JP6652330B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium, which is a game medium, is fired into a game area by a launch device, and when a game ball wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variably displaying (also referred to as “fluctuations”) the identification information is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result on the variable display device, a game state (game The state of the machine, that is, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled.) Is changed to give a predetermined game value to the player (a so-called pachinko machine).

  Further, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player operates a start lever to start variably displaying identification information on a variable display device, and the player By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the predetermined maximum delay time from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is performed. A prize is generated according to the display result derived when the game is stopped, a predetermined predetermined game medium is paid out according to the prize, and when a specific prize is generated, the gaming state is changed to a predetermined game value by the player. (A slot machine).

  Note that the game value is a right to make the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine advantageous for a player who is likely to win a hit ball, or to be in a state advantageous for the player. Or a condition in which the conditions for paying out prize balls are easily satisfied.

  In the pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of a variable display of a special symbol (identification information) started on the variable display device based on a winning of a game ball in a starting winning opening. When this is done, a "big hit" occurs. Note that the derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol (final stop symbol). When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening may be referred to as a round. A game in a round may be called a round game.

  Further, in the variable display device, a symbol other than a symbol which is a final stop symbol (for example, a middle symbol among the left, middle, and right symbols) is continuously stopped for a predetermined period of time and stops and swings in a state where the symbol matches a specific display result. It is possible for a big hit to occur before the final result is displayed due to movement, enlargement / reduction or deformation, or when multiple symbols fluctuate synchronously with the same symbol, or when the position of the displayed symbol is switched, etc. An effect performed in a state where the sex is continued (hereinafter, these states are referred to as a reach state) is called a reach effect. The reach state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach mode. Further, a variable display including a reach effect is called a reach variable display. Then, if the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, the result is “missing” and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In such a gaming machine, Patent Literature 1 describes that notification is performed by a liquid crystal display in response to establishment of a notification condition such as occurrence of an error state.

JP 2014-158909 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, the notification is uniformly performed in the same manner regardless of the situation where the notification condition is satisfied. Therefore, there is a problem that interest cannot be improved.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can provide notification in a manner according to a situation and can enhance interest.

(Means 1) The gaming machine according to the present invention can fire a game medium (for example, a game ball), performs a variable display based on the game medium having passed through the starting area, and provides an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player. A controllable gaming machine, a storage means (for example, an extra ball tray 40) for storing the provided game media, and a determination means (for example, full) for determining whether or not the storage means is full. Button switch 48, a portion where the payout control microcomputer 370 executes step S8080, and a portion where the game control microcomputer 100 executes step S52), and a plurality of paths through which the game medium can flow down. Providing means that can provide an advantageous value based on the game medium passing through a predetermined area through which a game medium flowing down a specific route can pass in a predetermined period. , Full notification effect for reporting that the storage means is full state when it is determined that the storage unit is full state by determining means (e.g., full Tan'era notification) (e.g., the effect control CPU120 Step S9451), a first promotion notification effect for performing a notification for promoting the emission of the game medium so as to flow down the specific route, and an acceleration for emitting the game medium so as to pass through a predetermined area. a second promotion notification effect of performing notification of a possible execution, a plurality of types of effect by rendering mode corresponding to the effect mode representation embodiment is selected among the plurality of different presentation modes (e.g., directing the mode a and effect Various effects in mode B (for example, variable display effects, fanfare effects, opening effects, closing effects, ending effects, etc.) can be executed. Effect executing means (for example, a part where the effect control CPU 120 executes steps S545, S545a, etc.), and the effect executing means determines whether the storage means is full when the determination means determines that the storage means is full. run the full notification effect by effect mode corresponding to the effect mode selected among the effect mode (e.g., partial. Figure 50 effect control CPU120 executes the step S9451 (a), (E) refer), predetermined The first promotion notification effect is executed by a common effect mode in the period and the period different from the predetermined period, and the promotion information effect is executed by the effect mode corresponding to the effect mode selected from the plurality of effect modes in the predetermined period. However , the image used in the first promotion notification effect is smaller than the image used in the variable display .
According to such a configuration, the notification can be performed in a manner according to the situation, and the interest can be improved .

(Means 2) In the means 1, a variable prize device (for example, a lower special variable prize ball device 7B or the like) that can be changed to an open state in which a game medium can be won, and a first condition (for example, a probability change control condition or the like) are established. When this is done, the first condition satisfaction notification means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) that performs the first condition satisfaction notification (for example, the probability change confirmation notification as shown in (d) of FIG. 51) executes steps S9034 and S9056. Portion) and a second condition different from the first condition (for example, a condition that the number of continuous balls reaches a predetermined number of balls to be reported for the first time, etc.) is satisfied, and a second condition establishment notification (for example, FIG. A second condition establishment informing means (for example, a part in which the effect control CPU 120 executes steps S9042, S9045, and S9053) for performing a payout announcement as shown in (c) of FIG. 52, and the first condition is as follows. When the first condition and the second condition are satisfied when the game medium passes through a specific area (for example, a certainty variable area or the like) provided in the special winning award device, the first condition establishment notifying means makes the first condition. The condition establishment notification and the second condition establishment notification by the second condition establishment notification unit can be executed in an overlapped manner (for example, as shown in FIG. May be configured to be executable).
According to such a configuration, notification can be performed effectively.

(Means 3) In the means 1, a variable prize device (for example, a lower special variable prize ball device 7B or the like) that can be changed to an open state in which a game medium can be won, and a first condition (for example, a probability change control condition or the like) are established. When this is done, the first condition satisfaction notification means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) that performs the first condition satisfaction notification (for example, the probability change confirmation notification as shown in (d) of FIG. 51) executes steps S9034 and S9056. Portion) and a second condition different from the first condition (for example, a condition that the number of continuous balls reaches a predetermined number of balls to be reported for the first time, etc.) is satisfied, and a second condition establishment notification (for example, FIG. A second condition establishment informing means (for example, a part in which the effect control CPU 120 executes steps S9042, S9045, and S9053) for performing a payout announcement as shown in (c) of FIG. 52, and the first condition is as follows. When the first condition and the second condition are satisfied when the game medium passes through a specific area (for example, a certainty variable area or the like) provided in the special winning award device, the first condition establishment notifying means makes the first condition. Either the condition establishment notification or the second condition establishment notification by the second condition establishment notification unit can be executed (for example, as shown in FIG. (A probable change confirmation notification can be executed).
According to such a configuration, notification can be performed effectively.

(Means 4) In any one of the means 1 to 3, a gaming machine communicably connected to a gaming device (for example, a card unit 50) for enabling a game using a value owned by a player. A door (for example, a glass door frame 3A) that can be changed between a closed state that covers the game area and an open state that makes the game area accessible from the outside, and a door state that detects the state of the door body The game machine includes a detection unit (for example, realized by a portion where the door opening sensor 155 or the game control microcomputer 100 executes step S59), and the game device includes a recording medium capable of specifying a value owned by the player. A recording medium receiving unit for receiving the recording medium; and a recording medium returning unit for returning the recording medium (for example, a card insertion slot in the card unit 50). When it is detected that the door is in the open state, the effect that the door is in the open state is notified in a different manner in accordance with the effect performed by the effect executing means (for example, the effect control CPU 120 executes step S9454). (See FIGS. 50 (B) and 50 (F)), it is possible to make a notification to prevent forgetting to take the storage medium returned by the return means, and to store the storage medium returned by the return means. According to the effect performed by the effect execution means when performing the notification for preventing the forgetting of the storage medium, the notification for preventing the storage medium returned by the return means in a different manner is performed (for example, The part where the effect control CPU 120 executes step S9461. (See FIGS. 50 (C) and 50 (G)).
According to such a configuration, the notification can be performed in a manner according to the situation, and the interest can be improved.

(Means 5) In any one of the means 1 to 4, the effect content setting means (for example, effect mode) capable of setting the effect contents (for example, effect mode) according to the operation of the player (for example, the effect mode selection operation). The effect control CPU 120 includes a part for executing steps S543 to S545), and the notifying means performs notification in different modes according to the effect content set by the effect content setting means (for example, the effect control CPU 120 performs step S543 to S545). A part for executing S9451, S9454, S9461, S743, S763, S9034, S9056, S9042, S9045, S9053, etc., and may be configured as shown in FIGS.
According to such a configuration, the notification can be performed in a mode that matches the taste of the player, and the interest can be improved.

(Means 6) In any one of the means 1 to 5, an advantageous value (for example, a jackpot game state, a highly accurate state, a high base state, etc.) can be given based on the game medium passing through a predetermined area. (For example, a part where the game control microcomputer 100 executes step S385) and an instruction notifying means for giving an instruction to instruct to emit a game medium toward a predetermined area (for example, the effect control CPU 120). Includes a portion for executing steps S743 and S763), and the instruction notifying means performs the instruction notification in one of a plurality of modes (for example, see FIGS. 50 (D) and 50 (H)). It may be configured.
According to such a configuration, attention can be given to the instruction notification, and interest can be improved.

(Means 7) In the means 6, the state control means which can be controlled to an advantageous state (for example, a big hit game state) advantageous to the player, and an advantageous state effect (for example, an effect during opening) when controlled to the advantageous state Can be executed in any one of a plurality of modes (for example, executing an effect during opening of a different background screen according to the type of jackpot. The effect control CPU executes steps S743 and S763) And the instruction notifying means has different modes (for example, message display size and color, narration sound volume, and the like differ according to the mode of the advantageous state effect executed by the advantageous state effect execution means). ) May be configured to perform the instruction notification.
According to such a configuration, the rendering effect can be improved.

(Means 8) In any one of the means 1 to 7, there is provided a time-measuring means (for example, a time-measuring means or a real-time clock) for performing a time-measurement, and the notifying means is provided in different modes according to the result of the time keeping by the time-measuring means The notification is performed (for example, when the timing result matches the predetermined condition), the effect mode is switched (the effect control CPU 120 executes steps S543a to S545a), and the notification is performed in a mode corresponding to the switched effect mode. May be configured).
According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform notification in a different manner according to the timing result, and it is possible to improve interest.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which illustrates a fluctuation pattern. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a game control data holding area. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a circuit structure of a payout control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interrupt processing for game control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the control command transmitted / received between game control means and payout control means. It is an explanatory view showing an example of error information set to a connection OK command and a prize ball preparation command. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmitting and receiving control signals and control commands. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prize ball process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a prize ball process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a main side error process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. It is a figure which shows the example of determination of a special figure display result etc. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design change processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design stop processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of game state transition control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit opening pre-processing. It is a figure showing the example of composition of a special winning opening opening pattern specification table. It is a figure showing the example of composition of a special winning opening opening pattern table. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an interval time setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during opening of a big hit. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a probability change determination process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of post-big hit opening processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit end processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a probable change area solenoid control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process for payout control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of main control communication processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of payout side error processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of payout side error processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control main processing. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of effect control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a waiting process per special figure. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game state setting control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit start process and an example of a process during a round. It is a flowchart which shows an example of post-round processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of post-big hit processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a notification flag setting process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of information control processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a betting announcement end control processing, and an example of a probabilistic change confirmation notification end control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit notification start control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big hit notification start control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of abnormality notification processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the notification process of card forgetting prevention. It is a figure which shows the production operation example of a full tank error notification, a door opening error notification, a card removal forgetting prevention notification, and an instruction notification. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a flow chart which shows other examples of information control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of a big hit notification start control process. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of a big hit notification start control process. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the notification start control processing during variable display. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a figure showing an example of a production operation in the big hit game state. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a variable display start waiting process.

  In the following description, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, showing an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame 3 for supporting and fixing the gaming board. A substantially circular game area 2 surrounded by guide rails is formed on the game board. In this game area 2, a game ball as a game medium is fired from a predetermined hitting ball firing device. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a frame provided in the gaming machine frame 3 so as to be openable and closable (changeable between a closed state covering the gaming area 2 and an open state allowing the gaming area 2 to be accessible from the outside). It has a glass door frame 3A (not shown) formed in a shape.

  At a predetermined position of the gaming board, a first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided. Each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) of 7 segments or a dot matrix, and is a plurality of types of identification information capable of identifying each. The special symbol is displayed variably (variable display). For example, each of the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B can change a plurality of types of special symbols including numbers indicating “0” to “9” and symbols indicating “−”. indicate.

  Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as “first special symbol”, and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as “second special symbol”. Also, a game executed with variable display of identification information such as special symbols (or variable display itself of identification information such as special symbols) is referred to as a variable display game. In particular, the variable display game executed by the first special symbol display device 4A (variable display game for variably displaying the first special symbol) is also referred to as the first special symbol game, and the variable display game executed by the second special symbol display device 4B. (Variable display game for variably displaying the second special figure) is also referred to as a second special figure game. When the first special figure game and the second special figure game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as “special figure games”.

  An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area 2 on the game board. The image display device 5 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the image display device 5, corresponding to the variable display of the first special figure game (or the second special figure game), for example, in a plurality of decorative symbol display areas, a plurality of types of each of which can be identified. A decorative design, which is identification information, is variably displayed. In the display area of the image display device 5, a game to be executed along with the variable display of the decorative symbol (or the variable display of the decorative symbol itself) is also included in the above-described variable display game.

  As an example, in the display area of the image display device 5, "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas are arranged. Then, in the special figure game, one of the fluctuation of the first special figure in the first special symbol display device 4A and the change of the second special figure in the second special symbol display device 4B is started. Then, in each of the decorative pattern display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, the variation of the decorative symbol is started. Thereafter, when the fixed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result in the special figure game, the decorative symbol is variably displayed in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” decorative symbol display areas on the image display device 5. The resulting final decorative pattern is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, in the display area of the image display device 5, the special figure game using the first special figure (first special figure game) in the first special symbol display apparatus 4A, or the special figure game in the second special symbol display apparatus 4B. In synchronization with the special figure game using the two special figures (the second special figure game), a variable display of a plurality of types of decorative symbols, each of which is identifiable, is performed, and a fixed decorative pattern as a variable display result is derived and displayed. Deriving and displaying various display symbols, such as a special symbol and a decorative symbol, means stopping display of identification information such as a decorative symbol and terminating the variable display. On the other hand, during the variable display from the start of the variable display of the decorative symbol to the derivation and display of the fixed decorative symbol as the variable display result, the fluctuation speed of the decorative symbol becomes “0” and the decorative symbol becomes “0”. The pattern may be stopped and displayed, for example, a display state may occur in which slight shaking, expansion and contraction, and the like are caused. Such a display state is also referred to as a temporary stop display, and although the display result in the variable display is not steadily displayed, the player can recognize that the fluctuation of the decorative symbol due to the scroll display or the update display is not progressing. Becomes The temporary stop display may include, for example, completely stopping and displaying the decorative symbol for a shorter time than a predetermined time without causing slight shaking or expansion and contraction.

  In the display area of the image display device 5, a start winning storage display area may be arranged. In the start winning prize storage display area, a hold storage display is performed in which the number of hold storage of the variable display game can be specified.

  The suspension of the variable display game is based on the fact that the game ball has entered (passed) the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A or the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The start condition for executing the variable display game such as the graphic game and the variable display of the decorative symbol is satisfied, but the variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed or the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game state. Occurs when the start condition for starting the variable display game is not satisfied.

  For example, when a start condition (first start condition) for executing the first special figure game is established due to the occurrence of the first start prize in which the game ball passes through the first start winning opening, the first special figure game is executed. If the start condition (first start condition) for starting the first special figure game is not satisfied, the storage number of the first special figure game (the first special figure reserved storage number) is incremented by 1, and the execution of the first special figure game is started. Suspended. In addition, when a start condition (second start condition) for executing the second special figure game is established by the occurrence of the second start prize in which the game ball passes through the second start winning opening, the second special figure game is executed. If the start condition (second start condition) for starting the second special figure game is not satisfied, the storage number of the second special figure game (second special figure reservation storage number) is incremented by one, and the execution of the second special figure game is started. Suspended. On the other hand, when the execution of the first special figure game is started, the first special figure reserved storage number is decremented by one. When the execution of the second special figure game is started, the second special figure reserved storage number is decremented by one.

  The variable display reserved storage number obtained by adding the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number is particularly referred to as a total reserved storage number. The term “number of special figure reserved storages” generally refers to a concept including any of the first special figure reserved storage number, the second special figure reserved storage number, and the total reserved storage number, but particularly refers to a part of them. It may be.

  A display may be provided for displaying the number of special figure reservation storages together with or instead of the start prize storage display area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first special symbol display device 4 </ b> A and the second special symbol display device 4 </ b> B are displayed together with the start winning prize memory display area, so that the first special symbol display storage number can be specified so as to be specified. An indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B are provided. The first reservation display 25A displays the first special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The second reservation display 25B displays the second special figure reservation storage number in a identifiable manner. The first reservation display 25A and the second reservation display 25B are configured to include, for example, LEDs of the number corresponding to the upper limit values of the first special figure reservation storage number and the second special figure reservation storage number, respectively. ing.

  The game area 2 formed on the board of the game board includes a left game area 2A (also referred to as a first game area) on the left side of the top of the image display device 5 and a right game area 2B (second game area) on the right. ).

  Below the center of the image display device 5, a normal winning ball device 6A is provided. The normal winning prize ball device 6A forms, for example, a first starting winning opening that is always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member.

  On the right side (right game area 2B) of the image display device 5, a normal variable winning ball device 6B is provided. The normally variable prize ball device 6B is an electric tulip type having a pair of movable wing pieces that are switched between a closed state at a vertical position and an open state at a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. It has an accessory and forms a second starting winning port. As an example, in the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B, when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the off state, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position, so that the game ball does not pass through the second starting winning opening. State. On the other hand, in the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 6B, the game ball can pass through the second starting winning opening when the movable wing piece is in the tilting position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the ON state. Leave open. The normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is set to an open state when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric auditorium is in an off state, and to a closed state when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric auditorium is in an on state. You may comprise.

  The normal variable prize ball device 6B is controlled to be in the open state for a predetermined period of time in response to the variable display result of the general figure game executed on the normal symbol display device 20 being set to "per normal figure". The general-purpose game is executed when a game ball passes a gate 6C provided on the right side (right game area 2B) of the image display device 5. The general-purpose reservation display 25C provided on the left side (the left game area 2A) of the image display device 5 displays the number of reserved storages of the general-purpose game (number of reserved general-purpose storages).

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game ball fired from the hit ball firing device and guided to the left game area 2A cannot pass through the second starting winning opening normally formed by the variable winning prize ball device 6B. Or difficult. Further, the game ball fired from the hit ball firing device and guided to the right game area 2B cannot pass through the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A due to the arrangement PL of the nails or the like. Have difficulty. A game ball fired from the hit ball firing device and guided to the left game region 2A is formed by the upper special variable winning ball device 7A provided in the right game region 2B due to an array PL of nails or the like. It is impossible or difficult to pass through the winning opening and the lower winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B.

  A game ball that has entered the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A is detected by, for example, the first starting switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has entered the second starting winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball device 6B is detected by, for example, the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. When a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on the detection of the game balls by the first starting port switch 22A, and the first reserved storage number is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit value, the first start is performed. The condition holds. When a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on the detection of the game balls by the second starting port switch 22B, and the second reserved storage number is equal to or less than the predetermined upper limit value, the second start is performed. The condition holds. The number of prize balls paid out based on the detection of a game ball by the first starting port switch 22A and the number of prize balls paid out based on the detection of a game ball by the second starting port switch 22B May be the same number or different numbers.

  Two special variable winning ball devices are provided below the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The upper special variable prize ball device 7A includes an upper prize winning door that is driven to be opened and closed by an upper prize winning door solenoid 82A shown in FIG. 2, and the upper prize winning door changes between an open state and a closed state. To form a winning combination. As an example, in the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the upper winning hole door closes the upper winning hole when the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door is off. On the other hand, in the upper special variable winning ball device 7A, the upper winning hole door opens the upper winning hole when the solenoid 82A for the upper winning opening door is on. The game ball that has entered the upper winning prize port formed in the upper special variable winning prize ball device 7A is detected by, for example, an upper prize winning switch 23A (also referred to as a count switch) shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the upper winning prize opening and the lower winning prize opening have the same door shape, but the two winning prize openings may have different shapes. For example, one of them may be an electric tulip-type accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces that change between a closed state and an open state like the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B, or a state in which it is stored in the game area 2. The winning opening may change to a state protruding from the winning hole.

  The lower special variable prize ball device 7B includes a lower special prize opening door that is driven to open and close by a lower special prize opening door solenoid 82B shown in FIG. 2, and changes to an open state and a closed state by the lower special prize opening door. To form a lower winning opening. As an example, in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, the lower winning hole door closes the lower winning opening when the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door is in the off state. On the other hand, in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, the lower winning hole door opens the lower winning opening when the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door is on. A game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is detected by, for example, a lower special winning opening switch 23B (also referred to as a count switch) shown in FIG.

  A large number of game balls are paid out as prize balls when the game balls pass through the upper special winning opening formed by the upper special variable winning ball device 7A and the lower large winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B. That is, the upper special variable prize ball device 7A is brought into the first state which is advantageous to the player by opening the upper prize winning port by the upper prize winning port door. The lower special variable prize ball device 7B is in a first state that is advantageous to the player by opening the lower prize winning opening with the lower prize winning opening door. On the other hand, the upper special variable prize ball device 7A enters a second state that is disadvantageous to the player by closing the upper prize winning port with the upper prize winning port door. The lower special variable prize ball device 7B is in a second state that is disadvantageous to the player by closing the lower prize winning opening with the lower prize winning opening door. In addition, instead of or in addition to the closed state where the game ball cannot pass through the upper winning prize mouth or the lower winning prize mouth, a partially opened state in which the game ball is difficult to pass through the upper prize winning opening or the lower prize winning opening is provided. Is also good.

  Inside the upper special variable prize ball device 7A, there is provided a discharge path through which game balls entering the upper special prize hole opened by the upper special prize entrance door are discharged from the upper special variable prize ball device 7A. I have. A game ball that has entered the upper winning prize port formed by the upper special variable winning prize ball device 7A is detected by the upper prize winning switch 23A, and subsequently detected by the first discharge switch 24C provided in the discharge path. . In addition, if the game ball that has entered the upper-prize-winning port is detected by the first discharge switch 24C after being detected by the upper-prize-winner switch 23A, the upper-prize-winning switch 23A is set outside the discharge path (for example, , May be installed at a position on the near side of the game ball in the downflow direction from the entrance of the discharge path, or may be installed in the discharge path (for example, in the downflow direction of the game ball more than the installation position of the first discharge switch 24C). (A position on the near side). The same applies to the lower special winning opening switch 23B which detects a game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B.

  Inside the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, a game ball that has entered the lower special prize opening port opened by the lower special prize port door passes through a predetermined probability change area, and from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B. A discharge path to be discharged and a discharge path to be discharged from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B without passing through the predetermined probability change area are provided.

  The game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B, and then passes through a predetermined probability change area and is then transmitted from the lower special variable winning ball device 7B. The discharge route reaches (falls down) the discharge route that is discharged from the discharge route that is discharged from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B without passing through the predetermined probability change area. When the game ball that has reached the branch point flows down the discharge path discharged from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B after passing through the predetermined probability change area, the game ball is detected by the probability change area switch 24A, and the big hit game After the end of the state, the probable change control condition for achieving the probable change state (high-probability state) is satisfied. On the other hand, when the game ball that has reached the branch point flows down the discharge path discharged from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B without passing through the predetermined variable area, the game ball is detected by the variable area switch 24A. Without this, the probable change control condition is not satisfied. That is, the location where the probability change area switch 24A is installed is defined as a probability change area, and a predetermined probability change control condition is established based on the fact that the game ball has passed through this probability change area. Since the certainty variable area is inside the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, only game balls that have won the lower special variable prize ball device 7B can pass through.

  The probable area is changed by the probable area lid driven by the probable area lid solenoid 82C into an open state where the game ball can pass and a closed state where the game ball cannot pass. As an example, when the solenoid 82C for the probable area lid is in the off state, the probable area lid moves to a position that closes the probable area (a position where the game ball cannot pass through the probable area), and the probable area is closed. I do. On the other hand, when the solenoid 82C for the probable area lid is on, the probable area lid moves to a position where the probable area does not block the probable area (a position where the game ball can pass through the probable area), and the probable area is changed. Leave open. If the probability ball is in the open state when the game ball reaches the branch point, the game ball can pass through the probability ball, and is detected by the probability ball switch 24A. On the other hand, when the game ball reaches the branch point, if the probable area is in the closed state, the game ball cannot pass through the probable area and is not detected by the probable area switch 24A.

  As described above, the game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening of the lower special variable prize ball device 7B has passed through the probable area and is detected by the probable area switch 24A. By controlling the rate at which the game ball wins the lower special variable prize ball device 7B and the length of time and the timing when the probability variable area cover does not block the probability variation area, the probability variation state is controlled. It is possible to suitably set the ratio for controlling to (high accuracy state).

  At the branch point, two branched paths (a discharge path that passes through a predetermined probability changing area and is discharged from the lower special variable winning ball apparatus 7B, and a lower special variable winning ball apparatus that does not pass through the predetermined probability changing area). The discharge path from the discharge path 7B becomes one at the junction, and a second discharge switch 24B is provided in the discharge path after the junction. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed through the probability change area (whether or not detected by the probability change area switch 24A), the game ball is detected by the second discharge switch 24B. That is, a game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B → detected by the variable probability area switch 24A → detected by the second discharge switch 24B → discharged. Or detection by the lower winning award switch 23B → detection by the second discharge switch 24B → discharge. When the detection is performed by the lower winning award switch 23B → the detection by the positive change area switch 24A → the detection by the second discharge switch 24B → discharge, the state is controlled to the positive change state (high-precision state). When the detection is changed to the detection by the second discharge switch 24B and then the discharge is performed, the state is not controlled to the stable change state (highly accurate state). By providing the second discharge switch 24B in the discharge path of the game ball that has won the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, the number of game balls that have won the lower special variable prize ball device 7B and the lower special variable prize ball device 7B It is possible to suitably determine whether or not the number of game balls ejected from the game matches.

  If it is possible to determine whether or not the number of game balls that have won the lower special variable prize ball device 7B matches the number of game balls that have been discharged from the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, the second The installation position of the discharge switch 24B is not limited to the above. For example, the second discharge switch 24B may be arranged at a position for detecting a game ball that has not passed through the probable area and not detecting a game ball that has passed the probable area. That is, the game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B → detected by the variable probability area switch 24A → discharged, or the lower special winning switch 23B , Detection → discharge by the second discharge switch 24B → discharge. When the detection is performed by the lower winning award switch 23B → the detection by the probable area switch 24A → discharge, the state is controlled to the probable change state (high accuracy state), and the detection by the lower award winning switch 23B → the second discharge switch 24B. In the case where the detection has been changed to discharge, the state is not controlled to the stable state (high-precision state).

  The lower special variable winning ball device 7B may be configured to include at least a peripheral portion of the certainty variable area so that the player can visually recognize whether or not the game ball has passed the certainty variable area. At least a peripheral portion of the probability variable area in the lower special variable winning ball device 7B may be configured so that the player cannot visually recognize whether or not the player has passed the probability variable area. In the case where the peripheral portion of the probable change area is configured so that the player can visually recognize whether or not the game ball has passed the probable change area, the probable change confirmation notification executed in the display area of the image display device 5 (in the highly accurate state). In addition to the notification that the game ball is controlled, which will be described later), it is possible to pay attention to whether the game ball that has entered the lower big winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B passes through the probability change area. . On the other hand, when the peripheral portion of the probable area is configured so that the player cannot visually recognize whether the game ball has passed the probable area, the player can visually recognize whether the game ball has passed the probable area. The above-described probabilistic change confirmation notification can be more noticed than when the peripheral portion of the probabilistic change area is configured as described above.

  On the surface of the game board, in addition to the above configuration, a windmill for changing the flowing direction and speed of the game ball, and a number of obstacle nails are provided. The winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the special winning opening is, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a fixed open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. May be provided. In this case, a predetermined number of game balls may be paid out as prize balls based on detection of a game ball entering one of the general prize ports by a predetermined general prize ball switch. At the bottom of the game area 2, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, respectively. Further, a gaming effect lamp 9 is provided around the gaming area 2. A decorative LED may be arranged around each structure in the gaming area 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  At the lower right of the front surface of the housing of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a hit ball operation handle operated by a player or the like to fire a game ball as a game medium toward the game area 2 is provided. For example, the hit ball operation handle adjusts the resilience of a game ball in accordance with the amount of operation by a player or the like. The hitting operation handle may be provided with a single-shot firing switch for stopping driving of a firing motor provided in the hitting ball firing device, or a touch ring. At a predetermined position below the game area 2, an upper plate is provided for holding a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball rented out by a predetermined ball lending machine so as to be supplied to a hit ball launching device. I have. For example, an operation button 30 that can be operated by a player by a pressing operation or the like is provided at a predetermined position on the near side on the upper surface of the upper plate.

