JP2002000851A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing an appropriate control of fluctuation time shortening. SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a game control means, a display device and a display control means. The game control means is provided with a variable display time decision means for deciding variable display time to perform variable display corresponding to the establishment of a start condition capable of starting the variable display of the display device. The variable display time decision means can decide whether or not to shorten a variable display period by judging whether or not a start standby period from the establishment of the start condition to the time relating to the start of the variable display based on the establishment of the start condition exceeds prescribed reference time. The game control means outputs a command capable of specifying the variable display time decided by the fluctuation time decision means to the display control means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine, a slot machine, etc., in which a game is played in accordance with a player's operation. A gaming machine in which a game is played in accordance with a game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are obtained. Are paid out to players.
Furthermore, a variable display unit capable of changing the display state is provided,
There is a configuration in which a predetermined game value is provided to a player when a display result of the variable display unit has a predetermined specific display mode.

[0003] The game value means that the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine is in an advantageous state for a player who is likely to win a hit ball, or in an advantageous state for the player. Or a condition in which the conditions for paying out prize game media are easily satisfied. Also, the addition of a predetermined amount of game balls or coins or the addition of points is included in the game value.

In a pachinko gaming machine, when a display result of a variable display section for displaying a special symbol is a combination of a predetermined specific display mode, it is generally called a "big hit". When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. In each open period, a predetermined number (for example, 10
) Will be closed when there is a prize in the special winning opening.
The number of opening of the special winning opening is a predetermined number (for example, 16
Round). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Further, at the time when the special winning opening is closed, predetermined conditions (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening)
Is not established, the big hit gaming state ends.

[0005] Further, among the combinations of display modes other than the combination of "big hits", when a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display portions is not yet derived and displayed, it is already definite or temporary. A state in which the display mode of the variable display unit on which the various display results are derived and displayed satisfies the display condition that is a combination of the specific display modes is called “reach”. If the display result of the identification information variably displayed on the variable display unit does not satisfy the condition of "big hit", the result is "missing" and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

When a game ball wins a winning opening provided on the game board, a predetermined number of award balls are paid out. Since the progress of the game is controlled by the game control means mounted on the main board, the number of winning balls based on the winning is determined by the game control means,
Sent to the payout control board. Hereinafter, the game control means and the other control means may be respectively referred to as electric component control means.

[0007]

As described above, when the display result of the variable display section for displaying a special symbol is a combination of a specific display mode, a "big hit" is obtained. If it is not shortened to obtain more display results in a short time, it is possible to enjoy the game more.

[0008] However, if the fluctuation time of the special symbol is too short as compared with the number of winnings per unit time, the time period in which the display relating to whether or not a "big hit" has occurred in the variable display section will be long. Therefore, the period during which a player cannot play a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit becomes longer, resulting in a gaming machine lacking in interest. Further, since the number of winnings (the number of effective starting times) used for determining a big hit or the like per unit time increases, there is a possibility that the gambling of the player may be unduly affected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing appropriate control for shortening the fluctuation time.

[0010]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game, a display device capable of performing variable display, and display control means for controlling the display device, the game control means can start the variable display of the display device A variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time for performing a variable display in accordance with a possible start condition being satisfied, wherein the variable display time determining means starts the variable display based on the start condition being satisfied from the start condition being satisfied; It is possible to determine whether to shorten the variable display period by determining whether or not the start standby period up to the time related to the predetermined period exceeds the predetermined reference time. And outputting to the display control means a command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the above (for example, a fluctuation pattern designation command).

A plurality of holding memories (for example, a special symbol random number storage area) are respectively provided for storing judgment information used for judging a game state in response to establishment of a plurality of starting conditions. It is also possible to adopt a configuration having a timer (for example, a variation reduction timer) that can specify the start standby period.

The variable display time determining means may determine whether to reduce the variable display time based on the contents of a timer (for example, a fluctuation reduction timer) and the number of satisfied start conditions.

[0013] The gaming machine can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player on condition that the result of the player playing a predetermined game is in a predetermined mode.
Different from the specific game state, it is possible to control to a special game state that is likely to be a specific game state, and the variable display time determining means differs depending on whether the state is the special game state or the state not being the special game state. It may be determined that the variable display time is shortened by the number of satisfaction of the starting conditions.

[0014] The display control means may be capable of selectively executing control contents to be performed within a variable display time designated by a command from a plurality of types.

[0015] The display control means may be configured to make a selection related to a notice (for example, whether or not to give a notice, a kind of notice, etc.).

After the variable display of the identification information, if the display result becomes the specific identification information, it is possible to control the game to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the display control means controls the timing according to the variable display time. When performing control to replace the identification information being variably displayed with predetermined identification information (for example, a background or a character) in order to derive a display result, the predetermined identification information to be replaced may be selected.

The display control means may be configured to be able to select a variable display pattern (for example, a pattern of low-speed fluctuation, high-speed fluctuation, etc.) having a different update speed of the identification information in the variable display.

The re-variation control of the identification information is possible, and the display control means may select the type of the identification information to be derived before the re-variation.

The configuration may be such that the contents of a timer (for example, a variation reduction timer) can be backed up even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped.

[0020]

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

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

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a 7-segment L
A variable display device 8 including a variable display (ordinary symbol display) 10 using an ED is provided. Variable display 1
Below the 0, there is provided a passage memory display (ordinary symbol memory display) 41 composed of four LEDs. In this embodiment, the variable display unit 9 includes “left”, “middle”,
There are three symbol display areas of "right". Variable display device 8
Is provided with a passage gate 11 for guiding a hit ball. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. In a passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the starting port switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

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

The gaming board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 19 and 24, and the winning of the game balls to the winning ports 19 and 24 is detected by the winning port switches 19a and 24a. At the left and right sides of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 which are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an out port 26 for absorbing hit balls which have not won. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A gaming effect LED 2 is provided on the outer periphery of the gaming area 7.
8a and gaming effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided.

In this example, one of the speakers 27
Prize ball lamp 5 that lights up when there are remaining prize balls near
1 is provided, and near the other speaker 27, a ball-out lamp 52 is provided which lights up when the supply ball is out. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming table 1 and enables lending of a ball by inserting a prepaid card.

The card unit 50 has a usable indicator lamp 151 for indicating whether or not the card can be used. If there is a fraction (less than 100 yen) in the balance information recorded in the card, the fraction is displayed. Fraction display switch 1 for displaying on a frequency display LED provided near hit ball supply tray 3
52, a connecting stand direction indicator 15 indicating which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 the card unit 50 corresponds to
3. Card insertion indicator 154 indicating that a card has been inserted into card unit 50, card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card reader provided on the back of card insertion slot 155 A card unit lock 156 is provided to release the card unit 50 when checking the mechanism of the writer.

The hit ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting rail, and thereafter, the game area 7
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start changing the symbol, the start winning memory is increased by one.

The rotation of the image in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the game shifts to a big hit game state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. Generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

For example, after the big hit state is determined or after the big hit state is completed, for example, a probable change determination symbol different from a special symbol displayed on the variable display section 9 (special game state notifying means).
Is displayed indicating the probability variation, the probability of the next big hit increases. In other words, a more probable state (special game state) for the player, which is a high probability state (probable change state). Also, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a hit symbol is increased, and the variable winning ball device 1
5, the opening time and the number of times of opening are increased. In addition, you may make it use the same symbol as a special symbol as a probability change determination symbol.

Next, each board disposed on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a ball storage tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate in the frame 2A, and above the pachinko gaming machine 1 installed on the gaming machine installation island. The game ball is supplied to the ball storage tank 38 from. The game balls in the ball storage tank 38 pass through a guiding gutter 39 to reach a ball dispensing device covered with a prize ball case 40A.

On the back side of the gaming machine, a variable symbol control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 and a game control board (main board) 31 on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted are installed. A payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer or the like for performing ball payout control is mounted;
And a hit ball launching device that launches a hit ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor. Furthermore, the decoration lamp 25, the game effect LED 28a, the game effect lamp 28
b, 28c, a lamp control board 35 for transmitting signals to the prize ball lamp 51, the ball cut lamp 52, and the like, and the speaker 27.
There is also provided a voice control board 70 for controlling the generation of voice from the player and a launch control board 91 for controlling the hit ball launching device.

Further, DC30V, DC21V, DC1
A power supply board 910 on which a power supply circuit for generating 2V and 5V DC is mounted is provided, and a terminal board 1 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is provided above.
60 are installed. Also, near the center, the main substrate 3
An information terminal board (external information output device) 34 having terminals for outputting various types of information from 1 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed. In FIG. 2, signals from the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 are transmitted to the speaker 27, the game effect LEDs 28a, the game effect lamps 28b and 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the ball cut lamp provided on the frame side. 5
Although an illuminated relay board A77 for supplying to the second relay board is shown, other relay boards may be provided as necessary for signal relay.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanical plate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. The game balls stored in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide gutter 39 and, as shown in FIG. 3, the ball-out detectors (ball-out switches) 187a and 187.
b passes through the ball supply gutters 186a and 186b to reach the ball dispensing device 97. The game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hit ball supply tray 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port 45. On the side of the communication port 45, an excess ball passage 46 communicating with the excess ball tray 4 provided on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed. When a large number of prize balls are paid out based on the winning and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and finally, after the game balls reach the contact port 45, further game balls are paid out, the game balls surplus through the surplus ball passage 46. It is led to the ball tray 4. When the game ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 is set to the full switch 4.
By pressing 8, the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In that state, the rotation of the stepping motor in the ball discharging device 97 stops, the operation of the ball discharging device 97 stops, and the driving of the hit ball firing device 34 also stops.

Signals from a winning port switch (not shown), a starting port switch 17 and a V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31 in order to perform the prize ball payout control. When the starting port switch 17 is turned on, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 knows that a winning corresponding to the payout of six winning balls has occurred. Further, when the count switch 23 is turned on, it is known that a winning corresponding to the payout of 15 prize balls has occurred. Then, when the winning opening switch is turned on, it is known that a winning corresponding to the payout of 10 prize balls has occurred. In this embodiment, for example, a game ball that has won the winning opening 24 is detected by the winning opening switch 24 a provided in the winning ball flow path from the winning opening 24, and the game ball that has won the winning opening 19 is detected. Is
It is detected by a winning opening switch 19a provided in a winning ball flow path from the winning opening 19.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows the payout control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the emission control board 91, and the symbol control board 80.
The pachinko machine 1 is provided on the main board 31 according to the program.
And a switch circuit 58 for giving signals from the gate switch 12, the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 19a and 24a, and the prize ball count switch 301A to the basic circuit 53. And a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53.

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

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as an example of a storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation according to the program, and an I / O port unit 5.
7 inclusive. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 5
5 is built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 5
Reference numeral 6 denotes a one-chip microcomputer. In addition, 1
The chip microcomputer has at least the RAM 55
And the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be external or internal. The I / O port unit 57 is a terminal capable of inputting and outputting information in the microcomputer.

Further, the main board 31 includes a system reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on, and an I / O port unit 57 which decodes an address signal provided from the basic circuit 53 and decodes the address signal. I /
An address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the O port is provided. Note that the ball payout device 9
There is also switch information input to the main board 31 from 7,
In FIG. 4, they are omitted.

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

In this embodiment, the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 is used to display the start memory display 18, the gate passage memory display 41 and the decoration lamp 25 provided on the game board. Controls the game and the game effect lamp / LED 28 provided on the frame side.
a, 28b, and 28c, display control of the award ball lamp 51, and the ball out lamp 52 are performed. Here, the lamp control unit is an example of the illuminant control unit. The symbol control of the variable display section 9 for variably displaying special symbols and the variable display 10 for variably displaying ordinary symbols is performed by symbol control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

FIG. 5 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80 by using an LCD (liquid crystal display) 82 which is an example of the variable display unit 9, the variable display 10, and the output ports (ports A, B) is a block diagram shown together with 571 and 572 and output buffer circuits 63A and 63B. Output port 571 outputs 8-bit data, and output port 572 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT).
Signal) is output.

