JP2002177525A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily use a control program in common between a CR(carriage return) machine type and a cash machine type. SOLUTION: A CPU loads a probability fluctuation flag in a state-check state. The probability fluctuation flag is the work area of one byte in a RAM(random access memory) and is set to a set state in a high probability state. The CPU compares the probability fluctuation flag with 01(H). A zero flag is set if both coincide with each other as a result of comparison, and the zero flag is reset if both do not coincide. The zero flag is one of the control flags stored in the CPU, and it is automatically set or reset according to the result of a comparison operation. If a state-check process is changed to a process for checking whether the state is a short time state or not when the game control program is used for a cash machine, the check on whether or not the state is the high probability state implemented at everywhere in the game control program is changed to a check on whether the state is the short time state or not.

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 and a slot machine in which a game is played in accordance with a player's operation.

[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] In a pachinko gaming machine, when a display result of a variable display section having a plurality of display areas for displaying special symbols has a predetermined special display mode, it is generally called a "big hit". When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning port is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game ball shifts to a big hit game state as a specific game state in which a game ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). In addition, the opening time (for example, 29.
5 seconds), and even if the number of winnings does not reach the predetermined number, if the opening time elapses, 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.

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

The progress of a game in a game machine is controlled by game control means including a game control microcomputer and the like. The game control microcomputer performs game control according to a control program stored in the ROM.

[0006] The above-mentioned game value means that the player is in an advantageous state, a right to be in an advantageous state for the player is generated, and a condition for paying out prize game media is easily established. Is to become a state. As the game value, in the first-class pachinko gaming machines, there is a hit with a normal symbol in addition to a big hit with a special symbol. Also,
There is a reduction in the variable display period (variation time) of special symbols and a reduction in the variation time of ordinary symbols. Furthermore, the state of the normal variable prize ball device and the special variable prize ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is in a state where the gaming ball is easy to win, for example, the opening time is extended or the number of times of opening is increased, There is a state where the size of the opening is enlarged. In the second-type pachinko gaming machines, there is a state in which a prize to the V detector in the second-type accessory is further increased.

[0007] In the slot machine, in addition to the big bonus and the regular bonus, the symbol becomes a set of small roles in which coins are paid out, and a set of replays in which a game can be performed again. Sometimes. Further, the replay winning probability is high, the small role that has been won is notified, a control state in which a player can stop an arbitrary symbol on at least one reel, a big bonus probability and a regular bonus are provided. The probability can be high. Note that when a predetermined amount of game balls or coins are awarded or points are added in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined condition such as a winning, these are referred to as value or valuable value.

[0008] In a gaming machine having a variable display section, whether or not to display a special symbol in a display mode of a big hit is determined by lottery inside the gaming machine. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special game in which the display result of the special symbol is changed to a big hit in a display mode in which a special ball is displayed in a gaming machine (a so-called CR machine) in which a game ball is lent by a prepaid card is improved. Some have a function of shifting to a probable state (high probability state) as a state. Also, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a gaming machine (so-called cash machine) that does not lend gaming balls with a prepaid card enters a time reduction state (a time saving state) in which the variable display time of a symbol on the variable display section is reduced. Some have the ability to migrate.

[0009]

There are many types of gaming machines, such as CR machines and cash machines. With CR machine type and cash machine type,
The appearance and game characteristics (for example, a variable display pattern of a design, a display character, etc.) of the gaming machine are the same. However, the details are different, such that one has a probable change function that can be shifted to the probable change state and the other has a time reduction function that can be transferred to the time reduction state. Therefore, the CR machine type control program differs from the cash machine type control program in details. However, from the viewpoint of development efficiency, it is desirable that, in different parts, it is easy to divert from a CR machine to a cash machine or from a cash machine to a CR machine.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further easily diverting a control program between a CR machine type and a cash machine type.

[0011]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A microcomputer for executing a control program for controlling the progress of the game, which can provide a player with a predetermined game value on condition that the result of the game is in a predetermined mode; In a gaming machine that can be controlled to a special game state in which the result of the game is likely to be in a predetermined mode, and a normal game state in which the result is difficult to be in the predetermined mode as compared to the special game state, the control program is configured to perform processing in the special game state And a processing content in a state storage area for the microcomputer to identify whether the gaming state is a special gaming state or a normal gaming state. In addition to calling the module-based status check process that refers to the And executes the Toki process.

By the state check processing, for example, the storage contents of the state storage area are reflected in another storage area different from the state storage area, and the branch processing is executed based on the contents of the other storage areas.

In the state check processing, for example, an operation is performed using the storage contents of the state storage area and a predetermined value, and the result of the operation is reflected in another storage area.

For another storage area, a predetermined register can be used.

The status check process may be configured to be called a plurality of times during the execution of the control program.

A variable display device whose display state can be changed is provided, and a predetermined game value is given to a player on the condition that a display result after starting variable display on the variable display device becomes a predetermined mode. A gaming machine capable of
In the special game state, it is possible to shorten the variable display period from the start of the variable display until the display result is derived as compared with the normal game state, and the branching process is performed to determine the variable display period. It may be configured to be executed.

A variable display device whose display state can be changed is provided, and a predetermined game value is given to a player on condition that a display result after starting variable display on the variable display device becomes a predetermined mode. A gaming machine capable of
A variable winning ball device that can be changed to a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player, for deriving a display result of the variable display by winning the variable winning ball device; The condition is satisfied, and in the special game state, the advantageous state period in which the variable prize ball device is in the first state is longer than in the normal game state, and in the branching process, the variable prize ball device is in the first state. It may be configured to be executed to determine a favorable state period.

A variable display device whose display state can be changed is provided, and a predetermined game value is given to the player on condition that a display result after starting variable display on the variable display device becomes a predetermined mode. A gaming machine capable of
In the special game state, the probability that the display result is in the predetermined mode is higher than that in the normal game state, and the branching process is a process of determining whether the display result is in the predetermined mode.
It may be configured to be executed to determine whether or not to perform the high-probability-time determination that determines to perform the predetermined mode with a high probability.

The branching process may be configured to be executed to externally output information for identifying whether the gaming state is the special gaming state or the normal gaming state.

