is not in the high probability state (the result of S520 is "N"), the processing after S523 is executed.

Further, the game control device 100, when it is determined that the game state at the time of the occurrence of the power failure was the high probability state (the result of S520 is "Y"), sets the high probability notification flag to ON to perform high probability notification. Save in the flag area (S521). Subsequently, the high-probability notification LED (third game state indicator) provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lit) to save in the segment area (S522).

Furthermore, the game control device 100 transmits a power failure recovery command corresponding to the special game processing number to the effect control device 300 (S523). The special game processing number is a number indicating the state of the special game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting the power failure recovery command corresponding to the special game processing number to the effect control device 300, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible to before the power failure occurred.

Here, the case of executing the initialization process will be described. As described above, the initialization process is executed when a game machine that has been normally powered off is started or when the game machine cannot be restored to the state before the power failure occurred.

In the initialization process, the game control device 100 first clears all work areas before the access prohibition area (S539). Further, all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared (S540). Then, the initial values for power-on are saved in the area to be initialized (S541).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 saves an output timer initial value for outputting external information (security signal) regarding RWM clear in the security signal control timer area (S542). Then, at the end of the initialization process, the power-on command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 (S543), and the processes after S524 are executed.

After completing the process of S523 or S543, the game control device 100 activates a CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the game microcomputer 111 (clock generator). (S524).

Incidentally, the CTC circuit is provided in the clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111 . The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 111a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the frequency-divided signal. A random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the frequency-divided signal, and triggers the random number generation circuit to update the random number.

After activating the CTC circuit, the game control device 100 sets the activation of the random number generation circuit (S525). Specifically, the CPU 111a executes processing such as setting a code (designated value) for activating the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Furthermore, the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at power-on are saved in a predetermined area of the RWM as the initial values (start values) of various initial random numbers (S526). . After that, the game control device 100 permits the interruption (S527).

The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111a of this embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed each time power is turned on. By setting a value (start value), it is possible to destroy the regularity of the random numbers generated by the software, making it difficult for the player to acquire illegal random numbers. The various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number for determining a jackpot pattern (jackpot pattern random number) and a random number for determining a hit in a normal pattern variation display game (hit random number).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and destroying the regularity of the random numbers (S528). Also, in this embodiment, the jackpot random numbers are generated using the random numbers generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the jackpot random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the jackpot pattern random number, the normal pattern random number, and the variation pattern random number are soft random numbers generated by software. The sources of various random numbers are not limited to those described above. The jackpot random numbers may be software random numbers. good too.

Next, the game control device 100 sets the number of times to check the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 and read via the port and data bus (S529). A value of 2 or more is normally set for the number of checks. Whether or not a power failure has occurred can be determined by checking the power failure monitoring signal.

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the power failure monitor signal is ON (S530). If the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, if there is no power failure (the result of S530 is "N"), the initial value random number update process of S528 is executed again, and the processes from S528 to S530 are repeatedly executed ( loop processing).

Also, by enabling interrupts (S527) before the initial value random number update process (S528), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process can be executed with priority. Become. Therefore, it is possible to avoid running out of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process because the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed.

Note that the initial value random number update process (S528) may be performed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when executing initial value random number update processing in timer interrupt processing, in order to avoid executing initial value random number update processing in both processing, an interrupt is generated when initial value random number update processing is executed in main processing. It is necessary to disable it and cancel the interrupt after updating the initial value random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process as in this embodiment, but the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process, even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified.

On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of S530 is "Y"), the game control device 100 detects that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON. It is determined whether or not the number of checks set in the process of S529 has been reached (S531). If the number of consecutive times that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON has not reached the number of checks (the result of S531 is "N"), it is determined whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON again. (S530). That is, when the power failure monitor signal is on, it is determined whether the power failure monitor signal is on for the number of checks.

When the number of consecutive times that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON reaches the number of checks (the result of S531 is "Y"), the game control device 100 considers that a power failure has occurred. Then, the power failure processing is executed (S532 to S538).

In the process when a power failure occurs, the game control device 100 prohibits interrupts (S532) and turns off all output ports (S533). After that, the power failure recovery inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area 1 (S534), and the power failure recovery inspection area check data 2 is further saved in the power failure recovery inspection area 2 (S535).

Furthermore, the game control device 100 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is powered off (S536), and saves the calculated checksum value in the RWM checksum area (S537). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (S538), and the game machine 1 waits until the power is cut off. In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power interruption, the information stored in the RWM before the power interruption is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine whether or not the power is on when the power is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing (game control device)]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond cycle) timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111a.

The game control device 100 first saves the register by transferring the value held in the predetermined register to RWM (S701). In this embodiment, a Z80 series microcomputer is used as a game microcomputer. A Z80 series microcomputer has a front register and a back register, and it is possible to implement the processing of S701 by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

Next, the game control device 100 takes in input signals from various sensors, switches, etc. input via the input unit 120, and executes an input process of reading the state of each input port (S702). The various sensors include a start port 1 switch 36a, a start port 2 switch 37a, a normal map gate switch 34a, a count switch 38a, and the like. In the input process, chattering removal or the like is performed on the input signal to determine the input information.

Next, the game control device 100 executes output processing for transmitting output data related to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 (S703). The output data is information for controlling the driving of actuators such as solenoids. The solenoids to be controlled include, for example, the winning opening solenoid (SOL) 38b and the general electric solenoid (SOL) 37c. The output process also includes a process of outputting game data to an information collection terminal device (not shown) that collects various game data of the gaming machine 1 .

Next, the game control device 100 executes a command transmission process for transmitting (outputting) commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect payout control device 200, the control device 300, etc. (S704).

Next, the game control device 100 executes random number update processing 1 for updating the jackpot pattern random number 1 and the jackpot pattern random number 2 (S705), and updates the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation pattern in the special figure fluctuation display game. random number update process 2 is executed (S706). In the random number update process 1 and the random number update process 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the value of the counter corresponding to each random number (jackpot random number counter, normal per figure random number counter, effect determination random number counter, etc.) is set to 1. Add one by one.

Next, the game control device 100 executes a winning opening switch/error monitoring process for monitoring various winning opening switches and the like, and for monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of frames (S707). The various prize winning port switches include, for example, a starting port 1 switch 36a, a starting port 2 switch 37a, a gate switch 34a, winning port switches 35a to 35n, and a count switch 38a. In the winning hole switch/error monitoring process, it is monitored whether or not normal signals are input from these switches. Error monitoring is aimed at checking whether the front frame 3 or the glass frame 12 has been illegally opened.

Next, the game control device 100 executes special figure game processing for performing processing relating to the special figure variation display game (S708). Subsequently, a normal pattern game process for performing processing related to the normal pattern fluctuation display game is executed (S709).

Next, the game control device 100 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LEDs that display various information regarding the display of the special figure variation game and the game (S710). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special figure variation display game and the normal figure variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

Next, the game control device 100 checks detection signals from the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62, and executes magnet error monitoring processing for determining whether or not there is an abnormality (S711). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, it is notified to the outside by outputting a notification sound from the speaker 19, lighting the gaming state LED 29, or the like.

Next, the game control device 100 executes external information editing processing for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 71 (S712), clears the interrupt request, and declares the end of the interrupt (S713).

Finally, the game control device 100 restores the register that was temporarily saved in the process of S701 (S714), permits the interrupt by the external device and the timer interrupt that have been prohibited (S715), and terminates this process. . After completing this process, the process returns to the main process.

[Command transmission processing]
Next, command transmission processing in the timer interrupt processing described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of command transmission processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

In the command transmission process, the game control device 100 transmits a variation pattern specification command specifying a variation pattern of identification information in a special figure variation display game, a power failure recovery command for executing power failure recovery processing, to the effect control device 300, This is a process of transmitting a prize ball command designating the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device to the payout control device 200 .

The game control device 100 first executes an effect control command transmission process for transmitting various effect control commands to the effect control device 300 (S801).

Next, the game control device 100 executes a payout command transmission process for sending a payout command such as a prize ball payout command to the payout control device 200 (S802), and returns to the timer interrupt process.

Command transmission to the performance control device 300 and command transmission to the payout control device 200 are both transmitted by parallel communication. Communication to the payout control device 200 may be encrypted so as not to accept fraudulent signals.

[Production control command transmission process]
Next, the effect control command transmission process in the command transmission process described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the procedure of effect control command transmission processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The game control device 100 compares the value of the write counter, which is incremented by 1 when setting the transmission command to RWM, and the value of the read counter, which is incremented by 1 when reading the transmission command from RWM. is set (S901), and it is determined whether or not there is an unsent command (S902). If the value of the write counter and the value of the read counter are the same (the result of S902 is "N"), there is no command that has not yet been transmitted, so this processing ends.

On the other hand, when the value of the write counter and the value of the read counter do not match (the result of S902 is "Y"), there is an unsent command, so the game control device 100 sets the read counter to "+1". (S903), and loads an unsent command from the command transmission area (MODE (upper byte)) corresponding to the value of the read counter (S904).

Next, the game control device 100 resets the area (MODE (upper byte)) in which the obtained command is stored (S905), and from the command transmission area (ACTION (lower byte)) corresponding to the value of the read counter Commands are loaded (S906).

Finally, the game control device 100 resets the area (ACTION (lower byte)) in which the acquired command is stored (S907), transmits the effect control command to the effect control device 300 (S908), and executes this process. finish.

[Special game processing]
Next, the details of the special figure game processing in the timer interrupt processing described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure game processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the special figure game process, the game control device 100 monitors the input signals from the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a, controls the entire processing related to the special figure fluctuation display game, and controls the special figure (identification pattern, identification information). This is the process of setting the display.

First, the game control device 100, when a game ball wins in the first start prize winning port 36 and the second start prize winning port 37, a start gate switch monitoring process for extracting various random numbers (such as a jackpot random number) and determining the game result in advance. (S1001).

Next, the game control device 100 detects the game balls that have won the special variable prize-winning device 38 by the count switch 38a provided in the special variable prize-winning device 38, and monitors the number of game balls that have won the attacker ( S1002).

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether the special game processing timer has already timed up, or whether the special game processing timer has timed up as a result of updating the special game processing timer by -1. Check (S1003). It should be noted that the special figure game processing timer is set as an initial value for the variation time of the special figure variation display game to be executed.

Here, the game control device 100 executes the processes after S1020 when the special figure game processing timer has not timed out (the result of S1004 is "N").

On the other hand, when the special game processing timer times out (the result of S1004 is "Y"), the game control device 100 refers to a special game sequence to branch to the processing corresponding to the special game processing number. A branch table is set in a register (S1005).

Next, the game control device 100 acquires the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special game process number based on the table (S1006), and saves the return address after the branch process to the stack area (S1007 ), branch processing is executed according to the game processing number (S1009 to S1019).

When the game processing number is "0", the game control device 100 executes special figure normal processing (S1009). The special figure normal processing monitors the start of fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of the effect, the setting of the information necessary for executing the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. conduct.

When the game processing number is "1", the game control device 100 executes processing during special figure fluctuation (S1010). During the special figure fluctuation processing, the setting of the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display processing, etc. are performed.

When the game process number is "2", the game control device 100 executes the special figure displaying process (S1011). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big win, the fanfare command is set according to the type of the big win, and the fanfare time is set according to the opening pattern of the big winning opening for each big win. , information necessary for performing fanfare/interval processing, etc.

When the game processing number is "3", the game control device 100 executes fanfare/interval processing (S1012). In the fanfare/interval processing, the opening time of the big winning opening is updated, the number of opening times is updated, and information necessary for performing the processing during the opening of the big winning opening is set.

When the game process number is "4", the game control device 100 executes the process during the opening of the big winning opening (S1013). If the jackpot round is not the final round, the interval command is set, while if the jackpot round is not the final round, the command for the jackpot end screen is set, and the jackpot remaining ball processing is performed. set information.

When the game process number is "5", the game control device 100 executes the big winning hole remaining ball process (S1014). When the jackpot round is the final round, the remaining balls in the jackpot will be set for the remaining balls in the jackpot to be discharged, and the information necessary for the jackpot end processing will be set. or

In the big winning hole remaining ball processing, information necessary for updating the special symbol processing timer, fanfare/interval processing, or jackpot end processing is set. In addition, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the large winning opening has passed or whether a specified number (predetermined number) of game balls have entered the large winning opening, and the opening/closing door is closed when either condition is satisfied. . After this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game processing number is set to 6.

When the game process number is "6", the game control device 100 executes a jackpot ending process (S1015). Jackpot end processing performs the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure usual processing of S1009.

When the game process number is "7", the game control device 100 executes the small win fanfare process (S1016). During the small winning fanfare processing, setting of opening time of the big winning opening, updating of the number of times of opening, and setting of information necessary for performing processing during the small winning are performed.

When the game processing number is "8", the game control device 100 executes a small winning process (S1017). If the small hit round is not the final round, the small hit medium processing sets the interval command, while if it is the final round, it sets the command of the small hit end screen or the small hit remaining ball processing. set information.

In addition, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a special result, the small winning medium processing is for opening and closing the special variation winning device 38 based on the opening time of the big winning opening, although the time is shorter than that of the big winning. The game control device 100 serves as a special game state control means because it generates a special game state in which a door is opened and a game value is given to a player.

When the game processing number is "9", the game control device 100 executes the small hit remaining ball processing (S1018). For small winning remaining ball processing, set the time for the remaining balls in the big winning opening to be discharged when the small winning round is the final round, and set the information necessary to perform the small winning end processing. go and do

In the small hit remaining ball processing, information necessary for updating the processing timer of the special symbol, processing during the fanfare, or processing for ending the small hit is set. In addition, when the opening time of the big winning opening has passed, the opening/closing door is closed. After this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game process number is set to 10.

When the game processing number is "10", the game control device 100 executes small winning end processing (S1019). A small hit end process performs setting etc. of information required in order to perform special figure usual processing of S1009.

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a table for controlling the variation of the symbols in the special figure 1 variation display game, specifically, the variation of the symbols on the special figure 1 display device 51 (S1020). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process related to the special figure 1 display device 51 is executed (S1021).

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a table for controlling the variation of the symbols in the special figure 2 variation display game, specifically, the variation of the symbols on the special figure 2 display device 52 (S1022). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process related to the special figure 2 display device 52 is executed (S1023), and the process ends.

[Starting port switch monitoring process]
Next, the details of the start switch monitoring process in the special game process described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the starting port switch monitoring process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the starting opening switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins in the first starting winning opening 36 and the second starting winning opening 37, the game control device 100 extracts various random numbers, and performs a special figure variation display game based on the winning. This is the process of judging in advance the game result based on the winning at the stage of .

First, the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting information on suspension due to the winning of a game ball in the first start winning opening 36 (S1101). Further, a table is prepared for setting a starting opening prize effect command transmitted when a game ball enters the first starting winning opening 36 (starting opening 1).

Next, the game control device 100 executes a special figure start opening switch common process that is executed in common when a game ball wins the first start winning opening 36 or the second starting winning opening 37 (S1102).

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the normal electric accessory (normal variable winning device, the opening/closing member 37b of the second start winning opening 37) is in operation (S1103), and the normal electric accessory is If it is in operation (result of S1103 is "Y"), the processing from S1106 onwards is executed.

On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory is not in operation (the result of S1103 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether the number of fraudulent winnings to the second start winning port 37 is equal to or greater than the number of fraudulent occurrence judgments. is checked (S1104), and it is determined whether or not the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraudulent occurrence determinations (S1105).

More specifically, the fraudulent winning opening 37 cannot win a game ball when the opening/closing member is closed, and can win a game ball only when the opening/closing member is open. Therefore, if a game ball wins in the closed state, there is a high possibility that some kind of abnormality or fraud has occurred, and if there is a game ball that wins in the closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal wins. . Then, in the processing of S1104 and S1105, it is determined whether or not the number of fraudulent prizes thus counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (upper limit) for determination of fraudulent occurrence.

Here, when the fraudulent winning number is equal to or greater than the fraudulent determination number (the result of S1105 is "Y"), the game control device 100 invalidates the winning of the game ball to the second start winning port 37 and displays the special figure fluctuation display. Terminate this process without executing the process related to the game.

On the other hand, if the fraudulent winning number is less than the fraudulent determination number (result of S1105 is "N"), the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting information on suspension by the second startup winning port 37 (S1106). . At this time, a table for setting the starting opening winning performance command by the second starting winning opening 37 is also prepared.

Finally, the game control device 100 executes a special figure start opening switch common process (S1107), which will be described later, and ends this process.

[Common process for special figure start switch]
Next, the details of the special figure starting opening switch common processing in the starting opening switch monitoring processing described above will be described. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the special figure start opening switch common processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The special figure starting opening switch common processing is common when there is a signal input from the starting opening 1 switch 36a or the starting opening 2 switch 37a due to the game ball winning the first starting winning opening 36 or the second starting winning opening 37 It is a process executed by

The game control device 100 first checks whether or not a signal is input from the monitoring target starting port switch (for example, the starting port 1 switch 36a) out of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a (S1201). , S1202). If no signal is input from the starting switch to be monitored (result of S1202 is "N"), this process is terminated.

On the other hand, when a signal is input from the starting opening switch to be monitored (the result of S1202 is "Y"), the game control device 100 sets the starting opening winning flag corresponding to the starting opening switch to be monitored to RWM. Save in a predetermined area (S1203). Subsequently, the extracted jackpot random number is loaded into the hardware random number latch register corresponding to the monitored starting switch, and preparations are made for use in subsequent processing (S1204).

Next, the game control device 100 loads information about the number of winnings to the starting winning opening corresponding to the starting opening switch to be monitored (S1205), and outputs the number of times to the management device external to the gaming machine 1. (The number of times the starting port signal is output) is updated by +1 (S1206).

Next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the starting port signal output count overflows (S1207). If the starting signal output count does not overflow (the result of S1207 is "N"), the value of the starting signal output count after updating is saved in the starting signal output count area of the RWM (S1208).

Next, after the processing of S1208 is completed, or when the value of the number of times of output of the starting port signal overflows (the result of S1207 is "Y"), the game control device 100 corresponds to the target starting port switch. It is determined whether or not the number of starting memories is less than the upper limit (S1209, S1210).

Here, if the special figure pending number is not less than the upper limit (the result of S1210 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the processing of S1211 to S1214.

The game control device 100 determines whether or not the starting port signal is the input signal detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a (S1211, S1212), and if the starting port signal is not the signal from the starting port 1 switch 36a (The result of S1212 is "N"), and the process ends.

When the starting port signal is a signal from the starting port 1 switch 36a (the result of S1212 is "Y"), the game control device 100 prepares a decoration special figure reservation number command (overflow command) (S1213). , command setting processing is executed (S1214), and this processing ends.

On the other hand, when the special figure pending number is less than the upper limit (the result of S1210 is "Y"), the game control device 100 executes the processing of S1215 to S1224.

