JP2001259114A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the control burden of a game control means in a slot machine. SOLUTION: This slot machine is provided with a variable display means (a sub-basic circuit) 241 which is a sub-CPU for performing display control, separately from the game control means (CPU) 201 for controlling the slot machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to variable display means whose display state can be changed, and to a player having a predetermined game value when a display result of the variable display means has a predetermined specific display mode. And a value giving means for giving the value.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a slot machine of this type, a game state of the slot machine is controlled by game control means such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control means updates the numerical data used to determine the display result of the variable display means, sequentially calculates different numerical data, and at the timing when a predetermined numerical data acquisition condition is satisfied, the numerical data calculating means To obtain the numerical data at that point in time as a random number, determine the display result of the variable display means based on the obtained random number value, the variable display means so that the display control is possible so that the determined display result Was composed.

The game control means in the conventional slot machine is configured such that a CPU operates according to a program stored in a ROM to control a game state in the slot machine, and the game control means is stored in the ROM. The program being executed is, for example, 2m
The game control is executed from the beginning to the end within a predetermined period such as sec, and the game control is performed according to the game state by repeatedly executing the process. Conventionally, the numerical data calculation means has a count-up method in which, for example, when counting up from 0 and counting up to a predetermined upper limit value, counting up is restarted from 0 again. The numerical data calculation means of the count-up method uses the 2 ms
ec etc. are counted up every time the game control program is executed, or the remaining time after the execution of the program stored in the ROM within the predetermined period such as the 2 msec and the execution is completed. It was configured to count up repeatedly using time.

In any case, in the conventional slot machine, numerical data calculation means is provided in the game control means, and the game control means controls the game of the slot machine and updates the numerical data to obtain a different numerical value. The data was calculated sequentially. As a result, while the gaming control means controls the gaming state of the slot machine, the numerical data is also sequentially calculated.

Since the conventional slot machine is configured as described above, the arithmetic processing operation of updating the numerical data and sequentially calculating different numerical data is performed only once every elapse of the predetermined period of 2 msec, for example. There are various inconveniences such as not being executed or being executed only during the extra time when the game control program is executed. That is, in the conventional slot machine, the game control means made for controlling the gaming state of the slot machine updates the numerical data used to determine the display result of the variable display means, thereby changing the numerical value to be different. Because the calculation processing operation for sequentially calculating data is also performed, the calculation processing operation is more variously controlled than the calculation processing operation by the calculation means designed only for the calculation processing operation. There is a disadvantage that the operation must be restricted.

Further, in the conventional slot machine, when the game control means determines that the condition for obtaining the calculated value of the numerical data calculating means is satisfied, the calculated value of the numerical data calculating means is obtained and obtained. The random number value is used to determine the display result of the variable display means. The arithmetic processing of the numerical data and the determination operation of determining the timing of obtaining the calculated value as the calculation result are performed by the same game control means. Had been. As a result, the timing of the update operation of the numerical data performed by the game control means and the timing of the operation of obtaining the numerical data performed by the same game control means are likely to be related, and the obtained random number value is biased toward a specific value. There is a possibility that a tendency to cause this may occur.

Further, for example, even when a fraudulent act of biasing an obtained random number value to a specific value is performed on a slot machine installed in a game arcade, it becomes possible only by performing a work on the game control means, There was a drawback that fraud was easily carried out.

As described above, in the conventional slot machine, the operation of updating the numerical data used for determining the display result of the variable display means is restricted, so that the ideal numerical data is calculated. It is difficult to obtain, and as described above, there is a possibility that the random number value obtained from the calculated value of the numerical data may be biased, and the display result of the variable display means may be biased and the randomness may be impaired. However, there has been a drawback that fraudulently biasing the display result of the variable display means is intentionally performed.

[0009]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine, and a variable display whose display state can be changed. Any gaming machine including means and value providing means capable of providing a predetermined game value to a player when the display result of the variable display means has a predetermined specific display mode is applicable. .

FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing functions of a gaming machine according to the present invention. This gaming machine has game control means 201, 202, and 202 for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine.
204 and 205 are provided, and this game control means operates in synchronization with a control update signal input from the control update signal generation means 207 and 209. This game control means,
CPU 201, RAM 202, ROM 204, which will be described later,
It comprises an I / O port 205. The control updating signal generating means includes a clock generating circuit 207 and a periodic reset circuit 209 described later. In addition to the game control means 201, 202, 204, and 205, a numerical data calculating means 230 that updates numerical data used to determine the display result of the variable display means 4 and sequentially calculates different numerical data is provided. Is provided. The numerical data calculating means 230 is a data updating / outputting means 2
31 and a data update signal generation means 232 are provided, and the data update / output means 23 is synchronized with a data update signal output from the data update signal generation means 232.
1, the numerical data is sequentially updated, and the game control means 201, 202,. Output to 204 and 205. The data update / output means is constituted by a 16-bit binary counter 231 described later, and the data update signal generation means 232 is constituted by a clock generation circuit 232 described later.

Further, there are provided acquisition condition detecting means 8, 218, 205, 201 for detecting that a condition for acquiring the operation value of the numerical data operation means 230 is satisfied. Is detected, the game control means 201, 202, 204, 2
In step 05, the numerical data output from the data update / output unit 231 is acquired as a random number at the timing when the acquisition condition is satisfied. Then, a display result determining means 20 for determining a display result of the variable display means 4 based on the obtained random number value
1, 202, 204 are game control means 201, 202, 2
04, 205. The variable display means 4 controls the variable display control means 2 so that a display result according to the contents determined by the display result determination means 201, 202, 204 is obtained.
When the display result of the variable display means 4 is in a predetermined specific display mode, a predetermined game value is provided to the player by the value providing means 9 and 11. The display result determining means 201, 20
Reference numerals 2204 denote CPU 201, RAM 202,
It is constituted by a ROM 204. The acquisition detection means 8, 218, 205, 201 includes a starting port switch 8, switch circuit 218, I / O port 205, CP
U201.

Further, decoration display means 15, 17, 19, 21 and 226 for performing decoration display according to the progress of the game are provided, and game control means 201, 202, 204,
The decoration display operation is performed according to the control signal from 205. In addition, a sound effect generator 24 for generating a sound effect according to the progress of the game is provided.
Sound effects are generated according to control signals from 202, 204, and 205. This decoration display means is a decoration LE described later.
D226, decorative lamps 15, 17, 19, and 21.
4.

The data update / output means 2 shown in FIG.
31 is a data update signal generating means 2 as will be described later.
Each time a signal from 32 is input, the counter is counted up from “0” by “1”, and when counting up to the upper limit value, the counter is restarted from 0 again. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the numerical data calculation means 230 and the game control means exchange data via the I / O port 205.

FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram showing another example of the gaming machine according to the present invention. Means having the same functions and the same names as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated here. Only different points will be described. The numerical data calculation means 230 'includes a random number update / output means 231' and a random number / control update signal generation means 207 '. The random number / control update signal generation means 207' outputs the random number update / output means. Each time an update signal is input to 231 ', random number update / output means 23
In 1 ', the random number is updated and calculated. The random number update / output means 231 'calculates and generates a random number by a so-called mixed congruential method, and the random number / control update signal generation means 2
Each time an update signal from 07 'is input, a new random number is calculated and updated to the new random number.

Random number / control update signal generating means 207 '
Also outputs an update signal to the game control means 201, 202, 204, 205, and the game control means 201, 20
2, 204 and 205 perform a game control operation in synchronization with the input control update signal. If the acquisition condition detecting means 8, 218, 205, 201 detects that the acquisition condition is satisfied, the game control means 201, 202, 20
4, 205 fetches the random number value calculated by the random number update / output means 231 'at the timing when the acquisition condition is satisfied,
Display result determination means 201, 202, and 204 determine the display result of the variable display means 4 based on the obtained random number value. Then, the variable display control means 241 and 242 can control the display of the variable display means 4 so as to obtain a display result according to the determined content. In the case of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2, the random number update / output means 231 'does not count up the numbers regularly, but calculates a numerical value by a random number generation method called a mixed congruential method and calculates it as a random number. The random number update / output means 231 '
Even if there is regularity in the timing at which the random number value is obtained from, the inconvenience that the obtained random number value is biased to a specific numerical value can be prevented as much as possible. Therefore, random number update
Game control means 201, 202, 20 for judging that a condition for obtaining a random number value from output means 231 'is satisfied.
4,205 and the random number update / output means 231 '
Even if the same update signal is input from the control update signal generating means 207 'and the game control and the random number update / output control operation are performed in synchronization with the same update signal, no problem occurs. In the case of FIG. 2, the random number update / output means 231 'of the numerical data calculation means 230'
And the game control means 201, 202, 204, 205 are directly connected by data buses. Therefore, a detection signal indicating that the acquisition condition has been satisfied is obtained by the acquisition condition detection means 8, 21.
8, 205, 201, the game control means 201, 202, 204, 205 updates the random number of the numerical data calculation means 230 ′ according to a chip select signal output from an address decode circuit 208 described later. The output means 231 'is selected to take in the random number value at that time.