[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 the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, 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. A surplus ball tray 4 for storing game balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing game balls are provided below the hit ball supply tray 3. A game board 6 is detachably mounted behind the glass door frame 2. Also,
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, an ordinary symbol display device (ordinary symbol display device) 10 such as a 7-segment LED, and the like are provided. Is provided. The variable display unit 9 includes, for example, “left”,
There are three symbol display areas, "middle" and "right". On the side of the variable display device 8, a passage gate 11 for guiding game balls is provided. The game ball that has passed through the passage gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. The passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball exit 13 includes a passage gate 1
There is a gate switch 12 for detecting a game ball passing through 1. In addition, the winning ball entering the starting winning opening 14 is a game board 6
And is detected by the starting port switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14. Variable winning ball device 1
5 is opened by a solenoid 16.

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

The 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. Decorative lamps 25 that blink during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and the lower part has an out port 26 for absorbing game balls that 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 is provided on the outer periphery of the gaming area 7.
28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided.

In this example, one of the speakers 27
Is provided with a prize ball lamp 51 which is lit when a premium ball is paid out, and a ball out lamp 52 which is lit up when the supply ball is out is provided near the other speaker 27. 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 game ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting ball rail, and then descends from the game area 7. When a game ball passes through the passage gate 11 and is detected by the gate switch 12, the display on the symbol display 10 normally changes to a variable display state (symbol variation state). Further, when the game ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start 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 game balls wins. Then, when the game ball wins in the specific winning area and is detected by the V count switch 22 while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened, 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).

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), the variable winning ball device 15
Is open for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased. In the high probability state, the ordinary symbol display 10
The fluctuation time of the symbol in is reduced.

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 including a symbol control board 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. . In addition, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control and the like are mounted, and a hit ball launching device that launches a game ball to the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor are provided. Furthermore, decorative lamp 25, game effect LED28
a, a lamp control board 35 for sending signals to the game effect lamps 28b and 28c, a prize ball lamp 51, and a ball out lamp 52, a sound control board 70 for controlling sound generation from the speaker 27, and a hit ball launching device. A firing control board 91 is also provided for performing the operation.

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 a ball-out terminal for introducing the output of the ball-out detection switch and outputting it externally, a prize-ball terminal for externally outputting the prize ball number signal, and a predetermined number of ball lending. A ball lending terminal for externally outputting the generated ball lending signal 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 transmitted to the game effect LEDs 28a, game effect lamps 28b, 28 provided on the frame side.
c, an illuminated relay board A77 for supplying to the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball cut lamp 52 is shown, but other relay boards are provided as needed for signal relay.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration on the main board 31. FIG. 3 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.
Hereinafter, the payout control board 37, the lamp control board 35,
The sound control board 70 and the symbol control board 80 may be referred to as electric component control boards. Control means including a microcomputer mounted on the electric component control board may be referred to as electric component control means.

On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12, a starting port switch 17, a V count switch 2
2, count switch 23, winning opening switch 19a, 1
9b, 24a, 24b, a full circuit switch 48, a ball cutout switch 187, a switch circuit 58 for supplying signals from the prize ball count switch 301A to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable prize ball device 15, and an opening and closing plate 2.
And a switching solenoid 21A for switching the path in the special winning opening.
And a solenoid circuit 59 driven in accordance with a command from the controller.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, the count switch short-circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58.

An address decode circuit 67 for decoding an address signal supplied from the basic circuit 53 and outputting a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports in the I / O port unit 57; According to the data given from 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the validity outputted when the variable display is stopped so that the number of the winning prize balls used for starting the image display of the variable display section 9 can be specified externally. An information output circuit 64 that outputs an information output signal such as start information and probability change information indicating that a probability variation has occurred 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 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 launch control board 91 is controlled so that the game ball is launched 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.

FIG. 4 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80 by using an LCD (liquid crystal display) 82 as an example of the variable display section 9, an ordinary symbol display 10, and an output port (port 0) of the main board 31. , 2) are block diagrams shown together with 570, 572 and output buffer circuits 620, 62A. Output port (output port 2) 572 outputs 8-bit data, and output port 570 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal).

The display 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 display 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 display control CPU 101.

The display control CPU 101 controls display of a 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. 4 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.

Although the outputs of the output ports 570 and 572 may be output to the symbol control board 80 as they are, the output buffer circuits 620 and 62A 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 620 and 62A together constitute an irreversible information output unit with the output ports. By the irreversibility information output means, the input of the illegal signal to the symbol control board 80 via the signal transmission line is surely prevented.

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 620 and 62A of the main board 31.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
Is a flowchart showing a main process of a game control program executed by a game control means (CPU 56 and its peripheral circuits) on the main board 31. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main process, the CPU 56
First, perform necessary initial settings.

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 which 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.

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, the processing at the time of stopping the power supply such as the addition of parity data) is performed when the power is turned off (step S7). 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.

In this embodiment, the backup RAM
Whether or not there is backup data in the area is confirmed by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area when the power is turned off.

When the backup is confirmed, the CPU 5
Reference numeral 6 performs data check (parity check in this example) of the backup RAM area. If the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, and 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 without power recovery is executed.

If the check result is normal (step S
8) The CPU 56 performs a game state restoring 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 S).
9). 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 sound 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 initial setting command. As the initial setting command, for example, there is a payout possible state designation command (in the case of the payout possible state) or a payout stop state designation command (in the case of the payout impossible state) outputted to the payout control board 37. As a dispensable state, for example, there is a state in which the ball-out switch 187 for detecting a shortage of supply balls or the full-state switch 48 for detecting the full state of the surplus ball tray 4 is on. That is, the CPU 56 operates the ball-out switch 18.
If the switch 7 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. Since the interrupt is prohibited in step S1 of the initial setting process, the interrupt is permitted before the initialization process is completed (step S1).
5).

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, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 56 sets, for example, a timer interrupt flag indicating that a timer interrupt has occurred (step S1).
2).

Execution of initialization processing (steps S11 to S1)
When 5) is completed, the process proceeds to a loop process in which the main process checks whether or not a timer interrupt has occurred (step S17). In the loop, a display random number update process (step S16) is also executed.

