JP2000202100A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce loads on the control relating to identification information display of a game control means by a method wherein information able to determine final stop identification information in a stage before final stop of identification information is sent out so that display contents not relating to final stop identification information is determined by a display control means. SOLUTION: If a shot ball enters a start winning hole 14, a pattern in a variable display part 9 begins to rotate and after a certain period of time, the pattern stops to rotate and if the combination of images when the pattern is stopped is a big hit pattern, a big hit game state, wherein an open/closure plate is opened for a certain period of time, is produced. In this case, a display control command containing information able to determine the period wherein display of variation in patterns is displayed and information able to determine stop identification information can be outputted. And information able to determine final stop identification information at least in a stage before final stop of identification information is outputted within a period wherein the variation is displayed to determine the contents of display not relating to the final stop identification information according to the display control command.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine or a coin game machine, and more particularly to a game machine including a variable display device whose display state can be changed, wherein a display result on the variable display device is predetermined. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined game value can be given when the display mode is changed to the display mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a variable display device having a variable display portion whose display state can be changed is provided, and when a display result of the variable display portion becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the player is provided with a variable display device. Some are configured to shift to an advantageous jackpot game state. The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units, and is generally configured to display the display results of the plurality of variable display units at different times.
On the variable display section, for example, a plurality of identification information such as symbols are variably displayed. Usually, that the display result of the variable display unit is a combination of predetermined specific display modes,
It is called "big hit." In addition, 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 easy to win a hit ball, or a right for the player to be in an advantageous state. Or to generate.

[0003] When a big hit occurs, for example, a 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, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 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. Further, if a predetermined condition (for example, winning in a V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied at the time when the special winning opening is closed, the big hit game is performed even if the predetermined number of times is not reached. The state ends.

[0004] In addition, among the combinations of the display modes of "outside" other than the combination of "big hit", at the stage where a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display portions has not been derived and displayed yet, the display results are already displayed. The state in which the display mode of the variable display unit that is derived and displayed satisfies the display condition that is a combination of the specific display modes is referred to as “reach”. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

The progress of a game in a game machine is controlled by game control means such as a microcomputer. The identification information, the character image, and the background image displayed on the variable display device are controlled by display control means operating according to display control command data from the game control means.
The identification information, the character image, and the background image displayed on the variable display device generally include a display control microcomputer and a video display processor (FIG. 1) that generates image data in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer and transfers the image data to the variable display device side. VDP), and the display control microcomputer has a large program capacity. Therefore, the microcomputer of the game control means having a limited program capacity cannot control the identification information or the like displayed on the variable display device, and the display control microcomputer (microcomputer) is different from the microcomputer of the game control means. Display control means).

Therefore, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game needs to transmit a command for display control to the display control means. The generation of image data such as identification information is performed by the display control means, but the display position of the changing identification information on the screen every moment is preferably performed by the game control means for controlling the progress of the game. Is determined by the game control means. Therefore, the game control means determines the display position of the identification information at an appropriate timing and transmits the display position to the display control means.

[0007]

As described above, in the conventional gaming machine, since the display position of the changing identification information is determined by the game control means, the burden of control on the display of the identification information by the game control means is reduced. There is a problem in that the processing time that can be spent for other game control is limited in the game control means. In order to solve such a problem, for example, the game control means causes the display control means to change the speed of the identification information (including the start and stop of the change).
It is conceivable to determine the display position of the identification information according to the speed transmitted and received by the display control means. However, even with such identification information change control, since a command is transmitted from the game control means to the display control means many times during one change, the burden of control on the display of identification information by the game control means is also reduced. large.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further reducing the burden of control on display of identification information of the game control means and increasing the time that the game control means can perform the original game control. And

[0009]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
Including a variable display unit having a plurality of display areas whose display state can be changed, starts changing the identification information displayed in the display area in accordance with satisfaction of a condition for starting the change, and the display result of the identification information is predetermined. A game control device capable of giving a predetermined game value to a player on condition that the specific display mode is set, and a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and a display control for performing a display control of a variable display portion. Means, and the game control means can output a display control command including at least information capable of specifying a period during which the variable display is performed and information capable of specifying identification information to be stopped, and a period during which the variable display is performed. At least at the stage before the final stop of the identification information within the range of the last stop identification information sending means for sending information capable of specifying the last stop identification information, and the display control means Only, and is configured to have a display content determining means for determining the display content not related to at least the last stop identity. As described in the following embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the state in which the identification information is completely stopped, the identification information is shaken until the identification information to be stopped last is determined. This concept includes a so-called swing stop in a fluctuating state (a state in which forward and reverse fluctuations are repeated in the same manner as normal fluctuations).

The gaming machine includes voice control means provided separately from the game control means for generating a sound effect, and the game control means performs a voice control of a command for outputting a sound effect corresponding to the content of the display control command. It may be configured to output to the means.

[0011] The game control means may be constituted so as to transmit information capable of specifying the identification information again when the identification information is determined.

When the condition for starting the change of the identification information is not satisfied for a predetermined period, the gaming machine can display a demonstration screen.
It may be configured to include a demonstration screen display unit that measures a predetermined period and displays a demonstration screen without receiving designation from the game control unit.

[0013] The game control means can transmit information which can specify each period obtained by dividing a period in which one variable display is performed into a plurality of times in a time series at a time relating to the start of each period. It may be configured to include a certain command division sending unit.

The final stop identification information sending means may be configured to send information at the same time as the command split sending means sends a command.

Further, the final stop identification information sending means can send information in conjunction with at least two times of command sending when the command division sending means sends a command a plurality of times for one variable display. It may be configured as such.

The gaming machine can make a display for giving a notice that the specific display mode will be the specific display content when the specific display mode is determined in advance, and the game control means gives a notice of the specific display mode. Including a notice display execution determining means for deciding whether or not to display, the command division sending means, when the notice display execution determining means decides to perform the notice, gives a notice to information capable of specifying the divided period. May be configured to include recognizable information.

Here, the display of the advance notice of the specific display mode may be performed by a character.

Further, between the game control means and the display control means, data may be transferred only in the direction from the game control means to the display control means.

[0019]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises:
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a hitting ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably attached. A game area 7 is provided on the front of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a 7-segment L
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 using an ED is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. On the side of the variable display device 8, a passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. In a passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. In addition, the winning ball that entered the starting winning port 14 is
It is guided to the back of the game board 6 and is detected by the starting port switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

An opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. In this embodiment, the opening and closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that enters one (V zone) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. Variable display device 8
A start winning prize storage display 18 having four display sections for displaying the number of winning balls entering the starting winning prize port 14 is provided below. In this example, the start winning prize storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units by one each time there is a starting prize, with the upper limit being four. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the number of the lit display units is reduced by one.

The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 19 and 24. Decorative lamps 25 are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7 so as to blink during the game.
There is an out port 26 for absorbing a hit ball that does not win. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A game effect LED 28a and a game effect lamp 2
8b and 28c are provided. And in this example,
A prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when a premium ball is paid out is provided near one of the speakers 27, and a ball out lamp 52 that lights up when a supply ball runs out is provided near the other speaker 27. Further, FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming table 1
Also shown is a card unit 50, which is installed adjacent to and allows lending of balls by inserting a prepaid card.

