JP5921369B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention advantageously favorable state controllable pachinko machine or a slot for the player when a particular display result was derived displayed on the variable display means for deriving display the display result after starting the variable display of the identification information Related to gaming machines such as machines.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined game value is given. is there. In addition, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit becomes a specific display result, a predetermined game value Are configured to give the player.

  The game value is, for example, that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is easy to win, or is advantageous for a player. The game's rights, conditions for paying out game media are easily established, game media are paid out, and points necessary for playing the game are given (however, , They are an example.)

  In a pachinko machine, a predetermined specific display result is derived and displayed as a variable display display result of a special symbol (identification information) that is started in the variable display unit based on the winning of the game medium at the start winning opening. A specific gaming state occurs. The derived display is to stop the display of symbols (excluding stop before so-called re-variable display). When the specific gaming state occurs, for example, the special winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a transition is made to the specific gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round.

  In the variable display section, the symbols other than the symbol that will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) are stopped, swung, and enlarged in a state that continues for a predetermined time and matches the specific display result. The occurrence of a specific gaming state before the final result is displayed due to a reduced or deformed state, or multiple symbols are variably displayed synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol is switched An effect performed in a state where the possibility continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion is not the specific display result, it becomes “displaced” and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a specific gaming state.

  In such gaming machines, there is a gaming machine that stops and displays special symbols that are not variably displayed during the change of the identification information (except for a predetermined period before the end of the fluctuation) when a predetermined type of hit occurs ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-147633 A

  However, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 gives a predetermined notification to the player by stopping and displaying a special symbol, but the special machine that is not variably displayed during variation in each of the three independent symbol display areas. Since a simple symbol is displayed, there is a problem that it is difficult for the player to grasp that the symbol has stopped.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention that a special identification information is so when it is displayed, the identification information is displayed is readily recognized by the player.

(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention has variable display means (for example, effect display) having a plurality of variable display areas (for example, symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R) for performing variable display of identification information (for example, effect symbols). Device) that can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit game state) advantageous to the player when a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol) is derived, and the variable display means can change the identification information. Variable display execution means for executing display (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, a portion for executing the processing of steps S825, S831 to S833, S841 to S843) and specific effect execution means for executing a specific effect (for example, In the production control microcomputer 100, step S84 is performed on the basis of the variation pattern accompanied by pseudo-continuous variation. ～S847, comprising a part) and executing the processing in S841～S843, variable display execution means after changing the display mode corresponding to the display mode of the identifying information to other identifying information, into a plurality of variable display area Special identification information display means for displaying special identification information (see FIG. 29 (I)) in which identification information whose displayed display mode has been changed is integrated (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, variation with special effects) The specific effect executing means can execute the specific effect when the special identification information is displayed (the portion for executing the processes of steps S825, S832, S833, S841 to S843) based on the pattern command ( For example, pseudo continuous variation is executed after the state of FIG. 29I), when special identification information is displayed and a specific effect is executed, In the case where a specific effect without separate information is displayed it is performed, characterized in that advantageously different degrees.
According to such a configuration, there is an effect that the player can easily recognize that the identification information is displayed.

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the specific effect execution means temporarily outputs the specific identification information that becomes the non-specific display result until the display result of the identification information is derived and displayed as the specific effect. It may be configured to perform re-variable display (for example, pseudo-continuous fluctuation) for performing the variable display of the identification information again after being stopped, a predetermined number of times.
According to such a configuration, the player can be noticed by the special identification information.

(3) In the gaming machine of the above (1) or (2), the integrated identification information includes identification information forming a reach aspect (see FIGS. 29D and 29F). Reach effect execution means for executing the reach effect after the display mode becomes the reach mode (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, the processing of steps S845 to S847 and S841 to S843 is executed based on the variation pattern with the reach effect. The special identification information display means stops displaying the special identification information after changing the display mode of the identification information including the identification information forming the reach mode (see FIGS. 29E and 29G). Or, variable display is performed (see FIGS. 29I and 29K), and when special identification information is variably displayed, a special display effect is performed to return the special identification information to the identification information in the normal mode. (FIG. 29 (L) see), reach demonstration execution means, if the special display effect is executed, may be configured to perform the reach demonstration after special display effect is executed.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to make a player pay attention to whether or not the special identification information is stopped and displayed.

(4) In the above gaming machines (1) to (3), reach effect execution means for executing a reach effect after the display mode of the identification information becomes the reach mode (for example, the reach control microcomputer 100 uses the reach control) A portion for executing the processing of steps S831 to S833 and S841 to S843 based on the variation pattern command to become, particularly a portion for executing the processing of S841 to S843 after reaching reach), and a predetermined game value to the player Game value providing means to be provided (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S73 and S171 in the game control microcomputer 560), and the reach effect is a candidate image of identification information derived and displayed as final stop identification information (For example, the same symbol as the left and right stop symbols, and the symbol with one more number than the left and right stop symbols: 37 (C) see) and a predetermined effect suggestion image suggests predetermined effect (e.g., character symbols 9b, 9c: FIG 37 (C) see) and comprises a special reach demonstration to be displayed on the variable display unit (e.g., FIG. 37 (C)), after the special reach effect is executed, the predetermined effect executing means for executing the predetermined effect before the final stop identification information is derived and displayed (for example, in the effect control microcomputer 100, FIG. 40), and the game value providing means is not executed when the predetermined effect is controlled to be in an advantageous state after the predetermined effect is executed. and in, to impart different game value when controlled advantageously state (e.g., for example, in the case of the probability variation big hit, compared to the case of normal big hit, a high percentage As the constant effect is performed to determine whether to execute the predetermined effect.) It may be configured so.
According to such a configuration, after the reach effect is executed, in the gaming machine that executes the predetermined effect before the final stop identification information is derived and displayed, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the predetermined effect.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram showing an example of circuit configuration of an effect control board, a lamp driver board and an audio output board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit determination table and the big hit classification determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern of the production | presentation symbol prepared beforehand. It is explanatory drawing which shows a deviation variation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows a deviation variation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the big hit fluctuation pattern determination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a pending | holding buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result designation | designated command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is explanatory drawing which shows a special effect. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during effect design change. It is a flowchart which shows an effect design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a special reach production. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a predetermined effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a predetermined effect. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation symbol fluctuation start process in a modification.

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

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

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

  An effect display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided near the center of the game area 7. In the effect display device 9, variable display (fluctuation) of the effect symbol (decoration symbol) synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is performed. Therefore, the effect display device 9 corresponds to a variable display device that variably displays an effect symbol (decoration symbol) as identification information. The effect display device 9 is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board. When the first special symbol display 8a is executing variable display of the first special symbol, the effect control microcomputer causes the effect display device 9 to execute the effect display along with the variable display, and the second special symbol display 8a executes the second special display. When the variable display of the second special symbol is executed on the symbol display 8b, the effect display is executed by the effect display device in accordance with the variable display, so that it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the game.

  A first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8 a that variably displays a first special symbol as identification information is provided on the left side of the top of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 8a is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. In other words, the first special symbol display 8a is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9. A second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b that variably displays a second special symbol as identification information is provided on the right side of the upper portion of the effect display device 9 in the game board 6. The second special symbol display 8b is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. That is, the second special symbol display 8b is configured to variably display numbers (or symbols) from 0 to 9.