The game control device 100 sets information corresponding to the winning detected by the starting switch. Specifically, the update target special figure pending number (for example, special figure 1 pending number) is updated by +1 (S1215).

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a decoration special figure reservation number command. Decoration special figure reservation number command is composed of a MODE section and an ACTION section. Specifically, the game control device 100 prepares a decoration special figure reservation number command (MODE) of the starting port switch to be monitored (S1216), and a decoration special figure reservation number command (ACTION ) is prepared (S1217). Then, a command setting process for setting the prepared decoration special figure pending number command is executed (S1218).

Next, the game control device 100 calculates the address of the RWM random number save area corresponding to the updated special figure reservation number (S1219).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the jackpot random number prepared in the process of S1204 in the random number save area (special figure 1 start storage area, special figure 2 start storage area) (S1220). The jackpot random number is a random number that is commonly generated regardless of whether it is Toku-zu 1 or Toku-zu 2. Furthermore, the jackpot pattern random number of the target starting switch is prepared (the jackpot pattern random number is extracted) and saved in the random number save area (S1221, S1222).

The jackpot random number is, for example, a random number that cycles through 65536 values from 0 to 65535 with 65535 as the upper limit. When using judgment values for high probability, for example, values 0 to 32767 are values judged to be “missing”, and 208 values from 32768 to 32976 are “normal probability (low probability) It is a value that is judged to be a big hit even when the probability fluctuates (high probability). In addition, 1792 values from 32977 to 34768 are values determined as "big hits only at high probability", and values from 36561 to 36864 are values determined as "small hits" (both figures 18).

In this way, the jackpot random number has a value that is determined as a jackpot at both a low probability and a high probability, and has a value that is determined as a jackpot only at a high probability.

The jackpot pattern random number (first jackpot random number and second jackpot random number) is, for example, a random number that circulates through 100 values from 0 to 99, the stop mode of the identification information, and the opening time of the jackpot in the special game state. , The number of rounds and the number of times to be given after the end of the special game state, random numbers related to the determination of the probability variation state. In other words, it also has a function as a type determination random number for determining the type of special game state, and is a random number obtained at the time of winning in the same manner as the jackpot random number.

Next, the game control device 100 extracts the corresponding variation pattern random number and saves the extracted value in the random number save area (S1223). The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern including the execution time of the variation display game in various reach and non-reach variation displays.

Here, the variation pattern random number is updated by the game control program, unlike the jackpot symbol random number, which is updated by the software of the random number generation circuit. It should be noted that the update of the variation pattern random number is not limited to updating by the game control program, and may be updated by the hardware or software of the random number generation circuit.

Finally, the game control device 100 executes a special figure reservation information determination process (S1224), and ends this process.

[Special Figure Reservation Information Judgment Process]
Next, the details of the special figure reservation information determination process in the special figure start opening switch common process described above will be described. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure reservation information determination processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The special figure reservation information determination process is a prefetch process for determining the result related information (game result information) corresponding to the reservation memory before the start timing of the special figure fluctuation display game based on each reservation memory (starting memory). be.

The game control device 100 first checks whether or not the reserved memory, which is the target of whether or not to execute the prefetching effect (prefetching notice), satisfies the conditions for executing the prefetching effect (S1301, S1302). For example, in the special game state, the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is not executed. Also, for example, in a gaming machine that preferentially executes the variable display game of special figure 2 over the variable display game of special figure 1, in the specific game state (time saving game state), the prefetch effect of the reserved memory of special figure 1 don't run Then, if the condition for executing the look-ahead effect is not satisfied (the result of S1302 is "N"), this processing is terminated without performing the look-ahead processing thereafter.

When the target pending memory satisfies the conditions for executing the look-ahead effect (the result of S1302 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines whether the pending memory is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss. Pre-determination processing for determining whether or not is executed (S1303). In the prior determination process, the value of the jackpot random number stored in the special figure start storage area is off, the jackpot common to low and high probability (common jackpot), the jackpot only at high probability (specific jackpot), the small hit, It is a process of determining in advance the lottery result of the reserved storage to be the target of the pre-reading notice by determining whether it is a numerical value within a predetermined range set as each determination value of .

For example, if "1" is the judgment value for low probability and "1 to 10" is the judgment value for high probability, if the hit random number is 1, it will be a big hit both at low probability and at high probability. If the common jackpot and the jackpot random number is 2 to 9, it is determined as a specific jackpot that becomes a jackpot only when the probability is high.

In S1304 to S1310, the corresponding information table is set based on the determination result of the preliminary determination process. Specifically, the game control device 100 first determines whether or not the determination result of the preliminary determination process is a specific big hit only at the time of high probability (S1304). If the determination result is a specific jackpot (result of S1304 is "Y"), the jackpot symbol random number check table corresponding to the target starting switch is set as a table for specifying the identification pattern at the time of the jackpot (S1306). ). In the jackpot symbol random number check table, a judgment value of a random number representing a distribution ratio of whether or not a jackpot is awarded and an address of a jackpot information table corresponding to the judgment value are defined. Subsequently, a big hit information table corresponding to the big hit symbol random number is acquired and set (S1307). In the jackpot information table, pattern information and start-up winning effect pattern commands are defined.

On the other hand, if the determination result is not a specific jackpot only at the time of high probability (the result of S1304 is "N"), then the game control device 100 determines that the determination result of the preliminary determination process is at low probability/high probability. It is determined whether or not it is a common common jackpot (S1305). If the determination result is a common jackpot (the result of S1305 is "Y"), the processing from S1306 onwards is executed.

When the determination result is not a common big hit (the result of S1305 is "N"), next, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the determination result of the preliminary determination process is a small hit (S1308). When the determination result is a small hit (the result of S1308 is "Y"), a small hit information table corresponding to the target starting switch is set (S1309). On the other hand, if the determination result is not a small hit (result of S1308 is "N"), a losing information table is set as a table for selecting the contents of the effect (S1310).

In this way, since the effects are set according to the result of the variable display game based on the pending memory, the game control device 100 sets a table corresponding to the result of the variable display game (S1304-S1310).

Next, the game control device 100 acquires the pattern information from the set information table and saves the pattern information in the working pattern information area of the RWM (S1311). Subsequently, the start opening winning effect symbol command is acquired from the set information table, and the starting opening winning effect symbol command is saved in the winning effect symbol command area of the RWM (S1312).

Next, the game control device 100 prepares the start opening winning flag corresponding to the target starting opening switch (S1313), and prepares the target table for setting the starting opening winning effect command (S1314).

Next, the game control device 100 executes a special figure information setting process for setting the special figure information set for the target start opening (S1315), and a variation pattern for setting the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game. Setting processing is executed (S1316).

The variation pattern setting process (S1316) is a process of selecting one variation pattern (variation pattern number) from a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of identification information.

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a starting point winning effect command (MODE) and a starting point winning effect command (ACTION) corresponding to the variation pattern number (S1317), and executes setting processing of the prepared commands (S1318). ).

Next, the game control device 100 loads the starting opening winning effect symbol command from the winning effect symbol command area (S1319), and executes the command setting process (S1320).

Next, the game control device 100 executes advance notification setting processing for setting a prefetch effect execution command under certain conditions (S1321). In the prior notification setting process, if the determination result of the preliminary determination process is a specific jackpot, and if there is a normal jackpot that sets the probability state to a low probability before the pending storage of the determination target (the determination target If there is a normal jackpot in the special figure 1/special figure 2 start storage area before the special figure 1/special figure 2 start storage area storing the reserved storage), the look-ahead performance is not executed. After that, this processing is terminated.

During this process, in the process after the variation pattern setting process (S1316), a starting entrance winning effect command is prepared based on the acquired variation pattern number (S1317), and a starting entrance winning effect symbol command is prepared (S1319). . Therefore, it is possible to notify the effect control device 300 of the determination result (prefetch result) corresponding to the reserved memory before the start timing of the special figure fluctuation display game based on the corresponding reserved memory. The effect control device 300 notifies the player of the result of the special figure variation display game before the start timing of the special figure variation display game by changing the display mode of the pending display displayed on the display device 41. Perform a look-ahead effect.

[Pre-judgment processing]
Next, the details of the prior determination processing in the special figure reservation information determination processing described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the procedure of big hit determination processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

There are three types of lottery results for winning game balls: lose, small hit, and big hit. Common jackpot) and a jackpot (specific jackpot) based on the jackpot judgment value (high probability judgment value) that is set only at high probability. do not win the jackpot. In this way, the derived determination result may differ for each probability state. It is necessary to distinguish whether it is a common jackpot or a specific jackpot in advance determination. Such determination is made by determining the range of values of the jackpot random numbers that circulate from 0 to 65,535. The pre-determination process includes, for the pending memory that is the target of the look-ahead effect, a miss, a common jackpot at low probability and high probability (common jackpot), a jackpot only at high probability (specific jackpot), a special 1 hit, is a process for determining a series of In particular, since the flag data acquired from the determination table is masked, it is possible to perform determination limited to the common big hit or small hit determination limited to the winning of the special figure 1.

The game control device 100 first prepares a preliminary determination table explained in FIG. 18 (S1401). Next, compression value distribution processing is executed to acquire flag data of the preliminary determination result based on the compression distribution code (S1402). The compression value distribution process uses the same module for both the distribution process using the advance determination table and the distribution process using the variation pattern selection table, so the present invention has the effect of suppressing an increase in ROM capacity.

Next, the game control device 100 checks the flag data acquired in the compression value distribution process (S1403), and calculates mask data from the state flag and the fluctuation flag (S1404). The state flag is a flag that is set according to the current game state of the gaming machine 1 . The fluctuation flag has a special figure 1 fluctuation flag and a special figure 2 fluctuation flag, and it is a fluctuation display game executed based on the special figure 1 winning prize, or a fluctuation display executed based on the special figure 2 winning prize Used to determine if it is a game. The mask data is set as bit data of 1 byte (8 bits) in the mask data table (see FIG. 19).

Next, the game control device 100 performs mask processing on the flag data using the calculated mask data (S1405).

Next, the game control device 100 determines the game result from the mask result (see FIG. 20) obtained by mask processing (S1406). After that, this processing is terminated.

In this way, in the pre-judgment process, the determination of the loss, the common jackpot at the time of low probability and high probability, the jackpot only at the time of high probability, and the small hit are performed in the same module, so the capacity of the program is reduced, This has the effect of reducing the RAM capacity.

[Compression value distribution processing]
Next, the details of the compression value apportionment processing in the preliminary determination processing described above will be described. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the procedure of compression value distribution processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

Compressed value distribution processing calculates the distribution value from the compressed distribution code (first judgment value) compressed to 1 byte, and based on the calculated distribution value (second judgment value) and the acquired jackpot random number This is a process of acquiring flag data from the advance determination table (see FIG. 18).

This process is a module that is also executed in the fluctuation pattern setting process (see FIG. 28) described later, and when executed within the fluctuation pattern setting process, the calculated distribution value and the acquired fluctuation pattern random number Based on this, it becomes a process of acquiring a variation pattern number from the target hit/loss variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 30).

In acquiring the flag data, conventionally, the uncompressed 2-byte distribution value is read from the pre-determination table, and the distribution value is sequentially subtracted from the selection value until the jackpot random number value (selection value) becomes negative. , the flag data associated with the apportionment value when the selection value is negative is acquired from the pre-determination table.

In contrast, in the first embodiment of the present invention, instead of the 2-byte distribution value, the compressed distribution code f compressed to 1 byte is converted by a predetermined conversion formula, and the distribution value F is use.

The jackpot random number is, for example, a random number that circulates from 0 to 65535 with 65535 as the upper limit, as described above. On the other hand, the distribution value is a numerical value representing the width of the random number values to which the flag data is distributed (assigned) to the jackpot random numbers, and serves as a delimiter value for the jackpot random number values.

Referring to FIG. 18, 32768 jackpot random numbers with a value of 0 to 32768 are distributed to the first stage "loss", and the distributed value is "32768". Whether the obtained jackpot random number corresponds to the judgment result of loss, common jackpot, specific jackpot, or small hit is determined by the distribution value "32768" of the 1st stage "loss" from the value of the jackpot random number, 2nd stage The distribution value of the "common jackpot" is "208", and it is obtained by subtraction processing sequentially. As a result of the subtraction process, when the value of the jackpot random number becomes negative, it is the determination result that the jackpot random number is assigned (to which the jackpot random number belongs). In this way, the game control device 100 sequentially subtracts the distribution value of the first stage "lost" and the distribution value of the "common jackpot" from the value of the jackpot random number, thereby distributing the value to be negative. Get the flag data associated with the value.

In this process, such a process is executed, and flag data is obtained from the jackpot random number obtained at the time of winning.

First, the game control device 100 selects a table (pre-determination table in the pre-determination process, hit/lose variation pattern selection table in the variation pattern setting process) whose top data is a code without sorting (for example, "0"). ) is checked and determined (S1501, S1502). For example, when determining a variation pattern random number, if there is no reach in the deviation variation, there is no need for sorting, so a code without sorting is defined at the top. If the data at the top of the selected table is a code without sorting (result of S1502 is "Y"), acquire flag data corresponding to no sorting (fluctuation pattern number in the case of judgment of fluctuation pattern random number) (S1509), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the data at the top of the selected table is not a code without sorting (the result of S1502 is "N"), the game control device 100 loads the value of the target jackpot random number into the temporary storage area and selects it. It is set as a value S (S1503).

Next, the game control device 100 acquires and prepares the compression distribution code (distribution value f) of the first row (uppermost row) of the selected table (S1504). For example, when using the advance determination table, the compression distribution code "11001000" in the first row of FIG. 18 is acquired and prepared. In the present application, the two lines of the line in which the distribution value (compressed distribution code) f is written and the next line in which the flag data is written are collectively referred to as "one stage".

Next, the game control device 100 executes compression distribution code conversion processing for calculating the distribution value F based on the compression distribution code f (S1505). The details of the compression distribution code conversion process will be described in FIG. 16. The distribution value F is calculated by substituting the numerical values of the upper 2 bits and the lower 6 bits into a predetermined conversion formula from the 8-bit binary data. Specifically, a distribution value of "32768" can be obtained from a compression distribution code of "11001000".

Next, the game control device 100 subtracts the distribution value F calculated in S1505 from the selection value S (S1506), and determines whether or not the selection value s after the subtraction is negative (S1507). Here, since the flag data associated with the distribution value F for which the selection value s is negative is obtained, the sum of the distribution values for each distribution is greater than the maximum value that the selection value S can take. , the selected value does not have to match the distribution value in the bottom row of the selected table.

If the selection value s after the subtraction is negative (the result of S1507 is "Y"), since the determination result of the big hit random numbers is specified, the game control device 100 sets the flag data obtained by the distribution result. It acquires (S1509) and terminates this processing.

On the other hand, when the selection value s after subtraction does not become negative (S1507 result is "N"), the game control device 100 acquires the compression distribution code of the next row of the advance determination table (S1508), The processing of S1505 to S1508 is repeatedly executed until the selection value becomes negative. Here, the selection value s is used as the selection value S in the repeatedly executed process (S1506), and the next distribution value is subtracted from the previous subtraction result.

[Compression distribution code conversion processing]
Next, details of compression distribution code conversion processing in the compression value distribution processing described above will be described. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the procedure of compression distribution code conversion processing according to the first embodiment of this invention. Compression distribution code conversion processing is executed in the determination value conversion means provided in the game control device.

In the compressed distribution code conversion process, of the compressed distribution code compressed to 8 bits and stored in the judgment value storage means, the upper 2 bits are n and the lower 6 bits are a, and a predetermined conversion formula "F= b ⁿ ×a” to calculate the distribution value “F”. Note that b takes any positive value and does not necessarily have to be an integer, but a multiple of 4 is preferred. In this embodiment, b=16 is set for the conversion of the compressed distribution code held in the advance determination table, and b=16 is set for the conversion of the compressed distribution code held in the hit/lose variation pattern selection table. =4 is set.

The game control device 100 first checks the high-order 2 bits of the compression distribution code acquired in S1504 or S1508 (S1601), and sets the value of the high-order 2 bits to n (S1602).

Next, the game control device 100 checks the lower 6 bits of the compression distribution code (S1603), and sets the value of the lower 6 bits to a (S1604).

Next, the game control device 100 calculates the conversion formula "F=b ⁿ ×a" (S1605). Specifically, if the compression distribution code is "11001000", n is the upper 2-bit value "11", that is, "3" in decimal number, a is the lower 6-bit value "001000", That is, it takes "8" in decimal number. Substituting the values of n and a into the conversion formula yields "F=16 ³ ×8" and F is calculated as "32768".

Finally, the game control device 100 sets the obtained value "F" as the allocation value (S1606), and terminates this process.

[Compression distribution code and conversion formula]
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the structure of compressed distribution codes according to the first embodiment of this invention. As described above, the compressed distribution code is composed of the first bit corresponding to the upper n bits and the second bit corresponding to the lower a bit. In this embodiment, the compression distribution code f is 8 bits, the first bit (n) is the upper 2 bits, and the second bit (a) is the lower 6 bits.

Since the first bit (n) consists of 2 bits, 00 to 11, that is, values of 0 to 3 in decimal are set as bit data. Similarly, since the second bit (a) consists of 6 bits, 000000 to 111111, that is, values of 0 to 63 in decimal are set as bit data. However, if the value of a is 0, the result of the conversion formula will be 0 regardless of the value of n.

Therefore, in the conversion formula for b=16 (F=b ⁿ ×a), the range of F is 1 (=16 ⁰ ×1) to 258048 (=16 ³ ×63). A detailed description of the conversion formula and the distribution value "F" will be given later with reference to FIG.

[Preliminary judgment table]
Next, details of the advance determination table will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a preliminary determination table according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The pre-judgment table contains flag data and distribution values corresponding to the judgment results of the common jackpot that is judged to be a big hit at both low and high probability, the specific big hit that is judged to be a big hit only at a high probability, and the small hit. table to define. Since the distribution value is a value that indicates the division of the variation pattern random number that circulates from 0 to 65535, each distribution value and each variation pattern number are defined for each row in a one-to-one relationship. .

The distribution value f is represented by 1 byte as a compressed distribution code, and in FIG. 18, the calculated distribution value F is shown on the right side of "; (semicolon)" for explanation. "DB (Define Byte)" in the first column indicates that a 1-byte constant is defined. Calculations and determination results of conversion formulas written to the right of "; (semicolon)" in the table correspond to comments in the program list. Do not write to

[Mask data table]
Next, details of the mask data table will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a mask data table according to the first embodiment of this invention. 20A and 20B are diagrams for explaining mask results according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 19, the mask data table contains combinations of whether the game state is low probability or high probability, and whether the variable display game is special figure 1 or special figure 2. , four types of mask data are set. Mask data is selected based on the state flag and the change flag in the process of S1404.

