JP2000325586A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent increase in the number of commands sent from a play control means to a display control means even when display direction is enriched by providing a variable display part for variably displaying a special picture pattern and a decorative picture pattern. SOLUTION: In the case of failure, a failure picture pattern is displayed in a special picture pattern display area 9A and a determined picture pattern not matching left, right and middle picture patterns is displayed in a decorative picture pattern display area 9B. At the time of great success, a success picture pattern is displayed in the special picture pattern display area 9A and a determined picture pattern matching left, right and middle picture patterns is displayed in the decorative picture pattern display area 9B. Information showing a variable display pattern and success/failure is sent from the play control means to the display control means. The command from the play control means to the display control means is transmitted through an irreversible output means on a play control board and an irreversible input means on a display control board.

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 unit, for example, a plurality of identification information (special symbols) such as symbols are variably displayed. The fact that the display result of the variable display unit is a combination of predetermined specific display modes is usually referred to as “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.

[0005] As a gaming machine, there is also known a game machine provided with a decorative symbol display portion for variably displaying decorative symbols and the like in addition to a variable display portion for variably displaying simple special symbols. In such a gaming machine, the total number of special symbols is smaller than the total number of decorative symbols. Therefore, the control load related to the variable display of the special symbol is reduced. Then, in order to prevent a decrease in the game effect due to a small number of special symbols, the display effect using the decorative symbols is made rich in variations.

The progress of the game in the gaming machine is controlled by game control means such as a microcomputer. Image information displayed on the variable display device is controlled by display control means operating according to display control command data from the game control means. Image information displayed on the variable display device is generally controlled by a display control microcomputer and a video display processor (VDP) that generates image data in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer and transfers the image data to the variable display device side. However, 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. Although the generation of image data such as symbols is performed by the display control means, the display position of the changing symbols on the screen every moment is preferably performed by the game control means for controlling the progress of the game. It is determined by the game control means. Therefore, the game control means:
The display position of the symbol is determined at appropriate timing, and the display position is transmitted to the display control means.

[0008]

However, when the game control means is configured to determine the display position of the changing symbol, the control load on the symbol display of the game control means is large, and the game control means has a large burden. However, there is a problem that the processing time that can be spent for other game control is limited. In order to solve such a problem, for example, the game control means transmits a symbol speed change point (including a change start and a fluctuation stop) to the display control means, and the display control means displays the symbol according to the received speed. It is conceivable to determine the position. However, even with such a symbol variation control, 1
Since the command is transmitted from the game control means to the display control means many times during the fluctuation, the control load on the symbol display of the game control means is also large. This means that
The same can be said not only when the display control means controls the display of the special symbol, but also when the display control means is configured to control the display of the decorative symbol described above. Further, when a big hit occurs, the state becomes extremely advantageous to the player, and there is a possibility that an improper act of generating a big hit may be performed. There is a possibility that the wrongdoing is performed not only from the front side of the gaming machine but also by performing unauthorized modification on various circuit boards installed on the backside of the gaming machine.

Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machine having a variable display section for variably displaying a special symbol and a decorative symbol,
The display effects are abundant, and even if the display effects are abundant, the number of commands sent from the game control means to the display control means does not increase. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine which can be hardly received.

[0010]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine controllable to a gaming state advantageous to a player on the condition that a display result of a special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display section is a predetermined specific display mode, and the progress of the game is Game control means for controlling, a variable display device having at least a special symbol display portion and a decorative symbol display portion for displaying a decorative symbol, and variable display control means for controlling a display state of the variable display device, the variable display control The means is a special symbol display control means for variably displaying the special symbol on the special symbol display section, and the decorative symbol display section can display more kinds of display contents than can be displayed on the special symbol display section. A decorative symbol display control means, wherein the game control means can transmit a command relating to variable display of a special symbol based on satisfaction of a variable display start condition, and can transmit information only in one direction. Sending to the variable display control means via the output means, the variable display control means receiving a command relating to variable display of special symbols from the game control means via the irreversible input means capable of transmitting information only in one direction. The special symbols are variably displayed using the special symbol display control means, and the decorative symbols are variably displayed using the decorative symbol display control means, so that the display result of the special symbol display unit matches the display result of the decorative symbol display unit. The variable display control is performed as described above.

[0011] The game control means may be configured to be able to transmit information indicating the determination at a time related to determining all the symbols.

[0012] The variable display control means may be configured to swing and display the stopped symbols until the information indicating the confirmation is input.

The method of changing the special symbol is, for example, one type.

It is preferable that there are a plurality of types of decoration pattern changing methods.

The irreversible output means of the game control means may have a two-stage configuration.

The irreversible input means of the variable display control means includes:
A configuration including a noise filter may be employed.

[0017]

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 a special symbol display area for variably displaying special symbols and a decorative symbol display area for variably displaying decorative symbols.

