JP2002078875A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the renewing processing of count value of a counter for extracting a random number from being arrested by a processing based on interruption to prevent any trouble in the generation of the random number used in a game machine. SOLUTION: In a main processing, a display random number renewing processing and an initial value determining random number renewing processing are repeatedly executed after the end of initial setting processing. A game control processing is executed by a periodically generated timer interruption. The display random number renewing processing and initial value determining random renewing processing are executed in an interruption-prohibited state. Accordingly, a mask possible interruption such as timer interruption is never performed when a numerical renewing processing is executed. Namely, the numerical renewing processing is executed without being interrupted by the interrupting processing.

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, and a slot machine in which a game is played in response to a player's operation. Gaming machine that can shift to a specific gaming state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a variable display device having a variable display portion whose display state can be changed is provided, and when a display result of the variable display portion becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the player is provided with a variable display device. Some are configured to shift to an advantageous specific game state. The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units, and is generally configured to display the display results of the plurality of variable display units at different times.

On the variable display section, for example, a plurality of identification information such as symbols are variably displayed. The fact that the display result of the variable display unit is a combination of predetermined specific display modes is usually referred to as “big hit”. In addition, the game value is a right to make the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine advantageous for a player who is easy to win a hit ball, or a right for the player to be in an advantageous state. Or to generate.

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

[0005] 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 as a specific game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). The opening time (for example, 29.5) for each opening
Seconds) is determined, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning port is closed. If the predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied at the time when the special winning opening is closed, the big hit gaming state ends.

In the game control of such a gaming machine, a random number is generated when a predetermined condition (for example, a start winning which is a condition for starting a variable display) is satisfied, and when a random number value matches a predetermined value determined in advance. "Big hit". Further, the microcomputer in the game control means for performing game control for noise suppression or the like is often configured to be restarted at a predetermined time interval (for example, 2 ms).

Further, it is desirable that a combination of a plurality of types of "outside" display modes be generated at random.
It is also desirable that a combination of a plurality of types of “reach” display modes be generated at random. further,
In general, it is desirable that a combination of a plurality of types of "big hits" be randomly generated. If one or more specific combinations of the display modes occur more frequently than other combinations of the display modes, the player may feel suspicious. Therefore, in order to determine the combination of the display modes, a random number is generated in the gaming machine, and the combination of the display modes is determined according to the generated random number value.

Generally, a random number is generated by updating the count value of a predetermined counter and extracting the counter value at that time when the random number value generation timing comes. Generally, a change in the count value is realized by an addition process of +1. Updating of the count value of the counter for extracting random numbers is often realized by a program (software) executed by a microcomputer. In this case, the updating process of the count value is configured to be repeatedly executed in the remaining time after the necessary game control is performed.

[0009]

When a predetermined time interval (for example, 2 ms) has been detected by using a timer interrupt of a microcomputer,
There is a possibility that a timer interrupt may occur during the process of updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number. That is, a timer interrupt may occur during the execution of the update process. In such a case, the game control process is executed in response to the occurrence of the timer interrupt, and thereafter, the control returns to the interrupt occurrence position in the program. However, when the memory area used in the game control process overlaps with the memory area used in the process of updating the count value of the counter, if the content of the memory area is changed in the game control process, a timer interrupt occurs. The contents of the memory area are different between before and when the game control process based on the timer interrupt is completed. As a result, there is a possibility that inconvenience may occur in the update processing of the count value. In particular, when the game control processing is configured to execute the update processing of the count value of the counter, the memory area must be overlapped, and the possibility of causing inconvenience in the update processing of the count value is inevitable. It is.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the updating of the count value of the counter for extracting the random number is not hindered by the processing based on the interrupt, and the generation of the random number used in the gaming machine is not inconvenient. It is intended to provide a gaming machine.

[0011]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
Perform special games by winning game media in the special prize section,
A gaming machine that can be shifted to a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the result of the special game is in a predetermined mode, and at least repeatedly performs a numerical value updating process for updating a numerical value used for controlling the game The main routine is configured to execute an executable main routine and an interrupt routine that is started by interrupting the main routine in response to a timer interrupt generated at predetermined time intervals during the execution of the main routine. A predetermined control process including an update process is executed, an interrupt is prohibited before the numerical update process in the main routine is started, and an interrupt is allowed after the numerical update process is completed.

The numerical value updated in the numerical value updating process may be configured to include a numerical value for determining a display result of a variable display used in a special game.