The mask processing executes an OR operation or an AND operation on the flag data in units of bits. Specifically, for each bit of the flag data, if the corresponding bit of the mask data is "1", the OR operation is performed, and if the corresponding bit is "0", the AND operation is performed. reads out only the judgment results to be noticed by . The game control device 100 obtains any one of a loss, a small win, a common big win, or a specific big win as a mask result of mask processing, as shown in FIG.

In this way, since the common big win determined as the big win regardless of the probability state and the specific big win not determined as the big win at the time of low probability can be determined separately, the control commands to be transmitted to the performance control device 300 are divided. can be sent.

[Advance notification setting process]
Next, the details of the advance notification setting process in the special figure reservation information determination process described above will be described. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the procedure of advance notification setting processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The pre-notification setting process is a process of setting an execution command of a prefetch effect for pending storage that satisfies a certain condition.

The game control device 100 first checks the start opening winning effect command set in S1318, and determines whether or not the target pending memory is the pending memory for executing the look-ahead effect (S2101, S2102). If the target pending memory is a pending memory that does not execute the look-ahead effect (the result of S2102 is "N"), this process is terminated.

If the target pending memory is a pending memory that executes a look-ahead effect (the result of S2102 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines that the judgment result after masking acquired in S1406 is a big hit only when the probability is high. It is determined whether or not it is a specific big hit (S2103). If the determination result is a specific jackpot (the result of S2103 is "Y"), then it is determined whether there is a normal jackpot pending memory in the special figure start storage area before the target pending memory. Determine (S2104).

When there is no normal big hit pending memory in the special figure start storage area before the target pending memory (the result of S2104 is "N"), the game control device 100 is a pre-reading notice in the effect control device 300 A look-ahead effect execution command necessary for setting is set (S2105). Moreover, even when the determination result is not a specific jackpot (result of S2103 is "N"), a look-ahead effect execution command is set (S2105). After that, this processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if there is a normal big hit pending memory in the special figure start storage area before the target pending memory (the result of S2104 is "Y"), the game control device 100 does not execute the look-ahead effect. , the process ends without setting the look-ahead effect execution command.

In this way, in the case where the result of prior determination is a specific jackpot that is a jackpot only at the time of high probability, and if there is a pending memory that becomes a normal jackpot prior to the pending memory to be determined, the look-ahead performance is executed. do not do. A specific jackpot that becomes a big hit when the probability state is high probability does not become a big hit when the probability is low. Although a difference occurs, it can be avoided in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

Also, here, in the case of a specific jackpot, contradiction with the look-ahead performance is avoided by not setting the look-ahead performance execution command when there is a hold memory that becomes a normal jackpot prior to the hold memory to be determined. However, in addition to this, a prefetching prohibition command may be set, and the prefetching performance may not be executed when the prefetching prohibition command is received by the performance control device.

[Special normal processing]
Next, the details of the special figure normal processing in the special figure game processing described above will be described. FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure normal processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The game control device 100 first checks whether or not the special figure 2 reservation number (second start memory number) is 0, and determines (S2201, S2202).

When the special figure 2 reservation number is 0 (the result of S2202 is "Y"), the game control device 100 checks whether the special figure 1 reservation number (first start memory number) is 0, Determine (S2203, S2204). Thus, by performing the check of the number of special figures 2 reserved (S2201) prior to the check of the number of special figures 1 reserved (S2203), the special figure 2 that is more advantageous for the player than the special figure 1 fluctuation display game The variable display game is preferentially executed.

When the special figure 1 pending number is 0 (the result of S2204 is "Y"), the game control device 100 checks whether or not the customer waiting demonstration has already started, and determines (S2205, S2206). If the customer waiting demonstration has not started, that is, has not started (the result of S2206 is "N"), the customer waiting demonstration flag is set in the customer waiting demonstration flag area (S2207). Next, a customer waiting demonstration command is prepared (S2208), and command setting processing is executed (S2209).

On the other hand, if the customer waiting demonstration has already started (the result of S2206 is "Y"), the customer waiting demonstration flag has already been set in the customer waiting demonstration flag area, and the customer waiting demonstration command is sent to the production control device 300. , the game control device 100 executes the processes after S2210.

Next, the game control device 100 executes a special figure normal process transition setting process 1 for preparing a table for transitioning to the special figure normal process (S2210). Specifically, a process of setting a processing number "0" relating to special figure normal processing, a flag (large winning opening fraud monitoring information) for defining a large winning opening fraud monitoring period, and the like in the table is executed. After that, this processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the special figure 2 pending number is not 0 (the result of S2202 is "N"), that is, if the special figure variation display game is executed by winning the game ball in the second start winning opening 37, The game control device 100 executes special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (S2211). And, during special figure fluctuation processing transition setting processing (special figure 2) which prepares the table (for 2nd special figure) in order to move to processing during special figure fluctuation is executed (S2212).

Specifically, in the table, the special figure game processing number "1" relating to the special figure fluctuation processing, information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal relating to the variation of the second special figure, the special figure 2 display Information for controlling the special figure 2 fluctuation display game in the device 52 (for example, a flag related to the fluctuation of the special figure 2 indicator 52, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 2 indicator 52, etc.) etc. Execute the processing to be performed. After that, this processing is terminated.

In addition, the game control device 100 executes a special figure variation display game when the number of reserved special figures 1 is not 0 (the result of S2204 is "N"), that is, the game ball has won the first start winning opening 36. When it is done, special figure 1 fluctuation start processing is executed (S2213).

Then, the game control device 100 executes a special figure fluctuation process transition setting process (special figure 1) for preparing a table (for the first special figure) for shifting to the special figure fluctuation process (S2214). Specifically, in the table, the special figure game processing number "1" related to the special figure fluctuation processing, the information related to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the test signal related to the fluctuation of the first special figure, the special figure 1 display Information for controlling the special figure 1 fluctuation display game in the device 51 (for example, a flag related to the fluctuation of the special figure 1 indicator 51, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 1 indicator 51, etc.) etc. do. After that, this processing is terminated.

[Special figure fluctuation start process]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing in the special figure normal processing described above will be described. FIG. 23A is a flow chart showing the procedure of special figure 1 fluctuation start processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The special figure 1 fluctuation start process is a process performed at the start of the special figure 1 fluctuation display game.

The game control device 100 first executes a jackpot flag 1 setting process for setting the loss information or the jackpot information to the jackpot flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variation display game is a jackpot (S2301a). . That is, in the big hit flag 1 setting process, it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 variation display game is a big hit.

Next, the game control device 100 executes a small hit flag 1 setting process of setting loss information or big hit information to the small hit flag 1 for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variation display game is a small hit. (S2302a).

Next, the game control device 100 executes special figure 1 stop symbol setting processing related to setting of the first special figure stop symbol (special figure 1 stop symbol) (S2303a). After that, the test signal corresponding to the first special figure stop pattern number (special figure 1 stop pattern) is saved in the test signal output data area (S2304a), and the pattern information is saved in the RWM work pattern information area ( S2305a). That is, if the special figure variation display game is a big hit, the big win pattern information is set, and if the special figure variation display game is a loss, the winning pattern information is set.

Next, the game control device 100 loads and prepares the special figure 1 fluctuation flag (fluctuation flag) (S2306a), and saves the special figure 1 fluctuation flag in the fluctuation symbol discrimination flag area of RWM (S2307a).

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a target table for setting information on variation patterns (S2308a), and executes special figure information setting processing for setting special figure information (S2309a). Subsequently, a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation pattern in the special figure 1 variation display game is executed (S2310a). The special figure variation display game is executed based on the variation pattern selected by these processes.

Finally, the game control device 100 executes a variation start information setting process for setting information for starting the special figure 1 variation display game (S2311a), and ends this process.

Moreover, FIG. 23B is a flowchart which shows the procedure of special figure 2 fluctuation|variation start processing of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Special figure 2 fluctuation start processing is the same procedure as special figure 1 fluctuation start processing. The difference is that the special figure 2 stop design setting process is executed in the process of S2303b, the signal corresponding to the special figure 2 stop design number is saved instead of the special figure 1 stop design number in the process of S2304b, S2306b And in the process of S2307b special figure 1 fluctuation flag is the point that becomes the special figure 2 fluctuation flag.

[Big hit flag setting process]
Next, the details of the jackpot flag 1 setting process in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process described above will be described. FIG. 24A is a flow chart showing the procedure of the jackpot flag 1 setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The game control device 100 first saves the loss information in the jackpot flag 1 area, and clears the previously saved contents with the loss information (S2401a).

Next, the game control device 100 loads the special figure 1 jackpot random number to be determined from the RWM special figure 1 jackpot random number save area (special figure 1 start storage area, special figure 2 start storage area). After preparing (S2402a), the above-described big hit determination process is executed (S2403a), and it is determined whether or not the big hit random number to be determined is a big hit (S2404a).

Next, the game control device 100 overwrites the jackpot flag 1 area with the jackpot information and saves it when the judgment result of the jackpot judgment processing is a jackpot (the result of S2404a is "Y") (S2405a). If the determination result of the big hit determination process is not a big hit (the result of S2404a is "N"), the process of S2405a is not executed.

Finally, the game control device 100 clears the special figure 1 start storage area of the RWM from which the jackpot random number was read to 0 (S2406a), and ends this process.

Moreover, FIG. 24B is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The big hit flag 2 setting process is the same procedure as the big hit flag 1 setting process, and the area of RWM used for the process is different.

[Small hit flag setting process]
Next, the details of the small hit flag 1 setting process in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process described above will be described. FIG. 25A is a flow chart showing the procedure of the small hit flag 1 setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The small hit flag 1 setting process is a process of setting necessary information when a small hit occurs in the special figure 1 variation display game.

The game control device 100 first saves deviation information in the small hit flag 1 area of RWM (S2501a). Furthermore, it is checked whether or not the big hit flag 1 saved in the big hit flag 1 setting process is a big hit (S2502a), and it is determined whether or not the result of the special figure 1 variation display game is a big hit (S2503a).

When the result of the special figure 1 variation display game is not a big hit (the result of S2503a is "N"), the game control device 100 loads a big hit random number from the special figure 1 start storage area and prepares (S2504a). In addition, special figure 1 determination data for determining the result of the special figure 1 variable display game is prepared (S2505a).

The game control device 100 executes small hit determination processing for determining whether or not the result of the special figure 1 variation display game is a small hit (S2506a). Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the special figure 1 variation display game is a small hit (S2507a), and if the determination result is a small hit (the result of S2507a is "Y"), the small hit flag 1 area The small hit information is saved (S2508a).

After saving the small hit information in the small hit flag 1 area, the game control device 100, if the big hit flag 1 is a big hit (the result of S2503a is "Y"), or the judgment result of the small hit determination process is not a small hit. In the case (the result of S2507a is "N"), the special figure 1 start storage area that reads the big hit random number is cleared to 0 (S2509a), and the small hit flag 1 setting process ends.

Moreover, FIG. 25B is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the small hit flag 2 setting process of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The small hit flag 2 setting process is the same procedure as the small hit flag 1 setting process, and the area of RWM used for the process is different.

[Jackpot determination process]
Next, the details of the big-hit determination in the big-hit flag setting process described above will be described. FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the jackpot determination process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The big hit determination process is a process of determining whether or not the big hit random number acquired at the time of winning and stored in the special figure start storage area is a numerical value within a predetermined range set as the big hit determination value. Specifically, determination is made by comparing the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the determination value with the big hit random value according to the game state (probability state) at the time of determination. Therefore, since the determination is made without processing (for example, adding or subtracting) the random number, deviations and errors are less likely to occur. It should be noted that a determination method based on subtraction using compressed data may be used as in the pre-determination process for prefetching.

The big-hit determination value is a judgment value used in the big-hit lottery, and is set among possible values of the big-hit random numbers (for example, random numbers circulating between 0 and 65535). The jackpot judgment value is the jackpot judgment value (normal judgment value) for low probability used in the jackpot lottery when the game state is the normal game state (low probability state), and when the game state is the variable state (high probability state). There is a high-probability jackpot determination value (high-probability determination value) used in the jackpot lottery, and the number of high-probability determination values is set larger than the number of normal determination values. For example, assuming that "208" numbers from 32768 to 32975 are set as normal determination values and "2000" numbers from 32768 to 34767 are set as high probability determination values, the probability of winning a big hit is "208/65536 (≈1/315)" in the normal gaming state, and "2000/65536 (≈1/32.8)" in the variable probability state.

The game control device 100 first sets the lower limit judgment value of the big hit judgment value (S2601). The lower limit decision value is the same numerical value for both the decision value for low probability and the decision value for high probability.

Next, the game control device 100 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is smaller than the lower limit determination value set in S2601 (S2602, S2603). If the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2603 is "Y"), the determination result is set to be lost (S2609), and this process is terminated.

When the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2603 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether the current time is the high probability time, that is, the current game state. It is determined whether or not is in a probability variable state (S2604). When the probability is high (result of S2604 is "Y"), the upper limit determination value for high probability is set (S2605), and when the probability is not high (result of S2604 is "N"), The upper limit determination value for low probability is set (S2606).

Next, the game control device 100 checks whether the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is greater than the upper limit determination value set in S2605 or S2606, and determines (S2607, S2608). If the value of the jackpot random number to be determined exceeds the upper limit determination value (the result of S2608 is "Y"), the determination result is set to be lost (S2609), and this process is terminated.

When the value of the jackpot random number to be determined does not exceed the upper limit judgment value (the result of S2608 is "N"), the value of the jackpot random number corresponds to the jackpot judgment value, so the game control device 100 determines As a result, a big hit is set (S2610), and this processing ends.

[Small hit determination process]
Next, the details of the small hit determination in the small hit flag setting process described above will be described. FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the procedure of small hit determination processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the small hit determination process, by determining whether or not the big hit random number acquired at the time of winning and stored in the special figure start memory area matches the small hit determination value, the result of the variation display game related to the start memory is determined. is a small hit or not. In this embodiment, the small hit determination process is performed using the big hit random number value, but a small hit random number value may be provided separately from the big hit random number value.

For the small hit judgment value, the small hit judgment value for special 1 used in the small winning lottery when the winning opening is special 1, and the small hitting judgment value for special 2 used in the small winning lottery when the winning opening is special 2 There is a small hit determination value, and the number of small hit determination values for special figure 2 is set more than the number of small hit determination values for special figure 1.

The game control device 100 first sets the lower limit judgment value of the small hit judgment value (S2701). As for the lower limit judgment value, the judgment value for special figure 1 and the judgment value for special figure 2 are the same numerical values.

Next, the game control device 100 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is smaller than the lower limit determination value set in S2701 (S2702, S2703). When the value of the jackpot random number to be judged is less than the lower limit judgment value (the result of S2703 is "Y"), the judgment result is set to be lost (S2710), and this process is finished.

When the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of S2703 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether the prepared determination data is the special figure 1 determination data. Check and judge (S2704, S2705). If the prepared determination data is the special figure 1 determination data (the result of S2705 is "Y"), set the special figure 1 small hit upper limit performance determination value (S2706), the prepared determination data is the special figure When it is 2 determination data (the result of S2705 is "N"), the special figure 2 small hit upper limit determination value is set (S2707).

Next, the game control device 100 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot random number to be determined is greater than the upper limit determination value set in S2706 or S2707 (S2708, S2709). When the value of the jackpot random number to be judged exceeds the upper limit judgment value (the result of S2709 is "Y"), the judgment result is set to be lost (S2710), and this processing is finished.

When the value of the big hit random number to be determined does not exceed the upper limit determination value (the result of S2708 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets a small hit as the determination result (S2711), and terminates this process. .

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, the details of the variation pattern setting process in the special figure 1 variation start process and the special figure 2 variation start process described above will be described. FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the variation pattern setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

The variation pattern setting process is a process of selecting a variation pattern based on a variation pattern selection table corresponding to the result of the variation display game. In the variation pattern selection table, as shown in FIG. 30, variation pattern selection tables for big hits and losses are defined.

The game control device 100 first checks whether or not the symbol information for work stored in the symbol information area of the RWM is lost symbol information, and determines (S2801, S2802).

When the symbol information for work is the losing symbol information (the result of S2802 is "Y"), the game control device 100 acquires and prepares the address of the losing variation pattern selection table (S2803).

On the other hand, when the symbol information for work is not the lost symbol information (the result of S2802 is "N"), the game control device 100 acquires and prepares the address of the winning variation pattern selection table (S2804).

Next, the game control device 100 loads a variation pattern random number from the RWM random number storage area (S2805), and executes compression value distribution processing for obtaining a variation pattern number based on the compression distribution code (S2806). Compressed value distribution processing is executed in the submodule described with reference to FIG.

Finally, the game control device 100 saves the acquired variation pattern number in the target variation pattern number area (S2807), and terminates this process.

[Variation start information setting process]
Next, the details of the fluctuation start information setting process in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process and the special figure 2 fluctuation start process described above will be described. FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the change start information setting process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

Variation start information setting processing includes processing necessary to start the special figure variation display game, for example, to calculate variation time and to generate variation commands.

The game control device 100 first clears the save area of the variation pattern random number corresponding to the special figure variation display game (special figure 1 variation display game, special figure 2 variation display game) to be executed (S2901).

Next, the game control device 100 acquires the address of the variable time value table and sets it in the temporary area for work (S2902).

Next, the game control device 100 acquires the variable time value corresponding to the variable pattern number acquired in S1509 from the variable time value table (S2903), and saves the value of the variable time in the special game processing timer area. (S2904).

Next, the game control device 100 generates and prepares a variation command corresponding to the variation pattern number (S2905), and transmits the variation command (MODE and ACTION) to the effect control device 300 by executing command setting processing. (S2906).

Next, the game control device 100 loads and prepares the decoration special figure command saved in the decoration special figure command area for transmission to the effect control device 300 (S2907), and executes command setting processing (S2908). ).

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a decoration special figure pending number command (MODE) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern discrimination flag (special figure 1 fluctuation flag or special figure 2 fluctuation flag) saved in S2306a or S2306b (S2909). , Set the address of the special figure 1 or special figure 2 start storage area (S2910).

Next, the game control device 100 updates the special figure pending number corresponding to the fluctuation symbol determination flag by -1 (S2911). Subsequently, prepare a decoration special figure reservation number command (ACTION) corresponding to the special figure reservation number (S2912), and execute the command setting process (S2913).

Finally, the game control device 100 shifts the special figure 1 or special figure 2 start storage area corresponding to the variable symbol determination flag (S2914), clears the empty area after the shift to 0 (S2915), and then executes this process. finish.

[Hit/lose variation pattern selection table]
Next, details of the variation pattern selection table will be described. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the variation pattern selection table of the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a winning variation pattern selection table selected when the lottery result is a big hit, and (B) is a lottery This is a loss variation pattern selection table that is selected when the result is a loss. The structure of the two tables is identical.