The CPU 56 determines in step S17
Upon recognizing that a timer interrupt has occurred, step S2
The game control processing of 1 to S31 is executed. In the game control processing, the CPU 56 firstly outputs the count sensor 23 and the winning opening switch 19a via the switch circuit 58.
Input the state of switches such as 19b, 24a, 24b,
These states are determined (switch processing: step S2).
1).

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

Next, a process for updating each counter for generating each random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S23). CPU56
Performs a process of updating each counter for generating a display random number such as a random number for determining the type of stop symbol (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 ordinary symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to an ordinary symbol process flag for controlling the ordinary symbol display 10 by a 7-segment LED or the like 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 S27). 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 S28).

Further, the CPU 56 performs an information output process for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).

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.

The CPU 56 has switches 17, 23, 19a, 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 S31). 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.

With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms.
In this embodiment, for example, in the timer interrupt processing, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control processing is executed in the main processing.
The game control process may be executed by a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 7 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56
After performing the variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) and the start opening switch passage confirmation process (step S311), one of steps S300 to S309 is performed according to the internal state (in this example, the special symbol process flag). Perform processing.

In the variation reduction timer subtraction process, the number of variation reduction timers provided corresponding to the storable number (in this example, “4”) of the start winning memory (the memory indicating that the startup port switch 17 has been turned on) is subtracted. This is the processing to be performed. Further, the fluctuation shortening timer is a timer for measuring a time from when a start winning is generated to when processing based on the starting winning (judgment of a big hit, determination of a fluctuation pattern, etc.) is performed. Then, in a special symbol big hit determination process (step S301) described later, the value of the fluctuation reduction timer is 0, and at the time of a low probability, the number of start winning prizes is “4”,
At the time of the high probability, if the number of starting winning storages is “2” or more, it is determined to use a pattern in which the variation time is reduced as the symbol variation pattern. The starting port switch passage confirmation processing is processing for acquiring and storing predetermined random numbers when the starting port switch 17 is turned on.

In steps S300 to S309, the following processing is performed.

Special symbol normal processing (step S300):
The start winning prize storage number is confirmed, and if the starting prize storage number is not 0, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S301.

Special symbol big hit determination processing (step S30)
1): The contents of a buffer or the like for storing various random numbers stored when a start winning is made are shifted. As a result of the shift,
It is determined whether or not to make a big hit based on the contents of the pushed buffer. It should be noted that the buffer is prepared as many as the number of memorable start winnings. Further, the content of the buffer pushed out by the shift is a content corresponding to the earliest start winning. Then, when it is determined that a big hit is to be made, a big hit flag is set. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S302.

Stop symbol setting processing (step S302):
The stop symbols of the left and right middle symbols, which are the display results on the variable display section 9, are determined. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S303.

Variation pattern setting processing (step S30)
3): The pattern of the variable display of the symbol on the variable display section 9, that is, the variable pattern (variable display pattern) is determined. Then, a control command for notifying the determined fluctuation pattern, stop symbol, and the like is output to the symbol control board 80 and the like. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S304.

Special symbol change processing (step S304):
It is confirmed whether or not the fluctuation time determined according to the fluctuation pattern has elapsed. If it has passed, step S305
Change the value of the special symbol process flag so as to shift to.

Special symbol design stop processing (step S30)
5): After a certain time (for example, 1.000 seconds) elapses,
If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S306. If not, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S300.

Large Winning Opening Pre-Processing (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. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S307.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
7): Processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening is performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, step S30
The value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to 8.

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 continuation of the big hit game state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so that the process proceeds to step S307. If the big hit game state continuation condition is not satisfied within the predetermined effective time, or if all rounds have been completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309): The display control means or the like performs a display for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. And
The value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S300.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the starting port switch passage confirmation processing (step S311). When the game ball wins the starting winning port 14 provided on the game board 6, the starting port switch 17 is turned on. When the CPU 56 determines that the starting port switch 17 has been turned on via the switch circuit 58 (step S41), the CPU 56 checks whether or not the number of stored starting winnings has reached the maximum value of 4 (step S42). If the start winning prize storage number has not reached 4, the starting prize storage number is increased by 1 (step S43), and the value of each random number such as the random number for jackpot determination is extracted. That is,
Obtain the value of the counter for generating each random number. Then, each count value is stored as a random number value in the random number value storage area of the buffer corresponding to the value of the number of stored winning prizes (step S44). If the number of stored start winnings has reached 4, the process of increasing the number of stored start winnings is not performed.
That is, in this embodiment, the number of game balls that have won the maximum of four starting winning openings 17 can be stored.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of each random number used by the game control means. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit determination = for special symbol determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle missing symbol determination (3) Random 3: Determine the combination of symbols at the time of the big hit (for big hit symbol determination = for special symbol determination) (4) Random 4: Determine the pattern variation pattern (for the variation pattern determination) (5) Random 5: Normal symbol hit Determine whether or not to generate (usually for pattern hit determination)

FIG. 10 shows the special symbol normal processing (step S
It is a flowchart which shows (300). In the special symbol normal processing, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the number of stored winning prizes is not 0 (step S321). If it is not 0, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value according to the special symbol big hit determination processing (step S322).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the special symbol big hit determination process (step S301). In the special symbol big hit determination process, the CPU 56 first shifts the contents of the buffer in which various random numbers and the like are stored and the buffer in which the value of the fluctuation reduction timer is set (step S331). In this embodiment, there are four buffers storing various random numbers and the like, and the contents are sequentially shifted. An initial value is set in the fourth buffer whose contents have been moved to the third buffer. There are also four buffers in which the value of the fluctuation reduction timer is set.

Next, the fluctuation reduction determination processing (step S3)
32) is performed. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the variation reduction determination process. In the variation reduction determination process, the CPU
56 first checks whether the value of the fluctuation shortening timer pushed out from the first buffer by the shift processing is 0 (step S341). If it is not 0, the fluctuation shortening determination processing ends.

If the value of the fluctuation shortening timer is 0, first, "4" is set to the fluctuation shortening winning storage number (step S342). The number of fluctuation reduction prize storage is
55 is a work area provided in the work area 55. Then, a state check process is executed (step S343). The state check process is a process for determining whether or not the state is a high probability state, as described later. In this embodiment, if the state is a high probability state (probable change state), the zero flag is set (“1”). ), And exits from the state check processing.