  When a large number of game balls as prizes based on winnings and game balls based on a ball lending request are paid out and the upper plate becomes full, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball tray 40 via the surplus ball passage. When the game balls are further paid out, the sensing lever (not shown) presses the full tank switch 48 (not shown in FIG. 1), and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. As described above, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the surplus ball tray 40 and the full tank switch 48 is in the full state in which the full tank switch 48 is turned on, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout apparatus is stopped and the ball payout apparatus is stopped. Is stopped, and the driving of the hit ball firing device also stops.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, a door opening sensor 155 for detecting the opening of the glass door frame 3A is also attached. The door opening sensor 155 outputs a detection signal when the glass door frame 3A is open.

  Next, the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be schematically described.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A in the left game area 2A, the game ball is detected by the first start port switch 22A shown in FIG. Thus, the first start condition is satisfied. Thereafter, for example, the first special figure game is started based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied due to the end of the previous special figure game, the big hit game state, or the like.

  When the game ball passes through the second start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B in the right game area 2B, the second start is performed by detecting the game ball by the second start port switch 22B shown in FIG. The condition holds. After that, for example, the second special figure game is started based on the second start condition being satisfied due to the end of the previous special figure game or the big hit game state or the like.

  Hereinafter, the control for changing the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B between the closed state and the opened state is referred to as electric-chu opening control. In the present embodiment, low opening control (normal opening control) and high opening control can be executed as the power opening control. A game state in which the low opening control is executed is called a low base state, and a game state in which the high opening control is executed is called a high base state. The high base state in which the high opening control is executed is a more advantageous state for the player than the low base state in which the low opening control is executed.

  In the present embodiment, when the game state is controlled to the high base state, compared to when the game state is controlled to the low base state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in the ordinary symbol game by the ordinary symbol indicator 20 (the ordinary symbol fluctuation time) ), The control to increase the probability that the variable display result of the ordinary symbol will be "Picture hit" in each time of the Puzzle game, and the control based on the fact that the variable display result is "Private picture hit" At least one of the controls for extending the time during which the normal variable winning prize ball device 6B is opened is executed as high opening control. As a result, when the gaming state is controlled to the high base state, the time during which the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B is in the open state increases compared to when the gaming state is controlled to the low base state, The ball easily passes through the second starting winning opening. Therefore, the frequency at which the second start condition is satisfied increases, which is advantageous for the player.

  In the present embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the probability change area switch 24A while being controlled to the big hit game state, a predetermined number of special figure games after the big hit game state ends until the special figure game ends. , And is controlled to a probable change state (high-probability state). Regardless of whether or not a gaming ball is detected by the probability changing area switch 24A when controlled to the big hit game state, a high number of times until the predetermined number of special figure games after the big hit game state ends is ended. Controlled to base state. In addition, although the above-mentioned predetermined number of times maintained in the probable change state (high accuracy state) after the end of the big hit game state and the above-mentioned predetermined number of times maintained in the high base state after the end of the big hit game state may be different, In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined number of times maintained in the probable change state (high accuracy state) after the end of the big hit game state and the above-mentioned predetermined number of times maintained in the high base state after the end of the big hit game state are the same number of times. And

  In other words, in the present embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the positive-change area switch 24A while being controlled to the big hit game state, a predetermined number of special figure games after the big hit game state ends are ended. If the game ball is not detected by the probable variable area switch 24A while being controlled to the big hit game state, the big hit game state Until the predetermined number of special figure games are completed after the end of the game, the low-precision high-base state (low-precision state and high-base state) is controlled. When a predetermined number of special figure games have ended after the end of the big hit gaming state, the game is controlled to a low-probability low-base state (low-probability state and low-base state). After the power is turned on, the low-precision and low-base state is controlled until the jackpot game state is entered for the first time. Note that the low-probability high-base state may be referred to as a time-saving state. Also, the low-probability low-base state may be referred to as a normal state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the gaming state is controlled to the low base state, as described above, the low opening control is executed as the electric chewing opening control of the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B. Even if the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B, it is unlikely that the game ball will enter the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B. The possibility that the game ball enters the first starting winning opening formed is low. Therefore, when the game state is controlled to the low base state, it is preferable to guide the game ball to the left game area 2A so that the game ball enters the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A. . On the other hand, when the gaming state is controlled to the high base state, as described above, the high opening control is executed as the electric chue opening control of the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B, so that the gaming ball is moved to the right gaming area 2B. If guided, the possibility that the game ball enters the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B increases. Therefore, when the game state is controlled to the high base state, the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B in order to make the game ball enter the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B. preferable.

  In addition, the possibility (frequency) that the game ball flowing down the left game area 2A enters the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball device 6A when the game state is controlled to the low base state is smaller than the possibility (frequency). When the game state is controlled to the high base state, the possibility (frequency) that the game ball flowing down the right game area 2B enters the second start winning opening formed by the normally variable winning ball device 6B is increased. Then, the high release control is executed. For example, if the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B while the game is controlled to the high base state after the end of the jackpot game state (that is, the ball is hit right), the ball is paid out as a prize ball in the jackpot game state. The high opening control may be executed to such an extent that the second special figure game can be executed without reducing the number of game balls (balls).

  In a first special figure game executed based on a game ball having entered a first start winning opening or a second special figure game executed based on a game ball having entered a second starting winning opening, When the variable display result of “big hit” is derived, the state is controlled to the big hit gaming state. Then, in the big hit game state, when the game ball enters the lower special variable prize ball device 7B and further passes through the certainty change area (detected by the certainty change area switch 24A), a predetermined value after the end of the big hit game state During the period (until the predetermined number of special figure games is completed), the game is controlled to the high-accuracy-high base state. On the other hand, when the vehicle does not pass through the certainty-change area (when it is not detected by the certainty-change area switch 24A), For a predetermined period after the end of the big hit gaming state (until the predetermined number of special figure games is ended), the state is controlled to the low-probability high base state. That is, for a predetermined period after the end of the big hitting game state (until the predetermined number of special figure games is ended), the game is controlled to the high base state, and it is preferable to guide the game ball to the right game area 2B. .

  When the first special figure game is started or the second special figure game is started, it is determined whether or not the variable display result of the special symbol is a “big hit” as a predetermined specific display result. It is determined before the variable display result is derived and displayed. Then, a variation pattern is determined at a predetermined rate based on the determination of the variable display result, and an effect control command for designating the variable display result and the variation pattern is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the effect control board 12.

  After the special figure game is started based on the determination of the variable display result and the variation pattern, for example, when a predetermined variable display time corresponding to the variation pattern elapses, a fixed special symbol serving as the variable display result is displayed. Derived and displayed. "Left", "middle", and "right" decorations arranged in the display area of the image display device 5 corresponding to the variable display of special symbols by the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B. In the symbol display area, a decorative symbol is variably displayed.

  In the first special figure game or the second special figure game, when a fixed special symbol which is a variable display result of a special symbol is derived and displayed, a fixed decorative symbol which is a variable display result of a decorative symbol is derived on the image display device 5. Is displayed. When a predetermined big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a variable display result of the special symbol, the variable display result is "big hit" and is controlled to a big hit game state as a specific game state advantageous to the player. That is, whether or not to be controlled to the big hit game state corresponds to whether or not the variable display result is "big hit", and is determined before the variable display result is derived and displayed.

  When the variable display result of the special symbol in the special figure game is “big hit”, a fixed decoration symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived and displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. As an example, the same decorative pattern is displayed on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative pattern display areas and stopped and displayed, thereby deriving a fixed decorative pattern that is a big hit combination. It should just be displayed.

  In the big hit gaming state, the upper special variable winning ball device 7A or the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is in the first state advantageous to the player for a predetermined number of times (the upper special winning opening or the lower large winning opening is changed for a predetermined number of times). , Open state). Specifically, in the big hit gaming state, a round game in which the upper winning prize port and the lower winning prize port are controlled to be in the closed state and the open state is executed. In the execution period of the round game, when a game ball enters the upper winning a prize port, a prize ball is detected by the upper prize port switch 23A, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball every time the detection is performed. When a game ball enters the special winning opening, the winning ball is detected by the lower special winning switch 23B, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out each time the detection is performed. The round game is repeatedly executed in the big hit game state until a predetermined upper limit number is reached. Therefore, in the big hit gaming state, the player can very easily obtain a large number of prize balls, and the gaming state is advantageous for the player. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may directly pay out game balls to be prize balls, or may give points corresponding to the number of game balls to be prize balls.

  After the end of the big hitting game state, the normal variable winning prize ball device 6B is controlled to the high base state in which the high opening control is executed as the electric chew opening control. Further, in the big hit game state, if the certain change control condition that is satisfied by the detection of the game ball by the positive change area switch 24A is satisfied, the variable display result is "big hit" after the big hit game state ends. Is controlled to a probable state (high-probability state) in which the probability is higher than normal (low-probability state). In other words, in the big hit game state, if the game ball is not detected by the probability changing area switch 24A, the game is controlled to the low-probability high base state after the big hit game state ends, and if the game ball is detected by the probability changing area switch 24A. Is controlled to the high-accuracy high base state after the end of the big hit gaming state. The low-probability base state and the probabilistic base state are continued until the predetermined number of special figure games have been executed after the big hit game state has been completed. Alternatively, control is performed from the low-probability high-base state to the low-probability low-base state. Therefore, after the big hit, if the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B (by hitting right), the game ball (payout ball) is not reduced so much in the second special figure game up to a predetermined number of times. You can expect another big hit.

  In the present embodiment, ten round games are executed in the specific game state (big hit game state) regardless of the type of big hit (big hit type) when the variable display result is "big hit". Hereinafter, the first round game is referred to as a first round or a first round game, and the second round game is referred to as a second round or a second round game (third round). The same applies to the tenth round game).

  In the present embodiment, in each round game, either the upper special winning opening or the lower special winning opening is opened (the upper special variable winning ball device 7A or the lower special variable winning ball device 7B). Is in a first state that is advantageous to the player). Specifically, in the first round, the third round, the fifth round, the seventh round, and the ninth round, the upper winning opening is closed and the lower winning opening is opened (upper special variable). The winning ball device 7A is in a second state that is disadvantageous for the player, and the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is in a first state that is advantageous for the player.) On the other hand, in the second round, the fourth round, the sixth round, the eighth round, and the tenth round, the upper winning prize port is opened and the lower winning prize port is closed (the upper special variable prize ball device). 7A becomes a first state advantageous to the player, and the lower special variable winning ball device 7B becomes a second state disadvantageous to the player).

  As described above, the jackpot game state executed based on one "big hit" includes a plurality of round games (1st to 10th round games). In the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth round games, the lower special variable prize ball device 7B is in the first state that is advantageous to the player, so that 1, 3, 5, Each round game of the 7th and 9th rounds is referred to as a lower open round game. In each of the rounds of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 rounds, the game ball can enter the lower special variable prize ball device 7B and can pass through the certain variable area, so that 1, 3, 5, 7, , And each of the nine rounds is also referred to as a probable open round game. On the other hand, in the round games of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth rounds, the upper special variable winning device 7A is in the first state that is advantageous to the player, so that the second, fourth, sixth, and fourth round winning devices 7A Each round game of the 8th and 10th rounds is called a top open round game. In addition, in each round game of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 rounds, since the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, 2, 4, 6, 8, and Each round game of 10 rounds is also called a normal open round game.

  In the present embodiment, as the big hit type when the variable display result is "big hit", in the big hit game state controlled based on the "big hit", the upper open round game (normal open round game) or the lower open game There are a plurality of types of big hit types that have different upper limit times for executing a round game (probable opening round game). In other words, the upper limit time in which the upper winning prize port and the lower winning prize port are opened is made different depending on the type of big hit.

  For example, the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is different between the case where the big hit type is “first big hit” and the case where it is “third big hit”. Specifically, the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is 52 milliseconds (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 rounds) when the big hit type is “first big hit”. When the big hit type is “third big hit”, the time is set to 29 seconds (29 seconds for each round game of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 rounds). The upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is longer when the big hit type is "third big hit" than when it is "first big hit", so the big hit type is "third big hit". When the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B (by hitting right), more balls can be obtained by winning in the lower large winning opening than in the case of the “first big hit” in the case.

  When the big hit type is “first big hit”, the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is as short as 52 milliseconds. Therefore, even if the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B (right It is unlikely that a game ball will win a lower prize. Therefore, when the big hit type is “first big hit”, the probable change control condition is difficult to be satisfied, and it is hard to be in the probable change state (highly probable state) after the end of the big hit game state. On the other hand, when the big hit type is “third big hit”, since the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is as long as 29 seconds, if the game ball is guided to the right game area 2B (the right hit is performed). If so), there is a high possibility that the game ball will win the lower winning opening. Therefore, when the big hit type is “third big hit”, the probable change control condition is easily established, and the probable change state (highly probable state) is likely to be obtained after the end of the big hit game state.

  When the big hit type is “second big hit”, the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening is 52 milliseconds (52 milliseconds for each round game of 1, 3, 5, and 7 rounds). Seconds) or 29 seconds (29 seconds for 9 rounds). Therefore, when the big hit type is “second big hit”, the upper limit time for opening the lower big winning opening in the 9th round is as long as 29 seconds. It is easy to become.

  In addition, for example, the upper limit time for opening the upper winning prize opening in a case where the jackpot type is “second jackpot” and a case where the jackpot type is “first jackpot (or“ third jackpot ”)” are different. . Specifically, when the big hit type is “first big hit (or“ third big hit ”)”, the upper limit time for opening the upper big winning opening is 29 seconds (2, 4, 6, 8, And 29 seconds for each round game of 10 rounds), and 29 seconds (29 seconds for each round game of 2, 4, and 6 rounds) when the jackpot type is “second big hit”, or 52 Milliseconds (52 milliseconds for each of the 8 and 10 round games). The upper limit time for opening the upper big winning opening is longer when the jackpot type is “first jackpot (or“ third jackpot ”)” than when it is “second jackpot”. If the game ball is directed to the right game area 2B in the case of "1st big hit" (or "3rd big hit"), as compared with the case of "2nd big hit" (by hitting right) , You can get more winnings by winning the top winning opening.

  Which of the plurality of types of the big hits is determined at a predetermined ratio, for example, in response to the determination that the variable display result is set to "big hit" at the start of the special figure game. When a game ball enters the lower special variable prize ball device 7B, not only a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, but also depending on the position of the probable area lid, the game ball passes through the probable area and the variable display result becomes "big hit". The probability is controlled to a probable state (high-probability state) higher than the non-probability state (low-probability state). Therefore, from the viewpoint of being controlled to the probable change state (high-probability state), “second big hit” or “third big hit” is more advantageous to the player than “first big hit”. In addition, "third big hit" is more advantageous to the player than "first big hit" and "second big hit" from the viewpoint that a lot of prize balls are paid out. In addition, comparing the “first big hit” with the “second big hit”, the “first big hit” is more advantageous for the player from the viewpoint of paying out prize balls, and is controlled to be in a probable change state (high-precision state). From the viewpoint that the second big hit is more advantageous for the player.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted with various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a sound control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12, and the like. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, and a touch sensor board are arranged on a back surface of the game board and the like in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly used for setting a random number used in a special figure game, for inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and for addressing a sub-side control board including an effect control board 12 and the like. And a function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like. Further, the main board 11 controls the lighting and extinguishing of each LED and the like constituting the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to control the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. And a function of controlling variable display of a predetermined display symbol.

  On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like are mounted. The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals from various switches for detecting game balls and transmits the signals to the microcomputer 100 for game control. The solenoid circuit 111 sends a solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 to a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory, a solenoid 82A for an upper winning opening door, a solenoid 82B for a lower winning opening door, and a variable area cover. To the solenoid 82C. In the present embodiment, whether or not the solenoid circuit 111 transmits a drive signal to each solenoid is determined according to the value of the solenoid output data table stored in the game control flag setting unit. Specifically, each bit of the solenoid output data table is used as a flag indicating whether a control signal is transmitted to a plurality of solenoids. When the flag is in the set state, a control signal for driving the corresponding solenoid can be transmitted. On the other hand, in the clear state, the drive control signal is not transmitted. For this reason, by updating the solenoid output data table, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to drive and control the ordinary electric accessory, the upper winning prize opening door, the lower winning prize opening door, the variable probability area lid, etc. according to the progress of the game. You can switch.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and displays the image display device 5 and the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R. And various circuits for controlling the production operation by the production electric components such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED. That is, the effect control board 12 performs all or part of the display operation on the image display device 5, all or a part of the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and all or one of the light-on and light-off operations of the game effect lamp 9, the decoration LED, and the like. And a function for determining the control content for causing a production electric component to execute a predetermined production operation.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sounds from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. And a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing for the purpose. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12, the game effect lamp 9 and the power saving notification LED. And the like, a lamp driver circuit or the like for driving the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 11 includes a gate switch 21, a first starting port switch 22A, a second starting port switch 22B, an upper winning port switch 23A, a lower winning port switch 23B, a variable probability area switch 24A, Wirings for transmitting detection signals from various switches such as the second ejection switch 24B are connected. The various switches may have any configuration, such as a sensor called a sensor, which can detect a game ball as a game medium. The main board 11 is connected to a wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control of the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the like.

  The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control commands include, for example, a display control command used to control an image display operation in the image display device 5, an audio control command used to control audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp. 9 and a decoration LED, and a lamp control command used to control the lighting operation and the like of the power saving notification LED.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 that stores a game control program and fixed data, and a game control microcomputer 100. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 for providing a work area, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 for executing a game control program to perform a control operation, and updating numerical data indicating a random number value independently of the CPU 103 , And an I / O (Input / Output port) 105.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing the program read from the ROM 101. At this time, a fixed data reading operation in which the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 103 writes various variable data in the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the data, and a Reading operation, CPU 103 receiving an input of various signals from the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and CPU 103 outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. And a transmission operation for outputting various signals.

  Note that the one-chip microcomputer that constitutes the game control microcomputer 100 may include at least the RAM 102 in addition to the CPU 103, and the ROM 101, the random number circuit 104, the I / O 105, and the like may be externally attached.

  In the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 101. Accordingly, hereinafter, execution by the game control microcomputer 100 means that the CPU 103 executes control according to a program. The same applies to the microcomputer mounted on a board other than the main board 11.

  In the game control microcomputer 100, for example, the random number circuit 104 or the like counts updatable numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the progress of the game. The random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers. The game random number may be updated by hardware such as the random number circuit 104 or may be updated by software when the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 executes a predetermined computer program. You may. For example, the CPU 103 stores numerical data indicating a predetermined random number value in a random counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 in the game control microcomputer 100 or a random counter provided in an internal register separate from the RAM 102, and the CPU 103 Updating of the random number value may be performed by updating the stored value irregularly.

  In this embodiment, on the side of the main substrate 11, numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern are: It is controlled to be countable. Note that other random numbers may be used to enhance the gaming effect.

  The random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result is a random number value used to determine whether or not to control the variable display result of a special symbol or the like in the special figure game as a “big hit” and to control the big hit game state. The big hit type determination random number value MR2 is a random value used to determine the big hit type to one of a plurality of types when the variable display result is “big hit”. The random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern is a random number value used to determine the variation pattern of the decorative symbol to one of a plurality of types prepared in advance.

  FIG. 3 shows a fluctuation pattern in this embodiment. In this embodiment, among the cases where the variable display result is “losing”, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is “non-reach” and “reach”, respectively. A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance in response to a case where the variable display result is "big hit".

  Note that the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is such that when the decorative symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of the image display device 5 forms a part of the big hit combination, the decorative symbol that has not been stopped and displayed is changed. Is reached, or a display state in which all or a part of the decorative symbols fluctuate synchronously while forming all or a part of the jackpot combination is "reach". As a specific example, when a decorative symbol constituting a predetermined jackpot combination is stopped and displayed in a part of the decorative symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, the stop is still performed. In the remaining decorative symbol display area that is not displayed, the decorative symbol is fluctuating, or the decorative symbol is a big hit combination in all or a part of the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas. This is a display state that fluctuates in synchronism while forming all or a part. In response to the reach state, a character image different from the decorative design is displayed in the display area of the image display device 5, the display mode of the background image is changed, and the variation mode of the decorative pattern is changed. Sometimes Such a change in the display mode of the character image, the change in the display mode of the background image, and the change in the change mode of the decorative pattern are referred to as reach effect display. Note that the variable display mode of the decorative symbol that does not become “reach” is referred to as “non-reach”.

  The ROM 101 included in the game control microcomputer 100 stores control codes indicating user programs, fixed data, and the like. The ROM 101 stores various selection data, table data, and the like used for controlling the progress of the game, in addition to the game control program. For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables, determination tables, setting tables, and the like prepared for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. For example, a special figure display result determination table for determining a special figure display result, a big hit type determination table for determining a big hit type, a variation pattern determination table for determining a variation pattern, and the like are stored. In the ROM 101, table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11 and a variation pattern table storing a plurality of types of variation patterns are configured. Table data and the like are stored.

  The RAM 102 included in the game control microcomputer 100 may be a backup RAM partially or entirely backed up by a backup power supply created on a predetermined power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part or all of the content of the RAM 102 is stored for a predetermined period. In particular, at least the game state, that is, data corresponding to the control state of the game control means and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls may be saved in the backup RAM. The data according to the control state of the game control means is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like. Further, the data corresponding to the control state and the data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are defined as data indicating the progress state of the game. The RAM 102 stores various data used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the like.

  As an example, the RAM 102 is provided with a game control data holding area 150 as shown in FIG. The game control data holding area 150 shown in FIG. A control counter setting unit 154 and a game control buffer setting unit 155 are provided.

  The first special figure reservation storage unit 151A stores the reservation data of the first special figure game that has been started but the game ball has passed through the first starting winning opening formed by the normal winning prize ball device 6A. As an example, the first special map reservation storage unit 151A associates the reservation numbers with the reservation numbers in the winning order to the first starting winning opening, and based on the establishment of the first starting condition in the passage of the game ball, the CPU 103 executes the processing from the random number circuit 104 or the like. Numerical data indicating the extracted random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, etc., are set as pending data, and the storage number is set to a predetermined upper limit value. Remember until it reaches. The hold data thus stored in the first special figure holding storage unit 151A indicates that the execution of the first special figure game is held, and the predetermined game value is determined based on the variable display result in the first special figure game. This is the suspended storage information that enables the determination as to whether or not to be given.

  The second special figure holding storage unit 151B stores the holding data of the second special figure game that has been started but the game ball has passed through the second starting winning opening formed by the normally variable winning prize ball device 6B. As an example, the second special map holding storage unit 151B associates the holding number with the holding number in the winning order to the second starting winning opening, and based on the establishment of the second starting condition in the passage of the game ball, the CPU 103 outputs the random number circuit 104 or the like. Numerical data indicating the extracted random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, etc., are set as pending data, and the storage number is set to a predetermined upper limit value. Remember until it reaches. The hold data thus stored in the second special figure holding storage unit indicates that the execution of the second special figure game is suspended, and a predetermined game value is given based on the variable display result in the second special figure game. This is the suspended storage information that makes it possible to determine whether or not it is performed.

  The game control flag setting section 152 is provided with a plurality of types of flags capable of updating the state according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the like. For example, the game control flag setting unit 152 stores data indicating a flag value and data indicating an ON state or an OFF state for each of a plurality of types of flags. For example, in the present embodiment, the game control flag setting unit 152 is provided with an area for storing a solenoid output data table in which solenoid control flags are arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of types of solenoids. I have.

  In addition, the game control flag setting unit 152 includes a switch-on buffer that is updated in accordance with the detection result corresponding to each of a plurality of types of switches that detect a game ball, and whether the detection result is abnormal. An area for storing an abnormal winning confirmation table used for detection is secured. The game control timer setting section 153 is provided with various timers used to control the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control timer setting unit 153 stores data indicating a timer value of each of a plurality of types of timers. The game control counter setting unit 154 is provided with a plurality of types of counters for counting a count value used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control counter setting unit 154 stores data indicating the count value of each of a plurality of types of counters. Here, the game control counter setting unit 154 may be provided with a random counter for counting a part or all of the game random numbers so that the CPU 103 can be updated by software. The game control buffer setting unit 155 is provided with various buffers for temporarily storing data used for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. For example, the game control buffer setting unit 155 stores data indicating a buffer value in each of a plurality of types of buffers.

  An I / O 105 included in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 2 has an input port for taking in various signals transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100, and various signals to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100. And an output port for transmission.

  In the present embodiment, a payout control signal (in this example, a connection confirmation signal) transmitted to the payout control board 37 is output from the output port 0 of the game control means. Further, an effect control signal (effect control command) transmitted to the effect control board 12 is output from the output port 1. From the output port 2, various information output signals from the information terminal circuit or the terminal board via the information output circuit, that is, output data of information related to control are output.

  Further, a power-off signal from the power supply board and a clear switch detection signal are input to bits 0 and 1 of the input port 1 in the game control means, respectively. The detection signal of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 is input to bit 2 of the input port 1 via the microcomputer 370 for controlling payout. Further, a detection signal of the door open sensor 155 is input to bit 3 of the input port 1 via the payout control microcomputer 370.

  The effect control board 12 includes an effect control CPU 120 for performing a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 for storing an effect control program and fixed data, a RAM 122 for providing a work area for the effect control CPU 120, and an image display device. 5, a display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation, a random number circuit 124 that updates numerical data indicating a random value independently of the effect control CPU 120, and an I / O 125. And are installed.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes the effect control program read from the ROM 121, a process for controlling the effect operation by the electric components for effect is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the fixed data read operation, the effect control CPU 120 writes the variable data into the RAM 122 and temporarily stores the variable data, and the effect control CPU 120 A fluctuation data reading operation for reading various fluctuation data temporarily stored, a reception operation in which the effect control CPU 120 receives input of various signals from outside the effect control board 12 via the I / O 125, and an effect control CPU 120 A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via the O125 is also performed.

  The effect control CPU 120, the ROM 121, and the RAM 122 may be included in a one-chip effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board 12. The effect control board 12 includes a wiring for transmitting a video signal to the image display device 5, a wiring for transmitting a sound effect signal as an information signal indicating sound number data to the audio control board 13, Wiring and the like for transmitting an illumination signal as an information signal indicating lamp data are connected to the lamp control board 14. Further, the effect control board 12 is also connected to a wiring for transmitting an operation detection signal as an information signal indicating that a player's instruction operation on the operation button 30 has been detected from the operation detection unit 31.

  In the effect control board 12, for example, the random number circuit 124 or the like counts renewable numerical data indicating various random numbers used for controlling the effect operation. The random number used to control such a production operation is also referred to as a production random number.

  The ROM 121 mounted on the effect control board 12 shown in FIG. 2 stores various data tables and the like used for controlling the effect operation in addition to the effect control program. For example, the ROM 121 stores a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, data configuring a determination table, and pattern data configuring various effect control patterns. Have been. The RAM 122 mounted on the effect control board 12 stores various data used for controlling the effect operation.

  The display control unit 123 mounted on the effect control board 12 determines the control content of the display operation in the image display device 5 based on a display control command or the like from the effect control CPU 120. For example, the display control unit 123 performs control for executing variable display of decorative symbols and various effect displays by determining the timing of switching effect images to be displayed in the display area of the image display device 5. As an example, the display control unit 121 may include a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), an LCD drive circuit, and the like. The VDP may be an image processing microprocessor called a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a GCL (Graphics Controller LSI), or more generally a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The CGROM may be, for example, a non-rewritable semiconductor memory, a rewritable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, or a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic memory or an optical memory. Any configuration may be used.

  The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 has, for example, an input port for taking in various signals such as an effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like and an operation detection signal transmitted from the operation detection unit 31. And an output port for transmitting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12. For example, a video signal transmitted to the image display device 5, a command transmitted to the audio control board 13, a command transmitted to the lamp control board 14, and the like are output from an output port of the I / O 125. .

  The audio control board 13 includes, for example, an input / output driver, an IC (Integrated Circuit) for audio synthesis, an audio data ROM, an amplifier circuit, and a volume. As an example, in the voice control board 13, sound number data indicated by the sound effect signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the voice synthesis IC via the input / output driver. The voice synthesizing IC generates a voice or sound effect according to the sound number data and outputs the generated voice or sound effect to the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit outputs to the speakers 8L and 8R audio signals obtained by amplifying the output level of the audio synthesis IC to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume. The voice data ROM stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. When the voice synthesis IC reads out the control data corresponding to the sound number data, a voice or a sound effect is generated. The storage data of the audio data ROM may be constituted by data indicating the output mode of audio and sound effects in a predetermined period in a time series.

  On the lamp control board 14, for example, an input / output driver and a lamp driver are mounted. As an example, in the lamp control board 14, the illumination signal transmitted from the effect control board 12 is input to the lamp driver via the input / output driver. The lamp driver amplifies the illumination signal and supplies it to the game effect lamp 9, the decoration LED, the power saving notification LED, and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components related to payout, such as the payout control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 5, on the payout control board 37, a payout control microcomputer 370 including a payout control CPU 371 is mounted. The payout control microcomputer 370 is a one-chip microcomputer and has at least a RAM. The payout control microcomputer 370, a RAM (not shown), a ROM (not shown) storing a payout control program, an I / O port, and the like constitute payout control means. That is, the payout control means is realized by the payout control CPU 371, the payout control microcomputer 370 having the RAM and the ROM, and the I / O port. Further, the I / O port may be built in the payout control microcomputer 370.