A specific game state determination value updating means for updating a specific game state determination value for determining whether or not to enter a specific game state within a predetermined range, and a specific game state determination value update means at a predetermined time. Initial value changing means for changing the initial value of the numerical value update, wherein the numerical value updated in the numerical value update process includes an initial value numerical value for determining an initial value of the specific game state determining numerical value. It may be.

During a predetermined control process, the apparatus may be configured to be set to the interrupt prohibited state.

[0015] Before the predetermined control processing is completed and the process returns to the execution of the main routine, it may be so arranged that the interrupt permission state is set.

In the numerical value updating process, a plurality of types of numerical values which are used differently are respectively updated, and the same subroutine is used when the plurality of types of different numerical values are updated. Good.

For a plurality of types of numerical values used in processing not related to the player's interest, the same subroutine may be used to update the numerical values.

A game machine which shifts to a specific game state on condition that the display result of the variably displayed identification information becomes a predetermined specific display mode, in order to determine a display mode which is not a specific display mode. It may be configured that the same subroutine is used for updating the numerical values of the plural types of numerical values.

If a timer interrupt occurs in the interrupt-prohibited state, the prohibition of the interrupt is released and the interrupt is permitted. The execution of the interruption routine corresponding to the interruption may be started.

[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 game 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 (special symbol display device) 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and an ordinary symbol display (ordinary symbol display device) 10 using 7-segment LEDs are provided. A variable display device 8 is provided. In the variable display section 9, for example, "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.

An opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. In this embodiment, the opening and closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. A winning ball that has entered 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 winning switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. At the bottom of the variable display device 8, the number of winning balls entering the starting winning opening 14 is displayed.
A start winning storage display 18 having a plurality of display units is provided. 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 into the respective winning ports 19 and 24 is determined by setting the corresponding winning port switches 19a and 19a.
19b, 24a and 24b. 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 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and that allows a ball to be lent 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 number displayed on the symbol display 10 normally changes. When a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17,
If the change of the symbol can be started, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating. 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. When the hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is being opened and is detected by the V winning switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. The continuation right is generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds)
Permissible.

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

Next, 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 display 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 sending signals to the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52, a voice control board 70 for controlling the generation of voice from the speaker 27, and a launch control for controlling the hit ball launching device. A substrate 91 is also provided.

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. The terminal board 160 has at least an out-of-ball terminal for introducing and outputting the output of the out-of-ball detection switch, an award ball terminal for externally outputting the award ball number signal, and an externally outputting ball lending number signal. A ball lending terminal is provided. In the vicinity of the center, an information terminal board 34 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is provided. In FIG. 2, signals from the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 are supplied to the game effect LEDs 28a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the ball cut lamp 52 provided on the frame side. Although the electric relay board A77 for performing the above is shown, other relay boards are 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 balls stored in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide gutter 39, pass through the ball cut detectors (ball cut switches) 187a and 187b, and are dispensed through the ball supply gutters 186a and 186b, as shown in FIG. The device 97 is reached. The ball out switches 187a and 187b are switches for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage.
67 is also provided. Hereafter, the ball out switch 187
a, 187b may be expressed as a ball-out switch 187.

The game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hitting plate 3 provided on the front face 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.

A number of prize balls are paid out based on the prize, and the hitting ball supply plate 3 becomes full.
When the game balls are further paid out after reaching 5, the game balls are guided to the surplus ball tray 4 via the surplus ball passage 46. When the game balls are further paid out, the sensing lever 47 presses the full tank switch 48 and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In this 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 hitting ball firing device also stops.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a voice control board 70, a firing control board 91, and a symbol control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12,
Starting port switch 17, V winning switch 22, count switch 23, winning port switches 19a, 19b, 24a,
24b, the full tank switch 48, the ball out switch 187, and the switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the prize ball count switch 301A to the basic circuit 53, and the variable prize ball device 1
A solenoid 16 for opening / closing the opening 5, a solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20, and a solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 21 A for switching a path in the special winning opening in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53 are mounted.

Although not shown in FIG. 4, the count switch short-circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58.

In accordance with 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 displaying an image on the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation have occurred. An information output circuit 64 for outputting an information output signal such as probability change information indicating the fact to an external device such as a hall computer is mounted.

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.

Further, the main board 31 is provided with a system reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on.

A hit ball firing device that hits and fires a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a firing 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 decorative 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. The display control of the variable display unit 9 for variably displaying special symbols and the ordinary symbol display 10 for variably displaying ordinary symbols is performed by display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

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 processing.

