JP5115582B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a special game that is advantageous to a player when winning a win in a lottery, and can take a probability change state in which the probability of winning a win in the lottery is increased after the special game ends.

  Various ball game machines such as pachinko machines are provided with a special game state which is a game state advantageous to the player in order to effectively enhance the interest of the player. This special game state is started by winning a lottery that is triggered by entering the starting port, and during the special game, it is possible to obtain more prize balls than in the normal game state.

  The probability of winning a win in such a lottery is not so high, so the probability that a special gaming state is started is not high, but in order to effectively enhance the interest of the player, the lottery will be in a predetermined win mode. In the case of winning, a game state (so-called probability change state) in which the winning probability is increased from the normal state for a predetermined period after the completion of the special game to be performed is widely performed. In a gaming machine having such a probability variation state, the player is not only interested in whether or not the winning is won in the lottery, but also has a great interest in whether or not the manner of winning is in the probability variation state.

  Based on such a player's psychology, a gaming machine has also been proposed that aims to further enhance the interest of the player by performing the following effects (Patent Document 1). In the proposed gaming machine, first, even when a winning mode that is in a probable change state by lottery is won, the player is not notified of this, and a normal hit mode that is not in the probable state is displayed and a special game is performed. Then, after the end of the special game, an effect (so-called promotion effect) for notifying the player that the state is in a probable change state is performed at a predetermined timing. In this way, after the player feels joy when winning a win in the lottery, the player will also feel joy when the notification content is promoted to a promiscuous state, so it is possible to greatly enhance the player's interest Become. In addition, if such a promotion effect is provided, even if the result of the lottery is a normal hit (that is, a hit that does not become a probability change state), the player may be promoted to a probability change state on the way. A game is played while thinking, and it becomes possible to arouse a new interest of the player.

JP 2003-265730 A

  However, a gaming machine that performs such promotion effects has a problem that the control becomes complicated. In other words, even if the winning is made in the lottery, the control for displaying the normal winning mode is necessary once, and in addition, the effect that the probability changing state is notified at an appropriate timing after the end of the special gaming state. Control to perform is required. In addition, when winning in the case of a probable change in the lottery, it is necessary to have a case where a promotion effect is given later without notifying this to the player, and a case where the player is immediately notified, so this point also There was a problem that the control was complicated. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of a promotion effect without complicating control.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine having a main control unit that controls basic progress control of a game, and a sub-control unit that receives a command output from the main control unit as the game progresses and performs predetermined presentation control.
The main control unit
A success / failure determination means for determining whether or not a game ball launched on the surface of the game board hits or misses when entering the starting port;
A variation pattern selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of variation patterns based on the determination result of the success / failure determining means;
Fluctuation command transmission means for transmitting a fluctuation command corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation pattern selection means to the sub-control unit;
In accordance with the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means, the special symbol display section displays the variation of the special symbol, and the special symbol displayed in the variation display is stopped and displayed with the symbol corresponding to the determination result of the success / failure determination means. Special symbol display means,
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game for opening the closed big prize opening when the winning determination is determined by the winning / failing determining means and the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol corresponding to the corresponding symbol ; ,
Probability setting means for setting a normal probability or a high probability higher than the normal probability as a winning probability for determining the winning by the success / failure determining means after the winning game is ended,
The variation pattern selection means selects a specific variation pattern with a predetermined probability when the deviation is determined by the success / failure determination means,
The sub-control unit
When the normal probability is set by the probability setting means and when the high probability is set, the state display unit different from the special symbol display unit is the same as the state display regarding the set state of the hit probability Status display means for executing status display;
A state display changing means for changing a state display executed by the state display unit by receiving a change command corresponding to the specific change pattern from the main control unit during execution of the same state display; Prepared,
The state display changing means includes
When the high probability is set by the probability setting means and the same state display is being executed , a change command corresponding to the specific change pattern is received from the main control unit, so that the same A change determination process is performed to determine one of continuation of the state display and a change to the high probability state display displayed when the high probability is set,
When the change to the high probability state display is determined in the change determination process, the state display unit performs a display change from the same state display to the high probability state display,
When the same state display is determined to be continued in the change determination process, the state display unit continues the same state display.
Further, the sub-control unit, when it is determined to continue the same state display in the change determination process, or when the change to the high probability state display is determined in the change determination process, A determination result effect executing means for executing a determination result effect indicating the determination result of the change determination process is provided.
Further, the sub-control unit includes a reliability effect execution means for executing a reliability effect indicating the reliability of the change to the high probability state display when the same state display is being executed. And

In addition, the gaming machine according to another aspect of the present invention is a game state that is advantageous to the player when a lottery is made when the game ball enters the starting port, and when the result of the lottery is won. In a gaming machine having a main control unit that performs control for starting a special gaming state, and a sub-control unit that performs control for displaying the result of the lottery on a display screen,
The main control unit
The result of the lottery is an out-of-game state in which the special gaming state is not started, a probability variation hit state in which the special gaming state is started and the probability of winning in the lottery is increased after the special gaming state ends, or the special gaming state Lottery means for starting a gaming state and determining whether it is a normal winning state that does not increase the probability of winning after winning the special gaming state;
A variation pattern output means for selecting one variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns set in advance according to the lottery result and outputting the variation pattern to the sub-control unit;
After winning the probability variation state, when the result of the lottery performed subsequently becomes the disengagement state for a predetermined number of times, from among a plurality of variation patterns set according to the disengagement state A specific variation pattern output means for selecting a predetermined specific variation pattern and outputting the selected specific variation pattern to the sub-control unit, and
The sub-control unit
Upon receiving a variation pattern corresponding to the probability variation hit state, a hit display mode determination means for determining which hit mode of the probability variation hit state or the normal hit state is displayed on the display screen;
A lottery result display means for displaying the result of the lottery on the display screen in a mode corresponding to the received variation pattern or a mode determined by the winning display mode determination unit;
Gaming state display means for displaying the gaming state after the end of the special gaming state on the display screen;
When the specific variation pattern is received, it is determined whether or not the gaming state display means displays the gaming state after the normal hit despite the fact that the probability change has been hit. When the game state is displayed, display change means for changing the display mode to the game state after the probability change is provided.

  In such a gaming machine of another invention, the main control unit determines whether it is a “disengaged state”, “probable variation hit state”, or “normal hit state”, and then a plurality of variation patterns are set in association with each state. One variation pattern is selected from the above and output to the sub-control unit. In addition, after winning the “probable variation state”, if a predetermined number of consecutive variation patterns are established, a predetermined specific variation pattern is selected from a plurality of variation patterns set according to the disengagement state. Select and output to the sub-control unit. On the other hand, when the sub-control unit controlling the display screen receives the variation pattern of the “probable hit state”, the display is performed in either the “probable hit state” or the “normal hit state”, and the special game After completion of the state, the display according to each state is performed. When the specific variation pattern is received, it is determined whether or not the display after the normal hit is being performed even after the probability change, and if the display after the normal hit is being displayed, An effect (so-called promotion effect) for changing the display mode to the mode after the probability change is performed.

  In this way, the main control unit simply determines whether it is “probable variation hit state”, “normal hit state” or “disengagement state” and outputs a fluctuation pattern, and after “probable variation hit state”, “departure state” a predetermined number of times. When "" continues, the promotion effect can be performed with an extremely simple configuration of outputting a specific variation pattern. In addition, the sub-control unit also receives the variation pattern of “probable hit state”, determines whether or not to perform the promotion effect, displays the normal hit state in order to perform the promotion effect, and then the specific variation pattern When received, it is possible to adopt a very simple configuration in which a promotion effect is executed. Eventually, the gaming machine as a whole can be promoted with a very simple configuration, and the player's interest can be effectively enhanced. In particular, although the main control unit is different in that a specific variation pattern is output to a gaming machine that does not perform a promotion effect, the control content of other portions can be almost the same control. Therefore, many parts can be shared between models that perform promotion effects and models that do not perform promotion effects. Furthermore, even models that do not perform promotion effects can be promoted by changing only part of the change pattern setting process. Can be performed. Furthermore, the control for outputting the specific variation pattern can be configured by an extremely simple process of detecting that the “out of state” continues for a predetermined number of times after the “probable variation state”. For this reason, even when the promotion effect is performed, the control of the main control unit is not complicated, and the control load of the main control unit does not increase.

  In such a gaming machine, after passing through a display mode that predicts a change to the probability change state, after displaying a display mode that predicts the change to the probability change state, and the current display It is also possible to execute “off-promotion display” that maintains the mode and to switch these displays as follows. In other words, if the situation when a specific fluctuation pattern is received is after a normal hit, even though it is after a probable change, the “per-promotion display” is performed, and the normal hit after the normal hit is displayed. In the case of performing, “promotional out-of-promotion display” may be performed.

  In this way, if “promotion per display” and “promotion off display” are provided, even if an effect that predicts the change to the probability change state is started, it is not known whether the change will actually be made, so the player Pay attention to the production. As a result, the interest of the player can be greatly improved. In addition, if the display when a specific fluctuation pattern is received is after a normal hit despite the fact that it is after a probable change, the “promotion per hit” is displayed. If the “promotional out-of-promotion display” is performed in the case of performing, the per-promotion display and the out-of-promotion display can be appropriately switched by simple control.

  In such a gaming machine of the present invention, the predetermined number of times for outputting the specific variation pattern may be determined by lottery, and the specific variation pattern may be output when the deviated state continues for the predetermined number of times determined.

  In this way, if the predetermined number of times is determined by lottery and the specific variation pattern is output when the predetermined number of consecutive “out of state” is determined, the specific variation pattern is displayed when the “out of state” continues. The output timing can be switched. As a result, even if the display of the “disconnected state” continues on the display screen, the timing at which the promotion effect is started is changed variously, and the progress of the game can be changed.

  Moreover, in the various gaming machines described above, whether to change to a probable change state may be determined by lottery. That is, when a specific variation pattern is received in a situation where a display after a normal hit is being performed even after a positive change, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to change the display mode to a display after a positive change. . And when a lottery result is a win, it is good also as changing a display mode into the display mode after a probability change hit. In addition, since there is a possibility that such a gaming machine may continue to be lost in the lottery, in the following cases, regardless of whether or not a specific variation pattern is received, the display mode after the probability variation is changed It is good to do. In other words, if the display pattern after the normal hit is still maintained even after receiving the fluctuation pattern or the specific fluctuation pattern for the predetermined upper limit number of times after displaying the normal hit after the probability hit Regardless of the received variation pattern, the display mode after the probability variation may be changed. In this way, if the normal hit state is displayed in spite of the probability change hit state, it is possible to give a change in the progress of the game if it is decided by lottery whether or not to change to the display mode after the probability change. As a result, it is possible to effectively enhance the interest of the player. Further, even if the selection is continued for lottery of whether or not to change, it is possible to change to the display mode after the probability change at least before the change pattern is received at the upper limit number of times.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the normal symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the back surface structure of the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the input / output relationship about a sound and a lamp control board. It is the block diagram which showed the input / output relationship about a launch control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol which can be displayed with the left special symbol and right special symbol of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the correspondence of the success / failure determination result which the combination of a right and left special symbol and a symbol combination show. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed in the sub display area | region of a symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed the big flow until control of a game is started after powering on a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the control start preparation process which CPU mounted in the main control board implements immediately after starting. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally that various commands were output toward a sound and lamp control board from the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game control process of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the normal symbol game start judgment process of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the normal symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the normal symbol related command of the present Example in a list. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the main control board outputs various normal symbol related commands in the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process which judges whether a special symbol game is performed. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the second half part of the special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the success / failure of a special symbol in the special symbol game process of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the special symbol related command of a present Example in a list. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the main control board outputs various special symbol related commands in the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the stop symbol of a special symbol was determined according to the combination of the special symbol determination result and a special symbol random number. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that it was set whether to perform reach production according to the value of the random number for reach determination. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern set to the pattern table A. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the variation pattern set to the pattern table. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern set in a pattern table C. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the first half part in a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the latter half part in a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process at the time of power failure generation | occurrence | production. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the specific variation pattern setting process performed with the main control board in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reliability alerting | reporting effect pattern determination process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the content of the effect performed on the screen of an effect display apparatus according to the alerting | reporting level of reliability. It is explanatory drawing shown about a mode that a notification level developed according to the setting value of the frequency | count of notification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which performs various effects including a promotion effect in the sound and lamp control board of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of character design effect process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of the character design effect process of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process for displaying a game state on the game state display part after completion | finish of a special game state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game state display process at the time of completion | finish of a symbol change.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Game machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
A-4. Configuration of control circuit:
A-5. Overview of the game:
B. Game machine control details:
B-1. Operation immediately after power-on:
B-2. Control start preparation operation:
B-3. Game control overview:
B-3-1. Watchdog timer reset processing:
B-3-2. Prize ball payout processing:
B-3-3. Normal symbol game start judgment processing:
B-3-4. Normal design game processing:
B-3-5. Normal electric game processing:
B-3-6. Special symbol game start decision processing:
B-3-7. Special design game processing:
B-3-8. Special symbol variation pattern setting process:
B-3-9. Special electric game game processing:
B-4. Processing when power failure occurs:
C. First embodiment:
D. Second embodiment:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. Furthermore, two prize ball display LED display portions 4g and an error LED display portion 4h are provided on the upper portion of the front frame 4. The error LED display section 4h of the present embodiment lights or blinks in red when a severe error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. Here, a severe error is an error when, for example, it is necessary to work with the front frame 4 opened for recovery, or when parts need to be replaced. Is any other error.

  In addition, an upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. Further, a locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 <CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into the recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit. The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button 5d for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Further, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. By pressing this switch, the player can intervene in the progress of the game, such as selecting a character or game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. In addition, the lower pan portion 6 is provided with a lower pan full tank switch 6s (not shown) (see FIG. 6). When the lower pan portion 6 is filled with game balls, this is detected and the game balls are paid out. It is supposed to be interrupted. In order to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate portion 6, a ball game hole (not shown) for discharging game balls from the lower plate portion 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball hole is provided on the substantially central front side of the portion 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, but when the lower end is pressed to the back side, the upper end is rotated around the rotation shaft, the ball hole is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower dish portion 6 are discharged. It is possible. Moreover, the 2nd speaker 6c is provided in the right and left of the discharge knob 6b.

  An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower plate portion 6, and a firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation shaft of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan portion 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement is transmitted to the launching device unit. A launch motor 8m (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength according to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. Note that the firing stop switch 8b of the present embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected to the touch switch 8a.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and a variable prize device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the game area 11. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17 are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 6). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is in an open state in which the possibility of entering the game ball is increased, and the pair of wing pieces are erected to enter the normal state in which the game ball is less likely to enter.

  A special symbol display device 27 is provided in the center of the central device 26. The special symbol display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols and special symbols. The screen configuration of the special symbol display device 27 will be described later.

  Further, a normal symbol display device 28 is provided at the upper part of the central device 26. The normal symbol display device 28 is mainly composed of a 7-segment LED, and can display the normal symbol in a variable stop state.

  Normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 11, and gate switches 36s and 37s for detecting the passage of the game ball are provided inside these gates. Further, lamp wind turbines 24 and 25 are provided between the left and right normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A large winning device 31 is provided in the approximate center of the variable winning device 18. The big prize winning device 31 includes a big prize opening 31d that opens substantially in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing plate 31p that opens or closes the big prize opening 31d, and a big prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the opening / closing plate 31p (FIG. 6). Reference) and an interlocking rod (not shown). The special winning opening 31d is opened when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied. When the special winning opening 31d is opened, the game ball enters the ball with a high probability, and a special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a large winning opening switch 31s (not shown) is provided inside the large winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the large winning opening 31d. Furthermore, a special area (V zone) (not shown) is provided inside the special winning opening 31d, and when a game ball that has won a prize in the special winning opening 31d passes through the specific area, this can be detected. It is possible.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The packed ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position again. On the other hand, a foul ball prevention member (not shown) is attached to the tip of the inner rail 15, and a return rubber (not shown) is attached to the outer rail 14 on the substantially opposite side of the foul ball prevention member (the right half side of the game board 10). Attached along the fitting.