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. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and 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.

Below the variable winning ball device 15, there is provided an opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). 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.

In the lower part of the variable display device 8, a starting winning opening 1 is provided.
There is provided a starting winning storage display 18 having four display sections for displaying the number of winning balls that have entered four. In this example,
Each time there is a start winning, with the upper limit being four, the start winning storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units by one. Then, every time the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display section 9 is started, the number of the lit display section 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 (normal symbol) of the variable display 10 changes continuously.

When a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the special symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start the change of the special symbol, the starting winning memory is increased by one. In addition, about the start winning prize memory,
This will be described in detail later. The variable display of the special symbol in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed.

If the display state of the special symbol at the time of stop is the display state of the big hit symbol, the game shifts to the big hit game state. That is, until the opening / closing plate 20 passes for a certain time, or
It is released 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).

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 board 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 in order 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 board 37, the lamp control board 35, the audio control board 70, the launch 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, and signals from the gate switch 12, the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning ball detection switch 99 are transmitted to the basic circuit 53. , A solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53, and a start storage display 18
And a lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the variable indicator 10 and the decorative lamp 25 by a 7-segment LED.

Also, according to the data provided from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot, the effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used for starting the special symbol change display of the variable display section 9, and the probability change are obtained. It includes an information output circuit 64 that outputs probability change information or the like indicating occurrence 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 receives a display control command via the input buffer circuit 105 when a strobe signal is input from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105.

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.

The input buffer circuit 105 in the display control board 80 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 transmitted to the main board 31.
It does not reach the side. For example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 that blocks a high-frequency signal. However, even if noise is applied to a display control command between substrates due to the presence of the noise filter 107, the effect is eliminated. .

In the main board 31, the output of the output ports 571 and 572 for sending the display control command may be output to the display control board 80 as it is, but the output buffer circuit 63 capable of transmitting signals only in one direction. Is provided, the signal output portion has a two-stage configuration, and the main substrate 31
To the display control board 80 can be more reliably transmitted.

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. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether to generate a big hit (for big hit determination) (2) Random 4: Determine whether or not to reach at the time of off (for reach determination) (3) Random 6: Type of reach Determine (for determining reach type) (4) Random 7: For determination of probability change (high probability state: for determining whether or not to increase the probability of generating a big hit)

In order to enhance the gaming effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (4) are used. In step S10, the CPU 56 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the jackpot determination random number (1) and the probability change random number (4). 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 4 and 6 is counted up (addition of 1).

Further, the basic circuit 53 performs signal processing with the award ball substrate 37 (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 substrate 37. The prize ball control CPU mounted on the prize ball substrate 37 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 description will be given, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10, of a process of starting a change of a symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 based on a winning in the starting winning opening 14. FIG. 8 shows a process for determining that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14, and FIG. 9 shows a process for determining a symbol changing method. FIG. 10 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 special symbol process process of step S8 of the main process, as shown in FIG.
If it is determined that the starting port sensor 17 has been turned on via Step 8 (Step S41), it is checked whether or not the starting winning storage number has reached the maximum value of 4 (Step S42).
If the start winning prize storage number has not reached 4, the starting prize storage number is increased by 1 (step S43), and the value of the random number for jackpot 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 S4).
4). 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.

As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of stored winning prizes in the special symbol process at step S8 (step S50). If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the start prize storing number = 1 is read (step S51), the value of the start prize storing number is reduced by 1, and
The value of each random value storage area is shifted (step S5).
2). That is, the number of starting winning memories = n (n = 2, 3,
The value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = n−1.

Then, the CPU 56 determines the hit / miss based on the value read in step S51, that is, the value of the extracted big hit determination random number (step S53). Here, the random number for the jackpot determination is 0 to 299.
Values within the range. As shown in FIG. 10, when the probability is low, for example, if the value is “3”, “big hit” is determined, and if the value is any other value, “out”.
Is determined. When the probability is high, for example, the value is "3",
If it is one of "7", "79", "103", and "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "out".

If it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit, a random number for random determination (random 7) is extracted, and if the value is an odd number, it is determined that a high probability state is set (step S6).
8). The reach type determining random number (random 6) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S57).

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 type (step S57).

If it is determined in step S58 that no reach is made, if the state is in the high probability state, it is determined whether the fluctuation period of the special symbol is a normal period or a shortened period (step S67). The determination is made using, for example, a random number.

In the high-probability state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the time required to determine the variable display of the variable display 10 using 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.

The range of random numbers and random number values used in this embodiment is merely an example, and any random number may be used and the range may be set arbitrarily.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 11 is a specific process of step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 determines in step S3 shown in FIG.
One of the processes from 00 to S309 is performed. 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. 8 is executed.