In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the internal device registers are initialized (step S4). After initializing a built-in device (built-in peripheral circuit) CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) (step S5), the RAM is set to an accessible state (step S6).

CPU 5 used in this embodiment
6 has the following three types of modes as maskable interrupt (INT) modes. When an interrupt that can be masked occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter on the stack.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that has issued the interrupt request receives an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes).
Byte) on the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 56 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. Upon reset, CPU 56 automatically switches to interrupt mode 0
become. 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: When an interrupt is accepted,
In this mode, the camera always jumps to the address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is an interrupt address. Mode. 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. Therefore, an interrupt process can be set at an arbitrary (albeit skipped) even address. Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it is possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to set an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in a program. Will be possible. Further, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare an interrupt process for each interrupt occurrence factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.

If the clear switch provided on the gaming machine is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S11 (step S7). In addition, backup RA
It is confirmed whether data protection processing (for example, addition of parity data or the like) of the M area has been performed (step S8). In this embodiment, when an unexpected power failure occurs, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. The case where such protection processing has been performed is regarded as backup. After confirming that there is no backup, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process after step S11.

When the backup is confirmed, the CPU 5
6 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state at the time of power-off (step S9). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the program returns to that address.

In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first sets R
An AM clear process is performed (step S11). In addition, 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,
An initial value setting process for setting an initial value to a payout command storage pointer or the like is also performed. Further, a process for initializing the sub-boards (the lamp control board 35, the payout control board 37, the voice control board 70, and the symbol control board 80) is executed (step S13). The process of initializing the sub board is
For example, a process of transmitting an initialization command. As the initial setting command, for example, a payable state designation command output to the payout control board 37 (in the case of the payable state)
Alternatively, there is a payout stop state designation command (in the case of a payout disabled state). As a dispensable state, for example, there is a state in which the ball out switch 187 or the full tank switch 48 is on. That is, the CPU 56 determines that the ball out switch 1
If the switch 87 or the full tank switch 48 is on, a payout stop state designation command is sent to the payout control board 37; otherwise, a payout possible state designation command is sent out. Note that the payable state designation command (in the case of the payable state)
Alternatively, the payout stop state designation command (in the case of the payout disabled state) may be configured to be executed also in the game state restoring process of step S9.

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every 2 ms (step S14). That is,
A value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

Thereafter, after setting the interrupt prohibition state (step S15), a display random number updating process for updating the count value of a counter for generating a display random number (step S16) and a random number for initial value determination are generated. An initial value determination random number update process (step S17) for updating the count value of the counter for executing the process (step S17) is performed, and then a process of setting the interrupt permission state (step S18) is repeatedly executed.

It should be noted that interrupt prohibition is realized by issuing an interrupt prohibition instruction, setting an interrupt prohibition register to prohibition, or setting a mask register. It is realized by issuing an instruction, setting a register for interrupt prohibition to enabled, and resetting a mask register. Further, the initial value determination random number is a random number for determining an initial value of the big hit determination random number.

As shown in FIG. 5, the counter update process (numerical value update process) in the display random number update process (step S16) and the initial value determination random number update process (step S17) are executed in an interrupt prohibited state. Is done. Therefore, a maskable interrupt such as a timer interrupt does not occur when the numerical value updating process is being executed. That is,
The numerical value update processing is executed without interruption by the interrupt processing. Although there are two random number updating processes in the example shown in FIG. 5, the display random number updating process and the initial value determining random number updating process may be combined into one subroutine. That is, they may be combined into one random number update process. If there is only one random number update process, the process is set to an interrupt disabled state before the process is started, and is set to an interrupt enabled state after the process is completed. In addition, when there are a plurality of random number update processes, it may be configured to be set to an interrupt disabled state before the start of each random number update process, and to be set to an interrupt enabled state after each process is completed. .

In this embodiment, the built-in C
The TC is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is set to 2 ms. When a timer interrupt occurs, a timer interrupt process as illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed. CPU56
In the timer interrupt process, after executing the save process of the register, the game control process of steps S21 to S32 is executed. When the game control process is completed, the process of restoring the register is performed (step S33), and the interrupt is permitted (step S34). When an interrupt occurs, all bits corresponding to each interrupt of the mask register are automatically set to an on state (interrupt mask state).