The hit ball fired from the hit ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting ball rail, and thereafter, enters the game area 7.
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start changing the symbol, the start winning memory is increased by one. The start winning memory will be described later in detail. The rotation of the image in the variable display unit 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the game shifts to a big hit game state. That is, the opening and closing plate 20
Is released until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

If the combination of images in the variable display section 9 at the time of stoppage is a combination of big hit symbols with probability fluctuation, the probability of the next big hit increases. That is, a high probability state, which is more advantageous for the player, is obtained. Also, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate 36, and when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island, a prize ball is provided from above. Premium ball tank 3
8 is supplied. The prize ball in the prize ball tank 38 reaches the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism plate 36, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 via the relay board 30, and a game control board (main board) covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer and the like. ) 31, a relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of a prize ball is mounted. is set up. Further, the mechanism plate 36 includes
A hitting ball launching device 34 for shooting a hitting ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor, and a lamp control board 35 for sending signals to the speaker 27 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c are provided.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. On the back of the game board 6, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the winning ball set cover 4 for guiding the winning ball winning each winning port and the winning ball device along a predetermined winning path.
0 is provided. Of the prize balls guided to the prize ball collection cover 40, those that have won through the opening and closing plate 20 are controlled so that the ball payout device 97 pays out a relatively large number of prize balls (for example, 15). The winnings through the starting winning opening 14 are controlled so that a ball payout device (not shown in FIG. 3) pays out a relatively small number of prize balls (for example, six). Then, the winnings through the other winning ports 24 and the winning ball device are controlled so that the ball payout device pays out a relatively medium number of prize balls (for example, 10). Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the relay board 33 as an example.

Signals from the winning ball detection switch 99, the starting port switch 17 and the V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31 to perform the winning ball payout control. When the ON signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the main board 31, a winning ball number signal is sent from the main board 31 to the winning ball board 37. The winning is detected by the winning ball detection switch 99. In this case, the main board 31 sends the winning ball board 3
7 is provided with a prize ball number signal. For example, when the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on in response to the turning on of the starting port switch 17, "6" is output as the winning ball number signal, and the winning ball detection is performed in response to the turning on of the count switch 23 or the V count switch 22. When the switch 99 is turned on, “15” is output as the prize ball number signal. When the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on when these switches are not turned on, "10" is output as the winning ball number signal.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the emission control board 91, and the display control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12,
A switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning ball detection switch 99 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15, and the opening and closing plate 2.
A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the 0 according to a command from the basic circuit 53;
It includes a lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the variable display 10 by ED and the decorative lamp 25.

According to the data supplied from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating occurrence of a jackpot, effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used to start displaying an image on the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation have occurred. And an information output circuit 64 that outputs probability change information or the like indicating the fact to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation in accordance with the control program, and an I / O port unit 57. The ROM 54 and the RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56 in some cases.

Further, the main board 31 has an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on.
A periodic reset circuit 66 for periodically (eg, every 2 ms) giving a reset pulse to the basic circuit 53 to re-execute the game control program from the beginning, and decode an address signal given from the basic circuit 53. I
Address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting any I / O port in I / O port unit 57
Are provided. In addition, there is also switch information input to the main board 31 from the ball dispensing device 97, but these are omitted in FIG.

A hit ball launching device that hits and launches a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the driving motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with the CRT 82 as an example of the variable display section 9 and the output buffer circuit 63 of the main board 31. The display control CPU 101 controls the control data RO
It operates according to the program stored in M102, and when a strobe signal is input from the main board 31 via the Schmitt trigger inversion circuits 105b and 105c of the input buffer circuit 105, a display control command is received via the input buffer 105a. The output buffer circuit 63 transmits a signal only in one direction (a direction from the main board 31 to the display control board 80).

The display control CPU 101 controls display of a screen displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. VDP103
Reads necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates a CRT 8 according to the input data.
2 is generated, and the image data is stored in the VRAM 87. Then, the image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R, G, B signals, converted into analog signals by the DA converter 104, and output to the CRT 82.

FIG. 5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image composed of characters, graphics, or symbols displayed on the CRT 82.

Input buffer 105a in input buffer circuit 105 and Schmitt trigger inverting circuit 105
b and 105c can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the display control board 80 side to the main board 31 side. Even if a circuit in the display control board 80 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. Further, by providing the output buffer circuit 63 that transmits a signal only in one direction, the one-way signal transmission from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 can be further ensured.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the voice control command signal transmitting portion of the main board 31 and the voice control board 70. In this embodiment, according to the progress of the game, the voice control command for instructing the voice output of the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 is:
It is output from the main board 31 to the voice control board 70.

As shown in FIG. 6, the voice control command is
It is output from an output port (output port E) 575 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53. In the audio control board 70, each signal from the main board 31 is input to the audio control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuit 705. When the audio control CPU 701 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 705 and the audio control CPU 701. Then, for example, the voice synthesizing circuit 702 based on the digital signal processor generates a voice or sound effect according to the instruction of the voice control CPU 701 and outputs it to the volume switching circuit 703. The sound volume switching circuit 703 includes a sound control CPU 7
The output level “01” is set to a level corresponding to the set volume and output to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplification circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

As the input buffer circuit 705, for example,
74HC244 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC is used. A low level (GND level) is always applied to the enable terminal of the 74HC244. Therefore, the output level of each buffer is the input level, that is, the main board 31.
Signal level has been determined. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the voice control board 70 side to the main board 31 side.
Therefore, even if the circuit in the voice control board 70 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is transmitted to the main board 31.
It does not reach the side. The buffer circuit 71 is provided outside the output port 575 on the main board 31. As the buffer circuit 71, for example, a general-purpose CMO
74HC244 which is S-IC is used. The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, the main substrate 31 is externally provided.
Is blocked, so that signal lines from which signals may be supplied from the voice control board 70 to the main board 31 can be more reliably eliminated.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the basic circuit 53 on the main board 31. As described above, this process is started, for example, every 2 ms by the reset pulse generated by the periodic reset circuit 66. When the basic circuit 53 is started, the basic circuit 53 first sets a clock monitor register incorporated in the CPU 56 to a clock monitor enable state in order to make the clock monitor control operable (step S1). Note that the clock monitor control is a control in which a reset is automatically generated inside the CPU 56 when a decrease or stop of an input clock signal is detected.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer (step S2). In this example, 00FFH is set in the stack pointer. Then, a system check process is performed (step S3). In the system check process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the RAM 55 contains an error.
Processing such as initializing 5 is performed.

Next, after processing for setting command data sent to the display control board 80 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (display control data setting processing: step S
4), a process of outputting command data as display control command data is performed (display control data output process: step S5).

Next, processing for outputting the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port is performed (data output processing: step S6). Further, the lamp timer is decremented by one, and when the lamp timer times out (when it becomes 0), the lamp data pointer is updated and a new value is set in the lamp timer (lamp timer processing: step S7).

Further, output data setting processing for setting output data such as data of the address indicated by the lamp data pointer, jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hall management computer in the storage area is performed (step S8). ). Further, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by a self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S9).