Special symbol determination processing (step S301):
When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the starting prize memory number is not 0,
It is determined whether to make a big hit or a miss depending on the value of the extracted big hit determination random number. That is, the first half of the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): It is determined whether or not to perform the reach operation according to the value of the reach determination random number, and the reach variable display pattern is determined according to the value of the reach type determination random number. That is,
The latter half of the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

All symbols change start processing (step S30)
4): The variable display section 9 controls so that all the special symbols and decorative symbols are started to change. At this time, the display control board 80 is transmitted with the variable display pattern and information instructing whether or not to make a big hit.

All symbols stop waiting processing (step S30)
5): Control is performed so that the special symbol and decorative symbol displayed on the variable display section 9 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Big hit display processing (step S306):
If it is determined to be a big hit, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S307. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

Big winning opening opening start processing (step S30)
7): Control for opening the special 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)
8): Control for transmitting 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 jackpot gaming state end condition is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309):
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.

As described above, when a hit ball is won in the starting winning opening 14, the basic circuit 53 determines whether or not to make a big hit or a miss in the special symbol process in step S11 (see FIG. 6). Is determined, and a display control command corresponding to the determination is given to the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80. Display control C
The PU 101 controls the display of the variable display unit 9 according 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 a special symbol used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the special symbol is 2
Suppose there is a kind. One is a hit symbol and the other is a lost symbol. During the change, the special symbol display area of the variable display section 9 alternately displays the winning symbol and the non-winning symbol. The switching speed is always the same. Then, when the winning symbol is displayed at the end of the change (switching display), a big hit is made and the big hit gaming state is started. Also, when the shift symbol is displayed at the end of the fluctuation, it is out of the display. That is, when a big hit occurs, the hit symbol becomes a stop symbol, and when it comes off, the miss symbol becomes a stop symbol.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a right and left middle decorative pattern used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the decorative design display area of the variable display section 9 has three display areas on the left and right. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the respective symbols displayed as the left and right middle decorative symbols are the same twelve symbols in the left and right. When the symbol of symbol number 12 is displayed, next, the symbol of symbol number 1 is displayed. When the stop symbol of the special symbol is a hit symbol, that is, when a big hit occurs, the left and right middle symbols stop at the same symbol.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on the variable display section 9 during symbol change. (A) shows a state in which a special symbol is changing in the special symbol display area 9A, a decorative symbol is changing in the decorative symbol display area 9B, and a shifted symbol appears in the special symbol display area 9A. . (B) shows a state in which a big hit symbol appears in the special symbol display area 9A in the same state. FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, a character is also displayed on the variable display unit 9. Hereinafter, the decorative design and the character may be collectively referred to as a decorative design.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an 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 composed of two bytes (CMD1, CMD2).

As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, a display control command capable of specifying a variable display period of a symbol, that is, a display control command capable of specifying a variable display pattern and a display control command for instructing stop of all symbols are provided. When,
There is a display control command indicating hitting / losing by a special symbol. As shown in FIG. 15A, in this example, as the display control commands that can specify the variable display period, “outside”, “probable change”, “reach 1”, “reach 2”, and “reach 3” There is.

FIG. 16 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. 16, 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. 17 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, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 19, examples of the variation patterns of the special symbol and the decorative symbol will be described.
FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of the change of the symbol at the time of the out of reach. FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an example of the change of the symbol at the time of the reach (the case of the big hit and the case of the big hit).

In this embodiment, when a display control command indicating “out of position” is received from the main board 31, the display control CPU 101 sets the display control command as shown in FIG.
Special and decorative symbols are variably displayed for 7 seconds. However, in this embodiment, the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol stop in the order of the decorative symbol, and then the left symbol and the right symbol fluctuate for a while. The swing fluctuation means that a display is made such that the symbol swings up and down or left and right. The swing fluctuation is performed until the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) is displayed.

When a display control command indicating "all symbols stop" is received from the main board 31, the special symbol and the right and left middle decorative symbols are finally stopped (fixed). That is, for the decorative symbol, the swinging state of the left and right decorative symbols is terminated, and the left and right middle symbol is in a fixed state in which it does not move.
In addition, the swinging motion may be performed after the fluctuation due to the pattern c (deceleration), and the middle decoration pattern may be set to the final state. In this case, the fixed symbol of the special symbol is a lost symbol, and the fixed symbols of the left and right middle decorative symbols are such that the left symbol and the right symbol do not match.

When a display control command indicating “variation at certain time” is received from the main board 31, the CPU 1 for display control
No. 01 variably displays a special symbol and a decorative symbol for four seconds as shown in FIG. In this case, the special symbol and the decorative symbol stop at the same time. In addition, the fixed symbol of the special symbol is a lost symbol, and the fixed symbol of the left and right middle decorative symbol is such that the left symbol and the right symbol do not match.