The symbol control CPU 101 controls the control data R
It operates according to the program stored in the OM 102, and receives an INT signal from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B, and receives a display control command via the input buffer circuit 105A. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, 74HC540 and 74HC14, which are general-purpose ICs, can be used. When the symbol control CPU 101 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B and the symbol control CPU 101.

Then, the symbol control CPU 101 controls symbols on the screen displayed on the LCD 82 according to the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. VDP103
Reads necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 controls the LCD 8 according to the input data.
2 to generate image data to be displayed on the LCD 2, and output R, G, B signals and a synchronization signal to the LCD 82.

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

The input buffer circuits 105A and 105B
Signals can be passed only in the direction from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. Therefore, the symbol control board 8
There is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the 0 side to the main board 31 side. That is, the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B together with the input ports constitute irreversible information input means. Even if the circuit in the symbol control board 80 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side.

The outputs of the output ports 571 and 572 may be directly output to the symbol control board 80, but the output buffer circuits 63A and 63B capable of transmitting signals only in one direction.
, The main board 31 to the symbol control board 8
One-way signal transmission to 0 can be more reliably performed. That is, the output buffer circuits 63A and 63B together with the output ports constitute irreversible information output means.

For example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 for cutting off the high-frequency signal. The effect is eliminated. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 63A and 63B of the main board 31.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a signal transmitting / receiving portion in the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35.
In this embodiment, a game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b, 28 provided outside the game area 7 are provided.
c and lighting / extinguishing of the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board, and lighting / extinguishing of the award ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52
A lamp control command indicating turning off is output from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35. Also, the start memory display 1
8 and the lamp control command indicating the number of lighting of the gate passage memory display 41 are also transmitted from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35.
Is output to

As shown in FIG. 6, the lamp control command relating to the lamp control is output from the output ports (output ports E, F) 575, 5 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53.
76. The output port 575 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 576 outputs a 1-bit INT signal. In the lamp control board 35, the main board 3
1 is input to the input buffer circuit 355A,
The signal is input to the CPU 351 for lamp control via 355B. When the lamp control CPU 351 does not include an I / O port, the input buffer circuit 355A,
I / O between the CPU 355B and the lamp control CPU 351
A port is provided.

On the lamp control board 35, the CPU 351 for lamp control includes a game effect LED 28a, a game effect lamp 28b, and a game effect lamp 28b defined in accordance with each control command.
8c, according to the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the decorative lamp 25,
Game effect LED 28a, game effect lamps 28b, 28
c, output a light-on / light-off signal to the decorative lamp 25; The ON / OFF signal is output to the game effect LED 28a, the game effect lamps 28b and 28c, and the decoration lamp 25. It should be noted that the lighting / extinguishing pattern is determined by the lamp control CPU
351 is stored in an internal ROM or an external ROM.

On the main board 31, the CPU 56 outputs a control command for instructing to turn on the prize ball lamp when there is a prize ball remaining number. When turned on, it outputs a control command to instruct lighting of the out-of-ball lamp. In the lamp control board 35, each control command is input to the input buffer circuit 355.
A and 355B are input to the CPU 351 for lamp control. The lamp control CPU 351 responds to these control commands to output the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52.
Turns on / off. It should be noted that the lighting / extinguishing pattern is determined by a built-in ROM or an external ROM of the CPU 351 for lamp control.
Is stored in

Further, the lamp control CPU 351 outputs a light-on / light-off signal to the start storage display 18 and the gate passage storage display 41 according to the control command.

As the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B, for example, 74HC54 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
0,74HC14 is used. Input buffer circuit 35
5A and 355B are connected to the lamp control board 35 from the main board 31.
The signal can be passed only in the direction toward. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the lamp control board 35 side to the main board 31 side. For example, even if a circuit in the lamp control board 35 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B.

In the main board 31, the output port 5
Buffer circuits 62A and 62B are provided outside 75 and 576. As the buffer circuits 62A and 62B, for example, 74HC250, 7 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
4HC14 is used. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be supplied from the lamp control board 70 to the main board 31 is more reliably eliminated. be able to. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 62A and 62B.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the CPU 56 on the main board 31. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main processing, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initialization (step S1).

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, the power failure occurrence NMI processing such as the addition of parity data) has been performed when the power is turned off (step S2). If an unexpected power interruption occurs, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed, for example, although not described in detail. The case where such protection processing has been performed is regarded as backup. If the confirmation result indicates that there is no backup, an initialization process is executed (steps S2 and S3). The backup R
Whether or not there is backup data in the AM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of a backup flag set in the backup RAM area when the power is turned off. In this example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (on state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, there is no backup (off state).
Means In this example, in the data protection processing of the backup RAM area when the power is turned off, a random value storage area including a special symbol determination buffer and a random value storage area including an ordinary symbol determination buffer (extracted value storage area) described later. Is also performed to protect the contents of. Therefore, when the power is restored, the contents of the extracted value storage area such as a fluctuation reduction timer described later are restored to the contents stored when the power was turned off.

In the case where there is backup data in the backup RAM area, in this embodiment, the CPU 56
Performs a data check (parity check in this example) of the backup RAM area (step S4). If the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved.
The check result becomes normal. If the check result is not normal, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of power-off, the initialization processing executed at the time of power-on, not at the time of restoration from power failure, is executed (steps S5 and S3).

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs a game state restoring process for returning the internal state to the state when the power is turned off (step S6). Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the value of the backup flag is set to “55H” and the check result is normal,
The process proceeds to a game state restoration process in step S6. And
Return to the address pointed to by the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area (step S
7).

Execution of normal initialization processing (step S2,
After S3), the main process executed by the CPU 56 shifts to a loop process in which the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (Step S9) is confirmed. In the loop, a display random number update process (step S8) is also performed.

In this embodiment, step S2
After confirming the presence or absence of backup data in step S4, if backup data exists, the backup area is checked in step S4. Conversely, after confirming that the backup area check result is normal, Alternatively, the presence or absence of backup data may be checked. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which it is determined whether to execute the power failure recovery process by confirming whether there is backup data or checking the backup area.

For example, at the time of the parity check (step S4) when determining whether or not to execute the power failure recovery processing, that is, when determining whether or not to restore the game state, the RAM data stored at the time of the parity check is determined. According to the special process flag, etc. and the data of the number of memorized start winnings in the game machine, the game machine is in the game standby state (the symbol is not fluctuating,
If it is confirmed that the game is not being changed reliably and that there is no start winning memory, the initialization process may be executed without performing the game state restoration process.

In the normal initialization process, a RAM clearing process is performed as shown in FIG. 9 (step S3).
a). Then, based on the address value of the work area initial setting table, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a payout command storage pointer, etc.) is initialized. An initial value setting process for setting a value (step S3b) is performed. Then, the initial setting of the timer register provided in the CPU 56 (setting that the timeout is 2 ms and the operation of the repetitive timer) is performed so that the timer interrupt is periodically performed every 2 ms (step S3).
c). That is, in step S3c, a process of activating the timer interrupt and a process of setting the timer interrupt interval are executed. Then, an initial setting process (step S1)
Is prohibited (see FIG. 11), the interrupt is permitted before the initialization process is completed (step S3).
d).

Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 56
Is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is 2 ms
Is set to Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S12).

When detecting that the timer interrupt flag is set in step S9, the CPU 56 resets the timer interrupt flag (step S1).
0), a game control process is executed (step S11). According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the game control process is executed in the main process.
The game control process may be executed by a timer interrupt process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the power supply is restored to the state at the time of power failure based on the presence or absence of backup data. Therefore, when the power is turned on, for example, when the power is restored after a power failure, it is determined whether or not the power is restored to the state at the time of the power failure according to the contents of the backup data storage area.

Further, since it is determined whether or not the power is restored to the power-off state based on the state of the backup data, when the power is turned on when the power is restored after a power failure or the like, the backup data storage area is restored. A determination is made as to whether or not to restore the power-off state according to the state of the content.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process in step S1. In the initial setting process, C
The PU 56 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1).
a). When the interrupt is set to be prohibited, the CPU 56 sets the interrupt mode to the interrupt mode 2 (step S1b), and sets the stack pointer designated address to the stack pointer (step S1c). Then, the CPU 56 initializes a built-in device register (step S1d), initializes a CTC (counter / timer) and a PIO (parallel input / output port) (step S1e), and then executes RAM initialization.
Is set to an accessible state (step S1f).

Note that IN which can be set in the initial setting process
There are the following three types of maskable interrupt modes in which an interrupt is permitted by inputting a T signal. Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that issued the interrupt request issues an RST instruction (1 byte) or CALL instruction (3 bytes) to the CPU.
On the internal data bus. Therefore, the CPU 56
Executes an instruction at an address corresponding to the RST instruction or an address specified by the CALL instruction. Upon reset, the CPU 56 automatically enters the interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when it is desired to set the mode to the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the mode to the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process. Interrupt mode 1: Start address (3
8 (H)) is a predetermined mode. Interrupt mode 2: Value of specific register of CPU 56 (1 byte)
In this mode, an address synthesized from an interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the internal device indicates an interrupt address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the game control processing in step S11. In the game control process,
The CPU 56 firstly receives the gate sensor 12, the starting port sensor 17, and the count sensor 23 through the switch circuit 58.
And the state of the winning opening switches 19a and 24a,
It is determined whether or not there is a prize for each winning port or prize device (switch processing: step S21).

Next, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by the self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S22).

Next, a process for updating each counter indicating each random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 56 further includes:
A process for updating a display random number such as a random number for determining the type of stop symbol is performed (step S24).

Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S25). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Also, a normal symbol process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

The CPU 56 sets a display control command (special display control command or ordinary display control command) sent to the symbol control board 80 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and then executes a special display control command or a special display control command. A process of outputting a normal display control command is performed (special symbol command control process: step S27, normal symbol command control process: step S28).

Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of outputting the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port (data output process: step S29). Note that the CPU 5
6 also performs other processing such as output data setting processing for setting output data such as big hit information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hall management computer in the storage area.

Further, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S30). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16 and 21 in response to the drive command, and brings the variable winning ball device 15 or the open / close plate 20 into an open state or a closed state.

Further, the CPU 56 determines that each winning opening 17 and 2
The number of prize balls is set based on the detection of 3, 19a, and 24a (step S31). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a payout control command is output to the payout control board 37. Dispensing control CP mounted on the dispensing control board 37
U371 sets the ball payout device 97 in response to the payout control command.
Drive.

As described above, the main processing includes the processing for determining whether or not to shift to the game control processing.
Since a flag is set to determine whether or not to shift to the game control process in the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that is periodically generated by the 56 internal timers, all the game control processes are reliably executed. Is done. In other words, until all of the game control processes have been executed, it is not determined whether or not to shift to the next game control process, so it is guaranteed that all processes in the game control process will be completed. ing.

In the conventional general game control process, the game machine is forcibly returned to the initial state by an external interrupt that occurs periodically. Explaining in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 12, for example, even during the process of step S31, the process is forcibly returned to the process of step S21. In other words, there is a possibility that the next game control process will be started before all the processes in the game control process are completed.

Here, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Is executed in response to a flag set in a timer interrupt process based on a timer interrupt that is periodically generated by an internal timer of the CPU 56, but the signal is periodically (for example, every 2 ms). A hardware circuit which generates the signal may be provided, a signal from the circuit may be introduced to an external interrupt terminal of the CPU 56, and a flag for determining whether or not to shift to the game control process based on the interrupt signal may be set. Good.