  In this embodiment, the type of the first special symbol and the type of the second special symbol are the same (for example, both 0 to 9), but the types may be different. Further, the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of, for example, 00 to 99, for example.

  Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol, and the first special symbol indicator 8a and the second special symbol indicator 8b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol indicator.

  For the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first start condition or the second start condition, which is the variable display execution condition, is satisfied (for example, the game ball has the first start winning opening 13 or the second start winning opening) 14), a variable display start condition (for example, when the number of reserved memories is not 0 and the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is not executed) When the variable display time (fluctuation time) elapses, a display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result is to finally stop and display a symbol (an example of identification information).

  The effect display device 9 is for decoration (effect) during the variable display time of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and during the variable display time of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b. The display design (decorative design) is variably displayed. The variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Further, the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b and the variable display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are synchronized. Synchronous means that the start time and end time of variable display are substantially the same (may be exactly the same) and the variable display period is substantially the same (may be exactly the same). In addition, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a and when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 8b, the effect display device 9 causes the jackpot to be recalled. The combination of is stopped.

  In the center of the upper portion of the effect display device 9 on the game board 6, a star shape is configured to be movable downward (on the screen of the effect display device 9, that is, before the screen of the effect display device 9 as viewed from the player). The accessory 200 is provided. The accessory 200 plays a role of notifying that the accessory fall effect is effective, for example, by moving downward when the accessory fall effect (not shown) is being executed. Note that an LED or the like is incorporated in the accessory 200 and is configured to light up when the accessory 200 is moving (operating).

  A winning device having a first start winning port 13 is provided below the effect display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a.

  A variable winning ball device 15 having a second starting winning port 14 through which a game ball can be won is provided below a winning device having a first starting winning port (first starting port) 13. The game ball that has won the second start winning opening (second start opening) 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the second start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be awarded to the second starting winning port 14 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player. In the state where the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is in the open state, it is easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening 14 than the first starting winning opening 13. In addition, in a state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, the game ball does not win the second start winning opening 14. In the state where the variable winning ball device 15 is in the closed state, it may be configured so that it is difficult to win, but it is possible to win (that is, the game ball is difficult to win).

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

  When the variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to be in the open state, the game ball heading for the variable winning ball device 15 is very likely to win the second start winning port 14. The first start winning opening 13 is provided directly under the effect display device 9, but the interval between the lower end of the effect display device 9 and the first start winning opening 13 is further reduced, or the first start winning opening is set. The nail arrangement around the first start winning opening 13 is made difficult to guide the game balls to the first starting winning opening 13 so that the winning rate of the second starting winning opening 14 is increased. It is also possible to make the direction higher than the winning rate of the first start winning opening 13.

  Below the first special symbol display 8a, the number of valid winning balls that have entered the first start winning opening 13, that is, the first reserved memory number (the reserved memory is also referred to as the start memory or the start prize memory) is displayed 4. There is provided a first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a composed of two indicators (for example, LEDs). The first special symbol storage memory indicator 18a increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 each time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Below the second special symbol display 8b is a second special symbol hold comprising four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the second start winning opening 14, that is, the second reserved memory number. A storage indicator 18b is provided. The second special symbol storage memory display 18b increases the number of indicators to be lit by 1 every time there is an effective start winning. Then, each time the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  Further, the display screen of the effect display device 9 is provided with a first reserved memory display unit 18c for displaying the first reserved memory number and a second reserved memory display unit 18d for displaying the second reserved memory number. . In addition, you may make it provide the area | region (sum total pending | holding memory display part) which displays the total number (sum total pending memory count) which is the sum total of the 1st pending memory count and the 2nd pending memory count. By providing a summation pending storage display unit that displays the total number, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that are not satisfied with the variable display start condition.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 that opens and closes only the second start winning opening 14 is provided. Any of the start winning ports 14 may be provided with a variable winning ball device that performs an opening / closing operation.

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

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided at the lower right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the upper and lower lamps (the symbols can be visually recognized when turned on). For example, if the lower lamp is turned on at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is a state that is advantageous from a disadvantageous state for the player when the normal symbol is a stop symbol (a state in which a game ball can be awarded at the second start winning port 14). To change. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having four indicators (for example, LEDs) for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of indicators that are lit is reduced by one.

  In this embodiment, in the short time state (time shortened state), which is a gaming state in which the variable symbol display time is shortened, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased and a variable prize is awarded. The opening time of the ball device 15 is lengthened and the number of times of opening is increased. That is, the game ball is controlled to be in a high base state that is controlled so as to make it easier for the game ball to start and win (that is, the variable display execution conditions in the special symbol indicators 8a and 8b and the effect display device 9 are easily established). Transition. In this embodiment, when a predetermined transition condition is established, a probability variation state (that is, a gaming state with a high probability of being determined to be a big hit compared to the normal state and the short time state) and a short time state ( In other words, the game is shifted to a short time state of probability change, which is a gaming state in which the variable symbol variable display time is shortened compared to the normal state and the probability change state. Even in the short time of probability change, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is lengthened, and the number of times of opening is increased. In other words, the game ball shifts to a high base state, which is a game state that is controlled so as to make it easier to start and win.

  As described above, in the short-time state and the short-time state of the probability change, the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 is lengthened and the number of times of opening is increased, but there is a probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol. By performing the shift control to the normal symbol probability changing state to be raised, the frequency at which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is further increased. Therefore, if the normal symbol probability changing state is entered, the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 are further increased, and a state in which a start winning is easily made (high base state) is achieved. It should be noted that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  It should be noted that, in the probability changing time-short state or the time-shorting state, the normal symbol display unit 10 may shift to the normal symbol time-short state in which the normal symbol change time (variable display period) is shortened. In the normal symbol short-time state, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so that the frequency of starting the variation of the normal symbol increases, and as a result, the frequency of hitting the normal symbol increases. Therefore, when the frequency that the normal symbol is won increases, the frequency that the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened is increased, and the start winning state is easily set (high base state).

  In addition, since the variation time of the special symbol and the production symbol is shortened in the short-time state and the short-time state of the probability change, an effective start winning is likely to occur and the possibility of playing a big hit game is increased.

  Furthermore, by making transitions to all the states shown above (open extended state, normal symbol probability change state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state), it will be easier to win a start (shift to a high base state). May be. In addition, it is easier to win a start (high base) by shifting to any one of the above states (open extended state, normal symbol probability changing state, normal symbol short time state, and special symbol short time state). Transition to a state).

  On the left and right sides of the game area 7 of the game board 6, there are provided decorative LEDs 25 that are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an outlet 26 for taking in a hit ball that has not won. In addition, two speakers 27R and 27L that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame LED 28a, a left frame LED 28b, and a right frame LED 28c provided on the front frame are provided on the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Also, a prize ball LED 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame LED 28b, and a ball cut LED 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame LED 28c. . The top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED 25 are examples of effects light emitters provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition to the above-described various LEDs for production (decoration), LEDs and lamps for production are installed.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, if the variable display of the first special symbol can be started (for example, the variable display of the special symbol ends, 1), the first special symbol display 8a starts variable display (variation) of the first special symbol, and the effect display device 9 starts variable display of the effect symbol (decoration symbol). Is done. That is, the variable display of the first special symbol and the effect symbol corresponds to winning in the first start winning opening 13. If the variable display of the first special symbol cannot be started, the first reserved memory number is increased by 1 on the condition that the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value.