When the variation shown in FIG. 18 (A) or (B) is performed, the main board 31 moves the display control board 80 with respect to the variation of the symbol in the case of “losing” or “probable change”. Only the display control command indicating "fluctuation" and the display control command indicating "all symbol determination" are transmitted.

While the symbol is changing, the display control CPU
The display control unit 101 performs display control so that a predetermined background is displayed, and performs display control so that a predetermined character is displayed on a screen and the character is appropriately moved. Specifically, the VDP 103 is notified of the background and the character. Then, the VDP 103 creates image data of the designated background. Further, image data of the designated character is created and combined with the background image. In addition, VDP10
3 synthesizes the image data of the special design and the image data of the decoration design in the left and right sides with the synthesized image. VDP103 is
The display control that the character moves and the display control that the symbol fluctuates are also performed. That is, the shape and display position of the character are changed according to a predetermined exercise pattern. Further, the symbol display position is changed according to the fluctuation speed notified from the display control CPU 101.

In addition, the display control CPU 101 replaces, at a predetermined timing, a symbol several symbols before the determined symbol in the decorative symbol display area in the left and right, in order to determine each of the decorative symbols whose left and right symbols do not match. I do.

FIG. 19A shows an example of a fluctuation pattern displayed when a display control command of “reach 1” is transmitted from the main board 31. The display control CPU 101
When Reach 1 is notified, 1 special symbol and decorative symbol
Variable display for 5 seconds. The decorative symbols stop in the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, and then the left symbol and the right symbol fluctuate for a while. The swing fluctuation is performed until the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) is displayed.

When a display control command indicating "all symbols stopped" is received from the main board 31, the special symbol and the right and left middle decorative symbols are determined. In other words, the swing fluctuation state of the left and right decorative symbols is terminated, and a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move is established.

FIG. 19B shows an example of a fluctuation pattern displayed when a display control command of “reach 2” is transmitted from the main board 31. The display control CPU 101
When Reach 2 is notified, 2 special symbols and decorative symbols
Variable display for 9 seconds. As for the decorative symbols, the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol stop in this order, and thereafter, the left symbol and the right symbol fluctuate for a while. Then, when a display control command indicating “all symbols stop” is received from the main board 31, the special symbol and the right and left middle decorative symbols are finally determined.

FIG. 19C shows an example of a variation pattern displayed when a display control command of "reach 3" is transmitted from the main board 31. The display control CPU 101
When reach 3 is notified, 4 special symbols and decorative symbols
Variable display for 0 seconds. As for the decorative symbols, the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol stop in this order, and thereafter, the left symbol and the right symbol fluctuate for a while. Then, when a display control command indicating “all symbols stop” is received from the main board 31, the special symbol and the right and left middle decorative symbols are finally determined.

When the symbols shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C are changed, the main board 31 to the display control board 8
For 0, a display control command of "reach 1", "reach 2" or "reach 3", and a display control command indicating that the special symbol is stopped at "losing" or "hit", , A display control command indicating “all symbols stopped”.

When the display control command indicating that the special symbol is stopped at "hit" is received, the display control CP
U101 assumes that the fixed symbol of the special symbol is a hit symbol, and the determined symbol of the decorative symbol is aligned in the left and right.
When a display control command indicating that the special symbol is stopped at “out of position” is received, the display control CPU 1
In the case of 01, it is assumed that the fixed symbol of the special symbol is a lost symbol and the determined symbol of the decorative symbol is left and right.

Although FIG. 19 shows one type of variable display pattern for each reach, a plurality of types of variable display patterns may be used for each reach. In that case, the display control CPU 101
Determines which variable display pattern to use using a predetermined random number or the like.

As described above, in this embodiment, only two types of "hit" and "losing" are used as special symbols for determining whether or not to make a big hit. And
The symbols fluctuate at a constant speed (constant speed switching display) in any variable display pattern. However, the decorative symbols, in which the number of symbols is greater than the number of symbols in the special symbol, are variably displayed in various variation patterns, so that the game can be effectively produced and the interest of the game is not spoiled. .

Further, when the decorative symbol fluctuates in synchronization with the change of the special symbol, and the final symbol of the special symbol is a hit symbol, the decorative symbols on the left and right are aligned. Also, if the confirmed symbol of the special symbol is a missing symbol,
The decorative patterns on the left and right are not aligned. And
When the reach operation (fluctuation due to reach 1, 2 or 3) is performed, if the fixed symbol of the special symbol is a lost symbol, the right and left decorative symbols are aligned. Therefore, whether a big hit or a big hit is determined by a relatively simplified special symbol,
It is possible to determine whether or not a big hit has occurred based on the display result of the decorative symbol that matches the display result of the special symbol.
Since the variation pattern of the decoration pattern can be made rich, the interest in the game for the player does not decrease.