In the game control process, first, the CPU 56 inputs the states of switches such as the gate sensor 12, the starting port sensor 17, the count sensor 23, and the winning port switches 19a, 19b, 24a, 24b via the switch circuit 58. And determine their status (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 of updating each counter indicating a random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 56 further includes:
An initial value determination random number update process (step S24) and a display random number update process are performed (step S25). Steps S24 and S25 are performed in step 16
And it is the same as the processing of step S17.

Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S26). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, a normal symbol process is performed (step S27). 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.

Next, the CPU 56 sets a display control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and performs a process of transmitting the display control command (special symbol command control process: step S28). Further, a display control command relating to a normal symbol is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and a process of transmitting the display control command is performed (ordinary symbol command control process: step S29).

Further, the CPU 56 performs an information output process of outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability fluctuation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S30).

When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 (step S31). 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.

The CPU 56 has switches 17, 23, 19a and 19 for detecting a winning in each winning opening.
A prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection outputs of b, 24a, and 24b is executed (step S32). Specifically, a payout control command is output to the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection. The payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to the payout control command.

According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms.
Also, until all of the game control processing is executed, the interrupt is not permitted, so that no other interrupt or the next timer interrupt occurs, and all processing during the game control processing is performed. The execution is surely completed.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit determination = for specific game state determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle special symbol determination (3) Random 3: Determine the combination of symbols at the time of the big hit (for big hit symbol determination = for special symbol determination) (4) Random 4: For initial value determination (for determination of initial value of random number for big hit determination) (5) Random 5: For determining a variation pattern (for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol variably displayed on the variable display device 8) (6) Random 6: for reach determination (for determining whether or not to reach when not a big hit) (7) ) Random 7: For reach symbol determination (for determining the combination of left and right special symbols when reaching) (8) Random 8: For normal symbol determination (for determination of ordinary symbols stopped and displayed on the variable display 10)

In order to enhance the game effect, the above (1) to
Random numbers other than the random number of (8) are also used. Step S
In 23, the CPU 56 determines the big hit determination random number of (1),
The counter for generating the big hit symbol determining random number of (3) and the normal symbol determining random number of (8) is counted up (addition of 1). That is, they are the random numbers for determination. In step S16 and step S25,
The CPU 56 determines a random number for determining a special symbol to lose (2),
The counter for generating the fluctuation pattern determination random number (5), the reach determination random number (6), and the reach symbol determination random number (7) is counted up (addition of 1). That is, they are display random numbers.

The counter for generating the random 2-2 counts when a carry of the counter for generating the random 2-1 occurs (when it becomes "16" and returns to the initial value "0"). The counter for generating random 2-3 is incremented when a carry of the counter for generating random 2-2 occurs. The counter for generating the random number 7 is counted up when a carry of the counter for generating the random number 6 occurs (when the counter value becomes “199” and returns to the initial value “0”).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the judgment random number updating process. In the random number updating process for determination, the CPU
56, first, adds 1 to a counter for generating a random 1 (big hit determination random number) (step S40).
1). Then, the count value of the counter is “631”
It is determined whether it is smaller than (Step S402).
If it is not smaller, that is, if it has reached 631, its value is returned to "0" (step S403). Furthermore, CP
U56 checks whether or not the count value of the counter for generating random 1 matches the value set in the initial value buffer (step S404). If they match, the count value for generating the random number 4 is read, a random number for initial value determination is extracted, and the random number value is
Is set in a counter for generating (step S405), and is also stored in an initial value buffer (step S406).

By the processing of steps S404 to S406, the set value (initial value) of the count value of the counter for generating random 1 is changed every time the circuit makes one round (each time 631 is counted). Therefore, the randomness of the random 1 is further increased, and it becomes difficult to play a game aiming for a big hit. As a result, fraudulent acts can be effectively prevented.

Next, the CPU 56 adds 1 to a counter for generating a random number 3 (big hit symbol determining random number) (step S407). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter has reached "40" (step S408). If it has reached, the value is returned to "0" (step S409). In addition, a counter for generating a random number 8 (ordinary symbol determination random number) is incremented by 1 (step S410). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the counter has reached "14" (step S411). If it has reached, the value is returned to "3" (step S412). That is, the range in which the count value of the counter for generating the random 8 can be 3 to
Thirteen.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the random number updating process for initial value determination. In the initial value determining random number updating process, the CPU 56 determines the random number 4 (initial value determining random number).
Is incremented by 1 in a counter for generating (step S4)
21). Then, the count value of the counter becomes “63”.
1 "(step S42).
2). If it has reached, the value is returned to "0" (step S423).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the display random number updating process. In the display random number update process, the CP
U56 adds 1 to the counter for generating the random number 5 (the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern) (step S43).
1). Then, the count value of the counter is "251".
Is determined (step S432).
If it has reached, "251" is subtracted from the value (step S433).