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

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

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The random number circuit 503 is a hardware circuit that is used to generate a random number for determination to determine whether or not to win a jackpot based on a display result of variable symbol special display. The random number circuit 503 updates numerical data in accordance with a set update rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and starts at a random timing Based on the fact that the winning time is the reading (extraction) of the numerical data, it has a random number generation function in which the numerical data to be read becomes a random value.

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

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

  The game control microcomputer 560 reads numerical data as random R from the random number circuit 503 when a start winning to the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a occurs, and starts to change the special symbol and the effect symbol. Sometimes it is determined whether or not to make a big hit display result as a specific display result based on the random R, that is, whether or not to make a big hit. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state advantageous to the player.

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

  A reset signal (not shown) from the power supply board is input to the reset terminal of the game control microcomputer 560. A reset circuit for generating a reset signal supplied to the game control microcomputer 560 and the like is mounted on the power supply board. When the reset signal becomes high level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operable state, and when the reset signal becomes low level, the game control microcomputer 560 and the like are in an operation stop state. Therefore, an allowable signal that allows the operation of the game control microcomputer 560 or the like is output during a period when the reset signal is at a high level, and a game control microcomputer is output when the reset signal is at a low level. An operation stop signal for stopping the operation of 560 or the like is output. Note that the reset circuit may be mounted on each electric component control board (a board on which a microcomputer for controlling the electric parts is mounted).

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the power supply board monitors the voltage value of a predetermined voltage (for example, DC30V or DC5V) used in the gaming machine, and when the voltage value decreases to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage is reduced). A power supply monitoring circuit that outputs a power-off signal indicating that). A clear signal (not shown) indicating that the clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM is operated is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 560.

  Further, an input driver circuit 58 for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a and the count switch 23 to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 instructs the effect contents from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. An effect control command is received, and display control with the effect display device 9 that variably displays effect symbols is performed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the effect display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the effect display device 9.

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

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

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

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

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the LED is input to the LED driver 352 via the input driver 351. The LED driver 352 supplies a drive signal to each LED provided on the frame side such as the top frame LED 28a, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28c. Further, a drive signal is supplied to the decoration LED 25 provided on the game board side. When a light emitter other than the LED is provided, a drive circuit (driver) for driving the light emitter is mounted on the lamp driver substrate 35.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplifier circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speakers 27R and 27L. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the effect design).

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

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

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

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

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 also transmits, to the effect control board 80, a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set in the process of step S43. .

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

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

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol per-determining random number counter, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state are initialized. A value is set.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initial setting of the random number circuit 503 (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program to cause the random number circuit 503 to update the value of the random R.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern of the effect design, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. It is. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is the initial value of the count value of the counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win for a normal symbol (normal random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number to determine. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as an effect display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using an effect symbol (decorative symbol) variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, a reach effect is executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the reach effect by lottery using a random number. However, it is the production control microcomputer 100 that actually executes the reach production control.

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

  Next, the CPU 56 has a first special symbol display 8a, a second special symbol display 8b, a normal symbol display 10, a first special symbol hold storage display 18a, a second special symbol hold storage display 18b, a normal symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the on-hold storage display 41 is executed (step S22). About the 1st special symbol display 8a, the 2nd special symbol display 8b, and the normal symbol display 10, a drive signal is output with respect to each display according to the content of the output buffer set by step S32, S33. Execute control.

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

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1 (MR1): Determine the type of jackpot (normal jackpot, probability variation jackpot) (for jackpot type determination)
(2) Random 4 (MR4): A variation pattern (variation time) is determined (for variation pattern determination)
(3) Random 5 (MR5): Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(4) Random 6 (MR6): Determine the initial value of random 5 (for determining the initial value of random 5)

  In step S23, the game control microcomputer 560 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the jackpot type determination random number (1) and the normal symbol determination random number (3). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers (random 4) or initial value random numbers (random 6). In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may use random numbers other than said random number. In this embodiment, a random number generated by hardware incorporated in the game control microcomputer 560 (or hardware external to the game control microcomputer 560) is used as the jackpot determination random number.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process, corresponding processing is executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the first special symbol indicator 8a, the second special symbol indicator 8b, and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S32). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer, whereby the first special symbol display unit 8a and the second special symbol display unit 8b Variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

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

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S33 (excluding step S29) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Without reaching the reach state (the state before the final stop symbol is derived and displayed, and the possibility that the combination of jackpot symbols is finally stopped by the effect symbol that has already been stopped and displayed) There may be a case where a combination of predetermined production symbols that do not reach reach is stopped and displayed. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of “non-reach” (also referred to as “normally shift”) in a case where the variable display result is a loss symbol.

  When the shifted symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is started after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. After reaching the reach state, a reach effect is executed, and a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not eventually become a jackpot symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect design is referred to as a variable display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach out”) when the variable display result is “out of”.

  In this embodiment, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are all stopped and displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R in the effect display device 9.

  FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a collection of data stored in the ROM 54 and is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The big hit determination table includes a normal big hit determination table used in a normal state (non-probability changing state that is not a probabilistic change state) and a probabilistic big hit determination table used in a probable change state. Each value described in the left column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the normal jackpot determination table, and each value described in the right column of FIG. 7 (A) is set in the probability change jackpot determination table. Is set. The numerical value described in FIG. 7A is a jackpot determination value.

  The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit 503 at a predetermined time and sets the extracted value as the value of the big hit determination random number (random R). The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches any of the big hit determination values, the special symbol is decided to be a big hit (usually big hit, probability variation big hit). Note that the “probability” shown in FIG. 7A indicates the probability (ratio) of a big hit. Further, deciding whether or not to win a jackpot means deciding whether or not to shift to the jackpot gaming state, but the stop symbol in the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b It also means deciding whether or not to make a jackpot symbol.

  FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot type determination table stored in the ROM 54.

  The jackpot type determination table shows that when the variable display result is determined to be a jackpot symbol, based on a random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type, the jackpot type is “normal jackpot” or “probable bonus jackpot”. It is a table that is referred to in order to determine any of the above.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation pattern of the effect symbol prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, in addition to the fluctuation pattern in which the reach effect (normal reach, super reach α, super reach β) is not executed and the change pattern in which the reach effect is executed, the fluctuation of the identification information ( Quasi-continuous variation in which re-variation is performed once or a plurality of times after the identification information is temporarily stopped after the display information is derived and displayed after the variable display) is started. In the following, there is a fluctuation pattern of pseudo continuous fluctuation or pseudo continuous).

  In addition, a special effect (special display effect) may be executed when variable display (variation) is performed based on the variation pattern of super reach α, super reach β, and pseudo-continuous variation. Special effects will be described later. However, when a change is made based on the change pattern of super reach α or super reach β, when the special effect is executed, the change of the effect pattern described later is performed, but the special effect in which the effect symbols are integrated. The effect of displaying the symbol is not executed.

  In addition, when the change is performed based on the change pattern of the super reach α, the super reach β, and the pseudo continuous change not including the special effect, the special effect is not executed during the change of the effect symbol.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the number of re-variations in the pseudo continuous variation is one or two, but pseudo continuous variation in which re-variation is performed three times or more may be used.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing a deviation variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 54. In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, as the deviation variation pattern determination table, a table (FIG. 9 (A)) used when the total number of pending storages is 0 to 4 in the low base state (non-time-short state). Table used when the total pending storage number is 5 to 8 in the low base state (FIG. 9B), used when the total pending storage number is 0 to 2 in the high base state (short-time state) Table (FIG. 10C), and a table (FIG. 10D) that is used when the total pending storage number is 3 to 8 in the high base state.