The fluctuation pattern selection table is a table that defines fluctuation pattern numbers and allocation values corresponding to various fluctuations such as normal fluctuation, normal reach, and premium reach. Since the distribution value is a value that indicates the division of the variation pattern random number that circulates from 0 to 1999, each distribution value and each variation pattern number are defined for each row in a one-to-one relationship. .

The distribution value f is represented by 1 byte as a compressed distribution code, and in FIG. 30, the calculated distribution value F is shown on the right side of "; (semicolon)" for explanation. "DB (Define Byte)" in the first column indicates that a 1-byte constant is defined. The conversion formula calculation and fluctuation pattern names (normal fluctuation and reach A to E) written on the right side of "; (semicolon)" in the table correspond to comments in the program list, so they are actually game control devices. Prevent 100 from reading or writing to the table.

[Variation patterns and allocation values, etc.]
FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the variation patterns of the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) represents the distribution value F and the degree of expectation at the time of hit / loss of each variation pattern, (B) represents the correspondence between each variation pattern and the value of the variation pattern random number.

As shown in FIG. 31(A), the fluctuation patterns have fluctuation names of normal fluctuation and reach fluctuation A to E, and each fluctuation pattern has a corresponding fluctuation pattern number. In addition, each variation pattern has a stipulated level of expectation for a big hit, with 0% expectation for normal variation, 0.2% for reach A, 1.1% for reach B, and 6 for reach C. 6%, 63.1% for reach D, 100% for reach E, and the expectations are high in the order of reach A < reach B < reach C < reach D < reach E.

The allocation value F for each variation pattern is defined separately for winning and losing, and is held as a 1-byte compressed allocation code f in the winning/losing variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 30). Each distribution value F is set to a value corresponding to the result of the conversion formula "F=4 ⁿ ×a".

FIG. 31(B) shows the value of the variation pattern random number corresponding to each variation pattern. A variation pattern random number is acquired at the time of winning (S1223), and the same random number is used regardless of whether the player wins or loses. For example, when the game control device 100 acquires a variation pattern random number with a value of “1300” at the time of winning, if the result of the variation display game is a loss, the game control device 100 acquires a normal variation, but if the result of the variation display game is a win. to get reach D.

[Characteristics of conversion formula and distribution value]
Next, the conversion formula and the characteristics of the apportionment value "F" will be described. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the minimum and maximum values that can be represented by the compressed distribution code when b is 4, where (A) is the minimum distribution value and (B) is the maximum distribution value. represents a value.

As shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B, the distribution value F has a minimum value of "1" and a maximum value of "4032". One byte can normally represent up to 255 values, but in the conversion formula for b=4 in the first embodiment of the present invention, one byte can represent up to 4032 values. In this way, a value of 255 or more, which cannot be expressed in only two bytes, can be expressed in one byte if it is a compression distribution code, which has the effect of reducing the storage capacity.

However, due to the characteristics of the conversion formula, values that are 64 or more and less than 252 and that are not multiples of 4 cannot be calculated. Similarly, a value greater than or equal to 253 and less than 1008 and not a multiple of 16 cannot be calculated. However, in this embodiment, as will be described below, there is no big problem when selecting a variation pattern.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing values that can be represented by a compressed distribution code in a belt shape. The vertical dashed line on the right side of the band indicates the 4032 median.

As shown in FIG. 33, in the first embodiment of the present invention, compression distribution codes are not compressed uniformly over the entire range of values, but are compressed so that smaller values can be set more finely. is doing. Specifically, values larger than the median can only be set in increments of 64, but values smaller than the median, 1 to 63, are set in increments of 1, and 64 to 252 are set in increments of 4. A smaller value enables finer distribution settings.

For example, when the distribution value F is 1 (F=4 ⁰ ×1) and 2 (F=4 ⁰ ×2), the distribution ratios are 1/2000 and 2/2000, respectively. Since the appearance rate of the corresponding variation pattern is doubled when the value F is different by one, the game performance is significantly different. On the other hand, for example, when the distribution value F is 1472 (F=4 ³ ×23) and 1536 (F=4 ³ ×24), the distribution ratios are 1472/2000 and 1536/2000, respectively. Since the difference in appearance rate of the variation pattern caused by this is very small, it does not greatly affect the game performance. In other words, the compression distribution code is provided in a format that allows fine setting for small values that require setting in small increments.

In games on amusement machines, fluctuation display games are executed based on fluctuation patterns that are rarely executed as ultra-premium reach (for example, rare characters that rarely appear) and fluctuation patterns that are executed frequently such as loss fluctuations. be done. In this embodiment, by increasing the number of values that can be set within a predetermined range as the value is smaller, while compressing the distribution value to 1 byte, it is possible to finely distribute fluctuation patterns with low execution frequency, Fluctuation patterns with a high execution frequency can be sorted without significantly lowering accuracy.

In addition, even if the conventional 2-byte distribution value is replaced with a 1-byte compressed distribution code, all values from 1 to 63 can be set as the distribution value. It is possible to perform fine distribution without changing the value.

FIG. 34 is a diagram for comparison between the fluctuation pattern selection table (A) of the first embodiment of the present invention and the conventional fluctuation pattern selection table (B). "DW (Define Word)" in the first column of (B) indicates that a 2-byte constant is defined.

The distribution value written in the conventional fluctuation pattern selection table can be obtained as it is as binary data, but even in the distribution value (compressed distribution code) of this embodiment, a value smaller than 63 is b ⁿ = 1 ( n=1), the value can be obtained as it is. For example, when the distribution values are 1 and 19, the upper 8 bits of the conventional distribution value are all "0", and the lower 8 bits of the conventional distribution value and the compression distribution code of the present application are the same. Bit data.

In this way, if the allocation value is a small value (1 to 63), it is possible to express it in one unit (the lower 6 bits of the compressed allocation code) without changing the bit data.

[Effects of the first embodiment]
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the judgment result obtained by the judgment of the big hit at the time of prefetching is "a big hit only at the time of high probability", the pending storage of the judgment object If there is a normal big hit before, the look-ahead performance is not executed. Therefore, there is no contradiction between the look-ahead effect based on the result of preliminary determination at the time of look-ahead and the actual variation. In addition, even if there is a possibility that the judgment result may differ from the judgment made in advance depending on the probability state, there is no contradiction between the look-ahead effect and the actual fluctuation content.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the distribution value, which conventionally required 2 bytes or more to set a distribution value of 256 or more, can be compressed as a compressed distribution code. Therefore, even a 1-byte capacity can be expressed by approximating a 2-byte value. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the capacity of the ROM that stores the distribution values.

In addition, since the expression for calculating the compressed distribution value can be calculated at smaller intervals as the calculated value is smaller, it is possible to set the distribution value with a small value in detail. On the other hand, since a large value can also be calculated, a large distribution value can also be set. Therefore, the same compression code can be used to effectively set an effect with an extremely low appearance rate and an effect with a high appearance rate. As mentioned above, with small values, even a single difference in the distribution value will have a large impact on the distribution ratio, but with a large value, even if there is a slight difference in the distribution value, the distribution ratio will not be greatly affected. does not occur. Specifically, when 1/2000 becomes 2/2000, the accuracy of distribution is halved, but even if 1472/2000 becomes 1536/2000, there is no big difference in the accuracy of distribution. Compression codes that can be finely set within a predetermined range are more suitable for use in controlling game machines than compression.

(Modification 1 of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the 1-byte compressed distribution code is divided into the first bits (higher 2 bits) and the second bits (lower 6 bits) and substituted into the conversion formula to calculate the distribution value. On the other hand, in Modification 1, the distribution value is calculated without dividing each bit of the compressed distribution code.

Modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 35 to 38. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Compression Distribution Code Conversion Processing 2]
FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing the procedure of compression distribution code conversion processing 2 of Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Compressed distribution code conversion processing 2 subtracts 200 from f when the value of the compressed distribution code “f” is within the predetermined range, This is the process of calculating the transfer value "F" by accumulating 10. Any values can be set for the value to be subtracted and the value to be integrated.

The game control device 100 first checks the value "f" of the compression distribution code acquired in S1504 or S1508 (S3501), and determines whether f is a value in the range from 201 to 255 (S3502). The value "f" is acquired as it is by using the bit data of the compression distribution code as binary data.

When f is not from 201 to 255 (the result of S3502 is "N"), the game control device 100 calculates a value obtained by multiplying f by 10 as a distribution value "F" (S3503). On the other hand, when f is between 201 and 255 (result of S3502 is "Y"), the game control device 100 calculates a value obtained by subtracting 200 from f as a distribution value "F" (S3504).

Next, the game control device 100 sets the calculated F as a distribution value (S1606), and terminates this process. Note that instead of the processing of S3501, S3502, and S3503, if f is a value within the predetermined range, F=f, and if f is not a value within the predetermined range, an arbitrary numerical value is calculated for f. may be used to calculate F.

FIG. 36 is a diagram summarizing the correspondence between the compressed distribution code value "f", the distribution value calculation method, and the distribution value "F" in Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The compressed distribution code value “f” takes a value from 1 to 255. When f is 1 to 200, f is multiplied by 10, so the distribution value "F" is calculated in steps of 10 within the range of 10 to 2000. Also, when f is between 201 and 255, 200 is subtracted from f, so the apportionment value "F" is calculated in the range of 1 to 55 in increments of one.

FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining the variation pattern selection table of Modification 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) is a winning variation pattern selection table selected when the lottery result is a big hit, ( B) is a loss variation pattern selection table that is selected when the lottery result is a loss.

The calculation method of the distribution value "F" in this embodiment is as shown in the calculation of the conversion formula written on the right side of "; (semicolon)" in the table. The distribution value "F" can be easily calculated.

38A and 38B are diagrams for explaining values that can be expressed by the compression distribution code according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 38, the distribution value "F" can be set from 1 to 55 in increments of 1, and fluctuation patterns with low execution frequency can be finely distributed. In addition, since 60 to 2000 can be set in increments of 10, it is possible to set distribution values at smaller intervals than in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Effect of Modification 1 of First Embodiment]
As described above, according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, the allocation value "F" is compressed to 1/10 to reduce the storage capacity, while F is a small value (1 to 55), the apportionment value can be finely set.

Further, as described above, it is easy to calculate the allocation value "F" from the compressed code (compressed allocation code).

(Modification 2 of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the variation pattern numbers are arranged in the variation pattern selection table without duplication. On the other hand, in the second modification of the first embodiment, a plurality of distribution values can be set for one determination result, that is, a plurality of variation pattern numbers with the same number are stored in the variation pattern selection table. can be set to the distribution value, it is possible to finely set the distribution value and perform the distribution process.

Modification 2 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 39 to 41. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a deviation variation pattern selection table according to modification 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the conversion formula "F=b ⁿ ×a" is used to calculate the allocation value. 15 for the compression value distribution process, and FIG. 16 for the compression distribution code conversion process.

Referring to the first and second rows of the table in FIG. 39, the variation pattern number "01" is arranged. In this manner, the arrangement of the same variation pattern number over a plurality of stages is a feature of this embodiment.

Since the distribution value of the first stage is 1472, for example, if the value of the variation pattern random number is 1471, the calculation in the first stage (1471-1472=-1) becomes negative (S1507), game control The device 100 acquires the variation pattern number "01" from the variation pattern random number.

Also, for example, when the value of the variation pattern random number is 1473, the selection value does not become negative in the calculation in the first stage (1473-1472=1), but in the calculation in the second stage (1-28=- 27) becomes negative (S1504 to 1508), the game control device 100 acquires the second stage variation pattern number “01”.

In this way, the variation pattern number “01” can be assigned to variation pattern random numbers with values from 0 to 1499. FIG. That is, although 1500 cannot be calculated by the conversion formula, by adding 1472 and 28, which are values that can be calculated by the conversion formula, a distribution value of 1500 can be set. Among them, since the lower 6 bits take values in the range of 1 to 63, any value in the range of 1 to 63 can be arranged in the second stage. Therefore, even if the calculated value of the conversion formula is an interval of 64, by placing any value from 1 to 63 in the second stage, the range that cannot be calculated (for example, the range from 1473 to 1535) can be added in increments of 1 You can set the distribution value with .

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating settable values of the distribution value with 1472 as a starting point, as a diagram for explaining settable values of the distribution value in Modification 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

The upper arrow from 1472 to 1536 shown in FIG. 40 indicates that the settable value of the apportionment value in the first embodiment of the present invention is 64 increments and cannot be set to 1473 to 1535. indicates On the other hand, the three arrows on the lower side of FIG. 40 indicate that arbitrary values can be set from 1472 in increments of 1 in this embodiment.

In this way, as the distribution value, not only values from 1472 to 1536 but also values from 1 to the maximum value can be set in increments of one. Therefore, an arbitrary allocation rate can be accurately realized.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a compression distribution code according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, the lower 6 bits are used, and in FIG. 1B, the first bit (n) is the upper 1 bit and the second bit (a) is the lower 7 bits.

As shown in FIG. 41A, in 2 bits+6 bits, the first bit (a) takes a value in the range of 0 to 63, so b ⁰ ×a is 64 as indicated by the lower arrow in FIG. It serves to compensate for the uncomputable range of intervals.

Next, in the case of 1 bit+7 bits shown in FIG. 41(B), the first bit (a) takes a value in the range of 0 to 127, so in the conversion formula where b=128, b ⁰ ×a is 128 intervals. It works to compensate for the incalculable range of . In other words, when b=128, if 128 ⁰ ×a (where a is 1 to 127) is placed in the second stage, it is possible to set the distribution values from 1 to 16256 in increments of 1.

The “maximum value of b ⁿ ” (for example, 4 ³ =64) is the maximum interval of calculated values in the conversion formula (64 steps, which is the maximum value among 1 step, 4 steps, 16 steps, and 64 steps). Therefore, if the "maximum value of a + 1", which works to compensate for the gap, is equal to or greater than the "maximum value of ^bn ", it is possible to set the distribution value from 1 to the maximum value of ^bn in increments of 1. be.

That is, for 1 bit + 7 bits, by setting 1 < b ≤ 128, it is possible to set the distribution value from 1 to the maximum value of 16256 in increments of 1, and for 2 bits + 6 bits, 1 < b ≤ By setting it to 4, it is possible to set the distribution value from 1 to 4032, which is the maximum value, in increments of 1. In particular, in the case of "maximum value of bn ⁼ maximum value of a+1", the maximum value that can be calculated by the conversion formula can be set in increments of 1 by arranging at most two stages.

In this way, in the two-stage arrangement, the first bit and the second bit are divided so that "the maximum value of b ⁿ ≤ the maximum value of a + 1", and by setting an arbitrary value to b, 1 to the maximum value of b ⁿ in increments of one.

Furthermore, the apportionment values for the same variation pattern number may be arranged in multiple stages instead of being limited to the two-stage arrangement. For example, when b=64 in 2 bits + 6 bits, 64 ² ×a is 4096 increments and 64 ¹ ×a is 64 increments in the interval of 64 ³ ×a in the conversion formula “64 ⁿ ×a”. , 64 ⁰ ×a is incremented by 1, and the interval can be compensated for. Therefore, by arranging the distribution values of the same variation pattern number in two stages, three stages, and four stages, values from 1 to 16515072 (64 ³ ×63) can be set in increments of one. It should be noted that if 16515072 is expressed as binary data, 3 bytes are required.

[Effect of modification 2 of the first embodiment]
As described above, according to Modified Example 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, by arranging the distribution values of the same variation pattern number in a plurality of stages in the table even if the conversion formula cannot be calculated, High-precision sorting can be realized.

In particular, if "maximum value of bn ⁼ maximum value of a+1" is set, it is suitable for compensating for the interval of values that cannot be expressed in one stage in the second stage.

As described above, in this embodiment, rather than configuring the entire distribution value with 2 bytes, only the necessary portions are set to 2 stages (2 bytes). rate can be achieved accurately. In other words, by using two stages (total of 2 bytes) where you want to set a distribution value that cannot be represented by the conversion formula "F = 4 ⁿ × a", compared to the case where all of the distribution values are 2 bytes. While reducing the storage capacity, it is possible to set the desired distribution values in more detail by using the same modules as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the compressed distribution code conversion process 2 may be replaced with the compressed distribution code conversion process 2. FIG.

(Modification 3 of the first embodiment)
In the modification 2 of the first embodiment, a plurality of stages of distribution values of the same variation pattern number are arranged in the table. On the other hand, in the third modification of the first embodiment, if a value that cannot be calculated by the conversion formula is desired to be set as the distribution value, a compressed distribution code indicating a value larger than the original distribution value is entered. Place it at the bottom of the table.

Modification 3 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 42 to 43. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

FIG. 42 is a deviation variation pattern selection table of Modification 3 of the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in that the uppermost variation pattern number is "02" instead of "01", and "01" is arranged in the lowest stage.

The original allocation value to be allocated to the variation pattern number "01" is 1500, but 1500 cannot be calculated from the conversion formula. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern numbers "02" to "05" are distributed before "01", and "01" is distributed based on the sum of the distribution values of "02" to "05".

As shown in FIG. 42, the sum of distribution values of variation pattern numbers “02” to “05” is 500. In the compression distribution processing loop processing (see FIG. 15), those with a fluctuation pattern random number value of less than 500 are distributed to any of "02" to "05", and those with a fluctuation pattern random number value exceeding 500 is distributed to "01".

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing correspondence between variation pattern numbers and values of variation pattern random numbers in modification 3 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Unlike the first embodiment of the present invention up to the second modification, the value of the variation pattern random number corresponding to the variation pattern number "01" is set to a value of 500-1999. Here, the actual distribution number is 1,500, but the distribution value F is 1,536. The reason why the distribution value F is larger than the distribution number is that all the selected values corresponding to the variation pattern number "01" are made negative in the process of S1507, and the distribution value and the actual distribution number are not necessarily the same value. does not have to be

In this way, the fluctuation pattern numbers "02", "03", "04", and "05" are set to any value that can be calculated by the conversion formula, and the distribution value of "01" is the actual By setting a value larger than the allocation number and arranging it at the bottom of the table, the game control device 100 can accurately distribute to each variation pattern number from the acquired variation pattern random number.

[Effects of Modification 3 of First Embodiment]
As described above, according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, even if the distribution number cannot be calculated by the conversion formula, the actual distribution number (fluctuation pattern random number (upper limit of )), accurate allocation is possible while reducing the storage capacity.

In this embodiment, the compressed distribution code conversion process 2 may be replaced with the compressed distribution code conversion process 2. FIG.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, there was a case where the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 look-ahead effect can be executed even immediately before the specific game state. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, when it is known in advance that it will be in a specific game state (time-saving game state, general electric support state), it is possible to execute only the look-ahead effect of special figure 2 .

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the pending memory to be determined is a jackpot only at the time of high probability, and there is a pending memory of a normal jackpot prior to the pending memory to be determined, a look-ahead effect is performed. Banned. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, in addition to the prohibition of the look-ahead effect, while the jackpot winning flag is on ) prohibits the look-ahead effect of special figure 1.