Next, a process of updating each counter indicating a random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S10). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit determination = for special symbol determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle missing symbol determination (3) Random 3: Determine the combination of symbols at the time of the big hit (for big hit symbol determination = for special symbol judgment) (4) Random 4: Decide whether or not to reach at the loss (for reach judgment) (5) Random 5: Give big hit notice (6) Random 6: Determine reach pattern (for reach)

In order to enhance the gaming effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (6) are used. In step S10, the CPU 56 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the jackpot determination random number (1) and the jackpot symbol determination random number (3).
That is, they are the random numbers for determination.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S11). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, a normal symbol process is performed (step S12). In normal symbol processing, 7 segments L
A corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 by the ED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

Further, the CPU 56 includes a switch circuit 58
, And performs necessary processing according to the switch state (switch processing: step S1).
3). In addition, a process of transmitting audio data in the process data described later to the audio control board 70 is performed (audio processing: step S14).

The basic circuit 53 further performs processing for updating the display random number (step S15). That is, the counter for generating random numbers 2, 4, 5, and 6 is incremented (addition of 1).

The basic circuit 53 includes a prize ball control board 37.
Is performed (step S16). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a winning ball control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the winning ball control board 37. Award ball control board 3
The CPU for controlling a prize ball mounted on 7 drives the ball payout device 97 according to the received number of prize balls. After that, the basic circuit 53 repeats the display random number updating process in step S17 until the next reset pulse is given from the periodic reset circuit 66.

Next, a method of determining a symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 based on a winning in the starting winning opening 14 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS.
FIG. 9 shows a process for determining that the hit ball has won the starting winning opening 14, and FIG. 10 shows a process for determining a variable display stop symbol of the variable display unit 9. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not to make a big hit.

When the hit ball wins the starting winning port 14 provided in the game board 6, the starting port sensor 17 is turned on. In the switch processing in step S10, the CPU 56
If it is determined via the switch circuit 58 that the starting port sensor 17 has been turned on (step S41), it is checked whether or not the starting winning storage number has reached the maximum value of 4 (step S42). If the number of stored start winnings has not reached 4, the number of stored started winnings is increased by 1 (step S43), and the value of the random number for jackpot symbol determination is extracted. Then, it is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored winning prizes (step S44). If the number of stored start winnings has reached 4, the process of increasing the number of stored start winnings is not performed. That is, in this embodiment, the number of hit balls that have won the maximum of four starting winning openings 17 can be stored.

The CPU 56 checks the value of the number of stored winning prizes in the special symbol process of step S8 (step S50). If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the start prize storing number = 1 is read out (step S51), the value of the starting prize storing number is reduced by 1, and The value of the random number value storage area is shifted (step S52). In other words, the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning memory = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is calculated as follows:
1 is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to 1.

Then, the CPU 56 determines a winning / losing based on the value read in step S51, that is, the value of the extracted big hit symbol determining random number (step S53). Here, the random number for the jackpot symbol determination is 0
A value in the range of ２４249 is assumed. As shown in FIG. 11, when the probability is low, for example, if the value is “3”, “big hit” is determined, and if the value is any other value, “miss” is determined. At the time of the high probability, for example, if the value is any one of “3”, “7”, “79”, “103”, and “107”, it is determined to be “big hit”. Mistake ".

When it is determined that a big hit has occurred, the basic circuit 53 determines the stop symbol based on the value of the big hit symbol determining random number. Here, if the limiter is not in operation, a stop symbol is determined from a table including all symbols according to the value of the random number for jackpot symbol determination (steps S54 and S5).
5). When the limiter is operating, the basic circuit 53
Determines a stop symbol from a symbol table that does not include a symbol combination (probably variable symbol) that causes a probability variation according to the value of the big hit symbol determination random number (steps S54 and S5).
6). The limiter is for restricting the occurrence of the jackpot due to the probable symbol continuously, that is, the continuation of the high probability state continuously. For example, if the high probability state continues four times in a row, the limiter is activated.
Therefore, in the limiter operating state, the stop symbol is determined from the table that does not include the special symbol in which the probability change is performed.

Further, the CPU 56 determines whether or not to give a big hit notice. That is, the value of the random number (random 5) for the jackpot notice is extracted, and if the value is 0 or 1, it is determined to perform the jackpot notice (step S65). Also,
The reach random number (random 6) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S57). As will be described later, in this embodiment, two types of jackpot notices are prepared, and therefore, in step S65, it is also determined which mode of the jackpot notice is to be performed using, for example, another random number.

If it is determined that there is a loss, the CPU 56
Determines whether to reach (step S58).
For example, when the value of random number 4 as a random number for reach determination is any one of “105” to “1530”,
Decide not to reach. Then, when the value of the reach determination random number is any of “0” to “104”, it is determined to be reach. When determining to reach, the CPU 56 determines a reach symbol.

In this embodiment, the left and right symbols are determined according to the value of random 2-1 (step S59). Also, the middle symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2 (step S60). That is, one of the symbols corresponding to the values 0 to 15 of the values of the random 2-1 and the random 2-2 is determined as the stop symbol. Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the fixed symbol of the middle symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. I do. Further, the CPU 56 sets a random number (random number 5) for jackpot notice.
Is extracted, and if the value is 0, it is determined that a big hit notice is given (step S66). Further, the reach random number (random 6) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S57).

If it is determined in step S58 not to reach, the left and right middle symbols are determined according to the values of random 2-1 to 2-3 (step S61). As will be described later, in this embodiment, in the high probability state, a variation pattern in which the variation time is shortened is used as the variation pattern at the time of a loss. Therefore, in the high probability state, CP
U56 determines whether to use the normal variation pattern at the time of out-of-position or to use the shortened variation pattern, for example, using a predetermined random number or the like. As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol change based on the winning start is a big hit, a reach mode, or a loss, and the combination of the respective stop symbols is determined.

In the high probability state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the time until the variable display of the variable display 10 is determined by the 7-segment LED is reduced, and the variable display of the variable display 10 is reduced. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to increase the number of times and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the result, or the probability of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 is high. It may be constituted so that it may become.
Further, the present invention is also applicable to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which only one or a plurality of these states occur.

For example, when the combination of symbols stopped in the variable display section 9 becomes a specific symbol, the probability of a big hit does not increase, but the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 does not increase. Even in a gaming machine in which the number of times of opening and the opening time are increased, if it is determined that the reach is to be made, it is determined whether or not the left and right stopped symbols match the display mode of the specific symbol, that is, which symbol is used to generate the reach state The present invention is also applicable to gaming machines determined by means such as a predetermined random number. Further, the range of the random numbers and the random number values used in this embodiment is an example, and any random numbers may be used, and the range setting is arbitrary.

As described above, when a hit ball is won in the starting winning opening 14, the basic circuit 53 determines in the special symbol process process of step S11 (see FIG. 7) whether to make a big hit or a non-hit, and a stop symbol. The display control command corresponding to the determination is given to the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80. Display control CPU 101
Performs display control of the variable display unit 9 in response to a display control command from the main board 31.