  In this embodiment, the special effect is not executed when the number of reserved memories is large, but the special effect may be executed even when the number of reserved memories is large.

  In this embodiment, the special effect is not executed in the case of normal reach, but the special effect may be executed in the case of normal reach.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a big hit variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 54.

  Determination values corresponding to each variation pattern are set in the loss variation pattern determination table shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the big hit variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. However, in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, not the determination value itself but the number of determination values is described.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a command 80XX (H) is an effect control command (variation pattern command) for designating a variation pattern of an effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to variable display of a special symbol. (Corresponding to the variation pattern XX, respectively). That is, when a unique number is assigned to each of the usable variation patterns shown in FIG. 8, there is a variation pattern command corresponding to each variation pattern specified by the number. “(H)” indicates a hexadecimal number. The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving the command 80XX (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to start variable display of effect symbols.

  Commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of big hit. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display results of the effect symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H), so the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C03 (H) are referred to as display result designation commands.

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

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

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

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

  Commands A001 to A002 (H) are effect control commands for displaying a fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of a big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation command includes a jackpot start 1 designation command and a jackpot start designation 2 designation command corresponding to the type of jackpot.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a special winning opening) indicating a display of the number of times (round) indicated by XX while the special winning opening is open. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  The command A301 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that the jackpot game is normally a big jackpot (a jackpot end 1 designation command: an ending 1 designation command). is there. Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there.

  Command B000 (H) is an effect control command (normal state designation command) that designates that the gaming state is a normal state. Command B001 (H) is an effect control command (time-short state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is the time-short state. Command B002 (H) is an effect control command (probability change state designation command) for designating that the gaming state is a probability change state. The commands B000 (H) to B002 (H) are referred to as gaming state designation commands.

  Command C0XX (H) is an effect control command (first reserved memory number designation command) for designating the first reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C0XX (H) indicates the first reserved storage number. Command C1XX (H) is an effect control command (second reserved memory number designation command) that designates the second reserved memory number. “XX” in the command C1XX (H) indicates the second reserved storage number.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the image display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 12, the display state of the lamp is changed, or the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

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

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

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 12, the variable pattern command and the display result designation command are displayed as variable display (variation) of the design symbol corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display. The image display device 9 that can be used in common with the variable display (variation) of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol in 8b, and that produces the effect according to the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When controlling the effect parts, it is possible to prevent an increase in the types of commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100.

  FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the first start winning opening 13 when the first start opening switch 13a for detecting that the game ball has won the first start winning opening 13 is turned on. If a winning has occurred, a first start port switch passage process is executed (steps S311 and S312). If the second start port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the second start winning port 14 is turned on, that is, the start winning to the second start winning port 14 has occurred. Then, the second start port switch passage process is executed (steps S313, S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S307 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processes in steps S300 to S307 are as follows.

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

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variation display variation time of the special symbol. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

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

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. Update to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped, and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the effect symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting a presentation control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the microcomputer 100 for the presentation control, a process for confirming that the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag or a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the start-port switch passing process in steps S312 and S314. Among these, FIG. 15A is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing the second start port switch passing process in step S314.

  First, the first start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the first start port switch passing process executed when the first start port switch 13a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the first reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the first hold port number). Whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter for counting the memory number is 4 is confirmed (step S211A). If the first reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process is terminated.

  If the first reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S212A) and the value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S213A). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the first reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 16) (step S214A). . In the process of step S214A, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, and a variation pattern determination random number (random 4) are extracted. Stored in the storage area. Note that the variation pattern determination random number (random 4) is not extracted in the first start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of variation of the first special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 4) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an area (hold buffer) for storing a random number or the like corresponding to the hold memory. As shown in FIG. 16, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value (4 in this example) of the first reserved storage number is secured in the first reserved storage buffer. In addition, a storage area corresponding to the upper limit value of the second reserved storage number (4 in this example) is secured in the second reserved storage buffer. In this embodiment, the first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer include a random R that is a hardware random number (a random number for jackpot determination), a random number for a jackpot type determination that is a software random number (random 1), and A random number for random pattern determination (random 4) is stored. The first reserved storage buffer and the second reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first reserved memory number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the first reserved memory number counter (step S218A).

  Next, the second start port switch passing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the second start port switch passing process executed when the second start port switch 14a is in the ON state, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the second reserved memory number has reached the upper limit value (specifically, the second hold port number). Whether or not the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the memory number is 4 is confirmed (step S211B). If the second reserved storage number has reached the upper limit value, the process is terminated.

  If the second reserved memory number has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 56 increases the value of the second reserved memory number counter by 1 (step S212B) and the value of the aggregated reserved memory number counter for counting the total reserved memory number Is increased by 1 (step S213B). Next, the CPU 56 extracts values from the random number circuit 503 and a counter for generating software random numbers, and executes a process of storing them in a storage area in the second reserved storage buffer (see FIG. 16) (step S214B). . In the process of step S214B, a random R (big hit determination random number) that is a hardware random number, a big hit type determination random number (random 1) that is a software random number, and a variation pattern determination random number (random 4) are extracted. Stored in the storage area. Note that the random number for random pattern determination (random 4) is not extracted in the second start port switch passing process (at the time of start winning) and stored in the storage area in advance, but is extracted at the start of the variation of the second special symbol. You may do it. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may directly extract a value from a variation pattern determination random number counter for generating a variation pattern determination random number (random 4) in a variation pattern setting process described later.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the second reserved memory number counter (step S218B).

  17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total pending storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the total pending storage number is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the total reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first reserved memory number is 0 (step S52). Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the first reserved memory number counter is zero. If the second reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 has a special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed for the first special symbol or the special symbol process is being performed for the second special symbol). Is set to data indicating “second” (step S53). If the second reserved memory number is 0 (that is, only the first reserved memory number is accumulated), the CPU 66 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S54).

  In this embodiment, by executing the processing of steps S52 to S54, the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines each disturbance stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = 1 in the first reserved memory number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. In addition, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = 1 in the second reserved memory number buffer. And stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step S56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved memory number counter by 1 and saves each storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer. Shift the contents of. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the count value of the second reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1, and the contents of each storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer are shifted.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 saves the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Are stored in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n−1. Further, when the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55. Each random number value is stored in a storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n−1.

  Therefore, the order in which each random value stored in each storage area corresponding to each first reserved memory number (or each second reserved memory number) is extracted is always the first reserved memory number (or (Second reserved storage number) = 1, 2, 3, 4 in order.

  Then, the CPU 56 stores the count value of the total pending storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S57), and then decreases the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the total pending storage number counter (step S58). The CPU 56 stores the value of the total pending storage number counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved memory number designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 100 based on the value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer after the subtraction. (Step S59). In this case, when a value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the first reserved storage number designation command. When a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second reserved memory number designation command.