  Note that the payout control microcomputer 370 performs control to pay out the game balls based on a predetermined payout condition being satisfied. Note that the predetermined payout condition is that a game ball has won a prize area provided in the game area (for example, an upper winning prize port, a lower prize winning port, a first starting prize opening, a second starting prize opening), This is established when a rental ball request is made. Also, for example, when applied to a gaming machine such as a parrot machine or a slot machine, the predetermined payout condition is that a request to return a game ball or a medal is made, and the stop symbol of the symbol becomes a predetermined winning symbol. This is also true.

  The detection signals from the ball out switch 187, the full tank switch 48, and the payout number count switch 301 are input to the I / O port 372 f of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72. The detection signal from the payout number count switch 301 is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and then output to the main board 11 via the I / O port 372a and the output circuit 373B. Further, a detection signal from the door opening sensor 155 is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and then output to the main board 11 via the output circuit 373B.

  The detection signal from the payout motor position sensor 295 is input to the I / O port 372e of the payout control board 37 via the relay board 72. The payout motor position sensor 295 is a sensor including a light emitting element (LED) and a light receiving element for detecting the rotational position of the payout motor 289, and is used to detect that a game ball is clogged, that is, to detect a so-called ball bite. . The payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 indicates that the detection signal from the ball out switch 187 indicates that the ball is out, or that the detection signal from the full switch 48 indicates the full state. If so, the ball payout process is stopped.

  Further, when the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates a full tank state, the payout control microcomputer 370 sends a low level signal to the firing control board 90 in order to stop the ball firing from the hit ball firing device. Output the full signal. The firing motor signal to the firing motor 94 output from the AND circuit 91 of the firing control board 90 is transmitted from the firing control board 90 to the firing motor 94. The full-state signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 is input to one of the input sides of an AND circuit 91 mounted on the emission control board 90, and is supplied with a drive signal from the drive signal generation circuit 92 (to drive the emission motor 94). Is a signal that serves to supply power from the power supply substrate.) Is input to the other input side of the AND circuit 91. Then, the firing motor signal of the AND circuit 91 is input to the firing motor 94. That is, while the payout control microcomputer 370 is outputting the full signal, the output of the firing motor signal to the firing motor 94 is stopped. Even while the payout control microcomputer 370 is outputting the full signal, the output of the firing motor signal to the firing motor 94 is not stopped, and the firing of the ball from the hit ball firing device is not stopped. You may.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 has a built-in serial communication circuit 380 for inputting / outputting (transmitting / receiving) signals with the game control microcomputer 100 by serial communication. The game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370 are connected with each other through the serial communication circuits 505 and 380 in order to confirm the connection between the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370. Signals (prize ball request signals, received ACK signals) are exchanged (transmitted / received) at fixed intervals (for example, 1 second). That is, the microcomputer 560 for game control transmits a signal (prize ball request signal in this embodiment) for confirming the connection at regular intervals via the serial communication circuit 505, and the microcomputer 370 for payout control. When the prize ball request signal is received from the game control microcomputer 100, the signal transmits a signal (received ACK signal) notifying the prize ball request signal to the game control microcomputer 100. In the present embodiment, specific data is added to the prize ball request signal and the received ACK signal, so that the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370 can transmit and receive the prize ball request signal and the received ACK signal. And specific data is exchanged between them. For example, when a prize occurs, the game control microcomputer 100 sets data indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out by changing predetermined bits of a prize ball request signal, and sets the prize for which the setting has been made. The ball request signal is transmitted to the payout control microcomputer 370. Then, when the prize ball payout operation is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 sets data indicating the end of the prize ball by changing a predetermined bit of the received ACK signal, and transmits the set received ACK signal to a game. This is transmitted to the control microcomputer 100. When a predetermined error (error such as lending a ball, filling up the tank, running out of ball, etc.) occurs, the data indicating the content of the error is set by changing the predetermined bit of the received ACK signal, and the setting is performed. The received ACK signal is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100.

  In addition, the payout control microcomputer 370 outputs an error signal to an error display LED 374 using a 7-segment LED via the output port 372c. Note that a detection signal from an error release switch 375 for releasing an error state is input to the input port 372f of the payout control board 37. The error release switch 375 is used to release an error state by software reset.

  Further, a drive signal from the payout control microcomputer 370 to the payout motor 289 is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the payout mechanism of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372a and the relay board 72. Although a driver circuit (motor drive circuit) is provided outside the output port 372a, it is omitted in FIG.

  A card unit control microcomputer is mounted on the card unit 50 installed adjacent to the gaming machine. Further, the card unit 50 is provided with a usable indication lamp, a connection stand direction indicator, a card insertion indication lamp, and a card insertion slot. At the card insertion slot, the prepaid card of the player is accepted and returned. To the interface board (relay board) 66, a frequency display LED 60, a ball lending enable LED 61, a ball lending switch 62, and a return switch 63 provided near the upper plate are connected.

  The card lending switch signal indicating that the ball lending switch 62 has been operated and the return switch signal indicating that the return switch 63 has been operated are supplied from the interface board 66 to the card unit 50 in accordance with the operation of the player. . Further, a card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending permission display signal are given from the card unit 50 to the interface board 66. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37, a connection signal (VL signal), a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), a ball lending completion signal (EXS signal), and a pachinko machine operation signal (PRDY signal) is transmitted and received via the input port 372f and the output port 372d. An interface board 66 is interposed between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37. Therefore, signals such as a connection signal (VL signal) are transmitted and received between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37 via the interface board 66 as shown in FIG.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When the power is turned on, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a VL signal. The payout control microcomputer 370 determines the connection state / non-connection state of the card unit 50 based on the input state of the VL signal. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50 and the ball lending switch is operated and the ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit controlling microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 37. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 37.

  Then, the payout control microcomputer 370 activates the EXS signal to the card unit 50 and, when detecting the fall of the BRQ signal from the card unit 50, drives the payout motor 289 to give a predetermined number of loaned balls to the player. Pay out. When the payout is completed, the payout control microcomputer 370 causes the EXS signal to the card unit 50 to fall. Thereafter, under the condition that the BRDY signal from the card unit 50 is not in the ON state, when a payout command signal is received from the game control means, prize ball payout control is executed.

  The power supply voltage AC24V used in the card unit 50 is supplied from the payout control board 37. That is, power supply from the power supply board to the card unit 50 is performed via the payout control board 37 and the interface board 66. In this example, a fuse for protecting the card unit 50 is provided in a power supply line of 24 V AC for the card unit 50 provided in the interface board 66, and a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied to the card unit 50. Is prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, a case where the card unit 50 is installed separately from the gaming machine and adjacent to the gaming machine is taken as an example, but the card unit 50 may be integrated with the gaming machine. . Also, the present invention can be applied to a case where a game ball corresponding to the amount of money is lent out according to insertion of a coin.

  Next, an operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs the necessary initialization after setting the interruption to be prohibited. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 102 is cleared. Further, a register of a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set. Thereby, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals thereafter, and the CPU 103 can periodically execute a timer interrupt process. When the initial setting is completed, a loop process is started after the interruption is permitted. In the game control main process, the process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be performed, and then the loop process may be started.

  Upon receiving the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receiving the interrupt request, the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 6 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to determine the state of a detection signal input from various switches via the switch circuit 110 (step S11). For example, in step S11, in the switch-on buffer, when the upper special winning opening switch 23A is on, the corresponding bit is set to "1", and when the lower special winning opening switch 23B is on. Is set to "1", and when the probable area switch 24A is on, the corresponding bit is set to "1". The same applies to other switches.

  Next, the CPU 103 executes a process of transmitting / receiving (input / output) a signal to / from the payout control microcomputer 370 via the serial communication circuit 505 and, when a prize is generated, generates a detection signal input from the prize switch. A prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the process is executed (step S11a). Specifically, the data indicating the number of prize balls is set in the prize ball number command by changing the lower 4 bits of the prize ball number command in accordance with the winning detection based on the turning on of the upper winning port switch 23A or the like. Then, the set prize ball number command is output to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the serial communication circuit 505. Then, the payout control microcomputer 370 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to receiving the winning ball number command in which data indicating the winning ball number is set.

  Next, the CPU 103 performs an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 by executing a predetermined main-side error process, and enables a warning if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S12). The processing executed in step S12 includes a winning notification processing. In the winning notification process, when one of the upper winning port switch 23A and the lower winning switch 23B is turned on to detect the entry of a game ball into the upper winning port or the lower winning port, the detection is performed. It is determined whether or not the current game progress is normal, and if an abnormal detection is detected, an error processing for the abnormality is executed. Thereafter, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, data such as big hit information, start information, and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output. (Step S13).

  Subsequent to the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random number used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S14). After that, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process (step S15). In the special symbol process, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display are updated. Various processes are selected in order to control the display operation in the device 4B and set the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening in the upper special variable winning ball device 7A and the lower special variable winning ball device 7B by a predetermined procedure. Be executed.

  Subsequent to the special symbol process process, the CPU 103 executes a certain-variable-area solenoid control process for controlling the validity / invalidity of the certain-variable-area based on the position of the certain-variable-area lid (step S16). In the probable variable area solenoid control process, the value of the probable area solenoid control flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the like. Open / close control is performed.

  Subsequent to the certain-variable-area solenoid control process, the CPU 103 executes a command control process to transmit a control command from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 (step S17). As an example, in the command control process, among the output ports included in the I / O 105, corresponding to the settings in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155, the effect After setting control data in an output port for transmitting an effect control command to the control board 12, predetermined control data is set in an output port of the effect control INT signal, and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time. Then, by turning off, the effect control command can be transmitted based on the settings in the command transmission table. After the command control process is executed, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated after the interrupt control is set.

  Next, the prize ball processing will be described. First, a payout control signal (connection confirmation signal) and a prize ball request signal (payout control command) transmitted and received between the main board 11 and the payout control board 37 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted and received as a control signal between the main board 11 and the payout control board 37 in order to perform various controls related to payout control and the like. The connection confirmation signal is output when the main board 11 rises (when the game control means starts the game control process), and a signal (main signal) for notifying the payout control board 37 that the main board 11 has risen. Signal for confirming connection of the substrate 11). The connection confirmation signal indicates that a prize ball can be paid out. The connection confirmation signal is output via the I / O port 105 of the game control microcomputer 100 and the output circuit 67A, and the payout control is performed via the input circuit 373A and the I / O port 372e of the payout control microcomputer 370. Is input to the microcomputer 370. Each of the connection confirmation signals is 1-bit data, and is transmitted by one signal line.

  The payout control microcomputer 370 includes a serial communication circuit 380 as in the game control microcomputer 100. Various payout control commands are transmitted and received between a serial communication circuit 505 built in the game control microcomputer 100 and a serial communication circuit 380 built in the payout control microcomputer 370. The configuration and function of the serial communication circuit 380 built in the payout control microcomputer 370 are the same as the configuration and function of the serial communication circuit 505 built in the game control microcomputer 100.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a control command transmitted and received between the game control means and the payout control means. In this embodiment, various control commands (prize ball request signals) are transmitted and received between the microcomputers of the main board 11 and the payout control board 37 in order to perform various controls related to payout control and the like.

  As described above, the prize ball request signal and the received ACK signal are composed of 8-bit data (binary 8-digit data), and are output as control commands indicating predetermined contents according to the set contents of the 8-bit data. Is done.

  The connection confirmation command is sent from the game control microcomputer 100 at regular intervals (1s) in order to check whether the connection state between the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is normal. This is a control command to be transmitted. The data content of the connection confirmation command is “A0 (H)”, that is, “1010000”.

  The connection OK command is a control command for notifying that the connection state between the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is normal, and the payout control microcomputer 370 performs the connection confirmation command. Is a control command to be transmitted as a response signal in response to the reception of the command. The data content of the connection OK command is “8x (H)”, that is, “10000xxx”. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, a prize ball error (abnormal state in which a prize ball payout operation based on winning and a ball lending operation based on a ball lending request cannot be performed normally: specifically, a payout switch If an abnormality detection error 1, a payout switch abnormality detection error 2, a payout case error, a prepaid card unit unconnection error, or a prepaid card unit communication error) occurs, "1" is set to "x" in the first bit. You. When a full tank error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the second bit. In addition, when an out-of-ball error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the third bit. In this way, while the connection between the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370 is being confirmed, the occurrence of a predetermined error in the payout control microcomputer 370 is determined. 100 can be notified.

  The prize ball number command is a control command for notifying the number (0 to 15) of game balls for which a payout request is made, and is a control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 100 based on the occurrence of a prize. . The content of the data of the winning ball number command is “5x (H)”, that is, “0101xxxx”. Either the connection confirmation command or the winning ball number command is transmitted as a winning ball request signal. The prize ball number command is transmitted instead of the connection confirmation command at the timing when the connection confirmation command is transmitted, based on the prize ball payout condition (the occurrence of a prize, etc.) being satisfied.

  The prize ball end command is a control command indicating that the prize ball operation (prize ball payout operation) has been completed, and is a control command transmitted by the payout control microcomputer 370 based on the end of the prize ball operation. The content of the data of the prize ball end command is “50 (H)”, that is, “01010000”. The prize ball end command is transmitted instead of the connection OK command at the timing when the connection OK command is transmitted based on the completion of the prize ball operation.

  The prize ball preparation command is a control command for notifying that a predetermined error has occurred and the prize ball operation has not been completed, and the payout control microcomputer 370 has generated a predetermined error during the execution of the prize ball operation. This is a control command to be transmitted based on what has been done. The data content of the award ball preparation command is “4x (H)”, that is, “0100xxxx”. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, when a prize ball error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the first bit. When a full tank error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the second bit. In addition, when an out-of-ball error occurs, “1” is set to “x” of the third bit. In this way, the payout control microcomputer 370 notifies the game control microcomputer 100 that the predetermined error has occurred during the execution of the prize ball operation and the prize ball operation has not been completed. In addition, the content of the error can be notified to the game control microcomputer 100. As with the connection OK command, the prize ball preparation command notifies that a predetermined error has occurred by changing the contents of the lower 4 bits according to the error state (by changing the predetermined bit). Further, any of the connection OK command, the prize ball preparation command, and the prize ball end command is configured to be transmitted as a received ACK signal. The award ball preparation command is a command (signal) that is output not only in a state where an error has occurred but the award ball operation cannot be performed, but also in a state where the award ball operation is being performed.

  The prize ball preparation command is transmitted instead of the connection OK command at the timing when the connection OK command is transmitted based on a state in which an error has occurred and the prize ball operation cannot be performed. is there.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmitting and receiving the payout control signal (connection confirmation signal) and the control command shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the connection confirmation signal is output by the game control microcomputer 100 via the output circuit 67A, and is input to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. Further, a detection signal of the door opening sensor 155 (hereinafter, also referred to as a door opening signal) is output by the payout control microcomputer 370 via the output circuit 373B, and is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input circuit 68B. Is done. The connection confirmation command and the number-of-prize-balls command among the control commands are output from the serial circuit 505 included in the game control microcomputer 100 and input to the serial circuit 380 included in the payout control microcomputer 370. Among the control commands, the connection OK command, the prize ball end command, and the prize ball preparation command are output from the serial circuit 380 incorporated in the payout control microcomputer 370 and transmitted to the serial circuit 505 incorporated in the game control microcomputer 100. Will be entered. In FIG. 9, two signal lines (a signal line for transmitting a prize ball request signal and a signal line for transmitting a received ACK signal) are shown as signal lines for performing serial communication. Actually, the prize ball request signal and the received ACK signal are transmitted and received by one signal line.

  Next, the winning ball processing (step S11a) will be described. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the prize ball processing. In the award ball processing, the CPU 103 checks whether or not a received ACK signal (connection OK command, award ball end command, award ball preparation command) has been received (step S5010). (N in step S5010) It is checked whether or not the 1s measurement timer for measuring 1 second has timed out (step S5020). If the 1s measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S5020), the CPU 103 decrements the value of the 1s measurement timer by 1 (step S5120) and checks whether the 10s measurement timer for measuring 10 seconds has timed out (step S5120). Step S5130). If the 10s measurement timer has not timed out (N in step S5130), the value of the 10s measurement timer is decremented by one (step S5140). On the other hand, when the 10 s measurement timer has timed out (Y in step S5130), a communication error has occurred, and the CPU 103 executes a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command to the payout control microcomputer 370 (step S5130). S5110). With such processing, when a communication error occurs, a connection confirmation command is transmitted every 10 seconds. After that, the CPU 103 sets the transmitted flag (step S5100), and ends the process.

  In this embodiment, “transmission of a command” corresponds to writing command data in a transmission data register of a serial communication circuit. That is, the command data is written in the transmission data register of the serial communication circuit in this manner, so that the command is transmitted by serial communication. This is the same in any command transmission of the game control microcomputer 100 and the payout control microcomputer 370.

  If the 1s measurement timer has timed out in step S5020 (Y in step S5020), the CPU 103 checks whether the transmitted flag indicating that the winning ball number command or the connection confirmation command has been transmitted is set. (Step S5030). If the transmitted flag is set (Y in step S5030), the processing in step S5140 or S5110 is executed following the processing in step S5130. If the transmitted flag is not set (N in step S5030), the CPU 103 includes error information in the previously received ACK signal (connection OK command, prize ball preparation command) from the payout control microcomputer 370. It is confirmed whether or not it is (Step S5040). If the received ACK signal contains error information (Y in step S5040), a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command as a winning ball request signal to the payout control microcomputer 370 is executed (step S5110). If the received ACK signal does not include error information (N in step S5040), the CPU 103 is executing the prize ball payout operation (if it is in a normal state, based on transmitting the prize ball number command). It is confirmed whether or not a prize ball flag indicating that the prize ball operation is being executed is set (step S5050).

  If the winning ball flag is set (Y in step S5050), the CPU 103 executes a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command (step S5110). If the in-prize ball flag is not set (N in step S5050), the CPU 103 checks whether or not there is an outstanding payout ball number (step S5060). Whether or not there is an unpaid prize ball number is determined by whether or not the value of the prize ball command output counter is 0 (if 0, there is no unpaid prize ball number; if not 0, there is an unpaid prize ball number). It is possible to confirm. If there is no unpaid prize ball number (N in step S5060), a process of transmitting a connection confirmation command is executed (step S5110). If there is an unpaid prize ball number (Y in step S5060), the CPU 103 subtracts the prize ball number specified by the prize ball number command from the total prize ball number storage buffer (step S5070), and according to the unpaid prize ball number. A process of transmitting a winning ball number command indicating the winning ball number is executed (step S5080).

  Next, the CPU 103 sets the award ball flag (step S5090), sets the transmitted flag (step S5100), and ends the process. Before performing the processing in step S5240, the reception of the award ball preparation command may be confirmed, and the award ball in-flight flag may be set when the award ball preparation command is received. Further, a subtraction process for subtracting the number of winning balls may be performed before transmitting the command. Further, before or after the process of step S5100, the process of step S5210 (set of 1s measurement timer) or step S5220 (set of 10s measurement timer) may be performed.

  In step S5010, when the reception ACK signal is received (Y in step S5010), the CPU 103 sets the 1s measurement timer (step S5210), sets the 10s measurement timer (step S5220), and sets the transmission completion flag. It is reset (step S5230). Then, the CPU 103 confirms whether or not the award ball end command has been received, that is, whether or not the received ACK signal is the award ball end command (step S5240). If it is a prize ball end command, the prize ball in-flight flag is reset (step S5250), and the process ends.

  Next, the main-side error processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main-side error process executed in step S12 of FIG. In the main-side error processing, the CPU 103 first confirms whether or not a full-fill error flag indicating that a full-fill error has occurred is set (step S51). It is determined whether or not the error has occurred (step S52). For example, the CPU 103 reads the data (input data) of the serial communication circuit 505, and the input data (data of the received ACK signal) includes error information indicating a full error (“x” in the second bit is “1”). Is set) to confirm whether or not a full tank error has occurred. If a full tank error has occurred, the CPU 103 sets an effect control command (full tank error designation command) indicating that a full tank error has occurred (step S53), and sets a full tank error flag. Is set (step S54).

  On the other hand, when the full tank error flag is set (Y in step S51), the CPU 103 checks whether or not the full tank error has been eliminated (step S55). For example, the CPU 103 reads the data (input data) of the serial communication circuit 505 and does not include error information indicating a full error in the input data (data of the received ACK signal) (“x” in the second bit is “0”). Is set) to confirm whether or not the full error has been resolved. If the full tank error has been eliminated, the CPU 103 sets the transmission of an effect control command (full tank error elimination designation command) indicating that the full tank error has been eliminated (step S56), and sets the full tank error flag. Is reset (step S57).

  Next, the CPU 103 checks whether or not a door opening error flag indicating that a door opening error has occurred is set (step S58). If not, a door opening error occurs. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S59). For example, the CPU 103 confirms whether or not a door opening error has occurred by inputting the data of the input port 1 and confirming whether or not the detection signal of the door opening sensor 155 is on. If a door opening error has occurred, the CPU 103 sets the transmission of an effect control command (door opening error designation command) indicating that a door opening error has occurred (step S60), and The release error flag is set (step S61).

  On the other hand, when the door opening error flag is set (Y in step S58), the CPU 103 checks whether or not the door opening error has been resolved (step S62). If the door opening error has been resolved, the CPU 103 sets the transmission of an effect control command (door opening error resolution designation command) indicating that the door opening error has been resolved (step S63), and The release error flag is reset (step S64).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S15 of FIG. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

  When the start winning determination process is started, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the first special figure reserved storage number has reached a predetermined upper limit value when the first start port switch 22A is on, and the upper limit is determined. If the value is not the value, for example, the stored value of the starting port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155 is set to “1”.

  When the first startup port switch 22A is off or when the first special figure hold storage number has reached the upper limit, the CPU 103 determines whether the second startup port switch 22B is on, If it is ON, it is determined whether or not the second special figure reserved storage number has reached a predetermined upper limit. Then, when it is not the upper limit value, for example, the stored value of the starting port buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit 155 is set to “2”.

  Next, when the starting port buffer value is “1”, the CPU 103 adds 1 to the first reserved storage number count value. On the other hand, when the starting port buffer value is “2”, the second reserved storage number count value is incremented by one. Also, the count value of the total reserved storage count is incremented by one.

  Next, the CPU 103 extracts numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern. The numerical data indicating each random number value thus extracted is stored as the pending data by being set at the head of an empty entry in the special figure pending storage unit corresponding to the starting port buffer value.

  Next, the CPU 103 sends the first start opening winning designation command to the effect control board 12 when the starting opening buffer value is “1” and the second start opening winning designation command when the starting opening buffer value is “2”. Make settings for sending to the user. The first starting port winning designation command is an effect control command for specifying that the first starting condition is satisfied by the game ball passing through the first starting winning port. The second starting opening winning designation command is an effect control command for designating that the second starting condition is satisfied by the game ball passing through the second starting winning opening. In addition, transmission setting of a pending storage number notification command for notifying the total pending storage number to the effect control board 12 may be performed. The command set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, for example, by executing the command control processing of step S17 shown in FIG. 6 after the special symbol process processing is completed. .

  Next, when the starting port buffer value is “1”, the CPU 103 clears the starting port buffer, initializes the stored value to “0”, and determines whether the second starting port switch 22B is on. If the starting port buffer value is "2", the starting port buffer is cleared and its stored value is initialized to "0", and then the starting winning determination processing is terminated. .

  Subsequent to the start winning determination process shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes of steps S110 to S117 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 152. I do.

  The special symbol normal processing of step S110 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “0”. For example, in the special symbol normal processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device A process of determining whether to start a special figure game by the special symbol display device 4B is performed. In the special symbol normal process, a process for determining whether or not the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is set to "big hit" based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result. Done. In the special symbol normal process, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, a process of setting a big hit flag (while turning it on) and determining a big hit type is performed. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal process, a process of determining a fixed special symbol in the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game is performed. When the special symbol normal processing is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “1”. The big hit flag may be provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152).

  The variation pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. For example, in the variation pattern setting process, a process of determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is performed. In the variation pattern setting process, a process of setting a variable display time (special figure variation time) according to the determined variation pattern is performed. When the variation pattern setting process is executed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2”.

  The special symbol change process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “2”. For example, in the special symbol variation process, a process of executing a special symbol game (a process of variably displaying a special symbol) is performed. When the elapsed time after the start of the special figure game reaches the special figure change time set in the change pattern setting process, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “3”.

  The special symbol stop processing in step S113 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “3”. For example, in the special symbol stop process, a process of ending the execution of the special symbol game (a process of stopping and displaying the fixed special symbol in the special symbol game) is performed. When the variable display result is "big hit" (when the big hit flag is set), the processing of setting the waiting time at the start of the big hit (fan fare effect) is performed, and then the value of the special drawing process flag is set. Is updated to “4”. When the variable display result is not "big hit" (when the big hit flag is not set), the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0" after performing the game state transition control processing and the like. In the game state transition control process, the special figure change frequency count value is incremented by one, and when the special figure change frequency count value reaches a predetermined end determination value, the game state is changed to a high-accuracy high base state (or low). Change (transition) from the low-probability base state to the low-probability base state.

  The big hit opening pre-processing of step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. For example, in the big hit opening pre-processing, a process of setting for executing a round game of each round is performed according to the big hit type. The setting for executing the round game includes, for example, a process of setting either a special winning opening or a lower special winning opening as a special winning opening to be opened, or a state in which the upper special winning opening (or the lower special winning opening) is opened. To set the time (opening time) to be closed, to set the time (closing time, interval time) for closing the upper winning prize port (or lower winning prize port), and to set the upper winning prize port (or lower winning prize) And driving the mouth) to the open state. When the waiting time of the effect at the time of the big hit set in the special symbol stop processing has elapsed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5” after performing the above processing. In the big hit opening pre-processing, when a lower opening round game (probably changing opening round game) is set, the value of the likelihood variable area solenoid control flag referred to in the likelihood variable area solenoid control processing is updated to “1”.

  The big hit opening processing in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. For example, in the processing during opening of the big hit, a processing of counting the game balls that have won the upper winning prize port or the lower winning prize port is performed. In the big hit opening processing, transmission of an effect control command (upper big winning opening winning notification command, lower big winning opening winning notification command) for notifying the winning to the upper winning winning opening or the lower winning opening of the game ball is transmitted. The setting process is performed. Further, in the processing during opening of the jackpot, a probability change determination process including a process of determining whether the probability variation control condition is satisfied and a process of setting the transmission of an effect control command (probability variation determination command) notifying that the probability variation control condition is satisfied, and the like. Is performed. In the big hit opening process, a process is performed to determine whether or not the number of game balls (winning number) that has won the upper winning opening or the lower winning opening has reached a predetermined maximum winning number. When the winning number reaches a predetermined maximum winning number (or when the elapsed time after the opening state reaches the opening time set in the jackpot opening pre-processing), the upper winning opening (or lower). After performing processing for driving the special winning opening) into the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”. In the big hit opening process, when the lower opening round game (probably changing opening round game) is being executed, the value of the certain variable area solenoid control flag referred to in the certain variable area solenoid control processing is updated to “3”.

  The post-big hit release processing in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6". For example, in the post-big hit opening process, it is determined whether or not the number of round games in which the upper winning port or the lower winning port is opened reaches a predetermined upper limit (10 rounds in the present embodiment). Is performed. When the elapsed time after the closing state reaches the closing time (interval time) set in the big hit opening pre-processing, after performing the above-described processing, the value of the special figure process flag is set to “4” or “7”. Is updated to ". Specifically, when the number of round game executions has not reached the predetermined upper limit number, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”. On the other hand, when the number of executions of the round game reaches the upper limit number, after performing a process of setting a waiting time for the big hit end effect (ending effect), the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “7”. . The end-of-big-end effect (ending effect) is an effect that notifies that all rounds (advantageous state) have ended.

  The big hit end processing in step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. For example, in the big hit ending process, a process of setting a gaming state is performed according to whether or not the certainty change control condition is satisfied. Specifically, the game state is set to a high-precision high base state when the certainty control condition is satisfied, and the game state is set to a low certainty high base state when the certainty control condition is not satisfied. In the big hit end processing, a special figure change count value for managing a period for changing (transitioning) the game state from the high-accuracy high base state (or the low-accuracy high base state) to the low-accuracy low base state is set. A process of initializing to “0” is performed. If the waiting time for the end-of-big-hit end effect set in the post-big-hit opening process has elapsed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0” after performing the above-described processing.

  In the special symbol normal process, a process of determining whether or not the variable display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game is set to “big hit” based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is performed. . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, a special table display result determination table prepared by previously storing the special table display result determination table in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 is used, and a usage table for determining the special table display result is selected. Set to. In the special figure display result determination table, the numerical value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result depends on whether or not the probability change state (high-precision state) in which the probability change control is performed is performed. It suffices if the display result is assigned to the result of determining whether the result is “big hit” or “loss”. The CPU 103 may determine the special figure display result by referring to the special figure display result determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1 for determining the special figure display result read from the random number buffer for fluctuation.

  In the present embodiment, the determination ratio for determining whether or not the special figure display result is a "big hit" is made different depending on whether or not the gaming state is the probability change state (high probability state). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), when the gaming state is the probable change state (high-precision state), the game state is higher at a higher rate than when the gaming state is the non-probability state (low-probability state). The figure display result is determined to be "big hit". Therefore, when the player is in the probable change state (high-probability state), it is more advantageous for the player than in the non-probable change state (low-probability state). It should be noted that the CPU 103 may determine whether or not the gaming state is in the probable change state (high-probability state) with reference to the high-probability flag (probability change flag). The high-accuracy flag is information for determining the current game state provided in a predetermined area (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152) of the RAM 102, and when it is set (when it is on). A high-accuracy state, and when not set (off state), indicate a low-accuracy state.