Next, random 6 (a random number for reach determination)
Is set to the pointer of the counter for generating the data (step S434). Further, the maximum judgment value of the counter is set (step S435), and the counter update processing subroutine is called (step S43).
6). If the carry flag is set (step S437), the address of a counter for generating random number 7 (the reach symbol determination random number) is set in the pointer (step S438). Further, the maximum judgment value of the counter is set (step S439), and a counter update processing subroutine is called (step S440).
Note that the carry flag is used in the counter update process.
Set when a carry of the count value occurs (when the count value is returned to 0).

Next, the CPU 56 sets an address of a counter for generating a random 2-1 (a random number for determining a left-side special symbol) to a pointer (step S44).
1). Further, the maximum judgment value of the counter is set (step S442), and a counter update processing subroutine is called (step S443). If the carry flag is set (step S444), the random 2-
The address of a counter for generating 2 (the random number for determining the inside special symbol) is set in the pointer (step S445). Further, the maximum judgment value of the counter is set (step S446), and a counter update processing subroutine is called (step S447). If the carry flag is set (step S448), random 2-3
The address of the counter for generating (the right outlier special symbol determination random number) is set in the pointer (step S).
449). Further, the maximum judgment value of the counter is set (step S450), and a counter update processing subroutine is called (step S451).

As described above, the reach determining random number for determining whether or not to reach, the reach symbol determining random number for determining the reach symbol, and the special left and right special pattern determining random number for determining the reach symbol are determined. The counter is counted up in a counter update processing subroutine. Thus, by calling common subroutines (modules), the program capacity is saved. However, random 1, 3, 4, and 8 relating to the occurrence of a big hit, the determination of a big hit symbol, and the determination of a normal symbol are directly connected to the player's profit. Is updated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a counter update processing subroutine. In the counter update processing subroutine, the CPU 56 specifies a counter to be updated based on the pointer (step S46).
1), the count value of the counter is incremented by 1 (step S462). Then, it is confirmed whether the count value is smaller than the maximum value (step S463). That is,
Check whether the maximum value has been reached. If it has reached the maximum value, the value of the counter is returned to "0" (step S46).
4). At this time, the carry flag is set because the subtraction process is being performed as an internal process of the CPU 56.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a special symbol processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 12 is a specific process of step S26 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 steps S300 to S3 according to the internal state.
09 is performed. The fluctuation shortening timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.

Special symbol change waiting process (step S30)
0): Start-up switch 14 after hitting the ball in the start-up prize port 14
Wait for 7 to turn on. When the starting port switch 17 is turned on, if the number of stored start winnings is not full, the number of stored start winnings is incremented by one, and a random number for jackpot determination is extracted.

Special symbol determination processing (step S301):
When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the starting prize memory number is not 0,
It is determined whether to be a big hit or an out-of-big hit according to the value of the extracted big hit determination random number.

Stop symbol setting processing (step S302):
The stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols is determined.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): If it is not a big hit, it is determined whether or not the reach operation is performed based on the reach determination random number. In the case of a jackpot and a reach, a variation pattern for the reach is determined.

All symbols change start processing (step S30)
4): In the variable display device 8, control is performed so that all symbols start to change. At this time, the right and left final stop symbols and information instructing the variation mode are transmitted to the symbol control board 80. Upon completion of the processing, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305.

All symbols stop waiting processing (step S30)
5): When a predetermined time (time indicated by the fluctuation reduction timer in step S310) has elapsed, all the symbols displayed on the variable display device 8 are stopped. If the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306. If not, the internal state is changed to step S30.
Update to move to 0.

Opening process of 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 sending display control command data for the special winning opening round display to the lamp control board 35, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition of the final winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is changed to step S308.
Update to move to.

Specific area effective time processing (step S30)
8): The presence or absence of the passage of the V winning switch 22 is monitored, and a process of confirming the establishment of the big hit game state continuation condition is performed. If the condition of the jackpot game state continuation is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S306. 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 changed to step S
309 is updated.