Next, the variation of the symbol will be described using a specific example. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a left and right middle symbol used in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, each of the symbols displayed as the left and right middle symbols is:
It is the same 12 symbols in the left and right. In this embodiment, after the symbols in the variable display section 9 of the variable display device 8 start to change, the middle symbols stop last. Also, symbol number 1
When the symbol No. 2 is displayed, next, the symbol No. 1 is displayed. And the middle left and right symbols are, for example, "one",
A high-probability state is established when all three, five, seven, nine, or clogs stop. That is, they become probable symbols.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background symbol displayed on the variable display section 9 used in this embodiment. In this example, (A) inside the room, (B) flash, (C)
Aura and (D) smoke backgrounds are used. The display shown in FIG. 13E shows an example of a demonstration screen displayed during a non-game of the gaming machine or the like.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character displayed on the variable display section 9 used in this embodiment. In this example, (A) character A, (B) character B, and (C) character C are used. In addition,
The character A is also used as a jackpot notice character, and when the character A is displayed so as to shine,
Alternatively, if the character A gives a notice in a balloon, a big hit notice is given. Further, the character A is also used as a character for establishing a reach, and when a predetermined condition is established, a display control in which the foot of the character A is displayed so as to kick the right symbol and the left and right symbols stop at the same symbol is performed. Done.

Display Control CP on Display Control Board 80
When receiving the display control command from the main board 31, the U101 performs control to move and display a predetermined background or character on the screen in each variation pattern. The background and the character are switched at a predetermined timing, and the display control CPU 101 independently controls them.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 used in this embodiment. In this example, one display control command is 2 bytes (CMD1, CMD2)
It consists of. As shown in FIG. 16, the first byte (CMD1) is used by the display control means to notify a change pattern as information that can specify a change time, or to instruct stop of the symbol. 2nd byte (CM
D2) is used to designate each of the left and right middle symbols.

FIGS. 17 to 19 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the configuration of the CMD2. As described above, CMD2 specifies the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbol. In this example, when the upper 4 bits are 0000 (0 (H)), the left stop symbol is specified, and the upper 4 bits are specified. In the case of 0001 (1 (H)), a right stop symbol is specified, and the upper 4 bits are 0010 (2
In the case of (H)), a middle stop symbol is specified.

According to the command configuration shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, since the stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols is designated by 1 byte, the stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols is displayed on the display control board 80 at the start of the change. In order to notify, it is necessary to send each display control command as one display control command, but the stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols may be configured with 4 bits. In this case, at the start of the change, the stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols can be notified at once by one display control command (2 bytes).

FIG. 20 shows a state in which the main board 31 is connected to the display control board 8.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command transmitted to 0.
As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, a display control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 through eight signal lines of display control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the main board 31 and the display control board 80, a signal line of a display control signal INT for transmitting a strobe signal, a supply line of + 5V and + 12V serving as a power supply of the display control board 80, and a ground level are provided. Signal lines for supplying are also wired.

FIG. 21 shows the main board 31 to the game control board 8
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a transmission timing of a display control command given to 0. In this example, the 2-byte display control data constituting the display control command data is transmitted every 2 ms as shown in FIG. Then, a strobe signal (display control signal INT) is output in synchronization with each display control data. Since the display control CPU 101 is interrupted at the rising edge of the strobe signal,
The display control CPU 101 can fetch each display control data by the interrupt processing program.

Hereinafter, an example of a symbol variation pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing patterns (variation states) constituting each variation pattern. FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of the change of the symbol at the time of the out of reach. 24 to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol change at the time of reach (in the case of a big hit and in the case of no big hit). FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a combination of display control commands and a variation pattern.

In this embodiment, at the time of disconnection, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, in the “left” symbol display area of the variable display section 9, first, the symbol is changed in accordance with the pattern a. As shown in FIG. 22, the pattern a is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed gradually increases at first, and thereafter, the symbol fluctuation is performed at a constant speed. After that, it is controlled so that the symbol two symbols before the stop symbol is displayed,
The two symbols fluctuate according to the pattern b. As shown in FIG. 22, the pattern b is a pattern that is gradually delayed and stops.

In the "right" symbol display area of the variable display section 9, symbols are changed according to the pattern "a". Then, after the symbol before the stop symbol is controlled to be displayed, the symbol is changed according to the pattern b. Also in the "medium" symbol display area, the symbol is first changed in accordance with the pattern a. Then, after the symbol before the stop symbol is controlled to be displayed, the symbol is changed according to the pattern b.
The display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80
Until the middle symbol is determined, the left and right symbols are repeatedly changed in the forward and reverse directions. That is, the left and right symbols
Display control is performed in a so-called swing stop state. Then, at the same time when the middle symbol is determined, the swing stop state of the left and right symbols is ended, and the symbol does not move to a determined state.

While the symbol is changing, the display control CPU
Reference numeral 101 denotes a display that controls the display so that “in the room” (see FIG. 13) is displayed as the background, and displays the character A (see FIG. 14) on the screen and moves the character A appropriately. Perform control. Specifically, the VDP 103 is notified of the background and the character. Then V
The DP 103 creates image data of the designated background. Further, image data of the designated character is created and combined with the background image. Further, the VDP 103 combines the left and right middle pattern image data with the combined image. VDP10
3 also performs display control such that the character moves and display control in which the design fluctuates. That is, the shape and display position of the character are changed according to a predetermined exercise pattern. The display control CPU 1
The symbol display position is changed according to the fluctuation speed notified from 01.

The display control CPU 101 controls the display of the symbol two symbols before the stop symbol at a predetermined timing in the symbol display area in the left and right so that the symbol change stops at the specified stop symbol. At the start of the change, the left and right stop symbols are notified, and the change pattern at the time of disconnection is determined in advance.
1 can recognize the switching timing of the pattern b from the pattern a, and can also determine the symbol two symbols before to be replaced. The determined replacement symbol is VDP
103, the VDP 103 displays the notified symbol regardless of the symbol displayed at that time.

FIG. 23B shows an example of a variation pattern at the time of a loss in the probability variation state. In this variation pattern, as shown in the figure, the left and right middle symbols are simultaneously stopped after the left and right middle symbols are changed in accordance with the pattern a.

The variation pattern shown in FIG. 23A is generated by the display control CPU 101 which has received the display control command (A1) + the display control command (B0) from the main board 31, as shown in FIG. , By performing display control according to the command. The variation pattern shown in FIG. 23B is realized by the display control CPU 101 having received the display control command (A2) from the main board 31 to perform display control according to the command.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of fluctuation patterns at the time of reach. CPU 5 of main board 31
6 determines the reach type according to the value of the reach random number (random 6) as described above. At the start of the symbol change, first, the display control command (A1) is sent to the display control board 80. Send. At this time, a command indicating the determined left and right middle symbol stop symbol is also transmitted to the display control board 80. In addition, when the symbol is changed again, the stopped symbols of the left and right middle symbols transmitted mean symbols before the change displayed in the stop period before the change. If it is decided to give a notice, the CPU 56
Transmits a display control command (A3) or a display control command (A4) instead of the display control command (A1).