Even in such a configuration, the flag is not determined until all the game control processes have been executed, so that all processes in the game control process are guaranteed to be completed. You.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing random numbers such as a jackpot determining random number used for game control. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determines whether to generate a big hit (for big hit determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle out-of-design symbol determination (3) Random 3: Symbol for big hit Determining a combination (for determining a big hit symbol) (7) Random 7: Deciding whether or not to make a hit with an ordinary symbol (for hit determination) (8) Random 8: Determining a variation pattern of a special symbol (for a variation pattern) )

Incidentally, random numbers other than the above-mentioned random numbers (1) to (3), (7) and (8) are used to enhance the game effect. In step S23, the CPU 56
The counter for generating the jackpot determination random number of (1), the jackpot symbol determination random number of (3), and the hit determination random number of (7) is counted up (addition of 1). That is,
These are the random numbers for determination.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a random value storage area (extracted value storage area) including a special symbol determination buffer. For example, the following extracted values are stored in the respective random value storage areas. It should be noted that another value such as an extracted value of the random number for determination of probability change may be stored. Special symbol determination buffer: The extracted value of the random number (random 1) for jackpot determination. Jackpot symbol buffer: The extracted value of the jackpot symbol determination random number (random 3). Special symbol left buffer: Extracted value of left outlier symbol determination random number (random 2-1). Special symbol inside buffer: The extracted value of the random number (random 2-2) for determining the inside out symbol. Special symbol right buffer: Extracted value of right outlier symbol determination random number (random 2-3). Variation shortening timer buffer: a value corresponding to a variation time reduction determination time (for example, 3.6 seconds) used to determine whether to reduce the variation time of a special symbol (in this example,
Since a fluctuation shortening timer subtraction process, which will be described later, is executed by a timer interruption every 2 ms, it is set to 0708 (H).)
The value stored in the fluctuation reduction timer buffer is decremented with the lapse of time as described later (in this example, 2 m
-1 every s). Then, as will be described later, at the time of the variation reduction determination process, a determination is made based on the value stored in the variation reduction timer buffer. The variation time reduction determination time may be another value. The value stored in each variation reduction timer buffer is called a variation reduction timer.

In this embodiment, there are four random number value storage areas (special symbol random number value storage areas) for storing the extracted values corresponding to the winning balls which have won the maximum of four starting winning holes 17 respectively. Area 0 to special symbol random number storage area 3) are provided. Therefore, in each of the random number value storage areas (special symbol random number value storage area 0 to special symbol random number value storage area 3), an extracted value of the big hit determination random number corresponding to the winning sphere is stored.

Next, a method of determining a symbol (special symbol) variably displayed on the variable display portion 9 based on a winning in the starting winning port 14 and a shift process of the special symbol random number value storage area will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 1
5 shows a process for judging that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14, and FIG. 16 shows a process for determining a stop symbol of the variable display of the variable display unit 9. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing how the storage information in the special symbol random number value storage area shifts. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not to make a big hit. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation time. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the fluctuation reduction determination process.

When the hit ball wins the starting winning opening 14 provided in the game board 6, the starting opening sensor 17 is turned on. In the special symbol process process of step S25 of the game control process, as shown in FIG. 15, when the CPU 56 determines that the start opening sensor 17 is turned on via the switch circuit 58 (step S71), the start winning storage number is reduced. It is checked whether the maximum value of 4 has been reached (step S7).
2). If the start winning prize storage number has not reached 4, the starting prize storage number is increased by 1 (step S73).

Next, the CPU 56 extracts each random number value such as a jackpot determination random number and a jackpot symbol determination random number, and stores the random number value storage area (special symbol random number storage area 0, 1, 2, or 3) (step S74). Then, the CPU 56 stores, in the fluctuation shortening timer buffer included in the random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the start winning storage number, a value corresponding to the fluctuation time reduction determination time (3.6 seconds in this example) (this time). In the example, 0708
(H)) is set (step S75). If the number of stored start winnings has reached 4, the process of increasing the number of stored start winnings is not performed. That is, in this embodiment, the number of hit balls that have won the maximum of four starting winning openings 17 can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of stored winning prizes in the special symbol process in step S25 (step S81). If the start winning number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storing area (special symbol random number storing area 0) corresponding to the starting winning number = 1 is read (step S82).

Next, the CPU 56 shifts the value of each random value storage area (step S83). In this case, for example, as shown in FIG.
The values stored in the random number value storage areas (special symbol random number value storage areas 1, 2, 3) corresponding to (2, 3, 4) are stored in the random number value storage area (number of start winning storage number = n-1). It is stored in the special symbol random value storage areas 0, 1, 2). In this case, the clear data may be stored in the special symbol random number storage area 3 after the value of each random number storage area is shifted. When the value of each random value storage area is shifted, the CPU 56 decreases the value of the number of stored start winnings by one (step S85). Further, the CPU 56 performs a later-described variation reduction determination process for determining whether to reduce the variation time of the special symbol (step S96).

Then, the CPU 56 determines the hit / miss based on the value read in step S82, that is, the value of the extracted big hit determination random number (step S86). Here, the big hit determination random number has a value in the range of 0 to 299. As shown in FIG. 18, when the probability is low, for example, when the value is “3”, “big hit”
Is determined, and if the value is any other value, it is determined as “outside”. When the probability is high, for example, the values are “3”, “7”,
If it is one of "79", "103", and "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "out".

When it is determined that a big hit has occurred, the CPU 56
Determines the big hit symbol according to the value of the big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) read in step S82 (step S90).

If it is determined that there is a loss, the CPU 56
Determines the left symbol according to the random 2-1 value read in step S82 in this embodiment (step S93). In addition, a medium symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2 read in step S82 (step S94). Further, the right symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-3 read in step S82 (step S82).
95). That is, any symbol corresponding to the value of 0 to 12 of the values of random 2-1 to random 2-3 is determined as the stop symbol. Here, when the determined left symbol, middle symbol, and left symbol all match, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is determined as the symbol of the middle symbol, and the big hit symbol Try not to match.

Then, the CPU 56 executes, for example, step S
After extracting a plurality of random numbers for a variation pattern in accordance with various conditions such as the determination result in 86, a random number for a variation pattern is further selected from a plurality of random numbers for a variation pattern, thereby selecting a variation pattern. Perform (step S97). That is, the random number for the variation pattern is determined according to conditions such as whether to make a big hit, whether to make a probability change, whether the current game state is a high probability state, a combination of symbols to be stopped, and the like. One is selected from among the extracted random numbers for the variation patterns. In this example, the variation pattern random number is reduced for each variation pattern random number (the right column in FIG. 19) and the variation pattern when the variation time is not reduced (the left column in FIG. 19 is reduced). The variation pattern in the case is associated with the adjacent variation pattern, and the variation pattern to be selected is determined based on whether or not the variation time is to be shortened.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the selected variation pattern and the time (variation time) from the start of the symbol variation until the symbol is determined. Therefore, in this example, in step S97, the variation pattern to be used is selected from the 68 variation patterns (variation pattern characteristics 1 to variation pattern characteristics 68) shown in FIG. Variation pattern 1
The variation pattern characteristic 68 indicates a special symbol variation pattern 1 to a special symbol variation pattern 68 (see FIG. 25), which will be described later.
1-68). Each variation pattern has a corresponding variation time. In this example, if it is determined in step S96 that the fluctuation time is not reduced, the fluctuation pattern to be used is selected from the fluctuation patterns 1 to 34. If it is determined in step S96 that the fluctuation time is to be shortened (whether or not it is determined that the fluctuation time is to be shortened is determined by the fluctuation shortening flag).
Step 6 selects a fluctuation pattern (one of the fluctuation patterns 35 to 68) in which the fluctuation time is shortened, and clears the fluctuation shortening flag. Note that the number of variation patterns in this example is an example, and may be another number.

As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol change based on the winning start is a big hit, a reach mode, an out-of-shift mode, or a fluctuating time is shortened. Are determined.

In the high-probability state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the time until the variable display of the variable display 10 is determined by the 7-segment LED is shortened, and the variable display of the variable display 10 is changed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured so that the number of times and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the result are increased, or the probability of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 is high. It may be constituted so that it may become. Also,
The pachinko gaming machine 1 in which only one or a plurality of states among them occurs.

The random number and the range of the random number value used in this embodiment are merely examples, and any random number may be used and the range may be set arbitrarily.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU shown in step S96.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation shortening determination process which 56 performs. In the variation reduction determination process, the CPU 56
Checks whether the fluctuation reduction timer stored in the fluctuation reduction timer buffer 0 is “0” (step S
96a). If the fluctuation reduction timer of the fluctuation reduction timer buffer 0 is not “0”, the processing ends without setting the fluctuation time reduction because the fluctuation time reduction determination time has not yet elapsed.

If the fluctuation reduction timer of the fluctuation reduction timer buffer 0 is "0", the fluctuation time reduction determination time has already elapsed, and the CPU 56 checks whether or not the state is in the high probability state (step S96b). ).

If it is in the high probability state, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the number of memorized start winnings is less than 2 (step S).
96c). Then, if the number of stored start winnings is not less than 2, the CPU 56 sets a fluctuation shortening flag in order to perform a setting of shortening the fluctuation time. That is, in the high probability state, the setting of the fluctuation time reduction is performed when the number of the winning prize memories is two or more. It should be noted that when the number of stored start winnings is equal to or more than another number, the fluctuation time reduction may be set.

On the other hand, if the state is not the high probability state, the CPU 56
Confirms whether or not the number of stored start winnings is less than four (step S96d). If the number of start winning prizes is not less than four, the CPU 56 sets a fluctuation shortening flag in order to perform a setting of shortening the fluctuation time. That is, when the state is not the high-probability state, the setting of the fluctuation time reduction is performed when the number of start winning prizes is four or more (in this example, four). It should be noted that when the number of stored start winnings is equal to or more than another number, the fluctuation time reduction may be set.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol processing shown in FIG.
Is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 performs a variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310), and then performs any one of steps S300 to S309 illustrated in FIG. 21 according to the internal state.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the variation reduction timer subtraction process in step S310. In the variation reduction timer subtraction process, the CPU 56 determines that the variation reduction timer stored in the variation reduction timer buffer 0 is “0”.
(Step S310a, Step S310b). If not "0", the variation reduction timer of the variation reduction timer buffer 0 is decremented (-1) (step S310c).

Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the fluctuation reduction timer stored in the fluctuation reduction timer buffer 1 is "0" (step S310d, step S3).
N in 10e, step 310b). If not "0",
Subtract the fluctuation reduction timer of fluctuation reduction timer buffer 0 (-
1) Perform (Step S310c). The same processing is executed for the fluctuation reduction timer buffer 2 and the fluctuation reduction timer buffer 3. And the fluctuation shortening timer buffer 3
When the processing for is completed, the processing here ends (Y in step S310d and step 310e). The process may not be performed on the fluctuation reduction timer buffer corresponding to the number of winning storages without winning.

Therefore, in this example, after the corresponding value (0708 (H)) of the fluctuation time reduction determination time is set and the fluctuation reduction timer subtraction processing is repeated 1800 times (corresponding to 3.6 seconds), 1800 ( 0708 (H)) is subtracted, and the fluctuation reduction timer is set to “0”. When the fluctuation reduction timer subtraction processing is performed, the following processing is executed in each processing of steps S300 to S309.

Special symbol change waiting processing (step S30)
0): The start winning port 14 (in this embodiment, the winning port of the variable winning ball device 15) is hit and the start port sensor 17 is turned on. When the starting opening sensor 17 is turned on, the starting winning memory number is increased by + unless the starting winning memory number is full.
At the same time, the random number for jackpot determination is extracted, and the corresponding value of the fluctuation time reduction determination time is set. That is, FIG.
5 is executed. Special symbol determination processing (step S301): When the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prizes stored is confirmed. If the starting prize storage number is not 0, it is determined whether to make a big hit or a non-big hit according to the value of the extracted big hit determining random number. That is, the first half of the process shown in FIG. 16 is executed. Stop symbol setting process (step S302): A stop symbol for the left and right middle symbols is determined. That is, the middle half of the processing shown in FIG. 16 is executed.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): It is determined whether or not the reach operation is performed in accordance with the value of the reach determination random number, and the variation pattern is determined in accordance with various conditions such as whether or not to make a big hit, and the variation period of the special symbol (not reach) (Including the case). That is, the latter half of the process shown in FIG. 16 is executed.