  In the special symbol normal process, when it is determined that the variable display result is “big hit”, a process of determining a big hit type is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), a big hit type determination table prepared by being stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance is selected, and set as a use table for determining the big hit type. In the jackpot type determination table, a numerical value to be compared with the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is assigned to a determination result as to which one of the jackpot types is to be used, according to the fluctuation special figure designation buffer value and the like. Just do it. The CPU 103 may determine the jackpot type by referring to the jackpot type determination table based on numerical data indicating the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type read from the random number buffer for fluctuation.

  In the present embodiment, depending on whether the fluctuating special figure is the first special figure or the second special figure (depending on whether the first special figure game is executed or the second special figure game is executed). , The decision ratio of the jackpot type is made different. Note that the first special figure game is executed when the variable special figure designating buffer value is “1”, and the second special figure game is executed when the variable special figure designating buffer value is “2”. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the fluctuation special map is the first special map, one of “first big hit”, “second big hit”, and “third big hit” is determined. You. On the other hand, when the fluctuation special map is the second special map, only the “third big hit” is determined. Therefore, when the gaming state is the low base state (such as the low-probability low base state), the game ball is guided to the left game area 2A. , "Second big hit" or "third big hit", but guides the game ball to the right game area 2B when in the high base state (high-precision high base or low-precision high base state). (Ie, right-handed), and whenever a big hit occurs in the second special figure game, a "third big hit" is most advantageous to the player.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process executed in step S111 of FIG. In the variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 15, first, the CPU 103 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S250). If the big hit flag is set (step S250; YES), the transmission setting of the effect control command (display result designation command) according to the big hit type (first big hit, second big hit, third big hit) is performed ( Step S251). If the big hit flag is not set (step S250; NO), transmission setting of an effect control command (display result designation command) indicating loss is performed (step S252).

  After executing the processing of step S251 or the processing of step S251, a variation pattern is determined according to the result of the special figure display (step S253). In the process of step S253, a variation pattern determination table prepared by being stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 101 in advance is selected, and set as a use table for determining a variation pattern. In the fluctuation pattern determination table, a numerical value to be compared with the random number value MR3 for fluctuation pattern determination is assigned to any one of a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns depending on whether the special figure display result is a big hit. It should just be. The CPU 103 may determine the fluctuation pattern by referring to the fluctuation pattern determination table based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern read from the random number buffer for fluctuation. In the variation pattern determination table, a numerical value to be compared with the random number value MR3 for variation pattern determination may be any one of a plurality of types, depending on whether the special figure display result is a big hit and the number of stored storages. May be assigned to the variation pattern.

  Subsequent to the process of step S253, the CPU 103 sets transmission of an effect control command (variation pattern designation command) according to the determined variation pattern (step S254). The CPU 103 sets the transmission of the first variation start command for designating the start of the first special figure game (or the second variation start command for designating the start of the second special figure game) in addition to the variation pattern designation command. May be performed. Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets a special figure fluctuation time timer value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern in a special figure fluctuation time timer provided in the game control timer setting unit 153 (step S256), and sets a value of the special figure process flag. Is updated to "2" corresponding to the special symbol variation process (step S112) (step S256), and the variation pattern setting process ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2” in step S256, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the special symbol variation processing is executed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol changing process executed in step S112 of FIG. In the special symbol variation process shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 103 first subtracts 1 from the special figure variation time timer value (step S260), and determines whether or not the special figure variation time timer value has become 0 (step S261). . That is, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the special figure variable time timer has timed out. When the special figure fluctuation time timer value is not 0 (step S261: NO), the special symbol fluctuation processing is ended. In this case, since the value of the special figure process flag remains “2”, the special symbol change processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  When the special figure fluctuation time timer value becomes 0 (step S261: YES), the transmission setting of the effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the display result (confirmed special symbol) is derived and displayed is performed (step S261: YES). In step S262), the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3" corresponding to the special symbol stop process (step S113) (step S263), and the special symbol variation process ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “3” in step S263, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the special symbol stop processing is executed.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol stop processing executed in step S113 of FIG. In the special symbol stop process shown in FIG. 17, first, the CPU 103 derives and displays a fixed special symbol (step S270). Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether the big hit flag is set (step S271).

  When the big hit flag is set (step S271; NO), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the high-accuracy flag is set (step S272). The high-accuracy flag is information for determining the current game state provided in a predetermined area (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152) of the RAM 102, and when it is set (when it is on). A high-accuracy state, and when not set (off state), indicate a low-accuracy state. If the high-accuracy flag is not set (step S272; NO), it is determined whether or not the high-base flag (time saving flag) is set (step S273). The high base flag is information for determining the current game state provided in a predetermined area (for example, the game control flag setting unit 152) of the RAM 102, and is set (when it is on). The high base state, and when not set (off state), indicate the low base state.

  When the high-accuracy flag is set (step S272; YES) or when the high-base flag is set (step S273; YES), the CPU 103 executes a game state transition control process (described later) (step S273). S274). When the high base flag is not set (step S273; NO), or after executing the processing of step S274, the CPU 103 sets the value of the special figure process flag to “0” corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (step S110). "(Step S275), and terminates the special symbol stop processing. By updating the value of the special figure process flag to "0" in step S275, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the special symbol normal processing is executed.

  On the other hand, when the big hit flag is set (step S271; YES), the CPU 103 sets a predetermined fixed time as the effect waiting time at the start of the big hit (step S280). That is, the CPU 103 sets the end waiting time of the big hit start effect (fan fare effect) (that is, the execution time of the fan fare effect). Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets transmission of an effect control command (big hit start designation command) indicating that a big hit is started (step S281). Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets a big hit start flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, such as the game control flag setting unit 152, to an on state (step S282). The big hit start flag is a flag set to start the first round game in the big hit gaming state. Subsequently, the CPU 103 clears the high-accuracy flag and sets it to the off state (step S283), and clears the high base flag and sets it to the off state (step S284). Subsequently, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4” corresponding to the big hit opening pre-processing (step S114) (step S285), and the special symbol stop processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4” in step S285, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the big hit start pre-processing is executed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not to execute the game state transition control process by referring to the respective values of the high-accuracy flag and the high-base flag. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not to execute the game state transition control process. In other words, in a mode in which it is possible to determine whether or not the game is in the low-probability low-base state by referring to one of the flags, it is determined whether or not to execute the game state transition control process by referring to only one of the distinguishable flags. May be. In a mode in which it is impossible to determine whether or not the vehicle is in the low-probability low-base state by referring to one of the flags (for example, a mode in which both the low-probability high-base state and the high-precision low-base state may occur), As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, it is sufficient to determine whether or not to execute the game state transition control process by referring to the values of both flags.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state transition control process executed in step S274 of FIG. In the game state transition control process shown in FIG. 18, first, the CPU 103 adds 1 to the special figure change frequency count value, which is the storage value of the special figure change frequency counter (step S801). The special figure change number counter is information for counting the number of change times (number of executions of the special game) of the special symbol provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control counter setting unit 154). Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the high-accuracy flag is set (step S802). If the high-accuracy flag is set (step S802; YES), it is determined whether or not the count value of the special figure variation count exceeds a predetermined determination value (high-accuracy end determination value) (step S803). When the special figure variation count value exceeds the high-accuracy end determination value (step S803; YES), the CPU 103 clears the high-accuracy flag and sets it to an off state (step S804), and changes the current gaming state. The transmission setting of the effect control command (game state designation command) shown is performed (step S805).

  When the high-accuracy flag is not set (step S802; NO), when the special figure variation count value does not exceed the high-accuracy end determination value (step S803; NO), or after the processing of step S805 is executed. Determines whether the high base flag is set (step S806). If the high base flag is set (step S806; YES), it is determined whether or not the special figure change frequency count value exceeds a predetermined determination value (high base end determination value) (step S807). When the special figure change count value exceeds the high base end determination value (step S807; YES), the CPU 103 clears the high base flag and sets it to an off state (step S808), and changes the current gaming state. The transmission setting of the effect control command (game state designation command) shown is performed (step S809).

  When the high base flag is not set (step S806; NO), when the special figure change frequency count value does not exceed the high base end determination value (step S807; NO), after executing the processing of step S809. The CPU 103 determines whether the high-accuracy flag is set (step S810). When the high-accuracy flag is set (step S810; YES), the game state transition control processing ends. If the high-accuracy flag is not set (step S810; NO), the CPU 103 determines whether the high-base flag is set (step S811). When the high base flag is set (step S811; YES), the game state transition control processing ends. If the high base flag is not set (step S811; NO), the CPU 103 initializes the special figure change count value to “0” (step S812), and ends the game state transition control processing. That is, the CPU 103 initializes the special figure change count value to “0” in the high-accuracy high base state.

  Note that the high-probability termination determination value and the high-base termination determination value may be different values, but in the present embodiment, the high-probability termination determination value and the high-base termination determination value are the same value. Therefore, when the high accuracy flag is cleared in step S804, the high accuracy flag is also cleared in step S808. That is, when the current gaming state is the high-accuracy high-base state and the special figure change frequency count value exceeds the high-accuracy end determination value (high-base end determination value), the gaming state changes from the high-accuracy high-base state to a low state. The state changes to the certainty base state, and the special figure change frequency count value is also initialized to “0”.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the big hit opening pre-processing executed in step S114 of FIG. In the big hit opening pre-processing shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not a big hit start flag is set (step S291).

  If the big hit start flag is ON in step S291 (step S291; YES), it is determined whether or not the big hit start effect waiting time has elapsed (step S292). When the big hit start effect waiting time has not elapsed (step S292; NO), the big hit opening pre-processing is ended. In this case, since the value of the special figure process flag remains “4”, the big hit opening pre-process is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  If the jackpot start effect waiting time has elapsed in step S292 (step S292; YES), the CPU 103 clears the jackpot start flag and turns it off (step S293), and then stores the round value stored in the round counter. The initial value "1" is set to the count value (step S294). The round counter is information provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control counter setting unit 154) for counting the number of round games executed in the big hit game state.

  If the big hit start flag is not turned on in step S291 (step S291; NO), or after executing the processing of step S294, the CPU 103 opens in the round game to be started based on the big hit type and the round count value. The special winning opening to be set is determined to be either the upper special winning opening formed on the upper special variable winning ball device 7A or the lower special winning opening formed on the lower special variable winning ball device 7B (step S296). . The CPU 103 may read the big hit type buffer value stored in the special symbol normal processing (step S110) and specify the big hit type.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the special winning opening pattern specification table. According to the configuration example shown in FIG. 20, regardless of the jackpot type, when the round count value is odd, the open special winning opening is a lower winning opening, and when the round count value is even, the open special winning opening is This is the top winning prize. That is, according to the configuration example shown in FIG. 20, the round count value is “1” regardless of whether the jackpot type is “first jackpot”, “second jackpot”, or “third jackpot”. , "3", "5", "7", or "9", the lower winning opening is opened and the round count value is "2", "4", "6", "8". , "10", the upper winning award is open. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 20, the special winning opening to be opened is determined simply based on the round count value. However, the special winning opening to be opened based on the big hit type and the round count value is determined. May be determined.

  In addition, in the process of step S296, the CPU 103 sets the switch for detecting the game ball, in addition to determining the special winning opening to be opened to be either the special winning opening or the special winning opening. Good. For example, when the round count value is any one of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, and “9”, in addition to determining the large winning opening to be opened to the lower winning opening, Thus, it may be set so that the detection of the game ball by the lower large winning opening switch 23B is made effective. On the other hand, when the round count value is any one of “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, and “10”, in addition to determining the winning prize opening to be opened as the upper winning prize opening, Thus, it may be set so that the detection of the game ball by the upper winning a prize port switch 23A is made effective.

  Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether or not it is the lower winning opening that is to be opened (step S297). That is, in step S296, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the lower winning opening has been determined as the opening winning opening.

  When the opening is the lower special winning opening (step S297; YES), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the value of the certain variable area solenoid control flag set in the predetermined area of the RAM 102 is "0" (step S297). Step S298). Note that the probable variable area solenoid control flag is information for controlling the progress of the probable variable area solenoid control process (see FIGS. 6 and 27). When the open / close control of the positive variable area lid is performed, the value of the positive variable area solenoid control flag is set to a value other than “0”, and when the open / close control of the positive variable area lid is not performed, the value of the positive variable area solenoid control flag is “0” is set. When the value of the certainty variable solenoid control flag is “0”, the opening and closing control of the certainty variable area lid is not performed, but the certainty variable area control normal processing (FIG. 27) is executed.

  When the value of the certain variable area solenoid control flag is not “0” (step S298: NO), the big hit opening pre-processing is ended. That is, when the opening / closing control of the certain-variable-area lid is being performed, the big hit opening pre-processing is ended. In this case, since the value of the special figure process flag remains “4”, the big hit opening pre-process is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs. As a result, even if it is determined that the lower special winning opening is to be opened, the round for opening the lower special winning opening is not completed when the opening / closing control of the probability variable area lid corresponding to the previous round for opening the lower special winning opening is not completed. I try not to start.

  When the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag is "0" (step S298; YES), the CPU 103 sets the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag to "1" (step S299). That is, the CPU 103 determines that the lower special winning opening is to be opened, and the control for opening and closing the positive variable area lid corresponding to the previous round of opening the lower special winning opening has also been completed. In order to start, the value of the probable range solenoid control flag is set to “1”. When the value of the certain-variable-area solenoid control flag is "1", a certain-variable-area control pattern setting process (FIG. 27) is executed.

  If the opening is not the lower winning opening (step S297; NO), or after ending the processing of step S299, the CPU 103 determines the winning opening opening pattern table based on the jackpot type and the round count value. (Step S300). If it is decided to open the upper winning prize port (step S297; NO), the process of step S300 is executed irrespective of the value of the certain variable area solenoid control flag.

  According to the configuration example shown in FIG. 20, when the big hit type is “first big hit”, the round count value may be any one of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, and “9”. For example, the special winning opening pattern table 1 (shown as Table 1 in FIG. 20) is determined, and if the round count value is any of “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, and “10”. The special winning opening pattern table 2 (shown as Table 2 in FIG. 20) is determined. When the jackpot type is “second jackpot”, if the round count value is one of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “8”, and “10”, a special winning opening The open pattern table 1 is determined, and if the round count value is any of “2”, “4”, “6”, and “9”, the special winning opening pattern table 2 is determined. When the big hit type is “third big hit”, the big winning opening opening pattern table 2 is determined even if the round count value is any of “1” to “10”.

  Therefore, in the process of step S300, for example, when the big hit type is “first big hit” and the round count value is “1”, the CPU 103 determines the big winning opening opening pattern table 1 and the big hit type is “second big hit”. If the "big hit" and the round count value are "9", the special winning opening opening pattern table 2 is determined.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S300, the CPU 103 sets the leading time data of the special winning opening pattern table determined in step S300 as the current opening time (timer value T1) (step S301). For example, the CPU 103 stores the time data in the work table before opening the special winning opening.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the special winning opening opening pattern table. FIG. 21A is a diagram showing a configuration example of the special winning opening pattern table 1 (Table 1 in FIG. 20). FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a configuration example of the special winning opening pattern table 2 (Table 2 in FIG. 20). The special winning opening opening pattern tables 1 and 2 are tables relating to opening and closing control patterns of the special winning opening, and are tables storing opening times as time data.

  For example, in the special winning opening opening pattern table 1, as shown in FIG. 21A, the special winning opening time 1 "52 milliseconds" is set as the leading time data (time data corresponding to the buffer value "1"). Is stored, and an end code “0000” is stored as the next time data (time data corresponding to the buffer value “2”). As shown in FIG. 21B, the special winning opening pattern table 2 stores the special winning opening time 2 “29000 milliseconds (29 seconds)” as the leading time data, and the next time data. The end code “0000” is stored. The end codes in the special winning opening pattern tables 1 and 2 indicate the end of each round game.

  Therefore, in the processing of step S301, when the special winning opening pattern table 1 has been determined in the processing of step S300, the CPU 103 sets the special winning opening time 1 “52 milliseconds” as the current opening time, and proceeds to step S300. When the special winning opening pattern table 2 is determined in the processing of the above, the special winning opening time 2 "29000 milliseconds (29 seconds)" is set as the current opening time.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S301, the CPU 103 specifies a solenoid to be driven according to the special winning opening to be opened (step S302). More specifically, the CPU 103 identifies the solenoid 82B for the lower winning opening door when the opening winning opening is the lower winning opening, and determines the upper winning opening when the opening winning opening is the upper winning opening. The door door solenoid 82A is specified. Subsequently, the CPU 103 drives the solenoid specified in step S302 to open the special winning opening (step S303). Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets transmission of an effect control command (round start command) indicating that a round is to be started (step S304).

  Subsequent to the process of step S304, the CPU 103 executes an interval time setting process (step S305), and updates the value of the special figure process flag to “5” corresponding to the big hit opening process (step S115) (step S306). ), End the big hit opening pre-processing. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5” in step S306, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the big hit opening processing is executed.

  FIG. 22A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the interval time setting process executed in step S305 in FIG. In the interval time setting process shown in FIG. 22A, the CPU 103 first determines a special winning opening opening pattern table based on the big hit type and the next round count value (step S820). The next round count value is a round count value indicating the number of rounds of the round game started next to the current round game. For example, when starting the first round this time, the next round count value is “2”. When the second round is started this time, the next round count value is “3”. Specifically, the CPU 103 adds 1 to a round count value (current round count value) that is a stored value of a round counter provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 (for example, the game control counter setting unit 154). The next round count value may be used.

  Subsequent to the processing in step S820, the CPU 103 sets the leading time data of the special winning opening pattern table determined in step S820 as the next opening time (timer value T2) (step S821). Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether the large winning opening to be opened this time is the lower winning opening or the upper winning opening, the current opening time (timer value T1), and the next opening time (timer value T2). The interval time (closing time) is determined based on this (step S822), the determined interval time (closing time) is set (step S823), and the interval time setting process ends.

  FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the interval time. In the process of step S822 in FIG. 22A, the CPU 103 sets an interval time as shown in FIG. Specifically, when the special winning opening to be opened this time is a lower winning opening, the CPU 103 sets the opening time (timer value T1) of the present lower winning opening to 52 milliseconds, When the opening time (timer value T2) is 52 milliseconds, the interval time is determined to be 200 milliseconds, the opening time (timer value T1) of the lower winning award opening this time is 52 milliseconds, and the next upper winning award. When the opening time of the mouth (timer value T2) is other than 52 milliseconds (29 seconds), the interval time is determined to be 100 milliseconds, and the opening time (timer value T1) of the lower winning a prize opening of this time is 52 milliseconds. If the opening time (timer value T2) of the next upper winning prize opening is 52 milliseconds other than the second (29 seconds), the interval time is determined to be 100 milliseconds, and the opening time of the current lower winning prize opening ( Timer value T1) is other than 52 milliseconds (29 seconds), next When a winning opening open time on the other (the timer value T2) is 52 milliseconds (29 seconds) determines the interval time of 100 ms.

  Further, when the special winning opening to be opened this time is the upper winning opening, the opening time (timer value T1) of the present upper winning opening is 52 milliseconds, and the opening time of the next lower winning opening (timer T1) is set. When the timer value T2) is 52 milliseconds, the interval time is determined to be 200 milliseconds, the opening time of the upper winning award opening this time (timer value T1) is 52 milliseconds, and the opening of the next lower winning award opening next time. If the time (timer value T2) is other than 52 milliseconds (29 seconds), the interval time is determined to be 200 milliseconds, and the opening time (timer value T1) of the upper winning prize opening this time is other than 52 milliseconds ( 29 seconds), when the opening time (timer value T2) of the next lower winning opening is 52 milliseconds, the interval time is determined to be 200 milliseconds, and the opening time of the current upper winning opening (timer value T1) is determined. ) Is other than 52 ms (29 seconds), next time When an open time of winning opening than (timer value T2) is 52 milliseconds (29 seconds) determines the interval time of 100 ms.

  According to the setting example of FIG. 22 (B), the opening time (timer value T1) of this time is also changed to the next opening time (timer) When both the values T2) are short (52 ms), a longer interval time (200 ms) is determined. In addition, whether the opening time is the upper winning award or the lower winning award, the opening time (timer value T1) and the opening time (timer value T2) are both long (29 seconds). ), A shorter interval time (100 milliseconds) is determined.

  According to the setting example of FIG. 22B, if one of the current release time (timer value T1) and the next release time (timer value T2) is short and the other is long, the current release is the lower prize. If it is a mouth, a shorter interval time (100 milliseconds) is determined, and if it is the top winning port to be opened this time, a longer interval time (200 milliseconds) is determined. That is, since there is a time for the game balls to flow down from the position of the upper special variable winning ball device 7A to the position of the lower special variable winning ball device 7B, the lower large winning opening is opened after the upper winning hole is closed. The interval time until the state is set is longer (200 milliseconds).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the big hit opening processing executed in step S115 of FIG. In the big hit opening processing shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 103 first checks the detection signals transmitted from the count switches (upper winning switch 23A, lower winning switch 23B) to turn on the count switch. It is determined whether or not there is (step S310). Specifically, the CPU 103 checks each of the detection signal transmitted from the upper prize opening switch 23A and the detection signal transmitted from the lower prize entrance switch 23B. It is determined whether at least one of the winning opening switches 23B is on. When the count switch is on (step S310; YES), that is, when at least one of the upper-large winning opening switch 23A and the lower-large winning opening switch 23B is on, the CPU 103 adds one to the winning number count value. (Step S311). Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the winning is in the lower-large winning opening (step S312). That is, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the lower special winning opening switch 23B is on.

  When the winning is to the lower winning a prize mouth (step S312; YES), the CPU 103 sets the transmission of the effect control command (the lower winning prize opening prize notifying command) for notifying the winning to the lower winning prize (step S312). S313). On the other hand, if the winning is not to the lower winning opening (step S312; NO), the CPU 103 performs the transmission setting of the effect control command (the upper winning opening winning notification command) for notifying the winning to the upper winning opening (step S312; NO). Step S314). Subsequent to the process of step S313 or the process of step S314, the CPU 103 executes a probability change determination process (described later) (step S315).

  When the count switch is not turned on (step S310; NO), or after executing the probable change determination process in step S315, the CPU 103 determines that the winning number count value reaches a predetermined maximum winning determination value (for example, 10 (pieces)). It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S316). When the maximum winning determination value has not been reached (step S316; NO), the CPU 103 determines whether or not an end code is set in the work table before opening the special winning opening (step S317). If the end code has not been set (step S317; NO), the CPU 103 subtracts “1” from the release time (timer value T1) (step S318), and determines whether the release time (timer value T1) has become 0. Is determined (step S319). That is, the CPU 103 determines whether the release time has timed out. When the opening time (timer value T1) has become 0 (step S319: YES), the CPU 103 sets the next time data (end code) in the special winning opening opening pattern table (step S320). For example, the CPU 103 stores the end code in the work table before opening the special winning opening.

  When the opening time (timer value T1) is not 0 (step S319: NO), or after executing the processing of step S320, the big hit opening processing ends. In this case, since the value of the special figure process flag remains “5”, the big hit opening processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  On the other hand, when the maximum winning determination value has been reached (step S316; YES) or when the end code is set in the work table before opening the special winning opening (step S317; YES), the CPU 103 performs the pre-big hit opening processing (step S317; YES). The solenoid specified in step S114 is driven to close the special winning opening (step S321). Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets transmission of an effect control command (round end command) indicating that the round is to be ended (step S322).

  Subsequent to the process of step S322, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opened lower winning opening, in other words, whether or not the ending round is a round for opening the lower winning opening. (Step S323). When the opening is the lower special winning opening (step S323; YES), the CPU 103 sets the value of the certain variable area solenoid control flag to "3" (step S324). When the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag is “3” (the same applies when the value is “2”), the probable variable area control execution processing (FIG. 27) is executed.

  When it is not the lower winning opening that has been opened (step S323; NO), or after executing the processing of step S324, the value of the special figure process flag is set to “6” corresponding to the post-big hit opening processing (step S116). "(Step S325), and terminates the big hit opening process. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6" in step S325, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the post-big hit release processing is executed.

  Note that in the flowchart of FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not the winning is to the lower winning opening (step S312), but it is determined whether or not the open winning opening is the lower winning opening. May be. In the flowchart of FIG. 23, the probability change determination process (step S315) is executed whether the winning is in the lower winning opening or the upper winning opening. When it is a prize, it is not necessary to execute the probability change determination process. That is, subsequent to the transmission setting of the upper winning prize mouth winning notification command (step S314), it may be determined whether or not the winning number count value has reached a predetermined maximum winning determination value (step S316).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the probability change determination process executed in step S315 of FIG. In the probability change determination process shown in FIG. 24, first, the CPU 103 determines whether or not a probability change area passage flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, such as the game control flag setting unit 152, is set (step S830). The probability change area passage flag is a flag that is set based on the establishment of the probability change control condition in the big hit game state (or transmission of the probability change determination command).

  When the probability variable area passage flag is set (step S830; YES), the probability variation determination processing ends. This is because if the probable change area passage flag is set, the probable change control condition has already been satisfied and the transmission setting of the probable change confirmation command has been completed.

  If the certainty variable area passage flag is not set (step S830; NO), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opened object is the lower big winning opening (step S831). If it is not the lower winning opening that is open (step S831; NO), the probability change determination process ends. The reason for opening is that the probable change control condition cannot be satisfied unless it is a lower grand prize winning opening.

  When the opening is a lower winning opening (step S831; YES), it is determined whether or not the probability variable area switch 24A is on (step S832). That is, the process of step S832 is a process of determining whether the probable change control condition is satisfied. If the probable change area switch 24A is not on (step S832; No), the probable change determination process ends. When the probable change area switch 24A is on (step S832; YES), that is, when the probable change control condition is satisfied, the transmission setting of the effect control command (probable change confirmation command) for notifying the establishment of the probable change control condition is performed ( (Step S833), the probability variable area passage flag is set (step S834), and the probability variation determination process ends.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the post-big hit opening process executed in step S116 in FIG. In the post-big hit opening process shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 103 first subtracts “1” from the interval time (closed time) (step S361), and determines whether the interval time has become 0 (step S362). That is, the CPU 103 determines whether the closing time has timed out. If the interval time has not become zero (step S362: NO), the post-big hit release processing ends. In this case, the value of the special figure process flag remains “6”, so that when the next timer interrupt occurs, the post-big hit release processing is executed again.

  When the interval time becomes 0 (step S362: YES), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the round count value is “10” corresponding to the upper limit round (final round) (step S363). That is, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opening of the final round has been completed.

  If the round count value is not “10” corresponding to the upper limit round (step S363; NO), the CPU 103 adds 1 to the round count value (step S364), and sets the value of the special map process flag to the big hit release pre-processing (step S364). It is updated to "4" corresponding to S114) (step S365), and the special symbol stop processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4" in step S365, when the next timer interrupt occurs, the pre-big hit start processing is executed. That is, until the upper-limit round (final round) is completed, the big hit opening pre-processing (step S114), the big hit opening processing (step S115), and the big hit opening post-processing (step S116) are repeatedly executed. , A plurality of rounds in which the special winning opening is opened can be executed.

  If the round count value is “10” corresponding to the upper limit round (step S363; YES), a predetermined time is set as the effect waiting time at the end of the big hit (step S366). That is, the CPU 103 sets the end waiting time of the big hit end effect (ending effect) (that is, the execution time of the ending effect). Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets the transmission of an effect control command (big hit end designation command) indicating the end of the big hit (step S367), and sets the value of the special figure process flag to “big hit end processing (step S117)”. 7 "(step S368), and the post-jackpot opening process ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “7” in step S368, a big hit end process is executed when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot ending process executed in step S117 in FIG. In the big hit end processing shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the big hit end effect waiting time has elapsed (step S381). When the big hit end effect waiting time has not elapsed (step S381; NO), the big hit end processing ends. In this case, since the value of the special figure process flag remains "7", the big hit end processing is executed again when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  When the big hit end effect waiting time has elapsed (step S381; YES), the CPU 103 clears the big hit flag and turns it off (step S382). Subsequently, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the probability variable area passage flag is set (Step S383). The probability change area passage flag is set in the probability change determination process (step S315) based on satisfaction of the probability change control condition (or transmission of the probability change determination command).

  If the certainty variable area passing flag is set (step S383; YES), the CPU 103 clears the certainty variable area passing flag (step S384) and sets the high certainty flag (step S385).

  When the probability variable area passage flag is not set (Step S383; NO), or after executing the processing of Step S385, the CPU 103 sets the high base flag (Step S386).

  That is, when the probable change control condition is satisfied, both the high-probability flag and the high-base flag are set, so that the gaming state becomes the high-probability high-base state. On the other hand, when the probable change control condition is not satisfied, the high-probability flag is not set and only the high-base flag is set, so that the gaming state is the low-probability high-base state.