Upon receiving the display control command (A1), the display control CPU 101 performs variable display control of the left and right middle symbols according to a predetermined pattern.
The predetermined pattern is, for example, a pattern in which the fluctuation speed gradually rises and fluctuates at a constant speed at a certain point in time.
In the OM or the like, each fluctuation speed and the fluctuation period at the speed are set in a table format. Display control CPU 101
Reads the data of the variable period and the variable time from the table, and performs variable display control of the variable display unit 9 according to the read data.

At the time of the reach, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 makes one of the display control commands (B1) to (B4) (see FIG. 16) when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the fluctuation.
Is transmitted to the display control board 80. Which is transmitted is determined according to the value of the reach random number (random 6). Upon receiving any of the display control commands (B1) to (B4), the display control CPU 101 performs control to sequentially stop the left and right middle symbols. At the timing when two symbols before the stop point are displayed,
The display control CPU 101 performs replacement control for displaying a symbol two symbols before the stopped symbol on the variable display unit 9. The replacement symbol is obtained by the display control CPU 101 performing an inverse calculation from the stop symbol that has already been notified.

Then, the display control CPU 101 executes the processing shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 26, the middle symbol is changed in a predetermined pattern according to the type of the display control command. At the start of the fluctuation in a predetermined pattern, the display control CPU 101
Replaces the symbols so that the final stopped symbol or the symbol before re-change is the stopped symbol. Also in this case, the replacement symbol is obtained by the display control CPU 101 performing back calculation from the stop symbol that has already been notified. Also, control is performed to display a character corresponding to the type of the display control command. Specifically, VDP103
The character type. Then, VDP103
Reads out the data of the corresponding character from the character ROM 86 and outputs it to the variable display unit 9. In this embodiment, when the display control command (B1) is received,
The display control CPU 101 instructs the VDP 103 to display the character A for establishing the reach (FIG. 24).
(A)).

In the reach mode in which the re-variation is not performed, when the symbol variation period has elapsed, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 transmits a stop symbol to the display control board 80 by a display control command. The transmitted stop symbol is the same as the symbol transmitted at the start of the change.

In this embodiment, when the display control command (B4) is received, the display control CPU 101
Displays a swinging medium symbol after a predetermined period elapses. That is, display control is performed so that the symbol swings up and down. Then, when the display control command (C1) is received, the frame advance of the left and right middle symbols is changed again (FIG. 25).
(E)). That is, for example, the display control is performed so that the symbols are sequentially changed at 0.5 seconds / 1 symbol. Further, when the display control command (C2) is received, the middle left and right symbols are re-changed at high speed (see FIG. 25D). That is, for example, the display control is performed so that the symbol is changed at a high speed. Further, when the display control command (C3) is received, frame change is performed again for the left and right middle symbols, and then the middle symbol is inversely changed by one symbol (see FIG. 26 (F)).

When the symbol change period has elapsed, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 transmits a stop symbol to the display control board 80 by a display control command. The stop symbols sent are
This is the same as the symbol transmitted at the start of the change.

As described above, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Transmits, to the display control board 80, information that can specify a pattern in each period when one variation pattern is divided in time series into a plurality of periods. In this example,
The plurality of periods are a first variation A, a variation B in which a reach operation is performed, and a variation C in which re-variation is performed (see FIG. 27). Display control CP on display control board 80
The U101 and the VDP 103 perform control to change symbols in a predetermined pattern corresponding to the received information. In addition, a predetermined character is displayed on the variable display unit 9. Further, the display control CPU 101 determines a replacement symbol from the information of the stopped symbol received at the start of the change, and also performs the symbol replacement control. Therefore, the game control means, that is, the CPU of the main board 31
56 only needs to transmit about several display control commands within one fluctuation period, and the load required for symbol fluctuation control of the game control means is reduced.

Although FIG. 27 illustrates combinations of display control commands corresponding to the variation patterns shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, combinations other than the combinations shown in FIG. Is also good. In this embodiment, a display control command for specifying a specific pattern is defined for each of the variation A, variation B, and variation C. However, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
The information indicating the change time may be transmitted for each of the change A, the change B, and the change C. And 1
A plurality of patterns may be prepared corresponding to one variation time, and the display control CPU 101 may be configured to select one of the plurality of patterns. In that case, the load on the game control means is further reduced.

Hereinafter, control of the game control means and the display control means for realizing the above-described display example will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol processing program executed by the CPU 56 of the main board 31. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 28 is a specific process of step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 performs the processing shown in FIG.
Of any of steps S300 to S308 shown in FIG. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Special symbol change waiting process (step S30)
0): The start winning port 14 (in this embodiment, the winning port of the variable winning ball device 15) is hit and the start port sensor 17 is turned on. When the starting port sensor 17 is turned on, the starting winning memory number is increased by + if the starting winning memory number is not full.
1 and a big hit determination random number is extracted. That is, the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed. Special symbol determination processing (step S301): When a state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prizes is confirmed. If the number of start winning prizes is not 0, it is determined whether to make a jackpot or not according to the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number. That is, the first half of the process shown in FIG. 10 is executed. Stop symbol setting process (step S302): A stop symbol for the left and right middle symbols is determined. That is, the latter half of the process shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

Command transmission completion wait processing (step S3)
03): Wait until the display control command for designating the change start and stop symbols to the display control board 80 is completed.

All symbols stop waiting processing (step S30)
4): When a predetermined time has elapsed, a display control command for designating the variation B portion and the variation C portion is transmitted to the display control board 80. When the symbol variation period ends, a display control command indicating a stopped symbol is transmitted.

Big hit display processing (step S305):
If the stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols,
The display control command data of the jackpot display is controlled to be sent to the display control board 80, and the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306. Otherwise, the internal state is changed to step S3.
Update to shift to 08. The combination of the big hit symbols is a combination in which the right and left middle symbols are aligned.
Further, the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 displays a big hit on the variable display unit 9 according to the display control command data. The jackpot display is made to notify the player of the occurrence of the jackpot. Big winning opening opening process (step S306): Control for opening the big winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
7): Control for sending display control command data of the special winning opening round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307 unless the end condition of the big hit gaming state is satisfied. If the big hit game state end condition is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.

Big hit end processing (step S308):
A display for notifying the player that the jackpot gaming state has ended is performed. When the display is completed, the internal flags and the like are returned to the initial state, and the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

The module (step S5 in FIG. 7) which performs the processing of transmitting the display control command in the game control program in accordance with the processing of each step described above outputs the corresponding display control command to the I / O port 57. Output to the port and output the strobe signal to the output port.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a process table used in the special symbol process processing. In each process table corresponding to each variation pattern, a variation state, voice control data, and the like are set in chronological order. Also, a process timer value for determining a fluctuation period in a certain fluctuation state is set. Each process table is composed of a plurality of 4-byte process data.