  In the special symbol normal process, first, data indicating “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first start winning opening 13, that is, “first” indicating that the process is executed for the first special symbol. ”Or“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second special symbol, that is,“ second ”indicating that the process is performed on the second start winning opening 14. Data is set in the special symbol pointer. In the subsequent processing in the special symbol process, processing corresponding to the data set in the special symbol pointer is executed. Therefore, the process of steps S300 to S310 can be made common between the case of targeting the first special symbol and the case of targeting the second special symbol.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area and executes a jackpot determination module. In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot determination that is extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. A random number is read and a big hit judgment is performed. The jackpot determination module is a program that compares a jackpot determination value (see FIG. 7A) determined in advance with a jackpot determination random number, and executes a process of determining a jackpot if they match. In other words, this is a program for executing the big hit determination process.

  The jackpot determination process is configured such that when the gaming state is a probable change state (high probability state), the probability of a big hit is higher than when the gaming state is a non-probable change state (normal state and short-time state). Yes. Specifically, a jackpot determination table at the time of probability change in which a large number of jackpot determination values are set in advance (a table in which the value on the right side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 is set) and the number of jackpot determination values are variable. There is provided a normal big hit determination table (a table in which the numerical values on the left side of FIG. 7A in the ROM 54 are set) set to be smaller than the big hit determination table. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. If the gaming state is a probability variation state, the jackpot determination process is performed using the probability variation jackpot determination table, and the gaming state is normal. When it is in a state or a short time state, the big hit determination process is performed using the normal big hit determination table. That is, when the value of the big hit determination random number (random R) matches one of the big hit determination values shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 56 determines that the special symbol is a big hit. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S61), the process proceeds to step S71. Note that deciding whether to win or not is to decide whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state, but to decide whether or not to stop the special symbol display as a big hit symbol. But there is.

  Note that whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state is determined by whether or not the probability variation flag is set. The probability variation flag is set when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, and is reset when the probability variation state is terminated. Specifically, it is determined to be a promising big hit, is set in the process of ending the big hit game, and when it is determined to be a big win, it is reset at the timing when the special symbol change display is ended and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. The

  If the value of the jackpot determination random number (random R) does not match any of the jackpot determination values (N in step S61), the process proceeds to step S75.

  If the value of the jackpot determination random number (random R) matches any one of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 56 sets a jackpot flag indicating that it is a jackpot (step S71). Next, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 7B to select the type corresponding to the value that matches the value of the random number (random 1) for determining the jackpot type stored in the random number buffer area (“normal” "Big hit" or "Probability change big hit") is determined as the type of big hit (step S73). In this case, the CPU 56 determines the jackpot type extracted in step S214A of the first start port switch passing process or step S214B of the second start port switch passing process and stored in advance in the first hold memory buffer or the second hold memory buffer. The random number is read and the jackpot type is determined.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets data indicating the determined jackpot type in the jackpot type buffer in the RAM 55 (step S74). For example, when the jackpot type is “normal jackpot”, “01” is set as data indicating the jackpot type, and when the jackpot type is “probable variation jackpot”, “02” is set as data indicating the jackpot type.

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a special symbol stop symbol (step S75). Specifically, when the big hit flag is not set, “−” as a special symbol is determined as a stop symbol of the special symbol. When the big hit flag is set, either “3” or “7”, which is a big hit symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol according to the determination result of the big hit type. In other words, when the big hit type is determined as “normal big hit”, “3” (normal big hit symbol) is determined as a special symbol stop symbol, and when “probable big hit” is determined as “7” (probable variable big hit symbol). Is determined to be a special symbol stop symbol.

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

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S91). When the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 decides to use the big hit fluctuation pattern determination table (step S92).

  When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 determines to use the deviation variation pattern determination table (step S95). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104. In the process of step S95, the CPU 56 confirms whether the current gaming state is the high base state or the low base state and confirms the current total pending storage number, and the gaming state and the total pending memory number The table corresponding to is selected (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In addition, the gaming state is confirmed depending on whether or not the time flag is set, and the total pending memory number is confirmed based on the value of the pending memory number counter.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out random 4 (random number for variation pattern determination) from the random number buffer area (first reserved storage buffer or second reserved storage buffer), and refers to the variation pattern determination table selected in the processes of steps S92 and S95. Thus, the variation pattern is determined as one of a plurality of types (step S104).

  Then, control is performed to transmit the effect control command (variation pattern command) corresponding to the determined variation pattern to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S105).

  Also, the special symbol change is started (step S106). For example, a start flag corresponding to the special symbol referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S107). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result designation command transmission process (step S302) (step S108).

  In this embodiment, when it is determined to be out of place, whether or not to reach is determined by determining the variation pattern. First, by lottery processing using a random number for reach determination It may be determined whether or not to reach.

  In addition, when determining whether or not to reach by a lottery process using a reach determination random number, depending on the total reserved memory number (which may be the first reserved memory number or the second reserved memory number), Reach determination tables having different selection ratios may be selected, and it may be determined whether or not to reach so that the reach probability decreases as the number of reserved memories increases.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the display result designation command transmission process (step S302). In the display result designation command transmission process, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit an effect control command (see FIG. 12) of any one of the display result 1 designation to the display result 3 designation according to the determined type of jackpot or loss. Do. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S110). If not set, the process proceeds to step S112. When the big hit flag is set, the type of big hit (normal big hit, probability variation big hit) is confirmed, and control is performed to transmit a display result 2-3 designation command corresponding to the big hit type (step S111). The jackpot type is specifically confirmed based on the data set in the jackpot type buffer in the process of step S74 of the special symbol normal process.

  In step S112, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a display result 1 designation command.

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S115).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S125), and when the variable time timer times out (step S126), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S127). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process is terminated.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S32 to end the variation of the special symbol, and the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b. Then, a control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol is performed (step S131). If data indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 8a is terminated, and “second” is indicated in the special symbol pointer. When data is set, the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 8b is terminated. Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). If the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S140 (step S133).

  If the big hit flag is set, the CPU 56 resets the probability change flag indicating the probability change state and the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state if set (step S134). Control to send a big hit start designation command to the microcomputer 100 is performed (step S135). Specifically, when the type of jackpot is normally jackpot, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted. If the jackpot type is a probabilistic jackpot, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. Whether the big hit type is the normal big hit or the probability variation big hit is determined based on the data indicating the big hit type stored in the RAM 55 (data stored in the big hit type buffer).

  In addition, a value corresponding to the jackpot display time (a time for which the effect display device 9 notifies that the jackpot has occurred, for example) is set in the jackpot display time timer (step S137). Further, the number of times of opening (for example, 15 times) is set in the special winning opening opening number counter (step S138). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S305) (step S139).

  In step S140, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the probability variation flag is set. If the probability variation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S146. If it is not set, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction flag is set (step S141). If the time reduction flag is set, the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is decremented by 1 (step S142).

  When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0 (step S143), the CPU 56 resets the time reduction flag (step S144). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a normal state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S145).

  Then, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S146).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S160). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S164. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S161), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S162). If it is a normal big hit, a big hit end 1 designation command is transmitted. If it is a probable big hit, a big hit end 2 designation command is transmitted. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the big hit end display is being performed in the image display device 9 (the big hit end display time) is set in the big hit end display timer (step S163), and the processing is ended.

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

  When the jackpot end display time has elapsed, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot type is a probability variation jackpot (step S166). If it is not a probable big hit (that is, if it is a normal big hit), the CPU 56 sets a time reduction flag and shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S167). Further, the CPU 56 sets 100 times in a time reduction counter for counting the number of time reductions (step S168). In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a time reduction state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S169). Then, control goes to a step S175.