  Next, the configuration of the normal symbol display device 28 and the special symbol display device 27 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the normal symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The normal symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is provided with a normal symbol display unit 28a configured by 7 segment LEDs and a normal symbol hold display unit 28b configured by four LEDs. In the normal symbol display unit 28a, nine numbers from "1" to "9" can be variably displayed. In the normal symbol hold display unit 28b, four LEDs are sequentially lit to be described later. It is possible to display up to four normal symbol hold numbers.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the special symbol display device 27 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the special symbol display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and the liquid crystal screen has a horizontally long main display region 27A that occupies a lower side region of the screen and sub-displays of other regions. It is divided into a region 27B.

  A special symbol holding display unit 30c is provided at the center of the main display region 27A, and a special symbol display unit 30 representing a result of the determination of success or failure described later is provided at the right end of the main display region 27A. The special symbol display unit 30 is composed of a left special symbol 30a and a right special symbol 30b, and displays a result of the determination of the success / failure by a combination of these two symbols. The display contents of the left and right special symbols and the determination result indicated by the combination of the two symbols will be described later using another diagram.

  In the sub display area 27B occupying most of the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background symbol 27d displayed on the background can be displayed. Of these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b described above, thereby enabling a game to be produced. In addition, a gaming state display unit 27e for displaying the current gaming state is provided in the upper left corner of the sub display area 27B. In the gaming state display unit 27e, “currently changing” is displayed when the current gaming state is a probability changing state to be described later, and “chance time” is displayed when the current gaming state is a short time state to be described later. In addition, detailed production contents performed in the sub display area 27B will be described later. The game state display unit 27e constitutes one aspect of the game state display means.

  The configuration on the front side of the gaming machine 1 has been described above. Finally, the operation of the two operation switches SW1 and SW2 provided at the front left end of the upper plate part 5 will be described. The operation switches SW1 and SW2 have a function of selecting an effect form displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the symbol display device 27. That is, when the player operates the switches SW1 and SW2 under a predetermined condition, it is possible to change the form of the effect performed on the liquid crystal screen, the background symbol 27d, and the like. Therefore, the player can feel as if he / she is participating in the effect displayed on the special symbol display device 27.

A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the back structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on a large back mechanism board 102, and the back mechanism board 102 can be opened and closed to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103. Is pivotally supported. In FIG. 5, the hinge 103 is shown near the upper end and the lower end on the right side of the middle frame 3.

  The back mechanism board 102 includes a prize ball tank 105 for storing game balls, a prize ball payout device 109 for paying out prize balls, a back case 111 with a lid in which the special symbol display device 27 described above is stored, A main control board case 112 storing a main control board 200 to be described later, a launcher control board case 113 storing a launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, and a payout control board for controlling the winning ball payout device 109 A payout control board case 118 in which 240 is stored, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted.

  The award ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch 104 at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The award ball tank 105 and the award ball dispensing device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106 in the drawing, and is illustrated on the downstream side of the tank rail 106. A supply ball breakage detection switch is provided. Further, a game ball distributing unit is provided on the downstream side of the prize ball payout device 109. In FIG. 5, the display of the sorting unit is omitted in order to avoid complicated illustration.

  Various substrates such as the main control board case 112, the relay terminal board 190, and the payout control board case 118 are detachably mounted on a metal plate (not shown) that is rotatably suspended on the back mechanism board 102. Yes.

  At the upper right end of the back mechanism panel 102 is an external connection for a gaming machine frame such as a fuse box 119, a power switch 120, a power terminal board 121 and a jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door open, prize ball, ball lending, etc. A relay terminal plate 122 having terminals is provided. The power terminal board 121 may be connected to a ram clear switch (not shown) for generating a ram clear signal. A power cable 123 for receiving external power supply is also provided above the relay terminal plate 122. Further, a connection cable 124 extends upward from the payout control board case 118 and is connected to the ball lending device 13 having a power cable 125. Further, a ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism panel 102.

A-4. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and so on. Control of effects by the main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sound / lamp control board 220 that controls the effects of the game using sound effects and lamps, and the normal symbol display device 28 and the special symbol display device 27 The symbol control board 230 that controls the game, the payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out the rented or winning balls, the launch control board 260 that controls the game ball launch, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 6, only the CPU 201 and the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown, and the ROM and PIO mounted on the main control board 200, as well as the CPU mounted on other control boards, The illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives the detection signal of the game ball from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switches 36s, 37s, etc. After determining whether or not it is involved, various commands to be described later are output to the sound / lamp control board 220, the symbol control board 230, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 is also connected with a count switch 8s that detects a game ball emitted from the emission device unit. Further, the main control board 200 sends a signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing the pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17 and the large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d. These operations are directly controlled by outputting.

  When the sound / lamp control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the sound / lamp control board 220 analyzes the content of the command and produces a game according to the result. In other words, a game effect is performed by outputting a drive signal to an amplifier board that drives various speakers 5y and 6c and a decoration drive board that drives various decorative LEDs and lamps. Further, the commands related to the effects in the special symbol display device 27 and the normal symbol display device 28 described above are transferred to the symbol control board 230, and the symbol control board 230 controls the normal symbol display device 28 and the special symbol display device 27. Thus, the game is rendered in a state synchronized with the effect by the sound effect or the lamp. Further, the operation signals from the operation switches SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sound / lamp control board 220 via the effect button board 228. The detailed input / output relationship of the sound / lamp control board 220 will be described later.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. The paid-out prize balls are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and input to the payout control board 240. Further, the number of prize balls that have been paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main control board 200.

  Further, the signal from the tank switch 104 provided in the prize ball tank 105 described above, and the signal from the external tank switch 124 provided in an external tank (not shown) in which the game balls supplied to the prize ball tank 105 are stored are also paid out. Input to the control board 240. For this reason, the payout control board 240 can notify the abnormality by the error LEDs 4g and 4h described above before the winning ball cannot be paid out due to the ball running out. In addition, a signal from a lower pan full switch 6 s provided in the lower pan 6 is also input to the dispensing control board 240. For this reason, even when the lower tray portion 6 is filled with game balls, the payout control board 240 temporarily stops paying out prize balls in response to a signal detected by the lower tray full switch 6s. Is possible. In addition, a signal from the front frame switch 4 s that detects that the front frame 4 is open is also input to the payout control board 240. For this reason, when the front frame 4 is opened for some reason, it is possible to stop operations such as paying out a prize ball or lending a game ball. In addition, the payout control board 240 outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 260 under the control of the main control board 200. In response to the launch permission signal, various controls for launching the game ball are performed as will be described later.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sound / lamp control board 220 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the input / output relationship for the sound / lamp control board 220. As shown in the figure, the sound / lamp control board 220 is connected to various boards such as a symbol control board 230, an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228.

  When the sound / lamp control board 220 receives various production commands from the main control board 200 as described above, the sound / lamp control board 220 interprets the contents of the command and outputs sound effects from the various speakers 5y, 6c, A specific mode of lighting or blinking of the LEDs and the lamps 4b to 4f is determined. In addition, commands related to effects in the above-described normal symbol display device 28 and special symbol display device 27 are transferred to the symbol control board 230. In accordance with the transfer of the command to the symbol control board 230, by outputting the sound signal to the amplifier board 224, the sound effects are outputted from the various speakers 5y and 6c, and the drive signal is supplied to the decorative drive board 226. Controls lighting and blinking of various LEDs and lamps. Further, as described above, when the player operates the operation switches SW1 and SW2 provided on the front surface side of the upper plate part 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sound / lamp control board 220, and the sound / lamp control board is supplied. 220 is supplied to the symbol control board 230. The operation signals of the operation switches SW1 and SW2 are thus supplied to the sound / lamp control board 220 and the symbol control board 230, and the operation results are reflected in various effects including the special symbol display device 27 described above. It is possible.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the input / output relationship for the launch control board 260. As shown, the launch control board 260 is connected to a launch drive board 262 that directly controls the launcher unit, a ball feed solenoid 8t for supplying game balls to the launcher unit one by one, and the like. . The launch drive board 262 has a launch motor 8m built in the launcher unit for launching a game ball, a touch switch 8a for detecting that a player is touching the launch handle 8, and a game. A launch stop switch 8b that is operated when the person temporarily stops the launch of the game ball is connected. When the launch control board 260 receives the launch permission signal from the payout control board, the launch control board 260 drives the launch motor 8m while exchanging data with the launch drive board 262, and controls to launch the game ball.

A-5. Overview of the game:
Next, the contents of the control performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. First, as a preparation, an outline of the game will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit one by one. 2 is used to fire the game area 11 described above. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launch handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 8. .

  When the launched game ball passes through one of the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 provided on the left and right sides of the game area 11, the normal symbol display device 28 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display device 28 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and the numbers “1” to “9” can be variably displayed. Ordinary symbols will be stopped and displayed at any number when they are displayed for a predetermined time. If the stop symbol at this time is an odd symbol, it becomes a normal symbol hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29b.

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in the open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 provided in the special symbol display device 27 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment includes the left special symbol 30a and the right special symbol 30b, and the left special symbol 30a includes “-” and “1” to “8”. ”Can be displayed, and the right special symbol 30b can display two patterns of red or blue. FIG. 9 collectively shows symbols that can display the left special symbol 30a and the right special symbol 30b of this embodiment.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the result of determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined is displayed by a combination of symbols displayed as the left and right special symbols. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a correspondence relationship between the combination of the left and right special symbols and the result of the determination as to whether the combination of symbols shows. As shown in the drawing, when the display of the left special symbol 30a is "-", the determination result of "OK" is shown when the display of the right special symbol 30b is "red" or "blue". In addition, the display of the left special symbol 30a is “1”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” and the display of the right special symbol 30b is “blue”, or the display of the left special symbol 30a is “4”, “ When the combination of “6” and “8” and the display of the right special symbol 30b is “red”, the result of the determination of success / failure “short time per hit” is indicated. The combination of the left special symbol 30a is “1”, “2”, “3”, “5”, “7” and the right special symbol 30b is “red”, or the display of the left special symbol 30a is “3” “5”. In the case of any combination of “7” and the display of the right special symbol 30b being “blue”, the determination result “probability variation” is indicated.

  If the combination of symbols that are displayed in a stopped state is “short time hit” or “probable change hit”, a special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player is started. The special game state of the present embodiment is such that the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, and the open state is opened a predetermined number of times on condition that the game ball passes a predetermined area (V zone) in the special winning opening 31d during the opening. It is configured to be repeated. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, the game ball enters with high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol variation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of reserved special symbols stored is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the combination of the left and right special symbols is stopped at the combination indicated as “probability variation” in FIG. 10 (hereinafter, such a combination of symbols may be referred to as “probability variation”). The probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed until the next special game is started after the special game ends, or until the special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment). Is higher than normal. Such a gaming state is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state).

  Further, when the combination of the left and right special symbols is stopped at the combination indicated as “short-time hit” in FIG. 10 (hereinafter, such a combination of symbols may be referred to as “short-time symbol”). After the end of the special game, the special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next special game state is started, and the variation time of the special symbol is shortened. The opening time of the start port 17 is slightly longer. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, such a time-saving function is activated not only when the time-short symbol is stopped and displayed but also when the probability variable symbol is stopped. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the hit state that is not “probable hit” is only provided as “short-time hit”, the “short-time hit” in this embodiment is an aspect of normal hit. Is configured.

  Various effects using character symbols and the like are performed in the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 in accordance with the change stop display of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating an aspect of the effect performed in the sub display area 27 </ b> B of the special symbol display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, three character symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c can be displayed in the sub display area 27 </ b> B of the special symbol display device 27. When the variation display of the left and right special symbols 30a, 30b is started in the main display area 27A described above, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c also start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which 10 numbers from “0” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 11A conceptually shows a state in which the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “0” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed in the sub display area 27B is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b that are stopped and displayed in the main display area 27A. ing. For example, when the special symbol in the main display area 27A stops at the symbol per probability change, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the sub display area 27B are stopped and displayed with the same symbol that represents an odd number. In addition, when the special symbol in the main display area 27A stops at a symbol per hour, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the sub display area 27B are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number. Furthermore, when the special symbol in the main display area 27A stops with a symbol that is out of place, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the sub-display region 27B are stopped and displayed in a state in which at least three symbols are not all the same symbol. Is done.

  As described above, the combination of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c correspond to each other in display contents, and the timing at which each display symbol is determined is set to be the same. Therefore, it is possible to play while watching either display. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed at positions that are more easily noticeable than the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b, and the display screen is set larger. In addition, since it is easy to understand whether the time is short or missed, the player usually plays the game while looking at the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed in the sub display area 27B. Accordingly, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the screen of the sub display area 27B and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the character symbol 27b stops at the same symbol and becomes a so-called big hit state. A state in which two character symbols are stopped and displayed in the same pattern and the last character symbol is variably displayed in this way is called a “reach state”. If such reach production is performed, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player. In addition, various presentation modes are also prepared for reach production, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player more effectively.

B. Game machine control contents:
Hereinafter, details of the control performed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment to realize the above-described game will be described in detail.

B-1. Operation immediately after power-on:
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a large flow from when the gaming machine 1 is powered on until the game control is started by the main control board 200. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is equipped with many control boards in addition to the main control board 200, and these control boards also operate substantially the same after the power is turned on. Each control is started after the above. As shown in FIG. 12, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the CPU is first initialized. Such an operation is called a system initialization operation (or system reset), and is performed by supplying an initialization signal from a power supply circuit (not shown) to the CPU of each control board. When the CPU is initialized, a security check is performed next time. A security check is a process in which the CPU mounted on each control board starts control, checks the contents of the memory including the area where the program and various control parameters are stored, and the program and control parameters are illegally modified. It is a work to check whether or not. Since the gaming machine 1 must not be illegally modified after shipment from the manufacturer, a security check is performed before the game control is started. Since the security check checks a large memory area, a certain amount of time is required until the check is completed.

  When the security check is completed, the CPU mounted on each control board starts the respective control program. The control program is stored in a predetermined memory area of the ROM mounted on each control board. In general, a process for preparing to start control (control start preparation process) and an end of the control start preparation process are performed. The process is started later and executed during the game. In the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, as shown in FIG. 12, the game control process is started after the completion of the control start preparation process, but the same applies to CPUs mounted on other various control boards. Perform proper processing. In addition, the control performed during the game receives an interrupt signal from a timer mounted on each control board, and periodically changes the state of the gaming machine (for example, the entrance to each entrance) In the control start preparation process performed at each control board, a preparatory operation for generating a timer interrupt is also performed.

B-2. Control start preparation operation:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a control start preparation process that is performed immediately after the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 is activated. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. When the control preparation process is started, first, the CPU 201 sets a state in which no interrupt is accepted (S10). The control preparation processing to be performed below is performed as preparation for performing appropriate control.Before the preparation operation is completed, even if an interrupt occurs, the control cannot be appropriately executed. The setting is made so that interrupts are not accepted until the preparation operation is completed.

  Next, a stack pointer is set (S12). In simple terms, the stack pointer is a variable that indicates a memory area for temporarily saving data being processed when the current process is interrupted and another process is performed. When game control is started, an interrupt may occur and processing may be interrupted, so a memory area for saving various data for resuming the interrupted processing is set. is there.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs an initial setting of peripheral devices (S14). Here, initialization of various devices such as CTC (counter / timer circuit) and PIO (peripheral device interface) is performed. When game control is performed, timer interrupts are generated periodically (typically every 2 msec) using the CTC to detect the state of various switches and update various random values. Accordingly, the setting for generating such a timer interrupt in the CTC is also performed in S14 of the control start preparation process.

  Following the setting of the peripheral device, the CPU 201 detects whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (S16). If the RAM clear switch is on when the power is turned on, it is assumed that the store clerk turned on the power while turning on the RAM clear switch when the amusement store opened. However, if the RAM clear switch is not ON (S16: no), there is a possibility that the power has been cut off due to a power failure or the like, so it is detected whether the backup flag is ON (S18). If the backup flag is ON (S18: yes), the game is not terminated normally because the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, and it is necessary to restore the gaming state before the disconnection. Conceivable. Therefore, the following recovery operation is performed.