Further, even if the game effects with the decorative symbols are abundant, the number of commands sent from the main board 31 to the display control board 80 may be very small as shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the control of the game control means and the display control means for realizing the above-described display example will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the all symbol variation start process (step S304) in the special symbol process process shown in FIG. When the variable display pattern is determined in the reach operation setting process in step S303 to determine whether to make a big hit or not, transmission control of a display control command for designating the variable display pattern is performed.
In 304, the CPU 56 first waits for completion of command transmission (step S304a). The command transmission completion is notified from the display control data output process (step S5) during the main process (see FIG. 6).

In this embodiment, when the CPU 56 starts changing the symbol, the CPU 56 sends a command capable of specifying the variable display pattern shown in FIG.
Send to 0. In the case of reaching, a display control command indicating whether the special symbol is to be stopped at "miss" or "hit" is sent to the display control board 80. Therefore, in the command transmission completion processing of step S304a, it is confirmed whether or not transmission of all these commands has been completed.

When the transmission of the display control command is completed, C
The PU 56 starts a fluctuation time timer for measuring the fluctuation time notified to the display control board 80 (Step S304b). Then, the special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S305 (step S305).
304c).

FIG. 21 is a flow chart of the all symbol stop waiting process (step S30) in the special symbol process process shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows 5). In step S305, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the variable time timer has expired (step S305a). When the time is up, a display control command instructing to stop all symbols is set (step S305b). Then, a display control command data transmission request is set (step S305c),
The special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S306 (step S305d). 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. 6).

As described above, in the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 sends to the display control board 80 information that can specify the variable display pattern at the start of the change and information that indicates the hit / los with the special symbol. When the variation time timer expires, that is, when the designated variation time ends, information instructing all symbol variations is sent to the display control board 80. During that time, the CPU 56 does not send a display control command relating to the symbol variation to the display control board 80. Therefore, the load required for the display control of the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is greatly reduced.

FIG. 22 shows a display control data setting process (FIG. 6).
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. 23 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 for transmitting the display control command (step S422). Step S423). Then, the port output counter is incremented by 1 (step S42).
4). Further, the INT signal is set to low level (ON state) (step S425), and the data sending flag is turned on (step S426).

If the port output request has not been set, it is determined whether 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 (step S436). Then, the port output counter is incremented by 1 (step S437). Furthermore, I
The NT signal is set to low level (step S438).

When the value of the port output counter is not 2, that is, when the value is 3, the INT signal off timing for the second byte of the display control command is reached, 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 processing shown in FIG. 23 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. 24 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 the initial screen appears on the variable display unit 9 (step S702). Thereafter, the random number updating process (the updating process of the counter for generating the random number) is repeatedly executed (step S703).

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. 25, in the timer interruption 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. 26 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. 27 shows a display control process in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 25 (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.
Any one of the processes from 20 to S870 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Variation start command reception waiting processing (step S720): It is confirmed whether or not a display control command capable of specifying a variable display pattern has been received by the IRQ2 interruption processing.

Stop symbol determination processing for decorative symbols (step S)
750): Based on a predetermined random number, the fixed symbol of the left and right middle decorative symbol is determined. When a plurality of variation patterns are prepared for each of the reach (reach 1, reach 2 and reach 3), which pattern is used when a display control command of reach 1, reach 2 or reach 3 is received. decide.

All symbols change start processing (step S78)
0): Control is performed so that the left and right middle symbols of the special symbol and the decorative symbol are changed.

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. In addition, stop control (swing variation start control) of the left and right symbols of the decorative symbol is performed.

All symbols stop wait setting processing (step S84)
0): At the end of the fluctuation time, if a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, the control of stopping the fluctuation of the special symbol and the decoration symbol and displaying the final stopped symbol (fixed symbol) is performed.

Big hit display processing (step S870): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the probability big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the process of waiting for a change start command (step S720). In the process of waiting for the change start command, the display control CP
U101 first checks whether a display control command capable of specifying a variable display pattern has been received (step S7).
21). As shown in FIG. 15A, the display control command capable of specifying the variable display pattern has a CMD1 of 80.
H, and CMD2 is a command of 01H, 2H, 03H, 04H or 05H. When a display control command capable of specifying the variable display pattern is received, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol stop symbol determination process (step S750) (step S750).
At the same time as 722), the monitoring timer is started (step S723). The monitoring timer is a timer for monitoring whether a display control command of “all symbols stopped” is received.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used by the display control CPU 101. In this embodiment, the display control CPU 101 uses random numbers 10 to 13. The random 10 is for determining a left and right middle fixed symbol of the decorative symbol when a big hit by a special symbol is generated. The random numbers 11 to 13 are for determining a left and right fixed symbol of the decorative symbol when the special symbol does not cause a big hit.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the stop symbol determining process (step S750) of the decorative symbol. In the decorative symbol stop symbol determination process, the display control CPU
First, it is checked whether or not the display control command of “out of contact” or “variation at the time of probable change” is received (step S7).
51). If any were received, random 1
The values of 1 to 13 are extracted, and the left and right fixed symbols of the decorative symbol are determined based on the extracted values (step S752). Specifically, the decorative symbol of the symbol number corresponding to the value of the random number 11 is the left determined symbol, the decorative symbol of the symbol number corresponding to the value of the random number 12 is the middle determined symbol, and the symbol number corresponding to the value of the random number 13 Is a right finalized symbol (see FIG. 13). If the left and right confirmed symbols are the same, the right confirmed symbol is shifted by one symbol.