All symbols change start processing (step S30)
4): In the variable display section 9, control is performed so that all symbols start to change. At this time, with respect to the symbol control board 80,
The left and right middle stop symbols and information instructing a variation mode such as a variation pattern are transmitted. Upon completion of the processing, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305.

All symbols stop wait processing (step S30)
5): The control is performed so that all the symbols displayed on the variable display section 9 are stopped when the variation time determined corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S97 elapses. If the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the internal state (process flag) is set to step S3.
Update to move to 06. If not,
The internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300. If the fluctuation reduction flag is set,
Clear the fluctuation shortening flag.

Opening process for opening the special winning opening (step S30)
6): Control for opening the special winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. Also, a big hit flag (a flag indicating that a big hit is being made) is set. Upon completion of the process, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S307.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
7): Control for transmitting display control command data for the special winning opening round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. When the final closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.

Specific area effective time processing (step S30)
8): The presence or absence of passage of the V count switch 22 is monitored, and a process of confirming that the big hit game state continuation condition is satisfied is performed. If the condition of the jackpot game state continuation is satisfied and there is still a remaining round, the internal state is changed to step S30.
Update to move to 6. If the big hit game state continuation condition is not satisfied within the predetermined effective time, or if all rounds have been completed, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309): A display for notifying the player of the end of the big hit gaming state is performed. When the display is completed, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

As described above, when a ball is hit in the starting winning opening 14, the basic circuit 53 proceeds to step S25 (FIG. 12).
In the special symbol process processing of the reference symbol), whether to reduce the variation time, whether to make a big hit or not, to stop symbol, reach mode, whether to make a probable change, to determine the variation mode of the special symbol, A control command such as a display control command according to the determination is transmitted to an electric component control unit such as a symbol control unit. For example, in the symbol control means, the variable display unit 9 is controlled according to a display control command from the main board 31.
Is performed.

Next, transmission of a control command from main board 31 to another electrical component control board will be described. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a control command sent from the main board 31 to each electric component control board such as the symbol control board 80. In this embodiment, the control command has a 2-byte configuration, and the first byte is a MODE command.
(Command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always "1", and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always "0". The command form shown in FIG. 23 is an example, and another command form may be used.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal (strobe signal) constituting a control command for each electric component control board such as the symbol control board 80. As shown in FIG.
When a predetermined period elapses after the data of E or EXT is output to the output port, the CPU 56 turns on the INT signal which is a signal indicating the data output. Also,
When a predetermined period has elapsed therefrom, the INT signal is turned off.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the display control command sent to the symbol control board 80 of the electric component control board. In the example shown in FIG. 25, commands 8000 (H) to 8021 (H), 8100 (H)
8121 (H) are display control commands for designating a variation pattern of the special symbol in the variable display section 9 for variably displaying the special symbol. Note that the command for designating the variation pattern also serves as the variation start instruction. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 25, 68 types of variation pattern designations are possible, but only a part of these variation pattern designations may be used.

The command 88XX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a display control command relating to the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol variably displayed on the ordinary symbol display 10. The command 89XX is a display control command for designating a stop symbol of a normal symbol. Command 8AXX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a display control command for instructing to stop variable display of a normal symbol.

Commands 91XX, 92XX and 93X
X is a display control command for designating a left middle right stop symbol of a special symbol. The command A0XX is a display control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the special symbol.
The command BXXX is a display control command sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The commands C000 to EXXXX are display control commands related to the display state of the variable display unit 9 irrespective of the change of the special symbol and the jackpot game. When the symbol control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the above-described display control command from the game control means of the main board 31, it changes the display state of the variable display unit 9 and the ordinary symbol display 10 according to the contents shown in FIG. change.

FIG. 25 shows the display control command. In this example, other control commands (voice control command,
Lamp control command and payout control command)
It consists of an ODE part and an EXT part. That is,
The form of the voice control command and the form of the lamp control command are common. The voice control command and the payout control command have a common form. The forms of the ramp control command and the payout control command are also common. The form of the display control command and the form of the voice control command are common. Further, the display control command and the lamp control command have a common form. The forms of the display control command and the payout control command are also common.

Since the form of each command sent from the game control means is common, in the program executed by the CPU 56 of the game control means, it is possible to easily commonize the creation part and the output part of each command. as a result,
The module related to the command transmission of the game control program is simplified, so that the program can be easily maintained and the program can be easily transferred to other models.

Further, one effect control content transmitted to the electric component control means (in this example, the symbol control means, the lamp control means and the voice control means) related to the game effect is constituted by two control signals (symbols). FIG. 25 shows the control means.
reference). The electric component control means relating to the game effect can specify the type of control content with one control signal (MODE byte), and can specify the detailed control content with another control signal (EXT byte).

When a control command is to be output from the game control means to each electric component control board, a command transmission table is set. FIG. 26A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of the command transmission table. One command transmission table is composed of three bytes, and INT data is set in the first byte. The command data 1 in the second byte includes the MOD in the first byte of the control command.
E data is set. Then, in the command data 2 of the third byte, EXT data of the second byte of the control command is set.

Although the EXT data itself may be set in the command data 2 area, the command data 2
May be set to data for specifying an address of a table in which EXT data is stored. In this embodiment, bit 7 of command data 2
If (work area reference bit) is 0, it indicates that the EXT data itself is set in the command data 2. Such EXT data is data in which bit 7 is 0. If the work area reference bit is 1, the other 7 bits indicate an offset for specifying an address of a table in which EXT data is stored.

In this embodiment, a plurality of command transmission tables are prepared, and the command transmission table to be used is specified by a pointer. Also, a plurality of command transmission tables are used as a ring buffer. Therefore, CP
The U56 sets, for example, INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 in the command transmission table pointed to by the write pointer in the winning ball signal processing. Then, the value of the write pointer is updated. Since one command transmission table has a 3-byte configuration, specifically, the write pointer value is +3.

FIG. 26B is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the INT data. Bit 0 in the INT data is
It indicates whether or not a payout control command should be sent to the payout control board 37. If bit 0 is "1", it indicates that a payout control command should be sent. Therefore, the CPU 56
Sets "01 (H)" in the INT data in the winning ball signal processing, for example.

Bits 1, 2, and 3 of the INT data are bits indicating whether a display control command, a lamp control command, and a voice control command are to be transmitted, respectively.
When it is time to send these commands, the PU 56 sets the INT data, the command data 1 and the command data 2 in the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer by special symbol processing or the like. When these commands are transmitted, the corresponding bit of the INT data is set to “1”, and MODE data and EXT data are set in the command data 1 and the command data 2.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a command control process (steps S27 and S28) in the game control process shown in FIG. The command control process is a process including a command output process and an INT signal output process. In the command control processing, the CP
U56 first saves the address of the command transmission table (contents of the read pointer) in a stack or the like (step S231). Then, the INT data of the command transmission table pointed to by the read pointer is loaded into the argument 1 (step S232). Argument 1 is input information for a command transmission process described later. Further, the address indicating the command transmission table is incremented by 1 (step S23).
3). Therefore, the address indicating the command transmission table matches the address of the command data 1.

Then, the CPU 56 sets the command data 1
Is read and set as argument 2 (step S234).
The argument 2 also becomes input information for a command transmission process described later. Then, a command transmission processing routine is called (step S235).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a command transmission routine. In the command transmission routine,
First, the CPU 56 sets the data set in the argument 1, that is, the INT data, in the work area determined as the comparison value (step S <b> 251). Then
The number of transmissions = 4 is set in the work area determined as the number of processes (step S252). Then, the address of the port 1 (not shown) for outputting the payout control signal is set to the IO address (step S253).

Next, the CPU 56 shifts the comparison value right by one bit (step S254). It is determined whether or not the carry bit has become 1 as a result of the shift processing (step S255). The fact that the carry bit has become 1 means that the rightmost bit in the INT data is “1”.
It means that it was. In this embodiment, four shift processes are performed. For example, when it is specified that a payout control command should be sent, the carry bit becomes 1 in the first shift process.

When the carry bit becomes 1, the data set in the argument 2, in this case, the command data 1 (ie, MODE data) is output to the address set as the IO address (step S2
56). When the first shift processing is performed, since the address of the port 1 is set in the IO address, the MODE data of the payout control command is output to the port 1 after all.

Next, the CPU 56 sets the IO address to 1
While adding (step S257), 1 is subtracted from the number of processes (step S258). If the port 1 is indicated before the addition, the IO address is set to the address of the port 2 by the addition processing for the IO address. Port 2 is an output port 571 in this embodiment.
(See FIG. 5), which is a port for outputting a display control command. Then, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of processes (step S259), and returns to step S254 if the value is not 0. The shift process is performed again in step S254.

In the second shift processing, the value of bit 1 in the INT data is pushed out, and the carry flag becomes "1" or "0" according to the value of bit 1. Therefore,
A check is made as to whether it is specified that a display control command should be sent. Similarly, in the third and fourth shift processes, it is checked whether or not it is specified that the ramp control command and the voice control command should be transmitted. As described above, when each shift process is performed, the IO address corresponding to the command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, voice control command) set by the shift process is set in the IO address. Have been.

Therefore, when the carry flag becomes "1", the corresponding output port (port 1 to port 4)
Is sent to the control command. That is, a single common module can perform a process of transmitting a control command to each electric component control unit. In this embodiment, the address of the port 3 is the address of the output port 575 (see FIG. 6).

As described above, since it is determined to which electrical component control means the control command is to be output by only the shift processing, it is determined to which electrical component control means the control command is to be output. Processing has been simplified.

Next, the CPU 56 reads the contents of the argument 1 storing the INT data before the start of the shift processing (step S260), and outputs the read data to the port 0 (step S261). In the INT data, the bit corresponding to the output bit of the INT signal corresponding to the control command (dispensing control command, display control command, lamp control command, voice control command) output in the processing of steps S251 to S259 becomes “1”. Has become. Therefore, INT corresponding to a control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, voice control command) output to any of ports 1 to 4
The signal goes on.

Next, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined value in the weight counter (step S262), and decrements by one until the value becomes 0 (steps S263 and S26).
4). This processing is performed according to the I shown in the timing diagram of FIG.
This is a process for setting the ON period of the NT signal (control signal INT). When the value of the wait counter becomes 0, clear data (00) is set (step S265),
The data is output to port 0 (step S26)
6). Therefore, the INT signal is turned off. And
A predetermined value is set in the weight counter (step S26).
2) Subtract 1 by 1 until the value becomes 0 (steps S268 and S269). This process is a process for setting a period from the fall of the first INT signal to the start of EXT data output.

Therefore, the value set in the wait counter in step S267 is such that the period from the falling edge of the first INT signal to the start of the EXT data output is ensured by all the electric component control means to receive the control command. Is a value sufficient to perform the command reception process. Further, the value set in the weight counter is a value such that the period is longer than the time required for the processing of steps S251 to S259.

As described above, the MODE data of the first byte of the control command is transmitted. Therefore, CPU5
In step S236 shown in FIG. 27, 1 is added to the value indicating the command transmission table. Therefore, the area of the command data 2 in the third byte is specified. The CPU 56
The content of the indicated command data 2 is loaded into the argument 2 (step S237). Further, it is confirmed whether the value of bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is “0” (step S239). If it is not 0, the start address of the command extension data address table is set in the pointer (step S239), and the address is calculated by adding the value of bit 6 to bit 0 of the command data 2 to the pointer (step S240). Then, the data of the area indicated by the address is loaded into the argument 2 (step S241).

In the command extension data address table, EXT data that can be transmitted to the electric component control means is sequentially set. Therefore, if the value of the work area reference bit is “1” by the above processing, the EXT data in the command extension data address table corresponding to the content of the command data 2 is loaded into the argument 2 and the work area reference bit is set. If the value is “0”, the content of the command data 2 is loaded as it is into the argument 2. Even when EXT data is read from the command extension data address table, bit 7 of that data is “0”.