  When the recovery operation is started, a checksum is calculated first (S20). The checksum is roughly calculated as follows. Predetermined checksum data is set in advance. Then, for the data stored in the target area on the RAM 202, the data is sequentially read to calculate an exclusive OR with the checksum data, and the obtained value is sequentially written in the checksum data area. When exclusive OR is written for all data stored in the target area of the RAM 202 in this way, the value of each bit in the written area is inverted, and the obtained data is used as a checksum. In the power-off process performed at the time of power-off such as a power failure, a checksum is calculated and stored for data in the backup RAM area. Therefore, if the data stored in the backup RAM area is not changed, the checksum calculated during the recovery operation should be the same value as the checksum calculated when the power is turned off.

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the checksum calculated in S20 matches the checksum stored when the power is turned off (S22). If the two match (S22: yes), it is considered that the data in the backup RAM area is correctly stored. In this case, after reading the stored data and acquiring the gaming state when the power is cut off (S24), the backup flag is set to OFF (S26). Then, in order to restore the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, etc. to the gaming state before the power-off, a command at the time of power-off restoration is transmitted to these various control boards (S28). A method for transmitting the command will be described later with reference to another drawing. As a result, the game state before the power interruption is restored, and the game is continued thereafter.

  On the other hand, if it is detected in S16 that the RAM clear switch is ON, the normal power-on operation is considered, and the normal initialization operation shown below is performed. If the RAM clear switch is not turned on but the backup flag is not turned on (S18: no), it is considered that there is no backup data. Therefore, in this case, it is considered that the normal power-on operation is not performed, but the normal initialization operation is also performed. Furthermore, even when the backup flag is ON and the backup data exists, if the checksums do not match (S22: no), the backup data can no longer be used. A normal initialization operation is performed.

  In the normal initialization operation, the RAM 202 is first initialized (S30). That is, after “0” is once written in all data areas of the RAM, a process of setting initial data to a predetermined address on the RAM is performed.

  Next, an initial command is transmitted toward the sound / lamp control board 220 (S32). That is, in accordance with the start of a new game control on the main control board 200, the sound / lamp control board 220 is also set so as to start a new control for various effect controls such as sound effects and lighting / flashing of lamps. A command for initializing the control state is transmitted toward. The initialization command is also transferred from the sound / lamp control board 220 to the symbol control board 230, and the display of the special symbol display device 27 and the normal symbol display device 28 is also set to the initial state.

  As described above, in the control start preparation process, the interrupt is initially set to the prohibited state, so that the series of operations described above can be reliably performed. Then, when all the preparation operations are completed, the interruption is set to the permitted state (S34), the control start preparation process is ended, and the game control is started.

  Here, how the command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220 will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how various commands are output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220. 14 shows a case where a command is output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220, the command is sent from the main control board 200 to another control board such as the payout control board 240. Is also output in the same manner. The main control board 200 and the sound / lamp control board 220 are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable, and one of these bits is allocated for output of the strobe signal, and the remaining 8 bits. Is assigned for command output. When a command is output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220, first, 8-bit command data is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. The sound / lamp control board 220 can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control board 200 by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the command data is 2-byte data (that is, data for 16 bits). Therefore, the main control board 200 first outputs 8-bit command data and outputs a 1-bit strobe signal, and then outputs the remaining 8-bit command data and outputs the strobe signal again. Each time the strobe signal rises, the sound / lamp control board 220 reads the command data in two portions of 8 bits. In this way, a 16-bit command can be reliably supplied from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220. When a 1-byte (ie, 8-bit) command is supplied, the strobe signal need only be output once. The command at the time of power-off recovery output in the power-off recovery operation and the initial command output in the normal initialization operation are output to various control boards in this way. As a result, an appropriate effect design is displayed on the effect display device 27 provided on the game board surface, and various lamps and speakers are controlled to an appropriate state.

B-3. Overview of game control:
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the game control of the gaming machine 1 when the control preparation start process shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of the game control process executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a normal symbol game process, a normal electric game game process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric game game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  In addition, as described above, the CTC is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by the CTC, the state of various random number values, various game ball detection switches, and the like is changed. Processing to detect is performed. In the game control shown in FIG. 15, the normal symbol game process, the normal electric accessory game process, while updating the various random numbers and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice during the round of the control, Special symbol game processing and special electric equipment game processing are implemented. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards including the sound / lamp control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

B-3-1. Watchdog timer reset processing:
When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of resetting a watchdog timer mounted on the control board (S70). As described above, a signal for initializing the CPU 201 is output from the watchdog timer, and before the initialization signal is output from the watchdog timer, the watchdog timer is reset on the software program. Yes. In this case, if the CPU 201 runs out of control, the watchdog timer cannot be reset. Therefore, the CPU 201 is initialized by the initialization signal output from the watchdog timer, and can immediately recover from the runaway. . Therefore, the CPU 201 performs processing for resetting the watchdog timer in S80.

B-3-2. Prize ball payout processing:
Next, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S90). That is, when the state of the start opening switch 17s or the big prize opening switch 31s connected to the main control board 200 is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered, and when the game ball has entered Stores this information in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Then, after calculating the number of award balls to be paid out based on information stored in the RAM 202, the payout number is designated and a payout command is output to the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start opening switch 17s or the big winning opening switch 31s has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is designated, and a payout command is designated. Is output.

  When outputting a payout command from the main control board 200 to the payout control board 240, as described above with reference to FIG. 14, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control board 240, and then command data is output. . When the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 receives the payout command, the CPU interprets the content of the command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109 to pay out the prize ball. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (a front payout switch 109a and a rear payout switch 109b) for detecting a payout game ball. Meanwhile, a process of paying out the number of prize balls specified by the payout command is performed.

B-3-3. Normal symbol game start judgment processing:
Next, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not to start the normal symbol game process (S100). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing (normal symbol game start determination processing) performed by the CPU 201 to determine whether or not to start the normal symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the normal symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 (S102). Gate switches 36 s and 37 s are incorporated in the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37, and the CPU 201 can detect the passage of a game ball based on signals from the gate switches 36 s and 37 s.

  If the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 (S102: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbols held is “4” or more (S104). In the predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, the data of the number of normal symbols held is written. In S104, the data set in this address is read and whether this value is “4” or not. Judgment is made. If the number of reservations does not reach “4” (S104: no), a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is obtained is acquired, and this random number value is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202, and the value of the normal symbol reservation number is set. One is added (S106). As will be described in detail later, whether or not a normal symbol is determined is determined using the normal symbol determination random number thus stored. Further, the normal symbol holding number is stored at a predetermined address in the RAM 202 as described above. Note that the random number for determining whether or not the symbol is normal may be generated in software by a program for generating random numbers, or may be generated in hardware using a dedicated IC for generating random numbers. More simply, a pseudo-random number generated by hardware by combining an oscillator and a counter may be used.

  On the other hand, when the number of pending has reached “4” in S104 (S104: yes), the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate is not acquired. In other words, it is possible to store up to four random numbers for determining whether or not normal symbols are received, and in response to this, up to four holds can be displayed on the normal symbol hold display portion 29c. (See FIG. 3).

  Finally, a normal symbol hold number display command is output to the sound / lamp control board 220 so that the normal symbol hold display unit 29b of the normal symbol display device 28 displays the normal symbol hold number. The normal symbol hold count display command is immediately transferred from the sound / lamp control board 220 to the symbol control board 230, and the normal symbol hold count is lit and displayed under the control of the symbol control board 230.

  As described above, when the normal symbol holding number table command is output, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S110). The ordinary electric accessory is an accessory that operates as a result of performing a normal symbol game. Therefore, if the normal electric accessory is in operation (S110: yes), it is not necessary to start the normal symbol game again, so it is determined that the normal symbol game does not start (that is, S100: no). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S110: no), it is determined that the ordinary symbol game is started (that is, S100: yes).

  In step S100 of the game control process shown in FIG. 15, whether or not to start the normal symbol game is determined as described above. When it is determined that the normal symbol game is started (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is started (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game is not started (S100: no), the normal symbol game process is skipped.

B-3-4. Normal design game processing:
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal symbol game processing. When the normal symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing (S152). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the normal symbol display unit 29 a is provided in the normal symbol display device 28, and the normal symbols from “1” to “9” are variably displayed. It is possible. When the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 17 is started, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is in a variable display.

  If the normal symbol is not fluctuating (S152: no), it is considered that either the normal symbol has not yet fluctuated, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the fluctuating display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the current state is a time (stop display time) set to display a normal symbol stop symbol for a predetermined period (S154). As will be described later, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 controls the start and stop of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol. Therefore, the CPU 201 can easily determine whether or not the current state is the normal symbol stop display time based on the internal control state.

  If it is determined that it is not during the normal symbol stop display time (S154: no), that is, if the normal symbol is not variably displayed and the normal symbol stop symbol is not being displayed, the number of hold of the normal symbol is It is determined whether it is “0” (S156). When the number of normal symbols held is not “0”, in other words, when the normal symbols are still held (S156: no), whether or not the normal symbol is determined and the variation pattern and the stop symbol corresponding to the determination result are determined. The process of determining is performed (S158). The determination of whether or not the normal symbol is present is performed by determining whether or not the random number for determining whether or not the symbol is stored when the normal symbol is held matches a predetermined hit value. That is, if the random value stored in S106 of FIG. 16 described above matches the predetermined hit value, it is determined that the normal symbol is hit, and if it does not match, it is determined that the normal symbol is off. Also, the fluctuation pattern and the stop pattern can be determined by generating respective random numbers.

  After determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct and determining the variation pattern and the stop symbol, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 uses the sound / lamp to start the variation display of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display unit 29 shown in FIG. A normal symbol variation pattern designation command is output toward the control board 220 (S160). Here, the normal symbol variation pattern designation command is one of the normal symbol related commands output from the main control board 200 in order to perform the normal symbol variation stop display, and the normal symbol variation pattern (in this embodiment). This is a command to specify (variation time). In addition to the normal symbol variation pattern designation command, the normal symbol related commands include a command that designates a normal symbol that stops after a variation (ordinary symbol designation command), and a command that stops variation of a normal symbol (ordinary symbol halt command). Is prepared.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of these normal symbol related commands. Various designation commands such as a command Chp1, a command Chp2, a command Chp3, a command Chp4,... Are set in advance in the normal symbol variation pattern designation command in accordance with the variation pattern. In addition, in the normal symbol designation command, various designation commands such as command Chs1, command Chs2, command Chs3, command Chs4, etc. are set according to the ordinary symbol to be stopped after the variation. The command Chstp is set as a command for stopping. Of course, it is possible to set other commands in addition to the displayed commands. These normal symbol related commands are stored in advance in a ROM built in the main control board 200. In step S160 of FIG. 17, the corresponding normal symbol variation pattern designation command is read in accordance with the variation pattern determined in S158, and then output to the sound / lamp control board 220 together with the strobe signal (FIG. 14). checking). When the normal symbol variation pattern designation command is output in this way, after subtracting “1” from the normal symbol holding number (S162), the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 17 is terminated, and the game control process shown in FIG. Return. On the other hand, if “yes” is determined in S 156, that is, if the normal symbol is not being displayed and is not in the normal symbol stop display time, but the normal symbol hold count is “0”, S 158. Without performing the process of S162, the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In S152, when it is determined that the normal symbol is changing (S152: yes), it is considered that the normal symbol change display has been started in the normal symbol game process already performed. . Therefore, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S164). The fluctuation display time of the normal symbol is determined in advance when the fluctuation display is started, and the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed.

  If the fluctuation time has not yet passed (S163: no), it is considered that the time has not passed since the normal symbol fluctuation pattern designation command is output, so this time the normal symbol designation command is output. After that (S164), the normal symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. As described above with reference to FIG. 18, the normal symbol designation command is a command for designating a symbol to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol variation display. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S163: yes), the normal symbol is stopped toward the sound / lamp control board 220 in order to stop and display the normal symbol variably displayed on the normal symbol display unit 28. A command is output (S166). The stop symbol at this time is the symbol designated by the normal symbol designation command output in S163. That is, whether or not the normal symbol is already determined is determined prior to starting the fluctuation display of the normal symbol in S160 (S158). If the determination result is correct, the odd symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of the determination is wrong. In the case of, the display is stopped with an even number of symbols.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how the main control board 200 outputs various normal symbol related commands in the processing of S160 to S166 of the above-described normal symbol game processing. When the normal symbol game process is started and the process of S160 is executed, a normal symbol variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200. A white arrow shown in FIG. 19 schematically shows that a command is output. When the voice / lamp control board 220 receives the normal symbol variation pattern designation command, it immediately transfers it to the symbol control board 230. In the voice / lamp control board 220 and the symbol control board 230, the respective processes are started based on the command received in this way, and as a result, the normal symbol display device 28 generates a normal symbol with a predetermined sound effect and blinking of the lamp. The change display of is started.

  Here, the game control process shown in FIG. 15 is repeatedly executed at intervals of about 4 msec, and therefore the normal symbol game process of FIG. 17 is also executed at intervals of about 4 msec. Since the normal symbol variation display has already started at the time of the first execution, the normal symbol designation command is output this time (S163 in FIG. 17). As in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the designation of the symbol is sufficient, that is, the ordinary symbol display device 28 can display only one ordinary symbol at the same time, and only once after the fluctuation starts. When the symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol designation command is output only once. However, if the normal symbol display device 28 can display a plurality of normal symbols at the same time, or if only one symbol can be displayed at the same time, after the variable display and the pseudo stop are repeated several times, the final normal symbol is displayed. When the display is stopped, the normal symbol designation command is output a plurality of times. Then, while the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 17 is repeatedly executed several times, if the normal symbol variation time elapses (S162 in FIG. 15: yes), the main control board 200 is set to the sound / lamp control board 220. A normal symbol stop command is output (S166).

  In S160 to S166 of the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 19, various normal symbol related commands are directed from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220 and the symbol control board 230. Is output. When the normal symbol stop command is output in this way (S166), the stop symbol display time is set so that the player can confirm the symbol that has been stopped (S168).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol display time has elapsed (S170). If the set stop time has not elapsed (S170: no), the normal symbol game processing is ended as it is and FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display time of the stop symbol has elapsed (S170: yes), the symbol that causes the stop-displayed symbol to operate the ordinary electric accessory (in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C). It is determined whether or not it is the indicated symbol (S172). When the stop-displayed normal symbol is not a symbol for operating the normal electric accessory (S172: no), the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the game control process shown in FIG. 15 is resumed. On the other hand, when the stopped normal symbol is the operation symbol of the ordinary electric accessory (S172: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S174). Returning to the game control process shown in FIG. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid (starter solenoid) 17m provided inside the starter 17 is driven, and the blade portion of the starter is rotated outward. As a result, the start port 17 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the game control process, when returning from the normal symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is operating (S190). The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 can easily detect the normal electric accessory based on the internal control state if it is in operation. If the normal electric combination is not in operation (S190: no), the normal electric combination game process (S200) is skipped, but if the normal electric combination is in operation (S190: yes), the following description will be given. The ordinary electric accessory game process is started (S200).

B-3-5. Normal electric game game processing:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory game process, first, it is determined whether or not the predetermined operating time has elapsed for the ordinary electric accessory (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory operates, the pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17 rotate outwardly, and the start port is opened. The pair of blade pieces returns to the normal state where they are upright. Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing.

  On the other hand, if a prescribed number of game balls enter the opening 17 during opening, the opening 17 returns to the normal state even if the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped, and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 20 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no prescribed number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process (S300). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S350) is skipped, and conversely, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is started. (S300: yes), special symbol game processing (S350) is performed.

B-3-6. Special symbol game start decision processing:
As shown in FIG. 15, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory game process (S200), it is determined whether or not to perform the special symbol game process (S300). FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not to perform a special symbol game. As in the case of determining whether or not to start the normal symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. 16, even when determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it relates to the number of reserved special symbols. Process. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S302). As described above, the start port 17 includes a start port switch 17 s for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 has entered the start port 17 with the game ball. Can be detected.