If it is confirmed in step S751 that "out" and "probable change" have not been received,
The display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a display control command indicating that the special symbol is stopped at "hit" is received (step S753). If a display control command indicating stop at “hit” is received, random 10
Is determined, and a left and right middle fixed symbol of the decorative symbol is determined based on the extracted value (step S754).

If a display control command indicating stop at "miss" is received in step S753, the display control CPU 101 extracts the value of the random number 11 and determines the left and right of the decorative symbol based on the extracted value. A symbol is determined (step S755). Also, random 12
Is determined, and a middle design symbol is determined based on the extracted value (step S756). Here, if the left and right middle fixed symbols are the same, the middle fixed symbol is shifted by one symbol.

When the fixed symbol of the decorative symbol is determined, the display control CPU 101 changes the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start processing (step S780) (step S767).

As described above, in this embodiment, the fixed symbols of the left and right middle decorative symbols are determined by the display control means. Therefore, even if the number of special symbols is reduced and the number of decorative symbols is increased to increase the number of game effects, the load on the display control of the game control means does not increase. Also, when determining the fixed symbol of the decorative symbol, when the special symbol is determined by the hit symbol, it is determined by a combination of the symbols reminiscent of the big hit, and when the special symbol is determined by the unplug symbol, the combination of the symbols reminding the slip is determined. Determine. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether the jackpot has been won or lost based on the display result of the decorative symbol.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the whole symbol change start process (step S780). In the all symbol variation start processing, the display control CPU 101 determines to use a process table corresponding to the variable display pattern to be used (step S781). In the process table, the respective fluctuation states (the fluctuation speed and the fluctuation period at the speed) in the variable display pattern are set. Also,
The process table is set in the ROM.

Then, the timer is started with the process timer value set at the beginning of the process table (step S782). Further, based on the data indicating the fluctuation state set in the third byte, symbol fluctuation control,
The display control of the background and the character is started (step S783). Then, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the symbol change processing (step S810) (step S784).

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the process table. In each process table corresponding to each variable display pattern, the changing speed of the decorative design, the changing period at that speed, the switching timing of the background and the character, and the like are set in chronological order. Also, a process timer value for determining a fluctuation period at a certain speed is set. Each process table is composed of a plurality of 3-byte process data.

For example, in the process table corresponding to the variable display pattern shown in FIG. 18A, the first process data (3 bytes) includes the start of the change of the special symbol, the right and left middle symbols of the decorative symbol. Is set at a low speed, and a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing is set. The first change is the change (acceleration) due to the pattern a.
This is because low-speed fluctuation should be started.

Thereafter, how to switch the display state and a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing are sequentially set. In addition, the display state switching timing is a display symbol switching timing of a special symbol and a timing of switching a changing speed of any of the left and right middle symbols of the decorative symbol, and further, the switching timing of the background and the character and the replacement of the symbol are changed. The timing to be performed is also included.

Therefore, the display control CPU 101 can know that some display state has to be changed by the expiration of the process timer. The display state to be changed can be known from the set value of the third byte of the next process data in the process table.

FIG. 33 shows a process during symbol change (step S8).
It is a flowchart which shows 10). In the symbol change processing, the display control CPU 101 checks whether the process timer has timed out (step S81).
1). If the process timer has timed out, the pointer indicating the data in the process table is incremented by +3 (step S812). Then, it is determined whether or not the data in the area pointed to by the pointer is an end code (step S).
813). If it is not the end code, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are changed based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte of the process data indicated by the pointer (step S81).
4) Start the timer with the process timer value set in the first and second bytes (step S815).

If it is the end code in step S813, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting processing (step S840) (step S816).

FIG. 34 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 a display control command instructing “all symbol stop” has been received (step S841). If a display control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, control is performed to stop the left and right middle decorative symbols with the determined fixed symbol (step S842). Also, control is performed to stop the special symbol at the fixed symbol (step S843). Then, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S870) (step S84).
4).