Next, the CPU 56 calls a command transmission routine (step S242). Therefore, MOD
The EXT data is transmitted at the same timing as the transmission of the E data. Thereafter, the CPU 56 restores the address of the command transmission table (step S243), and updates the value of the read pointer pointing to the command transmission table (step S244). Since one command transmission table has a 3-byte configuration, specifically, the value of the read pointer is +3.

As described above, the command control processing module, which is one control signal output module,
Each 2-byte control command (dispensing control command, display control command, lamp control command, voice control command) is transmitted to the corresponding electric component control means. In the electric component control means, when detecting the falling of the INT signal as the fetch signal, the control command fetch process is started. Is not output to the signal line. That is,
In each electric component control means, a reliable command receiving process is performed. Note that each electric component control unit may start the process of capturing a control command at the rising edge of the INT signal. Further, the polarity of the INT signal may be reversed from the case shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, a plurality of command transmission tables are used as a ring buffer.
In the command control process shown in FIG. 7, command output control is performed on the command transmission table pointed to by the read pointer, and in the process of setting data in the command transmission table, for example, in the prize sphere signal process in the game control process, The command setting process is performed on the command transmission table indicated by the embedded pointer. Therefore, even if a plurality of command transmission requests occur at the same time, the command output process based on those requests is executed without any problem.

Next, the variation of the symbol will be described using a specific example. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a left and right middle symbol.
As shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment, the respective symbols displayed as the right and left middle symbols are the same twelve symbols in the left and right. When the symbol of symbol number 12 is displayed, next, the symbol of symbol number 1 is displayed. Then, when the left and right middle symbols stop together at, for example, "one", "three", "five", "seven", "nine", or "clogs", a high probability state is set. That is, they become probable symbols.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background symbol displayed on the variable display section 9 used in this embodiment. In this example, (A) dojo, (B) flash, (C) aura, and (D) smoke background are used. FIG.
The display shown in (E) shows an example of a demonstration screen displayed during a non-game of the gaming machine or the like.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of characters displayed on the variable display section 9 used in this embodiment. In this example, (A) character A,
(B) Character B and (C) Character C are used. Note that the character A is also used as a character for reach announcement. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of reach announcement modes. For example, when the character A is displayed so as to shine (reach announcement 1), or when the character A is announced in a balloon (reach announcement 2), the reach announcement Has been done. The character A is also used as a character for establishing a reach,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, display control is performed in which the foot of the character A is displayed so as to kick the right symbol, and the left and right symbols stop at the same symbol.

Further, during the reach operation, the character A,
B and C are displayed so that a big hit notice is given by a balloon. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of jackpot notices (jackpot notices 1 and 2), and the jackpot notice 1 is used alone. However, the jackpot notice 2 is a predetermined time after the jackpot notice 1 is displayed. Is displayed when elapses.

In this embodiment, two modes are used as the reach announcement and the jackpot announcement, respectively, but more types may be used. Further, in this embodiment, a notice is given by a balloon of a character, but the form of the notice may be any form as long as the player can recognize that the notice is given. For example, the movement of the character different from the normal or the variation of the pattern different from the normal may be used. Further, a notice used in a case where there is a high possibility that a big hit occurs in the probability changing symbol may be used as the probability changing big hit notice. In addition, a notice with a high probability of a big hit may be divided into a notice with a low probability of a big hit, and a notice with a lower probability may be defined as a reach notice.

Symbol control CP on symbol control board 80
When receiving the display control command from the main board 31, the U101 performs control to move and display a predetermined background or character on the screen in each variation pattern. The background and the character are also switched at a predetermined timing, and these are also independently controlled by the symbol control CPU 101.

FIGS. 33 to 35 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display control commands transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 used in this embodiment. As described above, one display control command is composed of two bytes (MODE, E
XT).

FIG. 33 shows a display control command indicating a stop symbol of the left symbol. As shown in FIG.
A stop symbol is designated by a display control command composed of byte control data MODE and EXT. In these designations, the first byte of the control data CMD1
Is “91 (H)”.

FIG. 34 shows a display control command indicating the stop symbol of the middle symbol. As shown in FIG.
A stop symbol is designated by a display control command composed of byte control data MODE and EXT. In these designations, the first byte of the control data CMD1
Is “92 (H)”.

FIG. 35 shows a display control command indicating a stop symbol of the right symbol. As shown in FIG.
A stop symbol is designated by a display control command composed of byte control data MODE and EXT. In these designations, the first byte of the control data CMD1
Is “93 (H)”.

Hereinafter, an example of a symbol variation pattern will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a pattern (variation state) that forms each variation pattern. FIG. 37 is a timing chart showing an example of the change of the symbol at the time of the out of reach. Also,
FIGS. 38 to 40 are timing charts showing an example of symbol fluctuations at the time of reach (in the case of a big hit and in the case of no big hit).

In this embodiment, at the time of detachment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7 (A), in the “left” symbol display area of the variable display section 9, first, the symbol is changed according to the pattern a. The pattern a is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed increases little by little as shown in FIG. After that, the pattern b fluctuates at a constant speed, and the stop symbol 3
After the symbol before the symbol is controlled to be displayed, three symbols are changed according to the pattern c. As shown in FIG. 36, the pattern c is a pattern that is gradually delayed and stops.

In the "right" symbol display area of the variable display section 9, symbols are changed according to the pattern "a". Then, after a constant speed fluctuation, the control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stop symbol is displayed, and then the pattern c
In accordance with the symbol. Also in the "medium" symbol display area, the symbol is first changed in accordance with the pattern a. Then, after a constant speed fluctuation, the control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stop symbol is displayed, and then the pattern c
In accordance with the symbol.

The symbol control CP of the symbol control board 80 is used.
U101 repeatedly fluctuates the left and right symbols in the opposite direction of the change direction until the middle symbol is determined. That is,
The left and right symbols are displayed and controlled in a so-called swing fluctuation state. The swing fluctuation means that the symbol is displayed swinging up and down. The swing fluctuation is performed until the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) is displayed. When a display control command instructing stop of all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the swing fluctuation state of the left and right symbols is ended, and the left and right symbols are brought into a fixed state in which the middle symbols do not move. In this example, the symbol control CPU 101
Since the symbol is displayed in the variation mode based on the variation pattern designation # 1 command, 9.0 is achieved without shortening the variation time.
After the symbol fluctuation process is performed for a second, the state is set to the final state. In addition,
The medium pattern may also perform a swinging operation after the fluctuation due to the pattern c, and may then be set to the final state. Further, the swing fluctuation may be changed to the left and right instead of the pattern which swings the symbol up and down.

While the symbol is changing, the symbol controlling CPU
Reference numeral 101 denotes display control so that “Dojo” (see FIG. 30) is displayed as a background, and display control so that the character A (see FIG. 31) is displayed on the screen and the character A is appropriately moved. Do. Specifically, the VDP 103 is notified of the background and the character. Then, VDP
103 creates image data of the designated background. Further, image data of the designated character is created and combined with the background image. Further, the VDP 103 converts the synthesized image into
The image data of the middle left and right symbols is synthesized. VDP103 is
The display control that the character moves and the display control that the symbol fluctuates are also performed. That is, the shape and display position of the character are changed according to a predetermined exercise pattern. Further, the symbol display position is changed according to the fluctuation speed notified from the symbol control CPU 101.

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

FIG. 37 (B) shows an example of a variation pattern at the time of a loss in the probability variation state. In this variation pattern, as shown in the figure, the left and right middle symbols are simultaneously stopped after the left and right middle symbols are changed according to the pattern a, the pattern b, and the pattern c. In this example, since the symbol control CPU 101 performs symbol display in a variation mode based on the variation pattern designation # 35 command, the symbol variation process is performed for 5.5 seconds in which the variation time is reduced, and then the symbol is set to the final state. . Also when this variation pattern is used, the symbol control CPU 101 controls the display so that “Dojo” (see FIG. 30) is displayed as the background, and displays the character A (see FIG. 31) on the screen. The display control is performed so that the character A moves appropriately.

In other words, in this embodiment, the symbol control CPU 101 controls the game control means,
When a display control command (see FIG. 25) for designating a variation pattern is received from the PU 56, the left and right middle symbols are variably displayed using the variation patterns shown in FIGS. 37 (A) and (B) according to the content of the designation. And that the character A should appear and that the “Dojo” background screen should be used.

FIG. 38 shows an example of a fluctuation pattern displayed when, for example, 17.0 seconds is notified as a fluctuation time from the main board 31. Upon being notified of the fluctuation time, the symbol control CPU 101 uniquely determines which of the plurality of fluctuation patterns to be displayed with the fluctuation time is to be used. FIG. 38 illustrates one of the plurality of fluctuation patterns. The CPU 5 of the main board 31
6 may determine the reach type and send a command indicating a variation pattern according to the determined reach type.

In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 38, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the variation of the middle symbol of the pattern d is performed. Note that the symbol control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols in the stopped state of the left and right symbols during the change of the middle symbol. Pattern d is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed gradually decreases and thereafter changes at a constant speed. Then, the reach operation is started, and the variation of the middle symbol is performed according to the pattern b and the pattern c. When a display control command instructing stop of all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the swing fluctuation state of the left and right symbols is ended, and the left and right symbols are fixed so that the middle symbols do not move. In this example, since the symbol control CPU 101 performs symbol display in a variation mode based on the variation pattern designation # 9 command, the variation time is not reduced to 17.0.
After the symbol fluctuation process is performed for seconds, it is set to the final state.

The symbol control CPU 101 performs symbol replacement (symbol skip control) before the start of the reach operation so that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol notified from the main board 31. Since the variation pattern is determined in advance, the symbol control CPU 101 can recognize the switching timing from the pattern d to the pattern b and the switching timing from the pattern b to the pattern c, and the symbol three symbols before to be replaced. Can also be determined. The background and the type of the character do not change during the change of the middle symbol.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the symbol control CPU 101 receives the variation pattern designation # 9 command from the CPU 56 of the main board 31, the symbol control CPU 101 selects one of the plurality of variation patterns variably displayed for 17.0 seconds. Which of the left and right middle symbols is variably displayed is determined.

Then, when it is determined to use the variation pattern of FIG. 38, when the left and right symbols are stopped and the reach state is reached, it is determined that the background screen of the character A and the "dojo" is to be used continuously.

The fluctuation time 17.0 shown in FIG.
Even in the second variation pattern, the symbol control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. The symbol replacement control of the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops. Symbol control CPU 101
Is a replacement symbol according to the middle stop symbol notified from the main board 31 at the start of the variation and the number of symbol variations during the reach variation period (for example, the variation period of the pattern d, pattern b and pattern c in FIG. 38). To determine.

Further, when the symbol control CPU 101 determines to perform the reach announcement, the symbol control CPU 101 controls the VDP 103 so that the character A is displayed on the variable display section 9 in the form of the reach announcement 1 or the reach announcement 2. If it is determined that the control is to be performed to perform the jackpot notice, the character displayed at that time is displayed on the variable display unit 9 in the form of the jackpot notice 1 or the jackpot notice 2 during the reach operation. Controls the VDP 103. In addition, big hit notice 2
Is a development of the jackpot notice 1. Further, when the symbol control CPU 101 receives the display control command indicating the reach, the CPU 101 independently determines whether or not to perform the reach announcement and the jackpot announcement, and the manner of the announcement, but a specific determination method will be described later.

FIG. 39 shows an example of a fluctuation pattern displayed when the main substrate 31 notifies the fluctuation time of 22.0 seconds (during the reach period). Symbol control CPU 101
When 22.0 seconds are notified as the fluctuation time, the control unit uniquely determines which of the plurality of fluctuation patterns is to be used. FIG. 39 illustrates one of the plurality of variation patterns.

In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 39, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the variation of the middle symbol of the pattern d is performed. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbol is changed according to the pattern b and the pattern f. The pattern f is a high-speed change, and a pause period is set before the start of the change by the pattern f. When a display control command instructing stop of all the symbols is received from the main board 31, the swing fluctuation state of the left and right symbols is ended, and the left and right symbols are fixed so that the middle symbols do not move. In this example, since the symbol control CPU 101 performs the symbol display in the variation mode based on the variation pattern designation # 8 command, the symbol variation CPU performs the symbol variation process for 22.0 seconds without reducing the variation time and then determines the symbol variation. State.