The random number update output means 231 'has a 16-bit internal data bus and generates random numbers from 0 to 65535. However, each bit is independent, and an arbitrary random number can be configured by a combination of the bits. For example, in order to generate a random number of 0 to 255, 8 bits such as 0 to 7 are selected from the bits of 0 to 15 and the random number is read only from the 8 bits. Also, for example, 0 to
In order to generate a 197 random number, only 0 to 6 bits are read out to obtain a random number of 0 to 127, and only 7 to 12 bits are used to generate 0 to 0.
A random number of 63 is obtained, and a random number of 0 to 7 is obtained by using only 13 to 15 bits.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention. On the front frame 52 of the pachinko gaming machine 22, a glass door frame 57 that covers the front of the gaming board 1 is provided.
And a front plate 53 are provided to be openable and closable. Front panel 5
The ball 3 is provided with a hit ball storage plate 54 for storing prize balls and lending balls. The surplus balls that the hit ball storage tray 54 is full of pachinko balls and can no longer be stored are surplus ball storage plates 55.
Paid out within. In the figure, reference numeral 24 denotes a speaker. When the player operates the hit ball operation handle 56, the pachinko balls stored in the hit ball storage tray 54 are hit one by one into the game area 3 formed on the front surface of the game board 1. In the game area 3, a variable display device 4 including a display device capable of displaying a moving image is provided.
Are provided, and a start winning port 7 is provided. The pachinko ball that has won the start winning port 7 is detected by the starting port switch 8.

On the basis of the detection signal of the starting port switch 8, the LCD display 5 of the variable display device 4 performs variable display in which a plurality of types of symbols described later are scroll-displayed. Then, when the display result when the variable display device 4 is stopped becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), a specific game state occurs, and the open / close plate 10 of the variable winning ball device 9 is opened. This is a first state that is advantageous to a player who is likely to win a hit ball, and a big hit state in which a predetermined game value can be given.

The variable winning prize ball device 9 is normally in a second state which is disadvantageous for the player with the open / close plate 10 closed. In this display mode, the solenoid 11 is excited and the opening / closing plate 10 is opened to the first state, and the big hit state occurs. The first state of the variable winning ball device 9 is as follows.
When the condition of the predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls or the lapse of a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds), whichever is earlier, is satisfied, the process ends and the second state is established. The condition for terminating the first state may be only a predetermined number of winnings or only a predetermined period of time.

On the other hand, a specific prize area (V pocket) and a normal prize area are formed in the variable prize ball device 9, and the pachinko machine that has entered the variable prize ball device 9 in the first state. If a ball wins in the specific winning area and is detected by the specific winning ball detector (V switch) 12, the variable winning ball device 9 is returned to the first state after waiting for the first state to end. Continuation control for driving control is performed. The upper limit number of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times. Reference numeral 13 in FIG. 1 denotes a winning ball detector (count switch) for detecting a winning ball that has won a normal winning area formed in the variable winning ball device 9, and the specific winning ball detector 12 and the normal winning ball detector. The total number of the winning balls detected by the number 13 is displayed by the winning number display 14. Note that the second state of the variable winning ball device 9 may be a state in which a hit ball can be won but not a state in which a hit ball cannot be won at all, but a state in which it is difficult to win.

If the pachinko ball again wins the start winning opening 7 while the variable display device 4 is variably displaying, the start prize is stored, and after the variable display device 4 is variably stopped, the variable display can be started again. After that, the variable display device 4 is variably started based on the starting winning memory. The upper limit of the start prize memory is set to, for example, “4”, and the start prize storage value is displayed by the start memory display 6.

In FIG. 1, 15 is a windmill lamp, 17 is a shoulder lamp, 19 is a sleeve lamp, 20 is a side lamp, 21 is a rail decoration lamp, and 23 is a frame lamp, each of which is turned on or blinks according to the progress of the game. I do. A normal winning port 18 and a normal passing port 16 are provided in the game area 3, and an out port for collecting out balls is provided below the variable winning ball device 9. Reference numeral 2 denotes a section rail for partitioning the game area, and a pachinko ball shot and fired by the hit ball launching device is driven into the game area 3 between the section rails 2.

The variable display device 4 is configured such that the LCD display 5 is divided into three parts in the vertical direction, and is divided into three variable display units of left, middle, and right. In the left and right variable display sections, 16 symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom, and in the center variable display section, 32 symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom. Then, in each variable display section, three symbols are displayed in the vertical direction when the variable stop is performed. The variable display device 4 has a total of five hit lines, three in the horizontal direction of the upper, middle, and lower stages and two on the diagonal diagonal line. If the predetermined symbols are aligned in any of the five winning lines, the above-described specific game state is established, and a big hit occurs. Since there are eight symbols that have a big hit with this assortment, there are 40 8 × 5 hit display patterns. Further, when the predetermined special symbols of the eight symbols are aligned, a probability variation state in which the probability of occurrence of the subsequent big hit is improved. And the probability of occurrence of a big hit is improved as described later. In addition, the probability fluctuation state may be set when a large hit occurs when a predetermined symbol is aligned on a specific hit line among the five hit lines.

In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 22 shown in FIG. 3, six prize balls are paid out each time one pachinko ball is won in the starting winning port 7, and the other winning ports and the variable prize ball device are provided. Every time one pachinko ball wins, 15 prize balls are paid out. It should be noted that the configuration may be such that 15 prize balls are paid out only when the variable prize ball device 9 is won, and 6 prize balls are paid out when other prize areas are won.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 22 shown in FIG. 3, a normal variable display device whose display state can be changed in the game area 3 and a display result of the normal variable display device are specified in a predetermined manner. An ordinary variable prize ball device which is opened or opened and closed in the display mode to be in a first state advantageous to the player is provided, and the normal variable prize ball device constitutes the starting prize port 7. Is also good. Also, the ordinary variable display device may be configured to be in a probability variation state in which the probability of the subsequent specific display mode is improved by the establishment of a predetermined probability variation condition. The condition that triggers the occurrence of this probability variation state may be the same condition as that of the variable display device 4 or may be a different condition. When the same conditions are set, in the probability fluctuation state, not only the big hit becomes easy but also the starting prize becomes easy, so that the interest of the game is greatly improved. Also,
Even when the conditions are set differently, the variation of the probability fluctuation state increases, so that the interest of the game can be similarly improved.

The variable display device 4 is not limited to a device using a liquid crystal display device. For example, a CRT, a dot matrix, an LED, electroluminescence, a 7-segment L
An ED, a fluorescent display tube or the like may be used. Further, a mechanically variable display device using a drum, belt, disk, leaf, or the like may be used. Further, the variable display of the identification information is not limited to the scroll display or the switching display, and may be such that the display result is continuously variably displayed even after the display result is derived and displayed.

FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine. On the back of the gaming machine 22, a game control board box 152 is provided, in which the game control board 1 is provided.
40 are stored. A power supply is connected to a power supply connector 156 of the game control board 140 via a connector 164, and a connector 157 is connected to various lamps / LEs.
The connector 162 of the relay terminal board (interruption board) 161 for D / sensor, the connector 163 of the liquid crystal display unit 103 of the variable display device 4 is connected to the connector 158, and the connector 1
A connector 166 of the relay terminal board 165 for the ball dispenser 151 is provided at 59, and the speaker 24 (FIG.
Are connected to each other. The connector 167 of the relay terminal board 165 for the ball payout machine 151 is connected to a connector 168 of a payout centralized control board (payout control board) 153 housed in the payout control board box 154. The control board 153 is connected to the payout motor (step motor) 169 of the ball payout machine 151 via the relay terminal board 165.
Drive control. In the drawing, reference numeral 170 denotes a winning ball processing device for processing one winning ball when a winning ball occurs, and outputting the winning information to the payout central control board 153.