  If a game ball is in the starting port 17 (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more (S304). The special symbol hold count data is written in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S304, the data set in this address is read, and the special symbol hold count is 4 or more. Judge whether or not. If the number of special symbol reservations has not reached 4 (S304: no), a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is acquired, and this random number value is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202, and the number of special symbol reservations is set to 1. (S306). Similarly to the above-described determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined based on the stored determination random number. On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has reached 4 (S304: yes), the acquisition of a new random number for determination of success / failure is not performed. Note that the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is acceptable may be generated by software by a random number generating program, or using a dedicated IC for generating random numbers, as in the case of the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is described above. It may be generated by hardware.

  Finally, a special symbol hold number display command is output to the sound / lamp control board 220 so that the special symbol hold display unit 30c shown in FIG. 4 displays the special symbol hold number (S308). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the main display area 27A of the special symbol display device 27 is provided with four special symbol hold display portions 30c. Turn on the number display section. In addition, if the number of special symbol reservations is 3, the number-of-holds display unit 1 to 3 is lit and displayed. If there is one, one hold number display portion is lit up. Further, if the number of reserved special symbols is 0, neither of the number-of-holds display sections is lit. In S308 of FIG. 21, a command (special symbol hold number display command) for instructing display of the special symbol hold number is output from the main control board 200 toward the sound / lamp control board 220, and the sound / lamp control is performed. It is transferred from the board 220 to the symbol control board 230. In response to the command thus transferred, the symbol control board 230 displays an appropriate number of holds on the special symbol hold display unit 30c of the special symbol display device 27.

  When the process related to the special symbol hold is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S310). The condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, and the combination of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b is a combination of "short time per hit" or "probability per hit" shown in FIG. It is a device that starts operation when it is stopped. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting a gaming state (so-called special gaming state) in which the special winning opening 31d is continuously opened. In S310, if it is determined that the condition device is in operation (S310: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game will not be started in order to avoid starting the special game state again (ie, S300: no). On the other hand, when the condition device is not in operation (S310: no), it is determined that the special symbol game is started (S300: yes).

  In step S300 of the game control process shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not to start a special symbol game as described above. If it is determined that the special symbol game is to be started (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is started (S320).

B-3-7. Special design game processing:
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the main display area 27A of the special symbol display device 27, and the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b are displayed in a variable manner. It is possible.

  If the special symbol is not fluctuating (S322: no), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet fluctuated, or has been stopped and displayed in the stop symbol after the fluctuating display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). If the special symbol is not variably displayed and it is not during the display time when the special symbol is stopped (S324: no), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbols held is “0”. (S326). The special symbol reservation number is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S326, it is determined whether or not the data of the number of special symbol reservations stored at this address is “0”. If the number of special symbol hold is not “0”, in other words, if the special symbol is still held (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state (probability variation state) (S328). As described above, the probability variation state refers to a gaming state in which the probability that a special symbol on the symbol display device 27 is hit and displayed in a stopped state (that is, the probability that a special gaming state will occur) is higher than the normal probability. . The probable change state is completed when the combination of symbols displayed in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 4 is stopped with any of the combinations of “probability hit” shown in FIG. Until the next special game is started, or until the special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times). From this, in S328, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. A determination is made (S330). On the other hand, if the probability change is not in progress (S328: no), whether or not the special symbol is true is determined with the winning probability set to a normal value (S332).

  The special symbol determination is made by referring to the following determination table. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the success / failure determination table includes a probability variation table and a non-probability variation table. In each table, the determination result of the success / failure is associated with a random number for special symbol success / failure determination. Is remembered. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired when the game ball enters the start port 17 and is stored in the RAM 202 on the main control board 200 (see S306 in FIG. 21). thing). In S328 to S332 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 22, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. If the probability change is in progress, the success / failure determination table shown in FIG. With reference to whether or not the special symbol is successful, if the probability change is not underway, the special symbol is judged with reference to the success / failure determination table of FIG. 24 (a).

  As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S340). Although detailed processing contents will be described later, in S340, first, after determining a symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol, a process for determining a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed according to the determined stopped symbol.

  When the special symbol variation pattern is set, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a special symbol variation pattern designation command to the sound / lamp control substrate 220 to start the special symbol variation display on the special symbol display device 27. (S342).

  Here, the special symbol variation pattern designation command is one of special symbol-related commands output from the main control board 200 to display the special symbol variation stop display, and the variation patterns of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b. This is a command for designating (variation time in this embodiment). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the change stop display of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is linked to the change stop display of the special symbol, so that the special symbol change pattern is designated. In this case, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also designated at the same time. In addition to the special symbol variation pattern designation command, the special symbol related command designates a stop symbol for the left special symbol 30a (a left special symbol designation command CtsL) or a stop symbol for the right special symbol 30b. A command (right special symbol designation command CtsR) and a command for stopping the variation of the special symbol (special symbol stop command Ctstp) are also prepared. Further, a command for designating the output of the sound effect at the time of the big hit (a jackpot sound effect designation command CLsF), a command for designating the number of rounds at the time of the occurrence of the big hit (a big hit round designation command CLsR), and the winning prize switch 31s enter the ball A command for specifying the counted number of game balls (large winning mouth count designation command CLsC) is also provided. FIG. 25 shows a list of these special symbol related commands.

  In the ROM built in the main control board 200, various special symbol related commands described above are stored in advance. In step S342 of FIG. 22, the corresponding special symbol variation pattern designation command is read according to the variation pattern determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process of S340, and then output to the voice / lamp control board 220 together with the strobe signal. (See FIG. 14). When the special symbol variation pattern designation command is output in this way, after subtracting 1 from the number of special symbol hold (S344), the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 22 is terminated, and the game control process shown in FIG. 15 is resumed. . On the other hand, if “yes” is determined in S324, that is, if the special symbol is not being changed and not displayed and the special symbol is not stopped, the number of special symbols held is “0”. Without performing the process of S344, the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In S322, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S322: yes), a special symbol change pattern designation command is output in the special symbol game processing that has already been performed, and the special symbol changes. The display is considered to have started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S346). In other words, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the variation of the special symbol and sets a timer at the same time as the predetermined variation time. It is judged whether or not.

  If the fluctuation time has not yet elapsed (S346: no), the left and right special symbol designation commands are output (S348). Specifically, after the left special symbol designation command is output first, the special symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. Then, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 22 is executed again after about 4 msec, the right special symbol designation command is output, and after the special symbol game process is completed, the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S346: yes), the sound / lamp control board 220 is caused to stop and display the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b that are variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 30. Then, a special symbol stop command is output (S350). The stop symbol at this time is the symbol designated by the special symbol designation command output in S348.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how the main control board 200 outputs various special symbol-related commands in the processing of S342 to S350 of the special symbol game processing described above. When the special symbol game process is started and the process of S342 is executed, a special symbol variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220. The outline arrows shown in FIG. 26 schematically show the flow of commands output from the main control board 200 toward the sound / lamp control board 220. When the voice / lamp control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command, it immediately transfers it to the symbol control board 230. In the voice / lamp control board 220 and the symbol control board 230, the respective processes are started based on the command thus received. Display starts.

  As described above, since the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 22 is executed at a cycle of about 4 msec, when a special symbol variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220, about 4 msec. Later, the left special symbol designation command is output. Further, after 4 msec, a right special symbol designation command is output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220. The special symbols displayed in the main display area 27A of the special symbol display device 27 are the special symbol variation pattern designation command, the left special symbol designation command, and the right special symbol designation command output from the main control board 200 as described above. It is displayed in a variable manner.

  On the other hand, the variation display of the character symbols displayed in the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 is performed as follows. First, when the sound / lamp control board 220 receives a special symbol variation pattern designation command, a left special symbol designation command, and a right special symbol designation command from the main control board 200, the sound / lamp control board 220 produces effects using the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. Determine aspects. That is, if the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the variation time of the special symbol is also determined. Since the variation stop of the special symbol and the variation stop of the character symbol are linked, the variation times of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also determined. Determined. Furthermore, it is possible to know from the stop symbols of the left and right special symbols whether the determination result is “probable hit”, “short time hit”, or “out”. Therefore, one possible effect mode is selected according to the variation time and the result of the determination as to whether the character pattern has been set. Here, the character design effects include, for example, the above-described reach effects, so-called notice effects, effects that do not perform reach effects but switch background patterns, and reach effects that develop in several stages. A production mode is set. In addition, as will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a promotion effect is also set in which the special gaming state is promoted from the short-time state to the certain change state. If there are a plurality of selectable production modes, one mode is selected by lottery.

  Next, the sound / lamp control board 220 outputs a command (character design designation command) for designating the stop symbols of the three character designs 27a, 27b, and 27c to the design control board 230 based on the determined effect mode, and then continues. Then, a command for specifying a specific effect mode (effect specification command) is output. The symbol control board 230 executes various effects in the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 based on the various commands thus supplied from the sound / lamp control board 220. In FIG. 26, the command output from the sound / lamp control board 220 to the symbol control board 230 is indicated by a hatched arrow. Incidentally, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, corresponding to the provision of three character symbols, in FIG. 26, the character symbol designation command is output in three times. Of course, the output is not necessarily divided into three times, but may be output all at once.

  While the processing as described above is performed on the sound / lamp control board 220 and the symbol control board 230, the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b are variably displayed. When the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S346: yes in FIG. 22), a special symbol stop command is output from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220 (S350). The sound / lamp control board 220 immediately transfers the received special symbol stop command to the symbol control board 230. When the symbol control board 230 receives the command, the right and left special symbols 30a and 30b are stopped and displayed, and the character symbol is displayed. End the used production.

  In S342 to S350 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 22, as shown in FIG. 26, various special symbol-related commands are directed from the main control board 200 to the sound / lamp control board 220 and the symbol control board 230. Is output from the sound / lamp control board 220 toward the symbol control board 230. When a special symbol stop command is output (S350), a stop symbol display time is set so that the player can confirm the symbol that has been stopped (S352).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the display time of the stop symbol has passed (S356). If the set stop time has not passed (S356: no), the special symbol game process shown in FIG. When finished, the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 23). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is the symbol of “short time hit” or “probable hit” shown in FIG. In S358 of FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the special symbol display device 27 correspond to a combination of these symbols.

  When the symbol displayed to be stopped is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), the number of consecutive continuations N is reset (S359). As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the result of the determination of success / failure continues for a predetermined number of times after the special gaming state is finished, a specific variation pattern designation command to be described later is controlled by sound / lamp control. Processing to output to the substrate 220 is performed. For this reason, the process which counts the frequency | count that the difference | error of the success / failure determination result continues (the number N of consecutive detachment) is performed. Therefore, if the symbol that has been stopped is a symbol that activates the conditional device (S358: yes), the number N of consecutive detachments that have been counted is reset in S359.

  Next, the condition device is activated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, which will be described later. It is a device that opens 31d. The details will be described with reference to another figure. By operating the condition device in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. Will be started. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device operates. Therefore, when the condition device is activated in S360 of FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are operating, these functions are stopped (S364). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a certain change (S362: no), it is checked whether or not the time is short (S368). (S370). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory also works. Therefore, if the time reduction function is stopped in S364 or S370, the normal electric After the function release time extension function is also stopped (S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 15 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device is operated in S360 is neither probable change nor short time (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed.

  The processing when the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b that are stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 27 are combinations of symbols that cause the condition device to operate (S358: yes) has been described above. If the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b are not a combination of symbols for operating the condition device (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, 1 is added to the number N of consecutive detachments (S371). As described in S359, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the result of the determination of success / failure continues for a predetermined number of times after the special gaming state is finished, a specific variation pattern designation command (to be described later) is set to sound / lamp. Processing to output to the control board 220 is performed. Therefore, when it is determined that the stop symbol is not a symbol that activates the conditional device (S358: no), a process of adding 1 to the number of consecutive deviations in the determination result (the number N of consecutive deviations) is performed. Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S372). And if it is in the probability change (S372: yes), the special symbol game process is left as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S372 that the current gaming state is not in a certain change (S372: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S382). If it is determined that the time is short (S382: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S384), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S386). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even in the short time state, the setting is continued until the next special game state occurs or the special symbol is rotated a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times). Yes. Therefore, if the current gaming state is short (S382: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of changes in the special symbol has reached a predetermined number (S386). Then, if the predetermined number of times has been reached (S386: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S388), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S366), and then FIG. 22 and FIG. The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 15 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S386: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the game control process of FIG. 15 is resumed.

B-3-8. Special symbol variation pattern setting process:
Here, the detailed contents of the process (special symbol variation pattern setting process) performed to set the variation pattern of the special symbol in S340 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 22 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol variation pattern setting process. The special symbol variation pattern is determined by referring to the pattern table described later, and a plurality of tables are prepared according to the combination of whether the special symbol is determined to be correct or not, or whether the probability is changing or the time is short. Has been. In the special symbol variation pattern setting process, a variation pattern is set by referring to an appropriate table among the plurality of tables. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When starting the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3402). As described above, whether or not a special symbol has been determined has already been determined based on the special symbol determination random number (S330 or S332 in FIG. 22). it can.

  Next, by generating a special symbol random number, processing for determining which symbol the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed is performed (S3404, S3410). The special symbol random number is a random number used for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol, and is generated by software when determining the stop symbol in this embodiment. Of course, the special symbol random number may be generated in hardware using a dedicated LSI for generating random numbers, or may be a pseudo random number generated by combining an oscillator and a counter.

  The stop symbol of the special symbol is determined by a combination of the success / failure determination result determined by the randomness for determination of success / failure and the special symbol random number. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing how a special symbol stop symbol is determined according to a combination of a special symbol success / failure determination result and a special symbol random number. As shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol random number can take a value of 0 to 15, and if the result of the determination is correct or not for each random value. Stop symbol is set. The left side of the figure shows the stop symbol that is displayed when the success / failure determination result is a win, and the right side of the diagram shows the stop symbol that is displayed when the hit / failure determination result is a win. Yes. In S3402 of the variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 27, when it is determined that the result of the determination is successful (S3402: yes), the stop symbol corresponding to the special symbol random number is shown in the correspondence relationship shown on the left side of FIG. Based on the above (S3404). On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the determination is wrong (S3402: no), a determination process is performed based on the correspondence shown on the right side of FIG. 28 (S3410).

  As described above, when the stop symbol when the determination result is a win is determined (S3404), the pattern table A is selected as a table for setting the variation pattern (S3406). As will be described later, in the pattern table, the correspondence between the special symbol variation random number and the variation pattern of the special symbol is set, and by generating the special symbol variation random number and referring to the table, the variation pattern is generated. It can be decided. In S3406, the pattern table A set for the case where the determination result is a hit is selected from a plurality of types of prepared pattern tables.

  Next, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to the selected pattern table A (S3408). When making a decision, first, a special symbol variation random number is generated. The special symbol variation random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol, and can be generated in the same manner as other random number values. Next, the variation pattern set in association with the random number value is selected from the pattern table selected previously.

  On the other hand, if the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3402: no), after determining the special symbol stop symbol as described with reference to FIG. 28 (S3410), the current gaming state is It is determined whether the probability is changing or the time is short (S3412). Here, in order to set a variation pattern in the case where the determination is wrong, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability change or in a short time for the following reason. Various variations of the special symbol variation time are set from short to long, and these are predetermined in association with the variation pattern of the special symbol. However, as described above, since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened during the probability change or the time reduction, it is not possible to select a variation pattern in which the variation time of the symbol becomes too long. Therefore, when setting the variation pattern, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in a probable change or in a short time.

  If the determination result is wrong (S3402: no) and it is determined that the probability is changing or the time is short (S3422: yes), the pattern table B is selected (S3414). The pattern table B is a table set for the case where the result of the determination is wrong and the probability is changing or the time is short. If it is determined that the time is not short (S3412: no), the pattern table C is selected (S3416). The pattern table C is a table that is set for a case where the result of the determination is wrong and neither the probability change nor the time is short.

  In this way, when the result of the determination is wrong, if the appropriate one of the pattern table B or the pattern table C is selected depending on whether the probability change or the time is short, the presence / absence of reach is determined. (S3418). As described above with reference to FIG. 11, reach means that two character symbols out of the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c displayed in the sub display area 27 </ b> B of the special symbol display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In other words, it means a state in which the last character symbol is variably displayed. The pattern table varies greatly depending on whether or not the reach effect is performed, and the variation times of the left and right special symbols 30a and 30b displayed on the special symbol display device 27 are also significantly different in conjunction with this. Before determining the fluctuation pattern with reference to the above, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is performed.