If the zero flag is "1" (step S
344), that is, if the state is in the high probability state, the fluctuation shortened winning storage number is changed to “2” (step S345). Then, the start winning prize storage number and the fluctuation shortening prize storage number are compared (step S346). If the number of stored start winnings is not smaller than the number of stored shortened winnings, a fluctuation shortening flag is set (step S347).

As a result of the above processing, if the value of the fluctuation shortening timer is 0, and the number of memorized start winnings is "4" at the time of low probability, and the number of memorized start winnings is "2" or more at the time of high probability. For example, the fluctuation shortening flag is set.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the state check process. In the status check processing, C
The PU 56 loads the probability change flag (Step S)
351). The probability variation flag is a 1-byte work area (state storage area) in the RAM 55, and is "01 (H)" (set state) in the high probability state. The CPU 56 compares the probability variation flag with 01 (H) (step S352). As a result of the comparison operation, if they match, the zero flag is set, and if they do not match, the zero flag is reset. As described above, the state check processing is a routine that refers to the storage contents of the state storage area (in this example, the probability variation flag) for identifying whether the state is the special game state or the normal game state, and is modularized. ing. Then, on the basis of the calculation result in the state check processing, a branch processing for executing one of the processing in the special game state and the processing in the normal game state is executed in the special symbol big hit determination processing and the like described above. You.

Note that the zero flag is one of the control registers included in the CPU 56, and is a flag that is automatically set / reset according to the result of the comparison operation. Also, in this embodiment, the side that called the state check processing (for example, the special symbol big hit determination processing,
Specifically, a zero flag is used as a check result notified to the fluctuation shortening determination process called by the special symbol jackpot determination process. However, other control flags, a general-purpose register that can be set / reset by a program, R
A work area or the like in the AM 55 may be used.

The state check processing relating to the check of the game state (in this example, the state check processing relating to the check as to whether or not the game is in the high probability state) controls the progress of the game as well as the fluctuation reduction determination processing as described later. Subroutine called anywhere in the control program (game control program) for the game. As described above, if the state check processing relating to the check of the game state is modularized (encapsulated), when the target to be checked is changed, only the state check processing is changed in one place, and the game control program is executed. Can be changed everywhere.

For example, here, a state check process for checking whether or not the game is in the high-probability state is performed. When this game control program is diverted to a cash machine,
It is necessary to change the check for whether or not to be in the high probability state to the check for whether or not to be in the time reduction state. Such a check is performed everywhere in the game control program. Since the state check process for checking whether or not the vehicle is in the high-probability state is modularized, if only the state check process is changed to the process for checking whether the vehicle is in the time saving state, it can be used anywhere in the game control program. Is changed to a check to determine whether or not the vehicle is in a time saving state. Therefore, the diversion of the game control program between the CR machine type and the cash machine type can be further facilitated.

In the special symbol big hit determination processing shown in FIG. 11, when the fluctuation time reduction determination processing in step S332 is completed, the CPU 56 reduces the number of stored start winnings by one (step S333). Then, a state check process is executed (step S334). The state check processing is as shown in FIG. After the execution of the state check processing, if the zero flag is "1" (step S335), that is, if the state is a high probability state, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit using the big hit determination table at the time of the high probability (step S335). S336). If the zero flag is "0" (step S335), that is, if it is in the low probability state, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit using the big hit determination table at the time of low probability (step S337). Each big hit determination table is set in the ROM 54.

For example, in the big hit determination table at the time of high probability, “7,131,199,241,269,283,
307, 541, 593, 619 "are set.
In addition, the big hit determination table at the time of low probability includes “7, 26
9 "is set. The CPU 56 determines in step S33
6 and S337, the value of the random number for jackpot determination (see FIG. 9) among the random numbers pushed out from the buffer in step S331 is compared with each value set in the jackpot determination table, and If the value matches any of the values set in the big hit determination table, it is determined that a big hit is made.

If it is decided to make a big hit, a big hit flag is set (step S338). The big hit flag is a work area in the RAM 55. Thereafter, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the stop symbol setting process (step S339).

FIG. 14 shows a stop symbol setting process (step S).
It is a flowchart which shows 302). In the stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S361). When it is set, the big hit symbol is determined according to the value of the big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) (step S3).
62). The value of random 3 is a value in the content pushed out from the first buffer by the shift process in step S331 in the special symbol big hit determination process.

In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol number set in the big hit symbol table according to the value of the random 3 that has been extracted is determined as the big hit symbol.
In this embodiment, there are twelve types of big hits (combinations of symbols in which the left and right middle symbols are aligned), and of these, six kinds of symbols are probable changing big hits that cause a transition to a probable change state (high probability state). It is assumed that it is a design. In the big hit symbol table, left and right middle symbol numbers corresponding to each of the twelve types of big hit symbol combinations are set. Further, in this embodiment, the high probability state is set to 1000 when the next big hit occurs or before the big hit occurs.
When the symbol is changed 0 times, the process ends and returns to the low probability state.

When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol when the big hit is not set. That is, the left symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-1 (step S363). Also, random 2
The middle symbol is determined according to the value of -2 (step S36).
4). Then, the right symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-3 (step S365). Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, for example, a symbol corresponding to a value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as a stop symbol of the middle symbol so as not to match the big hit symbol. To
In addition, the values of the random 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 are determined in step S331 in the special symbol big hit determination process.
This is a value in the content pushed out from the first buffer by the shift processing.

Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is
A value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S3
66).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern and a method of sorting the variation patterns. In this embodiment, the control command output from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 and other electrical component control boards has a 2-byte configuration,
The byte indicates MODE (classification of command), and the second byte indicates EXT (contents of command). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1” and EX
The first bit (bit 7) of the T data is always "0".