If a display control command designating “stop all symbols” has not been received, it is checked whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S845). If a timeout has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display unit 9 (step S846).

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the variable display section 9 when a symbol is determined. (A) shows the case of a loss, and (B) shows the case of a hit. As shown in FIG. 35 (A), a lost symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 9A, and a fixed symbol whose left and right middle symbols do not match is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 9B. FIG.
As shown in (B), when a hit symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 9A, a fixed symbol whose left and right middle symbols match is displayed in the decorative symbol display area 9B.

If the CPU 56 of the main board 31 decides to make a certain big hit, for example, a special display means is provided on the game board to notify the player of the fact, and the display means is provided. May be displayed.

[0139] Further, information indicating whether or not it is a probable big hit may be added to the display control command sent from the main board 31 to the display control board 80. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display control command to which information indicating whether or not a big hit has been added. The command indicating the variable display pattern and the command indicating “stop all symbols” are shown in FIG.
This is as shown in (A).

In this case, in the process shown in FIG. 9, if the CPU 56 of the main board 31 decides to make the probability change big hit (step S68), the command [8BH, 03H] shown in FIG. It is sent to the display control board 80. Otherwise, the command [8BH, 02H]
To the display control board 80.

In this example, in the case of a probability change big hit, the fixed symbol of the decorative symbol is "one", "three", "five", "seven",
"Nine" or "Geta". In addition, in the case of a big hit that does not change, the determined symbol of the decorative symbol is set as another symbol.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the stop symbol determining process (step S750) in this example. In this case, when the command [8BH, 03H] is received, the left and right fixed symbols of the decorative symbol are determined using the symbol table of the decorative symbol (for probability change) according to the value of random 10 (steps S753, S761, S761). S76
2). When the command [8BH, 02H] is received, the left and right middle fixed symbols of the decorative symbol are determined using the symbol table of the decorative symbol (for non-probable variation) according to the value of the random number 10 (steps S753, S761, S763).

In the design table of the decorative design (for certain change),
Each value that random 10 can take and the decoration pattern "One",
Correspondence relations with "three", "five", "seven", "nine", and "clogs" are set. In addition, in the design table of the decorative design (for non-probable variation), each value that the random 10 can take and the decorative design “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, “10”, “ONIGORI” are displayed. Correspondence is set. Therefore, when it is a probability change big hit, the fixed design of the decorative design in the left and right is
If it is one of "One", "Three", "Five", "Seven", "Nine", or "Geta", and it does not become a probable big hit, the fixed pattern of the decorative pattern on the left and right is "," Six ",
Either "eight", "ten", or "onigiri".

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example when a symbol is determined in the case of a jackpot that is not probable and the case of a jackpot that is probable. As shown in FIG. 38 (A), when it is not a probable big hit, a winning symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 9A, and “2” is displayed as a fixed symbol of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display area. ing. FIG. 38 (B)
As shown in the figure, in the case of a probability change big hit, a winning symbol is displayed in the special symbol display area 9A, and, for example, "seven" is displayed as a fixed symbol of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display area.

At the same time, a variable display area 9C is displayed on the variable display section 9, and a display is made such that the variable display area 9C is turned off when there is no large variable hit, and the variable display area 9C is displayed when a large variable hit is present. Is displayed as if is lit.

As described above, if the determined symbol of the decorative symbol is made different between the case of the probability change jackpot and the case of not being the case, the player can easily confirm whether or not the probability change jackpot has occurred. Then, even in the case of performing the display control of such a decorative symbol, the game control means does not perform the decorative symbol determination processing, and determines the fixed symbol of the decorative symbol on the display control means side. Therefore, the load required for the display control of the game control means does not increase.

In this example, the decorative pattern is made different and the probability change display area 9C informs whether or not the probability change is a big hit. By simply notifying whether or not it is, it is possible to notify the player whether or not it is a probable change big hit.

In each of the above-described embodiments, two types of special symbols are used as hit symbols and non-hit symbols. However, the number of special symbols may be increased in a range smaller than the total number of decorative symbols. In the display example of the variable display unit 9 shown in FIG. 39, for example, eight kinds of special symbols as shown in FIG. 40 are variably displayed in the special symbol display area 9A. The symbol switching speed in the variable display is constant. Then, for example, "3" is hit and is set as a symbol.

When the display control CPU 101 receives a display control command indicating a variable display pattern of the reach operation from the main board 31, the display control CPU 101 starts changing the special symbol and the decorative symbol, and stops the special symbol at "hit". Is received, the variable display of the special symbol is stopped at "3". At this time, the fixed symbols of the decorative symbols are aligned in the left and right. When a display control command for stopping the special symbol at "out" is received, the variable display of the special symbol is stopped at a position other than "3". At this time, the fixed symbol of the decorative symbol is aligned on the left and right

Even in such a configuration, the command [8BH, 03H] corresponding to the probable jackpot may be separated from the command [8BH, 02H] that does not. And
For example, when the command [8BH, 03H] is received, the fixed symbol of the special symbol is set to “7”, and the command [8BH, 03H] is set.
[H, 02H], the special symbol may be divided into “3”.