  The determination of whether or not to perform reach production is performed by generating a random number for reach determination. The reach determination random number can be generated in the same manner as other random numbers. In the process of S3418, if the value of the random number for reach determination generated in this way is a predetermined value, it is determined that the reach effect is performed, and otherwise, it is determined that the reach effect is not performed. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which whether or not to perform reach production is set according to the value of the random number for reach determination.

  If it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed (S3418: yes), the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to the selected pattern table (S3420). That is, similar to the processing in S3408, a special symbol variation random number is generated, and a variation pattern set in association with the obtained random number value is selected.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the variation pattern for winning set in the pattern table A. As shown in the figure, in the pattern table A, a variation pattern corresponding to the value of the special symbol variation random number is set for the case where the reach effect is present. For example, if the obtained special symbol variation random number is “20”, the variation pattern “pattern special 2” is selected. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the pattern table B that is selected when the determination result is wrong (S3402: no in FIG. 27) and the probability is changing or the time is short (S3412: yes). Also for the pattern table B, the variation pattern for the special symbol variation random number is set for the case where there is no reach effect and the case where it is present, but the setting content is set to a variation pattern different from the pattern table A. .

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the pattern table C that is selected when the determination result is wrong (S3402: no in FIG. 27) and is not in the process of changing the probability or being short in time (S3412: no). Similarly to the pattern table B, a special symbol variation pattern is set for the pattern table C for each of the case without the reach effect and the case with the reach effect. Further, since the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is set in the pattern table B and the pattern table C, it is a variation pattern that is selected with a predetermined probability when the determination result is wrong. Even when the promotion effect is performed, this variation pattern “pattern special 25” is output toward the sound / lamp control board 220. The variation pattern “pattern special 25” of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the specific variation pattern. In S3420 of FIG. 27, the variation pattern corresponding to the special symbol variation random number is determined by referring to the pattern table previously selected from the various pattern tables as described above.

  On the other hand, when the value of the reach determination random number is a value that does not perform the reach effect (S3418: no), a process of setting a specific variation pattern described later is performed (S5000). This process sets the variation pattern when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the “pattern special 25” is used as the variation pattern to perform the promotion effect. It is a process to set. As will be described in detail later, the main control board 200 of the present embodiment can perform a series of promotion effects by a simple process of outputting a specific variation pattern “pattern special 25” in this way. ing. The promotion effect performed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described later.

  When the variation pattern of the special symbol is set as described above, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 27 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. In S340 in FIG. 22 described above, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined by performing the above processing. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is determined whether “probable hit”, “short-time hit”, or “out”, and various fluctuation patterns including “pattern special 25”. Is mainly realized by the main control board 200. Therefore, the main control board 200 constitutes one aspect of a lottery result determination unit, a variation pattern output unit, and a specific variation pattern output unit.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 30 to 32, if the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the variation time of the special symbol is also determined. The variation time takes various values if the variation pattern is different, but the variation time when the reach effect is performed is longer than the variation time when the reach effect is not performed. For this reason, if the variation pattern is determined, it is possible to determine whether the variation pattern is a pattern with a reach effect or a pattern without a reach effect based on the corresponding variation time.

B-3-9. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 15, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts a so-called special game state by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first half of the special electric game game process. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the flow of the latter half of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 33 and 34, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a special game state will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special gaming state is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The special electric accessory mentioned in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is opened, the game ball enters with high probability. The special winning opening 31d is closed after being opened for a certain period of time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter, but during opening, a specific area (so-called V winning opening) provided inside the special winning opening 31d. When the game ball passes through, it is again opened. In this specification, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d.

  In this way, as long as the game ball passes through the specific area while the special winning opening 31d is open, the special winning opening 31d is repeatedly opened and closed up to a predetermined number of times. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called "round". Then, the special winning opening 31d is opened up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) (that is, whether the predetermined number of rounds are digested), or the special winning opening 31d is closed without the game ball passing through the specific area. Then, the special game state ends. Such a special game state is realized by repeatedly executing the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 in the game control process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the first half of the special electric game game process will be described with reference to FIG. 33, and the latter half of the special electric game game process will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 33, when the special electric accessory game process is started, it is first determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The special winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state even immediately after the start of the special electric accessory game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether the specific area valid time has expired (S416). The specific area valid time is a time for checking whether or not a game ball has passed through a specific area (so-called V zone) provided in the special winning opening 31d. When the special electric accessory game process is started for the first time, the specific area valid time has not ended, so it is determined “no” in S416, and subsequently, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area. (S418). Immediately after the special electric accessory game is started, the special winning opening 31d is closed, so that the game ball does not pass through the specific area. The physical game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 15, after returning to the game control process, after resetting the watchdog timer built in the CPU initialization circuit unit (S70), the subsequent processes of S80 to S390 are performed, and then again. Then, the process returns to the special electric accessory game process (S400).

  As described above, immediately after the special electric accessory game process is started, the big prize opening 31d is closed, but while the game control process of FIG. 15 is repeatedly performed, the big prize opening 31d is eventually opened. It becomes. As a result, since it is determined that the special winning opening is being opened in the special electric accessory game process (S400) (S402: yes), it is subsequently determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area (S404). ). When the game ball passes through the specific area (S404: yes), it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating (S406). As described above, the accessory continuous operation device in the present embodiment is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. If the accessory continuous operation device is not in operation (S406: no), the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (S408). When the accessory continuous operation device is already operating (S406: yes), the processing of S408 is skipped so that the accessory continuous operation device is not overlapped.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, after the special winning opening 31d is opened, it is opened for a predetermined time, or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is first determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), the special winning opening is closed (S414). On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). However, if the prescribed number has not been reached, it is considered that the opening time of the grand prize opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and that the game balls that have entered the big prize opening 31d have not reached the prescribed number. The special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 is terminated while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When returning to the game control process, first, after resetting the watchdog timer of the CPU initialization circuit unit (S70), a series of subsequent determinations are made, and the special electric accessory game process (S400) is started again. While repeating these processes, the special winning opening 31d is closed, and “no” is determined in S402. If “no” is determined in S402, it is then determined whether or not the specific area valid time has elapsed (S416). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the game ball passes the specific area during the specific area effective time, the accessory continuous operation device is configured to operate. If the specific area valid time has not elapsed (S416: no), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area (S418). If it has not passed (S418: no), it remains as it is. The special electric accessory game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the game ball passes the specific area (S418: yes), it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating (S420), and the accessory continuous operation device is already operating. In the case (S420: yes), the special electric accessory game process is finished as it is, and when the accessory continuous operation device is not yet operated (S420: no), after the accessory continuous operation device is operated (S422). ), The special electric accessory game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined as “yes” in S416, that is, if the special winning opening 31d is closed and the specific area valid time has already passed, it is considered that the round in the so-called special game state has ended. It is done. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area during the opening of the special winning opening 31d and during the specific area effective time (S424). If the game ball has not passed through the specific area (S424: no), the so-called puncture state is established and the accessory continuous action device is stopped (S426).

  On the other hand, when the game ball has passed through the specific area (S424: yes), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has ended (S428: yes), whether the accessory continuous operation device is operating or not. Is determined (S430 in FIG. 34). If the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (S430: yes), after the special winning opening 31d is opened (S432), the special electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control process shown in FIG. 15 is performed. Return. On the other hand, if it becomes a so-called puncture state and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped or if a predetermined round (for example, 15 rounds) is digested, the accessory continuous operation device is not operating (S430: no). In this case, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is based on the above-mentioned probability variation symbol (S434). Here, the condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. If the operation of the condition device is based on the probability variation symbol (S434: yes), the operation of the probability variation function is started (S436), and then the operation of the condition device is stopped (S438). On the other hand, if the operation of the condition device is not based on the probability change symbol (when it is based on the short-time symbol) (S434: no), the operation of the condition device is immediately stopped without activating the probability variation function (S438). Then, the special symbol time-shortening function is activated (S440), and then the ordinary electric accessory release extension function is activated (S442), and then the special electric accessory game process is terminated. Finally, in the special electric accessory game process of the present embodiment, after the promotion effect flag is set to ON (S444), the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. Here, the promotion effect flag is a flag used to forcibly output a specific variation pattern “pattern special 25” when a state where the result of determining whether or not the result is out of order continues after the special game state ends.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 can advance the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above.

B-4. Processing when power failure occurs:
Next, when a power failure occurs during the game of the gaming machine 1 and the power supply is unexpectedly cut off, a process for storing the state of the game as backup data, that is, a process when a power interruption occurs explain.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a power interruption occurs. Such processing is started when an interrupt is generated toward the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 when it is detected that the voltage supplied from the power source has decreased to a predetermined value or less. Since this process is an urgent process, it is set to an interrupt that cannot be masked, and is immediately implemented when an interrupt occurs.

  When the power-off generation process is started, first, the contents of all the registers of the CPU 201 are stored in the backup area on the RAM (S900). Next, the set value of the stack pointer is also stored in the backup area (S902). The start address of the program is set in the stack pointer. Therefore, if the contents of all the registers and the contents of the stack pointer are saved, even when the program is started again, it can be started from the same location under the same conditions.

  Next, in order to check the prize balls remaining in the prize ball payout device 109, a process of monitoring the outputs of the payout switches 109a and 109b for a predetermined period is performed (S904). If there is a prize ball remaining in the payout device 109, the number of game balls passed during this period is detected and stored.

  Thereafter, a checksum is calculated for the backup data stored in the backup area, the obtained result is stored (S906), and then the backup flag is set to ON (S908). Finally, the RAM is set in an access prohibited state (S910), and the process at the time of power-off occurrence is terminated. In the control start preparation process described above with reference to FIG. 13, when it is determined that the backup flag is ON (S <b> 18 in FIG. 13: yes), by reading the backup data stored in this way, It is possible to restore the gaming state before the power is cut off.

C. First Example:
In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, a series of promotion effects can be performed only by outputting a specific variation pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied. More specifically, the main control board 200 outputs a variation pattern “pattern special 25” when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the sound / lamp control board 220 appropriately interprets this variation pattern to produce various promotion effects. It is carried out. For this reason, it is possible to effectively enhance the interest of the player while avoiding complicated control contents of the entire gaming machine (particularly, the main control board 200).

  In addition, prior to the start of the promotion effect, it is also possible to notify the player whether or not the promotion will be promoted together with the reliability. 200) can be realized without complicating the control content. Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the flow of a specific variation pattern setting process for detecting that a predetermined condition is satisfied and outputting a specific variation pattern (pattern special 25). This process is a process that is executed when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 does not perform the reach effect because the determination result is wrong in the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When starting the specific variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the promotion effect flag is ON (S5002). As shown in FIG. 34, the promotion effect flag is a flag that is set to ON when the special gaming state ends.

  If the promotion effect flag is not ON (S5002: no), referring to the table (pattern table B or pattern table C) selected during the special symbol variation pattern setting process of FIG. 27, the variation pattern without reach Is determined (S5004). In determining the variation pattern, as described above, a special symbol random number is generated and the variation pattern set in the pattern table is read out. When the variation pattern without reach is determined in this way, the specific variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 36 is exited, and the process returns to the special symbol variation pattern setting process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the promotion effect flag is ON (S5002: yes), it is determined whether or not the value N indicating the number of consecutive deviations has reached a predetermined limit value (S5006). Here, the limit value is assumed to be set to “10”. When N has not reached the limit value (S5006: no), a reliability notification effect pattern determination process is performed (S6000). The details of the process will be described later with reference to another drawing. In this process, whether or not to notify the player of the start of the promotion effect together with the reliability, and if so, the reliability is notified. Processing to determine whether to do.

  Subsequent to the reliability notification effect pattern determination processing, the variation pattern without reach is determined with reference to the table selected in the special symbol variation pattern setting processing of FIG. 27 (S5004), and the specific variation shown in FIG. Exiting the pattern setting process, the process returns to the special symbol variation pattern setting process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the value N indicating the number of consecutive deviations reaches the limit value (S5006: yes), the variation pattern of the special symbol is set to “pattern special 25” (S5008). That is, when the value N indicating the number of consecutive deviations reaches the limit value, the variation pattern is always set to “pattern special 25”. Next, after initializing the value N indicating the number of consecutive deviations to “0” (S5010), the value of the number of notifications I is initialized to “0” (S5012). Here, the number of notifications I is a variable used for performing a notification effect of reliability continuously over a plurality of symbol variations in a reliability notification effect pattern determination process described later. As will be described later, since a promotion effect is performed when a variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is output, the setting of the number of notifications I as well as the number of consecutive detachments N is also initialized. The contents meaning the notification frequency I and the reason for initializing the setting of the notification frequency I after the promotion effect is performed will be described in detail in the reliability notification effect pattern determination process described later. Next, after setting the promotion effect flag to OFF (S5014), the specific variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 36 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol variation pattern setting process of FIG.

  As a result of performing the special symbol variation pattern setting process and the specific variation pattern setting process as described above, the main control board 200 determines whether or not the game ball enters the start port 17 and determines the special symbol according to the determination result. The variation pattern is determined and output to the sound / lamp control board 220. However, in the situation where the continuation of the game continues after the special gaming state is finished, the variation pattern of “pattern special 25” every time the number of consecutive times reaches the limit number. Will be output. As will be described later, the sound / lamp control board 220 performs a series of promotion effects by interpreting the variation pattern output in this way. As a result, on the main control board 200 side, it is possible to perform a promotion effect by an extremely simple process of outputting a specific variation pattern when the disconnection continues for a predetermined number of times.

  Here, it has been described that N is initialized in S5010 when the number N of consecutive deviations reaches a limit value and “pattern special 25” is output (S5008). However, N may not be initialized even if the number of consecutive deviations N reaches a limit value. In this case, after N reaches the limit value, the “pattern special 25” is output toward the sound / lamp control board 220 until the determination result is a hit.

  In the above description, the limit value for changing the variation pattern to “pattern special 25” is described as being fixed at “10”, but the limit value is not necessarily fixed. For example, a plurality of limit values may be set, and a value selected by lottery may be used as the limit value. In this way, when the result of the determination of success / failure continues, the timing at which the “pattern special 25” is output can be variously changed, so that the game can be changed.

  Next, a process (reliability notification effect pattern determination process) for determining the effect content for notifying the reliability in the promotion effect will be described. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reliability notification effect pattern determination process. Such a process is a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in the specific variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the reliability notification effect pattern determination process is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the reliability notification count I is “0” (S6002). Here, a description will be given of what the reliability notification count I means. As will be described later, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the reliability of the promotion effect over a plurality of variations of the special symbol and the character symbol. In the reliability notification effect pattern determination process described below, it is determined how many times the reliability notification effect is continuously performed, that is, how many times the special symbol and the character symbol are changed. Then, the number of notifications is set as the number of notifications I. Thereafter, each time a notification effect for one symbol variation is performed, a process of subtracting the set notification frequency I one by one is performed. As is clear from this, the number of notifications I is a variable indicating how many symbol variations the reliability notification effect is to be implemented. For example, the number of notifications I is “2”. Is set, it means that the notification effect of the reliability is performed over two more symbol variations. From this, if it is determined whether or not the number of notifications I is “0”, it is possible to determine whether or not the set number of notification effects have ended.

  In the determination first performed in the reliability notification effect pattern determination process, when it is determined that the number of notifications I is not “0” (S6002: no), it is considered that the notification effect of the set number of times has not ended. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a command designating the reliability notification level L to the sound / lamp control board 220 (S6014). The meaning of the reliability notification level will be described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of notifications I is “0” (S6002: yes), it is considered that the notification effect of the set number of times is over, so it is determined whether or not the notification effect of reliability is to be performed ( S6004). Such a determination is made by acquiring a random number for determining whether or not to perform a notification effect, and comparing the acquired random number with a predetermined hit value. That is, when it is determined that the number of notifications I is “0”, whether or not the notification effect is performed is determined by lottery every time the symbol fluctuates. If the random number does not match the winning value, it is determined that the reliability notification effect is not performed (S6004: no), and the reliability notification effect pattern determination process is terminated as it is, and the specific variation pattern setting process of FIG. Return to.