When the process timer times out, the CPU 56 transmits the third byte of the next four bytes of voice data in the process table to the voice control board 70, and changes the symbol variation data set in the fourth byte. If so, a display control command corresponding to the new symbol variation data is transmitted to the display control board 80. For example, at the start timing of the variation B portion, the variation B
Data indicating the variation mode of the unit is set. Therefore,
At that time, the CPU 56 can transmit any of the display control commands (B0) to (B4) according to the variation mode to the display control board 80.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the completion of command transmission in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 28 (step S3).
It is a flowchart which shows the process of 03). Step S
When the variation pattern and the stop symbol are determined in the stop symbol setting process of 302, transmission control of a display control command for instructing them is performed.
In 303, the CPU 56 first waits for the completion of command transmission (step S303a). The command transmission completion is notified from the display control data output process (step S5) during the main process (see FIG. 7).

When the transmission of the display control command is completed, C
The PU 56 sets the process timer value set in the first and second bytes in the process table as the process timer and starts the process timer (Step S303).
b). Then, the special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S304 (step S303).
c).

FIG. 31 is a process for waiting for all symbols to stop in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 29 (step S30).
It is a flowchart which shows 4). In step S304, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time of the process timer has expired (step S304a). When the time is up, a table pointer pointing to data in the process table is incremented by +4 (step S304b). Then, it is checked whether or not the data pointed by the table pointer, that is, the symbol variation data has changed from the previous time (the data pointed before the pointer was incremented by +4) (step S30).
4c). If it has changed, display control command data corresponding to the symbol variation data is set (step S30).
4d), a display control command data transmission request is set (step S304e). The display control command data transmission request is referred to in the display control data setting process (step S4) in the main process (see FIG. 7). The display control command data set first after the symbol change starts is any one of (B0) to (B4).

If the data pointed to by the table pointer is an end code, display control command data indicating a stop symbol is set (step S304f), and a display control command data transmission request is set (step S304).
g). Then, the special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S305 (step S304).
i). If it is not the end code, the process timer value in the new process data is set to the process timer and the process timer is started (step S304j).

As described above, in the special symbol processing, the transmission control of the display control command data is performed based on the symbol variation data set in the process table. A process timer value is also set in the process table, and the display control command data transmission timing is determined by the process timer value. Note that audio data is also set in the process table. So, for example,
In the case where the voice pattern is switched in the variation B part, the process timer times out to determine the voice pattern switching timing.
In such a case, the voice data in the process data newly pointed by +4 to the process pointer is changed, but the symbol variation data is not changed. This is because the variation B has not been completed yet.

FIG. 32 shows a display control data setting process (FIG. 7).
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of step S4) in the main processing shown in FIG. In the display control data setting process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the data sending flag is set (step S41).
1). If not set, it is confirmed whether or not the transmission request flag of the display control command data is set (step S412). If the transmission request flag has been set, the transmission request flag is reset (step S4).
13). The display control command data to be transmitted is set in the output data storage area (step S41).
4), a port output request is set (step S41)
6). The transmission request flag of the display control command data is set in the special symbol process. The data sending flag is set in a display control data output process described later.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the display control data output process (step S5) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control data output process, the CPU 56 determines whether a port output request has been set (step S421). If the port output request has been set, the port output request is reset (step S422), and the contents of the port storage area (the first byte of the display control command) are output to the output port 571 (step S423). Then, the port output counter is incremented by one (step S424). In addition, INT
The signal is set to low level (ON state) (step S42).
5), turning on the data sending flag (step S42)
6).

If the port output request has not been set, it is determined whether or not the value of the port output counter is 0 (step S431). Port output counter value is 0
If not, it is checked whether the value of the port output counter is 1 (step S432). If the value of the port output counter is 1, the INT signal is turned off (= 1) because it is the INT signal off timing for the first byte of the display control command (step S43).
3). Further, the value of the port output counter is increased by 1 (step S434).

If the value of the port output counter is 2 (step S435), the output timing of the second byte of the display control command has come, so the contents of the port storage area (the second byte of the display control command) Is output to the output port 571 (step S436). Then, the port output counter is incremented by 1 (step S437). Further, the INT signal is set to low level (step S43).
8).

If the value of the port output counter is not 2, that is, if it is 3, the INT signal off timing for the second byte of the display control command has come, and the value of the port output counter is cleared. At the same time (step S441), the INT signal is turned off (high level) (step S442). Further, the data sending flag is turned off (step S443).

In this embodiment, the display control data output process shown in FIG. 33 is executed once every 2 ms. Therefore, the data output process shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), one byte of data is output every 2 ms.

Next, the operation of the display control CPU 101 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the display control CPU 101. In the main processing, the display control CPU 101 first initializes the RAM, the I / O port, the VDP 103, and the like (step S70).
1). Then, display control is performed so that a demonstration screen appears on the variable display unit 9 (step S70).
2). After that, it enters a timer interrupt wait state.

In this embodiment, actual fluctuation control and the like are performed by a timer interrupt process. Timer interrupt is
For example, it occurs every 2 ms. As shown in FIG. 35, in the timer interrupt process, the display control CPU 101 executes a display control process process (step S711). In the display control process, a display control process according to the value of the display control process flag is performed.

The display control command from the main board 31 is I
It is received by the display control CPU 101 by the RQ2 interrupt. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the IRQ2 interrupt processing of the display control CPU 101. In the IRQ2 interrupt processing, the display control CPU 101 first checks whether the data receiving flag is set (step S601). If not set, this interrupt is an interrupt caused by the transmission of the first byte of display control data in the display control command data. Therefore, the pointer is cleared (step S602), and the data receiving flag is set (step S603). Then, control goes to a step S604. The pointer is the display control CPU 1
01 indicates in which byte in the display control command data storage area of the built-in RAM the received data is to be stored.

If the data receiving flag is set, the strobe signal is turned off (step S60).
4), the display control CPU 101 inputs data from the input port, and stores the input data at the address indicated by the pointer in the display control command data storage area (step S605).

Then, the display control CPU 101 increments the value of the pointer by one (step S606). When the value of the pointer becomes 2 (step S60)
7) Since the reception of the display control command data composed of 2 bytes has been completed, the data reception completion flag is set and the data reception flag is reset (steps S608 and S609). With the above processing, the display control data CMD1 and CMD2 are received by the display control board 80.

FIG. 37 shows the display control process in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 35 (step S711).
It is a flowchart which shows. In the display control process, step S7 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag.
One of the processes from 20 to S840 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Display control command reception waiting process (step S720): In the IRQ2 interrupt process, the process waits until a display control command from the main board 31 is received. That is,
Data reception completion flag (step S60 in FIG. 37)
Wait for 8) to turn on.

All symbols change start processing (step S78)
0): Control is performed so that the change of the middle left and right symbols is started.

Symbol change processing (step S810): The switching timing of each change state (change speed, background, character) constituting the change pattern is controlled, and the end of the change time is monitored. Also, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

All symbols stop wait setting processing (step S84)
0): At the end of the fluctuation time, if the display control command indicating the stop of the middle symbol has been received, the fluctuation of the middle symbol is stopped,
Control to display a stop symbol is performed.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the display control command reception waiting process (step S720). In the display control command reception waiting process, the display control CP
U101 first checks whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (step S721). The command non-reception timer is set to time out when a display control command indicating a symbol change is not received from the main board 31 for a predetermined period or more. Therefore, it is restarted each time a display control command is received. If a timeout has occurred, the display control CPU 101 performs control to display a demonstration screen on the variable display unit 9 (step S).
722).