In the gaming machine that preferentially executes the variable display game of special figure 2, even if the reserved memory of special figure 1 has a big hit pending memory and the big hit is notified in advance, special figure 2 The state does not transition to the special game state unless the reserved number becomes "0" and the variation display game of special figure 1, which is a big hit, is executed. Therefore, in the case of a gaming machine that preferentially consumes the special figure 2, a player who has knowledge about the advance notification can execute the variation display game that will be the big hit of the special figure 1 even if the specific game state starts. It is possible to make a judgment that the starting memory of special figure 2 is not generated. On the other hand, a player who has no knowledge about advance notification shoots a game ball aiming at the second start winning opening due to the start of the specific game state, and generates the start memory of special figure 2, so special figure 1 The starting memory of the food is put on the back burner and becomes difficult to digest quickly. In particular, in the case of a gaming machine in which a big win that occurs within a predetermined number of revolutions after the start of a specific game state is an advantageous big win, inequality occurs among players depending on whether or not they have knowledge of prior notification. In order to eliminate such inequality, this embodiment is characterized by prohibiting the execution of the prefetch effect of the special figure 1 before the occurrence of the big hit.

A second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 44 to 52. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Special Figure Reservation Information Judgment Process]
FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the special figure reservation information determination process according to the second embodiment of this invention.

The special figure reservation information determination process of the second embodiment of the present invention does not execute the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 in a predetermined game state.

The game control device 100 first checks whether or not the pending memory (starting memory), which is the target of whether or not to execute the prefetching effect, satisfies the conditions for executing the prefetching effect (S1301). For example, in the special game state, the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is not executed. Next, it is determined whether or not the current game state is the specific game state (S4401).

If the current game state is a specific game state (the result of S4401 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the target pending memory is the pending memory of the special figure 1 ( S4402). In the specific game state, since the look-ahead effect of special figure 1 is not executed, when the reserved memory to be targeted is the reserved memory of special figure 1 (the result of S4402 is "Y"), this processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not a specific gaming state (the result of S4401 is "N"), or if the current gaming state is a specific gaming state (the result of S4401 is "Y") and the target hold If the storage is not the reserved storage of special figure 1 (the result of S4402 is "N"), the processing after S1303 is executed.

In addition, in the special figure reservation information determination process, the advance notification setting process (S4403) is executed next to the command setting process (S1318). The advance notification setting process controls not to execute the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 while the jackpot winning flag is on (there is a jackpot in the previous hold or the variable display game that will be the jackpot is being executed). processing.

[Advance notification setting process]
FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing the procedure of advance notification setting processing according to the second embodiment of this invention.

In the advance notification setting process of the second embodiment of the present invention, the pending memory of the determination target is the special figure 1, and if there is a big hit pending memory before the determination target, the prefetching effect execution command is added to the prior notification setting process (see FIG. 21) of the first embodiment.

If the pending memory to be determined is not a specific jackpot only at the time of high probability (the result of S2103 is "N"), or even if it is a specific jackpot, the special figure 1 / special that is executed before the pending memory If there is no normal jackpot pending storage in the start memory area of FIG. 2 (result of S2104 is "N"), it is determined whether or not the target of the look-ahead effect is special figure 1 (S4501). Note that the determination in S2103 is the determination after the mask processing.

When the target of the look-ahead effect is the special figure 1 (the result of S4501 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines whether the variation display game to be executed prior to the pending memory has a jackpot pending memory. It is determined whether or not (S4502). In the determination, either a normal jackpot or a variable probability jackpot may be used, and when the specific game state is newly started, the result of S4502 becomes "Y".

When there is no big hit pending memory in the starting memory area to be executed prior to the pending memory (the result of S4502 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets a look-ahead effect execution command (S2105). If there is a big hit pending memory in the special figure 1 start storage area before the pending memory (the result of S4502 is "Y"), the prefetch effect of special figure 1 is not executed, so set the prefetch effect execution command This process ends without

Thus, in the special figure reservation information determination process, it is controlled not to execute the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 during the specific game state. In addition, in the advance notification setting process, even during the normal game, if there is a big hit pending memory in the start storage area to be executed prior to the pending memory of the special figure 1 to be the target of the look-ahead effect, the special figure 1 control so as not to execute the look-ahead effect of

[Jackpot end processing]
Next, the details of the jackpot ending process in the above-described special game process will be described. FIG. 46 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the jackpot ending process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the jackpot end processing, necessary information is set for performing the special normal processing, and in particular, the number of rotations until the end of the time-saving game state is set depending on whether or not the jackpot occurred during the special game state. Therefore, depending on the electric support state at the time of the occurrence of the big hit, it is controlled so that the number of newly set time saving setting times is different.

First, the game control device 100 loads the probability change determination flag holding information such as presence/absence, type, number of times, etc. of the general electric support from the probability change determination flag area (S4601), and branches processing based on the value of the probability change determination flag. (S4602).

When the value of the probability fluctuation determination flag is "0", the game control device 100 executes a big hit end setting process 1 (S4603). The game state that is set when the value of the probability fluctuation determination flag is "0" is a time-saving game state with a special figure low probability and general electric support.

When the value of the probability fluctuation determination flag is "1", the game control device 100 executes a big hit end setting process 2 (S4604). The gaming state that is set when the probability fluctuation determination flag is "1" is a state with probability variable support (high support probability variable state) with special figure high probability and general electric support.

Next, when returning from the jackpot end setting process 1 or 2, the game control device 100 prepares a probability information command corresponding to the probability change determination flag (S4605), and transmits the probability information command to the effect control device 300. Command setting processing is executed (S4606).

Probability information command is a command indicating whether or not to change probability state after the end of the special game state. When the game control device 100 transmits the low-probability information command to the effect control device 300, "A0h" is prepared in the MODE section, which is the upper byte of the command transmission area, and "01h" is prepared in the ACTION section, which is the lower byte. ” to prepare. When transmitting a high probability information command to the production control device 300, "A0h" is prepared for the MODE section, and "02h" is prepared for the ACTION section.

Next, the game control device 100 executes the special figure normal process transition setting process 2 (S4607), and ends this process. In the special figure normal processing transition setting process 2, the process number "0" relating to the special figure normal process, the flag (large winning opening fraud monitoring information) that defines the period of monitoring the fraudulent winning opening, etc. are set.

[Jackpot end setting process]
Next, the details of the jackpot end setting process in the jackpot end process described above will be described. FIG. 47A is a flow chart showing the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 1 according to the second embodiment of this invention.

The jackpot end setting process is a process of setting flag information and the like as the time saving game state and setting the number of rotations until the end of the time saving game state.

The game control device 100 first saves a signal regarding the start of time saving in the external information output data area (S4701a), and saves a signal regarding the start of time saving in the test signal output data area (S4702a). Next, the game control device 100 saves the time saving number in the game state display number area (S4703a).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the general pattern high probability/general electric support flag in the general pattern game mode flag area (S4704a). By setting the flag, the game state shifts to the time-saving game state. Next, the game control device 100 saves the low probability/time saving flag in the special figure game mode flag area (S4705a).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the probability information command (time saving) in the transmission command area at the time of power failure recovery (S4706a), and determines whether or not the current jackpot is the jackpot in the general electricity support (S4707a). .

If the current jackpot is a jackpot in the general electricity support (the result of S4707a is "Y"), save the initial value B of the number of times of time-saving fluctuations (for example, 100 rotations) in the time-saving fluctuation number area (S4708a), and this End the process. If the current jackpot is not a jackpot during the general electric support (the result of S4707a is "N"), the time saving fluctuation number initial logic A (for example, 5 rotations) is saved in the time saving fluctuation number area (S4709a), and this End the process.

The initial value of the number of time reduction fluctuations is greater in B than in A. That is, the number of times of time saving is small in the first hit in the normal game state, and the number of times of time saving is large in continuous big wins. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the prefetch effect of the special figure 1 is executed during the general electric support or when there is a start memory for starting the general electric support, a player who has knowledge of the prefetch effect and a player who does not have inequality arises between Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the special figure reservation information determination process (see FIG. 44), it is set so as not to execute the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 during general electricity support. In addition, in this embodiment, in the prior notification setting process (see FIG. 45), even in the normal game state, if there is a big hit pending memory in the start memory area to be executed first, the pre-reading effect of special figure 1 set not to run.

FIG. 47B is a flow chart showing the procedure of the jackpot end setting process 2 according to the second embodiment of this invention.

The game control device 100 first saves a signal regarding the start of high probability in the external information output data area (S4701b), and saves a signal regarding the start of high probability in the test signal output data area (S4702b). Next, the game control device 100 saves the number for the high probability in the game state display number area (S4703b).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the normal pattern high probability/general support flag in the normal pattern game mode flag area (S4704b). By setting the flag, the game state shifts to the time-saving game state. Next, the game control device 100 saves the high probability/time saving flag in the special figure game mode flag area (S4705b).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the probability information command (high probability) in the power failure restoration transmission command area (S4706b). Subsequent processing (S4707b to S4709b) is the same as the jackpot end setting processing 1.

[1st CPU main processing (effect control device)]
Next, the details of the 1stCPU main processing executed by the effect control device 300 will be described. FIG. 48 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the 1stCPU main process executed by the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

Effect control device 300 first prohibits an interrupt (S4801). Next, the RAM 311a, which is a work area, is cleared to 0 (S4802). Next, CPU initialization processing is executed (S4803). Next, the initial values necessary for executing various processes are set in the RAM 311a (S4804), and the random number initialization process is executed (S4805).

Next, the production control device 300 activates various interrupt timers for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 1 millisecond) (S4806). Then, the interrupt is permitted (S4807). Command reception interrupt processing is executed at the timing of the occurrence of an interrupt.

Here, the effect control device 300 clears the WDT (watchdog timer) (S4808). The WDT is activated in the CPU initialization process (S4803) described above, and monitors whether the CPU is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU is reset.

Next, the effect control device 300 detects the operation signal of the effect button 25 by the player, and executes the effect button input process for performing the process according to the detected signal (S4809). Next, a game control command analysis process for analyzing the game control command received from the game control device 100 is executed (S4810).

Next, the effect control device 300 executes test mode processing (S4811). In the test mode process, an inspection command is received at the time of inspection at the time of shipment from the factory, and LED lighting and the like are inspected. Therefore, the test mode process is executed when the CPU is inspected before shipment from the factory.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes 1st scene control processing for controlling the scene (display content) to be displayed on the display device 41 based on the control command analyzed in the game control command analysis processing (S4810) (S4812). .

Next, the effect control device 300 executes a gaming machine error monitoring process for monitoring the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (S4813). In addition to the abnormality related to the effect control device 300, when a command for instructing error notification is received from the game control device 100, etc., predetermined processing such as notification of an alarm sound is performed.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes effect command editing processing for editing commands to be transmitted to the video control microcomputer 312 (S4814). Next, the effect control device 300 executes sound control processing for controlling the sound output from the speaker 19 (S4815).

Next, the production control device 300 executes a decoration control process for controlling decoration devices such as LEDs (board decoration device 42, frame decoration device 43) (S4816), and further electric accessories driven by motors and solenoids, Motor/SOL control processing for controlling production devices such as movable lighting (board production device 42, frame production device 43) is executed (S4817).

Next, the effect control device 300 executes random number update processing for updating the random number (S4818), and returns to the processing of S4808. Thereafter, the processing from S4808 to S4818 is repeated.

[1st scene control processing]
Next, details of the 1st scene control processing in the 1st main processing described above will be described. FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the 1st scene control process according to the second embodiment of this invention.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the game machine 1 is in the test mode (S4901). In the case of the test mode (the result of S4901 is "Y"), since there is no need to actually control the effect, this process is terminated.

When the game machine 1 is not in the test mode (the result of S4901 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the scene change command transmitted from the game control device 100 is received (S4902 ). If the scene change command has not been received (the result of S4902 is "N"), the processing from step S4907 is executed.

When the scene change command is received (the result of S4902 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 acquires the (current) game state to be updated (S4903), and receives a valid command. It is determined whether or not (S4904). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the scene to be changed matches the current game state. If a valid command has not been received (the result of S4904 is "N"), the processing from step S4907 is executed.

When a valid command is received (the result of S4904 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 saves the received command in a predetermined area of memory (RAM) (S4905) and sets the effect request flag. (S4906). The effect request flag is a flag indicating that it is time to change the scene, and processing is executed according to whether or not the effect request flag is set in the changing process (S4911) described later.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes processing according to the identifier of the received command (S4907).

When the received command is a "power-on command", the effect control device 300 executes power-on processing (S4908). In the power-on process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on is controlled.

When the received command is a "power failure recovery command", the effect control device 300 executes power failure recovery processing (S4909). In the power failure recovery process, the screen displayed when the game machine 1 recovers from the power failure is controlled. In addition, when the customer waiting process has been executed before the power failure, no special process is executed.

When the received command is a "customer waiting demo command", the effect control device 300 executes a customer waiting process (S4910). In the customer waiting process, the screen displayed when a predetermined time has passed since the variable display game was last executed is controlled.

When the received command is a "fluctuation pattern command", the effect control device 300 executes processing during fluctuation (S4911). In the process during fluctuation, information necessary for displaying a scene corresponding to the set fluctuation pattern is acquired, and effect control corresponding to the set fluctuation pattern is performed.

When the received command is a "symbol stop command", the effect control device 300 executes a symbol stop process (S4912). In the symbol stop processing, the variable display of symbols is stopped at a designated symbol.

When the received command is a "fanfare command", the effect control device 300 executes fanfare processing (S4913). In the fanfare process, fanfare corresponding to the generated big hit is output from the speaker 19. - 特許庁

When the received command is the "large entrance opening m-th command", the effect control device 300 executes the processing during the round (S4914). During round processing, effect control during each round in the special game state is performed.

When the received command is an "interval command", the effect control device 300 executes interval processing (S4915). In interval processing, effect control between rounds in the special game state is performed.

When the received command is the "ending command", the effect control device 300 executes ending processing (S4916). In the ending process, effect control is performed when the special game state ends.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes symbol command reception processing (S4917). The symbol command includes information specifying a stop symbol.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes a pending number command reception process (S4918). The pending count command is a command for notifying the updated pending count. In the hold number command reception process, the hold display and the like are updated based on the received number of holds.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes pre-reading notice setting processing (S4919). The look-ahead notice setting process is a process of executing a look-ahead effect based on the starting memory look-ahead effect command.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes probability information command reception processing (S4920), and terminates this processing. The probability information command reception process is a process of setting a game state such as an internal probability based on the received probability information command. The probability information command includes, for example, a highly accurate/short-time command, a low-accurate/short-time command, a low-accurate/no support command, and the like.

[Prefetching notice setting process]
Next, the details of the pre-reading notice setting process in the 1st scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing the procedure of pre-reading preview effect setting processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining the pre-reading notice distribution table set in this process.

Effect control device 300 first checks whether or not there is a pending memory waiting for reception of a prior determination command, and determines (S5001, S5002). The pre-determination command includes a start opening winning effect command and a starting opening winning effect pattern command which are transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 when the game ball wins the starting winning hole. The start opening prize effect command indicates that the corresponding pending memory is lost, and the reach to be executed is specified. The start-up winning effect pattern command indicates that the corresponding reserved memory is a hit, and specifies the type of the jackpot pattern. The type of reach and the like may be determined by the effect control device 300 side.

If there is a pending memory waiting for reception of the advance determination command (the result of S5002 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 receives the advance determination command (starting mouth winning effect command and starting mouth winning effect pattern command) (S5003).

When the pre-determination command is received (the result of S5003 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 saves the contents of the pre-determination command in the start storage area of the pending memory waiting for command reception (S5004), and the pre-reading effect It is determined whether or not an execution command has been received (S5005). The look-ahead effect execution command is a command set in the advance notification setting process (S2105), and includes the content of the result of preliminary determination of pending storage to be the target of the look-ahead effect.

When the prefetch effect execution command is received (the result of S5005 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the prefetch effect is currently being executed (S5006). If the look-ahead effect is being executed (result of S5006 is "Y"), this process is terminated.

Although the explanation goes back, if the result of S5002 is "N", if the result of S5003 is "N", and if the result of S5005 is "N", the effect control device 300 does not execute subsequent processing. , the process ends.

If the look-ahead effect is not being executed (the result of S5006 is "N"), the effect control device 300 acquires the pattern information of the reserved storage to be targeted based on the starting opening winning effect pattern command (S5007), Hit/lose of the reserved memory is determined (S5008).

If the target pending memory is lost (the result of S5008 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 sets the pre-reading notice distribution table 1 (S5009), and if it is a hit (S5008 If the result is "N"), the pre-reading notice allocation table 2 is set (S5010).

The pre-reading notice distribution table includes a pre-reading notice distribution table 1 shown in FIG. There is a look-ahead notice distribution table 2 that is selected when the reserved memory is a big hit. The pre-reading notice distribution table is used to acquire reach system information based on the start-up winning effect command of the target reserved storage and to distribute which pre-reading mode held in the table is selected (S5011 to S5013 ). The look-ahead mode has no change in the display mode of the reserved memory, and there are three types of effect change modes from mode A to C depending on the degree of expectation (see FIG. 51(A)).

Even if the target reserved memory is lost, there are cases where the look-ahead modes A to C are selected, but in this case, it becomes a so-called false notification. On the other hand, even in the case of a big hit, no change in the display mode of the reserved memory may be selected. Therefore, the look-ahead effect has uncertainty and has the effect of enhancing the interest of the game.

Next, the effect control device 300 acquires the reach system information of the pending storage to be the target based on the received start opening winning effect command (S5011).

Next, the effect control device 300 selects a prefetching notice mode based on the prefetching notice distribution table set in S5009 or S5010 and the reach system information acquired in S5011 (S5012).

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the pre-reading notice mode selected in S5012 to the display mode of the target reserved storage (S5013), and ends this process.

[Screen transition when executing special figure 2 preferentially]
FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when the variable display game of special figure 2 is preferentially executed, for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the screen transition described here is the screen transition of the gaming machine that executes the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 even during the time saving game. Figure 52 (A) ~ (C) represents a step-by-step change before the time-saving gaming state, (D1) ~ (G1) is during the time-saving gaming state and the special figure 2 wins continuously Represents the screen transition when it occurs. In addition, (D2) ~ (G2) represents the screen transition when the special figure 2 winning has not occurred in the time saving game state.

(A) is a screen in which the special symbol (identification information) is fluctuating while the variable display game of the special symbol 1 with the result of "big hit" is being executed. On the screen, there is a reserved memory (memory A) represented by a white circle in special figure 1, but the result of this reserved memory is "miss". Also, three downward arrows (↓) are displayed on the screen, which indicates that the special symbols are not completely stopped, and the same applies to (B) and after.