  On the other hand, if the acquired random number matches the winning value, it is determined that the reliability notification effect is to be performed (S6004: yes), and processing for setting the notification level L to “1” is performed (S6006). Here, the notification level L is a variable representing the degree of reliability to be notified. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the contents of the effect performed on the screen of the effect display device 27 in accordance with the notification level L of the reliability. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the notification of the reliability is performed during the period in which the character symbols 27a to 27c are variably displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27, and the notification of the reliability is illustrated. In addition, a special character symbol 27g for displaying the reliability is caused to appear between the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. In this special character pattern 27g, six star shapes are provided side by side, and each star shape can change its internal color. Then, the reliability can be notified depending on from the bottom star shape to what number star shape. For example, if the color changes only at the bottom of the bottom star shape, it indicates the state with the lowest reliability. If the color of the star changes, it indicates the state of highest reliability. In addition, a number indicating the reliability value is displayed on the side of the star-shaped arrangement, and it is possible to know the specific reliability value by reading the numerical value of the part where the color has changed It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 38A, the notification level 1 represents a state in which a reliability of about 40% is notified. In addition, the notification level 2 represents a state of notifying about 70% reliability as shown in FIG. 38 (b), and the notification level 3 is shown in FIG. 38 (c). , 100% reliability notification state, that is, a state in which the promotion from the short-time state to the certain change state is confirmed. Thus, the notification level L is a numerical value indicating what kind of reliability notification is performed.

  As described above, in the reliability notification effect pattern determination process shown in FIG. 37, when it is determined that the reliability notification effect is to be performed (S6004: yes), the notification level L is set to “1”. (S6006). This is due to the following reason. First, the determination of whether or not to perform the reliability notification effect is performed at S6002: yes, that is, in a state where all the notification effects of the previously set number of times have been completed. Therefore, the reliability notification effect that is performed as a result of the determination is considered to be the first effect of the notification effect that is newly performed over a plurality of symbol variations. Therefore, such an initial notification effect is performed in a state with the lowest reliability as shown in FIG. 38 (a), and thereafter, whenever the notification effect is continuously performed, as shown in FIG. The effect of the notification level 2 shown in b), the effect of the notification level 3 shown in FIG. 38C, and the effect of developing into a highly reliable notification effect are performed. In order to enable such an effect, when it is determined in S6004: yes that the reliability notification effect is performed, the notification level L is set to “1”.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a value obtained by subtracting the number of consecutive deviations N from the limit value is greater than “3” (S6008). Here, the limit value is a numerical value that is to output the pattern 25 when the number of consecutive deviations N reaches in the specific variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 36. In this embodiment, “10”. Is set to If the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the number N of consecutive consecutive deviations from the limit value is “3” or less (S6008: no), the subtraction value is set as the number of notifications I (S6010). As described above with reference to FIG. 36, in the specific variation pattern setting process, when the number of consecutive continuations N reaches the limit value, a variation pattern of pattern characteristics 25 is output (S5008 in FIG. 36), and the number of consecutive continuations N is “0”. ”Is set (S5010 in FIG. 36). That is, since the number of consecutive continuations N can only take a value from “0” to the limit value, when it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the number of consecutive continuations N from the limit value is “3” or less (S6008 in FIG. 37: no) In the subsequent processing of S6010, any number of times from 1 to 3 is set as the number of notifications I.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the number N of consecutive consecutive deviations from the limit value is greater than “3” (S6008: yes), the value is determined once or twice by performing a lottery. The determined number of times is set as the number of notifications I (S6012). Eventually, when it is determined that the reliability notification effect is performed, if the value of (limit value−N) is in the range of 0 to 3, any number of times from 1 to 3 is set as the number of notifications I, When the value of (limit value−N) exceeds 3, either one or two times is set as the number of notifications I.

  When the notification count I is set in this way, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a command for designating the notification level L toward the sound / lamp control board 220 (S6014). As described above, when it is determined that the reliability notification effect is to be performed (S6004: yes), the notification level L is set to “1” (S6006). Will be output. Note that the command for designating the notification level is output by first transmitting a strobe signal and then transmitting command data as described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, when it is determined that the reliability notification effect is performed (S6004: yes), the notification level L is set to “1” (S6006), and the notification count I is set (S6010 or S6012). ) A notification level L designation command is output to increase the notification level L by one (S6016) and to decrease the notification count I by one (S6018). Therefore, when the notification count I is set to “1” in S6010 or S6012, “0” is set to the notification count I in the subsequent processing of S6018. On the other hand, when the notification count I is set to “2” or “3”, “1” or “2” is set as the notification count I in the subsequent processing of S6018.

  Thus, after changing the setting of the number of notifications I and the notification level L, the reliability notification effect pattern determination process of FIG. 37 is once ended, and the process returns to the specific variation pattern setting process of FIG. Then, when the reliability notification effect pattern determination process is started in the next loop, if the notification count I is not “0” (S6002: no), the set notification count I has not ended. Judgment is made and a command for designating the notification level L is immediately output (S6014). The notification level L output at this time is level 2 if the notification level L output in the previous loop is level 1, and the notification level L is continuous with level 3 if the notification level L output last time is level 2. As the notification is made, the number increases by one. In addition, since the notification count I takes only a value of “3” or less, the notification level L does not become higher than the level 3.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the set value of the notification count I and the change in the notification level L. FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B show a case where a variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is forcibly output as a result of the number N of consecutive outages reaching a limit value. First, the case illustrated in FIG. 39A will be described.

  In the upper part of FIG. 39 (a), the value of the number of consecutive detachments N is shown. As described in the specific variation pattern setting process of FIG. 36, when the number of consecutive continuations N reaches the limit value (“10” in this embodiment), a variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is forcibly output. In the middle part of FIG. 39 (a), the determination result as to whether or not to perform the notification effect of the reliability and the notification count I set at that time are shown. Here, the “notification effect determination result” is the result of the determination performed in S6004 of FIG. 37, and the “notification count I set at that time” is set in S6010 or S6012 of FIG. The number of notifications I. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 39 (a), it is determined that the notification effect of reliability is to be performed when the number of consecutive failures N is “2” and “7” (S6004: yes in FIG. 37). When the number of times N is “2”, “2” is set as the number of notifications I by lottery (S6012), and when the number of outliers N is “7”, the value (= 3) is (the limit value−N). (S6010) is illustrated as an example.

  Also, in the lower part of FIG. 39A, a notification level L designated from the main control board 200 toward the sound / lamp control board 220 is shown. First, a case will be described where it is determined that a notification effect is to be performed when the number of consecutive detachments N is “2”. As shown in the figure, when it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed, the notification effect of the reliability is not performed due to the change of the special symbol and the character symbol before that. This is because, in the reliability notification effect pattern determination process shown in FIG. 37, it is determined whether or not the reliability notification effect is performed only when the notification count I is “0” (S6004). This is because the timing determined to be performed is limited to the case where the reliability notification effect is not performed due to the previous symbol variation. Therefore, when it is determined that a notification effect is to be performed, the notification level L is set to level 1 because it is always the first notification effect. In the figure, “L1” is displayed to indicate that a command designating notification level 1 has been output.

  When the command designating the notification level 1 is output in this way, as described with reference to FIG. 37, the notification level L is increased by one and the number of notifications I is decreased by one (S6016 and S6018 in FIG. 37). Accordingly, the notification level L is increased by one from level 1 and changed to level 2, and the number of notifications I is decreased by one from “2” and changed to “1”.

  In the subsequent symbol fluctuation of the number of consecutive misses N “3”, the number of notifications I is “1” and the number of notifications I is not “0” (S6002: no in FIG. 37). A command designating the notification level L is output. As described above, since the notification level L is changed from the level 1 to the level 2, a command for designating the notification level 2 is output. “L2” displayed in the figure indicates that a command designating notification level 2 has been output. When the notification level L designation command is output in this way, the notification count I is decremented by 1 to “0”. Then, in the next symbol variation (number of consecutive continuations N “4”), since the number of notifications I is “0” (S6002: yes in FIG. 37), it is determined whether or not the reliability notification effect is performed. A lottery is performed (S6004 in FIG. 37).

  As a result of the lottery, when it is determined that the reliability notification effect is not performed (S6004: no), the reliability notification effect pattern determination process is terminated. Eventually, the notification effect started when the number of consecutive misses N is “2” is the notification of reliability in the notification level 1 mode as shown in FIG. In the symbol variation, although it develops to the notification level 2 mode shown in FIG. 38 (b), it ends without developing to the notification level 3 shown in FIG. 38 (c). Even when the notification count I reaches “0” and it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed in the lottery performed immediately after that, the notification effect of the reliability is continuously performed. If it demonstrates in connection with the illustration of Fig.39 (a), the notification effect of level 2 will be performed and the notification frequency | count I will be set to "0" in the symbol fluctuation | variation of the continuation number N of "3". If it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed with the symbol variation of the number of consecutive continuations N “4”, a level 1 notification effect is performed, and eventually a series of notification effects starting from the number of consecutive continuations N “2”. Then, the notification effect starting from the number of consecutive continuations N “4” occurs continuously. However, since the probability of determining whether or not to perform the notification effect is not so high, this rarely occurs.

  Next, in FIG. 39A, a case will be described in which it is determined that a notification effect is to be performed when the number of consecutive detachments N is “7”. As described in the reliability notification effect pattern determination process in FIG. 37, if it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed, then, whether the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the consecutive number N of deviations from the limit value exceeds “3”? It is determined whether or not (S6008 in FIG. 37). In this case, the limit value is “10”, and the number of consecutive continuations N is “7”, so the subtraction value is “3”. In S6008, it is determined as “no”. 3 "is set (S6010 in FIG. 37). In FIG. 39A, the number of notifications I is displayed as “3 times” when it is determined that the notification effect is “performed” at the number of consecutive detachment times N “7”. It is.

  In addition, since the notification effect performed at the number of consecutive failures N “7” is the first effect, the notification level L is set to level 1 as in the case of the number of consecutive failures N “2” described above. In FIG. 39 (a), it is determined that the notification effect of the reliability is to be performed when the number of consecutive continuations N is “7”, the notification count I is set to three, and the notification level 1 is designated. It shows how the command to output is output. Then, the number of notifications I is decreased by 1 and changed to 2 times, and the notification level L is increased by 1 and changed to level 2. Then, the notification is made for the subsequent fluctuation of the number of consecutive misses N “8”. A command for designating level 2 is output, and a command for designating notification level 3 is output for the next symbol fluctuation of the number of consecutive outages N “9”. Subsequently, when the number of consecutive deviations N reaches “10”, which is the limit value, a variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is output as described above in the specific variation pattern setting process of FIG. 36, and this variation pattern is received. The promotion effect described later will be performed. The display of “pattern special 25” shown in FIG. 39A indicates that the fluctuation pattern of “pattern special 25” is output from the main control board 200 toward the sound / lamp control board 220. It is.

  Eventually, when it is determined that the notification effect of reliability is to be performed when the number of consecutive misses N is “7”, the notification number I is always set to three, and the notification level 1 as shown in FIG. From this aspect, the aspect of the notification level 3 shown in FIG. 38C is developed, and an effect (promotion effect) for promoting from the short-time state to the probable change state is performed. In the above description, it is assumed that after the notification of the reliability at the notification level 3, the promotion effect is performed at the time of the subsequent symbol change, but after the notification of the level 3, the actual promotion effect is performed. The start timing can be set in various ways. For example, after performing level 3 notification, the promotion effect may be performed with the symbol variation, or after the level 3 notification, the symbol variation is performed once and the promotion effect is performed with the next symbol variation. It's also good. As described above, if the notification effect is performed with the reliability of notification level 3 (that is, the reliability is 100%) and then the promotion effect is performed after the change of the special symbol and the character symbol is sandwiched once, the player Since the promotion effect is started after being disappointed once, the effect of performing the promotion can be greatly improved.

  As described above, although the notification of the reliability is always started from the notification level 1 (see FIG. 38A), there are cases where the information is developed and not developed thereafter. Further, in the case of development, there are a case where it develops to the notification level 2 and a notification level 3, and a case where the notification level 2 stops. In addition, the promotion effect is always started when the notification level 3 is developed, but there are cases where the promotion effect is performed and when the promotion effect is not performed when it stops at the notification level 1 or the notification level 2. To do. The reason why this occurs will be described below with reference to FIGS. 39 (b) and 39 (c).

  FIG. 39B shows a case where the timing at which it is determined that the reliability notification effect is to be performed is the number of consecutive misses N “3” and “8”. If the number of consecutive continuations N is “3”, it is determined that (limit value−N) exceeds “3”, and the number of notifications I is determined by lottery (1 or 2) ( (See S6008 and S6012 in FIG. 37). In the example shown in FIG. 39B, the number of notifications I is set to one, and the notification of the reliability is performed at the notification level 1 only once. If the fluctuation pattern output at this timing is not “pattern special 25”, the reliability notification effect is a so-called “gase effect”. Of course, when the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is output, the promotion effect is started after the notification of the reliability of the notification level 1 is performed. FIG. 39 (c) shows a case of “gase effect” in which the reliability notification of notification level 1 is performed and has not been promoted to the probabilistic state in spite of development to notification level 2, and the notification level. After the reliability notification of 1 is performed, the case where the fluctuation pattern “pattern special 25” is immediately output and promoted to the probability variation state is illustrated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), when the timing at which the notification effect is determined to be out and the number of consecutive times N is “8”, (limit value−N) is “2”. Therefore, the number of notifications I is always set to 2, and after the development of the notification level 1 and the notification level 2, a variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is output. In other words, in this case, when the notification level 2 is developed, the number N of consecutive deviations reaches the limit value, and the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is output. As a result, the promotion effect is performed. Of course, if the timing at which the notification effect is determined is delayed by one symbol variation, the notification level 1 reliability notification is performed, and then the number of consecutive failures N reaches the limit value and the promotion effect is started. Furthermore, when it is not determined that the notification effect is to be performed, if the number of consecutive detachments N reaches the limit value, the promotion effect is started without notification of the reliability.

  As described above, in the reliability notification effect pattern determination process shown in FIG. 37, whether or not the reliability notification effect is to be performed is determined by lottery, and the number of consecutive detachments N when it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed. Is in the range of 0 to 6, the notification count I is set to either once or twice. And when the frequency | count I of alerting | reporting is 1, the alerting | reporting alert | report of the alerting | reporting level 1 is performed and it does not develop to the alerting | reporting level 2. FIG. On the other hand, when the number of notifications I is set to 2, the information level 1 develops to the information level 2, but it does not develop to the information level 3. Apart from the notification effect of the reliability, in the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 27, a variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is selected with a certain probability. As a result, the change pattern “pattern special 25” may be selected following the notification level 1 to be promoted to a probable change state, or may be promoted to a state where the notification level 2 has been developed. There are various aspects of the performance, such as promotion to a probable change state.

  On the other hand, when the number of consecutive continuations N when it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed is 7 or more, the limit value is reached soon and the variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is output. The combined number of notifications I is set. That is, an appropriate number of times is calculated and set as the number of notifications I according to the number of symbol fluctuations from when it is determined that the notification effect is performed until the limit value is reached. If the timing at which it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed is when the number of consecutive misses N is “9”, promotion to the probability change state is performed at the notification level 1, and when the number of consecutive misses N is “8”. If it is, it will be promoted at the stage where it has been developed to the notification level 2, and if the number N of consecutive outages is “7”, it will be promoted to a probable state at the stage where it has been developed to the notification level 3. In this way, the number of notifications I is set to an appropriate number in view of the timing at which the number of consecutive continuations N reaches the limit value, and the notification level L developed by the set number of notifications I is determined. For this reason, when the notification effect is performed with the reliability of the notification level 3, the variation pattern of “pattern special 25” is always output, and the promotion to the probability variation state is started.