[0151]

As described above, according to the present invention, the gaming machine can be controlled by the game control means via the irreversible output means capable of transmitting information relating to the variable display of special symbols in only one direction. Sent to the variable display control means, the variable display control means receives a command relating to the variable display of the special symbol through the irreversible input means capable of transmitting information only in one direction, and uses the special symbol display control means to perform special display. It is configured to variably display a symbol and variably display a decorative symbol using a decorative symbol display control means, and to perform variable display control so that the display result of the special symbol display unit and the display result of the decorative symbol display unit match. So, while enriching the display effects,
There is an effect that a gaming machine can be provided in which the number of commands sent from the game control means to the variable display control means does not increase even if the display effects are abundant. In addition, there is an effect that fraudulent acts can be effectively prevented and fraudulent acts can be reduced.

In the case where the game control means is configured to be able to send information indicating the determination at a time related to fixing all the symbols, the variable display control means is notified of the symbol determination time. By doing so, the symbol can be determined more reliably.

In the case where the variable display control means is configured to swing and display the stopped symbols until the information indicating the determination is input, the player can easily confirm that the symbols have not been determined. Has a recognizable effect.

In the case where there is only one special symbol changing method, there is an effect that the load required for variable display of the special symbol is reduced.

When there are a plurality of types of variation of the decorative symbols, even if the number of the special symbols and the types of the variation are reduced, the game effects can be enriched as a whole, and the interest of the game is spoiled. There is no effect.

When the irreversible output means of the game control means has a two-stage configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent an illegal signal from being input to the game control means.

When the irreversible input means of the variable display control means has a noise filter, even if noise is applied to the command between the boards, the influence is eliminated.
There is an effect that the command is reliably transmitted to the variable display means.

[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 flowchart showing main processing of the basic circuit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining that a hit ball has won a winning winning opening.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a symbol changing method.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special symbol displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a left and right middle symbol of a decorative symbol displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of a variable display unit during a symbol change.

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

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command transmitted from the main board to the display control board.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing an example of transmission timing of display control command data.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of a change in a symbol at the time of a non-reach out of position.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing an example of symbol fluctuation at the time of reach.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an all symbol variation start process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of display control data setting processing.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing display control data output processing.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing main processing of a display control CPU.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the display control CPU.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an IRQ2 interrupt process of the display control CPU.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a display control process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a display control command reception waiting process of the variation start process process.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers used by the display control CPU.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a stop symbol determination process of a decorative symbol.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an entire symbol change start process of the display control process process.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control process table.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a symbol change process of the display control process process.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing all symbol stop processing of the display control process processing.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the variable display unit when a symbol is determined.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display control command to which information indicating whether or not it is a probability change big hit is added.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a stop symbol determination process of a decorative symbol.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example when a symbol is determined in the case of a jackpot that is not probable and the case of a jackpot that is probable.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing how symbols change.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a special symbol.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Variable display section 9A Special symbol display area 9B Decoration symbol display area 31 Game control board (main board) 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU 63 Output buffer circuit 80 Display control board 101 Display control CPU 103 VDP 105 Input buffer circuit

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine which can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player on condition that a display result of a special symbol variably displayed on a special symbol display section becomes a predetermined specific display mode. Game control means for controlling the progress of a game, a variable display device having at least the special symbol display portion and a decorative symbol display portion for displaying a decorative symbol, and a variable display control device for controlling a display state of the variable display device Comprising, a special symbol display control means for performing control to variably display a special symbol on the special symbol display unit,
Decorative symbol display control means capable of displaying more kinds of display contents on the decorative symbol display part than display contents which can be displayed on the special symbol display part, wherein the game control means establishes a variable display start condition. A command relating to variable display of a special symbol based on the information is sent to the variable display control means via an irreversible output means capable of transmitting information only in one direction, and the variable display control means transmits information only in one direction. Receive the command from the game control means through the irreversible input means that can be transmitted, and variably display the special symbols using the special symbol display control means, and display the decorative symbols using the decorative symbol display control means. A gaming machine which variably displays and performs variable display control so that a display result of the special symbol display unit matches a display result of the decorative symbol display unit. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means can transmit information indicating the determination at a time related to determining all the symbols. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the variable display control means swings and displays the already stopped symbols until the information indicating the confirmation is input. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special symbol is changed in one type. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of types of decoration pattern changing methods. 6. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the irreversible output means of the game control means has a two-stage configuration. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the irreversible input means of the variable display control means includes a noise filter.