Further, the symbol control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the main board 31. In addition,
In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 39, when the right symbol stops, the symbol control CPU 101 sets the background image to “flash”.
(See FIG. 30). Also, when the right symbol is stopped,
The symbol control CPU 101 performs display control so that the character A kicks the right symbol (see FIG. 31).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the symbol control CPU 101 receives the variation pattern designation # 8 command from the CPU 56 of the main board 31, the symbol control CPU 101 selects one of the plurality of variation patterns variably displayed for 22.0 seconds. Which of the left and right middle symbols is variably displayed is determined.

If it is determined to use the variation pattern shown in FIG. 39, when the left and right symbols stop and reach the reach state, it is determined to switch the background screen to “flash”.

Even in the variation pattern of the variation time of 22.0 seconds shown in FIG. 39, the symbol control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. The symbol skip control of the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops.

Further, when the symbol control CPU 101 determines to perform the reach announcement, the symbol control CPU 101 controls the VDP 103 so that the character A is displayed on the variable display section 9 in the form of the reach announcement 1 or the reach announcement 2. If it is determined that the control is to be performed to perform the jackpot notice, the character displayed at that time is displayed on the variable display unit 9 in the form of the jackpot notice 1 or the jackpot notice 2 during the reach operation. Controls the VDP 103.

FIG. 40 shows an example of a fluctuation pattern displayed when 37.5 seconds (reach long period) are notified from the main board 31 as a fluctuation time. Symbol control CPU 101
When 37.5 seconds are notified as the change time, the device independently determines which of the plurality of change patterns is to be used. FIG. 40 illustrates one pattern of the plurality of fluctuation patterns.

In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 40, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the variation of the middle symbol of the pattern d is performed. Then, the reach operation is started, and after the fluctuation due to the pattern b and the pattern c, the pattern f
, The middle symbol is changed. Also, the symbol control C
The PU 101 replaces the symbols before the reach operation starts so that the symbols are determined by the stopped symbols notified from the main board 31. In this example, the symbol control CPU 101
Since the symbol is displayed in the variation mode based on the variation pattern designation # 10 command, the symbol variation processing is performed for 37.5 seconds without shortening the variation time, and then the finalized state is set. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 40, when the right symbol stops, the symbol control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 30).

Further, in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 40, when the middle symbol fluctuates at a high speed in the pattern f, the left and right symbols similarly fluctuate at a high speed. Therefore, when the final stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the temporary stop symbol at the time of temporary stop is also a combination of big hit symbols, though the type of the symbol is different. For example, a temporary stop symbol is a non-probable variable symbol and a final stop symbol is a probable variable symbol.

[0180] Therefore, the player feels that a big hit has occurred at the time of the temporary stop, and the big hit symbol is provided again after the resumption, so that the interest is re-established. In addition, the temporary stop symbol is a symbol that the symbol control CPU 101 determines back by calculating backward from the stop symbol. Since the fluctuation speed and the fluctuation period of the pattern f are determined in advance, the symbol control CPU 101 can easily calculate the temporary stop symbol from the final stop symbol.

Even in the variation pattern of the variation time of 37.5 seconds shown in FIG. 40, the symbol control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. The symbol skip control of the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the symbol control CPU 101 receives the fluctuation pattern designation # 10 command from the CPU 56 of the main board 31, it becomes 37.5.
It is determined which of the plurality of variation patterns variably displayed during the second is used to variably display the left and right middle symbols.

When the variation pattern shown in FIG. 40 is determined to be used, when the left and right symbols are stopped and the reach state is reached, the background screen is switched to “flash”.

Hereinafter, control of the game control means and the symbol control means for realizing the above-described display example will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the process of waiting for the start of all symbol change (step S304) in the special symbol process process shown in FIG. Step S302, S
When the fluctuating time and the stop symbol are determined in the stop symbol setting process and the reach operation setting process of 303, transmission control of a display control command for instructing them is performed. In step S304, the CPU 56 first , And waits for completion of command transmission (step S304)
a). The completion of the command transmission is determined by the game control processing (FIG. 1).
2), the program can be configured to be notified from the command control processing (step S27, step S28). Alternatively, when the transmission command is set in the command transmission table, it may be determined that the command transmission is completed.

In this embodiment, the CPU of the main board 31
Reference numeral 56 designates any of the commands (variation pattern designation # 1 to variation pattern designation # 68) capable of specifying the variation time (see FIG. 19) shown in FIG. 25 when the symbol variation is started. 80. Subsequently, a display control command indicating the determined left and right middle stop symbols is sent to the symbol control board 80. Therefore, in the command transmission completion processing of step S304a, it is confirmed whether or not transmission of all these commands has been completed. Note that C
The PU 56 may transmit any of the commands (variation pattern designation # 1 to variation pattern designation # 68) after transmitting the display control command indicating the left and right middle stop symbols.

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

FIG. 42 is a flow chart of the all symbol stop waiting process (step S30) in the special symbol process process shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows 5). In step S305, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the variable time timer has expired (step S305a). When the time is up, a display control command instructing to stop all symbols is set (step S305b). Then, a display control command data transmission request is set (step S305c),
The special symbol process flag is updated so as to proceed to step S306 (step S305d).

As described above, in the special symbol process, the CPU 56 transmits the information for specifying the variation time at the start of the variation and the information for designating the stop symbol at the symbol control board 8.
0, and when the variation time timer times out, that is, when the designated variation time ends, information for instructing to stop all symbols is sent to the symbol control board 80. Meanwhile, C
The PU 56 does not send a display control command to the symbol control board 80. Therefore, the load required for the display control of the CPU 56 of the main board 31 is greatly reduced.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of the processing related to the reduction of the fluctuation time of the special symbol. As shown in FIG. 43, when the game ball that has won the starting port 14 passes through the starting port switch 17, as described in step S75, the fluctuation reducing timer buffer corresponding to the starting winning memory number is determined by the fluctuation time reduction buffer. The time is set. Next, when determining a symbol or the like of a special symbol to be displayed in response to the winning, a determination process is performed as to whether or not the fluctuation time is reduced as shown in step S96 and FIG. If it is determined in the fluctuation time reduction determination processing that the fluctuation time is to be reduced, the fluctuation reduction flag is set as shown in step S96e. Then, depending on the state of the fluctuation shortening flag, a normal fluctuation time or a shortened fluctuation time is set.

When the number of memorized start winnings is 0, the game balls winning in the starting opening 14 are switched to the starting opening switch 17.
The stop state of the symbol stop from when the symbol has passed until the symbol change is started (until the change time is set) may be eliminated. In this case, first, for example, when a game ball that has won the starting port 14 passes through the starting port switch 17, a symbol control command for instructing the start of variation is output from the main board 31 side, and the variation of the special symbol is determined. Let it start. Next, the CPU 56 determines whether or not to make a big hit, whether or not to make a probability change, whether or not to reduce time, determines a variation pattern (including a variation time), and performs processing such as an area shift. A symbol control command indicating a pattern is output, and a variation symbol is displayed according to the variation pattern. Then, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol, outputs a symbol control command for designating the stop symbol, and stops the symbol with the designation. When the symbol control commands are sequentially output as described above, the symbol change is started immediately after the game ball winning the starting port 14 passes through the starting port switch 17, and the symbol stop / stop state can be shortened. .

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of the process related to the reduction of the fluctuation time of the special symbol in the normal probability state (state not in the high probability state). As shown in FIG. 44, in the fluctuation time reduction determination for the prize 2, the time from the time when the game ball passes the start-up switch 17 due to the prize 2 has elapsed the fluctuation time determination reduction time (3.6 seconds). Therefore, it is determined that the fluctuation time is not reduced (see N in step S96a in FIG. 20). In the determination of the fluctuation time reduction for the prize 3, the time from the time when the game ball passed the starting port switch 17 by the prize 3 has elapsed the fluctuation time determination reduction time (3.6 seconds), and the starting prize memory. Since the number is 4, it is determined that the fluctuation time is to be reduced (Y in step S96a in FIG. 20, step S96a).
N of 96d and step S96e).

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of processing related to the reduction of the fluctuation time of the special symbol in the high probability state. As shown in FIG. 45, in the fluctuation time reduction determination for the prize 2, the time from the time when the game ball passes through the starting port switch 17 in the prize 2 has elapsed the fluctuation time determination reduction time (3.6 seconds). Therefore, it is determined that the fluctuation time is not reduced (see N in step S96a in FIG. 20). In the determination of the fluctuation time reduction with respect to the winning prize 3, the time from the time when the game ball passes the start-up switch 17 by the prize 3 is the fluctuation time determination shortening time (3.6 seconds).
Since the start winning prize storage number is 2, it is determined that the fluctuation time is to be reduced (see Y in step S96a, N in step S96c, and step S96e in FIG. 20).

FIG. 46 shows a case where the step S is performed in the high probability state.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing of the process regarding shortening of the fluctuation | variation time of the special symbol when the fluctuation | variation pattern 68 is selected at 97. FIG. As shown in FIG. 46, in the fluctuation time reduction determination for the prize 2, the time from the time when the game ball passes the starting port switch 17 due to the prize 2 passes the fluctuation time determination reduction time (3.6 seconds). Since the number of start winning prizes stored is two, it is determined that the fluctuation time is to be reduced (Y in step S96a in FIG. 20, step S9 in FIG. 20).
N of 6c and Step S96e). Then, on the variable display section 9, a change symbol corresponding to the change pattern characteristic 68 (4.2 seconds) is displayed, and then a stop symbol is displayed. Therefore, in this case, it takes at least 7.804 seconds from when the prize is won until the symbol is stopped.

As described above, in this embodiment, the determination as to whether or not to reduce the fluctuation time of the special symbol is made based on the number of memorized start winnings and the period from the time when the prize is won. The time from when a prize is won until the finalized symbol is displayed is not unduly shortened, and the period during which the notification relating to whether or not to enter the specific game state is not performed can be minimized, It is possible to give the player more value-giving opportunities, and it is possible to optimize the fluctuation time control.

Further, as described above, by adopting a configuration in which a variation pattern is selected according to a game state or the like and the variation time is determined, the variation time can be easily specified, and the control burden of the game control means can be reduced. Can be reduced.

The opening pattern used in the start winning opening opening / closing process is, for example, a pattern in which the variable winning ball device 15 is opened once for 0.2 seconds at a low probability. When the probability is high, the variable winning ball device 15 is set to 1.1.
After opening for 5 seconds, after a closing period of 4.4 seconds, 1.
This is a pattern that opens for 15 seconds. The variable winning ball device 15 is controlled to open and close according to an opening pattern. In this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 15 is also used as the starting winning port 14.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the symbol control CPU 101. The symbol control means (display control means) by the symbol control CPU 101 is also an identification information control means for controlling the identification information.

In the main processing, first, initial value setting processing such as clearing the RAM area is performed (step S28).
1). Thereafter, in this embodiment, the symbol control CPU
101 is the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S28)
The processing shifts to the loop processing for confirming 2). And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, when a timer interrupt occurs, the symbol control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S287). In the main processing, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the symbol control CPU 101
The flag is cleared (step S28).
3) Perform display control process (step S28)
5). In the display control process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state.

In this embodiment, the timer interrupt is 2 ms
Assume that it takes every time. That is, the display control process is performed for 2 ms.
Fired every time.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a display control command receiving process by the interrupt process. The display control INT signal from the main board 31 is input to an interrupt terminal of the symbol control CPU 101. Therefore, I from the main substrate 31
When the NT signal is turned on, the symbol control CPU 101
Is interrupted. Then, the reception processing of the display control command shown in FIG. 49 is started.