[0106] Among the display control commands output to the symbol control board 80, the display control command indicating the variation pattern is MODE "80 (H)" and the variation pattern is specified by EXT. . That is,
When MODE is “80 (H)”, the value of EXT and the variation pattern have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, FIG.
In the description above, “EXT” is the second byte of the display control command that specifies the variation pattern, and corresponds to each variation pattern.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, variation patterns that can be selected in accordance with hit / out / reach out of reach (reach design + 1) / out of reach (reach design-1) / out of reach (reach design-2) are sorted. . further,
A variation pattern is sorted depending on whether it is determined to reduce the variation time. In addition, reach design +
1 indicates the case where the stop symbol of the middle symbol is shifted by +1 symbol with respect to the left and right symbols, and the reach symbol -1 indicates the case where the stopped symbol of the middle symbol is shifted by -1 symbol with respect to the left and right symbols. "-2" indicates a case where the stop symbol of the middle symbol is shifted by -2 symbols with respect to the left and right symbols.

Further, the fluctuation pattern is sorted depending on whether or not the state is a high probability state. For example, FIG.
Indicates a distribution method in the high probability state, and another distribution method is used in the low probability state. Then, a table in which data as shown in FIG. 15 is set (high-probability sorting table) and a table in which the structure is as shown in FIG. 15 and the numerical values are different from the values shown in FIG. RO is a probability distribution table)
It is stored in M54.

Note that the values shown in FIG. 15 mean that
For example, if it is determined to be a big hit and it is determined that the fluctuation time is to be shortened, a column of “hit / shortening of the fluctuation time” is used, and the value of the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern ( In this example, 150 types of values can be taken.), For example, when the value matches a value determined corresponding to a variation pattern corresponding to EXT = 21 (H),
That is, a variation pattern corresponding to EXT = 21 (H) is selected. Also, there are 150 values determined corresponding to the fluctuation pattern, and 13 of them are
EXT = a value determined corresponding to a fluctuation pattern corresponding to 21 (H). It should be noted that specifically, in the distribution table, "13" is not described, but 13 values are described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S303). In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 executes a status check process (Step S371). The state check processing is as shown in FIG. After the execution of the state check process, if the zero flag is “1” (step S37)
2) In other words, if the gaming machine has the probability changing function, if it is in the high probability state, the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 1-1 is set (step S373), and if the zero flag is “0” (step S372), ie, the probability changing function. If the game machine has the low probability state, the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 1-2 is set (step S374).

Further, when it is determined that a big hit is to be made (step S375), a fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 2-1 is set (step S376). If it is determined that the reach is to be set, not the big hit (step S377), the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 3-2 is set (step S378). In addition, specifically, according to the relationship between the stop symbol of the left and right symbols and the stop symbol of the middle symbol, the reach is lost (reach symbol +1).
The fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 3-2 is further distributed according to / reach loss (reach symbol-1) / reach loss (reach symbol-2) / others. If it is determined not to reach, the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 3-2 is set (step S37).
9). Note that whether or not to reach is determined according to the stop symbol of the left and right symbols.

Further, when the shortened fluctuation flag is set (step S380), the fluctuation pattern distribution table designation value 4-1 is set (step S38).
1) If the shortened fluctuation flag is not set (step S380), the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 4
-2 is set (step S382). Then, the address of the variation pattern table is set according to the set variation pattern distribution set value (step S383),
The variation pattern is determined according to the value of the variation pattern determining random number (random 4) and the address of the variation pattern table (step S384). The value of random 4 is determined in step S331 in the special symbol big hit determination process.
Is the value in the content pushed out from the first buffer by the shift processing.

Assuming that the example shown in FIG. 15 is a fluctuation pattern table used when the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 1-1 is set, for example, the fluctuation pattern distribution designation value 3-2 and the fluctuation pattern distribution When the distribution designation value 4-2 has been set, in step S383, "outside, normal" in the variation pattern table is set.
Is set to the corresponding address.

After that, the CPU 56 sets the value of the special symbol process flag to a value according to the special symbol variation process (step S385).

It is not necessary to follow the determination order shown in FIG. 16 when allocating a variation pattern, that is, when deciding which part in the distribution table is to be used. For example, first, it is checked whether or not the shortened fluctuation flag is set, then, after performing the state check processing, the hit / reach / losing may be sorted, or further, in another order. You may sort them.

In the special symbol variation process, after the variation time determined according to the variation pattern has elapsed, a control command indicating the end of symbol variation is output to the symbol control board 80 and the like, and then the special symbol process flag is set. The value is set to a value according to the special symbol stop processing.

FIG. 17 shows a special symbol stopping process (step S).
It is a flowchart which shows 305). In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 checks the value of the special symbol change frequency counter (step S391). The special symbol change number counter is a counter for counting the number of symbol changes for terminating the high probability state. If the value of the special symbol change frequency counter is 0, the flow shifts to step S396. If it is not 0, the value is subtracted by 1 (step S392). As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the special symbol change frequency counter becomes 0 (step S393), the probability change flag is cleared (step S394), and the process proceeds to step S396. Even if the value of the special symbol change frequency counter is not 0, if it is determined that a big hit is to be made (step S395), the probability change flag is cleared (step S394). The high probability state ends when the probability change flag is cleared.

In step S396, the CPU 56
Confirms whether it is determined to be a big hit. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the big hit flag is set. If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value according to the special winning opening opening process (step S397). If it is determined not to make a big hit, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal processing (step S398). In the special symbol stop processing,
If it is determined to be a big hit, a process for preparing an effect (a display or a lamp effect) when the big hit game as a special game is being performed is also executed.

When the big hit game is being played, the CPU
Reference numeral 56 denotes a special winning opening opening process (step S306), a special winning opening opening process (step S307), and a specific area effective time process (step S308).
When the big hit game end condition is satisfied, a big hit end process (step S309) is executed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the big hit end processing. In the big hit end processing, the CPU 56
Confirms whether or not a big hit has been made with a probable variable symbol (step S401). If a large hit has been made with the probable change symbol, the probability change flag is set (step S40).
2), "10000" is set in the special symbol change frequency counter (step S403). If the big hit has occurred with the non-probable variable symbol, the special symbol change frequency counter is cleared to 0 (step S404).

Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is
Set the value according to the special symbol normal processing (step S40)
5).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for the ordinary symbol process executed by the CPU 56. The normal symbol process process shown in FIG. 19 is a specific process of step S26 in the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 56 performs any one of steps S70 to S74 according to the internal state (in this example, the normal symbol process flag) after performing the gate switch passage confirmation process (step S75) when performing the ordinary symbol process process. Is performed.