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

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a process for judging that the hit ball has won the starting winning opening 14. When a hit ball wins the starting winning port 14 provided on the game board, the starting port switch 17 is turned on. For example, in the special symbol change waiting process at step S300 of the special symbol process process, as shown in FIG. It is confirmed whether or not the winning storage number has reached the maximum value of 4 (step S42). If the starting prize memory number has not reached 4,
The number of start winning prizes is increased by 1 (step S43), and the value of each random number such as a random number for jackpot determination is extracted. Then, they are stored in a random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored winning prizes (step S44). In addition, the starting winning prize memory number is 4
Is reached, the process of increasing the number of memorized start winning prizes 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.

In the special symbol process of step S26, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the number of stored winning prizes as shown in FIG. 14 (step S51). If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the start prize storing number = 1 is read out (step S52), and the value of the starting prize storing number is reduced by one.
In addition, the value of each random value storage area is shifted (step S53). That is, the number of starting winning memories = n (n = 2,
Each value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to (3, 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of startup winning storage = n-1.

Then, the CPU 56 determines the hit / miss based on the value read in step S52, that is, the value of the extracted big hit random number (step S54). Here, the big hit determination random number is 0 to 630
Values in the range. As shown in FIG. 15, when the big hit determination random number value matches the big hit determination value, “big hit” is determined, and when it is any other value, “miss” is determined.

When it is determined that the big hit is a big hit symbol determination random number (random 3) is extracted, and a big hit symbol is determined according to the value (step S55). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol number set in the big hit symbol table according to the value of the extracted random 3 is determined as the big hit symbol. In the big hit symbol table, left and right middle symbol numbers corresponding to each of a plurality of combinations of big hit symbols are set. Step S52
The variation pattern of the symbol is determined on the basis of the value read in step 2, that is, the value of the extracted variation pattern determination random number (random 5) (step S56).

If it is determined that there is a deviation, the CPU 56
Determines whether or not to reach based on the value of the extracted reach determination random number (random 6) (step S
57). If it is determined to reach, the right and left middle symbols for establishing the reach are determined based on the value of the reach symbol determination random number (random 7) (step S5).
8). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S56.

If no reach is made, a stop symbol for the loss is determined. In this embodiment, step S5
2, the value read out, that is, the extracted random 2
The left symbol is determined according to the value of -1 (step S5).
9). Also, the middle symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2 (step S60). Then, the right symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-3 (step S61). Here, when the determined left and right symbols match, for example, a symbol corresponding to a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the right symbol is set as a right symbol stop symbol, and a reach symbol (a symbol whose left and right symbols match) ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S56.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the ordinary symbol processing (step S27). In the normal symbol process process, the CPU 56 executes one of the processes shown in steps S72 to S76 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag after executing the gate switch process of step S71.

In the gate switch processing, it is detected that the gate switch 12 is turned on based on the passing of the ball through the passing gate 11 which is a condition for starting the symbol change. Gate switch 1
If 2 is on, it is checked whether or not the gate passage storage counter has reached the maximum value ("4" in this example). If not, the value of the gate passage storage counter is incremented by one. In addition, the LED of the passage storage display 41 is turned on according to the value of the gate passage storage counter. And CPU5
Reference numeral 6 extracts the value of the random number (random 8) for normal symbol determination and stores the value.

In the ordinary symbol change waiting process of step S72, the CPU 56 determines that the value of the ordinary symbol passing storage counter is 0.
If not, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated.
If the value of the normal symbol passing storage counter is 0, nothing is performed.

If the value of the ordinary symbol passing storage counter is not 0, the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the gate passing memory number = 1 is read, and the read value, that is, the extracted ordinary symbol determination The hit / miss is determined based on the value of the random number (random 8) (step S7)
3). Further, in order to notify the symbol control board 80 of the stop symbol of the normal symbol, control for transmitting a display control command indicating the stop symbol is performed. Next, control for transmitting a display control command indicating the start of normal symbol change is performed. Then, a normal symbol variation time timer is started.

In the ordinary symbol change process of step S74,
It is usually checked whether the symbol fluctuation time timer has timed out. If the timeout has occurred, the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value indicating the normal symbol stop processing.

In the ordinary symbol stop processing of step S75,
Control for transmitting a display control command indicating a normal symbol fluctuation stop is performed. Then, when it is determined to be a hit, the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value indicating the start winning opening opening / closing process. In the start winning opening opening / closing process (step S76), a control for opening the starting winning opening (variable winning ball device 15) for a predetermined period for a predetermined number of times is performed. When it is determined to be a loss, the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value indicating the normal symbol change waiting process.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing an example of the relationship between the main processing executed by the CPU 56 and the interrupt processing. As shown in FIG. 17, when the power is turned on, first, the processing of steps S1 to S15 in the main processing is performed, and then the random number updating processing for display and the random number updating processing for initial value determination are repeatedly executed in steps S15 to S18. Is done. When a timer interrupt occurs, the processes of steps S20 to S34 are executed in the timer interrupt process. When the execution is completed, the process returns to steps S15 to S18, and the display random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process are repeatedly performed.