In the display control command receiving process, the symbol control CPU 101 first saves each register on the stack (step S850). Next, data is read from the input port assigned to the input of the display control command data (step S851). And 2
It is determined whether or not this is the first byte of the display control command having the byte configuration (step S852). The first bit of the received command is "1" whether or not it is the first byte.
It is confirmed by whether or not. The first bit is "1"
Must be the MODE byte (the first byte) of the display control command having a 2-byte configuration (FIG. 2).
3). Therefore, if the first bit is “1”, the symbol control CPU 101 determines that a valid first byte has been received, and stores the received command in the confirmed command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter in the reception buffer area (step S853).

If it is not the first byte of the display control command, it is confirmed whether or not the first byte has already been received (step S854). Whether or not the data has already been received is confirmed based on whether or not valid data is set in the reception buffer.

If the first byte has already been received,
It is checked whether the first bit of the received 1 byte is “0”. And if the first bit is “0”,
Assuming that the valid second byte has been received, the received command is stored in the fixed command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter +1 in the reception buffer area (step S855). The first bit should be “0” in the EXT byte (second byte) of the display control command having the 2-byte configuration (see FIG. 23). If it is determined in step S854 that the first byte has already been received, the process ends if the first bit of the data received as the second byte is not “0”.

When the second byte of command data is stored in step S855, 2 is added to the command reception number counter (step S856). Then, it is checked whether or not the command reception counter is 12 or more (step S857), and if it is 12, the command reception number counter is cleared (step S858). After that, the saved register is restored (step S859),
Interrupt permission is set (step S859).

In this example, a ring buffer type receiving buffer capable of storing six display control commands having a 2-byte configuration is used. Therefore, the reception buffer is buffer 1
It consists of a 12-byte area of ~ 12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11.

The display control command has a two-byte configuration, and the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) can be immediately distinguished on the receiving side. In other words, the receiving side can immediately detect whether the data as MODE or the data as EXT has been received by the first bit. Therefore, as described above, it can be easily determined whether or not appropriate data has been received. Then, the incorrect data is erased by being overwritten with the next reception data in the reception buffer.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing display random numbers handled by the symbol control CPU 101. As shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, the display random numbers include a reach announcement random number and a jackpot announcement random number. The reach announcement random number is used to determine whether or not to perform the reach announcement.
The big hit announcement random number is used to determine whether to give a big hit notice.

FIG. 51 shows the relationship between the extracted reach announcement random numbers and the reach announcement (FIG. 51 (A)) and the relationship between the extracted jackpot random numbers and the jackpot announcement (FIG. 51 (B)). FIG. The determination as to whether or not to make a big hit is made based on the display control command indicating the stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols sent together with the display control command (see FIGS. 25 and 19) for designating the fluctuation time.

[0209] When a display control command indicating a reach is received, the symbol control CPU 101
Extracts the reach notification random number, determines that the reach notification is not to be performed if the value is any one of 0 to 3, and if the extracted value is 4 or 5, performs the reach notification in the form of the reach notification 1. If the extracted value is 6 or 7, it is determined to perform the reach announcement in the form of reach announcement 2.
When receiving the display control command indicating the out-of-position, the symbol control CPU 101 decides to perform the reach announcement in the form of the reach announcement 1 when the extracted value of the reach announcement random number is 7. .

[0210] Further, when a display control command indicating a reach is received, the symbol control CPU 101
Is to extract a jackpot announcement random number, if the value is 0, determine that the jackpot announcement is not performed if the value is 0, if the extracted value is 1 jackpot announcement 1 in the form of jackpot announcement If the extracted value is 2, it is determined to perform the jackpot notice in the mode of the jackpot notice 2. Also,
If the jackpot is not determined to be a jackpot, if the extracted value of the random number for the jackpot notice is 0 or 1, it is determined that the jackpot notice is not to be given. If the extracted value is 2, the jackpot notice is given in the form of the jackpot notice 1. decide.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S285) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control process,
Step S720 according to the value of the display control process flag
To S870 are performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Display control command reception waiting process (step S720): It is confirmed whether or not a display control command capable of specifying the variation time has been received by the command reception interrupt process. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the received command stored in the confirmed command buffer is a display control command capable of specifying the fluctuation time.

Reach operation setting processing (step S75)
0): At the time of the reach, which of the plurality of fluctuation patterns such as the fluctuation patterns shown in FIGS. 38 to 40 is used is determined. In addition, it is determined whether or not to perform the reach announcement and the jackpot announcement, and if the announcement is decided, the type of the announcement is determined.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the display control command reception waiting process (step S720). In the display control command reception waiting process, the symbol control CP
U101 first checks whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (step S721). The command non-reception timer is set to time out when a display control command indicating a symbol change is not received from the main board 31 for a predetermined period or more. If a timeout has occurred, the symbol control CPU 101 performs control to display a demonstration screen on the variable display unit 9 (step S722).

If the command non-reception timer has not timed out, the symbol control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a display control command capable of specifying a variation time has been received (step S723). In this embodiment, the display control commands that can specify the fluctuation time are the commands shown in FIG. 25 (variation pattern designation # 1 to variation pattern designation # 6).
8). When a display control command capable of specifying the fluctuation time is received, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the reach operation setting process (step S750) (step S724).

When the special symbol is changed, the main substrate 31
The display control command transmitted first to the symbol control board 80 is a command indicating a variation time and a command for designating a stop symbol of the middle left and right symbols. They are stored in the confirmation command buffer. Hereinafter, the stop symbol transmitted together with the command indicating the fluctuation time is referred to as a temporary stop symbol.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing the reach operation setting process (step S750). In the reach operation setting process, the symbol control CPU 101 first determines whether or not to perform a reach announcement (step S751).
Next, from the display control command that can specify the fluctuation time,
It is determined whether or not it is out of reach (step S
752).

If it is a loss, it is checked whether the left and right temporary stop symbols are different (step S7).
53). If they match, the right temporary stop symbol is shifted by one symbol (step S754). Then, the right and left temporarily stopped symbols are stored in a predetermined storage area (step S755). The monitoring timer is set to 7.9 seconds (step S756). 7.9 seconds is a value giving a margin to the fluctuation time at the time of loss of 7.8 seconds, and a predetermined process is performed when a command designating all symbols stop cannot be received before the monitoring timer times out. Is performed.

If it is determined in step S752 that there is no loss, it is checked whether the left and right temporary stop symbols are the same (step S757). If different, the right temporary stop symbol is made the same as the left temporary stop symbol (step S75).
8). Then, the right and left temporarily stopped symbols are stored in a predetermined storage area (step S759). Also, the symbol control C
The PU 101 sets a value obtained by adding 0.1 seconds to the fluctuation time according to the display control command to the monitoring timer (Step S760). Then, it is determined whether or not to perform the big hit notice (step S762).

As described above, in this embodiment, the symbol control CPU 101 contradicts the fluctuation pattern sent from the main board 31 when the variable display is started and the received right and left temporarily stopped symbols. Sometimes, the temporary stop symbol is corrected. Therefore, even if an error occurs in the left and right temporary stop symbols for some reason, the error is corrected. The error is, for example, a case in which a bit error occurs in a command due to noise on a cable from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display of the fixed symbol inconsistent with the loss / reach determined by the game control means.

Further, when the variation time is made different between the case with and without the re-variation, and the variation pattern for performing the re-variation is configured to be determined by a certain variation pattern, the main substrate 31
From the main board 3
If the stop symbol received from 1 is not a probability variable symbol, the symbol control CPU 101 may correct the symbol to a probability variation symbol. For example, when a command indicating “seven”, “six”, or “seven” as a stop symbol is received from the main board 31, the command is corrected to “seven”, “seven”, or “seven”.

Then, the symbol controlling CPU 101 determines to use a process table corresponding to the selected variation pattern (step S763). In each process table, each variation state (variation speed, variation period at that speed, and the like) in the variation pattern is set. Each process table is set in the ROM. Then, the symbol control CPU 101 changes the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start process (step S780) (step S764).

FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the reach announcement determination processing in step S751. In the reach announcement determination process, the symbol control CPU 101 first extracts a reach announcement random number (step S751a). Then, it is confirmed whether to reach or not to reach (step S751b). The confirmation is performed using a display control command indicating a stop symbol received from the main board 31. If it is determined to be out of place, it is determined whether or not to perform the reach announcement using the table shown on the right side of FIG. 51 (A).
1c). In addition, in the case of the reach, it is determined whether or not to perform the advance notice using the table shown on the left side of FIG. 51B, and in the case of the advance notice, the mode of the advance notice is determined (step S751d). ).

If it is determined that the reach announcement is to be made, the reach announcement start time determination timer is started (step S751e). The reach announcement start time determination timer is a timer that determines the time from the start of the symbol change to the occurrence of the reach announcement.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the jackpot announcement determination process in step S762. In the jackpot announcement determination process, the symbol control CPU 101 first extracts a jackpot announcement random number (step S762a). Then, it is confirmed whether or not to make a big hit (step S762)
b). The confirmation is performed using the display control command indicating the left and right middle stop symbol received from the main board 31. If a big hit is not to be made, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit notice using the table shown on the right side of FIG. 51B, and if a big notice is to be made, the mode of the notice is determined (step S762).
c). If a big hit is to be made, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit notice using the table shown on the left side of FIG. 51 (B). If a big notice is to be made, the mode of the notice is determined (step S762d). ).

[0230] If it is determined to perform the jackpot notice, the timer for determining the jackpot notice start time is started (step S762e). The jackpot notice start time determination timer is a timer that determines the time from the start of the symbol change to the start of the display of the jackpot notice 1 mode.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the process table. In each process table corresponding to each variation pattern, a variation speed, a variation period at that speed, a background, a character switching timing, and the like are set in a time series. Also, a process timer value for determining a fluctuation period at a certain speed is set. Each process table is composed of a plurality of 3-byte process data.

For example, in the process table corresponding to the variation pattern shown in FIG. 39, the first process data (3 bytes) includes a pattern in which the middle left and right symbols are changed at a low speed, and a time until the next display state switching timing. A process timer value indicating the time is set. This is because the first fluctuation is the fluctuation (acceleration) due to the pattern a, and the low-speed fluctuation should be started first.

Next, changing the left symbol at a medium speed,
A process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing is set. Then, the right symbol is changed at a medium speed, and a process timer value indicating a time until the next display state switching timing is set. Further, a process timer value indicating that the medium symbol is fluctuated at a medium speed and a time until the next display state switching timing is set. Thereafter, how to switch the display state and a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing are sequentially set.

Note that the display state switching timing is as follows.
This is the timing for switching the speed of change of any of the right and left symbols, and further includes the timing for switching between the background and the character, and the timing for replacing the symbol.

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

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the whole symbol change start process (step S780). In the all symbol variation start process, the symbol control CPU 101 starts the timer with the process timer value set first in the process table determined to be used (step S781). Further, based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are started (step S78).
2). Then, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the symbol change process (step S810) (step S783).

FIG. 59 shows a symbol change process (step S8).
It is a flowchart which shows 10). In the symbol change processing, the symbol control CPU 101 checks whether or not the reach notice start time determination timer has timed out (step S811). If the time-out has occurred, the VDP 103 is controlled so that the display according to the already determined reach announcement mode is performed (step S812). Also,
It is checked whether the big hit notice start time determination timer has timed out (step S813). If the timeout has occurred, the VDP 103 is controlled so that the display according to the mode of the big hit notice 1 is performed (step S814).

If it is determined that the announcement by the jackpot announcement 2 is to be performed (step S815),
The big hit notice 2 start time determination timer is started (step S816). In this embodiment, the jackpot notice 2
Is a development of the jackpot notice 1, the notice by the jackpot notice 2 is given a predetermined time after the notice by the jackpot notice 1 is given (until the big hit notice 2 start time determination timer times out).

The symbol control CPU 101 checks whether or not the big hit notice 2 start time determination timer has timed out (step S817). If a timeout has occurred, V is set so that the display according to the jackpot notice 2 mode is performed.
The DP 103 is controlled (step S818).