The gate switch passage confirmation process is a process for detecting the passage of the game ball through the passage gate 11 which is a condition for starting the change of the symbol. Upon confirming that the gate switch 17 has been turned on in the gate switch passage confirmation processing, the CPOU 56 acquires and stores a predetermined random number (random 5 in this example). Also, the gate switch 17
Is turned on, a maximum of four can be stored as gate passage memory.

In steps S70 to S74, the following processing is performed.

Normal symbol normal processing (step S70): The number of stored gate passages is checked. If the number of stored gates is not 0, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S71.

Normal symbol hit determination processing (step S7)
1): The contents of the buffer for storing the random numbers stored when the game ball passes through the passage gate 11 are shifted.
As a result of the shift, it is determined whether or not a hit is made based on the contents of the pushed buffer. Then, step S7
The value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to 2. In this embodiment, if the value of the random number that can take a value in the range of 3 to 13 is any one of 3 to 12, it is determined to be a hit, and if the value of the random number is 13, it is determined to be out. You. In addition, when it is determined that a hit, the normal symbol display 1
The stop symbol after the change of the normal symbol which changes at 0 becomes a hit symbol, and when it is determined to be a loss, the stop symbol is controlled so as to become a loss symbol.

Ordinary symbol variation process (step S72): It is confirmed whether or not the variation time of the ordinary symbol has elapsed. If it has passed, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S73.

Normal symbol design stop processing (step S7)
3): If it is determined to be a hit, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S74. If not, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is changed so as to proceed to step S70.

Normal electric accessory actuation processing (step S7)
4): The process of opening the variable winning ball device 15 for a predetermined time is performed a predetermined number of times. The variable prize ball device 1 by driving the solenoid 16
Release 5. Then, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S70.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the ordinary symbol hit determination process (step S71). In the normal symbol hit determination process, the CPU 56 first shifts the contents of the buffer in which the random numbers are stored (step S70).
1). In this embodiment, there are four buffers in which random numbers are stored, and the contents are sequentially shifted. An initial value is set in the fourth buffer whose contents have been moved to the third buffer. Then, the number of stored gate passages is decremented by one (step S702).

Then, a state check process is executed (step S703). The state check processing is as shown in FIG. After the execution of the state check processing, if the zero flag is “1” (step S704),
If the state is in the high probability state, the change time of the symbol is usually 6.000.
It is determined to be seconds (step S705). Also,
If the zero flag is "0" (step S704), that is, if it is in the low probability state, the fluctuation time of the ordinary symbol is set to 2
9. Determine to be 200 seconds (step S70)
6).

In step S707, the CPU 56 compares the random number value pushed out of the buffer in step S701, that is, the value of the normal symbol hit determination random number (see FIG. 9) with the hit determination value (3 to 12 in this example). In the case where the value of the random number for normal symbol hit determination matches any one of the hit determination values, it is determined to be a hit. If it is determined to be a hit, a hit flag is set (step S707). The hit flag is a work area in the RAM 55. Thereafter, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the ordinary symbol variation processing (step S7).
08).

FIG. 21 shows a normal symbol stop process (step S).
It is a flowchart which shows 73). In the stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the hit flag is set (step S711). If it is set, a state check process is executed (step S712). The state check processing is as shown in FIG. After the execution of the state check process, if the zero flag is "1" (step S713), that is, if the game machine having the probable change function is in the high probability state, the normal electric accessory operating pattern 1 (the game machine having the probable change function) Is set for high probability (step S714). Also,
If the zero flag is "0" (step S713), that is, if it is a low probability state in the gaming machine having the probability changing function, the normal electric auditors product operation pattern 2 (for a gaming machine having the probability changing function for low probability) is used. Set (Step S71)
5).

For example, in a gaming machine having a probability changing function, a normal electric accessory operating pattern for a high probability and a normal electric accessory operating pattern for a low high probability are stored in the ROM 54 in advance. . Therefore,
In steps S714 and S715, it is determined which of the normal electric accessory operating patterns is to be used. Then, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened in the normal electric auditors product operation process based on the normal electric auditors product operation pattern determined to be used. In addition, the opening time and the number of times of opening are set in the normal electric accessory operation pattern.
Further, in the normal electric accessory operation pattern for the high probability case, the number of times of opening and / or the opening time are larger than the normal electric accessory operation pattern for the low probability case.

After that, the value of the ordinary symbol process flag is
It is set to a value corresponding to the ordinary electric auditors product operation process (step S7
17). If it is confirmed in step S711 that the hit flag is not set, the value of the normal symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the normal symbol normal process (step S716).

FIG. 22 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. As shown in FIG. 22, the display control command has a 2-byte configuration. In the example shown in FIG. 22, commands 8000 (H) to 8031 (H) are display control commands for designating a variation pattern of a special symbol in the variable display unit 9 for variably displaying a special symbol. In addition,
The command for specifying the variation pattern (variation pattern command) also serves as the variation start instruction.

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. Upon receiving the above-described display control command from the game control means of the main board 31, the display control means of the symbol control board 80 changes the display state of the variable display section 9 and the ordinary symbol display 10 according to the contents shown in FIG. Perform control to change.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an information output process (step S29) in the main process shown in FIG. In the information output process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not one big hit output bit is set (= 1) (step S801). If set,
The big hit 1 signal output via the I / O port 57 is turned on (step S802). If the big hit 1 output bit is not set, the big hit 1 signal is turned off (step S803).

Further, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the two jackpot output bits are set (= 1) (step S804). If it is set, the big hit 2 signal output via the I / O port 57 is turned on (step S805). If the big hit 2 output bit is not set, the big hit 2 signal is turned off (step S806).

The big hit 1 output bit and big hit 2 output bit are set in, for example, a big hit information buffer as shown in FIG. The big hit information buffer is RAM5
5 is a work area. The big hit one output bit is set, for example, in a special symbol process process from 1 second after stopping the special symbol to 10 seconds after closing the last big winning opening. The big hit 2 output bit is, for example, in the special symbol process processing, the special symbol stop 1
From the second to 10 seconds after the closing of the last big winning opening, and in the high probability state, it is set.