  If the probability variation big hit, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation flag (step S171) and sets a time reduction flag (step S172). Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the probability variation state designation command and the time reduction state designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (steps S173 and S174). Then, control goes to a step S175.

  In this embodiment, the short time flag set in the processing of steps S167 and S172 is also used to determine whether or not to increase the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 or increase the number of times of opening. Used. In this case, specifically, in the normal symbol process (see step S27), the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the time reduction flag is set when the normal symbol variation display result is a win. If so, control is performed to open the variable winning ball device 15 by extending the opening time or increasing the number of times of opening. The time reduction flag is used to determine whether or not to shorten the variation time of the special symbol.

  In step S175, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) as effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). . Thereafter, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring a timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 9 is executed.

  Next, a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determining random number is executed (step S706). Further, a hold storage display control process for controlling the display state of the combined hold storage display unit 18c is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing an effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 12) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area.

  26 to 28 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. If the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

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

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 has the display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 7 designation command) formed in the RAM. Store in the display result designation command storage area (step S618).

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

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 2 designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot start 2 designation command reception flag ( Step S622).

  If the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (step S625), the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S626). If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (step S627), the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S628).

  If the received effect control command is a power-on specification command (initialization specification command) (step S631), the effect control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the effect display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is the first reserved memory number designation command (step S651), the effect control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the first reserved memory number designation command as the first reserved memory. The number is stored in the number storage area (step S652). Further, the production control CPU 101 performs the first hold storage in the first hold storage display unit 18c according to the first hold storage number (specifically, the value of the EXT data) indicated by the received first hold storage number designation command. The number display is updated (step S653).

  If the received effect control command is the second reserved memory number designation command (step S654), the effect control CPU 101 stores the second byte data (EXT data) of the second reserved memory number designation command as the second reserved memory. The number is stored in the number storage area (step S655). Further, the production control CPU 101 determines the second reserved memory in the second reserved memory display unit 18d according to the second reserved memory number (specifically, the value of the EXT data) indicated by the received second reserved memory number designation command. The number display is updated (step S656).

  If the received effect control command is a normal state designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 is a probability change state flag indicating that the gaming state is a probability change state, or a time reduction indicating that the game state is a time reduction state. The status flag is reset (step S658). If the received effect control command is a time reduction state designation command (step S659), the effect control CPU 101 sets a time reduction state flag (step S660). If the received effect control command is a probability change state designation command (step S661), the effect control CPU 101 sets a probability change state flag (step S662).

  If the received effect control command is another command, effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S677). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a special effect (special display effect). The special effect is an effect of displaying a special symbol obtained by integrating the effect symbols in the normal mode displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R after changing the display mode of the effect symbol. However, when the pseudo continuous variation is not performed, the display pattern of the effect symbol changes, but the special symbol in which the effect symbol is integrated is not displayed.

  In addition, although the symbol which integrated what changed the aspect of the effect symbol is a special symbol, the part which comprises the integrated special symbol is called the special symbol 9d, the special symbol 9e, and the special symbol 9f below.

  Further, in this embodiment, the normal mode is a mode in which the symbol “number” is displayed, but is not limited to “number”. The display mode of the symbols variably displayed when the special effect is not executed is the normal mode.

  Further, in this embodiment, the special symbol is a circular symbol for the middle symbol, and the right symbol is a symbol in a shape in which the middle symbol is fitted (integrated). Is an example and other embodiments may be used. As an example of another aspect, there is an aspect in which when the middle left and right symbols are integrated, one character image is formed, and before the integration, the character image is a part of the character image. The integrated symbol is a symbol in which a plurality of symbols are collected. As long as the player can recognize as one symbol, the plurality of symbols may not be in contact with each other. That is, a plurality of symbols may be separated to some extent.

  In the example shown in FIG. 29, from the state in which the left middle right effect symbol is stopped and displayed in the left middle right symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R (see FIG. 29A), the left middle right effect symbol is displayed. After the display mode (specifically, the display mode of the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, and 9R) changes and starts to change (see FIG. 29B), all the symbols change (see FIG. 29C). ), The left symbol temporarily stops (see FIG. 29D), and the left symbol changes to the special symbol 9d (see FIG. 29E). The right symbol temporarily stops (see FIG. 29F), and the right symbol changes to the special symbol 9e (see FIG. 29G).

  Furthermore, after the middle symbol fluctuates, the middle symbol changes to the special symbol 9f (see FIG. 29H), and the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, 9f may be integrated and temporarily stopped ( In some cases, the temporary stop may not be performed (see FIG. 29K).

  When the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, 9f are temporarily stopped, the left middle right production symbols start to change again (see FIG. 29J).

  When the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, 9f are not temporarily stopped, the display mode of the left middle right effect symbols is returned to the normal mode (see FIG. 29L), and the reach mode is displayed again.

  If the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, and 9f are temporarily stopped (see FIG. 29I), then pseudo continuous variation is executed. Further, when the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, 9f are not temporarily stopped, that is, when the variable display is continued (see FIG. 29 (K)), the reach effect is executed thereafter.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled and variable display of the effect symbol is realized. However, control related to variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the first special symbol is also the second. Control related to the variable display of the effect symbol synchronized with the change of the special symbol is also executed in one effect control process.

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

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

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

  Production symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the production control command (design confirmation designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the production symbol (decoration symbol) is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) Control to derive and display. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

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

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a special winning opening opening designation command or a special winning opening open designation command is received, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (step S806).

  Big hit end effect processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads the received variation pattern command from the RAM variation pattern command storage area (step S821). Further, the received display result designation command is read from the display result designation command storage area of the RAM (step S822).

  Next, the CPU 101 for effect control determines the display result (stop symbol) of the effect symbol according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (that is, the received display specific designation command) (step S823). . The effect control CPU 101 stores data indicating the determined stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

  FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a stop symbol of an effect symbol (decoration symbol) in the effect display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 33, when the received display result specifying command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 2 specifying command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of effect symbols in which the three symbols are even-numbered symbols (a stop symbol that usually reminds of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result designation command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result designation command is a display result 3 designation command), the production control CPU 101 uses odd symbols (probability variation) as 3 symbols as stop symbols. The combination of effect symbols arranged in a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. And in the case of detachment (when the received display result designation command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined. The combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the effect symbol (decoration symbol).

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

  As for the effect symbols, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  When determining the jackpot symbol, specifically, the production control CPU 101 extracts a random number for determining the stop symbol in the process of step S823, and uses the random number to stop the left middle right stop symbol (the left middle symbol). The combination of effect symbols with the right symbols aligned) is determined.

  In the case of a loss, a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of effect symbols in which two left and right symbols are aligned is determined.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern (see FIG. 8) accompanied by a special effect (see FIG. 29) (step S824).

  When the variation pattern is a variation pattern with a special effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table with a special effect (step S825). Then, a special effect end timer for determining when the special effect ends is started (step S826). Specifically, a value corresponding to the time until the end of the special effect is set in the special effect end timer that is one area of the RAM. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S832.

  The effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the effect control such that the special effect is ended halfway at a predetermined rate even when the change pattern is a change pattern with a special effect. When the special effect is ended halfway, for example, the special effect ends in the state shown in FIG. 29E, or the special effect ends in the state shown in FIG.

  In order to end the special effect halfway at a predetermined ratio, for example, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a random number and executes the special effect to the end by a lottery using a single number (a variation pattern with a pseudo-continuous effect). If the change is based on, the state is as shown in FIG. 29 (I), and if the change is based on the change pattern without the pseudo-continuous effect, the state is as shown in FIG. 29 (K). Decide whether to end the special performance.

  When the variation pattern is a variation pattern not accompanied by a special effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern (step S831). Further, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S832).

  However, the effect control CPU 101 also executes a part of the special effect at a predetermined ratio even when the change pattern is a reach change pattern with a reach effect without a special effect. Part of the special effect means, for example, that the special effect ends in the state shown in FIG. Even in the case of a variation pattern that does not involve a reach effect, a part of the special effect may be executed at a predetermined rate. In that case, the effect control CPU 101 displays a special symbol whose display form is different from the special symbols 9d and 9e illustrated in FIG. 29 (because it does not reach).

  In order to execute a part of the special effect at a predetermined ratio, for example, the CPU 101 for effect control extracts a random number and does not execute the special effect or executes a part of the special effect by lottery using a single number. To decide. In addition, when the CPU 101 for effect control decides to execute a part of the special effect, the special effect end timer indicates the end of the special effect (in this case, the state shown in FIG. 29E). Set the value corresponding to the time until

  Then, the production control CPU 101 performs the production device (the production display device 9 as the production component, the production component as the production component according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the various lamps and the speaker 27) as a production component is executed (step S833). For example, a command is output to the VDP 109 in order to display an image according to the variation pattern on the effect display device 9. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the effect symbol is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  In addition, when it is determined to execute the variation based on the variation pattern with the special effect, a process table for realizing the effect mode (display mode) of the special effect is selected in the process of step S825 (step S825). In the process of S831, a process table for executing a special effect halfway may be selected.) In the process of step S833, the effector is controlled according to the process data, and then the process table is timed out when the process timer times out. The special effect illustrated in FIG. 29 is executed by controlling the effect device according to the next process data.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the effect display device 9 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol (decoration symbol). Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the effect design in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 34 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, the process table is prepared according to the presence or absence of a variation pattern and special effects.

  There are two types of tables as process tables for executing special effects to the end. That is, in the process table with special effects, the left symbol changes to the special symbol 9d when the left symbol temporarily stops, the right symbol changes to the special symbol 9e when the right symbol temporarily stops, After the symbol changes, the middle symbol changes to the special symbol 9f, and then the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, 9f are integrated to realize display control (see FIG. 29I) for temporary stop. A process table in which process data is set and a process table in which process data for realizing display control (see FIG. 29K) in which the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, and 9f are not integrated are set. There is.

  The effect control CPU 101 obtains process data for realizing display control in which the special symbols 9d, 9e, and 9f are integrated and temporarily stopped when the variation pattern is a variation pattern including a pseudo-ream in the process of step S825. When the set process table is selected and the variation pattern is a variation pattern that does not include a pseudo-ream, process data for realizing display control in which the left middle right special symbols 9d, 9e, and 9f are not integrated is provided. Select a set process table.

  When the special symbols 9d, 9e, and 9f are different depending on the type of the normal mode of the effect symbol (specifically, the difference of “number”), the effect is produced as a process table with the special effect. Each table corresponding to the type of the normal mode of the symbol is stored in the ROM in advance. Then, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the type of stop symbol.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S834), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change process (step S802). (Step S835).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol changing process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S840A) and subtracts 1 from the value of the change time timer (step S840B). If the special effect end determination timer is operating (the value is not 0), the value of the special effect end determination timer is decremented by 1 (step S840C).

  When the process timer times out (step S841), the effect control CPU 101 switches the process data. That is, the process timer set value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S842). Further, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data set next (step S843).

  When the special effect end determination timer times out (step S844), that is, when the value becomes 0, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation mode after the end of the special effect (step S845). Further, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S846).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 performs the production device (the production display device 9 as the production component, the production component as the production component according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of the various lamps and the speaker 27 as a production component is executed (step S847).

  When the special effect is completed by the processes in steps S845 to S847, the fluctuation according to the normal fluctuation pattern is realized. Note that a normal variation pattern may include a pseudo-ream.

  Next, if the variation time timer has timed out (step S851), the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S853). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S852), the process proceeds to step S853. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, it is possible to end the variation of the effect symbol when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol ends).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the effect symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol in accordance with the data (data indicating the stop symbol) stored in the effect symbol display result storage area (step S861), and receiving a confirmation command. If the flag is set, the confirmation command reception flag is reset (step S862).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S865). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed, for example, by a display result designation command stored in the display result designation command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S866).

  If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S867).

  After the display pattern of the effect symbol is changed by the control as described above, the special symbol (in this embodiment, the effect symbol of the normal mode displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R is integrated. Special symbols 9d, 9e, and 9f are displayed), and a specific effect (in this embodiment, an effect due to pseudo continuous fluctuations) is executed based on the display of the special symbol.

  In this embodiment, the effect by pseudo-continuous variation is taken as an example of the specific effect, but the content of the hold memory (specifically, a random number value) is read at a predetermined time, and the read hold memory is read. First, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display is a big hit symbol, and a notice effect (so-called pre-read notice effect) is executed over one or more variable displays before the variable display is started. In this case, a specific effect may be executed as the pre-reading notice effect. Further, the specific effect may be a super reach effect. In other words, after the production control microcomputer 100 displays the special symbol in which the production symbols are integrated, it is possible to execute such an effect that the reach production develops into the super reach production.

  In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 uses the variation pattern command when variable display (variation) is performed based on the variation pattern of the super reach α, the super reach β, and the pseudo continuous variation. Although the presence / absence of the special effect is notified to the effect control microcomputer 100, the game control microcomputer 560 simply transmits a change pattern command of super reach α, super reach β, and pseudo-variation, and the effect control microcomputer 100 100 may determine whether or not there is a special effect, for example, by lottery using random numbers.

  As described above, when the special effect is executed when the fluctuation is performed based on the fluctuation pattern of the pseudo continuous fluctuation, the display state in the effect display device 9 is the state shown in FIG. When a change is performed based on the change pattern of super reach α or super reach β, when the special effect is executed, the display state on the effect display device 9 is as shown in FIG. That is, the integrated special symbol is not displayed.

  When the game control microcomputer 560 simply transmits the super reach α, the super reach β, and the fluctuation pattern command of the pseudo-continuous variation, the effect control CPU 101 in the effect control microcomputer 100 performs step S824 shown in FIG. Instead of processing, it is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern is a variation pattern of super reach α, super reach β, or pseudo continuous variation.

  When the variation pattern is a variation pattern of super reach α, super reach β, or pseudo-continuous variation, in the effect control microcomputer 100, there is a table in which determination values corresponding to execution of special effects are set. The stored effect control CPU 101 extracts a random number, selects a process table corresponding to a determination result (execution / non-execution of the special effect) corresponding to a determination value that matches the random number value, and selects the selected process table. Use it to perform production control.

  Further, a specific effect may be executed at the end of the change, instead of being executed during the execution of the change (variable display). In that case, the integrated special symbol may be a winning symbol (big hit symbol, small hit symbol, suddenly probable big hit symbol). In addition, the sudden probability change big hit is a big hit in which the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is allowed to be small in the big hit gaming state (for example, two opening for 0.1 seconds), but the opening time of the big winning opening is extremely short. And, it is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game is finished to a high probability state (probability change state) (that is, whether or not the player suddenly became a probability change state by doing so) It is a big hit to show). The small hit is a hit that is permitted up to the number of times that the number of opening of the big winning opening is smaller than that of the big win (for example, the opening for 0.1 second is twice). When the small hit game ends, the game state (probability change / normal state) does not change.

Modified example.
Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.

  FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special reach effect. The specific reach effect is an effect in which the same symbols as the left and right stop symbols, the symbol having one more number than the left and right stop symbols, and the character symbols 9b and 9c rotate in the center of the display screen. FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a predetermined effect (corresponding to the development effect executed after the special reach effect).

  As shown in FIG. 37A, the effect symbols vary (variable display) in the symbol display areas 9L, 9C, 9R on the left middle right on the display screen of the effect display device 9, and are shown in FIG. In this way, after reaching the reach state, the specific reach effect is executed as shown in FIG.

  Note that the same symbol as the left and right stop symbols, and a symbol having a number one larger than that of the left and right stop symbols are examples of images for final effect symbols that are to be finally stopped, and the character symbols 9b and 9c are predetermined effect suggestion images. It is an example. FIG. 37 (C) shows an example in which a specific reach effect is executed by using two effect design candidate images and two predetermined effect suggestion images. An effect suggestion image may be used.

  After the specific reach effect is executed, the final stop symbol may be derived and displayed without executing the predetermined effect shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 (see FIGS. 37D and 37E).

  When the predetermined effect is executed, as shown in FIGS. 37 (F) and (G), after the image corresponding to the character of the type used in the predetermined effect is displayed in the inside symbol display area, As shown in 38 (H) and (I), a predetermined effect using the characters a and b is executed, and a final stop symbol of the effect symbol is derived and displayed (see FIGS. 38 (J) and (K)).

  Also, there are a plurality of types of predetermined effects. In the example shown in FIG. 39, after the predetermined effects using characters a and c are executed (see FIGS. 39L and 39M), the final stop symbols of the effect symbols are displayed. Is derived and displayed (see FIGS. 39N and O).

  In the modified example, in addition to the variation pattern shown in FIG. 8, a variation pattern with execution of a special reach effect (a variation pattern with execution of a special reach effect and a predetermined effect, and a predetermined effect with execution of a special reach effect) Is used as a variation pattern indicating that is not executed. The variation pattern determination table is configured such that a variation pattern accompanying execution of a special reach effect can be selected. When the CPU 56 in the game control microcomputer 560 selects a variation pattern that involves execution of a special reach effect, the CPU 56 transmits a variation pattern command that indicates the variation pattern that accompanies the execution of a special reach effect to the effect control microcomputer 100. .

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 40, the effect control CPU 101 in the effect control microcomputer 100 executes a special reach determination process when it receives a change pattern command indicating a change pattern accompanying execution of a special reach effect. (Step S830). In the special reach determination process, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the fluctuation pattern is a reach fluctuation pattern with a special reach effect, and if it is a reach fluctuation pattern with a special reach effect, It is determined whether or not to execute a predetermined effect. Moreover, the aspect (for example, the number of the symbols rotated in the center part of a display screen) of a special reach effect is determined.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern and the special reach effect (when the special reach effect is executed) (step S831). When executing the predetermined effect, the effect control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the predetermined effect in the process of step S831.

  In addition, in the special reach determination process, the effect control CPU 101 changes the execution ratio of the predetermined effect depending on whether it is a normal big hit or a probable big hit. For example, in the case of a probable big hit, it is determined whether or not to execute the predetermined effect so that the predetermined effect is executed at a higher rate than in the case of the normal big hit.

  In other words, the game value is different when the game is controlled to the jackpot gaming state after the predetermined performance is executed and when the game is controlled to the jackpot gaming state without executing the predetermined performance after the special reach performance is executed. (Specifically, the rate at which the probability variation state occurs).

  Note that the game value is not limited to the probable state as long as the game value is advantageous to the player. Examples of game values other than the probability of being in a promising state include, for example, the number of short hours after the big hit (allowable fluctuation number in the short time state), the number of rounds in the big hit game, a special image displayed during the big hit game or after the big hit game ends ( There are images that give the player a sense of surprise and expectation).

  In this modification, the effect display device includes an image of an effect symbol candidate derived and displayed as a final stop symbol and a predetermined effect suggestion image (for example, character symbols 9b and 9c: see FIG. 37C) that suggest a predetermined effect. In the gaming machine that executes the predetermined effect after the special reach effect displayed at 9 is executed and before the final stop symbol is derived and displayed, the player can pay more attention to the predetermined effect.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 may execute the special reach effect independently from the special effect in the first embodiment. For example, the state is as shown in FIG. After that, a special reach production may be executed.

  In the above embodiment, when the game control microcomputer 560 determines the variation pattern, the variation pattern including the predetermined effect or the variation pattern not including the predetermined effect is selected. Although the control microcomputer 560 determines whether or not to execute the predetermined effect and transmits the determination result to the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control microcomputer 100 may determine whether or not the predetermined effect is present. .

  Further, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits an effect control command that can specify the type of the predetermined effect, and an effect control command (specifically, indicates whether or not a special reach effect is executed before the predetermined effect). (Variation pattern command) may be transmitted. In that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the character image design that matches the effect based on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command is “rotated pattern after reach” (center portion shown in FIG. 37C). The contents of the special reach production are determined so as to be included in the four symbols). For example, when the character b is used in the production based on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command, the character image symbol 9b is included in the “rotated symbol after reach”.

  When receiving the variation pattern command, the production control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not it will be a big hit after the variable display based on the variation pattern is finished, whether or not to shift to the probability variation state, and the received variation pattern command. Whether or not to execute the predetermined effect according to the corresponding variation time and the like, the effect mode in the case of execution (the number and type of the predetermined effect suggestion images), and the character mode (number and type of characters) used in the predetermined effect To decide.

  In the above-described embodiment, the production control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27R, 27L, etc.) are mounted. Alternatively, two substrates, the second effect control substrate, may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 3). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the effect display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to detection of a winning ball, but is scored in response to detection of a winning ball by enclosing the gaming ball It can also be applied to an enclosed game machine that gives

  The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and in particular, is a gaming machine provided with variable display means, and is preferably applied to a gaming machine capable of executing various effects on the variable display means. The

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8a 1st special symbol display device 8b 2nd special symbol display device 9 Production display device 13 1st starting winning port 14 2nd starting winning port 20 Special variable winning ball device 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Game control microcomputer 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
109 VDP

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of being controlled to an advantageous state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived in a variable display means having a plurality of variable display areas for performing variable display of identification information,
Variable display executing means for executing variable display of identification information in the variable display means;
Specific production execution means for executing a specific production,
The variable display execution unit integrates identification information in which the display mode displayed in the plurality of variable display areas is changed after changing the display mode of the identification information to a display mode corresponding to other identification information . Including special identification information display means for displaying special identification information,
The specific effect executing means can execute the specific effect when the special identification information is displayed,
A game in which the special identification information is displayed and the specific effect is executed, and when the specific effect is executed without the special identification information being displayed, the advantage is different Machine.

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