  Subsequent to the process of step S386, the CPU 103 initializes the special figure change frequency count value counted in the gaming state transition control process (step S274) to “0” (step S390). Subsequently, the CPU 103 sets the transmission setting of an effect control command (game state designation command) indicating the current game state (step S391), and an effect control command (end time effect) for specifying the end of the big hit end effect (ending effect). The transmission setting of the end designation command) is performed (step S392), the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0” corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (step S110) (step S393), and the big hit end processing ends. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0” in step S393, the special symbol normal processing is executed when the next timer interrupt occurs.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the probable variable area solenoid control process executed in step S16 of FIG. In the probable variable area solenoid control process shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 103 first executes a winning ball / ejected ball detection process (step S410). For example, in the winning ball / ejected ball detection process, it is determined whether or not the detection signal transmitted from the lower large winning opening switch 23B, the variable probability area switch 24A, and the second ejected switch 24B is turned on.

  Subsequent to the winning ball / ejected ball detection processing of step S410, the CPU 103 selects and executes any of the processing of steps S420, S430, and S440 shown in FIG. 27 according to the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag.

  The probable variable area control normal processing in step S420 is executed when the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag is “0”. In the probable variable area control normal process, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have won the lower special variable winning ball device 7B matches the number of game balls that have been discharged from the lower special variable winning ball device 7B. Done.

  The probable variable area control pattern setting processing in step S430 is executed when the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag is “1”. In the probable area control pattern setting processing, processing for setting a control pattern of the probable area is performed.

  The probable variable area control execution processing of step S440 is executed when the value of the probable variable area solenoid control flag is “2” or “3”. In the probable variable area control execution processing, processing for controlling the probable variable area is performed.

  In the winning ball / ejected ball detection process, when the lower special winning opening switch 23B is ON, the CPU 103 adds 1 to a mismatch count value stored in a mismatch counter provided in the RAM 102.

  Next, when the probability variable area switch 24A is ON, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the mismatch count value, and ends the winning ball / ejected ball detection processing. When the probable change area switch 24A is not on, the CPU 103 determines whether the second ejection switch 24B is on. When the second ejection switch 24B is ON, the discrepancy count value is decremented by one, and the winning ball / ejected ball detection process ends. On the other hand, when the second ejection switch 24B is not turned on, the winning ball / ejected ball detection process is terminated.

  As described above, a game ball that has entered the lower special winning opening formed by the lower special variable winning ball device 7B is detected by the lower special winning opening switch 23B → detected by the positive change area switch 24A → detected by the second discharge switch 24B → Either discharge, or detection by the lower large winning opening switch 23B → detection by the second discharge switch 24B → discharge. Therefore, according to the winning ball / ejected ball detection process, when the detection is performed by the lower winning opening switch 23B → the detection by the positive change area switch 24A → the detection by the second ejection switch 24B → the ejection, the mismatch count value is “0”, Also, when the detection is performed by the lower winning award switch 23B → the detection by the second discharge switch 24B → the discharge, the mismatch count value is similarly “0”.

  The winning ball / ejected ball detection process is executed as a game control timer interrupt process irrespective of the value of the special figure process flag of the special figure process processing in step S15. For example, the next round game starts. After that, it is executed continuously.

  In the probable change area control normal processing, when the mismatch count value is less than “0”, the CPU 103 notifies that an error state has occurred.

  In the probable change area control pattern setting process, the CPU 103 first specifies a big hit type and specifies a round count value. Then, a probable variable solenoid pattern specification table is set, and the probable variable solenoid pattern table is determined according to the type of the big hit and the round count value.

  In the present embodiment, one of the probable variable solenoid pattern table 1, the probable variable solenoid pattern table 2, and the probable variable solenoid pattern table 3 is assigned according to the jackpot type and the round count value. Specifically, for the “first big hit”, all of the round count values (“1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”) related to the lower opening round game (probable changing opening round game) ) Is assigned to the probable variable solenoid pattern table 1. As for the “second big hit”, the probable variable solenoid pattern table 1 is assigned to “1”, “3”, “5”, and “7” among the round count values related to the lower opening round game, and the lower opening round game Is assigned to the probable variable solenoid pattern table 2 for “9” of the round count values according to the above. Regarding the “third big hit”, the probability of changing all round count values (“1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”) related to the lower open round game (probable change open round game) The solenoid pattern table 3 is assigned.

  The probable-variable solenoid pattern tables 1, 2, and 3 are tables relating to the open / close control pattern of the probable-variable area cover, and are tables storing time data (close time, open time) related to the open / close control. As described above, the probable area is in the closed state when the probable area lid is closed, and the probable area is in the open state when the probable area lid is open.

  The probable-variable solenoid pattern table 1 stores, for example, closing time 1 “52 milliseconds” as time data related to the opening / closing control of the probable-variation area solenoid in association with the value “1” of the probable-variation area solenoid buffer. The opening time 1 “52 milliseconds” is stored as time data relating to the opening / closing control of the probable area lid in association with the value “2” of the probable area lid. The closing time 2 “4000 milliseconds” is stored as time data relating to control, and the opening time 1 “52 milliseconds” as time data relating to opening / closing control of the probability variable area lid in association with the value “4” of the probability varying area solenoid buffer. Is stored, and the closing time 3 “2000 min” is associated with the value “5” of the probability variable area solenoid buffer as time data related to the opening / closing control of the probability variation area lid. S "is stored, the end in association with the value of the probability variation region solenoid buffer" 6 "code" 0000 "is stored. The end code in the probable variable solenoid pattern tables 1, 2, and 3 indicates the end of the open / close control of the probable variable area lid. The description of the probable variable solenoid pattern tables 2 and 3 is omitted.

  The time data and the like (close time, open time, end code) are also referred to as solenoid output designation data. On / off of the solenoid 82C for the probable variable area cover is controlled based on the solenoid output designation data.

  Next, the CPU 103 sets the solenoid output designation data of “1” in the determined probable variable solenoid pattern table to the probable variable area opening / closing timer value. Specifically, the CPU 103 sets the closing time or the opening time corresponding to the initial value “1” of the certain variable area solenoid buffer to the certain variable area opening / closing timer value. It should be noted that the value of the probable variable area solenoid buffer is incremented by one in the probable variable area control execution processing.

  In the probable variable area control execution processing, while the lower opening round game is being performed (while the value of the probable area solenoid control flag is “2”), the solenoid output designation data (close time, open time) is sequentially obtained. Is loaded, and ON / OFF of the solenoid 82C for the probable change area lid is switched. After the value of the certain variable area solenoid control flag becomes “3” in response to the end of the lower opening round game, it is determined whether or not the mismatch count value is “0”. Normally (for example, if there is no discharge error or misconduct due to clogging of balls in the lower variable winning ball device 7B), the mismatch count is counted before (earlier) before the end code is loaded as the solenoid output designation data. Since the value is set to “0”, error notification (the process of step S455) is not performed. That is, the exit code is loaded as the solenoid output designation data in consideration of the opening time of the lower winning award opening and the flow time of the game ball in the discharge route so that the termination code is not normally loaded as the solenoid output designation data. The error notification is not normally performed because the time until the error is set. On the other hand, before the mismatch count value becomes “0” (earlier), an end code may be loaded as the solenoid output designation data. In such a case, any abnormality (for example, lower variable winning) Since it is assumed that there has been a discharge error or an improper act due to a clogged ball or the like in the ball device 7B, an error notification is performed.

  Next, the operation of the payout control means (payout control microcomputer 370) will be described. An output port 0 of the payout control means is an output port for outputting a signal of each phase supplied to the payout motor 289 by the stepping motor, a detection signal of the door open sensor 155, and a detection signal of the payout number count switch 301. It is. That is, the detection signal of the door opening sensor 155 and the detection signal of the payout number count switch 301 are output from the output port 0 to the main board 11 via the payout control microcomputer 370. The output port 1 is an output port for each segment output of the error display LED 374 using a 7-segment LED. The payout control board 37 is also provided with an output port 2 for outputting an EXS signal and a PRDY signal to the card unit 50.

  Further, a connection confirmation signal from the main board 11 is input to the input port 0 bit 4 in the payout control means. In addition, a detection signal of the ball out switch 187 and a detection signal of the payout motor position sensor 295 are input to the bits 6 and 7, respectively. In addition, a detection signal of the payout number count switch 301, an operation signal from the error release switch 375, and a detection signal of the full tank switch 48 are input to bits 1 to 3 of the input port 1, respectively. The VL signal, BRDY signal, and BRQ signal from the card unit 50 are input to bits 4 to 6 of the input port 1, respectively.

  Next, the operation of the payout control means will be described. In the present embodiment, the built-in CTC of the payout control microcomputer 370 is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. Then, when a timer interrupt occurs, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 executes a payout control timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payout control timer interrupt process executed by the payout control unit. In the payout control timer interrupt processing, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 executes the following processing as payout control processing. First, the payout control CPU 371 performs an input determination process (step S7510). The input determination process is a process of detecting the states of bits 4 to 6 of input port 0 and bits 3 to 6 of input port 1 and reflecting the detection result to a predetermined byte (called an input state flag) of the RAM. is there. In the payout control process, when control is performed based on the states of bits 4 to 6 of input port 0 and bits 3 to 6 of input port 1, the state of the input port is not directly checked but the input state is checked. Check the state of the flag.

  Next, the payout control CPU 371 executes a payout motor control process (step S7530). In the payout motor control process, when the payout motor 289 is to be driven, a process for outputting the pattern of the payout motors φ1 to φ4 to the output port 0 is performed.

  The payout control CPU 371 executes a prepaid card unit control process for communicating with the card unit 50 (step S7540). Furthermore, a prize ball lending control for controlling to pay out a lending ball in response to a ball lending request from the card unit 50 and a control for paying out a number of prize balls indicated by a prize ball number command from the main board 11. The processing is executed (step S7560).

  Then, the payout control CPU 371 executes payout-side error processing for detecting various errors (step S7570). Also, payout side information output processing for outputting prize ball information and ball lending information output to the outside of the gaming machine is executed (step S7580). In addition, a display control process for performing a predetermined display on the error display LED 374 is executed according to the result of the payout-side error process (step S7590).

  In this embodiment, when various errors (for example, a full error, an out-of-ball error, a prepaid card unit unconnection error) are detected in a payout-side error process described later, an error bit corresponding to the detected error is set. You. Then, in the display control process of step S7590, the payout control CPU 371 performs a predetermined display on the error display LED 374 based on the error bit being set.

  In this embodiment, the RAM area (output port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, output port 2 buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. The contents of the port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, and output port 2 buffer are output to the output port (step S7600: output processing). The output port 0 buffer, output port 1 buffer, and output port 2 buffer perform payout motor control processing (step S7530), prepaid card control processing (step S7540), main control communication processing (step S7550), and payout side information output processing (step S7550). (S7580) and the display control process (step S759).

  Next, an operation in which the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 transmits and receives various commands in the main control communication processing in step S7550 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the payout control microcomputer 370 has a built-in serial communication circuit 380 for serially communicating various commands with the game control microcomputer 100. The payout control microcomputer 370 receives the winning ball number command shown in FIG. 7 from the game control microcomputer 100 by using the serial communication circuit 380.

  In the same manner as the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100, if there is an interrupt request from the serial communication circuit 380 while the interrupt is enabled, the payout control CPU 371 performs an interrupt request issued by the serial communication circuit 380. Execute the interrupt processing according to the cause. In this embodiment, when the payout control CPU 371 specifies that the cause of the interruption is that the serial communication circuit 380 has received the received data, the payout control CPU 371 executes the reception interruption process. In this case, the payout control CPU 371 sets a reception interrupt flag indicating that the serial communication circuit 380 is receiving the received data. Note that the payout control CPU 371 may read data from the reception data register of the serial communication circuit 380 instead of setting the reception interrupt flag in the reception interrupt processing. In this case, for example, the payout control CPU 371 determines whether or not the read reception data is a prize ball number command in the reception interruption process. When the received data is a winning ball number command, the payout control CPU 371 may add the winning ball number indicated by the winning ball number command to the winning ball unpaid number counter. By doing so, in the main control communication process described later, it is determined whether or not the received data is a winning ball number command based on the reception interrupt flag being set (steps S5420 to S5450 described later). ), It is not necessary to execute the process of adding the number of award balls to the award ball unpaid number counter (see step S5460 described later).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a main control communication process in which the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 communicates with the game control means (game control microcomputer 100) of the main board 11. Note that the main control communication process is a command reception interrupt process (a process of the serial communication circuit 380) based on receiving a command (a connection confirmation command or a prize ball number command as a prize ball request signal) from the game control microcomputer 100. This is executed as processing within an interrupt processing based on a reception interrupt which is an internal interrupt generated when data is stored in the reception data register. However, the main control communication process may be configured to be executed as a process in the payout control timer interrupt process.

  In the main control communication process, the payout control CPU 371 confirms whether or not the connection confirmation signal is on (step S5410). In addition, the fact that the connection confirmation signal is in the ON state means that power is supplied and the progress of the game can be controlled by the game control means, and that the connection confirmation signal is in the OFF state means that the power is supplied. This means that the supply stop processing is started and the game control means is in a state where the game cannot be advanced (the connection confirmation signal is turned off in the output port clear processing in the power supply stop processing).

  The payout control CPU 371 reads the data from the reception data register storing the data received by the serial communication circuit 380 (step S5420). Then, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not a connection confirmation command as a prize ball request signal has been received (step S5430), and upon receiving the connection confirmation command (data read from the reception data register is a connection confirmation command). If there is) (Y in step S5430), the data of the upper 4 bits of the connection OK command is set in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 55 (step S5470). When a prize ball error, a full tank error, or an out-of-ball error occurs, that is, when a prize-ball error flag, a full tank error flag, or an out-of-ball error flag is set in the payout-side error processing (Y in step S5480). Add error information to the data of the connection OK command. Specifically, information (error information) indicating an error state is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command (step S5490). When no prize ball error, full tank error or ball out error has occurred (N in step S5480), “0000” is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command. Then, the upper 4 bits of data of the connection OK command set in the predetermined data storage area in step S5470 and the lower 4 bits of data of the connection OK command (data indicating error information or “0000” data) are transmitted as transmission data. By writing to the register, a connection OK command is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 (step S5520).

  When the connection confirmation command has not been received (N in step S5430), the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the prize ball payout operation has been completed (step S5440). Whether or not the award ball payout operation has been completed can be determined by checking a flag (payout end flag) set when a series of payout processing is completed. If the award ball payout operation has been completed (Y in step S5440), the payout control CPU 371 writes the data of the award ball end command to the transmission data register (step S5500). Note that the payout end flag is reset before (or after) executing the processing of step S5500. The payout end flag is set when the number of unpaid items becomes 0 as a result of the payout process (Y in step S6540).

  If the prize ball payout operation is not completed (N in step S5440), the payout control CPU checks whether or not a prize ball payout operation is being performed (step S5450). Y) of S5450, the upper 4 bits of the award ball preparation command are set in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 55 (step S5510). When a prize ball error, a full tank error, or an out of ball error occurs, that is, when the award ball error flag, the full tank error flag, or the out of ball error flag is set (Y in step S5480), the prize ball is being prepared. Add error information to command data. Specifically, information indicating an error state (error information) is set in the lower 4 bits of the award winning ball preparation command (step S5490). When no prize ball error, full tank error or ball out error has occurred (N in step S5480), “0000” is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command. Then, in step S5510, the upper 4 bits of the award ball preparation command set in the predetermined data storage area and the lower 4 bits of the award ball preparation command (data indicating error information or data of “0000”) ) Is written to the transmission data register, thereby transmitting a winning ball preparation command to the game control microcomputer 100 (step S5520).

  If the award ball payout operation is not being performed (N in step S5450), the payout control CPU 371 adds the number indicated by the award ball number command to the award ball unpaid number counter (step S5460). Then, the upper 4 bits of data of the connection OK command are set in a predetermined data storage area of the RAM 55 (step S5470). When an award ball error, a full tank error, or an out of ball error occurs, that is, when an award ball error flag, a full tank error flag, or an out of ball error flag is set (Y in step S5480), the connection OK command is output. Add error information to the data. Specifically, information (error information) indicating an error state is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command (step S5490). When no prize ball error, full tank error or ball out error has occurred (N in step S5480), “0000” is set in the lower 4 bits of the connection OK command. Then, the upper 4 bits of data of the connection OK command set in the predetermined data storage area in step S5470 and the lower 4 bits of data of the connection OK command (data indicating error information or “0000” data) are transmitted as transmission data. By writing to the register, a connection OK command is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 (step S5520).

  In the case where error information is set in the connection OK command or the prize ball preparation command, when an error bit is set in the payout error processing, a bit corresponding to the error information notified to the game control microcomputer 100 side is set. To set 4 bits of the 1-byte area. This makes it possible to set the four bits as they are in the lower four bits of the command transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 side.

  Next, the payout-side error processing will be described. In the present embodiment, when the connection confirmation signal from the main board 11 is turned off, the payout control CPU 371 of the payout control microcomputer 370 determines that the main board is not connected and outputs the error to the error display LED 374. 1 "is displayed. Therefore, if the connection confirmation signal is turned off during the confirmation of the input state of the connection confirmation signal, “1” is displayed on the error display LED 374.

  If the payout number count switch 301 is broken or a ball is clogged in the payout number count switch 301, control is performed to display “2” on the error display LED 374 as the payout switch abnormality detection error 1. Note that the disconnection of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 or the occurrence of ball clogging at the portion of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 is determined by the fact that the detection signal of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 has not been turned off.

  When the detection signal of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 is turned on even though the game ball is not being paid out, control to display “3” on the error display LED 374 as the payout switch abnormality detection error 2 is performed. Do. If the detection signal of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 is not turned on even though the rotation of the payout motor 289 is abnormal or the game ball is paid out, “4” is displayed on the error display LED 374 as a payout case error. Control. The specific method of detecting that the detection signal of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 is not turned on is as described above.

  When the lower tray is full, that is, when the full switch 48 is turned on, a control is performed to display “5” on the error display LED 374 as a full error. When the shortage of replenishment balls, that is, when the out-of-ball switch 187 is turned on, a control to display “6” on the error display LED 374 is performed as an out-of-ball error.

  When the VL signal from the card unit 50 is turned off, control is performed to display “7” on the error display LED 374 as a prepaid card unit unconnection error. When communication with the card unit 50 is performed at an improper timing, control is performed to display “8” on the error display LED 374 as a prepaid card unit communication error. The prepaid card unit communication error is detected in the prepaid card unit control process (step S7540).

  Of the above errors, after the payout switch abnormality detection error 2, the payout case error, the prize ball excess error, or the prize ball insufficient error error, the error release switch 375 is operated and an operation signal is output from the error release switch 375. Then (when it is turned on), the payout control means returns to the state before the error occurred.

  FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 are flowcharts showing the payout-side error processing in step S7570. In the payout-side error processing, the payout control CPU 371 checks the error flags and determines that the set bits are only the payout switch abnormality detection error 2 and the payout case error (only one of the two bits, or It is checked whether these two bits are only) (step S8010). If only these bits are set, it is checked whether the operation signal has been turned on from the error release switch 375 (step S8020). When the operation signal is turned on, the error recovery time is set in the pre-error recovery timer (step S8030). The error recovery time is a time from when the error release switch 375 is operated to when the error state is actually returned to the normal state.

  If the operation signal is not on from the error release switch 375, the value of the pre-error recovery timer is checked (step S8040). If the value of the pre-recovery timer is 0, that is, if the pre-recovery timer is not set, the flow shifts to step S8080. If the timer before error recovery is set, the value of the timer before error recovery is decremented by 1 (step S8050). If the value of the timer before error recovery becomes 0 (step S8060), the payout switch of the error flag is set. The bits of the abnormality detection error 2 and the payout case error are reset (step S8070), and the flow shifts to step S8080.

  In step S8080, the payout control CPU 371 checks the detection signal of the full tank switch 48. If the detection signal of the full tank switch 48 has been output (if it is in the ON state), a full tank error bit of the error flag is set (step S8090). If the detection signal of the full tank switch 48 is off, the full tank error bit is reset (step S8100).

  The payout control CPU 371 checks the detection signal of the ball out switch 187 (step S8110). If the detection signal of the out-of-ball switch 187 is output (if it is in the ON state), the out-of-ball error bit of the error flag is set (step S8120). If the detection signal of the ball out switch 187 is off, the ball out error bit is reset (step S8130).

  Further, the payout control CPU 371 checks the state of the connection confirmation signal from the main board 11 (step S8150). If the connection confirmation signal is not output (if it is in the off state), the main board non-connection error bit is set. It is set (step S8160). If the connection confirmation signal has been output (if it is in the ON state), the main board non-connection error bit is reset (step S8170).

  Also, the payout control CPU 371 checks the value of the switch timer corresponding to the payout number count switch 301 among the switch timers in which the state of the detection signal of each switch is set, and determines the value as the maximum switch-on time (for example, “ 240 ") (step S8180), the payout switch abnormality detection error 1 bit of the error flag is set (step S8190). If the value of the switch timer corresponding to the number-of-payouts count switch 301 is equal to or less than the maximum switch-on time, the bit of the payout switch abnormality detection error 1 is reset (step S8200). The value of each switch timer is incremented by 1 in the input determination process of step S7510 if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is in the switch-on state, and is cleared to 0 if the state is in the off-state. Therefore, the fact that the value of the switch timer corresponding to the number-of-payouts count switch 301 has exceeded the maximum switch-on time means that the number-of-payouts count switch 301 has been turned on beyond the maximum switch-on time. It is determined that the game ball is clogged at the disconnection of the number-of-payouts count switch 301 or at the portion of the number-of-payouts count switch 301.

  When the value of the switch timer corresponding to the number-of-payouts count switch 301 reaches the switch-on determination value (for example, “2”) (step S8210), the payout control CPU 371 sets the ball lending operation flag and the prize ball operation. If both the middle flags are in the reset state, it is determined that the game ball has passed through the payout number count switch 301 while the payout operation is not being performed, and the payout switch abnormality detection error 2 bit of the error flag is set (steps S8202, S8230). . If the ball lending operation flag or the prize ball operation flag is set, the bit of the payout switch abnormality detection error 2 is reset (step S8240).

  Also, the payout control CPU 371 checks the input state of the VL signal from the card unit 50 (step S8250), and if the VL signal is not input (if it is in the off state), the error flag indicates that the prepaid card unit is not included. The connection error bit is set (step S8260). If the VL signal has been input (if in the ON state), the prepaid card unit non-connection error bit is reset (step S8270).

  In the display control process of step S7590, a notification (numerical display) according to the error bit in the error flag is performed by the error display LED 374. Therefore, the communication error can be notified by the error display LED 374. Also, since the communication error is detected on the payout control means side, the communication error can be detected without increasing the load on the game control means.

  Next, the operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated and executes the effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the effect control main process shown in FIG. 32 starts, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and sets the effect control board 12 The register of the CTC mounted on the PC is set.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is turned on (step S72). The timer interrupt flag is set to an on state every time a predetermined period elapses, for example, based on the register setting of the CTC. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S72; NO), the process of step S72 is repeatedly executed to wait.

  Further, on the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving an effect control command from the main board 11 is generated separately from the timer interrupt generated every time a predetermined period elapses. This interrupt is, for example, an interrupt generated when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt to be disabled. However, if a CPU that does not automatically become the disabled state is used, the interrupt is disabled. It is desirable to issue instructions. The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt processing, a control that becomes a production control command is performed from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 among input ports included in the I / O 125. Capture the signal. The command captured at this time is stored, for example, in an effect control command receiving buffer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control buffer setting unit or the like). For example, when the effect control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte and the second byte are sequentially received and stored in the effect control command receiving buffer. After that, the effect control CPU 120 sets the interrupt permission, and then ends the command reception interrupt processing.

  If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S72 (step S72; YES), the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S73), and a command analysis process is executed (step S74). In the command analysis processing executed in step S74, for example, after reading various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command receiving buffer, Settings and controls corresponding to the read production control commands are performed.

  In step S74, following the command analysis process, the effect control process process is executed (step S75). In the effect control process processing of step S75, for example, a display operation of an effect image in a display area of the image display device 5, a sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, a lighting operation of a light emitting body such as the game effect lamp 9 and a decoration LED. For the control contents of the rendering operation using various rendering devices, such as the driving operation in the rendering model, determination, setting, and the like are performed according to the rendering control command transmitted from the main board 11 and the like.

  Subsequent to the effect control process process of step S75, an effect random number update process is executed (step S76), and the random number value counted by the random counter of the effect control counter setting unit is shown as various random numbers used for effect control. The numerical data is updated by software. Thereafter, the process returns to step S72.

  FIG. 33, FIG. 34, and FIG. 35 are flowcharts showing an example of the command analysis processing executed in step S74 of FIG. In the command analysis processing shown in FIG. 33, first, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a first starting port winning designation command has been received (step S501). For example, the effect control command received on the effect control board 12 side is stored in an effect control command receiving buffer, and the effect control CPU 120 reads out the command stored in the effect control command receiving buffer and reads the command. Is confirmed, the received effect control command can be specified.

  When the first starting opening winning command is received in step S501 (step S501; YES), the effect control CPU 120 sets the display update corresponding to the first starting opening winning (step S502). For example, in the process of step S502, setting for displaying the hold display in the start winning storage display area provided in the display area of the image display device 5 may be performed.

  If the first start-up opening prize designation command has not been received in step S502 (step S501; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the second start-up entrance prize designation command has been received (step S503). ). When the second starting opening winning command is received (step S503; YES), the display corresponding to the second starting opening winning is set (step S504). For example, in the process of step S504, setting for displaying the hold display in the start winning storage display area provided in the display area of the image display device 5 may be performed.

  After executing any of the processes of steps S502 and S504, the effect control CPU 120 transmits the contents of the notification by the first starting opening winning designation command or the second starting opening winning designation command to a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control). (Step S505). For example, in the process of step S505, the EXT data of the first starting opening winning designation command or the second starting opening winning designation command transmitted from the main board 11 is used as the holding storage information of the head of the empty entry in the winning determination result buffer. , The pending storage information may be stored. At this time, start-up information corresponding to the MODE data of the first start-up winning award designation command or the second start-up award winning designation command is also included in the hold storage information and set at the head of an empty entry in the winning determination result buffer 200. Just do it.

  Subsequent to the processing of step S505, effect control CPU 120 adds one to the maximum value of the determination result storage number (step S506), and ends the command analysis processing. For example, in the process of step S506, the determination result storage count value, which is the storage value of the determination result storage counter provided in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control counter setting unit) of the RAM 122, is incremented by one, so that the determination result is obtained. What is necessary is just to make it add 1 to a storage number maximum value. The determination result storage counter is for counting the number of storages of the hold storage information in the winning determination result buffer, and is notified by the first starting opening winning designation command or the second starting opening winning designation command, and receives the winning determination result. The maximum value of the storage number associated with the determination result stored in the buffer can be specified by the determination result storage count value.

  When the second start opening winning designation command has not been received in step S503 (step S503; NO), the effect control CPU 120 has received a variation start command such as a first variation start command or a second variation start command. It is determined whether or not (step S507). When the change start command is received (step S507; YES), for example, a change start command reception flag provided in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit or the like) of the RAM 122 is set to an on state (step S508). . The contents of the winning determination result buffer are shifted (step S509). For example, in the prize time determination result buffer, the storage information stored in association with the storage number “1” is deleted, and the storage information stored in the entry lower than the storage number “1” is changed to “1”. Shift higher by entries. Then, for example, by subtracting 1 from the determination result count value, the maximum value of the determination result storage number is reduced by 1 (step S510), and the command analysis process ends.

  If the change start command has not been received in step S507 (step S507; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a big hit start designation command has been received (step S511 in FIG. 34). When the jackpot start designation command is received (step S511; YES), the effect control CPU 120 turns on the jackpot start designation command reception flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control flag setting unit or the like). It is set (step S512), and the command analysis processing ends.

  If the jackpot start designation command has not been received in step S511 (step S511; NO), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether a round start command has been received (step S513). When the round start command is received (step S513; YES), the effect control CPU 120 sets the special winning opening opening flag (step S514), and ends the command analysis process.

  If a round start command has not been received in step S513 (step S513; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a round end command has been received (step S515). When the round end command is received (step S515; YES), the effect control CPU 120 sets the flag after opening the special winning opening (step S516), and ends the command analysis process.

  When the round end command has not been received in step S515 (step S515; NO), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a jackpot end designation command has been received (step S517). When the jackpot end designation command is received (step S517; YES), the effect control CPU 120 turns on the jackpot end designation command reception flag provided in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 122. It is set (step S516), and the command analysis processing ends.

  When the big hit end designation command has not been received in step S517 (step S517; NO), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the end time effect end designation command has been received (step S519). When the end-time effect end designation command is received (Step S519; YES), the effect control CPU 120 sets the end-time effect end designation command reception flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control flag setting unit or the like). Is set to the ON state (step S520), and the command analysis processing ends.

  If the end-time effect end designation command has not been received in step S519 (step S519; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the lower large winning opening winning notification command has been received (step S521). . When the lower large winning opening prize notification command is received (step S521; YES), the effect control CPU 120 sets the lower large winning opening prize notification command provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like). The reception flag is set to the ON state (step S522), and the command analysis processing ends.