A key switch (setting switch) 142 is provided on the right side of the back of the game control board box 152. The key switch 142 is used to change and set the probability of the jackpot occurrence probability to be actually set in three stages of settings 1 to 3. In the present embodiment, by operating the key switch 142, the probability of a big hit at normal time is 1/220 in the setting 1, and 1/23 in the setting 2.
0 and setting 3 can be changed to 1/240.

The switch 142 may be replaced by another system, for example, a push button switch, a snap switch, a push-pull switch, a rotary switch,
A digital switch or the like may be used. Further, set probability indicators (set value indicators) 155a and 155 for displaying the probability set by operating the key switch 142.
b, 155c.

FIG. 5 is a screen diagram showing a display screen of the LCD display 5 of the variable display device. First, as shown in (A), all the variable display units of the left variable display unit 60, the middle variable display unit 62, and the right variable display unit 61 are variably displaying. First, a state in which the left variable display unit 60 is variably stopped is shown in FIG. In this state, reach notice lines 63 and 64 for displaying the hit line at which the reach is established are displayed in advance.
Is displayed. Next, as shown in (C), the right variable display section 61 variably stops. Then, as notified in (B), “77” and “BAR, BAR” are displayed on the diagonal, and the reach is established on the diagonal. Note that the reach is a display state of a variable display unit that has already stopped when a part of the variable display units is still variably displaying among a plurality of variable display units that are variably stopped at different stop times. Indicates a state in which a condition for a specific display mode in which a big hit occurs is satisfied.

Next, as shown in FIG.
2 stops, and at that stage, "77"
7 "and a big hit occurs. The hit line with "777" is displayed as a line.

The variable display means according to the present invention may be, for example, a video display of a boxing match, and if the boxer on the player side wins, the display mode becomes a specific display mode and a big hit occurs. In other words, the change in the display state of the variable display means is not limited to the one in which the identification information such as symbols is switched or scrolled, and the variable display means continues to be variably displayed even after the display result is derived and displayed. Is also good.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing circuits of various electric devices provided on the game control board and various devices connected thereto.

A part of the control circuit shown in FIG. 6 is provided on the game control board 140, and a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a one-chip microcomputer) 200 formed into one chip according to a program for controlling various devices is provided. Operate. A program for this game control operation is stored in a ROM 20 provided outside the one-chip microcomputer 200.
4 has a one-chip microcomputer 200 stored therein.
CPU 201, RAM 202, security circuit 203
It is included. The game control board 140 includes a clock generation circuit 207 and a pulse frequency division circuit that frequency-divides a clock signal provided from the clock generation circuit 207 and periodically (eg, every 2 msec) provides a reset pulse to the CPU 201. A periodic reset circuit 209;
An initial reset circuit 210 for applying a reset pulse to the CPU 201 when the power is turned on, and an address decode circuit 208 for decoding address data from the CPU and supplying a chip select signal to the RAM 202, the ROM 204, the sound generator 206, and the I / O port 205, respectively. Are provided. The clock signal from the clock generation circuit 207 is also supplied to the CPU 201, and the CPU 201 operates in synchronization with the clock signal, reads out a program stored in the ROM 204, and controls a gaming state of the gaming machine according to the program. I do. The program stored in the ROM 204 is executed by the CPU 2 within a predetermined address range.
01 is configured to output address data, and if this ROM 204 is replaced with, for example, a ROM 204 that has been extracted and stored an illegally created program, CPU 201 The address data beyond the address is output, and the address data is also input to the security circuit 203. The security circuit 203 determines that the address data beyond the predetermined address range is input, and Reset the system. As a result, the CPU 201 cannot execute the control operation according to the program stored in the ROM 204, and can prohibit the game control operation according to the illegally modified program.

The game control board 140 is further provided with numerical data calculating means 230. The numerical data calculating means 230 performs a count operation in synchronization with a clock generation circuit 232 and a clock signal generated by the clock generation circuit. And a 16-bit binary counter 231.
When 16 bits are converted into a decimal number, the number becomes 65536. This 16-bit binary counter 231 counts up from "0" by "1" every time a clock signal is input from the clock generation circuit 232, when expressed in decimal number. After counting up to 65536 which is the count upper limit value, the count is restarted from 0 again.
Then, the count value is output to the I / O port 205 one by one. If a detection signal from the starting port switch 8 is input to the CPU 201 in accordance with the starting winning of the hit ball, the CPU 20
1 outputs the address data for selecting the numerical data operation means 230 to the address decode circuit 208, and the address decode circuit 208 outputs a select signal for selecting the numerical data operation means 230 to the I / O port 205. Then, the count value of the 16-bit binary counter 231 at that time is input from the I / O port 205.

The game control board 140 further includes a sound circuit 214, a connector 159, a prize information input circuit 215, a prize ball number information output circuit 216, a connector 157, an LED circuit 217, set value indicators 155a to 155c, and a switch circuit. 218, probability setting switch 142, information output circuit 2
19, lamp / solenoid circuit 220, connector 15
8, LCD circuit 221, power supply circuit 222, data input circuit 211, data output circuit 212, EEPROM 213
Is provided.

A payout control board 153 is connected to the connector 159 for performing payout control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in accordance with the winning of the hit ball. This payout control board 153
Are RAM 253, ROM 252, CPU 251 and I /
It has an O port 254 and a connector 168. Gaming area 3
When the pachinko ball hit into the ball (see FIG. 3) wins in the winning area or the variable winning ball device, the winning information is given from the winning ball processing device 170 to the payout control board 153,
From the payout control board 153, the connector 159, the winning information input circuit 215, the I / O port 205, and the CPU 2
01 is input. The CPU 201 determines winning ball number information corresponding to the inputted winning information, and outputs the determined winning ball number information to the I / O port 205, the winning ball number information output circuit 216, the connector 159, and the connector. 16
8. Output to the CPU 251 of the payout control board 153 via the I / O port 254. The payout control board 153 controls the payout of the prize balls according to the given prize ball number information.

When the pachinko ball hit into the game area 3 wins the starting winning opening 7 (see FIG. 3), the starting winning opening is detected by the starting winning opening switch 8, and the detection output is transmitted to the relay board. 161, a switch 218, an I / O port 205, and a CPU 201.
Is input to The relay board 161 includes a connector 223 connected to various displays, a connector 224 connected to various detectors, a connector 227 for outputting various information, a connector 228 connected to a solenoid or a lamp, and a game control board 140. And a connector 228 connected to the side. Then, the above-described start winning prize ball detection signal is sent to the CPU 20 via the connector 224, the connector 162, the connector 157, the switch circuit 218, and the I / O port 205.
1 is input. When the pachinko ball hit into the game area 3 wins the variable winning ball device 9 (see FIG. 3), the winning ball is detected by the count switch 13, and the detection signal is sent to the connectors 224, 162, and 15 of the connector.
7, input to the CPU 201 via the switch circuit 218 and the I / O port 205. When the pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 9 wins a specific winning area (V pocket), the V winning ball is detected by the V switch 12,
The detection signal is transmitted to the connector 224, the connector 162, the connector 157, the switch circuit 218, the I / O port 205.
Is input to the CPU 201 via the.

The CPU 201 stores the fact that there is a start winning based on the inputted starting winning ball detection signal, and outputs a display signal for displaying the starting winning stored value to the LED circuit 217 and the connector 157. , Connector 16
2. Output to the start storage display 6 via the connector 223. The CPU 201 transmits a display control signal for displaying that a V winning has been made to the I / O port 205, the LED circuit 217, the connector 157, the connector 162, and the connector 223 based on the input V winning signal. Output to the V winning display unit 225 via the display. The CPU 201 outputs a signal for controlling the decoration display according to the game state,
I / O port 205, LED circuit 217, connector 15
7. Decorative LE via connector 162 and connector 223
Output to D226. In addition, the CPU 201 outputs a control signal for generating a sound effect to the speaker 24 via the sound generator 206 and the sound circuit 214 according to the game state. In addition, the speaker 2 is used by using voice synthesis.
4 may output sound.

The probability setting switch 142 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the switch circuit 218. The game control board 140 is provided with an EEPROM 213 for storing the probability set by the probability setting switch 142, a data input circuit 211 and a data output circuit 212.
13 is transmitted through the I / O port 205 via the data input circuit 211 to the CP.
It is input to U201. The input probability data is
The data is loaded into the RAM 202 via the CPU 201. There are three types of probability data: first probability data that is slightly higher (setting 1), second probability data that is moderately high (setting 2), and third probability data that is slightly lower (setting 3). , One of the probability data is EEPROM 213
Is stored in

Assuming that the probability data loaded in the RAM 202 is the first probability data (setting 1), a case where the probability setting switch 142 is operated in that state will be described. The probability setting switch 142 can be switched between three positions: a normal position (normal mode), a setting position (setting mode), and a confirmation position (confirmation mode).
If the normal mode is operated once to the setting mode on condition that the power is turned on at the confirmation position, the RA
CPU2 of the probability data loaded in M202
First probability data of the data specified by 01 (setting 1)
Is updated to the second probability data (setting 2). In this state, if the probability setting switch 142 is again operated from the normal mode to the setting mode, the RAM 202
The second probability data (setting 2) loaded in the
Is updated to the probability data (setting 3). When the probability setting switch 142 is operated from the normal mode to the setting mode in that state, the third probability data (setting 3) loaded in the RAM 202 is updated to the first probability data (setting 1). . Then, every time the probability data is updated, the jackpot occurrence probability data stored in the EEPROM 213 is updated, and the probability setting switch 142 is set to the normal mode for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds).
When the time has elapsed, the probability data is determined, the probability data currently stored in the EEPROM 213 is loaded into the RAM 202, and the game control is performed using the loaded probability data. If the probability setting switch 142 is in the normal mode when the power is turned on, the probability data cannot be rewritten by operating the probability setting switch 142.

As in this embodiment, the probability data is represented by E
Since the data is stored and stored in the EPROM 213, the memory can be flexibly coped with the increase and decrease of the set value of the probability as compared with the mechanical storage and has the advantage that a backup power supply is not required as compared with storing the data in a RAM or the like. This is advantageous when there is a problem and the period for retaining the memory becomes longer. Note that the variable probability setting means including the probability setting switch 142 and the like may be constituted by, for example, a keyboard or the like connected to a hall management computer as a host computer of the game arcade, instead of being provided in each pachinko gaming machine. A probability setting operation may be performed by designating each pachinko gaming machine in a management room of a game arcade or the like. Probability display data for displaying the set jackpot occurrence probability is transmitted to the set value display 155 via the CPU 201, the I / O port 205, and the LED circuit 217.
a to 155c.

The CPU 201 includes an I / O port 205, an information output circuit 219, a connector 157, a connector 162,
Through the connector 227, jackpot information, probability fluctuation information,
The valid start information is output to the hall management computer.
The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred. In addition, not only that a big hit has occurred but also information related to the big hit, such as time information from when the big hit occurs to when it ends, may be output. The probability variation information is information indicating that the probability variation state has occurred when the probability variation state has occurred due to the above-described predetermined special display result from the variable display device 4. . The effective start information is information indicating the number of start winnings effectively used for variable display of the variable display device 4 among the start winning balls that have won the start winning opening 7. As described above, since the upper limit of the start winning prize memory is determined to be “4”, even if the pachinko ball exceeds the upper limit and wins in the start winning prize port 7, the surplus starting win is ignored. Yes, only the start winning number actually used for the variable display of the variable display device 4 after subtracting the ignored starting winning number is output to the hall management computer as effective start winning information.

The CPU 201 supplies a solenoid excitation control signal to the solenoid 11 via the I / O port 205, the lamp / solenoid circuit 220, the connector 157, the connector 162, and the connector 228.
A decorative lamp lighting or blinking control signal is given to 7, 19, and 21, and a frame lamp lighting or blinking control signal is given to the frame lamp.

Display control board 1 of liquid crystal display unit 103
04 and the connector 158 of the game control board 140 are electrically connected. The display control board 104 includes a sub basic circuit 241 including a sub CPU, a control ROM, a RAM, and the like, in addition to the connector 163, and a VD
P, character ROM, VRAM and the like. The image processing circuit 242 is connected to the LCD display 5 which is a display for the variable display device 4. Then, from the CPU 201, I
/ O port 205, LCD circuit 221, connector 158
, A variable display control signal is given to the display control board 104. In the display control board 104, the sub basic circuit 241 controls the operation of the image processing circuit 242 in accordance with the given display control signal, and outputs data for scroll display of a plurality of types of symbols to the LCD display 5.

The CPU 201 provides a sound control signal for outputting a predetermined sound effect or the like in accordance with the progress of the game to the speaker 19 via a sound generator (PSG) 206 and a sound circuit 214.

A power supply circuit 222 is provided on the game control board 140.
2 are connected. The power supply circuit 222 converts the DC current into a predetermined DC current and supplies the DC current to various circuits and electric devices.

When the pachinko ball wins the starting winning port 7 and the starting port switch 8 inputs a pulse signal, which is the detection output, to the switch circuit 218, the switch circuit 21
8 outputs a period stop signal to the 16-bit binary counter 231 for a period corresponding to the pulse width. The 16-bit binary counter 231 stops the counting operation only during the period when the count stop signal is input. Since the pulse width of the pulse signal from the starting port switch 8 is affected by the speed of pachinko balls entering the starting winning port 7 and the like, the pulse width becomes random, so that the count stop period of the 16-bit binary counter 231 is also random. Length,
As a result, there is an advantage that the count value of the 16-bit binary counter 231 is random. A numerical data update stop signal for inputting a numerical data update stop signal for stopping the numerical data update operation by the numerical data calculation means for a random period by the starting port switch 8, the connector 224, the connector 162, and the switch circuit 218. An input means is configured. Further, in the present embodiment, the clock generation circuit 207 for game control and the clock generation circuit 232 for updating numerical data are separated, so that the oscillation frequencies of the clock generation circuit 207 and the clock generation circuit 232 are different (preferably It can be set so that one does not become an integral multiple of the other), and synchronization of the numerical data update operation and the numerical data acquisition operation can be prevented as much as possible.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table indicating the use and use range of random numbers generated by using a 16-bit binary counter.

The count value of the 16-bit binary counter 231 is extracted and obtained at a predetermined timing, and the obtained value is processed as described later to create five types of random numbers, random 1 to random 5. Random 1 is 1 at the timing of the start winning when the ball hits the starting winning opening 7
It is created by extracting the count value of the 6-bit binary counter 231. The random 1 is created by using all the bits (16 bits) of the 16-bit binary counter 231 and is used to determine whether or not to make a big hit. As described above, the probability of occurrence of a big hit can be variably set in three stages of setting 1, setting 2, and setting 3.
The count value extracted from the 6-bit binary counter 231 is set to a value corresponding to the set value (220 for setting 1, 220,
The value is divided by 230 for setting 2 and 240) for setting 3, and the remainder is used as a random number. In the case of setting 1,
The remainder is in the range of 0 to 219, in the case of setting 2, it is in the range of 0 to 229, and in the case of setting 3, it is 0 to 219.
239.

The probability of occurrence of a big hit includes the above-mentioned high probability state and the other normal probability state. At the time of the normal probability, a hit or miss is determined based on whether or not the value of random 1 is 7. In the case of the high probability, the hit or miss is determined based on whether or not the value of the random 1 is in the range of 7 to 16. As described later, the timing of determining the hit or miss is determined when the normal processing operation in which the process flag is “0” is being performed.

The random 2 determines which one of the above-mentioned 40 types of big hit symbol combination display patterns is to be selected when it is determined in advance that a big hit is to be generated based on the random 1. Used for This random 2 is extracted from the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 at the time of executing the jackpot symbol setting process in which the process flag described below is “1”,
The extracted value is divided by a predetermined value (40 in this case), and the remainder is used as a random number of random 2. The remainder is in the range of 0 to 39. According to the value of Random 2, one of the 40 combinations is determined.

Random 3 is used to determine in advance which combination pattern of the missing symbols should cause the variable display device 4 to be stopped and displayed when it is determined in advance to be a missing based on the random 1. . The random number 3 is a value of the 16-bit binary counter 2 at the time of a lost symbol setting process when a process flag described later is “2”.
31 count values are extracted and the extracted value is used.
This random 3 is used to determine the symbol to be displayed at the center of each symbol display portion when the symbol is stopped, and there are three types of symbols for the left symbol, for the middle symbol, and for the right symbol. 1
The values of bits 0 to 3 of the 6-bit binary counter 231 are extracted, and the extracted value is directly used as a random 3 for the left symbol.
Value. The random 3 for the left symbol is in the range of 0 to 15. As the random 3 for the medium symbol, the values of bits 4 to 8 of the 16-bit binary counter 231 are extracted, and the extracted value becomes the random 3 value for the medium symbol as it is.
The value of the random 3 for the middle symbol is in the range of 0 to 31. As the random 3 for the right symbol, the values of bits 9 to 12 of the 16-bit binary counter 231 are extracted, and the extracted value becomes the random 3 value for the right symbol as it is. The value of the random 3 for the right symbol is in the range of 0 to 15. In addition, as described later, each left symbol,
When the planned stop symbols for the middle symbol and the right symbol are determined, if they happen to be random and a combination of symbols is hit, only the middle symbol is forcibly shifted by +1 as described later. Is displayed. When the number of symbols in each symbol display section does not reach 2 ⁿ , similarly to the case of random 1 or random 2, the 16-bit binary counter 231 is used.
Is determined by the remainder obtained by dividing the value of the predetermined bit by the number of symbols.

The random number 4 is used for controlling the display of the side lamp 20. The side lamps 20 are for variably displaying decorative symbols (lucky numbers). When a big hit occurs, the lamps 1 to 8 of the side lamps 20 run and stop, and the decorative symbols stopped and displayed. If the (number) corresponds to a predetermined lucky number in the game hall, a special privilege is given to the player as a special service. The privilege is, for example, that a prize ball acquired by the player following the occurrence of the big hit can be continuously used for a game without exchanging prizes. The random 4 is extracted from the lower 4 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 at the time of the pre-opening process when the process flag described below is “9”, and the extracted value is divided by a predetermined value (8 in this case). The remainder is random 4
Value. The value of the random 4 is in the range of 0-7. The value extracted from the lower three bits may be used as random 4 as it is.

Random 5 is used to determine the type of reach. Reach types include a normal reach and a special reach, as described later. Special Reach has a high probability that a big hit will actually occur after the reach indication is made,
In the normal reach, the probability that a big hit actually occurs after the reach display is performed is lower than the special reach. Then, when the reach is established, the middle symbol of the middle variable display portion 62, which is finally controlled to stop, is variably displayed for a longer time than the case other than the reach and is stopped, but in the case of the special reach. Is controlled so that the slow variable display period of the symbol is longer than the normal reach. The random number 5 includes two types: a case where it is determined in advance that a big hit will occur (at the time of hit reach) and a case where it is determined in advance that the big hit will occur (at the time of hit reach). In the case of the hit reach, at the time of setting the big hit symbol based on the value of the random 2, it is extracted from the upper 4 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 and the extracted value is divided by a predetermined value (3 in this case). The remainder becomes a value of 5 at random. The value of this random 5 is in the range of 0 to 2. On the other hand, in the case of the loss reach, when the loss symbol is set based on the value of the random 3, 1 is set.
It is extracted from the upper 4 bits of the 6-bit binary counter 231, and the extracted value becomes the value of random 5 as it is.
The value of the random 5 is in the range of 0 to 15. When the value of the random number 5 is “2”, a special reach is set. Therefore, when the hit is determined in advance, the probability of occurrence of the special reach is 1/3, and when the loss is determined in advance, the probability of occurrence of the special reach is 1/16.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the sub CPU command in step S10 described later. This FIG.
Will be described after step S10. 9 to 11 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9A shows a main routine. This main routine program is executed, for example, once every 2 msec as described above. This execution is started by the periodic reset circuit 209 in FIG. 6 in response to a reset pulse generated once every 2 msec. First, step S
A stack setting process is performed by 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as S), and it is determined by S2 whether or not a RAM error has occurred. This determination is made by reading the contents of the predetermined address in the RAM 202 of FIG. 6 and checking whether the value is equal to the predetermined value. At the time of program runaway or immediately after the power is turned on, the data stored in the RAM 202 is indefinite, so the answer to this determination is NO and the control proceeds to S3. In S3, initial data is written to a predetermined address of the RAM 202. Then, it waits for reset. Since the initial data is written in S3, when the main routine is executed thereafter, the answer to the determination in S2 is YES, and the control directly proceeds to S4.

At S4, a process of outputting predetermined data to the I / O port 205 is performed. Then proceed to S5,
A determination is made as to whether the alarm flag has been set. The alarm flag is for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the count switch 13, the V switch 12, and the like. There are three types of alarm flags, A, B, and C, and even if one pachinko ball is in the variable prize ball device 9 while the variable prize ball device 9 is in the first state due to the occurrence of a big hit. Is not set, the alarm flag A is set, and the alarm flag B is set when the count switch 13 is disconnected, short-circuited, or jammed. Flag C is set. When the alarm flag is not set, the control proceeds to S6, and after the process processing is executed, the control proceeds to S7. If the alarm flag is set, the process directly proceeds to S7 without executing the process of S6.

The process in S6 is a step for performing necessary processing according to the game process, as described later with reference to FIG. 9 (B).

Subsequently, in S7, a process of inputting winning information from the payout control board 153 (see FIG. 6) is performed.
The CPU 201 outputs prize ball number information to the payout control board 153 for controlling to dispense the prize balls of the number corresponding to the prize based on the prize information. Next, the process proceeds to S8, in which processing for inputting detection signals from the switches 8, 13, and 12 is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S9, where an input process of the probability setting switch is performed. As described above, when the probability setting switch 142 performs an input setting operation of the jackpot occurrence probability, the operation signal from the probability setting switch 142 is input-controlled in S9. Next, the process proceeds to S10, in which a command issued to the sub CPU of the sub basic circuit 241 shown in FIG. 6 is set in the I / O port 205 and output to the sub CPU. By this processing, the sub basic circuit 24 of the LCD unit 103 is
For 1, a command for performing display according to the game state is given. The specific contents of this command are shown in FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to S11, where a process of selecting an output data table according to the value of the process flag is performed. In the output data table, the decorative display means 14, 17, 1 is displayed in accordance with the value of a process flag described later.
The control data for controlling the decoration display of 9, 21 and 226, the sound effect data generated by the sound effect generating means 24, and the data for controlling the solenoid 11 of the value giving means 9 and 11 are in the form of a table. It is remembered. Then, in S12, the LED / lamp data and the solenoid data, which are the decoration display data selected based on S11, are set in the I / O port 205 and output. Further, the sound effect data is output to the sound generator 206, and a sound effect according to the progress of the game (the value of the process flag) is generated by the speaker 24 via the sound circuit 214.

The contents of the sub CPU command in S10 will be described with reference to FIG. A sub CPU command area prepared in the microcomputer for game control on the game control board 140 side has a header (FF) indicating that data to be transmitted below is sub CPU command data.
H), an area of com0 to com2 for storing data designating left, middle, and right stop symbols, and which of the five hit lines described above is hit. The area of com3 for storing the hit line data for designating, the area of com4 for storing the value of the process flag, and the area of com5 for storing the big hit flag composed of the reach, special reach, and big hit flags It has an area, a com6 area for storing an alarm flag, and a comC area for storing checksum data. The checksum data is data of the lower 7 bits of the total of the data of com0 to com6, and is used to check whether or not the data has been sent from the main CPU to the sub CPU without error. That is, the sub CPU that is the data receiver also receives the transmitted co
The operation of summing the data of m0 to com6 and calculating the lower 7 bits thereof is performed. Whether the calculated lower 7 bits data matches the checksum data sent from the main CPU or not is determined. If the checksum data does not match, it is determined that the data is not being sent normally. Is determined, and the data is discarded. And
In the sub CPU command input area, the com0 to c
Each area of om6 is transferred, and an area for storing the data is provided.

The stop symbol left is data in the range of 0 to 15 in decimal, the stop symbol is data in the range of 0 to 31 in decimal, and the stop symbol right is 0 to 15 in decimal.
, And the process flag is data within the range of 0 to 13 in decimal. The alarm flag is composed of three types of data, A, B and C, as described above. Since the hit line data has five hit lines as described above, the hit line data is composed of data corresponding to each hit line, that is, 5-bit data. Is set to "1", and the bit portion of the line where the hit symbols are not aligned is set to "0".

FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for the process processing shown in S6. In S13, it is determined what value the process flag indicating the state of the game is set to. This process flag is necessary for controlling pachinko gaming machines in order while maintaining a predetermined control time, and its value is updated according to the progress of the gaming state. As shown in FIG. 9B, a program to be executed is selected according to the value of the process flag. If the process flag is "0", the normal process in S14 is performed. If the process flag is "1", the big hit symbol set process in S15 is performed. Is performed, and in the case of "3 to 7", each symbol stop processing in S17 is performed, and "8"
In the case of, the big hit check process in S18 is performed, in the case of "9", the pre-opening process of the variable prize ball device 9 in S19 is performed, and in the case of "10, 11", S2 is performed.
During the opening of the variable winning ball device 9 by 0, processing is performed.
In the case of "12, 13", the post-opening process of the variable winning ball device 9 in S21 is performed. In the symbol stop processing in S17, the left symbol stop processing is performed when the process flag is “3”, the right symbol stop processing is performed when the process flag is “4”, and the symbol stop processing is performed when the process flag is “5”. The middle symbol stop process is performed. In the case of "6", the middle symbol stop process in the normal reach is performed, and in the case of "7", the middle symbol stop process in the special reach. In the processing during opening in S20, when the process flag is "10", the opening operation processing is performed in a stage before the pachinko ball wins the specific winning area (V pocket), and when the processing flag is "11", the pachinko ball is executed. The operation during opening after the ball has won the specific winning area (V pocket) is performed. In the post-opening process in S21, when the process flag is “12”, the post-opening operation process is performed when the pachinko ball does not win in the specific winning area (V pocket). The post-opening operation process is performed when the ball is in the specific winning area (V pocket).

FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the switch input processing shown in S8. At S22, a process of inputting a signal from the switch port of I / O port 205 is performed. At S23, a check process of count switch 13 is performed. At S24, a check process of V switch 12 is performed. It is determined whether or not the alarm flag is set. If the alarm flag is set, the switch input subroutine program ends. On the other hand, if the alarm flag has not been set, the process proceeds to S26, where it is determined whether the start switch (start port switch 8) is ON. If the pachinko ball wins the starting winning opening 7 and a detection signal is input from the starting opening switch 8, the process goes to S26.
Is made, the process proceeds to S28, and it is determined whether or not it is the ON determination timing. This S28
Includes a count operation by an ON counter. When the switch input subroutine program is executed, the ON counter is incremented by "1" each time the start switch is determined to be ON, and the count value is counted. Is controlled such that a determination of YES is made in S28 when the value reaches, for example, "3". This control is to avoid erroneous detection due to noise or the like. The noise is an abnormally high voltage that is generated for a moment. When such noise is generated, the switch input subroutine program is executed, a determination of YES is made for a moment in S26, and the ON counter is incremented by "1". Executing the next switch input subroutine program (2 ms
ec), the noise has already fallen, so a NO determination is made in S26 and S2
Then, since the ON counter is cleared and the value of the ON counter does not reach "3", the determination of YES is not made in S28, and the start switch detecting operation after S29 is performed erroneously. Can be avoided.

At S29, it is determined whether or not the start storage number has reached the maximum (4). If the start storage number has already been reached, the switch input subroutine program is terminated as it is because there is no room for further start storage. I do. On the other hand, if the start memory has not reached the maximum, "1" is added to the start memory number in S30.

Next, the process proceeds to S31, in which a process of reading out all 16-bit data which is the current count value of the 16-bit binary counter 231 as random numbers is performed. Next, proceeding to S32, a process of reading the divisor according to the probability setting values of the above-described setting 1, setting 2, and setting 3 is performed, and proceeding to S33, the numerical value (random number) read in S31 is divided by the divisor. Processing for obtaining the remainder is performed. Then, the process proceeds to S34, and a process of storing the surplus in the storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storages is performed. The storage areas according to the number of start winning prizes are a start winning prize storage area for storing four start prizes 1 to 4, and a surplus storage area for storing a surplus obtained according to each start prize. It is composed of The remainder stored in the storage area is used for determining whether or not to generate a big hit as described later.

FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the normal processing shown in S14. At S35, it is determined whether or not there is a winning memory. If not, the subroutine program is terminated.

Since the count value read in S31 is the data of all 16 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231, when converted to a decimal number, the maximum value becomes 65535. And, as described above,
The value of 65535 is divided by a predetermined value, and the remainder is used as a random number. The difference, that is, the error, becomes smaller as the value of the upper limit value (65535) of the counter becomes larger. When the upper limit is 65535, the error is 0.0
001161% and 0.0014096%.

FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the normal processing shown in S14. At S35, it is determined whether or not there is a start winning memory. If not, the subroutine program is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a start winning prize memory, S3
Then, the process proceeds to step S6 in which the surplus data stored in the storage area 1, that is, the area storing the oldest start winning prize, is read. Next, the process proceeds to S37, in which determination data to be compared as to whether or not to generate a big hit is set to “7” and the number of determinations is set to “1”. Then S
Proceeding to 38, a determination is made whether the probability mode is in a high probability state. In this embodiment, the probability mode is a high probability when the big hit in the special symbol described above occurs and the big hit ends, and when the next big hit occurs, the probability mode becomes the normal probability regardless of the type of the symbol. Become. If the next big hit occurs with a special symbol, the high probability state may be set again after the big hit end, or the normal probability state may be maintained. S39 for the normal probability state
It is determined whether the remainder data read out in S36 matches the determination data, ie, “7”,
If they match, it is determined in advance that a big hit is to be generated, and the process proceeds to S44, where the process flag is set to "1", and the big hit symbol setting process in S15 is performed.
On the other hand, if the surplus data does not coincide with "7", it is determined in advance that the character is to be lost, the process proceeds to S45, the process flag is set to "2", and the lost symbol setting process in S16 is performed.

If the probability mode is in the high probability state, a determination of YES is made in S38 and the process proceeds to S40, in which it is determined whether the remainder data read out in S36 matches the determination data, ie, "7". If the numbers do not match, the process proceeds to S41, where a process of adding "1" to the number of determinations is performed. The process proceeds to S42 to determine whether the number of determinations has reached "11". S43
And the processing of adding "1" to the determination data is performed, and S
Return to 42.

Every time the process loops from S40 to S43, the number of determinations is incremented by "1" in S41. As a result, when the number of determinations reaches "11", YES is determined in S42. To S45
The process of setting the process flag to “2” is performed beforehand, and the process flag is set to “2”. This S4
Every time the loop goes from 0 to S43, “1” is added to the judgment data in S43, so that the judgment data, which was initially “7”, is incremented by one each time. Reaches "16". And S40
Or the loop of S43 is repeated 10 times and the number of determinations becomes “1”.
If the remainder data read in S36 coincides with the determination data before reaching “1”, YES in S40.
It is determined in advance that a jackpot is to be made and S
It will go to 41. As a result, the probability of occurrence of a big hit in the high probability mode is low probability mode (normal probability state)
Is 10 times as large as the probability of occurrence of a jackpot. Although not shown in the flowchart, S44,
As a process subsequent to S45, a process of subtracting "1" from the number of start storages and shifting the surplus data of the storage area from the storage area 4 toward the storage area 1 is performed.

FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the big hit symbol setting process shown in S15. In S46, a process of reading the current value of the lower 8 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 is performed, and the process proceeds to S47, in which a divisor (40) for winning symbol combination is read. Next, the process proceeds to S48, in which a process of obtaining a remainder obtained by dividing the random number value read in S46 by the divisor read in S47 is performed. Next, in S49, a process of selecting and setting a big hit symbol based on the remainder is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S50, in which a winning line in which the combination of the big hits is established is set, and the big hit flag is set to the reach and the big hit.

Next, the process proceeds to S51, in which a process of reading the current value of the upper 4 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 as a random number is performed, and proceeds to S52, in which a divisor (3) for determining the type of reach is read. You. Then, the process proceeds to S53, in which a process of obtaining a remainder obtained by dividing the random number value read in S52 by the divisor read in S52 is performed.
Next, the process proceeds to S54, and it is determined whether or not the remainder is "2". If the remainder is "2", the process proceeds to S55, and a process of setting the big hit flag to reach, special reach, and big hit is performed. Proceed to S56. On the other hand, if the remainder is not "2", the process directly proceeds to S56, where a process of setting the left symbol variation time and setting the process flag to "3" is performed. As a result of the processing of S55, the middle symbol is scroll-displayed for a longer period of time than during the normal reach, the special decorative display and the display control during the special reach for generating the sound effect are performed, and the display control during the big hit is performed.

FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of the lost symbol setting process shown in S16. In S57, a process of reading out the current value of the lower 13 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 as a random number is performed.
Of the 3-bit data, a left stop symbol is set based on the values of bits 0 to 3, a middle stop symbol is set based on the values of bits 4 to 8 in S59, and bits 9 to 9 are set in S60.
A process of setting a right stop symbol based on the value of 12 is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S61, and it is determined whether or not the left symbol and the right symbol satisfy the reach condition. If not, the process proceeds to S68. A process of setting a hit line that satisfies the condition is performed, the big hit flag is set to reach, and the process proceeds to S63.

At S63, a process of reading the current value of the upper 4 bits of the 16-bit binary counter 231 as a random number is performed. At S64, it is determined whether or not the read value is "2". If it is "", S65
To set the jackpot flag to reach or special reach. On the other hand, if it is not “2”, the process proceeds to S66. If the big hit flag is set to reach or special reach, the middle symbol of the variable display device 4 is variably displayed over a longer period than normal reach, and special decoration display and control of sound effect generation are performed.

In S66, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are randomized to determine whether or not the big hit condition is satisfied. If not, the process proceeds to S68. In step S67, control is performed to add "1" to the middle stop symbol and to forcibly shift the symbol by one symbol to display a missed symbol. FIG. 11 (B) is a subroutine program which is executed when it is determined in advance that the pattern is to be lost. , It is necessary to forcibly control the misalignment, so that one symbol is shifted from S67. Next, the process proceeds to S68, in which the left symbol variation time is set and the process flag is set to "3".

FIGS. 9 to 11 described above have been described as flowcharts for the embodiment shown in FIG. On the other hand, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 can also be applied to the other embodiment shown in FIG.
In that case, the aforementioned S31, S46, S51, S57,
Regarding S63, the random number updating / outputting means 2 shown in FIG.
The content is to read the current value of the random number generated by 31 '.

Next, the features of the above-described embodiment and modifications thereof will be listed below.

(1) In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the display result of the variable display means becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the value giving means 9 and 11 The object may be directly paid out or a score may be given. In the case of a slot machine or the like, the acquisition condition detecting means 8, 218, 205, 201 includes operating a start lever, inserting a coin,
An operation of a bet button for inputting and setting a bet amount by deducting a credit score and an operation of a stop button for a reel stop operation may be detected. Also,
In the present embodiment, if a hit is determined, the result of the hit is always displayed. However, a control for allowing the result of the hit to be performed is performed. Depending on the timing of the stop operation in the machine, a hit display result may not always be obtained (if the timing does not match, the hit display is not performed).

(2) In the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3, when the display result of the variable display means has a predetermined specific display mode, the right generation state is at a certain probability or at a 100% probability. When the right exercising conditions such as the ball hitting the start winning area during the period of occurrence of the right are satisfied, the variable value prize ball device is set to the first state and the game value is increased by the value providing means. A so-called right-type pachinko gaming machine that can be provided with a grant may be used. Further, the variable prize ball device is set to the first state in such a manner that a relatively small game value can be given by the starting prize of the hit ball, and the hit ball that has entered the variable prize ball device in the first state is predetermined. In the so-called Hikoki-type pachinko gaming machine in which the variable winning prize ball device is in the first state and is in a big hit state in a mode in which a relatively large game value can be given if the player wins the specific winning region, the starting winning region is A normal variable prize ball device which can be changed between a first state (open state) which is advantageous for the player and a second state (closed state) which is disadvantageous for the player, and the display result of the variable display means May be set to the first state when the specific display mode is reached. Further, in this airplane type pachinko gaming machine, the display result of the variable display means is derived and displayed in accordance with the occurrence of the big hit, and based on the display result, the variable winning prize ball device is returned to the first state. An upper limit number of the repetition continuation control to be performed is determined, and within the range of the upper limit number, a repetition continuation control is performed such that the ball is re-entered to the first state each time a hit ball entering the variable prize ball device wins a specific prize area. May be.

Further, when a plurality of balls hit in the game area pass through a plurality of juxtaposed passing areas, a display section corresponding to the passing area is illuminated, and the combination of the illuminated display sections is changed. Control means for controlling the combination so as to easily establish the predetermined combination if the display result of the variable display means is in the specific display mode, in a combination gaming machine which provides a value when the predetermined combination is obtained (Meaning means is configured).

As a gaming machine, using a common recording medium such as a nationwide common card which is a prepaid card issued by a third party, a ball is lent to a hitting ball storage tray 54 so that a game can be played. A gaming machine with a ball rental function may be used. Furthermore, each time the ball is hit, the value corresponding to the hit ball is subtracted from the valuable value specified on the common recording medium without paying out a prize ball or a lending ball to the player. A completely card-type gaming machine that adds a value corresponding to a prize ball, records the value on a recording medium when the game is over, and discharges the value to the player may be used.

(3) On the display screen of the LCD display 5 shown in FIG. 5, the big hit lines 63 and 64 where the reach is established when the left symbol of the left variable display section 60 stops.
Is displayed to display the advance notice of the reach,
Instead, all the variable display units 6 shown in FIG.
At the stage where 0, 62 and 61 are variably displayed, an advance notice of reach may be displayed. Also, without any advance notice display, as shown in FIG.
When the reach is actually established, the established jackpot line may be displayed.

(4) In the control circuit shown in FIG.
The ROM 204 constitutes program data storage means for storing control program data for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine. The CPU 201 constitutes a processor which performs a game control operation for controlling the game machine in accordance with the program data stored in the program data storage means. Security circuit 20
3 constitutes appropriateness determination means for determining whether the program data stored in the program data storage means is appropriate. Further, a control operation prohibiting unit is also configured so that, when the security circuit 203 determines that the propriety determining unit is not proper, the processor cannot perform a control operation according to a program stored in the program storage unit. ing.

The probability setting switch 142 constitutes a variable probability setting means for variably setting the occurrence probability of a specific game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player. The EEPROM 213 constitutes a set probability specifying information storage unit that stores information that can specify the occurrence probability of the specific game state variably set by the variable probability setting unit. CPU2 of the payout control board 153
51, RAM 253, ROM 252, I / O port 25
4 constitutes a value-adding control means for controlling to give a predetermined value such as a prize ball based on the winning of the hit ball.

(5) As shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to obtain a plurality of types of random numbers by changing the divisor, even though it is a single numerical data operation means. By changing and setting the divisor accordingly, it is possible to cope with a gaming machine requiring a plurality of models or a plurality of random numbers while using one numerical data calculation means. Note that at least a random number (random 1) for determining a hit or miss is generated using the numerical data calculation means, and the other random numbers (random 2 to random 5) are generated by the game control means 201, 202, 204, and 205. You may make it.

(6) In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in steps S31 to S33, a hit / decision determining random number for generating a hit / decision determining random number for determining whether or not to generate the specific game state. Generation means is configured. S34 constitutes a random value storage unit for storing the random value generated based on the operation value of the numerical data operation unit. This random number value storage means has a remainder storage means for storing a remainder obtained by dividing the operation value of the numerical data operation means by a predetermined value.

As described above, since the remainder is stored, the storage area can be reduced as compared with the case where the generated random number value is stored. Sufficient), it is possible to perform other control more finely using the remaining area.

At S39 and S40, a random number judgment is made to judge whether the random number stored in the random number storage means corresponds to a predetermined value and to judge whether to generate the specific game state. Means are configured. Steps S39 and S40 are also used as a remainder judging means for judging whether or not the remainder stored in the surplus storage means corresponds to a predetermined value.