In the processing of steps S15 to S18,
An interrupt prohibition process is performed before the display random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process, and an interrupt permission process is performed after the display random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process are completed. Therefore, even if 2 ms elapses during the execution of the display random number update process and the initial value determination random number update process, the timer interrupt is not performed and the interrupt occurrence is reserved.
Then, when the display random number update processing and the initial value determination random number update processing are completed and the interrupt permission processing is performed, a timer interrupt in a reserved state occurs.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the random number 4 and the random number 1 (the random number for the jackpot determination), which change by the random number updating process for the initial value determination. The counter that generates random 1 is cleared to 0 when the power is turned on. Also, since "0" is initially stored in the initial value buffer, the counter value advances to "630", and when the value is incremented by 1 and returns to 0, the counter value matches the contents of the initial value buffer. Is detected (step S in FIG. 8).
404). Then, random 4 is extracted in the process of step S405. This point is indicated by A in FIG.

Here, it is assumed that the count value of the counter that generates the random number 4 at that time is “19”. Then, “19” is extracted as random 4 and its value is stored in the initial value buffer (step S40).
6), the value is set in the counter that generates random 1 (step S405). Therefore, from this point on, the counter that generates random 1 starts increasing from the initial value “19”.

When the value of the counter for generating random 1 becomes "19" again, it is detected that the counter value matches the contents of the initial value buffer. Then, random 4 is extracted. This point is indicated by B in FIG. It is assumed that the count value of the counter that generates random 4 at that time is “195”. Then, “195” is extracted as random 4 and its value is stored in the initial value buffer, and the value is set in the counter that generates random 1. Therefore, from this point on,
The counter that generates random 1 starts increasing from the initial value “195”.

Then, when the value of the counter for generating random 1 becomes "195" again, it is detected that the counter value matches the contents of the initial value buffer. Then, random 4 is extracted. This point is indicated by C in FIG. It is assumed that the count value of the counter that generates random 4 at that time is “n”. Then, “n” is extracted as random 6, the value is stored in the initial value buffer, and the value is set in the counter that generates random 1. Therefore, from this point on, the counter that generates random 1 starts increasing from the initial value “n”.

As described above, since the initial value of the counter for generating the jackpot determination random number is randomly changed by the initial value determination random number, the randomness of the jackpot determination random number is further improved.

As described above, in this embodiment, the numerical value updating processing is repeatedly performed in the main processing, and the game control processing is executed by the timer interrupt processing. Is set to the interrupt prohibition state. Therefore, there is no possibility that the contents of the memory area handled in the numerical value update processing will be altered by the game control processing. Therefore, the numerical value updating process is reliably executed, and the game control using the random numbers based on the updated numerical values is reliably executed.

In each of the above embodiments, the image display unit 9 using a CRT for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols is provided.
Has been described, but a variable display device using an LCD may be used, or a variable display device of a drum type or a belt type may be used.
Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a video-type pachinko gaming machine in which the entire board surface is composed of video.

The gaming machine of each of the above-described embodiments, that is, the pachinko gaming machine shown in the front view of FIG. 1, has a special symbol that is variably displayed on the image display section 9 based on a winning start. Although it was a first-class pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined game value could be given to a player when a predetermined combination of symbols was reached, a predetermined area was determined when an electric accessory that was opened based on a start winning prize entered a predetermined area. Winning a second-class pachinko gaming machine that allows a player to give a game value to a player, and a predetermined electric role that is opened when a stop symbol of a symbol variably displayed based on a winning start becomes a predetermined symbol combination. The present invention can be applied to a third-type pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a certain right.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko game machine in which the game medium is a game ball, and the present invention can be applied to a slot machine and the like.