  When the lower large winning opening winning notification command has not been received in step S521 (step S521; NO), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the upper large winning opening winning notification command has been received (step S523). ). When the upper winning prize mouth winning notification command is received (step S523; YES), the effect control CPU 120 sets the upper prize winning mouth winning notification command provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like). The reception flag is set to the ON state (step S524), and the command analysis processing ends.

  If it is determined in step S523 that the winning combination winning prize notification command has not been received (step S523; NO), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a probability change determination command has been received (step S525). When the probability change determination command is received (step S525; YES), effect control CPU 120 sets the probability change determination command reception flag provided in a predetermined area of RAM 122 (for example, the effect control flag setting unit or the like) to the ON state. (Step S526), the command analysis processing ends.

  If the probability change determination command has not been received in step S525 (step S525; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the full tank error designation command has been received (step S527). When the full tank error designation command is received (step S527; YES), effect control CPU 120 sets the effect full tank error flag provided in a predetermined area of RAM 122 (eg, effect control flag setting unit or the like) to the ON state. It is set (step S528), and the command analysis processing ends.

  If the full tank error designation command has not been received in step S527 (step S527; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the full tank error elimination designation command has been received (step S529). When the full tank error elimination designation command is received (step S529; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the effect full tank error flag and turns off (step S530), and ends the command analysis processing.

  If the full tank error elimination designation command has not been received in step S529 (step S529; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the door opening error designation command has been received (step S531). When the door opening error designation command is received (step S531; YES), the effect control CPU 120 turns on the effect door opening error flag provided in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 122. (Step S532), and the command analysis processing ends.

  If the door opening error designation command has not been received in step S531 (step S531; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the door opening error elimination designation command has been received (step S533). When the door opening error elimination designation command is received (step S533; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the effect door opening error flag and turns off (step S534), and ends the command analysis process.

  If the door opening error elimination designation command has not been received in step S533 (step S533; NO), the effect control CPU 120 sets according to other commands received from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. (Step S527), the command analysis processing ends. For example, when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control CPU 120 sets a symbol confirmation designation command reception flag provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like) of the RAM 122 to an on state, and The analysis processing ends. Further, for example, when a variation pattern specification command is received, the effect control CPU 120 stores the command in a variation pattern specification command storage area provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control buffer setting unit or the like) of the RAM 122, and performs command analysis processing. To end.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect control process performed in step S75 of FIG. In the effect control process process shown in FIG. 36, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a winning effect effect determination process (step S150), executes a notification flag setting process (step S151), and performs a notification control process (step S152). Execute After that, one of the processes of steps S170 to S177 is selected and executed according to the value of the effect process flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit.

  In the winning effect determination process of step S150, for example, a process of determining the effect mode of the effect at the time of the start winning is performed. For example, the display mode of the hold display is determined in accordance with the setting of the command analysis processing (the processing of step S502, the processing of step S504) and the like, and is displayed in the start prize storage display area of the image display device 5. Specifically, the display mode of the hold display is determined based on the content of the start winning command (for example, based on whether the variable display of the identification information based on the hold information is a big hit or a loss), and It is displayed in the winning memory display area. In addition, the presence or absence of a hold sequence (hold-in villa) may be determined based on the content of the start winning command, and the notification may be made in an ending effect or the like.

  In the notification flag setting process in step S151, for example, a process of counting the number of continuous balls, a process of determining whether the number of continuous balls reaches a predetermined number of reported balls, or a process of determining the number of continuous balls When a predetermined number has been reached for the first time, a process for setting a flag before notification of a ball, a process for setting a flag before notification of confirmation of a certain change, and the like are performed. Note that the predetermined number of balls to be announced may be at least one type. In the present embodiment, a plurality of kinds of notice numbers of the payout balls, such as 3000, 5000, and 10,000 pieces, are determined. In addition, that the number of consecutive payouts reaches the predetermined payout notification number for the first time means that the number of continuous payouts is from a number less than a certain payout notification number to a number equal to or greater than the payout notification number. For example, when the number of consecutive balls has been changed from 2999 to 3013, the number has been changed from 2999, which is less than “3000”, to 3013, which is equal to or more than “3000”. This means that the number of balls has reached the number of balls to be announced “3000” for the first time. In addition, when the number of continuous balls has been changed from 4986 to 5000, the number of balls to be notified has been changed from 4986, which is less than "5000", to 5000, which is equal to or more than the number of notified balls, "5000". This means that the number of balls to be reached reaches the number of notified balls "5000" for the first time. In addition, when the number of continuous balls is changed from 9990 to 10004, since the number of balls to be notified is 9990, which is less than "10000", the number of balls to be notified is 1,0004, which is equal to or more than "10000". This means that the number of balls has reached the number of balls to be announced “10000” for the first time. In other words, when a plurality of kinds of number of notices are set, it is determined whether or not any of a plurality of kinds of number of notices has been reached for the first time. Therefore, for example, when the number of consecutive balls has been increased from 4800 to 4814, the number of balls to be announced has already reached the number of “3000”, but the number of balls to be announced is less than any one of the number of reported balls. Since the number is not greater than the number of notices, the number of continuous payouts does not correspond to reaching the predetermined number of notices for the first time.

  In the notification control process of step S152, for example, a process of controlling the delivery of a ball (a notification of a normal delivery of a ball or a notification of a simple delivery of a ball), a process of controlling a notification of confirmation of a certain variation, a process of controlling a notification of an abnormality, a card removal For example, processing for controlling forgetting prevention notification is performed.

  The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0”. For example, in the variable display start waiting process, based on whether a predetermined effect control command (for example, a change pattern designation command, a first change start command, or a second change start command) has been received, the image display device 5 A process is performed to determine whether or not to start the variable display of the decorative symbol in. After performing the above-described processing, the value of the rendering process flag is updated to “1”.

  The variable display start setting process in step S171 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. For example, in the variable display start setting process, in response to the start of the special figure game, in order to perform the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 and to perform various other effecting operations, the variable pattern start setting process is performed. Processing for determining an effect control pattern or the like is performed. After performing the above processing, the value of the rendering process flag is updated to “2”.

  The variable display effect processing in step S172 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. For example, in the variable display effect process, various effects such as variable display of decorative symbols are performed based on the effect control pattern determined in the variable display start setting process in step S171. After performing the above processing, the value of the rendering process flag is updated to “3”.

  The wait process per special figure in step S173 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. For example, in the waiting process per special figure, a process of stopping the fixed decorative symbol is performed. When a big hit occurs, a process of setting a fanfare effect is performed, and the value of the effect process flag is updated to “4”. When a loss occurs, a process of controlling the gaming state is performed, and the value of the effect process flag is updated to “0”.

  The big hit start process in step S174 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “4”. For example, in the big hit start process, a process of executing a fanfare effect and a process of setting an opening effect that is executed when the special winning opening is in an open state are performed. After performing the above processing, the value of the rendering process flag is updated to “5”.

  The processing during the round in step S175 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “5”. For example, in the processing during the round, processing for executing an effect during opening and processing for setting an effect during closing performed when the special winning opening is in a closed state are performed. After performing the above-described processing, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “6”.

  The post-round processing of step S176 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. For example, in the post-round processing, processing for executing an effect during closing, or processing for setting an effect during opening when it is not the last round, is performed, and the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5”. If it is the last round, a process of setting an ending effect is performed, and the value of the effect process flag is updated to “7”.

  The post-big hit end processing in step S177 is executed when the value of the effect process flag is “7”. For example, in the post-big hit end process, a process of executing an ending effect and a process of controlling a gaming state are performed, and the value of the effect process flag is updated to “0”.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the variable display start waiting process executed in step S170 in FIG. In the variable display start waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the variable start command reception flag is set (step S540). If the variation start command reception flag is set, the effect control CPU 120 resets the variation start command reception flag (step S541), and changes the value of the effect process flag to the variable display start setting process (step S171). The updated value is updated (step S542). Thereafter, the variable display start waiting process ends.

  If the fluctuation start command reception flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not an effect mode selection operation for selecting an effect mode has been performed by the player (step S543). If the selection operation has been performed, the effect mode data designating the selected effect mode is stored in the RAM in accordance with the effect mode selecting operation (step S544). The effect control CPU 120 performs control to switch the display content of the image display device 5 according to the selected effect mode (step S545). In the present embodiment, in the effect mode A, a background screen without oblique lines is displayed, and various effects by the male character (for example, effects during variable display, effects during fanfare, effects during opening, effects during closing, effects during ending, and the like). ) Is performed, and in the effect mode B, a background screen with diagonal lines is displayed and various effects by the female character (for example, an effect during variable display, an effect during fanfare, an effect during opening, an effect during closing, an effect during ending, and the like). Is performed (see FIG. 50). Thereafter, the variable display start waiting process ends.

  In the present embodiment, when the operation of the operation button 30 is detected when the variable display is not started (for example, when the demonstration screen is being displayed), a selectable effect mode (for example, , Effect mode A and effect mode B) are displayed. The effect mode selection operation is performed, for example, by moving a cursor (for example, a rectangular frame) for designating the effect mode displayed on the image display device 5 with a cross key (not shown) provided near the upper plate or tilting. This is realized by moving to another effect mode in accordance with a possible operation of the controller and determining the effect mode specified when the operation of pressing the operation button 30 is performed.

  In addition, not only when the variable display is not started (for example, when the demonstration screen is being displayed), the process of selecting the effect mode may be executed when the player performs a predetermined operation. Good. Further, a second image display device may be provided in addition to the image display device 5, and an effect of selecting an effect mode may be performed on the second image display device. By providing the second image display device, the effect mode can be selected at any time regardless of the game state even during variable display or during a big hit game. Note that, even in a configuration in which the second effect display device is not provided, the effect mode may be selected at any time regardless of the game state. For example, it can be realized by performing an effect of selecting an effect mode in an area of the display area of the image display device 5 that is different from the display area of the decorative design.

  In the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines a final stop symbol (fixed decorative symbol) based on the special figure display result. For example, the effect control CPU 120 may determine whether the special figure display result is a big hit or a loss by reading EXT data in the display result designation command. Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 sets an effect control pattern based on the fluctuation pattern. That is, the effect control CPU 120 sets the effect control pattern corresponding to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main board 11 as the use pattern. Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 executes a suspension digestion process. Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 sets a decorative symbol variation time timer value according to the variation pattern in a decorative symbol variation time timer provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control timer setting unit) of the RAM 122, and The value of the process flag is updated to “2” corresponding to the variable display effect processing (step S172), and the variable display start setting processing ends.

  In the variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 first subtracts one from the decorative symbol variation time timer value, and determines whether the decorative symbol variation time timer value has become zero. If the decorative symbol variation time timer value is not 0, the variable display effect processing ends. When the decorative symbol variation time timer value becomes 0, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "3" corresponding to the wait process per special figure (step S173), and the effect process during variable display ends. Various effects such as variable display of decorative symbols are executed during the period until the decorative symbol variation time timer value becomes zero.

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the special figure waiting process executed in step S173 of FIG. In the special figure hit waiting process shown in FIG. 38, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the symbol confirmation designation command reception flag is set (step S720). If the symbol confirmation designation command reception flag has not been set (step S720; NO), the special figure hit waiting process ends.

  When the symbol confirmation designation command reception flag is set (step S720; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the symbol confirmation designation command reception flag (step S721), and stops and displays the determined decorative symbol (step S722). ). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the confirmed decorative symbol is a big hit symbol (step S723). If the confirmed decorative symbol is not the big hit symbol (step S723: NO), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the low-probability low-base state (step S724). For example, the effect control CPU 120 may determine the current game state based on a value of a flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like). When the current gaming state is not in the low-probability low-base state (step S724; NO), the effect control CPU 120 executes a gaming state setting process (described later) (step S725). When the current gaming state is the low-probability low-base state (step S724; YES), or after executing the processing of step S725, the value of the rendering process flag is changed to the variable display start waiting processing (step S170). It is updated to "0" (step S726), and the waiting process per special figure ends.

  If the confirmed decorative symbol is a big hit symbol (step S723: YES), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the big hit start designation command reception flag is set (step S730). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a jackpot start designation command has been received. If the big hit start designation command reception flag is not set (step S730; NO), the special figure hit waiting process ends.

  When the jackpot start designation command reception flag is set (step S730; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S731), and sets the gaming state to the low-accuracy low base state. (Step SS732). For example, the effect control CPU 120 may set the gaming state to the low-accuracy low-base state using a value of a flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 sets a fanfare effect (step S732), updates the value of the effect process flag to “4” corresponding to the big hit start process (step S174) (step S733), and waits for special figure hit. The process ends.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the game state setting control process executed in step S725 of FIG. In the game state setting control process shown in FIG. 39, the effect control CPU 120 first adds 1 to the decorative symbol change frequency count value, which is the storage value of the decorative symbol change frequency counter (step S901). The decorative symbol variation counter is information for counting the number of variations of the decorative symbol provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control counter setting unit). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the current gaming state is a highly accurate state (step S902). When the current gaming state is the high-accuracy state (step S902; YES), it is determined whether or not the decorative symbol change frequency count value exceeds a predetermined determination value (high-accuracy end determination value) (step S903). . If the decorative symbol change count value exceeds the high-accuracy end determination value (step S903; YES), effect control CPU 120 sets (changes) the gaming state from the high-accuracy state to the low-accuracy state (step S904). ).

  When the current gaming state is not in the high-accuracy state (step S902; NO), or when the decorative symbol change count value does not exceed the high-accuracy end determination value (step S903; NO), the processing in step S904 is performed. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is the high base state (step S906). When the current gaming state is the high base state (step S906; YES), it is determined whether or not the decorative symbol change frequency count value exceeds a predetermined determination value (high base end determination value) (step S907). . When the decorative symbol change count value exceeds the high base end determination value (step S907; YES), effect control CPU 120 sets (changes) the gaming state from the high base state to the low base state (step S908). ).

  When the current gaming state is not the high base state (step S906; NO), or when the decorative symbol change count value does not exceed the high base end determination value (step S907; NO), the processing of step S908 is executed. Thereafter, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the current game state is the low-probability low-base state (step S910). If the current game state is not the low-probability low-base state (step S910; NO), the game state setting control process ends. When the current game state is the low-probability low-base state (step S910; YES), the decorative symbol change count value is initialized to “0” (step S912), and the continuous payout number count value is set to “0”. Initialization (step S913), the game state setting control processing ends.

  FIG. 40A is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot start process executed in step S174 of FIG. In the big hit start processing shown in FIG. 40 (A), first, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the special winning opening opening flag is set (step S741). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a round start command has been received. If the special winning opening opening flag is not set (step S741; NO), the big hit start process ends. Note that a fanfare effect is executed until the special winning opening opening flag is set.

  If the special winning opening opening flag is set (step S741; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the special winning opening opening flag (step S742), and the opening according to the big hit type and the effect mode is performed. The effect is set (step S743), the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5” corresponding to the round process (step S175) (step S744), and the big hit start process ends. In the process of step 743, by setting the opening effect according to the jackpot type, the opening effect is changed according to the jackpot type (for example, the background screen is different), and the instruction notification (instruction effect) is performed. ) Can be changed (for example, the display size and color of the message, the volume of the narration sound, and the like are different). Furthermore, by setting the effect during opening according to the effect mode, the mode of instruction notification (instruction effect) is changed according to the effect mode (for example, in the effect mode A, "Aim for V!" A message is displayed and a male narration sound is output, and in the effect mode B, a message "Aim for V!" Is displayed and a female narration sound is output, as shown in FIGS. )be able to.

  FIG. 40B is a flowchart illustrating an example of the in-round processing executed in step S175 of FIG. In the mid-round processing shown in FIG. 40 (B), the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the flag after opening the special winning opening is set (step S751). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a round end command has been received. If the flag after opening the special winning opening has not been set (step S751; NO), the post-round processing ends. During the period until the flag is set after the opening of the special winning opening, the effect during opening is executed.

  If the special winning opening flag is set (step S751; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the special winning opening flag after opening (step S752), and sets the effect during closing (step S753). Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to “6” corresponding to the post-round processing (step S176) (step S754), and the processing during the round is ended.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the post-round processing performed in step S176 of FIG. In the post-round processing shown in FIG. 41, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the big hit end designation command reception flag is set (step S760). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a jackpot end designation command has been received. When the big hit end designation command reception flag is not set (step S760; NO), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the special winning opening opening flag is set (step S761). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not a round start command has been received. If the special winning opening opening flag is not set (step S761; NO), the post-round processing ends.

  If the special winning opening opening flag is set (step S761; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the special winning opening opening flag (step S762), and the opening according to the jackpot type and the effect mode is performed. The effect is set (step S763), the value of the effect process flag is updated to “5” corresponding to the mid-round processing (step S175) (step S764), and the post-round processing ends. In the process of step 763, by setting the opening effect according to the type of big hit, the mode of the opening effect is changed according to the type of big hit (for example, the background screen is different), and the instruction notification (instruction effect) is made. ) Can be changed (for example, the display size and color of the message, the volume of the narration sound, and the like are different). Furthermore, by setting the effect during opening according to the effect mode, the mode of instruction notification (instruction effect) is changed according to the effect mode (for example, in the effect mode A, "Aim for V!" A message is displayed and a male narration sound is output, and in the effect mode B, a message "Aim for V!" Is displayed and a female narration sound is output, as shown in FIGS. )be able to.

  On the other hand, when the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set (step S760; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S765), and performs an ending effect according to the effect mode. It is set (step S766), the value of the effect process flag is updated to “7” corresponding to the post-big hit end processing (step S177) (step S767), and the post-round processing ends. In addition, during the period until either the big hit end designation command reception flag or the big winning opening opening flag is set, the closing effect is executed.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of the post-big hit end processing executed in step S177 of FIG. In the post-big hit end processing shown in FIG. 42, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the end-time effect end designation command reception flag is set (step S770). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the end-time effect end designation command has been received. If the end-time effect end designation command reception flag is not set (step S770; NO), the process ends after the big hit ends. Note that an ending effect is executed during a period until the end-time effect end designation command reception flag is set.

  If the end-time effect end designation command reception flag is set (step S770; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the end-time effect end designation command reception flag (step S771), and sets a predetermined area (for example, It is determined whether or not the probable change setting flag provided in the effect control flag setting unit) is set (step S772). Note that the probability change setting flag is set to the ON state in accordance with the first setting of the probability change determination command reception flag in the notification flag setting process (step S151) in FIGS. 36 and 43.

  When the certainty setting flag is set (step S772; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the certainty setting flag (step S773), and sets the gaming state to the high certainty base state (step S774). On the other hand, when the probability change setting flag is not set (step S772; NO), the effect control CPU 120 sets the gaming state to the low-probability-high base state (step S775).

  Subsequent to the process of step S774 or the process of step S775, the effect control CPU 120 initializes the decorative symbol variation count value to "0" (step S776), and waits for a variable display process start value in the effect process flag. It is updated to "0" corresponding to (Step S170) (Step S777), and the post-big hit end processing ends.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 42, based on the reception of the effect control command (the end-time effect end designation command) (step S770; YES), the execution of the ending effect is ended, and the process is controlled to wait for the variable display start. (Step S777), a timer may be used. For example, a timer for an ending effect is provided in a predetermined area (for example, an effect control timer setting unit or the like) of the RAM 122, and the timer value of the timer is set in the post-round processing (step S176), and the post-big hit end processing (step S176) is performed. In S177), the execution of the ending effect may be terminated based on the timeout of the timer, and the process may be controlled to wait for the variable display.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a notification flag setting process performed in step S151 of FIG. In the notification flag setting process shown in FIG. 43, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (step S920). That is, the effect control CPU 120 executes the process executed during the big hit as the effect control process process of the step S75 (the big hit start process of the step S174, the round process of the step S175, the post-round process of the step S176, and the big hit end of the step S177). ) Is determined. When the value of the effect process flag is not 4 or more (step S920; NO), the notification flag setting process ends.

  When the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (Step S920; YES), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the lower large winning opening winning notification command reception flag is set (Step S921). If the lower-rank winning entry winning notification command reception flag is set (step S921; YES), the lower-rank winning opening winning notification command reception flag is cleared (step S922), and the number of prize balls corresponding to the lower-rank winning opening is determined. Is added to the continuous payout number count value (step S923).

  When the lower special winning opening winning notification command reception flag is not set (step S921; NO) or after executing the processing of step S923, the effect control CPU 120 sets the upper special winning opening winning notification command reception flag. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S924). When the upper-rank winning entry winning notification command reception flag is set (step S924; YES), the upper-rank winning opening winning notification command reception flag is cleared (step S925), and the number of prize balls corresponding to the upper-rank winning opening is determined. Is added to the continuous payout number count value (step S926).

  When the upper winning award winning prize notification command reception flag is not set (step S924; NO), or after executing the processing of step S926, the effect control CPU 120 sets the continuous number of balls counted value to a predetermined number of balls. It is determined whether or not the notification number has been reached for the first time (step S928). Note that the predetermined number of balls to be announced may be at least one type. In the present embodiment, a plurality of kinds of the number of notices of the payout (for example, 3000, 5000, 10000) are determined. When a plurality of types of notification numbers are determined, it is determined whether or not any of the plurality of types of notification numbers has reached for the first time. For example, it is determined whether the number has reached 3,000 for the first time, whether the number has reached 5,000 for the first time, or whether the number has reached 10,000 for the first time.

  When the continuous number-of-balls count value reaches the predetermined number of ball announcements for the first time (step S927; YES), effect control CPU 120 sets a flag before the ball announcement that corresponds to the number of ball announcements that has reached for the first time. (Step S928). More specifically, in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like), a flag for notifying a ball to be released (for example, a flag for notifying a ball when 3000 pieces are reached, 5000 A flag before the announcement of a ball when reaching the number of pieces, a flag before the announcement of a ball when reaching 10,000, etc.) is provided, and the CPU 120 for effect control turns on the flag before the announcement of the number of balls to arrive for the first time. Just set it to the state.

  When the count value of the continuous number of balls has not reached the predetermined number of reported balls for the first time (step S927; NO), or after executing the processing of step S928, the CPU 120 for effect control determines that the probability-change confirmation command reception flag has been set. It is determined whether it is set (step S929). If the probable change confirmation command reception flag is not set (step S929; NO), the notification flag setting process ends.

  When the probability change confirmation command reception flag is set (step S929; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the probability change confirmation command reception flag (step S930). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the probable change setting flag is set (step S931). If the probable change setting flag is set (step S931; YES), the notification flag setting process ends.

  When the certainty setting flag is not set (step S931; NO), the effect control CPU 120 sets the certainty setting flag to the ON state (step S932). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 sets the flag before notification of confirmation of certainty change provided in a predetermined area of RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit or the like) to an ON state (step S933), and ends the notification flag setting process. .

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing an example of the notification control process executed in step S152 of FIG. In the notification control process shown in FIG. 44, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a ball output notification end control process (step S940). The delivery notification end control process will be described later. Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the value of the effect process flag is 6 (step S941). That is, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the post-round processing in step S176 is being executed as the effect control process processing in step S75.

  When the value of the effect process flag is 6 (step S941; YES), effect control CPU 120 executes a probability change confirmation notification end control process (step S942). The probable change confirmation notification end control process will be described later. When the value of the effect process flag is not 6 (Step S941; NO), or after executing the processing of Step S942, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (Step S941; NO). Step S943). If the value of the effect process flag is not 4 or more (step S943; NO), the notification control process ends. When the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (step S943; YES), the effect control CPU 120 executes a big hit notification start control process (step S944).

  Next, effect control CPU 120 executes an abnormality notification process for notifying that an abnormality such as a full error or a door opening error has occurred (step S945). In step S946, a card forgetting prevention notification process is performed to execute the process. Thereafter, the notification control processing ends.

  FIG. 45 (A) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the payout notification end control process executed in step S940 of FIG. 44. In the payout notification end control process shown in FIG. 45 (A), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the payout normal mode notification flag (or the payout simple mode notification flag) is set. Step S9000). The flag for alerting the normal appearance of the ball is a flag provided in a predetermined area (for example, the effect control flag setting unit) of the RAM 122, and is set to the ON state while the announcement of the normal appearance is performed. You. The payout simple mode notification flag is a flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control flag setting unit, etc.), and the popout notification is performed in a simple mode that is simpler than the normal mode. During this time, it is set to the ON state. If the flag for notifying the normal ball appearance mode (or the flag for notifying the simple ball appearance mode) has not been set (step S9000; NO), the control process for terminating the general ball announcement end is ended. That is, when the announcement of the ball is not performed in the normal mode or the simple mode, there is no target for ending the notification, and the ball announcement notification end control process ends.

  If the flag for notifying the normal ball appearance (or the flag for notifying the simple ball appearance mode) is set (step S9000; YES), the effect control CPU 120 subtracts one from the timer value during the notification of the ball appearance (step S9000). S9001), it is determined whether or not the timer value notification timer has become 0 (step S9002). It should be noted that the timer value during the announcement of the ball is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control timer setting unit or the like) when the flag for reporting the normal ball appearance mode (or the flag for notifying the simple ball appearance mode) is set. This is a timer value that is set to the provided-out notification timer. In other words, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the time-out-of-ball notification timer has timed out. If the timer value has not been set to “0” (step S9002; NO). The payout notification end control processing ends. That is, since it is not yet time to end the notification, the payout notification end control process ends.

  When the timer value of the ball announcement is 0 (step S9002; YES), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag for alerting the normal appearance of the ball is set (step S9003). If the flag for notifying the normal ball appearance mode is set (step S9003; YES), the effect control CPU 120 ends the notification of the normal ball appearance mode (step S9004) and clears the flag for notifying the normal ball appearance mode. (Step S9005), the payout notification end control processing ends. That is, since the notification time of the ball-out notification performed in the normal mode has ended (timeout), the ball-out notification (normal mode) is ended, and the ball-out normal mode notification flag is cleared.

  If the flag for notifying a normal ball appearance mode is not set (step S9003; NO), the effect control CPU 120 ends the notification of the simple ball appearance mode (step S9006), and clears the flag for the simple ball appearance mode notification. (Step S9006), the payout notification end control process ends. That is, since the notification time of the ball-out notification performed in the simple mode has ended (timeout), the ball-out notification (simple mode) is ended, and the ball-out simple mode notification flag is cleared.

  As described above, according to the payout notification end control process (step S940) illustrated in FIG. 45A, the payout normal mode notification and the payout simple mode notification are ended by the timeout of the payout notification timer.

  FIG. 45 (B) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the probable change confirmation notification end control process executed in step S942 of FIG. 44. In the probability change confirmation notification end control process shown in FIG. 45B, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the probability change confirmation notification in progress flag is set (step S9010). The probable change confirmation notification flag is a flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control flag setting unit, etc.), and is set to the ON state while the probabilistic change confirmation notification is being performed. If the in-probability-change confirmation notification flag has not been set (step S9010; NO), the probable-change confirmation notification end control process ends. In other words, when the certainty-change confirmation notification is not performed, there is no target for ending the notification, and the certainty-change confirmation notification end control process ends.

  When the certainty-change confirmed notification flag is set (step S9010; YES), effect control CPU 120 ends the certainty-change confirmed notification (step S9011), clears the certainty-change confirmed notification flag (step S9012), and performs the certainty change. The confirmation notification end control process ends.

  As described above, according to the probable change confirmation notification end control process (step S942) illustrated in FIG. 45B, the probable change confirmation notification ends when the probable change confirmation notification end control process is executed. That is, the certainty change confirmation notification ends when the post-round processing of step S176 corresponding to the value of the effect process flag being 6 is executed (when the opening state of the special winning opening ends).

  FIGS. 46 and 47 are flowcharts showing an example of the big hit notification start control process executed in step S944 of FIG. In the big hit middle notification start control process shown in FIG. 46, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the before-ball announcement notification flag is set (step S9030). In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of types of the number of notices of the payout ball are determined, such as 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000. In addition, in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, a production control flag setting unit, etc.), a flag before notification of a ball to be released (for example, a flag before notification of a ball when 3,000 pieces are reached, and a flag of 5,000 pieces) A flag before the announcement of a ball at the time, a flag before the announcement of a ball when the number reaches 10,000, and the like are provided. Therefore, in the process of step S9030, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not any of the before-discharge notification flags has been set, in other words, a plurality of before-discharge notification flags (for example, when there are 3000 balls). It is determined whether any one of the flag before notification (pre-notification flag before arrival of 5000 pieces, a flag before notification of arrival when 10,000 pieces are reached, etc.) is set.

  When the flag before announcement of a ball is set (step S9030; YES), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag before notification of certainty change determination is set (step S9032).

  In step S9032, when the probable change confirmation pre-notification flag is set (step S9032; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the probabilistic change confirmation pre-notification flag (step S9033) and starts probable change confirmation notification (step S9034). ). As a result, in the display area of the image display device 5, an image, a message, or the like indicating that the control is performed in a highly accurate state after the big hit is displayed. Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 sets the certainty change confirmation notification in-progress flag (step S9035), and ends the big hit notification informing start control process. In other words, when both the before-ball announcement notification flag and the certainty-change confirmation before-notification flag are set (step S9030; YES, step S9032; YES), effect control CPU 120 performs the certainty change confirmation notification (step S9034).