In S46 to S48, a plurality of predetermined specific display modes are determined from the display results of the variable display means, and which specific display mode is selected from the plurality of specific display modes. A specific display mode selection determining random number generating means for generating a specific display mode selection determining random number for determining whether to perform the determination is configured.

(7) The timing of determining the hit or miss based on the value of the random 1 may be any time before the first symbol (the left symbol in the present embodiment) is stopped and displayed.

Further, random numbers are extracted a plurality of times, and it is determined whether or not the random numbers extracted a plurality of times match a predetermined value one by one. Only when all the extracted random numbers match a predetermined value, the specific game state is determined. May be generated. Also, of the random numbers extracted a plurality of times, it is determined whether or not to generate reach based on the random number value extracted at a certain stage (for example, one stage), and based on the random number value extracted at another stage (for example, two stages). It may be determined whether or not to generate a big hit.

For example, random numbers are extracted at the time of the start winning and at the time of the variable start of the variable display device 4, respectively, and appropriate calculations are performed by multiplying, dividing, adding or subtracting both random numbers.
The calculated value may be used, for example, as a random number for determining whether or not to generate a specific game state.

A random number is generated by the operation shown in FIG. 2, and the random number value is used as the game control means 201, 202, 204, 20
In the case of the type of inputting to 5, the random number extraction timing does not necessarily have to be random.

In the present embodiment, the hit symbol combination is determined directly by random numbers when the hit is determined in advance, but instead, the random hit is used to determine the hit combination on any hit line. It is also possible to decide whether to align them, and then decide which type of pattern to randomize with a random number.

Further, in the present embodiment, first, a hit or a miss is determined by a random number, a hit symbol is selected and determined when the hit is determined in advance, and a hit symbol is determined when the hit is determined. Instead of the selection and determination, a symbol (display result of the variable display means) at the time of stoppage may be directly determined by a random number without any prior determination of a hit or miss. At this time, the left, right, and middle symbols may be determined by random numbers, and when the left and right have a random reach, the middle symbols may be determined again by random numbers.

In this embodiment, the CPU (main CPU) 201 controls the decoration display means 15, 17, 19,
21 and 226 and the sound effect generating means 24 are controlled. Instead, the sub basic circuit (sub CPU) 2 is controlled.
41, the decorative display means 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
26 and the sound effect generator 24 may be controlled.

Further, after the occurrence of the specific game state, the variable winning ball device can be repeatedly controlled to the first state. During that time, the variable display means displays a demonstration display unrelated to the game control. You may do it.
A plurality of types of the demo display screens are determined, and a random number may be extracted to determine which demo display screen to select and display based on the extracted value.

In the above-described embodiment, the random number updating / output means 231 'shown in FIG. 2 generates random numbers by the mixed congruential method.
A random number may be generated by a calculation method such as a shift register method or a congruential method.

According to the above embodiment, "variable display means whose display state can be changed, and a predetermined game value is given to the player when the display result of the variable display means becomes a predetermined specific display mode. A gaming machine including a value providing means that can be given, a game control means for controlling a gaming state of the gaming machine, and the variable display means provided separately from the game control means and performing a calculation operation. Numerical data calculation means for sequentially updating numerical data used to determine the display result of, and acquisition condition detection means for detecting that a condition for obtaining a calculation value of the numerical data calculation means is satisfied,
When the acquisition condition detection means detects the satisfaction of the acquisition condition, the numerical data updated by the numerical data calculation means is acquired as a random number, and the display result of the variable display means is determined based on the acquired random number value. Result determining means, variable display control means capable of controlling the display of the variable display means so as to provide a display result according to the content determined by the display result determining means, and decorative display means for performing decorative display according to the progress of the game And a sound effect generating means for generating a sound effect according to the progress of the game. According to the invention, game control means for controlling a game state of the gaming machine, and numerical data calculation means for sequentially updating numerical data used for determining a display result of the variable display means by performing a calculation operation, Are provided separately, so that the game control means can easily concentrate on only the game control, and the numerical data calculation means can easily concentrate on only the arithmetic processing of the numerical data. As a result, it is possible to improve the randomness of the display result of the variable display means. In addition, since the game control means and the numerical data calculation means are separately configured, it is difficult for fraudulent acts such as biasing the obtained random number value to a specific value. Also, the display result determination means includes a remainder determination means for determining whether a remainder obtained by dividing the random number value obtained from the numerical data calculation means by a predetermined value is a specific value, and the determination result of the remainder determination means In order to determine the display result of the variable display means on the basis of '', the numerical data calculation means is used in common for each model of the gaming machine, and the obtained random number value is determined according to the model according to each model. By dividing by a predetermined value, the remainder can be used to determine the display result, and by changing the predetermined value for dividing the random number value for each model, the numerical data calculation means can be shared by each model. Can be used. Moreover, even with a single numerical data calculation means, it is possible to obtain a plurality of types of random number values by variously changing a predetermined value for dividing the random number value.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing functions of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram showing another example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an overall rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a screen diagram showing a display screen of an LCD display.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a table indicating types and uses of random numbers.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing specific contents of a main CPU command.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 6;

11 is a flowchart showing an operation of the control circuit shown in FIG.

[Description of Signs] 4 Variable display device, 5 LCD display, 9 Variable prize ball device, 241 sub basic circuit, 242 image processing circuit, 8 starting port switch, 218 switch circuit, 20
5 I / O ports, 201 CPU, 202 RAM,
204 ROM, 207 clock generation circuit, 209
Periodic reset circuit, 231 16-bit binary counter, 232 clock generation circuit, 11 solenoids, 1
5, 17, 19, 21 decorative lamp, 226 decorative LE
D, 24 speakers, 231 'random number updating / output means, 1
42 probability setting switch, 203 security circuit,
153 Dispensing control board, 13 count switch.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A variable display means whose display state can be changed, and a value grant capable of providing a player with a predetermined game value when a display result of the variable display means becomes a predetermined specific display mode. And a game control means for controlling a game state of the slot machine, wherein a sub CPU is provided separately from the game control means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a decoration display unit for performing a decoration display according to the progress of the game; and a sound effect generating unit for generating a sound effect according to the progress of the game. Slot machine. 3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein said sub CPU controls said decoration display means and said sound effect generating means. 4. The game control means is provided on a game control board, and a payout control board for controlling the value giving means is provided separately from the game control board. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The game control means is provided separately from the game control means,
A numerical data calculating means for sequentially updating numerical data used for determining a display result of the variable display means by performing a calculating operation; and detecting that a condition for obtaining a calculated value of the numerical data calculating means is satisfied. Acquiring condition detecting means for acquiring, when the acquiring condition detecting means detects establishment of an acquiring condition, acquiring numerical data updated by the numerical data computing means as a random number, and based on the acquired random number value, the variable display means 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a display result determination unit configured to determine whether or not the display result of the first display mode is set to the specific display mode. 6. . 6. When the numerical data calculation means and the game control means are directly connected to each other via a data bus, and the acquisition condition detection means detects establishment of an acquisition condition, the game control means outputs an output from an address decode circuit. 6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein said numerical data calculating means is selected by a chip select signal received and a random number at that time is taken. 7. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein a condition for acquiring the operation value of said numerical data operation means is satisfied by detecting an operation of the start lever. 8. A method according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of specific display modes are determined, and the numerical data is used to determine which specific display mode is to be selected from the plurality of specific display modes. The slot machine according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: 9. The game control means further includes a control update signal generating means for generating a clock signal necessary for performing game control, wherein the numerical data calculation means is required for sequentially updating the numerical data. 9. The data updating signal generating means for generating a clock signal is provided separately from the control updating signal generating means.
The slot machine according to any of the above. 10. The random number control operation means for generating an update signal necessary for sequentially updating the numerical data, the random number control update signal generation means, and the random number control update signal generation means output from the random number control update signal generation means. The game control unit and the random number update output unit further include a random number update output unit that generates the numerical data according to the update signal, and the same update signal from the random number control update signal generation unit is input to the game control unit and the random number update output unit. The game control means performs game control in synchronization with the same update signal, and the random number update output means performs an update and output control operation of the numerical data. The slot machine according to any of the above. 11. The display result determining means includes a remainder determining means for determining whether a remainder obtained by dividing a random number obtained from the numerical data calculating means by a predetermined value is a specific value, The slot machine according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein a display result of the variable display means is determined based on a determination result.