Further, the CPU 56 executes a state check process (step S811). The state check processing is as shown in FIG. After the execution of the state check process, if the zero flag is “1” (step S81)
2) In other words, if the state is a high probability state, I / O port 5
7 is turned on (step S813). If the zero flag is "0" (step S812), that is, if it is in the low probability state, the probability variation signal is turned off (step S81).
4).

The one big hit signal, two big hit signals and the probability variation signal are output to the information terminal board 34 via the information output circuit 64 of the main board 31. Then, the information is transmitted from the information terminal board 34 to a hall computer or the like. In addition, as signals output through the information output circuit 64, there are a start opening winning signal, a symbol determination number signal, a normal electric accessory actuation number signal, and the like, but the processing relating to them is omitted in FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, the state check processing for checking the game state is modularized. Then, in the game control program, such a state check process is configured to be called everywhere in the special symbol process process, the normal symbol process process, and the information output process. That is, while the game control program is executed one time (in the above example, the game control process executed every 2 ms
Called multiple times). Therefore, when the target of the check is changed, it is possible to change the check target everywhere in the game control program by changing only one part, the state check process.

For example, as shown in the above embodiment, if the status check process is a status check process for checking whether or not the game is in the high-probability state, if the game control program is diverted to a cash machine, May be changed to a process for checking whether or not the user is in the time saving state (a process for checking the time saving flag). Only by changing the state check processing, the check for whether or not the game is in the high probability state, which is executed everywhere in the game control program, is changed to the check for whether or not the game is in the time saving state. Therefore, the diversion of the game control program between the CR machine type and the cash machine type can be further facilitated. In a cash machine having a time saving function, generally, a time saving flag is set when a stop symbol on the variable display section 9 becomes a predetermined symbol. That is, the time saving flag is set under the same conditions as those under which the probability variable flag is set in the CR machine.

For example, when a game control program for a CR machine is used for a game control program for a cash machine, C
If the cash machine does not need the status check at the place where the machine R was necessary, at the corresponding part of the game control program, a portion for calling the state check process and a predetermined portion reflecting the calculation result in the state check process What is necessary is just to delete the part which determines the value of the register.

Further, for example, between the game control program of the CR machine and the game control program of the cash machine, the side for calling the state check program does not need to change the processing for judging the check result. For example, FIG.
2, the processing shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 can be used without any change. This is because the check result is output via the register in the state check processing, so that the side that calls the state check program may check the same register in any game control program.

In the above-described embodiment, the state check processing for determining whether or not the game is in the high probability state is described as an example of the state check processing for checking the game state. However, the state check processing is performed in the high probability state. However, the present invention is not limited to the state check processing for determining whether or not. If there are other status checks that are executed everywhere in the game control program, modularizing such status checks makes it easier to divert the game control program to other models.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment mainly has a predetermined game value when a stop symbol of a special symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 based on a winning start is a predetermined symbol combination. Is a first-class pachinko gaming machine that can be awarded to a player, but a predetermined gaming value can be awarded to a player if there is a prize in a predetermined area of an electric accessory that opens based on a winning start. A predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize to a predetermined pachinko gaming machine or a predetermined electric accessory which is opened when a stop symbol of a symbol variably displayed based on a winning prize becomes a predetermined symbol combination. The present invention may be applied to a third-type pachinko game machine, and further to a video game machine.

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. For example, the present invention can be applied to a process of checking whether or not a slot machine is in a state where a big bonus or the like may occur.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a front door of an example of the slot machine as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 25, in the slot machine 500, a game panel 501 is detachably attached near the center. Also, the game panel 501
A variable display area 502 in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed is provided near the center of. Variable display area 502
Bet lamp 503, two bet lamp 5
04 and three betting lamps 505 are provided. On the right side of the variable display area 502, a game over lamp 506, a replay lamp 507, a weight lamp 5
08, a start lamp 509 and a medal insertion instruction lamp 510 are provided.

Below the variable display area 502 are provided a 7-segment LED credit display 511, a 7-segment LED game count display 512, and a 7-segment LED payout display 513. In this embodiment, the variable display area 502 includes
There are three symbol display areas, "left", "middle", and "right", and symbol display reels 514a, 514b, 514c are provided corresponding to the respective symbol display areas.

An operation table 520 provided with various input switches for the player to perform various operations is provided below the game panel 501. Operation table 5
BET switch 521 for betting (betting) coins one by one on the back side of 20, and BET coins by the maximum number (for example, three) that can be bet in one game
A MAXBET switch 522, a settlement switch 523, and a coin insertion slot 524 are provided.
The coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 524 is detected by an inserted coin sensor (not shown). In this example,
Each time a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 524, the numerical value displayed on the credit indicator 511 is increased by one, for example, up to 50 coins. Then, each time the BET switch 521 is pressed and one coin is bet, the numerical value displayed on the credit indicator 511 is reduced by one. In addition, every time the MAXBET switch 522 is pressed and three coins are bet, the numerical value displayed on the credit indicator 511 is reduced by three.

At the front side of the operation table 520, a start switch 525 and a left reel stop switch 526 are provided.
a, a middle reel stop switch 526b, a right reel stop switch 526c, and a coin jam clearing switch 527 are provided. Lamps 528a and 528b are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively. A title panel 530 that is detachably attached is provided below the operation table 520. On the title panel 530, the model name of the slot machine is drawn. A speaker 531 for outputting a sound effect or the like is provided below the title panel 530.
Further, a coin storage plate 532 is provided below the title panel 530 to store more coins than the number that can be stored internally (for example, 50).

At the upper part of the game panel 501, there is provided a panel 540 which is detachably attached. In the vicinity of the center of the panel 540, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 541 for notifying a player of a game method, a game state, and the like is provided. For example, when a winning occurs, an image in which the character performs a predetermined operation is displayed on the LCD 541 to notify the player that a winning flag described later is set. On the upper part of the panel 540, lamps 542, 543, and 544 for notifying various information are provided. In addition, on the left and right sides outside the panel 540, two sound effects are emitted.
Two speakers 545a and 545b are provided. Further, game effect lamps 550, 551, 552, 553 are provided around the outside of the game panel 501.