  If it is determined in step S9032 that the flag before notification of confirmation of certainty change determination is not set (step S9032; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether the flag for notifying of confirmation of certainty change determination is set or not (FIG. 47A). Step S9040).

  When the certainty-change confirmed notification flag is not set in step S9040 (step S9040; NO), effect control CPU 120 clears the before-ball-out notification flag (step S9041), and starts the normal-ball-out notification (step S9041). Step S9042). Accordingly, in the display area of the image display device 5, an image or a message indicating that the number of consecutive balls has reached the number of balls to be announced (for example, 3000, 5000, or 10,000) is displayed in a normal display mode. Is displayed with. Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 sets a flag for alerting the normal appearance of a ball (step S9043), and outputs the flag to the timer for alerting the ball provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control timer setting unit or the like). The ball notification timer value is set (step S9047), and the big hit notification start control process ends. In other words, when the flag before notification of the delivery of a ball is set and the flag before notification of confirmation of a certainty change determination is not set (step S9030; YES, step S9032; NO), and when the flag for notification of a certainty change determination is not set ( (Step S9040; NO), the effect control CPU 120 performs the announcement of the ball in a normal mode (step S9042).

  If the certainty change confirmation informing flag is set in step S904 (step S9040; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the before-ball announcement notification flag (step S9044) and starts the easy-ball announcement mode (step S9044). Step S9045). Thus, in the display area of the image display device 5, an image or a message indicating that the number of consecutive payouts has reached the payout notification number (for example, 3000, 5000, or 10,000) is displayed in a simple manner. Is displayed with. Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 sets a flag for notifying a payout simple mode (step S9046), and outputs the flag to a payout notification timer provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control timer setting unit). The ball notification in-progress timer value is set (step S9047), and the big hit notification informing start control process ends. In other words, the flag before announcement of a ball has been set (step S9030; YES), the flag before notification of certainty change determination has not been set (step S9032; NO), and the flag for notification of certainty change determination has been set. At this time (step S9040; YES), the effect control CPU 120 performs the delivery notice in a simple mode that is simpler than the normal mode (step S9045).

  In the present embodiment, the value of the timer for notifying a ball to be set to be set to the timer for notifying a ball to be set in the process of step S9047 is 5 seconds. However, the value of the timer for notifying the ball to be set which is set in the timer for notifying the ball to be notified is not limited to 5 seconds. For example, a value (time) of less than 5 seconds may be set as the timer value during the notification of the ball to be released, or a value (time) exceeding 5 seconds may be set as the timer value during the notification of the ball to be released. Is also good. In addition, when the start-of-ball-out normal mode notification is started in the process of step S9042, and when the start-out simple-mode notification is started in the process of step S9045, a different outgoing-time notification timer value is set in the process of step S9047. You may. For example, a timer value for a time when the ball is informed that a short time (time) may be set when starting the notification of the simple appearance of the ball in comparison with the start of the normal mode. Thus, since the display mode is simple and the display time is short, it is possible to more easily (succinctly) notify the payout. Also, for example, a timer value for a time-out notification that has a longer value (time) may be set when starting the notification of the simple appearance of the payout than when starting the notification of the normal mode. Accordingly, a simple display mode can be covered by the length of the display time, and the notification can be made more reliably.

  If the flag before announcement of a ball is not set in step S9030 (step S9030; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag before notification of confirmation of a certain change is set (FIG. 47B). Step S9050). If the probable change confirmation pre-notification flag is not set (step S9050; NO), the big hit notification start control process ends. In other words, when neither the before-ball announcement notification flag nor the certainty change confirmation notification flag is set (step S9030; NO, step S9050; NO), there is no target to start the notification, so the big hit middle notification start control process is performed. finish.

  When the probability change confirmation pre-notification flag is set in step S9050 (step S9050; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the probability change confirmation pre-notification flag (step S9051), and sets the flag indicating the normal ball appearance mode. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S9052).

  In step S9052, when the flag for notifying the normal ball appearance mode is not set (step S9052; NO), the effect control CPU 120 starts the certainty change confirmation notification (step S9056), and sets the certainty change confirmation notification flag (step S9056). Step S9057), the big hit middle notification start control process ends. That is, the flag is not set (step S9030; NO), and the flag before notification of confirmation of the certainty change determination is set (step S9050; YES). When it is not performed (step S9052; NO), the effect control CPU 120 simply performs the probability change confirmation notification (step S9057).

  In step S9052, when the flag for notifying the normal appearance mode is set (step S9052; YES), the effect control CPU 120 ends the notification of the normal appearance mode and starts the notification of the simple appearance mode (step S9053). ). As a result, an image, a message, or the like indicating that the continuous payout number has reached the payout notification number is switched from the normal display form to the simple display form. Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 clears the flag for notifying the normal ball appearance mode (step S9054), and sets the flag for notifying the simple ball appearance mode (step S9055). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 starts probable change confirmation notification (step S9056). As a result, in the display area of the image display device 5, an image, a message, or the like indicating that the control is performed in a highly accurate state after the big hit is displayed. Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 sets the certainty change informing notification flag (step S9057), and ends the big hit informing notification start control process. That is, the flag is not set (step S9030; NO), the flag before notification of confirmation of the certainty change is set (step S9050; YES), and the flag is set to notify the normal ball appearance mode. When it is performed (step S9052; YES), the effect control CPU 120 switches the notification of the normal appearance of the ball to the simple notification of the appearance of the ball (step S9053, step S9054, step S9055), and performs the certainty determination notification (step S9053). S9057).

  As described above, according to the jackpot medium notification start control process (step S944) shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, when neither the payout notification flag nor the positive change confirmation notification flag is set (step S9050; NO). Since there is no target to start the notification, the big hit notification start control process ends. If only the probable change confirmation pre-notification flag is set (step S9050; YES), the probabilistic change confirmation notification is started (or, when the betting normal mode notification is being performed, switching to the betting simple mode notification). If only the flag before the announcement of the ball is set (step S9032; NO), either the notification of the normal ball emergence mode or the notification of the simple ball emergence mode is started depending on whether or not the certainty change confirmation notification is executed (the certainty change confirmation). If the notification has not been performed, notification of the normal payout mode is started, and if the sure change confirmation notification has not been performed, the simple control of the payout mode starts. When both the flag before notification and the flag before notification of confirmation of a certain change are set (step S9032; YES), the notification of confirmation of confirmation of change is started (step S9034). In this case, since the certainty change confirmation notification pre-flag is cleared (step S9033) and the certainty change confirmation notification in progress flag is set (step S9035), when the next big hit middle notification start control process is executed, the simple payout mode notification is started. (Step S9045).

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the abnormality notification process executed in step S945 of FIG. In the abnormality notification processing, effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the effect full tank error flag is set (step S9450). Then, when the effect full tank error flag is set, the effect control CPU 120 starts the full tank error notification in a mode corresponding to the effect mode (step S9451). On the other hand, when the production full tank error flag has not been set (N in step S9450), the production control CPU 120 performs control to stop if the full tank error notification has been performed (step S9452).

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 checks whether or not the effect door opening error flag is set (step S9453). When the effect door opening error flag is set, the effect control CPU 120 starts door opening error notification in a mode according to the effect mode (step S9454). On the other hand, when the effect door opening error flag is not set (N in step S9453), the effect control CPU 120 performs control to stop the operation if the door opening error notification is performed (step S9455).

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the card removal forgetting prevention notification process executed in step S946 of FIG. In the card forgetting prevention notification process, when the value of the effect process flag is 7 (Y in step S9460), that is, when the post-big hit end process is being executed, the effect control CPU 120 determines the effect mode. According to the mode, the card forgetting prevention notification is started (step S9461). On the other hand, if the value of the effect process flag is not 7 (N in step S9460), that is, if the post-jackpot end processing has not been executed, control is performed to stop if the card forgetting prevention notification is performed (step S9460). Step S9462). In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not the prepaid card has been removed, the system is configured to notify the user of forgetting to remove the card at the end of the big hit, but it is detected whether or not the prepaid card has been removed. Means may be provided so that the card forgetting prevention notification is performed only when the prepaid card has not been removed.

  FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating an example of a production operation of a full tank error notification, a door open error notification, a card forgetting prevention notification, and an instruction notification. FIGS. 50 (A) to (D) are examples of the effect operation in the effect mode A, and FIGS. 50 (E) to (H) are the effect operation examples in the effect mode B.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 50, the full tank error notification, the door opening error notification, the card removal prevention notification, and the instruction notification are performed in different modes according to the effect mode. For example, in the case of the full tank error notification, in the effect mode A, a message "press the ball-pulling button!" Is displayed on the image display device 5, and a male narration sound (press the ball-pulling button) is output. (FIG. 50 (A)), and in the effect mode B, a message “Press the ball release button!” Is displayed on the image display device 5 and a female narration sound (press the ball release button) is output. (FIG. 50 (E)). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in step S9451 of the abnormality notification process, by starting the full tank error notification in accordance with the effect mode, the full state is displayed in one of the modes of FIG. 50 (A) and FIG. 50 (E). Tan error notification is started.

  In addition, in the case of the door opening error notification, in the effect mode A, a message “door opening” is displayed on the image display device 5 and a male narration sound (door opening) is output ( 50 (B), in the effect mode B, a message "door is open" is displayed on the image display device 5, and a female narration sound (door is open) is output (FIG. 50 (B)). F)). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in step S9454 of the abnormality notification process, by starting notification of the door opening error corresponding to the effect mode, according to one of the modes shown in FIG. 50 (B) and FIG. 50 (F), Notification of a door opening error is started.

  In addition, in the case of the card forgetting prevention notification, in the effect mode A, the message “Be careful not to forget to take out the card” is displayed on the image display device 5 and the male narration sound (forgetting to take out the card) Is output (FIG. 50 (C)), and in the effect mode B, a message “Be careful not to forget to take out the card” is displayed on the image display device 5 and the female narration sound ( (Take care not to forget to take out the card) is output (FIG. 50 (G)). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in step S9461 of the card removal forgetting notification processing, the card removal forgetting notification according to the effect mode is started, so that one of FIG. 50 (C) and FIG. 50 (G) is started. According to the aspect, the card forgetting prevention notification is started.

  In the case of the instruction notification, in the effect mode A, a message “Aim for V!” Is displayed on the image display device 5 and a male narration sound (aim for V) is output (FIG. 50). (D)) In the effect mode B, a message “Aim for V!” Is displayed on the image display device 5 and a female narration sound (aim for V) is output (FIG. 50 (H)). )). Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the step S743 of the big hit start process and the step S763 of the post-round process, the effect during opening is set so as to perform the instruction notification in a mode corresponding to the effect mode, thereby obtaining the state shown in FIG. Instruction notification is started in one of the modes shown in FIG.

  As described above, the full-state error notification, the door opening error notification, the card forgetting prevention notification, and the instruction notification are performed according to the mode according to the production mode. Therefore, the player selects the production mode by selecting the production mode. can do. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the notification can be made in a manner that matches the taste of the player, and the interest can be improved.

  Next, the flow of a game according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as described above, after the end of the big hit, the game state is in the high base state (high accuracy high base state or low accuracy high base state) until the end of the predetermined number of special figure games. This is more advantageous for the player than when the player is in a low base state (such as a low-probability low base state). Specifically, when the player is in the high-accuracy high-base state, the player has a larger hit probability (improved probability) and a higher consumption amount of balls (reduced consumption) than in the low-accuracy low-base state. It is advantageous. Further, when in the low-probability high-base state, it is more advantageous for the player in the consumption amount of payouts (reduction in consumption amount) than in the low-probability low-base state. Therefore, it is assumed that the player continues to play the game when the game is in the high base state, and it is difficult to assume that the player will be idle (inactive) when the game is in the high base state. That is, basically, the vacant platform is in the low base state.

  The player who has started the game by sitting on the empty base in the low-probability low base state guides the game ball to the left game area 2A so that the normal winning ball device 6A wins the game ball. A game ball wins in the normal winning ball device 6A, and the first special map game is performed. Since the current gaming state is in the non-probable state (low-probability low-base state), as shown in FIG. Is low, and even when a big hit occurs, since the fluctuation special figure is the first special figure, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), the “first big hit (substantially 5R normal)”, “second big special” Jackpot (substantial 4R probability change) "or" third jackpot (substantial 10R probability change) ".

  When the "first big hit (substantially 5R normal)" is reached, the probability change control condition is not satisfied, as described above, so that after the "first big hit (substantially 5R normal)" ends (the predetermined number of special figure games) Until the end of the game), the game state is in the low-probability high base state. When the "second big hit (substantially 4R sure change)" is reached, the positive change control condition is satisfied as described above. Until the end of the game), the game state becomes the high-accuracy high-base state. In the case of "third big hit (substantially 10R sure change)", as described above, the positive change control condition is satisfied. Until the end of the game), the game state becomes the high-accuracy high-base state. When the game state is the high base state (high accuracy high base state or low accuracy high base state), the game ball is passed to the gate 6C, and the normal variable prize ball device 6B moves the game ball to the right game area 2B so as to win the game ball. Induce.

  In the low-probability-high base state after the end of the "first big hit (substantially 5R regular change)", as shown in FIG. )), The probability of a “big hit” is lower than in the high-probability / high-base state after the end, but when a big hit occurs, the fluctuation special figure is the second special figure, and as shown in FIG. In addition, the "3rd big hit" is most advantageous for the player. In the high probability and high base state after the end of “second big hit (substantial 4R probability change)” or “third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)”, as shown in FIG. When a big hit occurs, the fluctuation special figure is the second special figure, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), the third special big win is most advantageous to the player.

  As described above, when the initial hit (big hit when in the low-probability and low-base state) is the “first big hit (5R normal)”, the number of hits at the initial hit is small, and the probability of a big hit is improved. However, the game can be played while the consumption of the payout balls is suppressed until the end of the predetermined number of special figure games. When the first hit is “the second big hit (substantially 4R sure change)”, the number of hits at the first hit is small, but the probability of a big hit is improved. It is possible to expect a "third big hit (substantially 10R certain change)" while suppressing the consumption of payouts. When the first hit is "third big hit (substantially 10R sure change)", the number of hits at the first hit is large, and the probability of a big hit is improved. It is possible to expect a "third big hit (substantially 10R certain change)" while suppressing the consumption of payouts. In other words, in the present embodiment, it is possible to expect a big hit (long-run) again in the second special figure game up to a predetermined number of times after the initial hit without significantly reducing the number of game balls (payout balls). In addition, at the time of consecutive holidays, the game becomes “third big hit (substantial change of 10R)”, so that a sharp game is realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, when a consecutive play is being performed, the number of consecutive payouts (total number of payouts since the initial hit) is determined by a plurality of kinds of payout notification numbers (for example, 3000, 5000). , Or 10,000) for the first time. For example, when the number of continuous balls reaches 3,000 for the first time, a notification that the number of balls has reached 3,000 is displayed in the display area of the image display device 5, and when the number of continuous balls reaches 5,000 for the first time, the image display device is displayed. In the display area of No. 5, the notification of the arrival of 5,000 pieces is performed, and when the continuous number of balls reaches 10,000 for the first time, the notification of the arrival of 10,000 pieces in the display area of the image display device 5 is performed. Like that.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the certain change control condition is satisfied during the big hit, the certain change determination notification indicating that the control is performed to the high accuracy state after the big hit is performed. For example, when the probable change control condition is satisfied, the probable change confirmation notification is performed in the display area of the image display device 5.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as the ball-out notification, a ball-out normal mode notification and a ball-out simple mode notification are prepared. With regard to the time during which the certainty change confirmation notification is being performed, the simple delivery mode notification is performed as the delivery notification.

  Specifically, when the continuous payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time while the probability change confirmation notification is being performed (step S9040 of the big hit middle notification start control process in FIG. 47A; YES). Then, the simple delivery mode notification is started as the ball notification (step S9045 in FIG. 47A).

  More specifically, when the certainty change confirmation notification is started, the certainty change confirmation pre-notification flag is cleared (step S9033 in FIG. 46 or step S9051 in FIG. 47B). When the certainty change confirmation notification is started, the certainty change notification notification flag is set (step S9035 in FIG. 46 or step S9057 in FIG. 47B). Further, the probability change confirmation pre-notification flag is set so as not to be set more than once for one big hit by the probability change setting flag (see the notification flag setting process in FIG. 43 and the big hit end process in FIG. 42). In other words, during the execution of the certainty change confirmation notification, the certainty change confirmation notifying flag is not set, and the certainty change confirmation notification flag is set. From the above, when the continuous payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time while the probability change confirmation notification is being performed and the payout notification flag is set (see the notification flag setting process in FIG. 43), The notification of the payout simple mode is started (step S9045 in FIG. 47A).

  In addition, when the certainty change control condition is satisfied during the notification of the normal ball appearance mode (step S9052 of the big hit medium notification start control process in FIG. 47B), the normal ball state notification is performed. While switching to the ball simple mode notification (step S9053 in FIG. 47B), the probability change confirmation notification is started (step S9056).

  More specifically, when the notification of the normal appearance of the ball is started, the flag before notification of the ball is cleared (step S9041 in FIG. 47A). When the notification of the normal ball appearance is started, the flag of the normal ball notification is set (step S9043 in FIG. 47A). In other words, during the announcement of the normal ball appearance mode, the pre-announcement flag is not set, and the normal ball announcement flag is set. As described above, when the certainty change control condition is satisfied and the certainty change pre-notification flag is set (see the notification flag setting process in FIG. 43) while the normal piece appearance notification is being performed, the normal piece appearance notification. (Step S9053 in FIG. 47B), and the certainty change confirmation notification is started (Step S9056).

  When the timing at which the continuous payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time and the timing at which the probable change control condition is satisfied match (or substantially match) (step S9032 of the big hit middle notification start control process in FIG. 46). ; YES), the probability change confirmation notification is started (step S9034 in FIG. 46), and subsequently, the payout simple mode notification is started (step S9042 in FIG. 47A).

  More specifically, for example, when the timing at which the number of continuous balls reaches the number of balls to be announced for the first time and the timing at which the probable change control condition is satisfied (substantially match), etc., the pre-bounce notification flag and the probable change confirmation notification are provided. The previous flag may be set together. For example, in the notification flag setting process of FIG. 43, after the process of step S928 is performed to set the flag before notification of the delivery of a ball, the process of step S933 is performed to set the flag before notification of confirmation of a certain change. is there. If both the pre-bounce notification flag and the probable-change confirmation pre-notification flag are set, the probable-change confirmation pre-notification flag is cleared (step S9033) and the probable-change confirmation notification is started in the big hit middle notification start control process of FIG. (Step S9034), the flag during the certainty change confirmation notification is set (Step S9035), and when the next big hit middle notification start control process is executed, the payout simple mode notification is started (Step S9042).

  Subsequently, a specific effect operation in the big hit game state will be described. FIG. 51 to FIG. 55 are diagrams illustrating an example of the rendering operation during the big hit game state. FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display when the probability change control condition is satisfied. The screen display shows typical scenes in the order of (a) in FIG. 51 → (b) in FIG. 51 → (c) in FIG. 51 → (d) in FIG. 51 → (e) in FIG. It is. The same applies to other figures.

  (A) of FIG. 51 illustrates a scene in which “the second big hit (substantial 4R probability change)” has occurred. FIG. 51B shows a scene in which the first round is being performed. Since each round is digested by right-handing, a message of "right-handing →" is displayed at the upper right of the display screen. The message “Right-turn →→” in the first round may be set as the opening effect in the first round in the big hit start process (step S174) in FIG. Further, the message of “Right-turning →” in the second and subsequent rounds may be set as the opening effect when starting the second and subsequent rounds in the post-round processing (step S176) in FIG. FIG. 51C shows a scene in which the ninth round is being performed. Since the ninth round is a round related to the establishment of the probable change control condition, a message “Aim for V!” Is displayed to alert the player. The message of "Aim for V!" May be set as the opening effect when the ninth round is started in the post-round processing (step S176) in FIG. 41, for example.

  (D) of FIG. 51 is a scene in which the probability change confirmation notification is performed in the ninth round. That is, as shown by a balloon in the drawing, when the game ball passes through the probable area switch 24A (detected by the probable area switch 24A) and the probable change control condition is satisfied, as shown in FIG. Then, a probability change confirmation notification is performed. The image of “V” illustrated in (d) of FIG. 51 is an example of the probability change confirmation notification. The image of “V” is set at the start of the certainty change confirmation notification (step S9056 in FIG. 47B) in the big hit middle notification start control process (step S944).

  After the “second big hit (substantially 4R sure change)” ends, the game shifts to the high-precision high base until the predetermined number of special figure games ends.

  The “second big hit (substantially 4R sure change)” is a long-term opening (29000 milliseconds) in the second, fourth, sixth, and ninth rounds, and the first, third, and fifth rounds The eyes, the seventh round, the eighth round, and the tenth round are short-term open (52 milliseconds). As the display of the number of rounds, a long open round may be indicated. That is, the second round may be displayed as “1R”, the fourth round may be displayed as “2R”, the sixth round as “3R”, and the ninth round as “4R”. For example, in FIG. 51D, “9R” is displayed at the upper left of the display screen, but “4R” may be displayed.

  FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display when the number of consecutive balls reaches the number of reported balls for the first time. (A) of FIG. 52 illustrates a scene in which the “third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)” has occurred. FIG. 52B shows a scene in which the first round is being performed. Specifically, this is a scene immediately after the start of the first round.

  (C) of FIG. 52 is a scene in which the notification of the normal mode of the payout is performed in the seventh round. That is, as indicated by a balloon in the drawing, the game ball passes through the count switch (lower winning port switch 23B) (detected by the count switch), and the continuous number of balls is "3000". Is reached for the first time, as shown in (c) of FIG. The character image and the message "3000 shots GET !!" shown in FIG. The character image and the message of "3000 shots GET !!" are set at the start of notification of the normal payout mode (step S9042 in FIG. 47A) in the big hit notification start control process (step S944).

  Although not shown in FIG. 52, when the “third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)” is reached, the probability change control condition is basically satisfied in the first round, and the “third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)” is satisfied. After the completion of the “probable change”), the game shifts to the high-probability base until the predetermined number of special figure games is completed.

  FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when the probability change control condition is satisfied and the continuous payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time. FIG. 53 (a) shows a scene in which the "third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)" has occurred. FIG. 53B shows a scene in which the first round is being performed. Specifically, this is a scene immediately after the start of the first round. FIG. 53C shows a scene in which the first round is being performed. Since the first round is a round related to the establishment of the probable change control condition, a message “Aim for V!” Is displayed to alert the player.

  In the “third jackpot (substantially 10R sure change)”, the third round, the fifth round, the seventh round, and the ninth round are rounds related to the establishment of the certainty change control condition in addition to the first round. It is not important to alert the player as compared to "2 big hits (substantially 4R change)". Therefore, it is not necessary to display the message “Aim for V!”. If, for some reason, after the completion of the seventh round, the probable change control condition has not been satisfied yet, a message "Aim for V!" May be displayed in the ninth round.

  FIG. 53 (d) shows a scene in which the probability change confirmation notification and the payout simple mode notification are performed in the first round. That is, as indicated by a balloon in the drawing, the game ball passes through the probable area switch 24A (detected by the probable area switch 24A), and at the same time (or substantially simultaneously) the probable change control condition is satisfied. Is passed through the count switch (lower win switch 23B) (detected by the count switch), and when the number of consecutive balls reaches the number of balls to be announced "3000" for the first time, it is shown in FIG. 53 (d). As described above, the certainty change confirmation notification and the simple payout mode notification are performed. The message of “3000 departure GET !!” shown in FIG. 53D is an example of the notification of a simple payout mode. 53 (d) is simpler than that in FIG. 52 (c). More specifically, in the notification of the simple appearance of the payout in FIG. 53 (d), the character image existing in the notification of the normal appearance of the payout in FIG. 52 (c) is omitted. 3,000 GET !!!!! "

  In addition, when the flag before the probability change confirmation and the flag before the delivery notification are set at the same time, the image of the "V" is used to start the probability change determination notification start (step S944 in FIG. 46) in the big hit medium notification start control process (step S944). The message “3000 shots GET !!”, which is set in S9034) and which is a simple mode, is issued in the start of the payout simple mode notification (step S9045 in FIG. 47A) of the big hit middle notification start control process (step S944). Is set.

  In addition, when the flag before the confirmation of change in probability is set slightly earlier than the flag before notification of the delivery of a ball, the image of “V” is used to start notification of confirmation of confirmation of the change in the big hit middle notification start control process (step S944). The message “3000 shots GET !!”, which is set in (Step S9056 in FIG. 47B) and is the simple mode, is a notification of the simple payout mode in the big hit medium notification start control process (Step S944) (FIG. 47). This is set in step S9045 of FIG.

  In addition, when the flag before announcement of a ball is set slightly earlier than the flag before confirmation of certainty change, a character image or a message of "3000 shots !!!!!" which is a normal mode is displayed for an instant (or The display is set but not displayed), and a message of “3000 GET !!!!” which is a simple mode is displayed. That is, when the flag before announcement of a ball is set slightly earlier than the flag before confirmation of certainty change, first, in step S9042 of FIG. 47A, the character image or the "3000 shot GET!" 47! Is immediately set in step S9053 of FIG. 47 (B) to a simple form of the message “3000 GET !!!!”, and “V” in step S9056 of FIG. 47 (B). Image is set.

  It should be noted that the notification of the simple payout mode is not limited to the one in which the message is reduced or the image is omitted as compared with the normal payout mode notification. For example, the notification of the simple appearance of the ball is a message in which the number of characters in the message is smaller than that of the normal notification of the ball, a character image or a message displayed at a position that is less noticeable (inconspicuous) than the notification of the normal ball, A character image or a message may be displayed in a color that is less noticeable than the notification of the normal appearance of the ball.

  After the “third big hit (substantially 10R certain change)” is completed, the game shifts to the high-precision high base until the predetermined number of special figure games is completed.

  FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display such as an ending effect. FIG. 54 (a) shows a scene in which the "third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)" has occurred. FIG. 54B shows a scene in which the tenth round is being performed. FIG. 54C shows a scene in which an ending effect is being performed. The character image displayed as the ending effect and the message of “ST continue!” Are set in the post-round processing (step S176) in FIG. In addition, as shown by the balloon in the figure, the game ball related to the last prize (the tenth item of the 10R) passes through the count switch (upper-prize-winning switch 23A) (detected by the count switch), It is assumed that the continuous payout number has become “4920”. That is, FIG. 54 illustrates a scene in which the continuous payout number has not reached the predetermined payout notification number for the first time. FIG. 54D shows a scene in which variable display is started after the end of the “third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)”.

  FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example in a case where the consecutive payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time in the final round. (A) of FIG. 55 illustrates a scene in which “the third big hit (substantially 10R certain change)” has occurred. FIG. 55B shows a scene in which the tenth round is being performed. FIG. 55 (c) shows a scene in which an outgoing announcement is being made in the ending effect. For example, as shown by a balloon in the drawing, the game ball relating to the last prize (the tenth item in the 10R) passes through the count switch (upper-prize-winning switch 23A) (detected by the count switch), When the number of consecutive payouts changes from "4996" to "5010", a payout notification is performed as shown in FIG. 55 (c). FIG. 55D shows a scene in which variable display is started after the end of the “third big hit (substantially 10R change)”.

  Note that the message “3000 shots GET !!” in FIG. 55C is an example of the notification of the payout simple mode. In the notification control process (step S152) shown in FIG. 44 and the big hit notification start control process (step S944) shown in FIG. 46 and FIG. 47, when the ball notification is performed during the ending effect, the normal ball-out mode Although notification is performed, as shown in (c) of FIG. 55, when the notification of a ball to be played is performed during the ending effect, the notification of the simple mode of the ball to be played may be performed. For example, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the announcement is based on the winning of the final round (10R), and if the announcement is based on the winning of the final round, the CPU 120 determines the normal appearance of the announcement. Alternatively, notification of the payout simple mode may be started. In addition, in the case of announcement of a ball based on winning in the latter half of the last round (for example, winning of the fifth round or later), or in the case of announcement of a ball based on the last winning of the last round (tenth round of the tenth round) However, the notification of the simple payout mode may be started instead of the notification of the normal payout mode.

  In addition, in the case of the ball announcement based on a winning (for example, the 1st to 9th) other than the last (for example, the 10th) of the last round, the announcement of the normal ball appearance is started and the announcement of the normal ball appearance is ended. Before performing the ending production (before the timer value during the notification of the ball is set to 0), the process of performing the certainty change confirmation while performing the notification of the normal mode of the ball (step in FIG. 47 (B)) In the same manner as in the process of S9053), it may be possible to switch from the notification of the normal delivery mode to the notification of the simple delivery mode.

  Subsequently, a modified example will be described. FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the notification control process. The notification control process of FIG. 56 has the following two main differences from the notification control process of FIG.

(Difference 1)
In the notification control process of FIG. 44, when the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (step S943; YES), the big hit notification start control process (step S944) of FIGS. 46 and 47 is executed. In the notification control process of FIG. 56, when the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (step S943; YES), the big hit notification start control process (step S1944) of FIGS. 57 and 58 is executed.