[0113]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main routine capable of repeatedly executing a numerical value updating process for updating a numerical value used for controlling a game, and a game routine for each predetermined time during execution of the main routine. The main routine is interrupted and started in response to the timer interrupt that occurs.In the interrupt routine, a predetermined control process including a numerical update process is executed. Since the interrupt is prohibited before it is started and the interrupt is allowed after the numerical value update process is completed, the update process of the numerical value etc. for extracting random numbers is not hindered by the interrupt-based process, There is an effect that no inconvenience occurs in the generation of random numbers used in the gaming machine.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the numerical value updated in the numerical value updating process is configured to include a numerical value for determining the display result of the variable display used in the special game. Since the updating process of the numerical value for determining the display result of (1) is not hindered by the process based on the interrupt, the display result of the variable display can be surely randomly generated.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the numerical value updated in the numerical value updating process is configured to include the initial value for determining the initial value of the specific game state determining value. Since the process of updating the numerical value for the initial value is not hindered by the process based on the interrupt, the control for improving the randomness of the numerical value for determining the specific game state is reliably executed. As a result, fraudulent acts aimed at a specific game state can be effectively prevented.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the interruption is prohibited during the predetermined control processing, so that another interruption or the next timer interruption occurs during the control processing. All the processes in the control process are surely completed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the interrupt control unit is set to the interrupt permission state before the predetermined control processing is completed and the process returns to the execution of the main routine. If an interruption of the timer interrupt or the next timer interrupt occurs, the processing corresponding to the interruption can be started immediately after the execution of the control processing is completed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the numerical value update processing, a plurality of types of numerical values which are used differently are respectively updated, and the same subroutine is used when the plurality of types of different numerical values are updated. As a result, the program capacity can be reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of numerical values used in processing not related to the interests of the player are:
Since the same subroutine is used for updating numerical values, it is possible to individually update numerical values used in the processing directly related to the player's profit.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine which shifts to a specific gaming state on condition that a display result of identification information variably displayed is a predetermined specific display mode. Since the same subroutine is used to update the numerical values for a plurality of types of numerical values for determining the display mode not to be set,
It is possible to individually update the numerical values used in the processing relating to the specific display mode directly related to the player's profit.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a timer interrupt occurs in the interrupt disabled state, execution of the interrupt routine according to the timer interrupt is performed when the interrupt enabled state is entered. Since it is configured to be started, the execution of the control processing based on the timer interrupt does not drop out.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration in the game control board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing of a basic circuit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process of a basic circuit.

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

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a random number updating process for determination.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an initial value determining random number updating process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a display random number updating process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a counter update process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of determining that a hit ball has won a start winning opening.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether or not to make a big hit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol process process.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing an example of a relationship between a main process and an interrupt process.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between random 4 and random 1 (big hit determination random number).

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Variable display device 10 Variable display 11 Passage gate 12 Gate switch 14 Starting winning port 15 Variable winning ball apparatus 17 Starting port switch 23 Count switch 31 Game control board (main board) 53 Basic circuit 56 CPU

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine capable of performing a special game by winning a game medium in a specific winning section and shifting to a specific game state which is advantageous to a player when a result of the special game becomes a predetermined mode. A main routine capable of at least repeatedly executing a numerical update process for updating a numerical value used for controlling a game; and interrupting the main routine in response to a timer interrupt generated at predetermined time intervals during the execution of the main routine. And an interrupt routine to be started is executed. In the interrupt routine, a predetermined control process including the numerical value update process is executed, and before the numerical update process in the main routine is started. A gaming machine wherein interrupts are prohibited and interrupts are permitted after the numerical value update process is completed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the numerical value updated in the numerical value updating process includes a numerical value for determining a display result of a variable display used in a special game. 3. A specific game state determination value updating means for updating a specific game state determination numerical value for determining whether or not to enter a specific game state within a predetermined range, and said specific game state at a predetermined time. Initial value changing means for changing the initial value of the update of the numerical value for determination, the numerical value updated in the numerical value update process, the numerical value for the initial value for determining the initial value of the numerical value for the specific game state determination The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine includes: 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein during a predetermined control process, an interrupt is prohibited. 5. An interrupt permission state is set before a predetermined control process is completed and before returning to the execution of the main routine.
The gaming machine described. 6. In the numerical value update processing, a plurality of types of numerical values having different targets are updated, respectively.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the same subroutine is used when updating the plurality of different numerical values. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the same subroutine is used for updating a plurality of types of numerical values used in processing not related to a player's interest. 8. A gaming machine which shifts to a specific game state on condition that the display result of identification information variably displayed is a predetermined specific display mode, and determines a display mode not to be a specific display mode. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the same subroutine is used for updating a plurality of types of numerical values. 9. In the event that a timer interrupt has occurred in the interrupt disabled state, a trigger has occurred in the interrupt disabled state when the inhibition of the interrupt is released and the interrupt is permitted. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein execution of an interruption routine according to a timer interruption is started.