In such a slot machine, in a predetermined period after the end of the big bonus, at least one of the ones in which the probability of the replay winning becomes high, the one in which the winning small role is notified, and the probability of the small role winning becomes high, is at least one. For the process of checking the game state after the end of the big bonus, such as those that are in a control state that allows the player to stop any symbol for one reel, those that have a high probability of big bonus probability and regular bonus probability, etc. The present invention can be applied.

[0157]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game machine includes a control program that includes a branching process for executing one of a process in the special game state and a process in the normal game state. Is a process of referring to the storage contents of a state storage area for identifying whether the game state is a special game state or a normal game state, and calls a modularized state check process. Is configured to execute the branching process based on the processing result of the above, even if the storage area referred to for determining the gaming state is changed due to the program change, it is necessary to change other parts in the control program. The control program is minimized, making it easy to transfer control programs to other models and other types of the same model. As a result, the time and cost required to develop another model or another type of the same model can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the storage contents of the state storage area are reflected in another storage area different from the state storage area by the state check processing, and the branch processing is executed based on the contents of the other storage areas. Therefore, if another storage area for reflecting the storage content of the state storage area is shared, even if the state storage area is changed due to a change such as improvement of the control program, it is necessary to change the determination target in the branch processing. There is no.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the state check processing, an operation is performed using the stored contents of the state storage area and a predetermined value, and the result of the operation is reflected in another storage area. It is configured to
The state check processing can be easily configured.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the other storage area is a predetermined register, if the predetermined register is shared, even if the state storage area is changed by a change such as improvement of the control program, the state storage area is changed. There is no need to change the determination target in the branch processing.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the state check processing is configured to be called a plurality of times during the execution of the control program, the period required for development when the control program is diverted can be reduced. The effect is great. Further, the storage capacity of the entire control program used for game control can be reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, in the special game state, the variable display period from the start of the variable display until the display result is derived can be shortened as compared with the normal game state. Since the processing is configured to be executed to determine the variable display period,
Even when the area for storing whether or not the variable display period is reduced is changed, the necessity of changing other parts of the control program is minimized.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable winning ball device which can be changed between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player. The condition for deriving the display result of the variable display is satisfied, and in the special game state, the advantageous state period in which the variable winning ball device is in the first state is longer than that in the normal game state, and the branching process is variable. Since the winning ball device is configured to be executed to determine the advantageous state period in which the winning state is set to the first state, even if the state storage area is changed due to a change such as improvement of the control program, other control programs are executed. The need to change the part is minimized.

According to the invention of claim 8, in the special game state, the probability that the display result is in the predetermined mode is higher than that in the normal game mode, and the branching process determines whether the display result is in the predetermined mode. In the process of determining whether or not to make a predetermined mode with a high probability, it is configured to be performed to determine whether or not to make a high probability determination, so that the gaming state is a high probability Even when the area in which the state or the low-probability state is stored is changed by a change such as improvement of the control program, the necessity of changing other parts of the control program is minimized.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the branch processing is configured to be executed to externally output information capable of identifying whether the game state is the special game state or the normal game state. Therefore, even if the area in which the special game state or the normal game state is stored is changed by a change such as improvement of the control program, the necessity of changing other parts of the control program is minimized. Can be stopped.

[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 block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a game control board (main board).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in a symbol control board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a start-up switch passing confirmation process.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a special symbol normal process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a special symbol big hit determination process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a variation reduction determination process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a state check process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a stop symbol setting process.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method of assigning a variation pattern.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a variation pattern setting process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process.

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

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol processing process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol hit determination process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a normal symbol stop process.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a display control command.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an information output process.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a big hit information buffer.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the slot machine as viewed from the front.

[Description of Signs] 9 Variable display unit 10 Normal symbol display 31 Game control board (main board) 56 CPU 80 Symbol control board 101 Display control CPU

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A microcomputer for executing a control program for controlling the progress of a game, wherein a predetermined game value can be given to a player on condition that a result of the game is in a predetermined mode. In a gaming machine that can be controlled to a special game state in which the result of the game is likely to be in the predetermined mode, and a normal game state in which the predetermined mode is less likely to be in the predetermined mode as compared to the special game state, And a branch process for executing one of the process in the special game state and the process in the normal game state, wherein the microcomputer determines whether the game state is the special game state or the normal game state. This is a process of referring to the storage contents of the status storage area for identifying whether there is any, and when calling a modularized status check process Moni, game machine and executes the branching process based on the processing results of the status check processing. 2. The state check processing reflects the storage contents of the state storage area in another storage area different from the state storage area, and executes a branching process based on the contents of the other storage area. The gaming machine described. 3. The state checking process according to claim 2, wherein the operation is performed using the storage contents of the state storage area and a predetermined value, and the result of the operation is reflected in another storage area. Gaming machine. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the other storage area is a predetermined register. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the status check process is called a plurality of times during execution of the control program. 6. A variable display device capable of changing a display state, wherein a predetermined game value is provided to a player on condition that a display result after starting variable display on the variable display device is in a predetermined mode. In the special gaming state, it is possible to shorten the variable display period from the start of the variable display until the display result is derived, as compared with the normal gaming state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a branching process is performed to determine the variable display period. 7. A variable display device capable of changing a display state, wherein a predetermined game value is provided to a player on condition that a display result after starting variable display on the variable display device is in a predetermined mode. A gaming machine capable of being provided, comprising: a variable winning prize ball device capable of changing between a first state advantageous to a player and a second state unfavorable to the player; A condition for deriving the display result of the variable display is established by winning, and in the special gaming state, the advantageous state period in which the variable winning ball device is in the first state is compared with the normal gaming state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the branching process is performed to determine an advantageous state period in which the variable winning ball device is in the first state. 8. A variable display device whose display state can be changed, wherein a predetermined game value is provided to the player on condition that a display result after starting variable display on the variable display device is in a predetermined mode. In the special gaming state, the probability that the display result is in the predetermined mode is higher than that in the normal gaming state, and the branching process displays the display result in the special gaming state. 8. A process for determining whether or not to perform the predetermined mode is executed to determine whether or not to perform a high-probability-time determination for determining to perform the predetermined mode with a high probability. The gaming machine described. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the branching process is executed to externally output information that can identify whether the gaming state is a special gaming state or a normal gaming state.