(B) is a screen in which the same variable display game as (A) is in a ready-to-win state. The player wins the first start winning slot 36, the result is "big hit", and the reserved memory (memory B) of the special figure 1 represented by the look-ahead mode B is displayed by the look-ahead effect.

(C) is a screen in which all special symbols are stopped and a big hit is confirmed. This is the state before the start of the time saving.

From here, it becomes a specific game state (during time saving) after a special game state, and in the case of hitting to generate a reserved memory in the special figure 2 (D1) ~ (G1), and a strike that does not generate a reserved memory in the special figure 2 In the other case, it branches to (D2) to (G2).

First, I will explain from the case of how to generate a reserved memory in special figure 2. Although the memory B is displayed with a high probability of being a big hit by the look-ahead performance, a player who is poor in knowledge of the order of digestion of the look-ahead performance or the reserved memory does not digest the memory B, and at the same time the general electric support is started, the second is displayed. The shot is aimed at the vicinity of the start winning opening 37.

(D1) is a screen during execution of memory A. FIG. Along with the start of the general electric support, one game ball wins the second start winning hole 37, and the memory C is displayed.

(E1) is a screen in which the "loss" result of the memory A variable display game is confirmed. Between (D1) and (E1), one game ball wins in the second start winning port 37, and memory D is displayed.

(F1) is a screen during execution of memory C of special figure 2. In order to preferentially execute the special figure 2, the memory B of the special figure 1 will be on standby as unexecuted. Between (E1) and (F1), two game balls are entered into the second start winning hole 37, and memory E and memory F are displayed.

(G1) is a screen in which the "loss" result of the variable display game in memory C is confirmed. Between (F1) and (G1), one game ball is won in the second starting prize opening 37, and memory G is displayed.

In this way, a player who is poor in knowledge of the order of consumption of the look-ahead effect or the reserved memory can save time by continuing the execution of the variable display game of the special figure 2 even if the reserved memory (memory B) of the big hit is obtained. You will not be able to win the jackpot. Since winning a big hit in a short time allows a player to acquire a game value with a higher value, continuing to win a prize to a special figure 2 when there is a reserved memory of a big win in the special figure 1 is one of the game values to be obtained. You will lose a part.

Next, a description will be given of a case of hitting that does not cause a reserved memory in special figure 2. A player who knows that the memory B is a big hit with a high probability and that the memory B will not be executed if there is an unredeemed reserved memory in the special figure 2 does not aim at the vicinity of the second start prize winning opening 37. - 特許庁

(D2) is a screen during execution of memory A. FIG. Unlike (D1), there is no pending memory in Toku-zu 2.

(E2) is a screen in which the "loss" result of the memory A variable display game is confirmed. Here too, there is no pending memory in special figure 2 as in (D2).

(F2) is a screen during execution of memory B of special figure 1. Since there is no reserved storage in special figure 2, storage B is executed next to storage A.

(G2) is a screen in which the "big win" result of the variable display game of memory B is confirmed. In particular, since this jackpot is a jackpot (so-called Renso) in the general electricity support, the initial value of the next time-saving variation number is set to B (for example, 100 rotations) (S4708a), and the player is a high-value game. acquire value.

In this way, the game value to be obtained is significantly different depending on whether or not there is knowledge of the read-ahead effect or the order in which reserved memories are consumed. In order not to cause such inequality, in this embodiment, the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 in the time-saving game state is prohibited. Therefore, the fairness of the game can be ensured.

In addition, even in the normal game state, if the special figure 1 has the reserved memory of the big hit, the look-ahead performance of the special figure 1 is prohibited. As a result, even if the big hit pending memory is consumed and the general electric support is generated after that, the pre-reading performance of the special figure 1 is not executed, so that the fairness of the game can be secured.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the look-ahead effect of the special figure 1 during the time-saving game is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to impart a fair game value to the player regardless of the player's knowledge of the look-ahead effect and the order of execution of the reserved memory.

Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, even in the normal game state, when there is a big hit reserved memory in the reserved memory, the reserved memory after the big hit reserved memory is read ahead. Do not perform the performance. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the player has knowledge of the look-ahead effect, it is possible to impart a fair game value to the player.

(Third Embodiment)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the look-ahead effect, there is no distinction between the normal big win and the variable probability big win. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a look-ahead effect is executed in which the normal jackpot and the variable probability jackpot are separated. Also, as part of the look-ahead effect, a look-ahead window (see FIG. 56(C)) that allows the player to input operations is displayed. The look-ahead window is a window that pops up in advance the variable display game of the reserved memory, which is the target of the look-ahead effect. Note that the variable display game displayed in the look-ahead window is referred to as a mini variable display game in the present application.

The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 53 to 62. FIG. Descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted, and only different matters will be explained.

[Prefetching notice setting process]
FIG. 53 is a flow chart showing the procedure of pre-reading notice setting processing according to the third embodiment of this invention.

In the prefetching notice setting process of the third embodiment of the present invention, processing for setting on a prefetching effect execution flag for controlling display of the prefetching window is added to the prefetching notice setting process of the second embodiment.

Effect control device 300, after setting the pre-reading notice mode based on the selected pre-reading notice distribution table (S5011~S5013), sets the pre-reading effect execution flag to ON (S5301).

The look-ahead effect execution flag is used for execution control of a look-ahead window, which will be described later. In executing the look-ahead effect, if the look-ahead effect execution flag is turned on at the start of the fluctuation of the variable display game to be executed from now on, the look-ahead window notice is selected using the look-ahead window notice selection table. The look-ahead effect execution flag is set to OFF at the time of start of fluctuation of the pending storage that is the target of the look-ahead effect in the process during fluctuation (S4911) in the 1st scene control process.

[Preview window preview selection table]
Next, the details of the look-ahead window preview selection table will be described. FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating a look-ahead window preview selection table according to the third embodiment of this invention.

The look-ahead window announcement selection table is a table for selecting the contents of the announcement (variation contents of the mini-variation display game) to be displayed in the look-ahead window based on the pre-determination command. There are five types of variable contents of the mini variable display game: normal reach, probability variable reach, normal big win, probability variable big win, and no temporary stop. Here, the normal reach is a ready-to-win state by the pattern that becomes a normal jackpot if the middle patterns are arranged, and the probability variable reach is a display mode of the ready-to-win state by the pattern that becomes a probability variable big hit if the middle patterns are also arranged.

If the result of the starting memory, which is the object of notice, is a loss, the mini-variation display game of the normal big win and the probability variable big win is not executed. In addition, when the result is a normal jackpot pending memory, the probability variable jackpot mini variable display game is not executed. Therefore, when the normal big hit mini variable display game is executed in the look-ahead window, the result of the variable display game based on the start memory, which was the announcement target of the look-ahead effect, is a normal big win or a probability variable big win. Also, when the variable probability big win mini-variation display game is executed, the result is a probability variable big win.

The mini variable display game is selected from the prefetch window preview selection table and popped up in the prefetch window each time the reserve memory is consumed and the variable display game is executed. The execution of the mini-variation display game continues until the variation display game of the pending memory, which is the target of the look-ahead effect, is executed. stop).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the selection rate of the content of the stop result of the mini-variation display game differs depending on the degree of expectation. Therefore, if a prize to be targeted for the pre-reading effect is obtained in a state where the number of holdings is large, the number of times of the pre-reading effect is increased. This increases the reliability of the content of the notice.

[Screen transition when the prefetch window is displayed]
Next, a change mode of each mini-variation display game selected in the look-ahead window preview selection table will be described. FIG. 55 is a screen transition diagram when the prefetch window is displayed according to the third embodiment of this invention. A black hand between screens indicates that the player is operating a button.

(A) is a screen on which a look-ahead window appears. Any mini-symbols in the lookahead window are moving.

When the look-ahead window is displayed, button operations are enabled. The player can confirm the changing mode of the mini-variation display game by operating the buttons. As described above, the variation mode of the mini-variation display game is selected from the look-ahead window preview selection table.

(B1) is a screen after the change of the mini variable display game of "Normal Reach". As "4, ↓, 4", the mini left symbol and the mini right symbol are temporarily stopped at "4", and the mini middle symbol continues to fluctuate.

(B2) is a screen after the mini-variable display game of "probability variable reach" is changed. As "7, ↓, 7", the mini left symbol and the mini right symbol temporarily stop at "7", and the mini middle symbol continues to fluctuate.

(B3) is a screen after the change of the mini-variation display game of "normal jackpot". As "4, 4, 4", all the mini symbols are temporarily stopped at "4".

(B4) is a screen after the mini-variation display game of "probability variation jackpot" is changed. As "7, 7, 7", all the mini symbols are temporarily stopped at "7".

(B5) is a screen after the change of the mini-variation display game of "no temporary stop". With "no temporary stop", none of the mini symbols are temporarily stopped even if the button is operated.

[Screen transition until the big hit of Hold 4 is confirmed]
FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition from the winning of the reserved jackpot 4 to the determination of the jackpot of the reserved memory, in order to explain the third embodiment of the present invention.

(A) is a screen in which the variable display game is executed and the special symbol (identification information) is being varied. On the screen, there are three pending memories (memories A, B, and C from the left) indicated by white circles in Special Figure 1, but the results are all "missing".

(B) is a screen in which the "loss" result of the variable display game being executed in (A) is confirmed. As a result of winning, a reserved memory (memory D) is displayed on the screen as a big hit in the special figure 1. - 特許庁The memory D is displayed in a color indicating that the expectation of a big hit is high due to the look-ahead effect.

(C) is a screen in which the change due to digestion of memory A and the look-ahead window of memory D are being displayed. The look-ahead window for memory D is displayed at the same time that memory A starts to fluctuate, but may be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since memory A started to fluctuate.

(D) is a screen in which the mini-variation display game is changed to the normal reach mode by the player's operation. Since the mini left pattern and the mini right pattern are not temporarily stopped without the player's operation, the player is urged to operate the operation button 25, thereby increasing participation and participation in the game. After that, the display of the read-ahead window in the reach state disappears once, and the change in memory A is displayed in the center of the display device 41 .

(E) is a screen in which the change in memory A has been confirmed.

(F) is a screen in which the change due to digestion of memory B and the look-ahead window of memory D are being displayed. Along with the start of a new variable display game, a mini variable display game is also newly selected from the look-ahead window preview selection table and executed.

(G) is a screen in which the mini variable display game is temporarily stopped in a normal jackpot mode. Since it is a temporary stop at "4, 4, 4", it is a mode that usually gives a premonition of a big hit.

(H) is a screen in which the change in memory B has been confirmed.

(I) is a screen in which the change due to digestion of memory C and the look-ahead window of memory D are being displayed.

(J) is a screen in which the mini-variation display game is temporarily stopped in the probability variable jackpot mode. Since it is a temporary stop at "7, 7, 7", it is a mode that gives a feeling of a probability variable jackpot. It should be noted that the variable probability big hit temporary stop mode is selected only when the result is a probability variable big hit (see FIG. 54).

(K) is a screen in which the change in memory C has been determined.

(L) is a screen showing changes due to digestion of memory D. FIG. When the memory D starts to change, the temporary stop screen of the mini-variation display game at (J) is displayed for a predetermined time, and then the memory D starts to change.

(M) is a screen in which the jackpot of the memory D is confirmed through the ready-to-win mode. Since it is a stop at "7, 7, 7", it is a probability variable jackpot.

In this way, when the prefetch effect of the big hit is performed as the suspension 4, the effect of displaying the prefetch window three times is executed, so the reliability of the notice contents is increased. In addition, in FIG. 55, the reach (screen (D)), the normal jackpot (screen (F)), and the probability variable jackpot (screen (J)) are prepared, and the present embodiment is described by preparing an example of the effect that raises the reliability. However, it may be irrelevant to the content of the stop result of the mini variable display game. For example, in one of the look-ahead windows that are displayed a plurality of times, if the game is temporarily stopped at a probability variable jackpot, the probability variable jackpot will be announced.

Also, in FIG. 56, all the look-ahead windows are shown with the same size and the same background, but the size of the window, the background, and the display of the mini symbols may be changed according to the degree of expectation and the game state. The size of the look-ahead window and the like will be described in detail in Modification 3 of the present embodiment.

〔Time chart〕
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described using time charts. FIG. 57 is a time chart showing the timing of the look-ahead effect in the third embodiment of the present invention. The example of the look-ahead effect shown in FIG. 56 will be explained using a time chart in FIG.

By winning a prize, reservation 4 is an object of look-ahead performance and a big hit reservation memory (memory D) is generated, and the display color of reservation 4 changes. Then, at time t1, the look-ahead effect execution flag is set to ON. Since the look-ahead effect execution flag is set to ON, the look-ahead window is displayed from the next variable display game. It is assumed that hold 1 at time t1 is memory A, hold 2 is memory B, and hold 3 is memory C. FIG.

At time t2 when the variable display game of memory A is executed, the look-ahead window of memory D is displayed. In addition, the operation of the push button becomes valid at the same time as the look-ahead window is displayed. The push button becomes inoperative after a predetermined period of time has passed since the operation was enabled or when a predetermined amount of operation is detected.

At time t3 when a predetermined time has passed from time t2, the look-ahead window displayed during the variable display game of memory A disappears once. After that, the variable display game of memory A that was displayed in the upper right of the screen is displayed in the center of the screen.

At time t4 when the variable display game of memory B is executed, the look-ahead window of memory D is displayed again. The mini variable display game here is selected again from the look-ahead window preview selection table.

At time t5 when the variable display game of memory C is executed, the look-ahead window of memory D is displayed again. The mini variable display game here is also selected again from the look-ahead window notice selection table.

At time t6 when the variable display game of memory D is executed, the prefetch effect execution flag is set to OFF. The memory D variable display game may be started in a continuous mode with the temporary stop mode of the mini variable display game of the last displayed look-ahead window, or may be started in a discontinuous mode.

After that, the jackpot in the memory D is confirmed, and the state shifts to the special game state at time t7.

In this way, when the reserved memory to be the target of the look-ahead effect occurs, the look-ahead effect execution flag is turned on, and when the variable display game of the reserved memory is executed, the flag is set to off. While the look-ahead effect execution flag is on, the look-ahead window of reserved storage appears each time the variable display game is executed. Therefore, in addition to the look-ahead effect in which the display of the reserved memory changes, the look-ahead effect by the look-ahead window is executed to give the player an interest in the look-ahead effect.

[Effect of the third embodiment of the present invention]
As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the look-ahead effect of the variable probability big hit, the mini-variation display game in which the probability variable big hit is announced in the look-ahead window may be executed. A player can know in advance not only that the big win will be achieved by the look-ahead performance, but also that the big win is a probability variable big win. Therefore, the player's interest in the look-ahead performance is heightened, and expectations for the probability variable big win are heightened.

In addition, since the mini variable display game does not display the temporary stop result unless the operation button 25 is operated, the player is urged to participate in the game, and the expectation for the variable display game of pending memory read-ahead performance is increased.

In addition, when there is a big hit before the reserved memory of the look-ahead target, the look-ahead effect is not executed, so even if a different game result is obtained due to a change in the probability state due to the big win, the contradictory effect is given to the player. It is possible to prevent a decrease in interest.

(Modification 1 of the third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, five types of mini variable display games are prepared in the look-ahead window preview selection table. On the other hand, in Modification 1 of the third embodiment, three types of mini variable display games are prepared.

Modification 1 of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 58 to 59. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the third embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Preview window preview selection table]
FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating a look-ahead window preview selection table according to Modification 1 of the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 59 is a screen transition diagram when the prefetch window is displayed according to Modification 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 58, in this embodiment, the mini variable display game is selected from three types of "normal jackpot", "probability variable jackpot", and "no temporary stop". In this embodiment, the look-ahead window notice selection table shown in FIG. 54 is simplified, so the patterns of the look-ahead effect are narrowed down, and the player can easily understand the look-ahead effect.

As shown in FIGS. 58 and 59, in this embodiment, the mini-variation display games of normal reach and probability variable reach are deleted in this embodiment, and if the result is lost, the mini-variation display game is not temporarily stopped. . Therefore, when the mini symbols are temporarily stopped by the button operation, the decision of the big hit is notified.

Also, since the mini variable display game of the probability variable big win is selected only when the result is the probability variable big win, it is possible to predict whether the normal big win or the probability variable big win will occur depending on the stop mode of the mini symbols.

(Effect of modification 1 of the third embodiment)
As described above, according to Modified Example 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment, the types of mini-variation display games are limited to three types, and the selection patterns are Since it is simplified, it is possible for the player to easily grasp the pattern of the look-ahead effect.

In particular, since the selection pattern when the result is a failure is limited to ``no temporary stop'', there is no so-called fake notification, the player is not given unnecessary expectations, and the player can concentrate on the game with a sense of security. be able to.

[Modification 2 of the third embodiment]
In Modification 1 of the third embodiment, three types of mini-variation display games are prepared in the look-ahead window preview selection table. On the other hand, in Modification 2 of the third embodiment, two types of mini variable display games are prepared.

Modification 2 of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 60 to 61. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the third embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Preview window preview selection table]
FIG. 60 is a diagram for explaining a look-ahead window preview selection table according to Modification 2 of the third embodiment of this invention. FIG. 61 is a screen transition diagram when the prefetch window is displayed according to Modification 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 60, in this embodiment, the mini-variation display game is selected from two types of "normal jackpot" and "probability variable jackpot". In this embodiment, the look-ahead window notice selection table is further simplified than the look-ahead window notice selection table shown in FIG. 58, so that the look-ahead effect patterns are narrowed down and the player can more easily understand the look-ahead effect.

As shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, in the present embodiment, mini-variation display games with normal big wins or probability variable big wins are displayed for pending memories of big wins that are objects of look-ahead effects. Therefore, when the look-ahead window is displayed, the determination of the big win is announced.

Also, since the mini variable display game of the probability variable big win is selected only when the result is the probability variable big win, it is possible to predict whether the normal big win or the probability variable big win will occur depending on the stop mode of the mini symbols.

(Effect of modification 2 of the third embodiment)
As described above, according to Modified Example 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention, the types of mini-variation display games are limited to two types, and the selection patterns are further simplified. can be more easily grasped by the player.

In addition, the appearance of the look-ahead window serves as a notice of a big hit, and button operation makes it possible to obtain a notice of whether or not it is a probability variable big hit. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the player to operate the button and increase participation in the game.

[Modification 3 of the third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, the look-ahead window was displayed as a size that occupied most of the screen. In contrast, in Modification 3 of the third embodiment, look-ahead windows of a plurality of sizes are displayed.

Modification 3 of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. This embodiment exemplifies a plurality of display forms as the display form of the prefetch window. Descriptions of items common to the third embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Screen when the prefetch window is displayed]
FIG. 62 is a diagram for explaining the display form of the look-ahead window in Modification 3 of the third embodiment of this invention.

(A) is a screen that displays a look-ahead window superimposed on the display of the variable display game being executed. If the overlapping range becomes large, it becomes difficult to see the variable display game being executed, so the look-ahead window is displayed in a small size. In this display mode, since the variable display game is the main and the look-ahead window is the follower, the display is well-balanced and the look-ahead effect is not excessively emphasized. In addition, since the variable display game portion can use the same image data as the normal time, it is possible to prevent an increase in data volume.

(B) is a screen in which the display area is divided into upper and lower parts, and the variable display game and the look-ahead window are displayed in half. Since the size of the look-ahead window is displayed larger than that of (A), the mini-variation display game becomes easier to see. Also, since the variable display game is displayed in a sufficiently large size, the player can easily confirm both variations.

(C) is a screen in which the look-ahead window is displayed large and the variable display game is displayed small in the upper right. Since the look-ahead window is displayed in a large size, it is possible to give a sense of anticipation to the look-ahead effect. In addition, the player is more likely to be interested in the look-ahead effect of the mini variable display game rather than the variable display game, which has the effect of increasing the interest in the game.

In this manner, a plurality of forms of displaying the look-ahead window are conceivable. For example, the higher the degree of expectation, the larger the look-ahead window may be displayed. Also, the display mode of the prefetch window may be selected by the player each time the prefetch window appears.

Although (A) to (C) show screens on which the look-ahead window is displayed, the look-ahead window disappears after a predetermined time from the time the look-ahead window is displayed, regardless of the display mode.

Further, the display form of the look-ahead window is not limited to the form shown in FIG. A form (not shown) such as a form in which the look-ahead window is increased or decreased accordingly may be used.

(Effect of modification 3 of the third embodiment)
As described above, according to Modified Example 3 of the third embodiment of the present invention, the look-ahead window can be arbitrarily selected from among a plurality of display modes. , it is possible to produce a pre-reading notice (pre-reading effect).

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first embodiment to the third embodiment, the prefetch effect is executed by the reserved memory alone for the reserved memory to be prefetched. In addition, the degree of anticipation of look-ahead was expressed by a look-ahead mode (see FIG. 51) that changes the form of reserved memory and a mini-variation display game in the look-ahead window. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the degree of anticipation of the prefetch effect is produced by continuously using the reserve memory to be prefetched and the subsequent reserve memory (see FIG. 65).

The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 63 to 67. FIG. Descriptions of matters common to the second embodiment or the third embodiment will be omitted, and only different matters will be described.

[Prefetching notice setting process]
FIG. 63 is a flow chart showing the procedure of pre-reading notice setting processing according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

In the pre-reading notice setting process of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the pre-reading effect execution flag is ON, the process of selecting the pre-reading notice mode from the pre-determination command is the pre-reading notice setting process of the third embodiment. added.

Effect control device 300, when receiving the look-ahead effect execution command (result of S5005 is "Y"), determines whether or not the look-ahead effect execution flag is ON (S6301). If the look-ahead effect execution flag is ON, a look-ahead effect selection process, which will be described later, is executed (S6302), and the process ends. The pre-reading effect selection process is a process of setting the pre-reading notice mode from the pre-reading notice distribution table selected by the pre-determination command, and corresponds to S5011 to S5013 of the pre-reading notice setting process of the second and third embodiments.

On the other hand, when the look-ahead effect execution flag is not ON (the result of S6301 is "N"), the effect control device 300 sets a predetermined look-ahead notice mode for the display of the pending memory to be read-ahead. When the look-ahead effect execution flag is off, a predetermined display mode is set for the display of the pending memory to be read-ahead regardless of the degree of expectation. After that, the processing after S5007 is executed.

[Look-ahead effect selection processing]
Next, the details of the prefetching effect selection process in the prefetching announcement setting process of the fourth embodiment described above will be described. FIG. 64 is a flow chart showing the procedure of prefetch effect selection processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The look-ahead effect selection process is a process of setting a look-ahead notice mode (see FIG. 65) from the look-ahead notice allocation table (see FIG. 66) at the time of the selected loss or big hit.

Effect control device 300, first, acquires reach system information of pending storage to be prefetched from the received start opening winning effect command (S6401).

Next, the effect control device 300 selects a prefetching notice mode from the reach system information acquired in the prefetching notice distribution table set in S5009 or S5010 and S6401 (S6402).

Next, the effect control device 300 is a pending memory subsequent to the target pending memory, and sets the display mode selected in S6402 to the display mode of the pending memory that continuously executes the look-ahead effect (S6403), End this process. By the processing of S6403, the display mode of the subsequent pending storage is set, and the degree of expectation of the pending storage to be prefetched is notified.

[Pre-read notice mode]
Next, the details of the continuous prefetch announcement mode in this embodiment will be described. 65A and 65B are diagrams showing a pre-reading notice mode according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a diagram showing a continuous display form of pending memory displayed as a pre-reading effect, and (B) is a pre-reading It is a figure showing the relationship between an advance notice mode and an expectation degree. FIG. 66 is a diagram showing a pre-reading notice allocation table according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 65(A) is a diagram showing a form of pending storage displayed as a look-ahead effect. Here, four pending memories from Hold 1 to Hold 4 are displayed as a continuous look-ahead effect. The pattern at the head of the train represents memory 1, which is a reserved memory to be read ahead. Also, the picture of the freight car following the memory 1 represents the memory 2, and the further picture of the freight car represents the memory 3 and the memory 4.

As will be explained in the screen transition diagram of FIG. 67, when a reserved memory to be read ahead wins, a predetermined display mode (for example, a train) is first displayed as a reserved memory as a look-ahead effect. Subsequently, when there is another prize, the pending memory of the subsequent prize is displayed in a predetermined manner (for example, a freight car).

In (B), three types of freight cars having cargo amounts corresponding to expectations are exemplified. The cargo of the freight car increases in cargo amount from anticipation mode A with low expectation to anticipation mode C with high anticipation. It should be noted that which freight car is displayed is set in the above-described look-ahead effect selection process.

In this way, the present embodiment produces expectations by the pending memory that follows the prefetched pending memory. The greater the number of displayed freight cars, the easier it is to predict the content of fluctuations, and the higher the reliability of the advance notice, which has the effect of suppressing the final blow.

Further, in the pre-reading notice distribution table of the present embodiment, "no change" is not set as the notice mode as compared with the pre-reading notice distribution table of the second embodiment. Therefore, one of the look-ahead modes A to C is selected for any reach system information.

[Screen transition of look-ahead effect in this embodiment]
FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when there is a prefetch target win and three subsequent wins in Special Figure 1, in order to explain the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

(A) is a screen in which the special symbol (identification information) is fluctuating while the special symbol 1 variable display game is being executed with the result being "lost". On the screen, there is a reserved memory represented by a white circle in Special Figure 1.

(B) is a screen in which there is a prefetch target win and prefetch effect is executed with the prefetch target pending memory in a predetermined form. It is displayed as a train at the same time as winning a prize.

(C) is a screen in which there is a further prize, and the prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent prize of the pending memory of the prefetch target. The subsequent reserved memory is displayed as a look-ahead mode B with an expectation level of "middle", and the expectation level of the big win is increased.

(D) is a screen in which the previous win of the prefetch target is completed, a new variable display game is started, and there is another win, and the prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent win. Since the subsequent pending memory is displayed as the look-ahead mode A with the "low" expectation level, the expectation level is lowered.

(E) is a screen in which there is another prize, and the look-ahead effect is executed as the subsequent prize. Since the subsequent pending memory is displayed as the look-ahead mode C with the degree of expectation "high", the degree of expectation increases.

(F) is a screen on which the variable display game of the reserved memory to be read ahead has started.

(G) is a screen in which the fluctuation display game of the hold memory to be read ahead is executed after that, and the fluctuation is stopped. Once confirmed, the pending memory displayed as a freight car is displayed as a normal pending memory (open circle pending memory).

The timing for returning the subsequent reserved memory displayed in the look-ahead mode to the normal display mode is when the result of the variable display game of the read-ahead target reserved memory is confirmed as in (G), and when the look-ahead target reserved memory is returned to the normal display mode. It may be the time when the variable display game is started, or the time when the variable display game to be executed next to the variable display game of the pending memory to be read ahead is started.

[Effect of the fourth embodiment]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the reserved memory to be read ahead is displayed in a predetermined form, and the reserved memory subsequent to the reserved memory to be read ahead is displayed in a form that presents the degree of expectation. displayed as In particular, the greater the number of subsequent wins, the higher the reliability of the look-ahead effect. Therefore, it has the effect of suppressing the final blow after winning the prize of the prefetch target.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the display modes of the reserved memory to be read ahead and the subsequent reserved memory are displayed with continuity, such as a train and a freight car, for example, to enhance the game. In addition, it is possible to enhance the decorativeness of the display mode of the starting memory. Therefore, the look-ahead effect further enhances the amusement of the game.

(Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the reserved memory to be read ahead and the subsequent reserved memory are displayed in a predetermined form with continuity (for example, a train and a freight car are displayed, and the degree of expectation is produced by the cargo amount of the freight car. )did. On the other hand, in the first modification of the fourth embodiment, while the look-ahead effect is performed in a predetermined form with continuity, the expectations are set as a form that is connected as a pattern or a form that is not connected (for example, a block form). (See FIG. 69).

Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 68 to 71. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the fourth embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Look-ahead effect selection processing]
FIG. 68 is a flow chart showing the procedure of prefetch effect selection processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the pre-reading notice setting process of the modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the process of selecting the pre-reading mode according to the number of the reserved memory subsequent to the reserved memory to be pre-read is the fourth embodiment. It is added to the look-ahead effect selection process of the form.

Effect control device 300, subsequent to the processing of S6401, checks whether the subsequent pending storage is the pending storage (S6801). Next, a prefetching mode is selected from the prefetching notice allocation table (see FIG. 70) set in S5009 or S5010, the reach system information, and the storage number (S6802).

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the look-ahead mode selected in S6802 for the display of the pending memory to be displayed (S6403), and then ends this processing.

[Pre-read notice mode]
Next, the details of the continuous prefetch announcement mode in the present embodiment will be described. 69A and 69B are diagrams showing a pre-reading notice mode of Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which memory 1 to memory 4 are connected as a pre-reading notice mode; Also, FIG. 70 is a diagram showing a pre-reading prior notice distribution table of Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 69(A), the pre-reading announcement forms A to D are, for example, block forms partially having concaves or convexes. (B) shows an aspect in which the pre-reading advance notice aspects A to D are connected.

Prefetching announcement mode A is selected for memory 1 to be prefetched. Subsequent memories 2 to 4 are selected from the pre-reading notice distribution table shown in FIG.

When pre-reading notice mode B is displayed as memory 2 next to pre-reading notice mode A of memory 1, it is connected as a picture, but when pre-reading notice mode C is displayed as memory 2, it is not connected as a picture. In this way, the present embodiment is characterized in that the expectation level is high when the patterns are connected and the expectation level is low when the patterns are not connected.

[Screen transition of look-ahead effect in this embodiment]
FIG. 71 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when there is a prefetch target win and three subsequent wins in special figure 1, in order to explain Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. is. FIGS. 71A to 71C show pre-reading notice modes in which the pictures are connected from the start of the pre-reading notice effect, and (D1) to (E1) show screen transitions when the pictures are further connected. (D2) to (E2) represent screen transitions when patterns are not connected.

(A) is a screen in which the special symbol (identification information) is fluctuating while the special symbol 1 variable display game is being executed with the result being "lost". On the screen, there is a reserved memory represented by a white circle in Special Figure 1.

(B) is a screen in which there is a prefetch target win and prefetch effect is executed with the prefetch target pending memory in a predetermined form. The pending memory is displayed as a pre-reading announcement mode A at the same time as winning a prize. In addition, along with the start of the look-ahead effect, the subsequent memory display portion indicated by the dashed line is displayed by changing from the "circle" to the "outer frame" of the look-ahead notice mode. The dashed line display of this pre-reading preview mode (broken line display of blocks) is called "navigation", and the navigation is displayed as a linked mode.

(C) is a screen in which there is a further prize, and the prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent prize of the pending memory of the prefetch target. The subsequent pending memory is displayed as a look-ahead announcement mode B in the same form as navigation, increasing the expectation of a big win.

Next, the screens from D1 to E1 to which the subsequent pending memory patterns are further connected will be described.

(D1) is a screen in which the pending memory immediately before the prefetch target is consumed, a new variable display game is started, there is a prize, and a prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent prize. The subsequent pending memory is displayed as a pre-reading announcement mode C in the same form as navigation, further increasing the degree of expectation.

(E1) is a screen in which there is another prize, and the look-ahead effect is executed as the subsequent prize. The subsequent pending memory is displayed as a pre-reading notice mode D in the same form as the navigation, and the pre-reading notice modes A to D are connected, further increasing the degree of expectation. In addition, the player is given a sense of accomplishment by coming into contact with the completed form of the look-ahead effect.

On the other hand, from D2 to E2 are screen transitions when patterns are not connected.

(D2) is a screen in which the previous win of the prefetch target is completed, a new variable display game is started, and there is another win, and the prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent win. The subsequent pending memory is displayed as a pre-reading announcement mode B that is different from navigation, and the degree of expectation is lowered.

(E2) is a screen in which there is another prize, and the look-ahead effect is executed as the subsequent prize. The subsequent reserved memory is displayed as a pre-reading notice mode D in the same form as navigation, but is not linked as a series of pre-reading notices, so the degree of expectation is low.

[Effect of modification 1 of the fourth embodiment]
As described above, according to Modified Example 1 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the pending memory to be prefetched is displayed in a predetermined form, and the pending memory subsequent to the pending memory to be prefetched is displayed according to the expectations It is displayed as a form that directs In particular, the greater the number of subsequent wins, the higher the reliability of the look-ahead effect. In addition, when a look-ahead effect connecting up to hold 4 is performed, the player is given an exhilarating feeling and a sense of accomplishment, and the sense of anticipation is heightened. Therefore, it has the effect of suppressing the final blow after winning the prize of the prefetch target.

Further, according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the display mode of the pending memory to be prefetched and the subsequent pending memory are displayed as, for example, blocks with unevenness, and whether or not the blocks are connected is displayed. It has a game property. Therefore, the look-ahead effect further enhances the amusement of the game.

(Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment)
In the modification 1 of the fourth embodiment, the degree of expectation is expressed by connecting/not connecting the subsequent reserved memory patterns. On the other hand, in the modification 2 of the fourth embodiment, the degree of expectation is expressed by the presence or absence of the relevance of the pattern in the subsequent reserved memory (see FIG. 72).

Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 72 to 73. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the fourth embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Screen transition of look-ahead effect in this embodiment]
FIG. 72 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition when there is a prefetch target win and three subsequent wins in the special figure 1, in order to explain the modification 2 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. is. FIGS. 72A to 72D show screen transitions related to patterns, and (E1) to (E3) show screen transitions when patterns are related, when they are not related, and when patterns are not displayed. Also, FIG. 73 is a diagram showing group A and group B as groups having different relationships of patterns. Here, as an example, fruits are grouped in group A and sea creatures are grouped in group B, but it is desirable that the contents and characters match the theme of the gaming machine. Also, the degree of expectation may differ depending on the displayed group.

(A) is a screen in which the special symbol (identification information) is fluctuating while the special symbol 1 variable display game is being executed with the result being "lost". On the screen, there is a reserved memory represented by a white circle in Special Figure 1.

(B) is a screen in which there is a prefetch target win and prefetch effect is executed with the prefetch target pending memory in a predetermined form. At the same time as winning a prize, a group of pre-reading announcement modes is selected, and reserved memory is displayed as group A grapes here. However, subsequent pending stores are not necessarily selected from the same group.

(C) is a screen in which there is a further prize, and the prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent prize of the pending memory of the prefetch target. The subsequent reserved memory is displayed as a melon of the same group A as the pre-reading target, increasing the expectation of a big win.

(D) is a screen in which there is a further prize, and the prefetch effect is executed as the subsequent prize of the pending memory of the prefetch target. The subsequent reserved memory is displayed as an apple of the same group A as the prefetch target, further increasing the expectation of a big win.

Next, a case where there is a prize and a case where the pattern of the subsequent pending memory is displayed in association with the pending memory to be read ahead and a case where it is displayed without association will be described using screens E1 to E3.

(E1) is a screen in which a pending 4 prize is won, and the subsequent pending memory is displayed as a pineapple of the same group A as the prefetch target. A pre-reading announcement form of group A having relationships as fruits from pre-reading target hold 1 to hold 4 is displayed, which is a pre-reading effect with a high degree of expectation.

(E2) is a screen displayed as a turtle of group B, which is different from the target of prefetching, and that there is a prize for reservation 4, and the subsequent reservation storage is a turtle. The tortoise of reservation 4 has no relevance as a fruit, and is a look-ahead effect with an expectation level of "medium".

(E3) is a screen in which there is a prize in reservation 4, and the subsequent reservation memory is displayed as a white circle. The white circle of Suspension 4 is a normal display mode that is not a pre-reading announcement mode, so it is a pre-reading effect with a low expectation level.

[Effect of modification 2 of the fourth embodiment]
As described above, according to the modification 2 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the pending memory to be prefetched is displayed in a predetermined form, and the pending memory subsequent to the pending memory to be prefetched is displayed according to the expectation level It is displayed as a form that directs In particular, the reliability of the look-ahead effect increases as the number of subsequent wins increases. In addition, when a read-ahead effect related to hold 4 is performed, the player is given a sense of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment, and the sense of anticipation is heightened. Therefore, it has the effect of suppressing the final blow after winning the prize of the prefetch target.

Further, according to the modification 2 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, there is a game aspect of whether or not the display modes of the pending memory to be prefetched and the subsequent pending memory have relevance. Therefore, the look-ahead effect improves the amusement of the game. Recognition of relevance (for example, recognition that fruit is the theme) enhances the interest of the game.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, in the look-ahead effect, when a start memory is added by winning a prize at the start gate, the notice mode is displayed in the display mode of the start memory. Even if it was detected, the look-ahead effect was not performed and was only disabled. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the contents of the advance notice of the look-ahead effect are expressed by overflowing the reserved memory (see FIG. 74).

A fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. Descriptions of items common to the fourth embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Screen transition of look-ahead effect in this embodiment]
FIG. 74 shows a case where there is a prefetch target win and four subsequent wins (three are reserved and one is overflow) in special figure 1 to explain the fifth embodiment of the present invention. is a diagram showing an example of the screen transition of.

(A) is a screen in which there is a win for the prefetch target and the screen is shifted to a prefetch preview effect screen. The pre-reading notice effect screen is a screen having a size that occupies most of the display area of the display device 41, and is part of the pre-reading effect. On the look-ahead preview effect screen, for example, the title is first displayed to notify the start of the look-ahead effect. Also, on the look-ahead notice effect screen, the variable display game being executed is displayed at a position off the center of the screen.

(B) is a screen in which there is a further prize and the effect screen of the first frame is displayed. For example, an unsuspecting frog appears and constitutes the beginning of the production.