If the command non-reception timer has not timed out, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the data reception completion flag has been turned on (step S72).
3). As described above, the data reception completion flag indicates that the IR
In the Q2 interrupt processing, this is set when a display control command (CMD1, CMD2) from the main board 31 is received. When the data reception completion flag is turned on, the data reception completion flag is reset (step S7).
24), the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol change start process (step S780) (step S725).

The display control commands first transmitted from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 include a command indicating a variation pattern of the variation A portion and a command designating a stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols. These are stored in the display control data storage area (Step S in FIG. 36).
607). Therefore, the display control CPU 101 selects the process table corresponding to the variation A specified by the received display control command in the all symbol variation start process (step S780), starts the process timer, and starts the display control process. The value of the flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (step S840). Hereinafter, the stop symbol transmitted together with the command indicating the variation pattern of the variation A portion is referred to as a temporary stop symbol.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display control process table used by the display control CPU 101. The display control process table is provided corresponding to each variation pattern in the variation A section, each variation pattern in the variation B section, and each variation pattern in the variation C section. The example shown in FIG. 39 corresponds to a variation pattern corresponding to the display control command (A1) in the variation A section.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S840). In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S841). If a timeout has occurred, the table pointer is incremented by +7 (step S842). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the display control process table indicated by the table pointer is an end code (step S84).
3). If it is the end code, the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the display control command reception wait (step S720) (step S844).

If it is not the end code, it is checked whether the fluctuation speed (left) in the process data has changed (step S845). If it has changed, the new fluctuating speed is VDP
103 is notified (step S846). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the fluctuation speed (right) in the process data has changed (step S847). If it has changed, a new fluctuation speed is notified to the VDP 103 (step S848). Further, it is checked whether or not the fluctuation speed (medium) in the process data has changed (step S849). If it has changed,
The new fluctuation speed is notified to the VDP 103 (step S
850).

It is checked whether the background in the process data has changed (step S851). If it has changed, a new background is notified to the VDP 103 (step S
852). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the character in the process data has changed (step S853). If it has changed, a new character is notified to the VDP 103 (step S854). Then, a new process timer is started (step S855).

With the above processing, the display control CPU 1
When 01 receives a display control command instructing a change pattern (each of the change A portion, the change B portion, and the change C portion) from the main board 31, the left and right symbols are changed by the change pattern according to the received command. Also, display control of a predetermined background and character is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the information which can specify the fluctuation period and the stop symbol of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 is transmitted to the game control means, that is, the C of the main board 31.
It is sent from the PU 56 to the display control means, and the display control means
It controls the display and display switching of the background and the character irrespective of the pattern variation. Therefore, the number of display control commands sent from the game control means to the display control means for one symbol change is reduced.

Specifically, the game control means, when starting to change the special symbol, firstly,
A display control command including the pattern of the variation A and the temporary stop symbol is transmitted. At a predetermined timing, a display control command including a pattern of the variation B portion and the variation C portion is transmitted. Therefore, the display control means, that is, the display control board 8
The display control CPU 101 of 0 can specify the fluctuation period from the display control command that specifies the fluctuation A section, the fluctuation B section, and the fluctuation C section (there may be no fluctuation B section and the fluctuation C section). Further, when the display control means receives a display control command designating the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion,
In addition to controlling the switching of the fluctuation speed in each fluctuation pattern, the display control of the background and the character is performed.

Further, if it is necessary to replace a symbol in order to stop the variable display with the temporarily stopped symbol, the display control C
The PU 101 determines a replacement symbol calculated from the temporary stop symbol and performs display control. Therefore, after transmitting the display control command including the pattern of the variation A portion and the temporary stop symbol, the game control means only needs to send the display control command of the pattern of the variation B portion and the C portion and the final stop symbol only. Good. Therefore, the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced.

Further, if a plurality of variation patterns are prepared corresponding to one variation time and the display control CPU 101 is configured to appropriately select the variation pattern, the game control means manages a small number of types of variation time. And the load is further reduced.

Further, the display control means calculates the symbol before re-change based on the temporary stop symbol in the change pattern in which the middle symbol is temporarily stopped and all the symbols are re-changed. Is determined and transmitted to the display control means, the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced as well. Further, since the switching of the background and the character is also managed by the display control means, the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced.

Then, the game control means transmits the temporary stop symbol to the display control means first, and further transmits the stop symbol which is the same symbol when the symbol is determined, so that the symbol variation control can be ensured. . If an error is displayed when a stop symbol cannot be received, it is immediately recognized that an abnormality has occurred.

If it takes time for the display control means to receive the stop symbol command after the fluctuation time elapses, the temporary stop symbol may be displayed swinging up and down during that time. . When such display control is performed, it is guaranteed that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol (not the temporary stop symbol) sent from the game control means of the main board 31, and that the symbol is not determined. Are easily recognized.

Further, the display control means monitors by a timer that a condition for variably displaying the symbol is not satisfied for a predetermined period or more, and displays a demonstration screen when a time-out occurs. There is no need to monitor that the conditions for performing do not hold. Therefore, also from this, the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, two types of jackpot notices are exemplified, but there may be more types of jackpot notices. Also, when multiple notice modes are used,
A notice with a high probability of a big hit may be divided into a notice with a low probability of a big hit, and a notice with a low probability may be defined as a reach notice. That is, the notice used in the present invention may be a jackpot notice or a reach notice. Further, a notice used in a case where there is a high possibility that a big hit occurs in the probability changing symbol may be used as the probability changing big hit notice. In the above-described embodiment, the stop state is defined to include the swing stop state and the fixed state described above. That is, when the symbol displayed in that state is not changed to the next symbol, it is defined as a stopped state.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a voice control command sent from the CPU 56 of the main board 31 to the voice control board 70. Each voice control command shown in FIG. 41 is composed of 7 bits, and specifies the type of sound effect. Then, when the process timer handled by the CPU 56 of the main board 31 times out, a voice control command corresponding to the new voice data in the process table is sent to the voice control board 70.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing the bit configuration of the voice control command. As shown in FIG. 42, bit 7 in one byte is used as an INT signal. Also, six bytes of bit 0 to bit 6 are used as the voice control command data portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the CPU 56 on the main board 31.
8 is a flowchart showing a voice process (step S14 in the main process shown in FIG. 7) executed by the user. CP
When the process timer is up and the process data is changed (step S881), the U56 reads the audio data set in the third byte of the new 4-byte area in the process table (step S88).
2). Then, a voice control command corresponding to the voice data is transmitted to the voice control board 70 (step S8).
83).

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a voice IC control process executed by the voice control CPU 701 in the voice control board 70. In the voice IC control process, the voice control CPU 701 checks whether or not voice control data has been received from the main board 31 (step S901).
If the voice control data is received, data for voice LSI control corresponding to the voice control data is read from the ROM (step S902).

The ROM stores control data for causing a voice synthesis circuit (voice synthesis LSI; for example, a digital signal processor) 702 to generate voice corresponding to each voice control data. The voice control CPU 701 includes:
The control data corresponding to each received voice control command data is read from the ROM.