  As described above, the specific variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 36 and the reliability notification effect pattern determination process shown in FIG. 37 are performed. I explained in detail how it was done. Next, a process in which the sound / lamp control board 220 performs an appropriate effect upon receiving the command output in this way will be described.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for performing various effects including promotion effects or reliability notifications based on the designation of the special symbol variation pattern and the notification level L. Such a process is a process executed by the CPU mounted on the sound / lamp control board 220. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the character design effect process shown in FIG. 40 is started, the CPU of the sound / lamp control board 220 first determines whether or not it is a probability variation (S5102). As described above, since the main control board 200 determines any one of probability change, short-time hit, and off in the special game process and outputs it as a special symbol related command, the sound / lamp control board 220 Based on the command from the main control board 200, it is possible to determine whether or not the probability change hits.

  And when it is judged that it is in the probability variation state (S5102: yes), it is determined whether or not a promotion effect is performed (S5104). The determination as to whether or not to perform the promotion effect can be made, for example, by generating a random number and determining that the promotion effect is performed when the obtained random number is a predetermined value. As a result, when it is determined that the promotion effect is to be performed (S5104: yes), the promotion schedule flag is set to ON (S5106), and the character display is performed in the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27. After changing the effect mode to the effect mode per short time (S5108), the effect in the sub display area 27B is performed in the set mode (S5110). That is, according to the special symbol related command from the main control board 200, the probable winning effect is to be performed, but the promotion schedule flag is set to ON in S5106, and the sub-display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 is used for the short-time hit. Will be performed. Specifically, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the sub display area 27B are stopped and displayed with symbols that represent even numbers and the special gaming state is started. After the special game state is finished, “chance time” is displayed on the game state display unit 27e. Incidentally, the promotion schedule flag is a flag that means that the performance in the short-time state is performed by planning to perform the performance to be promoted to the probability variation state even though the probability variation is in progress. Therefore, when the promotion schedule flag is ON, the main control board 200 side is performing the control during the probability change, but the special symbol display device 27 indicates that the time is being displayed. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the promotion effect is not performed (S5104: no), the promotion schedule flag is set to OFF (S5112), and the effect mode in the sub display area 27B is set to the probability variation mode (S5114). ), An effect such as character design is performed in the set manner (S5110). Specifically, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the sub display area 27B are stopped and displayed with odd numbers representing the same numbers, and the special gaming state is started. After the special gaming state is ended, “Probability changing” is displayed on the game state display section 27e.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the content of determination in the main control board 200 is not a probability change (S5102: no), it is determined whether or not it is a time reduction (S5116). If it is a short-time win (S5116: yes), the promotion schedule flag is set to OFF (S5118), and an effect mode such as a character design in the sub display area 27B is set as a short-time effect mode ( In step S54108, an effect such as a character design is performed in the set manner (S5110). Specifically, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the sub display area 27B are stopped and displayed with the same even number of symbols, and the special gaming state is started. In addition, after the special game state ends, “chance time” is displayed on the game state display unit 27e.

  On the other hand, if it is neither the probability change nor the short-term hit (S5116: no), the result of the determination is wrong. In this case, it is determined whether the promotion schedule flag is ON (S5120). Here, when the promotion schedule flag is OFF (S5120: no), according to the special symbol related command output from the main control board 200, the effect mode of the sub display area 27B is set to the out mode (S5128), The effect in the sub display area 27B is carried out in the set mode (S5110). That is, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display and perform an effect of stopping and displaying in a state where at least one of the symbols is not aligned.

  On the other hand, if the promotion schedule flag is ON (S5120: yes), the promotion effect is scheduled to be performed in spite of the fact that the main control board 200 has been instructed of the probability variation state. In the sub display area 27 </ b> B of the symbol display device 27, it is considered that the time-short hit state is displayed. Therefore, if S5120: yes, it is determined whether or not the special symbol change command supplied from the main control board 200 is “pattern special 25” (S5122). As described with reference to FIG. 36, the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is a variation pattern that is output regardless of the state of the promotion schedule flag when the determination result of losing is continued a predetermined number of times. Also, it is a variation pattern that is output with a certain probability by being selected from the pattern table as shown in FIG. And if it is “pattern special 25” (S5122: yes), after setting the effect mode in the sub display area 27B to the promotion per promotion effect (S5124), the effect in the sub display area 27B is executed in the set mode. (S5110). As a result, in the sub-display area 27B, after an effect that makes the user feel like being promoted from the short-time state to the probable change state is performed, an effect that the user is promoted to the probable change state is performed. The promotion per promotion refers to an effect that promotes to a probable state after such an effect that gives a premonition of promotion to the probable state.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 36, the special symbol variation pattern “pattern special 25” is a variation pattern that is output when the result of the determination that the result is wrong or not continues for a predetermined number of times. Therefore, even if a short-time display is performed to win a promotion and perform a promotion effect, the variation pattern is always output if a predetermined number of deviations continue. In other words, even if the player wins a probable win, if the player is disguised to display a short-time win, he will get a win for a while if he receives a “pattern special 25” and performs a promotion hit. It is possible to be promoted to a probable state whenever there is no situation.

  Of course, in the stage where the player is disguised and the display of the short time is displayed, if the result of the determination is a win, it is not possible to perform an effect of promoting to a probable change state. However, the probability variation state is a state in which the probability of winning is high in the success / failure determination, so if the actual winning can be obtained, it will be the same whether the hit in the short time display is in the display of the probability change. That is, even if the promotion effect cannot be performed, there is no disadvantage for the player.

  If it is determined that the variation pattern received in S5122 is not “pattern special 25” (S5122: no), the effect level of the reliability notification is set to the designated notification level (S5126). That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 37 and 39, when a command designating the notification level L is output from the main control board 200, the notification level L designated by the command is set. On the other hand, if the command for specifying the notification level L is not output, the level to be set is not specified, so the notification level L is not set. Subsequently, in accordance with the special symbol-related command received from the main control board 200, the effect mode of the sub display area 27B is set to an out-of-motion mode (S5128), and the effect in the sub display area 27B is performed in the set mode (S5110). ). At this time, when the notification level L of the reliability effect is set in S5126, after the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display, they are shown in FIG. 38 between these character symbols. Such a special character design 27g appears, and an effect of reliability notification is performed. When the notification level set in S5126 is level 1, reliability notification is performed in the mode shown in FIG. 38A, and the set notification level is level 2. In the case shown in FIG. 38 (b), the reliability notification is performed. When the notification level 3 is set, the reliability notification is performed in the manner shown in FIG. 38 (c).

  In the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment described above, a promotion effect that promotes the short-time state to the probable state can be performed by a simple process as a whole. In particular, in the main control board 200, when the result of the determination of success / failure is continuously deviated a predetermined number of times, the promotion effect can be performed only by outputting a specific variation pattern (pattern special 25). For this reason, problems such as an increase in the number of programs on the main control board 200 side and an increase in processing load are not caused.

  In addition, the effect of notifying the reliability of whether or not the promotion effect is started can be realized very simply. That is, when determining the number of notifications I and the notification level L in the main control board 200, it is determined using the variable (outlier continuation number N) used to output a specific variation pattern (pattern feature 25). Therefore, it is possible to easily set the appropriate number of notifications I and notification level L in accordance with the timing of outputting a specific variation pattern. For this reason, it is possible to perform the effect of notifying the reliability of whether or not the promotion effect is performed without increasing the number of programs and the processing burden on the main control board 200 side. Also, the sound / lamp control board 220 side can perform the reliability notification effect by an extremely simple process of receiving the determined notification level L and performing the corresponding effect. For this reason, it becomes possible to keep the structure of the whole gaming machine 1 simple.

  As described above, when the sound / lamp control board 220 receives a command representing the probability variation state from the main control board 200, the sound / lamp control board 220 displays the probability variation per unit in the sub-display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27. Decide whether to display a hit. In addition, the result of the determination of whether or not to win is displayed, and a determination is made as to whether or not to perform an effect per promotion. Therefore, the sound / lamp control board 220 constitutes one aspect of the hit display mode determination means, the lottery result display means, and the display change means.

D. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment described above, in the simplest case, that is, in the case of a probable change, the promotion schedule flag is set to ON to produce a short-time effect, and when the promotion schedule flag is ON, the fluctuation pattern “ The case where the promotion special effect is always performed when the pattern special 25 ”is received has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a simple case, and for example, even when an effect of shortening the time per hour is performed, a promotion effect (so-called unpromoted effect) of an aspect that is not promoted to a probabilistic state in the end is performed. It's also good. Further, when “pattern special 25” is received, it is possible to determine whether or not to perform the promotion per promotion by lottery or the like, and to promote to the probable state only when winning.

  In addition, with regard to the effect of notifying the reliability of the promotion effect, in the first embodiment described above, whether or not the effect of notifying the reliability of the promotion is performed, and what level of reliability is to be used when the notification is performed. Is determined on the main control board 200 side. In order to output a specific variation pattern (pattern special 25), the main control board 200 counts the number of consecutive continuations N, and by using this count value, an effect of informing the reliability is provided. This is because it aimed to be realized easily. Therefore, if some numerical value is counted for the promotion effect on the sound / lamp control board 220 side, the reliability notification effect can be easily performed by using this count value. Become.

  Furthermore, when it is determined by lottery whether or not to be promoted to a probable change state, there is a possibility that the lottery will continue to fall out of the lottery, so processing that assumes such a case is also necessary. Hereinafter, such a second embodiment will be described.

  Since the processing performed on the main control board 200 side in the second embodiment, that is, the specific variation pattern setting processing is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, it will be briefly described here with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 36, in the specific variation pattern setting process of the first embodiment described above, when the number of consecutive continuations N has not reached the limit value (S5006: no in FIG. 36), the reliability notification is made. After performing the effect pattern determination process (S6000) to determine whether or not to perform the reliability notification effect and the reliability notification level L, the variation pattern of the special symbol and the character symbol is determined (S5004). On the other hand, in the specific variation pattern setting process of the second embodiment, the process of setting the reliability notification effect pattern is not performed. In other words, if the number N of consecutive deviations has not reached the limit value (corresponding to S5006: no in FIG. 36), the process of determining the variation pattern is performed as it is (corresponding to S5004 in FIG. 36). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the contents of the specific variation pattern setting process performed on the main control board 200 side can be greatly simplified as compared with the specific variation pattern setting process of the first embodiment. After all, in the specific variation pattern setting process of the second embodiment, only the variation pattern of the special symbol and the character symbol is determined, and the notification level L of the reliability is not determined. The notification level L is the sound / lamp control. It is determined in the character design effect process performed on the board 220 side.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a part of the character design effect process of the second embodiment. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the remaining part of the character design effect process of the second embodiment. These processes are also executed by the CPU mounted on the sound / lamp control board 220 based on the special symbol related commands supplied from the main control board 200. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the character symbol effect processing of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 41 is started, the CPU of the sound / lamp control board 220 determines whether or not it is a positive hit based on the special symbol related command supplied from the main control board 200. Is determined (S5202). If it is a probability change hit (S5202: yes), after setting the probability change flag ON (S5204), it is determined whether or not a promotion effect is performed (S5206). The determination as to whether or not to perform the promotion effect may be performed, for example, by generating a random number and performing the promotion effect if the obtained random number is a predetermined value. As a result, when the promotion effect is to be performed (S5206: yes), the promotion execution flag is set to ON (S5208), and the effect mode in the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 is set to the effect mode per time reduction ( S5210). The promotion execution flag is a flag that means that a promotion effect (a promotion per promotion that promotes the display of the short-time state to the probability change state or a promotion failure effect that does not promote the probability change state) can be executed. In the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the promotion effect may be performed not only when the display per hour and hour is displayed with respect to the probability variation, but also when the display per hour and hour is displayed with respect to the time reduction. A flag (promotion execution flag) indicating that the promotion effect can be executed is provided. In S5208, processing for setting this promotion execution flag to ON is performed.

  If the promotion execution flag is set to ON, after the effect mode in the sub-display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 is set to the effect per hour (S5212), the symbol variation number M and the promotion effect number K are both “0”. Set to. Here, the symbol variation number M is a value indicating the number of times the special symbol is variably displayed from when the promotion execution flag is turned ON until the promotion effect is actually performed. In the second embodiment, even if the promotion execution flag is turned ON and “pattern special 25” is supplied, whether or not to perform the promotion per promotion is determined by lottery, so there is a possibility that it will continue to be out of the lottery forever. . In consideration of such a case, in the second embodiment, as will be described later, the number of changes in the special symbol after the promotion execution flag is turned on is counted.

  Further, the promotion effect count K is a value indicating the number of times that the promotion off effect is performed from when the promotion execution flag is turned on until the promotion per promotion effect is performed. As will be described below, in the second embodiment, even if the promotion effect is started, an effect that is not promoted to the probable state (promotion failure effect) is performed when it is out of the lottery. There is sex. Since the effect of performing the promotion effect may be diminished if the promotion promotion effect continues, the second embodiment counts the number of times the promotion promotion effect continues. The number of promotion effects K is a variable that indicates the number of times that the promotion failure effect has been performed when the promotion failure effect has been performed many times before being promoted to the certainty state.

  In S5212, in response to the effect mode in the sub-display area 27B being set to the time-shortening effect mode (S5210), in order to newly start counting the number of symbol variations M and the number of promoted effects K, these variables are set. The value is initialized to “0”.

  Next, the effect in the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 is performed according to the set effect mode (S5214). As a result, according to the special symbol related command from the main control board 200, where the effect should be performed in the probability variation mode, the sub display area 27B of the special symbol display device 27 is effected in the mode of time reduction. Become.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion effect is not performed (S5206: no), the promotion execution flag is set to OFF (S5216), and the effect mode in the sub display area 27B is set to the effect mode per probability change (S5218). . Then, after initializing the values of the symbol variation number M and the promotion effect number K to “0” (S5220), the effect in the sub display area 27B is performed in the set effect mode (S5214).

  If it is determined from the special symbol-related command supplied from the main control board 200 that there is no probability variation (S5202: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S5222). If it is a short time (S5222: yes), after setting the probability variation flag to OFF (S5224), the promotion execution flag is set to ON (S5208). In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment described above, even when an effect in a short time state is performed with respect to a short time, if the variation pattern is “pattern special 25”, an unpromotioned effect is performed. Do. Therefore, the promotion execution flag, which means that the promotion effect can be executed, is set to ON even when the winning mode determined from the special symbol related command is a short time winning (S5208). Then, after setting the effect mode to the effect mode per short time (S5210) and initializing the values of the symbol variation number M and the promotion effect number K to "0" (S5212), the sub display area is set in the set effect mode. An effect in 27B is carried out (S5214).

  On the other hand, if neither the probability change nor the time-short hit (S5222: no), it is determined whether or not the promotion execution flag is ON (S5226 in FIG. 42). If it is determined that the promotion execution flag is ON (S5226: yes), after adding “1” to the symbol variation count M (S5228), the special symbol variation command supplied from the main control board 200 is: It is determined whether or not it is “pattern special 25” (S5230). As described above, the symbol variation number M is a value indicating the number of times that the special symbol is variably displayed from when the promotion execution flag is turned on until the promotion per promotion effect is actually performed.

  When the variation pattern received from the main control board 200 is “pattern special 25” (S5230: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of promotion effects K is “3” or more (S5232). As described above, the number of promotion effects K is a value indicating the number of times that the promotion off effect is performed after the promotion execution flag is turned on until the promotion per promotion is performed. When the number of promotion effects K is less than “3” (S5232: no), a series of processes to be described later for determining the mode of promotion effects is started.

  On the other hand, when the number of promotion effects K has reached “3” (S5232: yes), it is determined whether or not the promotion effects themselves are performed (S5234). If it is determined that the promotion effect is to be performed (S5236: yes), a series of processes to be described later for determining the mode of the promotion effect is started as it is. However, if it is determined that the promotion effect is not performed (S5236: no), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation count M has reached the first upper limit value (S5256), and a series of processes according to the determination result I do. This process is the same as the process when it is determined that the variation pattern received in S5230 is not “pattern special 25” (S5230: no), and will be described later.