(C) is a screen in which there is a further prize and the effect screen of the second frame is displayed. For example, a confident snake appears and forms the middle stage of the production.

(D) is a screen in which there is a further prize and the effect screen of the third frame is displayed. For example, the snake is about to attack the frog, which constitutes the end of the production.

(E) is a screen in which there is another prize, and the fourth frame of the effect screen is displayed due to the overflow of the prize. For example, the final scene (overflow effect) of the prefetch effect is displayed, in which the frog that the snake tried to attack is actually larger, and the snake is held down and the snake loses. is notified to the player. The display of the final scene completes the story of the pre-reading effect. Alternatively, the result of the lottery to be read ahead can be known in advance by the display of the final scene.

Also, although not shown, when a scene in which the snake wins over the frog is displayed in the final scene displayed when the overflow occurs, the player is notified of the result of the anticipation effect with high expectations. .

In this way, every time a prize is won, the effect of the pre-reading preview effect screen progresses, and the pending memory overflows, thereby completing the pre-reading effect. Therefore, in the look-ahead effect, it is possible to execute a narrative effect, which enhances the amusement of the game. In addition, in the effect of the final scene of the look-ahead effect, for example, by providing an effect that gives the player a sense of surprise, the interest in the game increases. In addition, since the look-ahead performance progresses to the stage corresponding to the number of reservations, it has the effect of suppressing the stop shot, and the completion of the look-ahead performance is sought to induce the overflow of the reservation memory, thereby increasing the operating rate of the game machine. can be done.

In FIG. 74, the case where the pending memory to be prefetched occurred in the pending memory 1 was explained, but in the present embodiment, it is the case where the pending memory to be prefetched occurs in the pending memory 2 to the pending memory 4. Even if overflow occurs, the above look-ahead effect can be executed.

For example, instead of progressing the pre-reading preview effect screen every time a pending memory subsequent to the pre-reading target pending memory occurs, when the pending memory overflows, the pre-reading preview effect screen progresses at a predetermined time interval. may In addition, when the reserved memory overflows, the pre-reading notice effect screen may be advanced by an operation input by the player. Furthermore, when the reserved memory overflows, the pre-reading notice effect screen may progress each time the general prize winning opening 35 is won.

Further, the display of the final scene of the look-ahead foretelling effect screen may be conditional on an operation input by the player instead of the overflow of the pending memory.

Further, the pre-reading notice effect screen does not occupy most of the display area of the display device 41, and may be a screen displayed in a small size in a part of the display area. For example, as in Modification 3 of the third embodiment of the present application, it is conceivable to display the preview effect screen in an arbitrary size by using a small window.

Also, the look-ahead foretelling effect screen may be terminated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and may appear each time a start winning or an overflow is detected.

[Effects of the fifth embodiment]
As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the pre-reading effect is executed by the pre-reading notice effect screen that occupies most of the display area of the display device 41 . Therefore, the expressiveness of the look-ahead effect is enhanced, and it is possible to provide the player with a highly entertaining look-ahead effect.

Further, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the effect of the pre-reading preview effect screen progresses each time a prize is won. Therefore, the progress of the effect enhances the interest of the game, and has the effect of suppressing the stop shot of the player who wants the progress of the effect. In particular, in the progress of the pre-reading effect, by giving a theme and a narrative throughout the pre-reading effect, it is possible to create a fresh pre-reading effect that has never existed before.

Further, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ascertain the content of the advance notice of the look-ahead effect due to the occurrence of the overflow of the reserved memory. Therefore, it is possible to satisfy the desire of a player who wants to know the lottery result in advance, and has the effect of suppressing the stopping of the player who wants to be informed of the lottery result in advance and increasing the operation rate of the gaming machine.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the look-ahead window was displayed only for the pending storage to be looked-ahead. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to display a prefetch window for the pending memory to be prefetched and the subsequent pending memory (see FIG. 75). Also, the mini-variation display game executed in the look-ahead window in the third embodiment is different from the variation-display game executed after the reserved memory of the look-ahead target is consumed. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the variation mode of the variable display game based on the reserved memory is executed as it is in the look-ahead window to provide a look-ahead effect.

The sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 75 to 77. FIG. Descriptions of items common to the third embodiment will be omitted, and only different items will be described.

[Screen transition of look-ahead effect in this embodiment]
FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition to a look-ahead game mode screen when there are four reserved memories in special figure 1, in order to explain the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(A) is a screen with four pending memories from Hold 1 to Hold 4 in Toku-zu 1. Hold 1 on the screen (A) is called memory A, hold 2 is called memory B, hold 3 is called memory C, and hold 4 is called memory D. Memory A is a pending memory that causes a look-ahead game mode to be executed. The look-ahead game mode is executed only during changes in pending storage that cause the look-ahead game mode to be executed.

(B) is a screen in which the look-ahead game mode is executed by digestion of the memory A. FIG. In the look-ahead game mode, for example, the screen is divided into upper and lower parts, and the upper part of the screen is used as a notice area for displaying game information, and the lower part of the screen is used as a pending effect area for displaying a small window. In the small window, the variable display game currently being executed and the variable display game in pending memory are displayed. All reserved memories are represented as a floating display game, and the contents of the reserved memories can be viewed in a small window.

The notice area collects expectations for all reserved memories, for example, morning background, noon background, and night background, and notifies the expectations so as to gradually increase. In FIG. 75, the morning background with a low expectation is selected as the notification mode of the expectation in the notice area.

The small windows are Window 1, Window 2, Window 3, and Window 4 in order from the left, and Window 1 displays the memory A variable display game currently being varied on the special figure 1 display device 51. Window 2 displays the variable display game of memory B which is currently pending 1, window 3 displays the variable display game of memory C which is currently pending 2, and window 4 displays the variable display game of memory D which is currently pending 3. be.

(C) is a screen in which the variable display game of memory B of hold 1 is in the ready-to-win mode. During the look-ahead game mode, each reserved memory is displayed in a small window, and the variation of the variable display game based on each reserved memory is displayed in the small window. In the small window, a display corresponding to the decoration special symbol to be variably displayed when the decoration special symbol variation display game is executed based on the corresponding starting memory is performed.

(D) is a screen in which Window 2 is enlarged by the player's operation. The player can enlarge and confirm any small window by using the select button and push button of the operation buttons 25, and can confirm the type of reach in the enlarged window.

Further, each time only the push button of the operation button 25 is operated, for example, Window 1 is enlarged, Window 2 is enlarged, Window 3 is enlarged, Window 4 is enlarged, and no enlargement is displayed. Small windows skip zooming.

(E) is a diagram in which a predetermined period of time has passed since the look-ahead game mode was executed, and the change in the pending memory indicating that the lottery result is "losing" has stopped as a mode of loosing. In the fluctuation time in the small window, a uniform look-ahead game mode fluctuation time is set, and only the non-reach fluctuation is displayed in advance in the small window, and the reach fluctuation is a read-ahead game as a reach state pattern. exit the mode. In addition, the stop result of Window1 corresponds to the stop result of the special figure 1 indicator 51. In addition, when the reserved memory for executing the look-ahead game mode is a win, the symbol is stopped as a win in Window1. In this case, by enlarging the window 1, it is possible to confirm in more detail the variation up to the finalization of the big win.

(F) is a screen in which the look-ahead game mode is terminated and a normal variable display game execution screen is displayed. At (F), memory B is digested and executed. In the look-ahead game mode, memory B was displayed up to the reach state, but when returning to the execution screen of the normal variation display game, it is displayed from the variation of all symbols.

(G) is a screen in which the variable display game of memory B is in the reach state. It is the same as the ready-to-win mode displayed in the look-ahead game mode, and the result of the lottery is notified after this.

In this way, the feature of the present embodiment is that the contents of the reserved memory are disclosed in advance to provide a look-ahead effect.

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, details of the variation pattern setting process according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 76 is a flow chart showing the procedure of variation pattern setting processing according to the sixth embodiment of this invention.

In the variation pattern setting process of the present embodiment, a process of setting a variation pattern selection table corresponding to the set state of the look-ahead game mode flag is added to the variation pattern setting process of the first embodiment.

The game control device 100 first checks whether or not the symbol information for work stored in the symbol information area of the RWM is lost symbol information, and determines (S2801, S2802).

When the symbol information for work is lost symbol information (the result of S2802 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the look-ahead game mode flag is ON (S7601). The look-ahead game mode flag is set to ON when a pending memory for executing the look-ahead game mode occurs, and is set to OFF at the start of the change.

When the look-ahead game mode flag is on (the result of S7601 is "Y"), the game control device 100 selects the losing variation pattern selection table for the look-ahead game mode in order to execute a variation display game in a small window. An address is acquired and prepared (S7602). A uniform variation time is set in the losing variation pattern selection table for the look-ahead game mode. After that, the processing after S2805 is executed.

When the look-ahead game mode flag is off (the result of S7601 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets the losing variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 30B) in order to execute a normal variation display game. address is acquired and prepared (S2803), and then the processing from S2805 onwards is executed.

On the other hand, when the symbol information for work is not the lost symbol information (the result of S2802 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the look-ahead game mode flag is ON (S7603).

When the look-ahead game mode flag is on (the result of S7603 is "Y"), the game control device 100 selects the winning variation pattern selection table for the look-ahead game mode in order to execute a variation display game in a small window. An address is acquired and prepared (S7604). Note that the variation time is uniformly set in the hit variation pattern selection table for the look-ahead game mode. Since the same time value is uniformly set in the hit variation pattern selection table for the look-ahead game mode and the loss variation pattern selection table for the look-ahead game mode, multiple variations are completed simultaneously in the look-ahead effect with a small window in the look-ahead game mode. can be made After that, the processing after S2805 is executed.

When the look-ahead game mode flag is off (the result of S7603 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets the winning variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 30A) to execute a normal variation display game. address is obtained and prepared (S2804), and then the processes after S2805 are executed.

[Screen transition when transitioning to the look-ahead game mode screen with 3 pending memories]
FIG. 77 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition to the look-ahead game mode screen when there are three reserved memories in special figure 1, in order to explain the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(A) is a screen with three pending memories from hold 1 to hold 3 in special figure 1. The hold 1 on the screen (A) is called memory A, the hold 2 is called memory B, and the hold 3 is called memory C. Here, memory A is a pending memory that causes the look-ahead game mode to be executed.

(B) is a screen in which the look-ahead game mode is executed by digestion of the memory A. FIG. The variable display game of memory A is displayed in window 1, the variable display game of memory B is displayed in window 2, and the variable display game of memory C is displayed in window 3.

Here, since Window 4 does not have pending memory of Hold 4, only the window frame is displayed and the variable display game is not displayed.

(C) is a screen showing a new winning during the look-ahead game mode. The display of pending memory on the upper left of the screen is increased by one from (B). However, Windows 4 does not display the variable display game for the new prize.

In this way, the small window only displays the reserved memory when the look-ahead game mode is executed.

[Effects of the sixth embodiment]
As described above, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, when the pending memory for executing the prefetching game mode is consumed, the prefetching game mode is entered, and until the variable display game of the pending memory ends. The look-ahead game mode continues for one variation of . In the look-ahead game mode, the contents of the decoration special pattern that fluctuates in the variable display game based on the reserved memory are displayed as they are in the small window. Therefore, the player can grasp in advance what kind of change will be made in which hold.

Further, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to enlarge and display any small window by the operation of the player. In particular, since the type of reach can be found by the enlarged display, it is possible to grasp in advance detailed fluctuations of the reserved memory, which is of great interest to the player. Therefore, the player can grasp the degree of expectation for the big win in advance.

Further, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the notice area notifies the degree of expectation for all pending memories as, for example, the morning background, daytime background, and night background, and the pending effect area The variable display game being executed and the variable display game in pending storage are individually displayed in small sizes. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with novel prefetch effects that have never existed before.

Also, the variation time within the small window is uniformly set, and is displayed as a constant stop mode or ready-to-reach mode by the time the look-ahead game mode ends. Therefore, when shifting from the look-ahead game mode to the normal variable display game screen, the display mode can be shifted without giving the player a sudden feeling.

Further, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in the look-ahead game mode, the variable display game that becomes reachable only fluctuates up to the reachable state within the small window. Therefore, the ready-to-win performance itself, which enhances the player's sense of anticipation, can be performed using the entire display area of the display device 41 with a sense of realism, thereby increasing the player's sense of expectation for the determination of the big win.

In addition, in the present application, in controlling not to execute the look-ahead effect, it may be controlled not to execute at least the winning effect, such as executing only the chance-up effect, not executing the intense heat effect, or the like.

Also, the look-ahead effect may be executed as a so-called continuous notice that consumes a plurality of pending memories as a series of effects.

In addition, the compressed data (compressed distribution code) described in this application may be used for determining random numbers for jackpots and determining normal patterns in addition to distributing fluctuation pattern random numbers, and may also be used for determining random numbers in slot machines. good too.

Based on the above description, representative aspects of the present invention other than those described in the claims are as follows.

(1) A variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed, and progress of the variable display game based on a plurality of random numbers obtained based on winning of a game ball in a starting winning area. A game control means for performing control and an effect control means for performing display control in the variable display device are provided, and a game value is given to a player when the result of the variable display game becomes a predetermined special result. In a gaming machine capable of generating a special game state, the game control means extracts a plurality of random numbers relating to execution of the variable display game based on winning of a game ball in the start winning area, and stores the start of the variable display game. and a start memory holding means capable of storing up to a predetermined number as an upper limit, and the result of the variable display game is determined in advance based on the random number stored as the start memory in the start memory holding means, and game result information is generated. A game result preliminary determination means, and a preliminary determination information transmission means capable of transmitting game result information generated by the game result preliminary determination means as preliminary determination information to the performance control means, wherein the performance control means are starting memory display means for displaying each starting memory stored in the starting memory holding means in a recognizable manner to the player; Execution content preliminary determination means for determining in advance the execution content of the display game; and the variable display executed based on the starting memory to which the preliminary determination information is transmitted, based on the preliminary determination result of the execution content preliminary determination means. advance notice notification means capable of executing advance notice notification suggesting in advance the execution content of the game, wherein the advance notice notification means determines the degree of expectation of the starting memory to be the target of the advance notice notification. The game machine is characterized in that an advance notice is given to the player by the display mode of the starting memory added after the starting memory.

(2) The effect control means, when a start memory to be the target of the advance notice occurs, displays a look-ahead notification screen corresponding to the start memory on the variable display device, and each time a new start memory occurs, The display contents of the prefetch notification screen are updated, the reliability of the advance notice is increased, and the final mode of the prefetch notification screen is displayed based on the detection of winning in the start winning area exceeding the upper limit number. The gaming machine according to (1), characterized by:

(3) The game control means includes random number determination means for determining the obtained plurality of random values using a predetermined determination value, and normal probability setting means capable of setting a high-probability state in which the probability of winning is higher than the probability state; A normal judgment value set when the normal game state is set, or the high probability state is set as a judgment value for making the result mode of the variable display game a special result among the random numbers. A high-probability judgment value that is set at a time is set according to the probability state, and whether the special result is based on which judgment value, the normal judgment value or the high-probability judgment value, is determined in the prior judgment The game machine according to (1) or (2), which is distinguishable.

(4) The random number determination means includes variation start time determination means for performing a determination when executing the variation display game associated with the random number value, and the prior determination means and the variation start time determination means are different. The gaming machine according to (3), characterized by using a judgment module.

(5) The random number determination means includes variation pattern determination means for determining a random value for determining a variation pattern of the variation display game among the plurality of random values, and the variation pattern determination means is the preliminary determination means. The gaming machine according to (4), wherein the same determination module as is used.

(6) The random number determination means masks the values distributed and acquired by the prior determination means with mask data set according to the probability state, and uses flag data obtained as a result of the masking. The gaming machine according to (5), wherein the determination result is derived by

(7) The random number determination means includes determination value storage means for storing a first determination value corresponding to the predetermined determination value, and converting the first determination value into a second determination value that is the predetermined determination value. and determination value conversion means for storing the first determination value, wherein the determination value storage means stores the first determination value with a capacity smaller than the capacity required to store the second determination value (3 ) to (6).

In addition, the following are representative aspects of the present invention other than those described in the claims.

(8) In a gaming machine capable of generating a special game state in which a game value is awarded to a player when the result of the variable display game becomes a predetermined special result, an operation means operable by the player, and a starting winning. starting memory holding means capable of extracting a random number relating to the execution of the variable display game based on winning of a game ball in the area and storing up to a predetermined number as a starting memory of the variable display game, based on the random number; advance determination means for determining in advance the content of execution of the variable display game; and advance notice notification means, wherein the advance notice notice means is capable of executing the notice notice in response to the operation of the operation means.

1 game machine 2 body frame (outer frame)
3 front frame (game frame)
10 Game board 34 Normal figure starting gate 35 General winning opening 36 First starting winning opening 37 Second starting winning opening 38 Special fluctuation winning device 41 Display device 46 Center case 50 Normal figure/Special figure indicator 100 Game control device 200 Payout control Device 300 Production control device 400 Power supply device

Claims (1)

A game is executed based on the winning of a game ball into a starting hole, and when the result of the game is a special result, a special game state that is advantageous to the player can be generated, and after the special game state ends, a normal game is played. In a gaming machine capable of generating a specific game state that is more advantageous to a player than a game state,
The starting port includes a first starting port and a second starting port that can be converted between an easy winning state and a non-easy winning state unlike the first starting port,
Production control means for controlling game production;
display means capable of displaying a predetermined image;
a first start storage means capable of storing a first start memory that is the execution right of the game that is executed based on the winning of the game ball to the first start port;
a second start storage means capable of storing a second start memory that is the execution right of the game that is executed based on the winning of the game ball to the second start port;
advance determination means capable of determining in advance whether or not the special game state will occur before the game corresponding to the first start memory or the game corresponding to the second start memory is executed; including
The production control means is
a first starting memory display corresponding to the first starting memory and a second starting memory display corresponding to the second starting memory can be displayed on the display means;
Based on the determination result of the prior determination means, it is possible to execute a look-ahead effect that changes the display mode of the corresponding first start memory display or the second start memory display,
Regarding the occurrence of the special game state, it has a plurality of groups consisting of mutually related display modes, and one group can be selected from among the plurality of groups to execute a look-ahead effect, and the execution is being performed. It is possible to notify whether the special game state will occur by a change in the display mode corresponding to the look-ahead effect,
The degree of expectation that the special game state occurs is
In the display area in which one of the first starting memory display and the second starting memory display is displayed side by side in order of occurrence, a plurality of starting memory displays in display modes belonging to one group are displayed. When displayed side by side, the starting memory display in the display mode belonging to the one group and the starting memory display in the display mode not belonging to the one group are displayed side by side,
The game machine is characterized in that, in the specific game state, a look-ahead effect for the first start memory is not executed.

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