In this embodiment, the speech synthesis circuit 702
Are controlled by a transfer request signal (SIRQ), a serial clock signal (SICK), a serial data signal (SI), and a transfer end signal (SRDY). When the SIRQ goes low, the speech synthesis circuit 702
Synchronize with ICK, fetch SI one bit at a time,
When Y becomes low level, the data consisting of each SI received so far is interpreted as one audio reproduction data. Accordingly, the audio control CPU 701 turns SIRQ on (low level) (step S903), outputs the control data read from the ROM as SI in synchronization with SICK (step S904), and when the output is completed, turns the SRDY low. The level is set (step S905). When receiving the control data through the SI, the voice synthesis circuit 702 generates a voice corresponding to the received control data.

As described above, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Performs control to transmit a voice control command to the voice control board 70 based on voice data set in the process table. Then, in the process table, symbol variation data serving as a source of display control command data is set together with voice data serving as a source of the voice control command. Therefore, the game control means, that is, C of the main board 31
The PU 56 can easily match the display of the variable display unit 9 with the output sound.

[0145]

As described above, according to the present invention, the game machine controls the game control means to send final stop identification information at least at the stage before the final stop of the identification information. Having information sending means, wherein the display control means comprises:
Since the display control command is received and the display content deciding means for deciding at least the display content irrespective of the final stop identification information is configured, the load of the control on the identification information display of the game control means is reduced, and the game control means is reduced. This has the effect of increasing the time available for the original game control.

In the case where the game control means is configured to output a command for outputting a sound effect matching the content of the display control command to a voice control means provided separately from the game control means, There is an effect that the game control means can easily match the identification information variably displayed with the sound effect.

[0147] When the game control means is configured to transmit information capable of specifying the identification information again when the identification information is determined, it is possible to ensure the determination of the identification information without mistake. There is.

In the case where the display control means is configured to include a demonstration screen display means for measuring a predetermined period and displaying a demonstration screen without receiving designation from the game control means, It is not necessary to monitor that the condition for variably displaying the identification information is not satisfied for a period of time or more, and the load required for the display control of the game control means is further reduced.

A command division transmission in which the game control means can transmit information that can specify each period obtained by dividing a period in which one variable display is performed into a plurality of time series at the start of each period. In the case of including the means, there is an effect that a large number of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining display control commands corresponding to respective periods.

When the final stop identification information sending means is configured to send information at the same time that the command division sending means sends a command, the effect of reducing the number of times display control commands are sent can be obtained. There is.

Further, the final stop identification information sending means can send the information at least in conjunction with the command sending at least two times when the command division sending means sends a command a plurality of times for one variable display. In the case of being configured as such, at least the temporary stop identification information and the final stop identification information can be transmitted to the display control means, and the display control means can calculate the replacement identification information and the identification information before re-change. As a result, there is an effect that the fluctuation can be reliably stopped with the determined stop identification information based on the final stop identification information.

The game control means includes a notice display execution deciding means for deciding whether or not to make a notice for giving a notice of a specific display mode, and the command division sending means determines that the notice display execution deciding means gives a notice. After the determination, if the information for giving the notice is included in the information that can specify the divided period, there is an effect that it is not necessary to increase the number of transmissions of the display control command even when the notice is given.

The display of the advance notice of the specific display mode is as follows.
When configured to be performed by the character, there is an effect that the interest of the game can be increased by linking the notice and the character.

When the gaming machine is configured such that data can be transferred only between the game control means and the variable display control means between the game control means and the variable display control means, There is an effect that the possibility that an incorrect signal is input to the game control means can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on a main board.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a display control board.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of an audio control board.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing main processing of the basic circuit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of determining that a hit ball has won a start winning opening.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a stop symbol for variable display and a process of determining a reach type.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a left and right middle symbol displayed on the variable display section.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background symbol displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a character displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display control command.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control command CMD1.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control command CMD2.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control command CMD2.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a CMD2 of a display control command.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing display control command data transmitted from the main board to the display control board.

FIG. 21 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission timing of display control command data.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a fluctuating state constituting each fluctuating pattern of a symbol.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of a change in a symbol at the time of a non-reach out of position.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing an example of symbol fluctuation at the time of reach.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an example of a change of a symbol at the time of a reach.

FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing an example of a change of a symbol at the time of a reach.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a combination of display control commands and a variation pattern.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a process table.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a command transmission completion waiting process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of display control data setting processing.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing display control data output processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing main processing of a display control CPU.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the display control CPU.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an IRQ2 interrupt process of the display control CPU.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a display control process.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a display control command reception waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control process table.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a voice control command.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing a bit configuration of a voice control command.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing audio processing of the game control means.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a voice IC control process of a voice control CPU.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Variable display unit 31 Game control board (main board) 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU 70 Voice control board 80 Display control board 101 Display control CPU 102 Control data ROM 103 VDP 105 Input buffer circuit 701 Voice control CPU

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A variable display unit having a plurality of display areas whose display states are changeable, wherein a change of identification information displayed in the display area is started in accordance with satisfaction of a change start condition,
A game machine which can provide a predetermined game value to a player on the condition that the display result of the identification information becomes a predetermined specific display mode, and a game control means for controlling a progress of the game, Display control means for performing display control of the variable display unit, wherein the game control means is capable of outputting a display control command for performing display control, and the display control command is at least a period during which the variable display is performed. A final stop identification information transmitting unit that includes information that can specify the identifiable information and the identification information to be stopped, and that transmits information that can specify the final stop identification information at least before the final stop of the identification information; The display control means receives a display control command and determines at least a display content irrespective of final stop identification information within a range of the variable display. Game machine characterized by having a shows content deciding means. 2. A sound control means which is provided separately from the game control means and creates a sound effect, wherein the game control means outputs a command to output a sound effect corresponding to the content of a display control command by the sound control. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the information is output to a means. 3. The game control means sends information capable of specifying the identification information again when determining the identification information.
Or the gaming machine according to claim 2. 4. When a condition for starting the change of the identification information is not satisfied for a predetermined period, a demonstration screen can be displayed, and the display control unit measures the predetermined period and designates it from the game control unit. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a demonstration screen display unit for performing a demonstration screen display without receiving the instruction. 5. The game control means may divide a time period in which a single variable display is performed into a plurality of times in a time series and transmit information which can specify each time period at a time related to the start of each time period. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a command division transmitting unit capable of transmitting the command. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the final stop identification information sending means sends information together with the command division sending means sending a command. 7. The final stop identification information sending means can send information in conjunction with at least two times of command sending when the command division sending means sends a command a plurality of times for one variable display. The gaming machine according to claim 6. 8. When the specific display mode is determined in advance, it is possible to make a display for giving a notice that the specific display content will be obtained, and the game control means displays a display for giving a notice that the specific display mode will be provided. A notice display execution deciding means for deciding whether or not to perform the notice, and the command division sending means can, if the notice display execution deciding means decides to perform the notice, give a notice to information capable of specifying the divided period. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 5, including recognizable information. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the notice display is performed by a character. 10. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein data can be transferred only between the game control means and the display control means between the game control means and the display control means.