  Below, the process which determines the aspect of a promotion effect after S5238 is demonstrated. When determining the mode of promotion effect, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S5238). Here, first, the reason why the probability variation flag is confirmed is as follows. As will be described later, in the second embodiment, the mode of promotion effect (whether it is a promotion per promotion or non-promotion effect) is decided by lottery. It is supposed to perform off-stage production. Therefore, when processing for determining the mode of promotion effect is started, first, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON. As described above with reference to FIG. 41, the probability variation flag is determined to be a probability variation based on a special symbol related command supplied from the main control board 200, and the sub-display area 27 </ b> B of the special symbol display device 27. Regardless of whether the display mode in FIG. 3 is in the process of changing the probability or the time is short, the probability change flag is set to ON (S5204 in FIG. 41).

  If it is confirmed that the probability variation flag is set to ON (S5238: yes), it is determined by lottery whether or not the promotion per promotion is performed (S5240). In the lottery, a random number is generated, and when a predetermined hit value is obtained, it is determined that a promotion per promotion effect is performed, and in other cases, it is determined that a promotion non-promotion effect is performed. it can. As a result of the lottery, when it is determined that the promotion per promotion is performed (S5242: yes), the presentation mode in the sub display area 27B is set as the promotion per promotion (S5244). Then, the promotion execution flag is set to OFF (S5246), the symbol variation number M and the promotion effect number K are set to “0” (S5248), and the effect in the sub display area 27B is executed in the set effect mode. (S5214 in FIG. 41). Incidentally, the promotion per promotion refers to an effect in which the final display is the display of the probability change state after the effect for promoting from the short-time state to the probability change state is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion per promotion is not performed as a result of the lottery (S5242: no), the presentation mode in the sub display area 27B is set to the promotion-excluded presentation (S5250). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the symbol variation number M has reached the first upper limit value (S5252). In the present embodiment, the first upper limit value is set to “99”, which is a value slightly smaller than this, with “100” being the maximum number of times of continuous time as a reference. If the symbol variation number M has not reached the first upper limit (S5252: no), “1” is added to the promotion effect number K indicating the number of times that the promotion effect has been performed (S5254), and then the setting is made. The effect in the sub display area 27B is carried out in the effect mode thus performed (S5214 in FIG. 41). On the other hand, when the symbol variation number M has reached the first upper limit (S5252: yes), the promotion execution flag is set to OFF (S5246), and the symbol variation number M and the promotion effect number K are set to “ After “0” is set (S5248), the effect in the sub display area 27B is performed in the set effect mode (S5214 in FIG. 41).

  Here, when the symbol variation count M reaches the first upper limit (99 in this embodiment) (S5252: yes), the promotion execution flag is set to OFF, and the symbol variation count M and the promotion effect count K are set. The reason for initialization will be described. As shown in FIG. 41, the promotion execution flag is set to ON in the time reduction display state. When the change execution flag “pattern special 25” is received from the main control board 200 when the promotion execution flag is ON, the sound / lamp control board 220 executes the promotion per promotion effect or the promotion failure effect. However, as described above, the shortened state ends when the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times), so that the promotion effect cannot be performed any more. Of course, in the case where the display is based on the short time despite the probability variation, as described above with reference to FIG. 36, the number of times of variation M reaches the first upper limit value after the end of the special gaming state. It is considered that the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is output before, and an effect per promotion is performed to switch to the display of the probability variation state. However, in the second embodiment, as a result of the promotion effect, whether or not to be promoted to a probable change state is determined by a lottery. There is also the possibility of reaching the first upper limit. Also, the promotion execution flag is set to ON even when displaying the time reduction per hour reduction, and in this case, even when the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is received as described later, Since the promotion failure effect is always performed, the symbol variation number M reaches a predetermined number (in this example, 100 times) while the promotion execution flag remains ON. In this way, since the promotion execution flag is set to ON, it may happen that the upper limit number of time reductions is reached, and therefore the symbol variation number M is a little smaller than the upper limit number of time reductions (100 in this embodiment) ( In this embodiment, the promotion execution flag is set to OFF when 99) is reached.

  The processing in the case where the promotion execution flag is set to ON and the probability variation flag is set to ON when “pattern special 25” is received (S5238: yes) has been described. On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is OFF when the “pattern special 25” is received (S5238: no), the effect mode in the sub-display area 27B is immediately set to the non-promotion effect without performing the lottery ( S5250). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the symbol variation count M has reached the first upper limit value (S5252). If the symbol variation count M has not reached the first upper limit value (S5252: no), it is a promotion failure effect. After adding “1” to the promotion effect number K indicating the number of times of performing (S5254), the effect in the sub display area 27B is performed in the set effect mode (S5214 in FIG. 41). On the other hand, if the symbol variation count M has reached the first upper limit (S5252: yes), the promotion execution flag is set to OFF and the symbol variation count M and the promotion effect count K are initialized (S5246, (S5248), the effect in the sub display area 27B is executed in the set effect mode (S5214 in FIG. 41).

  In the above, the processing when the promotion execution flag is set to ON and “pattern special 25” is received (S5230: yes) has been described. However, when the received variation pattern is not “pattern special 25” ( The process of S5230: no) will be described. The following processing is performed in the same manner even when it is determined that the promotion effect is not performed as a result of the lottery even though the “pattern special 25” is received (S5236: no).

  If the variation pattern received from the main control board 200 is not the “pattern special 25” (S5230: yes), whether or not the symbol variation count M has reached the first upper limit (99 in this embodiment). Is determined (S5256). If it is determined that the first upper limit value has not yet been reached (S5256: no), it is determined whether or not the number of promotion effects K has reached “2” (S5300). Here, the number of promotion effects K represents the number of times that the promotion-prohibited effects were performed between the time when the promotion execution flag is turned on and the effect per promotion is performed as described above. That is, the fact that the number of promotion effects K has reached “2” indicates that the promotion effect has been performed at least twice so far. As mentioned above, the promotion-promotion effect is an effect that ends the promotion without a promotion after an effect that predicts the promotion from the short-time state to the probabilistic state. Even if the production is performed, it becomes increasingly difficult to attract the player's interest. In view of these points, in S5300, it is determined whether or not the number of promotion effects K has reached “2”. If the number of promotion effects K has reached “2”, the reliability of the promotion effect is notified. Processing to set the notification level L is performed (S5302). The setting of the notification level L can be determined by lottery from the notification level 1, the notification level 2, and the notification level 3.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S5300 that the number of promotion effects K has not yet reached “2”, the process of setting the notification level L of the promotion effects is not performed and the variation pattern received from the main control board 200 is performed. On the basis of the above, an effect mode in which the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is set (S5262).

  The above processing is performed when it is determined in S5256 that the symbol variation count M has not reached the first upper limit value, but when the symbol variation count M has reached the first upper limit value, (S5256: yes), such a process is not performed, and instead, the promotion execution flag is set to OFF (S5258), and the symbol variation number M and the promotion effect number K are initialized (S5260). Then, based on the received variation pattern, after setting an effect mode in which the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate (S5262), the effect in the sub display area 27B is performed in the set effect mode (S5214 in FIG. 41). . At this time, when the notification level L of the promotion effect is set in the process of S5302, the effect of notifying the reliability in one of the modes illustrated in FIG. 38 according to the set notification level L. Will be done.

  As described above, the character design effect process performed in the gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment has been described in detail. As described above, in the process of the second embodiment, whether or not a promotion effect is to be performed and whether or not to be a promotion effect when a promotion effect is performed are determined by lottery. For this reason, the progress of the game can be changed, and the interest of the player can be enhanced effectively.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the promotion is not limited not only when the display after the time reduction is performed after the end of the special gaming state by the probability change, but also when the variation pattern “pattern special 25” is received after the time reduction. Produce. In this way, the player is encouraged to play the game while expecting that it may be promoted to a probable state even during a short-time game, so it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player. .

  In addition, in the second embodiment described above, whether the notification effect of the reliability is performed using the variable (the number K of promotion effects) used for the promotion effect on the sound / lamp control board 220 side. Decide whether or not. For this reason, the main control board 200 can perform an effect of notifying the reliability without performing any special processing, and the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 can be made extremely simple.

  Further, in the second embodiment, there may be a case where the upper limit number of time reductions is reached while the time reduction is displayed even though it is a probable variation, so that the special symbol display device 27 is provided in consideration of such a case. It is also possible to switch the displayed content of the gaming state display unit 27e (see FIG. 4) from the short-time state to the probability changing state. In the following, game state display processing for realizing such functions will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for displaying the gaming state on the gaming state display unit 27e after the special gaming state ends. This process is a process executed by the CPU mounted on the sound / lamp control board 220 when various effects associated with the special gaming state are completed. Hereinafter, a brief description will be given according to the flowchart.

  When the game state display process at the end of the special game state is started, first, it is determined whether or not a game state display designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S5502). If the game state display designation command has not been received, the processing is terminated as it is. If a game state display designation command is received (S5502: yes), it is determined whether or not the promotion execution flag is set to ON (S5504). As described above with reference to FIG. 41, the promotion execution flag is a flag that is set to ON when the time reduction is displayed for the probability variation or when the time reduction is displayed as it is for the time reduction. If the promotion execution flag is set to ON (S5504: yes), “chance time” is displayed on the gaming state display unit 27e of the special symbol display device 27. On the other hand, if the promotion execution flag is not set to ON, “probability change” is displayed on the gaming state display unit 27e (S5508), and the gaming state display process at the end of the special gaming state shown in FIG. To do. When the promotion execution flag is not set to ON, “Probably changing” is displayed. This process is performed after the special game state is finished. After the special game state is finished, This is because there are only two possible states: a short time state in which the chance time is displayed, and a probability change state in which the probability change is displayed. Of course, even if the promotion execution flag is not set to ON, as a precaution, confirm that the probability change flag is set to ON, and if the probability change flag is set to ON, “probably changing” May be displayed and “chance time” may be displayed when the probability variation flag is set to OFF.

  As described above, after the special game state ends, either “chance time” or “probably changing” is displayed on the game state display unit 27e of the special symbol display device 27. This display content is updated every time the special symbols 30a, 30b or the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the special symbol display device 27 are displayed in a variable stop state. Below, the game state display process at the time of completion | finish of a symbol change is demonstrated.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game state display process at the end of symbol variation. This processing is performed by the CPU mounted on the sound / lamp control board 220 after receiving the special symbol related command from the main control board 200 and displaying the special symbol and the character symbol on the different symbol display device 27. This is a process to be performed. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the game state display process at the end of symbol change is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbols 30a, 30b and character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c that have been displayed in a variable manner have stopped (S5402). These symbols are stopped under the control of the CPU of the sound / lamp control board 220, and it can be easily determined whether or not the symbols are stopped.

  If the symbol has not stopped yet (S5402: no), the game state display process at the end of the symbol variation is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol has stopped (S5402: yes), it is determined whether or not the promotion execution flag is set to ON (S5404). If the promotion execution flag is not set to ON (S5404: no), it is determined whether or not the probability change flag is ON (S5410). If the probability change flag is ON (S5410: yes), the gaming state display unit 27e If “probability change” is displayed and the probability change flag is not ON (S5410: no), the game state display unit 27e is normally displayed (S5412). In other words, the promotion execution flag is also displayed normally when the probability variation flag is OFF. Here, the normal display is a display of a gaming state that is neither a probability change nor a chance time, and in this embodiment, a state in which neither display is made corresponds.

  On the other hand, if the promotion execution flag is set to ON (S5404: yes), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation count M has reached the second upper limit (S5406). Here, the second upper limit value is set to a value slightly smaller than the first upper limit value described above. That is, in the present embodiment, the first upper limit value is set to a value “99” that is slightly smaller than “100”, which is the maximum number of continuous times, but the second upper limit value is A value “95” that is slightly smaller than the upper limit value is set. If the symbol variation count M is smaller than the second upper limit value (S5406: no), the game state display unit 27e displays “chance time” (S5418).

  On the other hand, if the symbol variation count M has reached the second upper limit value (S5406: yes), it is determined whether or not the first upper limit value has been reached (S5408). When the symbol variation number M is larger than the second upper limit value (95 in this embodiment) and smaller than the first upper limit value (99 in this embodiment) (S5408: no), a switching display is performed. (S5416). That is, the display of the game state display unit 27e is alternately switched between “chance time” and “probably changing” at predetermined time intervals.

  When the symbol variation number M exceeds the first upper limit value (99 in this embodiment) (S5408: yes), it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S5410), and if the probability variation flag is ON ( If the probability change flag is OFF (S5410: no), the display of the game state display unit 27e is changed to the normal display state (S5410: yes). ). In other words, when the probability variation flag is set to ON when the symbol variation number M reaches the upper limit number of time reductions, it is considered that the time when the probability variation state was originally displayed was shortened. If the display content is changed to “probability change in progress” and the probability change flag is set to OFF, conversely, the time reduction state is ended as it is, and the display is changed to the normal game state display.

  As described above in detail, in the second embodiment, the number of symbol fluctuations M after the promotion execution flag is turned on is counted, and if the number of symbol fluctuations M reaches the first upper limit value, the probability is changing. Alternatively, the display state can be switched to the normal gaming state. For this reason, since it is decided by lottery whether or not the promotion per promotion is performed, it is possible to display a correct gaming state even when the upper limit number of short times is reached due to continuation of the lottery.

  When the symbol variation count M reaches the second upper limit value, the display of the gaming state is alternately switched between “chance time” and “probably changing”. As described above, the symbol variation count M is initialized when the special gaming state occurs, so that the symbol variation count M has reached the second upper limit means that the special gaming state has occurred for a long time. There is nothing else. In such a case, if the gaming state is switched between “chance time” and “probably changing”, the player is made to foresee that the gaming state is promoted to the probable state. For this reason, it is possible to continue the game by stiring up the player's willingness to play, and if the symbol variation count M reaches the first upper limit value and the game state is changed to the display of “probably changing”, It is possible to greatly enhance the interest of the player.

  As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 10 ... Game board, 17 ... Start-up port 27 ... Symbol display apparatus, 27e ... Game state display part (game state display means)
28: Normal symbol display device 200: Main control board (main control unit, lottery result determination means, fluctuation pattern output means, specific fluctuation pattern output means)
201: CPU, 202: RAM
220 ... Sound / lamp control board (sub-control unit)

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine having a main control unit that controls basic progress control of a game, and a sub-control unit that receives a command output from the main control unit as the game progresses and performs predetermined presentation control.
The main control unit
A success / failure determination means for determining whether or not a game ball launched on the surface of the game board hits or misses when entering the starting port;
A variation pattern selecting means for selecting one of a plurality of variation patterns based on the determination result of the success / failure determining means;
Fluctuation command transmission means for transmitting a fluctuation command corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation pattern selection means to the sub-control unit;
In accordance with the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means, the special symbol display section displays the variation of the special symbol, and the special symbol displayed in the variation display is stopped and displayed with the symbol corresponding to the determination result of the success / failure determination means. Special symbol display means,
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game for opening the closed big prize opening when the winning determination is determined by the winning / failing determining means and the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol corresponding to the corresponding symbol ; ,
Probability setting means for setting a normal probability or a high probability higher than the normal probability as a winning probability for determining the winning by the success / failure determining means after the winning game is ended,
The variation pattern selection means selects a specific variation pattern with a predetermined probability when the deviation is determined by the success / failure determination means,
The sub-control unit
When the normal probability is set by the probability setting means and when the high probability is set, the state display unit different from the special symbol display unit is the same as the state display regarding the set state of the hit probability Status display means for executing status display;
A state display changing means for changing a state display executed by the state display unit by receiving a change command corresponding to the specific change pattern from the main control unit during execution of the same state display; Prepared,
The state display changing means includes
When the high probability is set by the probability setting means and the same state display is being executed , a change command corresponding to the specific change pattern is received from the main control unit, so that the same A change determination process is performed to determine one of continuation of the state display and a change to the high probability state display displayed when the high probability is set,
When the change to the high probability state display is determined in the change determination process, the state display unit performs a display change from the same state display to the high probability state display,
When the continuation of the same state display is determined in the change determination process, the state display unit continues the same state display.   The sub-control unit changes the change when the continuation of the same state display is determined in the change determination process or when the change to the high probability state display is determined in the change determination process. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a determination result effect executing means for executing a determination result effect indicating a determination result of the determination process.   The sub-control unit includes a reliability effect execution unit that executes a reliability effect indicating the reliability of the change to the high probability state display when the same state display is being executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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