(Difference 2)
In the notification control process of FIG. 44, when the value of the effect process flag is not 4 or more (step S943; NO), or after executing the big hit notification start control process (step S944), the process ends. In the notification control process of FIG. 56, when the value of the effect process flag is not 4 or more (step S943; NO), or after executing the big hit notification start control process (step S1944), the value of the effect process flag becomes 1 It is determined whether or not there is (Step S1945). If the value of the effect process flag is 1 (Step S1945; YES), the variable display notification start control process of FIG. 59 (Step S1944) is executed.

  In the notification control process shown in FIG. 56, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a ball output notification end control process of FIG. 45A (step S940). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the value of the effect process flag is 6 (step S941).

  When the value of the effect process flag is 6, (step S941; YES), The effect control CPU 120 includes: The probable change confirmation notification end control process of FIG. 45B is executed (step S942). When the value of the effect process flag is not 6 (step S941; NO), After executing the processing of step S942, The effect control CPU 120 includes: It is determined whether or not the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (step S943). When the value of the effect process flag is 4 or more (step S943; YES), The effect control CPU 120 includes: The big hit notification start control process of FIGS. 57 and 58 is executed (step S1944). on the other hand, When the value of the effect process flag is not 4 or more (step S943; NO), After executing the processing of step S1944, The effect control CPU 120 includes: It is determined whether or not the value of the effect process flag is 1 (step S1945). That is, The effect control CPU 120 includes: It is determined whether or not the variable display start setting process of step S171 is being executed as the effect control process process of step S75.

  If the value of the effect process flag is not 1 (step S1945; NO), the notification control process ends. When the value of the effect process flag is 1 (step S1945; YES), effect control CPU 120 executes the variable display notification start control process of FIG. 59 (step S1944).

  FIGS. 57 and 58 are flowcharts showing an example of the big hit notification start control process executed in step S1944 of FIG. The big hit middle notification start control process of FIGS. 57 and 58 has the following two main differences from the big hit middle notification start control process of FIGS. 46 and 47.

(Difference 1)
In the big hit middle notification start control process in FIGS. 46 and 47, first, it is determined whether or not the payout notification pre-flag is set (step S9030), whereas the big hit middle notification start in FIGS. 57 and 58 is started. In the control process, first, it is determined whether or not the flag after opening the special winning opening is set (step S9020). When the flag after opening the special winning opening is set (step S9020; YES), each processing in FIG. 58B is executed, and when the flag after opening the special winning opening is not set (step S9020; NO) ), It is determined whether or not the before-ball announcement notification flag is set (step S9030).

(Difference 2)
In the big hit middle notification start control process of FIGS. 46 and 47, when the certainty change confirmation notification pre-flag is not set in the process of step S9032 (step S9032; NO), each process of FIG. 47A is executed. On the other hand, in the big hit middle notification start control process of FIGS. 57 and 58, when the certainty change confirmation notification pre-flag is not set in the process of step S9032 (step S9032; NO), each process of FIG. Execute.

  In the big hit middle notification start control process shown in FIG. 57, first, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag after opening the special winning opening is set (step S9020). That is, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the post-round processing in step S176 is being executed as the effect control process processing in step S75. If the flag after opening the special winning opening has not been set (step S9020; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag for notifying a ball has been set (step S9030).

  When the flag before announcement of the ball is not set (step S9030; YES), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag before notification of certainty change determination is set (step S9032).

  In step S9032, when the probable change confirmation pre-notification flag is set (step S9032; YES), effect control CPU 120 clears the probabilistic change confirmation pre-notification flag (step S9033) and starts probable change confirmation notification (step S9034). ). Subsequently, effect control CPU 120 sets the certainty change confirmation notification in-progress flag (step S9035), and ends the big hit notification informing start control process.

  If it is determined in step S9032 that the probable change confirmation notifying flag has not been set (step S9032; NO), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the probable change confirmed notification flag has been set (see FIG. 58A). Step S9040).

  When the certainty-change confirmed notification flag is not set in step S9040 (step S9040; NO), effect control CPU 120 clears the before-ball-out notification flag (step S9041), and starts the normal-ball-out notification (step S9041). Step S9042). Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 sets a flag for alerting the normal appearance of a ball (step S9043), and outputs the flag to the timer for alerting the ball provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, the effect control timer setting unit or the like). The ball notification timer value is set (step S9047), and the big hit notification start control process ends.

  If the certainty-change confirmed notification flag is set in step S9040 (step S9040; YES), the big hit notification is started without executing the processing of step S9041, the processing of step S9042, the processing of step S9043, and the processing of step S9047. The control processing ends. In other words, the flag before announcement of a ball has been set (step S9030; YES), the flag before notification of certainty change determination has not been set (step S9032; NO), and the flag for notification of certainty change determination has been set. At this time (step S9040; YES), the delivery notification is not started. Specifically, since the before-shooting notification flag is not cleared, after the certainty-change confirmation notification ends (after the certain-change confirmation notification flag is cleared), the normal-shooting notification is started.

  If the before-ball announcement notification flag is not set in step S9030 (step S9030; NO), each process in FIG. 47B is executed.

  If the flag after opening the special winning opening is set in step S9020 (step S9020; YES), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not this time is the tenth round (step in FIG. 58B). S9060). That is, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an ending effect is to be executed without a next round. If it is not the 10th round this time (step S9060; NO), the big hit notification start control process ends.

  If it is the 10th round this time (step S9060; YES), effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the flag for notifying a ball is set (step S9061). If the pre-bounce notification flag is not set (step S9061; NO), the big hit notification start control process ends.

  If the flag before announcement of a ball is set (step S9061; YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the flag before announcement of the ball (step S9062), and a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (for example, an effect control flag setting unit). ) Is set to the ON state (step S9063), and the big hit middle notification start control process ends. Note that when the payout unreported flag is set, the payout notification is performed in the variable display after the end of the big hit. That is, the flag after the opening of the special winning opening is set (step S9020; YES), this time is the tenth round (step S9060; YES), and when the flag before announcement of the ball is set (step S9061; NO). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 sets the payout non-report flag so that the payout notification is performed in the variable display after the end of the big hit. If the flag is not set for the 10th round but the flag is not cleared, the flag before clearing is not cleared in the next and subsequent rounds. After clearing), the notification of the normal mode of starting the ball is started.

  FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variable display notification start control process executed in step S1946 of FIG. 56. In the variable display notification start control process shown in FIG. 59, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the payout unreported flag is set (step S9070). If the unpaid flag has not been set (step S9070; NO), the variable display notification start control process ends.

  When the ball-out notification flag is set (step S9070: YES), the effect control CPU 120 clears the ball-out notification flag (step S9071) and sets the start of the ball-out normal mode notification (step S9071). S9072). Thus, in the variable display effect process (step S172), the notification of the normal mode of starting a ball is started. Subsequently, the effect control CPU 120 sets a flag indicating that the ball is in the normal appearance mode (step S9073), sets a timer value indicating that the ball is being announced to the timer for reporting a ball appearance (step S9074), and starts the variable display notification. The control processing ends.

  FIG. 60 and FIG. 61 are diagrams illustrating an example of the rendering operation during the big hit game state. FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display when the probability change control condition is satisfied and the continuous payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time. Specifically, FIG. 57 shows a screen operation example when the big hit notification start control process (step S1944) shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 is executed. Note that FIG. 60 omits some parts common to FIG. 53 ((a) and (b) in FIG. 53). Specifically, representative scenes are shown in the order of (a) in FIG. 53 → (b) in FIG. 53 → (a) in FIG. 60 → (b) in FIG. 60 → (c) in FIG.

  FIG. 60A is a scene following FIG. 53B similarly to FIG. 53C. (B) of FIG. 60 is a scene in which the probability change confirmation notification is performed in the first round. In (d) of FIG. 53, the probability change confirmation notification and the notification of the simple payout mode are performed in the first round, whereas in (b) of FIG. 60, the notification of the simple payout mode is not performed in the first round. The points are different. When the big hit notification start control process (step S1944) shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 is executed, as shown in FIG. That is, in the big hit middle notification start control process (step S1944) of FIGS. 57 and 58, the flag before the delivery of a ball is set (step S9030; YES), and the flag before the notification of the certainty change determination is not set. (Step S9032; NO), if the certainty change informing notification flag is set (Step S9040; YES), the delivery of the ball is not started.

  (C) of FIG. 60 is a scene in which the notification of the normal mode of the payout is performed in the second round. When the big hit middle notification start control process (step S1944) shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 is executed, as shown in (c) of FIG. In other words, in the big hit middle notification start control process (step S1944) in FIGS. 57 and 58, after the completion of the certainty change determination notification (after the certainty change notification flag is cleared), the normal payout mode notification is started.

  FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example in a case where the consecutive payout number reaches the payout notification number for the first time in the final round. Specifically, FIG. 57 shows a screen operation example when executing the big hit notification start control process (step S1944) in FIG. 57 and FIG. 58 and the variable display notification start control process (step S1946) in FIG.

  FIG. 61 (a) shows a scene in which the "third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)" has occurred. FIG. 61B shows a scene in which the tenth round is being performed. FIG. 61C shows a scene in which an ending effect is being performed. For example, as shown by a balloon in the drawing, the game ball related to the last prize (the tenth item in the 10R) passes through the count switch (upper-prize-winning switch 23A) (detected by the count switch), Even when the number of consecutive balls has been changed from "4996" to "5010", as shown in (c) of FIG. 61, the ball announcement is not performed. That is, in the big hit notification start control process (step S1944) in FIGS. 57 and 58, the flag after opening the special winning opening is set (step S9020; YES), and this time is the tenth round ( (Step S9060; YES), when the before-ball announcement notification flag is set (step S9061; YES), the announcement of the next ball is not started.

  FIG. 61 (d) shows a scene in which the normal payout mode is being notified in the variable display after the end of the “third big hit (substantial 10R probability change)”. In other words, by setting the payout non-report flag in step S9063 of FIG. 58 and setting the start of the payout normal mode notification in step S9072 of the variable display informing notification start control processing in FIG. 59, (d) in FIG. As shown in ()), the normal display of the payout mode is performed in the variable display.

  FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a modification of the variable display start waiting process executed in step S170 of FIG. Here, the effect control board 12 is provided with a time measuring means capable of measuring the elapsed time from when the power is turned on. Then, effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the result of the time measurement by the timer means matches a predetermined condition (for example, one hour has elapsed since the power-on or the previous effect mode switching) (step S543a). ). If the result of the timing by the timing means matches the predetermined condition, the effect control CPU 120 switches the effect mode, and stores effect mode data for designating the effect mode after the switching in the RAM (step S544a). The effect control CPU 120 performs control to switch the display content of the image display device 5 according to the effect mode after the switching (step S545a).

  By configuring as shown in FIG. 62, it is possible to change the effect mode depending on the time zone, and also to change the mode of the full tank error notification, the door opening error notification, the card forgetting prevention notification, and the instruction notification, Amusement in entertainment can be improved. In addition, a real-time clock capable of specifying a date (year, month, day, day of the week) and time (hour, minute, second) is provided as a timekeeping means, and the effect mode is set according to the date and time specified by the real-time clock. You may make it switch.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit (in this example, an excess ball tray 40) for storing the provided game media and a determination unit capable of determining whether the storage unit is full. (For example, a portion where the full tank switch 48, the payout control microcomputer 370 executes step S8080, and a portion where the game control microcomputer 100 executes steps S52 and S55 are realized), When it is determined that the storage unit is in the full state, a notification unit that notifies that the storage unit is in the full state (in this example, a full tank error notification), and a plurality of types of effects (for example, the effect modes A and Various effects in the effect mode B (for example, effects during variable display, effects in fanfare, effects during opening, effects during closing, effects during ending, etc.) And a notifying means, wherein the notifying means notifies in different manners according to the type of the effect being executed by the effect executing means when the storage means is determined to be full. (See FIGS. 50A and 50E). Therefore, the notification can be made in a manner according to the situation, and the interest can be improved.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a variable prize device (for example, a lower special variable prize ball device 7B or the like) that can be changed to an open state in which a game medium can be won, and a first condition (for example, a probable change control condition or the like). ) Is satisfied, a first condition satisfaction notifying means for performing a first condition satisfaction notification (for example, a probability change confirmation notification as shown in (d) of FIG. 51), and a second condition (first condition different from the first condition). For example, when a condition such that the number of continuous balls reaches a predetermined number of balls to be announced for the first time is satisfied, the second condition establishment notification (for example, the announcement of balls as shown in FIG. 52C). The first condition is satisfied when a game medium passes through a specific area (for example, a certainty variable area) provided in the variable winning device, and the first condition is satisfied. When the two conditions are satisfied, the first condition establishment notification means outputs the first condition. It is possible to execute the notification of the establishment of the case and the notification of the establishment of the second condition by the second condition notification unit in an overlapping manner (for example, as shown in FIG. And can be executed). With such a configuration, notification can be performed effectively.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the first condition establishment notification means and the second condition establishment notification means are provided. (For example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 60, it is possible to execute a certainty change confirmation notification without executing a payout notification). . With such a configuration, notification can be performed effectively.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is communicably connected to a gaming device (for example, a card unit 50) that enables a player to play a game by using a value owned by a player, and a closed state that covers a gaming area. A door body (for example, a glass door frame 3A) that can be changed to an open state where the game area can be contacted from the outside, and a door state detection unit (for example, a door open sensor 155) that detects the state of the door body. Is provided. The gaming device includes a recording medium accepting unit that accepts a recording medium that can specify a value owned by the player, and a recording medium returning unit that returns the recording medium (for example, a card insertion slot in the card unit 50). When the door state is detected by the door state detection unit, the notification unit is configured to open the door in a different manner according to the effect performed by the effect execution unit. (See FIGS. 50 (B) and 50 (F)), and it is possible to make a notification to prevent forgetting to take the storage medium returned by the return means, and the storage medium returned by the return means. In order to prevent forgetting to take a storage medium returned by the return means in a different manner, the notification is performed in accordance with the effect performed by the effect performing means when performing the notification to prevent forgetting to take (FIG. 50 (C) and 50 (G)). Therefore, the notification can be made in a manner according to the situation, and the interest can be improved.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is provided with effect content setting means capable of setting effect contents (for example, effect mode) in accordance with the operation of the player. The notification means is configured to perform notification in different modes according to the effect content set by the effect content setting means (see FIGS. 50A to 50H). Therefore, the notification can be performed in a mode that matches the taste of the player, and the interest can be improved.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment has an advantageous value based on the fact that the game medium has passed through the predetermined area (in this example, the game machine is controlled to a highly accurate state based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the variable probability area switch 24A). Is provided, and instruction notifying means for issuing an instruction to instruct to launch the game medium toward a predetermined area is provided. The instruction notifying unit is configured to perform the instruction notification in one of a plurality of modes (for example, see FIGS. 50 (D) and 50 (H)). Therefore, interest can be given to the instruction notification, and interest can be improved. In the present embodiment, the game ball is configured to be controlled to a highly accurate state based on passing through the probable area switch 24A. However, instead of or in addition to such a configuration, the game A configuration in which the ball is controlled to the big hit game state or the high base state based on the fact that the ball has passed through the specific area provided in the game area may be adopted.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has state control means that can be controlled to an advantageous state (in this example, a jackpot game state) that is advantageous to the player, and an advantageous state effect (this state) when controlled to the advantageous state. In the example, there is provided an advantageous state effect execution unit that can execute the effect during opening (opening effect of a different background screen according to the type of big hit) that can be executed in any one of a plurality of modes. Then, the instruction notifying unit issues the instruction notification in a different manner (for example, a message display size, a color, a volume of a narration sound, and the like are different) in accordance with the mode of the advantageous state effect executed by the advantageous state effect execution unit. Is configured to do so. For this reason, the effect can be improved.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a time-measuring unit (for example, a time-measuring unit or a real-time clock) that performs time-measurement, and the notifying unit performs a notification in a different manner according to a result of the time measurement performed by the time-measuring unit (for example, The effect mode may be switched when the result of the measurement meets the predetermined condition, and the notification may be performed in a manner according to the switched effect mode.) With such a configuration, it is possible to perform notification in a different manner according to the timing result, and it is possible to improve interest.

  In the above-described embodiment, as an example in which the notification is performed in a different manner according to the type of the performance performed by the performance performing unit, various types of notification are performed in different modes according to the production mode when the notification is started. Although it is configured to perform the notification, instead of or in addition to this, various types of notification may be performed in different modes according to the effect content when the notification is started. For example, the notification may be performed in different modes when the effect during opening is being executed and when the effect during ending is being executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, two types of effect modes, that is, effect mode A and effect mode B, are provided. However, three or more effect modes may be provided. Further, the effect mode may be changed according to the game history. For example, when a big hit occurs a predetermined number of times, the effect mode may be changed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example in which the notification is performed in different modes according to the type of the effect that has been performed (in this case, the effect mode), the full-state error notification, the door opening error notification, and the card forgetting to be removed are performed in different modes. Although the case where the prevention notification and the instruction notification are performed has been described, instead of or in addition to this, the notification of the ball coming out or the confirmation of the certain change, the notification of the right hit at the start of the big hit, and the notification of the left hit at the end of the high base state are performed in different modes. Such an operation may be performed. For example, it may be possible to perform notification of a ball coming out, notification of a definite change, notification of a right strike, notification of a left strike, or the like using a character according to the effect mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, the detection signal from the door opening sensor 155 is configured to be input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and then output to the main board 11 via the output circuit 373B. For example, in the payout control microcomputer 370, the detection signal from the door opening sensor 155 is confirmed, and if the detection signal is input, the connection OK command or the prize ball preparation command is issued as in the case of the full tank error. Error information may be set and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. Further, for example, the detection signal from the full tank switch may be configured to be input to the payout control microcomputer 370 and then output to the main board 11 via the output circuit 373B.

  In the above embodiment, the probability change determination process (step S315) is performed in the big hit opening process (step S115). In addition to the big hit opening process, the big hit opening process (step S116), the big hit opening In the pre-process (step S114) and the big hit end process (step S117), the probability change determination process (step S315) may be performed. Specifically, for example, the processing of steps S310 to S315 of the big hit opening processing may be executed also in the big hit opening post-processing, the big hit opening pre-processing, and the big hit ending processing. As a result, it is possible to suitably cope with an over-prize.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the variation count value (the special figure variation frequency variation count value, the decorative symbol variation frequency count value) is counted up for each variation, and the termination determination values (high-precision termination determination value, high-base termination determination value). Value), the value corresponding to the above-described end determination value is set in the variation count value, the count is reduced for each variation, and it is determined whether the value has become zero. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the sub-side controls the game state after the big hit using the decorative symbol change number counter, and initializes the continuous payout number count value when the low-precision low base state is reached. (FIG. 39), the game state is grasped based on the effect control command (game state designation command) transmitted from the main side, and when the low-precision low base state is reached, the continuous payout number count value is initialized. You may.

  In the above embodiment, the number of consecutive payouts is initialized when the high base state ends (step S913 of the game state setting control process in FIG. 39). The condition for initialization is not limited to this. For example, the continuous payout number may be initialized by a player's operation (for example, pressing the operation button 30 or the like) or when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off and on.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the delivery notification and the certainty change notification are given priority to the certainty change notification, but the delivery information may be given priority. In the above-described embodiment, the ending effect is given priority in the announcement of the ball and the ending effect, but the announcement of the ball may be given priority.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the relationship between the delivery notification and the certainty change confirmation notification, and the relationship between the delivery notification and the ending effect have been described, but other relationships may be applied. For example, in the instruction notification (instruction effect) and the ball-out notification, one of the instruction notification (instruction effect) and the ball-out notification may be given priority.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the number of continuous balls exceeds a predetermined number (number of notified balls), the notification of the number of balls to be performed is performed. When a predetermined number is exceeded, the cumulative number of rounds may be notified. The number of consecutive rounds may be, for example, the sum of the number of rounds that have been digested without falling into the low-probability low base state since the initial hit. The number of consecutive rounds may include a round with substantially no balls (for example, a round with an opening time of 52 milliseconds), but preferably does not include a round with substantially no balls. When reporting the number of consecutive rounds, the relationship between continuous round number reporting and probable change confirmation notification, and the relationship between continuous round number reporting and ending rendering effect, the relationship between the appearance notification and probable variation confirmation notification, and the relationship between departure notification and ending production presentation May be the same as

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the before-discharge announcement flag is set (when the number of continuous announcements exceeds a predetermined number of announcements), finally (for example, the end of the probability change confirmation notification) Later, after the end of the ending effect), the announcement of the ball is made, but the announcement of the ball (normal announcement of the normal appearance, simple notification of the ordinary appearance) may not be performed in some cases. For example, in the case where the pre-ball announcement flag is set while the probability change confirmation notification is being performed, or in the case where the pre-ball announcement notification flag is set immediately before the ending effect, etc. The mode notification and the simple payout mode notification may not be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the notification time of the ball-out normal mode notification and the notification time of the ball-out simple mode notification are the same, but the notification time of the ball-out normal mode notification and the notification time of the ball-out simple mode notification. May be different. Further, in the above embodiment, the ball-out notification (ball-out normal mode notification, ball-out simple mode notification) ends by timeout, but like the certainty change confirmation notification, at the end of the round (the big winning opening is closed). ), May end. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the probability change confirmation notification ends at the end of the round, but may end with a timeout as much as the end of the ending effect as in the case of the betting announcement.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the number of continuous balls is counted on the side of the effect control board 12 based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11 has been described (the notification flag setting process in FIG. 43). Alternatively, the number of continuous balls may be counted on the main substrate 11 side. In the above embodiment, the effect control board 12 side determines whether or not the continuous number of balls exceeds a predetermined number of notified balls (the notification flag setting process in FIG. 43). When counting the number of continuous balls on the substrate 11 side, it may be determined on the side of the main substrate 11 whether or not the number of continuous balls exceeds a predetermined number of reported balls.

  It should be noted that the notification of the dispensing (notifying the normal dispensing mode and the simple dispensing mode) and the notification of the sure change confirmation are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 51, 52, 53, and the like. As an example, the notification may be displayed translucently. For example, when the timing of the delivery notification and the certainty change notification overlap, for example, “3000 shots GET !!” or the like may be displayed semi-transparently as the delivery simple mode notification. As another example, the notification may be accompanied by audio. For example, the probable change confirmation notification may be one that outputs a specific notification sound indicating that a V-prize has been given together with the display that the V-prize has been won. In addition, a sound (for example, the voice of a character or the like) indicating that the number has exceeded 3000 may be output. For example, when the timing of the announcement of the ball and the notification of the confirmation of the certainty change overlap, the sound output of the announcement of the ball may be omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which two special variable prize ball devices are provided: a lower special variable prize ball device 7B having a probability variable region and an upper special variable prize ball device 7A having no probability variable region. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of providing a special variable prize ball device having no probability variable region, only a special variable prize ball device having a variable probability region may be provided.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which a special variable winning ball device having a probable variable area as the specific area is used. However, the specific area is not limited to the probable variable area, and the specific area has an advantage over the big hit game state. In a small small hitting game state, an area (so-called V area) may be a trigger for transition of the big hit gaming state according to the passage of the game medium, and the notification of the launch of the game medium to the area may be performed in any of a plurality of types. It may be performed depending on the situation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the interval time is set in the pre-big hit opening process in step S114 (step S305), but other processes (for example, the big hit opening process in step S115 and the post-big hit opening process in step S116). Etc.), the interval time may be set.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14B, the type of the big hit determined when the variation special figure is the second special figure is one (third big hit). When the figure is the second special map, any one of a plurality of types (for example, a second big hit and a third big hit) may be determined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 (B), the determination ratio of the big hit type is changed according to the fluctuation special figure, but the determination ratio of the big hit type is changed according to the game state. It may be different. For example, when the gaming state is the high-accuracy state, the third big hit is determined. When the gaming state is the low-accuracy state, one of the first big hit, the second big hit, and the third big hit is determined. Is also good. For example, for example, when the gaming state is the high base state, the third big hit is determined, and when the gaming state is the low base state, one of the first big hit, the second big hit, and the third big hit is determined. You may do so.

  In the above embodiment, after the first big hit (substantially 5R normal), the game state is the low-probability high base state until the predetermined number of special figure games is completed. After one big hit (substantially 5R normal), the game state may be kept in the low-probability low-base state.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which the high-accuracy state is cut off by the number of times (a mode in which the high-accuracy state is continued until the predetermined number of special figure games is completed) is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also in the case where the fluctuation special map is the second special map (or in the case where the gaming state is the high-accuracy state), the probable variable hit (for example, the second big hit or the third big hit in the present embodiment) and the non-probable variable hit (for example, In the high accuracy state, the high accuracy state may be maintained until a non-probable variable hit occurs. When shifting to the high base state after the end of the non-probable variable jackpot that has been won in the high probability state, the continuous payout number may be initialized when the high base state ends. Also, if the high probability state does not cause the transition to the high base state after the end of the winning non-probable variable jackpot, the suspension information stored at the end of the non-probable variable jackpot (or all of the hold information stored at the end of the non-probable variable jackpot). After the digestion), the number of continuous balls may be initialized.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the device configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the data configuration, the processing shown in the flowchart, various rendering operations including the rendering image display operation in the display area of the image display device 5, and the like. Can be arbitrarily changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, in order to notify the effect control board 12 of a change pattern indicating a change mode such as a change time, a type of reach effect, and the presence or absence of a pseudo-run, one change is started when the change is started. Although the example in which the variation pattern designation command is transmitted has been described, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control board 12 by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-run, whether or not there is a slide effect, etc. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode before the second stop is transmitted, and the second command indicates the type of reach and the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect. A command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode after 2 stops) may be transmitted. In this case, the effect control board 12 may perform the effect control in the variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands. In addition, the microcomputer 100 for game control notifies the fluctuating time by each of the two commands, and the effect control board 12 selects the specific fluctuating mode executed at each timing. Is also good. When two commands are sent, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is sent, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be appropriately changed. As described above, by notifying the variation pattern by two or more commands, the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern designation command can be reduced.

  In each of the above embodiments, the “ratio” refers to any element (A, B) such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B: C = 20%: 50%: 30%. , C) is not limited to more than 0%. For example, any of the elements is 0, such as A: B = 100%: 0%, A: B: C = 0%: 40%: 60%, or A: B: C = 0%: 0%: 100%. It is a concept including what is%.

  In addition, the device configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the data configuration, the processing shown in the flowchart, and various rendering operations including the rendering image display operation in the display area of the image display device 5 deviate from the gist of the present invention. Any change and modification can be made without departing from the scope.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a game medium is used as a game machine is described as an example. However, the game machine according to the present invention is not limited to a game machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes. The present invention can also be applied to an enclosed type gaming machine that encloses a game medium such as the above and gives a score when a condition for giving a prize is satisfied.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a case has been described in which a plurality of types of special symbols and decorative symbols “1” to “9” are variably displayed and the display result is derived and displayed. It is not limited. For example, the symbol variably displayed and the symbol derived and displayed are not necessarily the same, and a symbol different from the symbol variably displayed may be derived and displayed. Further, it is not always necessary to variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and the variable display may be executed using only one type of symbol. In this case, for example, variable display may be performed by alternately turning on and blinking the one type of symbol display. And even in this case, one type of symbol used for the variable display may be finally derived and displayed, or a symbol different from the one type of symbol may be finally derived and displayed. It may be something.

  Further, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 100 determines whether or not a big hit will occur and a winning pattern determination of the variation pattern type (prefetch determination), and a command indicating the result of the winning determination. (Symbol designating command, variable category command) may be transmitted, and the effect control microcomputer may execute the pre-reading notice effect based on the command indicating the result of the winning determination. Further, for example, the effect control microcomputer may be configured to perform a prize-winning determination (pre-reading determination). In this case, for example, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits a command designating only the value of the jackpot determination random number or the variation pattern type determination random number extracted at the time of occurrence of the start winning, and the effect control microcomputer side. Thus, the prize-winning determination (pre-reading determination) may be made based on the value of the random number specified by those commands.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko game machine 5 Image display device 11 Main board 12 Effect control board 100 Microcomputer for game control 120 CPU for effect control
123 Display control unit

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of firing a game medium , performing a variable display based on the game medium having passed through the starting area, and controlling the game machine to an advantageous state,
Storage means for storing the provided game media,
Judgment means capable of judging whether or not the storage means is full,
Providing means capable of providing an advantageous value based on a game medium having passed through a predetermined area through which a game medium flowing down a specific path can pass in a predetermined time period among a plurality of paths through which the game medium can flow ,
When the storage unit is determined to be full by the determination unit, a full tank notification effect that notifies that the storage unit is full, and a game medium to flow down the specific route. a first promotion notification effect performing notification that facilitates firing, a second promotion notification effect performing notification that facilitates launching a game medium to pass through the predetermined region, it is possible to execute, effect An effect execution means capable of executing a plurality of types of effects by an effect mode corresponding to an effect mode selected from among a plurality of effect modes having different modes,
The effect execution means, when the storage means is determined to be in the full state by the determination means, executes the full notification effect in an effect mode corresponding to the effect mode selected from a plurality of effect modes Then, the first promotion notification effect is executed by a common effect mode in the predetermined period and a period different from the predetermined period, and an effect mode corresponding to an effect mode selected from a plurality of effect modes in the predetermined period. executing said second accelerator notification effect by,
A game machine wherein an image used in the first promotion notification effect is smaller than an image used in variable display .

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