Next, the symbol control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S819). When the process timer times out, the pointer indicating the data in the process table is set to +
3 is performed (step S820). Then, it is determined whether or not the data in the area pointed to by the pointer is an end code (step S821). If it is not the end code, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are changed based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte of the process data pointed to by the pointer (step S).
822), the timer is started with the process timer value set in the first and second bytes (step S82).
3).

If it is the end code in step S821, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (step S840) (step S824).

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S840). In the all symbol stop waiting process, the symbol control CPU 101 checks whether or not a display control command instructing to stop all symbols has been received (step S841). If the display control command instructing the stop of all the symbols has been received, the control for stopping the symbols with the stored temporarily stopped symbols is performed (step S84).
2). Then, a command non-reception timer is started to monitor the time until the reception of the next display control command (step S843).

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

After performing the process of step S843, the symbol control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S870) (step S844).

FIG. 61 shows a big hit display process (step S8).
It is a flowchart which shows 70). In the big hit display process, the symbol controlling CPU 101 determines whether or not a big change big hit has occurred (step S871). Symbol control CPU10
1 can determine, for example, whether or not it is a probable change big hit based on a confirmed symbol. If it is a probability variable hit, the symbol control CPU 101 performs display control to display, for example, "variable probability hit" on the variable display unit 9 (step S87).
2). Specifically, the display instruction of "probable change big hit" is
Notify 103. Then, the VDP 103 creates image data of the indicated display. The image data is combined with the background image. If it is not a probability change big hit, the symbol control CPU 101 performs display control for displaying, for example, "big hit" on the variable display unit 9 (step S873).

Thereafter, in the big hit display process, the main board 31
The display control of the variable display unit 9 is performed based on the display control command in the big hit game state transmitted from. For example, the number of rounds is displayed. And the main substrate 3
When a display control command indicating the end of the big hit game is received from step 1 (step S874), the value of the display control process flag is waited for display control command reception (step S720).
Is set to a value corresponding to (step S844)

As described above, the symbol control means, based on the display control command received from the game control means, details the mode of variable display of identification information (low-speed fluctuation, medium-speed fluctuation, high-speed fluctuation, frame advance, And their switching time)
Is determined, the game control means need not perform the process of determining the details of the variation mode. Therefore, the load on the variable display control of symbols by the game control means is reduced.

The symbol control means determines whether or not to display the character on the variable display section 9 during the variable display of the symbol, based on the display control command received from the game control means. Is also determined.
Therefore, the game control means does not need to perform any control on the display character, so that the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced.

Further, the symbol control means determines, based on the display control command received from the game control means, whether or not to perform the reach announcement and, when performing the reach announcement, which reach announcement mode to use. . Therefore, the game control means does not need to perform any control with respect to the reach announcement, so that the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced.

Further, the symbol control means determines, based on the display control command received from the game control means, whether or not to perform a jackpot notice, and to determine which jackpot notice mode to use when performing the jackpot notice. . Therefore, the game control means does not need to perform any control with respect to the big hit notice, and the load required for the display control of the game control means is reduced.

At the end of the variable display, symbol replacement control is performed at a predetermined timing so as to stop at the stop symbol instructed by the game control means. Therefore, the game control means can further reduce the control load related to the fluctuation of the symbols. In the case of the variable display pattern in which the symbol is re-changed, the type of the symbol to be derived before the change is determined.
For example, in the variable display pattern shown in FIG. 40, the type of the symbol displayed before the start of the variation pattern f can be determined by replacing the symbols at the start of the variation pattern d. Therefore, the game control means can further reduce the control load related to the fluctuation of the symbols.

In the above embodiment, the background and the character to be used are determined in advance according to each variation pattern (see FIGS. 38 to 40). Therefore, the fact that the symbol control CPU 101 determines the variation pattern (reach type) in accordance with the received display control command means that the process of selecting the displayed background and the character from a plurality of types is also performed. Will be. However, the background and the character may be determined independently of the change pattern. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a character is displayed in any of the variation patterns. However, a character may not appear in a certain variation pattern, or may appear in the middle.

In the above embodiment, the stop state is defined as including the swing operation state and the fixed state described above. That is, when the symbol displayed in that state is not changed to the next symbol, it is defined as a stopped state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the determination as to whether or not to reduce the fluctuation time of the special symbol is made based on the number of stored winning prizes and the period from when the prize is won. The time from when a prize is won until the finalized symbol is displayed is not unduly shortened, and the period during which the notification relating to whether or not to enter the specific game state is not performed can be minimized, It is possible to give the player more value-giving opportunities, and it is possible to optimize the fluctuation time control.

Further, as described above, by adopting a configuration in which a variation pattern is selected according to a game state or the like and the variation time is determined, the variation time can be easily specified, and the control burden of the game control means can be reduced. Can be reduced.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-described embodiments, when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion 9 based on the winning start is a predetermined symbol combination, the predetermined game value is reduced. Although it was a first-class pachinko gaming machine that can be given to a player, if there is a prize in a predetermined area of an electric accessory that is opened based on a starting prize, a predetermined game value can be given to the player. Two types of pachinko machines,
A third-type pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize in a predetermined electric accessory which is opened when a stop symbol of a symbol variably displayed based on a start winning combination is a predetermined symbol. Even so, the present invention can be applied.

Further, the present invention is naturally applicable not only to pachinko gaming machines but also to slot machines and the like.

[0258]

As described above, according to the present invention, a game control means for controlling the progress of a game, a display device capable of performing variable display, and a display control for controlling the display device are provided. Means, the game control means, according to the establishment of a start condition capable of starting the variable display of the display device,
The variable display time determination means includes a variable display time determination means for determining a variable display time for performing the variable display, wherein the variable display time determination means has a start standby period from the establishment of the start condition to the time related to the start of the variable display based on the establishment of the start condition. By determining whether or not a predetermined reference time has been exceeded, it is possible to determine whether or not to shorten the variable display period, and the game control means can specify the variable display time determined by the variable time determination means Command is output to the display control means, so that the time from the winning of the winning to the display of the fixed symbol is not unduly shortened, and a notification relating to whether or not to enter a specific game state is provided. It is possible to minimize the period during which the process is not performed, to provide the player with more opportunities to add value, and to achieve appropriate fluctuation time control. In addition, the change time can be easily specified, and the control load on the game control means can be reduced.

A plurality of holding memories each storing information for use in judging a game state in response to establishment of a plurality of starting conditions, and a timer capable of specifying a start standby period corresponding to each holding memory. If so, measurement can be performed by the fluctuation start timer for each winning storage.

When the variable display time determining means determines whether or not the variable display time is to be reduced based on the contents of the timer and the number of satisfied start conditions, the fixed symbol is determined from the time of winning. The time until the display is not unduly shortened, the period during which the notification related to the specific game state is not performed can be minimized, and more opportunities for value addition Can be given to the player, and the variation time control can be optimized.

The gaming machine can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player on condition that the result of the player playing a predetermined game is in a predetermined mode.
Different from the specific game state, it is possible to control to a special game state that is likely to be a specific game state, and the variable display time determining means differs depending on whether the state is the special game state or the state not being the special game state. If it is determined that the variable display time is to be shortened by the number of times that the start condition is satisfied, it is possible to perform appropriate variable time control according to the control state, for example, when the control state is easy to win. .

If the display control means can select and execute a plurality of types of control contents to be performed within the variable display time specified by the command, the display contents can be changed even within the same predetermined period. Be rich.

If the display control means makes a selection relating to the notice, it is possible to perform abundant effects related to the notice.

After the variable display of the identification information, when the display result becomes the specific identification information, it is possible to control the game to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the display control means controls the timing according to the variable display time. When performing the control of replacing the identification information being variably displayed with the predetermined identification information in order to derive the display result, if the predetermined identification information to be replaced is selected, the control burden on the symbols of the game control means Can be reduced.

The display control means can reduce the control load on the symbols of the game control means if the variable display patterns having different update rates of the identification information in the variable display can be selected.

If the re-variation control of the identification information is possible, and the display control means selects the type of the identification information to be derived before the re-fluctuation, the control load on the symbols of the game control means is reduced. be able to.

If the contents of the timer can be backed up even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the time saving control can be appropriately performed after the power is restored.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing each substrate provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine.

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

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a game control board (main board).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in a symbol control board.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in a lamp control board.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for determining whether or not to execute a game state restoration process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initialization process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an initial setting process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game control process.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special symbol random number value storage area.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining that a hit ball has won a start winning opening.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a stop symbol for variable display and a process of determining a reach type.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a stored value of a special symbol random value storage area is shifted.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between each variation pattern and the time from the start of symbol variation to the time of symbol determination.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a variation reduction determination process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a variation reduction timer subtraction process.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a control command.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal constituting a control command and an INT signal.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a display control command.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command transmission table.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command control process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a command transmission routine.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a left and right middle symbol displayed on the variable display section.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a background symbol displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a character displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a character displayed on the variable display unit.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command of a left symbol stop symbol.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command for a stop symbol of a middle symbol.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a display control command of a right symbol stop symbol.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a fluctuating state constituting each fluctuating pattern of a symbol.

FIG. 37 is a timing chart showing an example of a change of a symbol at the time of out-of-reach.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing an example of a change in a symbol during a reach.

FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing an example of symbol fluctuation at the time of reach.

FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing an example of symbol fluctuation at the time of reach.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a process of waiting for the start of all symbol change in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of processing relating to shortening of the fluctuation time of a special symbol.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of processing related to shortening of the fluctuation time of the special symbol in the normal probability state.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of processing related to shortening of the fluctuation time of the special symbol in the high probability state.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing of processing related to shortening of the fluctuation time of a special symbol when the fluctuation pattern 68 is selected.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a display control CPU.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a command reception interrupt process.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing display random numbers.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship among a display random number and a reach mode, a reach announcement mode, and a jackpot announcement mode.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a display control process.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing a display control command reception waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a reach operation setting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing reach notification determination processing.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a jackpot notice determination process.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a display control process table.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing a whole symbol change start process of a display control process process.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing an all symbol stop waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing a jackpot display process of the display control process process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Pachinko game machine 31 Main board 80 Symbol control board 56 CPU 101 Symbol control CPU

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A game control means for controlling the progress of a game, a display device capable of performing a variable display, and a display control means for controlling the display device, wherein the game control means comprises: Variable display time determining means for determining a variable display time for performing variable display in accordance with the establishment of a start condition capable of starting variable display of the variable display time determination means, It is possible to determine whether or not to shorten the variable display period by determining whether or not the start standby period until the time related to the start of the variable display based on the establishment of the start condition exceeds a predetermined reference time. The gaming machine, wherein the game control means outputs a command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable time determination means to the display control means. 2. A game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of holding memories each storing information for use in determining a game state in response to establishment of a plurality of starting conditions, wherein a start standby period can be specified for each of the holding memories. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a timer. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the variable display time determining means determines whether to reduce the variable display time based on the contents of the timer and the number of satisfied start conditions. 4. The gaming machine is capable of controlling a specific gaming state advantageous to the player on condition that a result of the player playing a predetermined game is in a predetermined mode. Unlike the gaming state, it is possible to control to a special gaming state that is likely to be the specific gaming state, and the variable display time determining means is in the special gaming state,
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a determination is made as to whether the variable display time is to be shortened based on whether a different number of starting conditions are satisfied, depending on whether the game is not in a special gaming state. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means can select and execute a control content to be performed within a variable display time designated by a command from a plurality of types. . 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the display control means makes a selection related to a notice. 7. After performing variable display of identification information, when the display result becomes specific identification information, it is possible to control to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and the display control means follows the variable display time. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein when performing control to replace the identification information being variably displayed with predetermined identification information in order to derive a display result at a predetermined time, the predetermined identification information to be replaced is selected. 6. The gaming machine according to 6. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the display control means can select a variable display pattern having a different update speed of the identification information in the variable display. 9. The game according to claim 7, wherein re-variation control of the identification information is possible, and the display control means selects a type of the identification information to be derived before the re-variation. Machine. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the contents of the timer can be backed up even when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped.