JP2003000825A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving the amusement of game production by a light emitting means and easily adjusting the way of game production by the light emitting means. SOLUTION: A lamp control means controls a lamp/LED provided at a game machine by outputting a driving signal to the lamp/LED. In the case, the means performs brightness variation control of varying brightness by every step period of 14 ms by varying the on-period and the off-period of the driving signal output. Brightness variation control is performed by referring to a driving signal pattern table data corresponding to the on-period and off-period of the driving signal output based on the brightness of respective steps stored thereon.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine or the like in which a player plays a predetermined game and can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player in accordance with the establishment of a specific condition in the game. Regarding the machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are provided. There are things that are paid out to the player.
Furthermore, a variable display device whose display state can be changed is provided, and variable display is performed on the variable display device based on satisfaction of a condition such as winning of a game ball to a starting opening (start winning), and a display result of the variable display device is displayed. Some are configured to give a predetermined game value to a player when a predetermined specific display mode is achieved.

The gaming value means that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who easily wins a hit ball, or is advantageous for the player. To generate the right to pay for the prize, and to make it easier for the conditions for paying out prize balls to be met.

In a pachinko gaming machine, it is usually called a "big hit" that a display result of a variable display device that variably displays identification information is a combination of predetermined specific display modes. The identification information is, for example, a design, and a description (also referred to as a special design) will be described below as an example of the identification information. The variable display means that the display state of the variable display device changes, and is also referred to as fluctuation. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win is entered. Then, in each opening period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning holes are won, the winning holes are closed. The number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and the special winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number. If the predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied when the special winning opening is closed, the jackpot gaming state ends.

Further, the symbols other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) as the variable display result which is finally stopped and displayed on the variable display device, continues for a predetermined time, and is in a specific display mode. In the state of stopping, swinging, scaling or deforming in a state that coincides with, or a plurality of symbols fluctuating in synchronization with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is swapped, the final result The effect performed in a state in which the possibility of a big hit continues before is displayed (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is called reach production. A variable display including a reach effect is called a reach variable display. By changing the variation pattern in the reach state from the variation pattern in the normal state, the interest of the game is enhanced. When the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the variably display device does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, the result is “out”, and the variably display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

The gaming machine is provided with a large number of lamps, LEDs, and other light emitters. Among these light emitters, the gaming state at that time (for example, reach state, jackpot gaming state, jackpot) is provided. Light emitting body (light emitting means) for notifying the player of a high probability state that the probability of occurrence is improving)
Alternatively, there is a light emitting body for notifying the player of the result of variable display of the identification information (result of variation of the pattern) and the reach state. By causing these light emitters to emit light or blink, it is possible to realize a game effect of notifying the game state or giving a notice.

[0007]

However, there is a problem in that the game effect by making the light-emitting body emit light or blinking becomes monotonous and is easily tired of the player. In other words, it is monotonous to notify the change in the game state by changing the light-emitting body from the light-off state to the light-on state. Even if the light-emitting body is changed from the light-off state to the blinking state, an effective game effect is provided. It is hard to say that

Therefore, according to the present invention, the game effect by the light emitting means provided in the gaming machine can be made more interesting, and the way of the game effect by the light emitting means can be easily adjusted. An object is to provide a game machine.

[0009]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A game machine in which a player plays a predetermined game and can be controlled to a specific game state (eg, big hit game state) advantageous to the player in response to the establishment of a particular condition in the game (eg, establishment of a big hit occurrence condition) , Light emitting means provided in the gaming machine (game state lamp 28d, lower lamp 28e, etc.)
Light emission control means (lamp control CPU 351 or the like) for controlling the light emission means by outputting a drive signal to the light emission means.
And the light emission control means changes at least one of the drive signal output ON period and OFF period to emit at least one light emitting device (for example, the gaming state lamp 28d or the lower lamp 2).
8e) includes a brightness change control means for performing brightness change control for changing the brightness in a plurality of steps (for example, a portion of the lamp control means for executing lighting start / extinguishing start processing), and the brightness change control means has a plurality of steps. The lightness change control is performed by referring to the drive signal pattern table in which data corresponding to the ON period or the OFF period of the drive signal output corresponding to the brightness of the stage is stored.

The light emission control means has a predetermined period (for example, 2 ms)
It may be configured such that a predetermined control (for example, a game control) is repeatedly executed every time, and the minimum value of the ON period or the OFF period of the drive signal output is set to the predetermined period.

The light emission control means, for example, controls the lightness change of the light emission means in a predetermined game state (for example, a specific game state or a special game state).

The light emission control means causes the light emission means to give a notice that a predetermined game state (for example, a reach state or a big hit game state) is brought about by a change in brightness.

The light emission control means can execute a plurality of types of lightness change control in which the lightness change mode of the light emitting means is different, and the expectation level of the advance notice that a predetermined game state will be set differs depending on the kind of lightness change control. It may be configured to.

Light emitting means (for example, a gaming state lamp 28d) whose brightness is controlled to change in a predetermined game state and light emitting means (for example, a lower lamp 28e) for notifying that a predetermined game state is brought about by the brightness change control are provided. It may be.

In the drive signal pattern table, at least one of the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output for each predetermined divided period (the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output do not change in that period in the brightness change control). Data indicating either one is stored.

It is preferable that the light emission control means repeatedly and continuously output the drive signal based on the data stored in the drive signal pattern table in the predetermined divided period.

As data indicating at least one of the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output stored in the drive signal pattern table, data corresponding to a period of a predetermined divided period or more is stored. It may be configured to.

A variable display device (for example, the variable display device 9) whose display state can be changed is provided, and the light emitting means which is the subject of the brightness change control is provided on the decorative member for decorating the outside of the display area of the variable display device. May be.

A variable winning device (for example, a variable winning ball device 2) that can be changed into an advantageous condition and a disadvantageous condition for the player.
The variable winning device may be provided with the light emitting means which is provided with 4) and which is the subject of the brightness change control.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a type 1 pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as seen from the front, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front surface of the gaming board.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is composed of an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame mounted inside the outer frame so as to be openable and closable. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped glass door frame 2 that is provided in the game frame so as to be openable and closable. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanical parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding a game board described later). It is a structure including and.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is
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 plate (upper plate) 3. At the lower part of the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 4 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hit ball are provided. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-shaped body that constitutes the game board 6 and various parts attached to the plate-shaped body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display device (special variable display portion) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions for variably displaying special symbols is provided. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display parts (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. A start winning opening 14 is provided below the variable display device 9. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning opening 14 is guided to the rear surface of the game board 6 and detected by the starting opening switch 14a. Also, a variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes at the bottom of the starting winning opening 14.
Is provided. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

A variable winning ball device 24 is provided below the variable winning ball device 15, and the variable winning ball device 24 has an opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). It is provided. The opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that has entered one (V winning area) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the V winning switch 22,
The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. On the back surface of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route inside the special winning opening is also provided. In addition, at the bottom of the variable display device 4, four L's for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of starting memories.
A special symbol starting memory display device (hereinafter, referred to as starting memory display device) 18 by ED is provided. Each time there is an effective start prize, the start memory indicator 18 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is reduced by 1.

When a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, a predetermined random number value is extracted unless the normal symbol starting memory has reached the upper limit. And
Normally, if the variable display in which the display state changes in the symbol display 10 can be started, the variable display of the display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. Normally, if the variable display whose display state changes in the symbol display 10 cannot be started, the value of the normal symbol starting memory is incremented by 1. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 10, there is provided a normal symbol starting memory display device 41 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the normal symbol starting memory number. Each time there is a prize in the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display of the normal symbol display device 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is reduced by 1. The special symbol and the ordinary symbol can be variably displayed on one variable display device.

In this embodiment, the variable display is performed by alternately illuminating the left and right lamps (the pattern becomes visible when illuminated), and the variable display is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 2
9 seconds) Continue. Then, if the left lamp is lit at the end of the variable display, it is a win. Whether or not to win is determined by whether or not the value of the random number extracted when the game ball wins the gate 32 matches a predetermined hit determination value. When the display result of the variable display on the normal symbol display device 10 is a hit, the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time, and the game ball is in a state where it is easy to win. In other words, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 changes from a disadvantageous state to an advantageous state for the player when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol.

Furthermore, in the probability changing state, the normal symbol display 1
The probability that the stop symbol at 0 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and one or both of the opening time and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, which is more advantageous for the player. In addition, in a certain state such as the probability change state,
Variable display period (variation time) on the normal symbol display 10
May be further shortened to give a further advantage to the player.

The game board 6 has a plurality of winning openings 29, 30,
33, 39 are provided, and the winning openings 29, 30, 3 for gaming balls
The prizes for 3 are prize winning opening switches 29a, 30 respectively.
a, 33a, 39a. Around the left and right of the game area 7, decoration lamps 25 that are displayed blinking during the game
Is provided, and at the lower part, there is an outlet 26 for absorbing hit balls that have not been won. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit a sound effect are provided on the upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7. Further, a decoration LED is provided around each structure (variable display device 9, variable winning ball device 24, etc.) in the game area 7.
(Not shown) is installed.

In this example, the prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when there is a remaining prize ball number near the left frame lamp 28b.
Is provided, and a ball-out lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball runs out is provided near the top frame lamp 28a.
A gaming state lamp 28d is provided on the front side of the periphery of the two speakers 27, and lower lamps 28e used for advance notice are provided on the left and right sides of the variable winning ball device 24. The decorative lamp 25, the ceiling lamp 28a,
The left and right frame lamps 28b and 28c, the game state lamp 28d, and the lower lamp 28e may each be composed of a plurality of light emitting bodies. In addition, game state lamp 2
The decoration lamp 2 is not limited to the 8d and the lower lamp 28e.
5, top frame lamp 28a and left and right frame lamps 28b, 28
You may make it notify a game state using some or all of c. In that case, for example, notifying the gaming state by using a part also means that a part of the plurality of light-emitting bodies forming the lamp may be used.

Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card. The card unit 50 has a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether the card unit 50 is in an usable state, a connecting stand direction indicator 153 indicating which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 the card unit 50 corresponds to, a card Unit 50
Check the card insertion indicator lamp 154 indicating that a card has been inserted into the card, the card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and the mechanism of the card reader / writer provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot 155. A card unit lock 156 for releasing the card unit 50 in the case of performing is provided.

The game ball shot from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descends from the game area 7. When the ball hits the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the symbol can be started, the variable display device 9 starts the variable display (variation) of the special symbol. If it is not in a state where variable display of symbols can be started, the number of starting memories is increased by 1.

The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of special symbols at the time of stop is a big hit symbol (specific display mode), the big hit game state is entered. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 provided at substantially the center of the variable winning ball device 24,
Until a certain time elapses, or a predetermined number (for example, 10
Open until the individual ball hits. And the opening and closing plate 2
When a hit ball enters the V winning area and is detected by the V winning switch 22 while 0 is opened, the continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The continuation right is generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 1
5 rounds) Allowed.

A combination of special symbols in the variable display device 9 at the time of stop is a big hit symbol with a probability variation (probability variation symbol)
In the case of the combination of, the probability of the next big hit is high. That is, the state of probability change is more advantageous for the player.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine viewed from the back side.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a ball storage tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate provided in the outer frame 2A, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. In this state, the game balls are supplied to the ball storage tank 38 from above. The game ball in the ball storage tank 38,
It passes through the guide gutter 39 to reach the ball payout device covered with the 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 device 9, and a game control board (main board) 31 on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted are installed. . Further, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing a ball payout control is mounted, and a hitting ball launching device for launching a hitting ball to the game area 7 by utilizing the rotational force of a motor are installed. Furthermore, the starting memory indicator 18, the normal symbol starting memory indicator 41, the decorative lamp 2 provided on the game board 6
5, lower lamp 28e, decorative LED, start memory display 1
8 and a start memory display 41, a lamp control board 35 for sending a signal, a sound control board 70 for controlling the sound generation from the speaker 27, and a firing control board 91 for controlling the hitting ball launching device are also provided. There is.

DC30V, DC21V, DC12
A power supply board 910 on which a power supply circuit for generating V and DC5V is mounted is provided, and a terminal board 16 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is provided above.
0 is set. On the terminal board 160, at least a ball breaking terminal for introducing the output of the ball breaking detection switch for external output, a prize ball terminal for outputting a prize ball number signal to the outside, and a predetermined number of ball lending units. A ball lending terminal for outputting the generated ball lending signal to the outside is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the center, an information terminal board 34 provided with each terminal for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed.

Furthermore, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28 provided on the frame side (main body side).
Frame side lamp board 35B for sending signals to c, game state lamp 28d, prize ball lamp 51 and ball out lamp 52
Is also provided.

Further, the memory contents holding means (for example, the variable data memory means, that is, the backup RAM, which can hold the contents even when the power supply is stopped) included in each board (main board 31, payout control board 37, etc.) is stored. A switch board 190 on which a clear switch 921 is mounted as an operation unit for clearing the backup data is provided. On the switch board 190, the clear switch 9
21 and a connector 922 connected to another substrate such as the main substrate 31.

The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide gutter 39 and reach the ball payout device covered with the prize ball case 40A. At the upper part of the ball payout device, a ball break switch 187 is provided as a game medium cut detection means. When the out-of-ball switch 187 detects out-of-ball, the payout operation of the ball payout device is stopped. The out-of-ball switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the out-of-ball detection switch for detecting the shortage of the supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion (in the storage tank 38) in the guide trough 39. It is provided in the adjacent portion). When the out-of-ball detection switch detects a shortage of game balls, the supply mechanism provided on the game machine installation island supplies game balls to the game machine.

When a large number of game balls as prizes based on prizes and game balls based on ball lending requests are paid out, the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and further game balls are paid out, the game balls are placed on the surplus ball receiving tray 4. Be guided. When the game balls are further paid out, the full tank switch 48 (not shown in FIG. 3)
Turns on. In that state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device is stopped, and the driving of the launching device is also stopped.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. Note that FIG. 5 also shows the payout control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the firing control board 91, and the symbol control board 80.
On the main board 31, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the program
Control circuit 53, a gate switch 32a, a starting opening switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23, winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a,
39a, full tank switch 48, out of ball switch 187,
Prize ball count switch 301A and clear switch 9
Switch circuit 5 for giving the signal from 21 to the basic circuit 53
8 and a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15,
A solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20 and a solenoid circuit 59 for driving a solenoid 21A for switching the path in the special winning opening according to a command from the basic circuit 53 are mounted.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 through the switch circuit 58. Further, the gate switch 32a, the starting port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a,
39a, full tank switch 48, out of ball switch 187,
Switches such as the prize ball count switch 301A may be called a sensor. That is, a game medium detecting means capable of detecting a game ball (a game ball detecting means in this example)
If so, the name does not matter.

Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the big hit information indicating the occurrence of the big hit, the effective starting information indicating the number of the starting winning balls used to start the variable display of the symbols on the variable display device 9, and the probability variation An information output circuit 64 that outputs an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating that it has occurred to an external device such as a hall computer is mounted.

The basic circuit 53 is a ROM 54 for storing a program for controlling a game, and R as a storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory.
AM55, CPU56 as a control microcomputer for controlling the operation of the gaming machine according to the program
And an I / O port section 57. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. Note that the 1-chip microcomputer only needs to have at least the RAM 55 built therein, and
The OM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be external or built-in.

Further, a part or all of the RAM (which may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a backup RAM backed up by a backup power supply created in the power supply board 910. In other words, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the RAM remains for a predetermined period.
The contents of part or all of 55 are saved.

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 hitting ball launching device for hitting and launching a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launching control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 controls the ball to be fired at a speed according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

In this embodiment, the lamp control board 35 is used.
The lamp control means mounted on the game board 6 is provided with a starting memory indicator 18, a normal symbol starting memory indicator 41, a decorative lamp 25, a lower lamp 28e and a decorative L.
Display control of the ED is performed, and a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28 provided on the frame side are provided.
c, the gaming state lamp 28d, the prize ball lamp 51, and the out-of-ball lamp 52 are displayed. Each lamp is LE
D Other types of light emitters may be used, and the LEDs used in this embodiment may be other types of light emitters. That is, the lamp or the LED is an example of a light emitting body (light emitting means). Further, the display control of the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol and the normal symbol display 10 that variably displays the ordinary symbol is performed by the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

FIG. 5 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) 82 which is an example of realizing the variable display device 9, an ordinary symbol display device 10, an output port of the main substrate 31 (port 0). , 2) 570 and 572 and output buffer circuits 620 and 62A.
8-bit data is output from the output port (output port 2) 572, and a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal) is output from the output port 570.

The display control CPU 101 controls the control data R
It operates according to the program stored in the OM 102, and when the INT signal is input from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B, the display control command is received via the input buffer circuit 105A. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, general-purpose ICs 74HC540 and 74HC14 can be used. If 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.

Then, the display control CPU 101 controls the display of the screen displayed on the LCD 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, the VDP 103 is given a command according to the display control command. VDP103
Reads out the necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 displays the LCD 8 according to the input data.
Image data to be displayed on the LCD 2 is generated, and R, G, B signals and synchronizing signals are output to the LCD 82.

FIG. 5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillating circuit 85 for supplying an operating 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 including characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the LCD 82.

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

The outputs of the output ports 570 and 572 may be directly output to the symbol control board 80, but output buffer circuits 620 and 62A capable of transmitting signals only in one direction.
By providing the main board 31 to the pattern control board 8
One-way signal transmission to 0 can be made more reliable. That is, the output buffer circuits 620 and 62A form an irreversible information output unit together with the output ports. The irreversible information output means surely prevents an illegal signal from being input to the symbol control board 80 through the signal transmission line.

Further, as the noise filter 107 for blocking high frequency signals, for example, a three-terminal capacitor or ferrite beads is used. Even if the presence of the noise filter 107 causes noise to occur between the substrates in the display control command, the noise will occur. The effect is eliminated. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 62A of the main board 31.

FIG. 6 shows the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a signal transmitting / receiving portion of the frame side lamp board 35B. In this embodiment, the game board 6
Turning on / off the decorative lamp 25, the lower lamp 28e, and the decorative LED (not shown) provided in the, and the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the gaming state provided on the frame side. Lamp 28d, prize ball lamp 5
1 and a lamp control command indicating turning on / off of the out-of-bulb lamp 52 are output from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35. Further, a lamp control command indicating the number of lighting of the starting memory display 18 and the normal symbol starting memory display 41 is also output from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lamp control commands relating to the lamp control are output ports (output ports 0, 3) 570, 5 of the I / O port section 57 in the basic circuit 53.
It is output from 73. Output port (output port 3) 57
3 outputs 8-bit data (control signal), and the output port 570 outputs 1-bit INT signal. In the lamp control board 35, the lamp control command from the main board 31 is input to the lamp control CPU 351 via the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B. If the lamp control CPU 351 does not have an internal I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B and the lamp control CPU 351.

In the main board 31, the output port 5
Buffer circuits 620 and 63A are provided outside the 70 and 573. The buffer circuits 620 and 63A are, for example, 74HC250 and 7 that are general-purpose CMOS-ICs.
4HC14 is used. According to such a configuration, a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, so that a signal line that may give a signal from the lamp control board 70 to the main board 31 is further reliably eliminated. be able to. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 63A.

In the lamp control board 35, the lamp control CPU 351 has the decoration lamp 25, the lower lamp 28e, and the ceiling frame lamp 2 defined according to each control command.
8a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the gaming state lamp 28d, etc. are output in accordance with a lighting / extinguishing pattern of these lamps. The drive signals for the decorative lamp 25 and the lower lamp 28e provided on the game board 6 are output to those lamps via the output driver circuit 356 mounted on the lamp control board 35. The output driver circuit 356 includes a transistor or the like that amplifies a drive signal for each lamp. Also, the top frame lamp 60 provided on the frame side
The drive signals for a, the left frame lamp 60b, the right frame lamp 60c, and the gaming state lamp 28d are output from the single program control board 35 to the frame side lamp board 35B. It should be noted that the lighting / extinguishing pattern is the lamp control CPU 351.
It is stored in the built-in ROM or the external ROM.

Therefore, the lamp control means is realized by the CPU 351 for lamp control, the ROM storing the program and the lighting / extinguishing pattern, and the like. The lamp control means controls the light emitting bodies provided on the game board 6 and the frame side, and realizes the light emission control means.

A frame side output driver circuit 357 is mounted on the frame side lamp board 35B. The frame side output driver circuit 357 amplifies the drive signals for the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c and the gaming state lamp 28d, and outputs the drive signals to these lamps. Therefore, the frame side output driver circuit 357, the frame side output driver circuit 357, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c and the gaming state lamp 28d.
And an amplifying element such as an amplifying transistor for amplifying each drive signal for the.

On the main board 31, the CPU 56 controls the RA
When there is an unpaid award ball remaining number in the memory content of M55, a lamp control command for instructing lighting of the award ball lamp 51 is output, and a ball out installed on the upstream side of the payout ball passage on the back of the game board. When the switch 187 no longer detects a game ball, it outputs a lamp control command for instructing the lighting of the out-of-ball lamp 52. In the lamp control board 35, each lamp control command is input to the input buffer circuits 355A and 355.
Input to the lamp control CPU 351 via B. The lamp control CPU 351 outputs a signal indicating turning on / off of the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 to the frame side lamp board 35B in response to the lamp control commands. The lighting / extinguishing pattern is based on the lamp control CPU.
It is stored in the built-in ROM of 351 or the external ROM.

The frame-side output driver circuit 357 mounted on the frame-side lamp board 35B amplifies signals indicating whether the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 are on or off, and outputs the signals to those lamps. . Therefore, the frame side output driver circuit 357 includes an amplifying element such as an amplifying transistor for amplifying the respective signals to the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52.

Further, the lamp control CPU 351 outputs a lighting / extinguishing signal to the starting memory indicator 18 and the normal symbol starting memory indicator 41 in response to the lamp control command. The ON / OFF signal for the starting memory indicator 18 and the normal symbol starting memory indicator 41 is the lamp control board 3
Amplified by the output driver circuit 356 mounted in 5, is output to the starting memory display 18 and the normal symbol starting memory display 41. Therefore, the transistors and the like included in the output driver circuit 356 also amplify the signals to the start memory indicator 18 and the start memory indicator 41.

In this embodiment, the light emitters provided on the frame side (in this example, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the game state lamp 28d, the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp). The drive signal indicating whether to turn on / off the lamp 52) is a frame as an output means mounted on a frame side lamp board 35B different from the lamp control board 35 on which the lamp control means as an electric part control means is mounted. It is output from the side output driver circuit 357. The frame-side lamp board 35B is attached not to the game board 6 but to the frame side. Therefore, the cost of the game board 6 can be reduced. The control for turning on or off the light emitters provided on the game board 6 and the light emitters provided on the frame side is both performed by the lamp control CPU 351 mounted on the lamp control board 35. ing.

The decorative lamp 25 and the lower lamp 28
e, the starting memory indicator 18 and the normal symbol starting memory indicator 41, and the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the gaming state lamp 28d, the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52, respectively. It is generally mounted on a board. Therefore, the lamp control board 35
From the output driver circuit 356 in FIG.
5, the lower lamp 28e, the starting memory indicator 18 and the normal symbol starting memory indicator 41 are mounted on each board with a signal line. Also, from the output driver circuit 357 on the frame side lamp board 35B, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the game state lamp 28.
d, signal lines are wired on the respective boards on which the award ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 are mounted.

Further, in this embodiment, the frame side lamp board 35B is installed separately from the lamp control board 35, but the frame side lamp board 35B is not provided and the function of the frame side output driver circuit 357 is controlled by the lamp. It may be mounted on the substrate 37.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 7
Is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When the power of the gaming machine is turned on and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts the main processing after step S1 according to the program stored in the ROM 55. In the main process, the CPU 56 first makes necessary initial settings.

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

CPU 56 used in this embodiment
Also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC).

CPU 5 used in this embodiment
6 has three types of maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

The interrupt mode 2 of the three types is the CPU 5
In this mode, the address composed of the value (1 byte) of the 6 specific register (I register) and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device indicates the interrupt address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, the interrupt processing can be installed at an arbitrary (although discrete) even address. Each built-in device has a function of transmitting an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request. In step S2 of the initial setting process, the CPU 56 is set to the interrupt mode 2.

Next, the CPU 56 confirms the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port 1 only once (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S1).
5). When the clear switch 921 is on (when pressed), a low level clear switch signal is output.

If the clear switch 921 is not in the ON state, the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) is performed when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not (step S8). In this embodiment, when the power supply is stopped, a process for protecting the data in the backup RAM area is performed. When such a protection process is performed, backup is made. When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing.

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 during the power supply stop process. In this example, for example, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is backup (on state), and if a value other than "55H" is set, there is no backup (off state). .

After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 5
6 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S9). In the power supply stop processing executed when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a checksum is calculated, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. Backup RAM in case of recovery after power supply interruption such as unexpected power failure
Since the data in the area should have been saved, the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply was stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply was stopped, the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is restored from the stop, is executed.

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs a game state recovery 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 when the power supply was stopped (step S10). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the backup RAM area is set in the PC and the address is restored. In the game state recovery process, the PC is restored to the state before the power supply was stopped, and various data (for example, a counter for generating each random number) is stored in the backup RAM. If the power supply is restored within a predetermined time (data retention period of the backup RAM) after the stop of
The count value of the counter for generating the determination random number, the display random number, and the initial value random number, which will be described later, is continued from the state before the power supply was stopped.

In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first executes R
AM clear processing is performed (step S11). Further, a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer,
Special symbol process flag, payout command storage pointer,
Work area setting processing for setting an initial value to a prize ball flag, out-of-ball flag, payout stop flag, or other flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S1).
2). Further, a process of transmitting a payout permission state designation command instructing that the payout from the ball payout device 97 is possible to the payout control board 37 (step S1).
3). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the other sub-boards (lamp control board 35, sound control board 70, symbol control board 80) to each sub-board is executed (step S14). As the initialization command, a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (with respect to the symbol control board 80) and a command instructing to turn off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 (lamp control board 35).
For example)

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that a timer interrupt is taken every 2 ms (step S15). That is,
A value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register).

Execution of initialization processing (steps S11 to S1)
When 5) is completed, the display random number updating process (step S17) and the initial value random number updating process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16), and when the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are completed, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). When the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are executed, the interrupts are disabled, so that a 2 ms timer interrupt described below occurs while these random number updating processes are being executed. The random number update process is executed in the process, and it is possible to prevent the count value from being inconsistent.

The display random number is a random number or the like for determining the symbol displayed on the variable display device 9. The display random number updating process updates the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. It is a process to do. The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random numbers. The initial value random number is a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter)
It is a random number for determining the initial value (the value after the value is returned beyond the maximum value) of the count value such as.

When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56
After performing the register save process (step S20), the game control process of steps S21 to S32 shown in FIG. 8 is executed. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs the detection signals of the switches such as the gate switch 32a, the starting opening switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a via the switch circuit 58, Those states are determined (switch processing: step S21).

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

Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is performed (step S23).
The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number and the initial value random number (steps S24 and S25).

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Decide whether to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment = special symbol judgment) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For out-of-right symbol determination (special symbol left and right middle) (3) Random 3: Determine the combination of symbols at the time of big hit (for big hit symbols) (4) Random 4: Determine the variation pattern of symbols in the variable display device 9 (for determination of variation patterns) (5)
Random 5: Determine the initial value of Random 1 (for determining the initial value of Random 1)

In step S23, the CPU 56
The count-up (1 addition) of the counter for generating the big hit determination random number of (1) and the big hit symbol random number of (3) is performed. That is, those are the judgment random numbers, and the other random numbers are the display random numbers or the initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to enhance the game effect, the above (1)-
Random numbers such as random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the random number of (5) are also used.

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

Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting the display control command in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the display control command (command control process: step S
28).

Further, the CPU 56 carries out an information output process for outputting data such as big hit information, starting information and probability variation information supplied to the hall computer (step S30).

Further, the CPU 56 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit 59 when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S31). In order to open or close the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20 or to switch the game ball passage in the special winning opening, the solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21, 21A according to the drive command. To do.

Then, the CPU 56 causes the winning opening switch 2
A prize ball process is performed for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of 9a, 30a, 33a and 39a (step S32). Specifically, the winning opening switches 29a, 30
The payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on the turning on of a, 33a, and 39a. The payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls. afterwards,
The contents of the register are restored (step S33), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S34).

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

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an example of the left and right middle symbols variably displayed on the variable display device 9. In this example, there are 12 symbols as the left and right middle symbols, and each 12 symbols correspond to the symbol numbers 1 to 12. Further, in this example, the symbols of the symbol numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 9 are probability variation symbols. The probability variation symbol is a symbol that causes a high probability state.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for special symbol process processing executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 11 is a specific process of step S26 in the flowchart of FIG. CPU56, when performing the special symbol process process, after performing the variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) and the start opening switch passage confirmation process (step S311), according to the internal state (special symbol process flag in this example) Then, any one of steps S300 to S309 is performed.

The fluctuation shortening timer subtraction processing is a processing of subtracting the fluctuation shortening timers provided in a number corresponding to the maximum storable number in the starting memory (memory that the starting port switch 14a is turned on). Then, in a special symbol big hit determination process (step S301) described later, for example, the value of the fluctuation reduction timer is 0, and in a low probability state (normal state), the starting memory number is the maximum value of the starting memory, the probability change In the state, if the number of starting memories is "2" or more, it is determined to use a pattern in which the variation time is shortened as the symbol variation pattern. The starting port switch passage confirmation process is a process of acquiring and storing each predetermined random number value when the starting port switch 14a is turned on.

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

Special symbol normal processing (step S300):
Check the starting memory number, if the starting memory number is not 0, change the value of the special symbol process flag so as to move to step S301.

Special symbol big hit determination processing (step S30
1): The contents of a buffer or the like that stores various random numbers stored when a start winning is won are shifted. The result of the shift,
Based on the contents of the buffer pushed out, it is determined whether or not to be a big hit. In addition, the buffer is prepared by the maximum number of memorable start winnings. Also, the contents of the buffer pushed out by the shift are contents corresponding to the starting winning that occurred first. When it is decided to make a big hit, a big hit flag is set. afterwards,
The value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S302.

Stop symbol setting process (step S302):
The stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols which is the display result of the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to move to step S303.

Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S30
3): A variable display pattern of the special symbol, that is, a variable display pattern (variation pattern) is determined. Then, a process for outputting a display control command for notifying the determined variation pattern and the stop symbol to the symbol control board 80 and the like is performed. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S304.

Special symbol variation process (step S304):
It is confirmed whether or not the fluctuation time determined according to the fluctuation pattern has elapsed. If it has elapsed, 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) has passed,
If it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to move to step S306. If not, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S300.

Pre-opening processing for the special winning opening (step S30
6): Start the control for opening the special winning opening. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 54 is driven to open the special winning opening. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to move to step S307.

Processing during the opening of the special winning opening (step S30
7): The process of confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening is performed. If the conditions for closing the special winning opening are met, 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 passage of the V winning switch 22 is monitored, and the processing for confirming the establishment of the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is performed. The condition for continuing the jackpot gaming state is established, and if there are still remaining rounds, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to move to step S307. Further, if the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or if all rounds are finished, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309): The lamp control means or the like is controlled so as to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is changed so as to shift to step S300.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the starting opening switch passage confirmation processing (step S311). When the ball hits the starting winning opening 14 provided on the game board 6, the starting opening switch 14a is turned on. CPU56
When it is determined that the starting opening switch 14a is turned on via the switch circuit 58 (step S41), it is confirmed whether the number of stored memories has reached the upper limit value (20 in this example) (step S42). If the number of starting memories has not reached the upper limit value, the number of starting memories is increased by 1 (step S4).
3) Extract the value of each random number such as the big hit determination random number. Then, they are stored in the random value storage area corresponding to the value of the starting memory number (step S44).

Further, the processing for requesting the transmission of the starting memory number designation command is performed (step S45). The start memory number designation command is a display control command or the like for notifying a new start memory number, which is transmitted to the display control means or the like mounted on the symbol control board 80, and specifically, A process of designating a command transmission table described later is performed. It should be noted that if the number of starting memories has reached the upper limit value, the process of increasing the number of starting memories is not performed.

In the special symbol process process of step S25, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the starting memory number as shown in FIG. 13 (step S51). If the number of starting memories is not 0, the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to starting memory; 1 (first starting memory) is read (step S52), and the value of the number of starting memories is decreased by 1,
At the same time, the value in each random value storage area is shifted (step S53). That is, starting memory; n (n = 2, ...,
Each value stored in the random value storage area corresponding to 4) is stored in the random value storage area corresponding to start memory: n-1. Note that the contents of the random value storage area corresponding to the number of starting memories at that time are cleared. For example, when the number of starting memory is 4, the content of the special symbol random value storage area corresponding to the starting memory; 4 is cleared.

Further, since the number of starting memories is reduced by 1, processing for requesting transmission of the number of starting memories designation command is also performed in order to notify the display controlling means of the new number of starting memories.

Then, the CPU 56 determines the hit / disappearance based on the value read in step S52, that is, the value of the extracted big hit determination random number (special symbol judgment random number) (step S54). Here, the big hit determination random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 299. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, in the normal state, for example, when the value is “3”, it is determined as “big hit”, and when it is any other value, it is determined as “out”. In the high probability state (probability change state), for example, the value is “3”,
If it is any one of "7", "79", "103", and "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "outlier".

In step S54 shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the big hit, the big hit symbol is determined according to the value of the random number for the big hit symbol (random 3) (step S).
55). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol numbers set in the jackpot symbol table corresponding to the value of Random 3 is determined as the jackpot symbol. In the big hit symbol table, symbol numbers in the left and right corresponding to each of a combination of a plurality of kinds of big hit symbols are set. Further, the random number for determining the variation pattern (random 4) is extracted, and the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the value of the random 4 (step S56).

If it is determined that the data is out of alignment, the CPU 56
Decides the stop symbol when it is not a big hit. In this embodiment, the left symbol is determined according to the value read out in step S52, that is, the value of the extracted random 2-1 (step S57). Also, random 2-2
The middle symbol is determined according to the value of (step S58). Then, the right symbol is determined according to the value of Random 2-3 (step S59). Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the middle symbol stop symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. To do.

Further, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not it is decided to reach (whether or not the left and right stop symbols are aligned) (step S60), and when it is decided to reach, it changes. The value of the random number for pattern determination (random 4) is extracted, and the variation pattern of the symbol is determined based on random 4 (step S61).

If it is not decided to reach, it is confirmed whether or not it is in the probable variation state (step S62). If it is the probability variation state, it is determined that the variation pattern is the out-of-time shortened variation pattern (step S63). If it is not the probability variation state, the variation pattern is determined to be the normal variation pattern at the time of deviation (step S64). The shortened variation pattern at the time of deviation is a variation pattern in which the variation period of the symbols in the left and right is shorter than the normal variation pattern of 4.2 seconds, for example.

As described above, it is determined whether the variation mode of the symbols based on the start winning is the reach mode or the outlier mode, and the combination of the respective stop symbols is determined. That is, as a variation mode of the special symbol, whether the reach effect is performed or not is determined and the combination of the stopped symbols is determined.

The process shown in FIG. 13 is step S30 in the special symbol process process shown in FIG.
This corresponds to the process when the processes of 1 to S303 are collectively shown. Further, in this embodiment, a big hit occurs when the stop symbols of the left and right middle symbols are aligned. Reach is reached when only the left and right symbols are available.

FIG. 15 shows control commands (a lamp control command, a sound control command, a display control command and a control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35, the payout control board 37, the sound control board 70 and the design control board 80. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the command form of a payout control command. In this embodiment, the command data of the control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte indicates MODE (command type), and the second byte indicates EXT (specific instruction content). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always "1", and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always "0". In this way, the control command transmitted to the lamp control board 35, the payout control board 37, the sound control board 70, and the symbol control board 80 is composed of a plurality of command data, and each of them can be distinguished by the leading bit. ing. The command form shown in FIG. 15 is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control command is 8
It is composed of bit control signals CD0 to CD7 (command data) and an INT signal (acquisition signal). The lamp control board 35, the payout control board 37, the sound control board 70, and the lamp control means, the payout control means, the sound control means, and the display control means mounted on the pattern control board 80 detect that the INT signal has risen. Then, the interrupt process starts the process of fetching 1-byte data.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the display control command sent to the symbol control board 80. The display control command has a 2-byte structure of MODE and EXT. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the command 8000 (H)
8031 (H) is a display control command for designating a variation pattern of the special symbol. The command for designating the variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) also serves as a variation start instruction. Also, commands 8000 (H) -8
018 (H) is used in the low probability and command 8
019 (H) to 8031 (H) are used in a high probability.

The command 88XX (H) (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a display control command relating to a variation pattern of a normal symbol. The command 89XX (H) is a display control command for designating a stop symbol of a normal symbol. The command 8AXX (H) (X = an arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a display control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the normal symbols.

Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H)
And 93XX (H) is a display control command for designating the left middle right stop symbol of the special symbol. Also, command A
0XX (H) is a display control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the special symbol. The command BXXX (H) is
It is a display control command sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game.

Commands C000 (H) to EXXX (H)
Is a display control command relating to a display state that is not related to the variation of the special symbol and the big hit game. The command D000 (H) is a display control command related to the high probability state designation, and the command D001 (H) is a display control command related to the low probability state (normal state) designation. Command D
000 (H) is output from the game control means when the big hit game state by the probability variation pattern is finished, and the command D00
1 (H) is output from the game control means at the end of the high-probability state (for example, after a predetermined number of special symbol variations or when a big hit occurs in the high-probability state).

Further, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 starts a fluctuation of the special symbol, and starts a fluctuation start command (specifically, a fluctuation pattern designation command) and left and right with respect to the symbol control board 80. The display control command indicating the fixed symbol (stop symbol) of the medium symbol is transmitted.

Then, when confirming the variation of the special symbol, that is, when stopping, a confirmation command (special symbol stop command) is sent to the symbol control board 80. Display control CP mounted on the pattern control board 80
U101 performs display control according to the variation pattern designated by the variation start command. The fluctuation start command includes information indicating the fluctuation time.

As described above, the game control means instructs the display control means to specify the variable display period (variation start) at a time related to the start of the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 9. Command) and a command that can specify the display result (a display control command that indicates the fixed symbol of the left and right middle symbols), and a command that can specify the end of the variable display at the time related to the end of the variable display (the confirm command) ) Is sent. Then, the display control means receives each command and executes control for causing the variable display device 9 to perform the variable display operation of the special symbol.

Therefore, the game control means, regarding the fluctuation of the special symbol, at the start of fluctuation the fluctuation start command and the display control command indicating the fixed symbol (stop symbol) of the left and right middle symbols are sent, and when the fluctuation is stopped, the fixed command is transmitted. Just enough. The specific display control during the change of the special symbol is performed by the display control means. Therefore, the load on the game control means relating to the variation of the special symbol is reduced.

When the display control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the above-mentioned display control command from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the display area in the variable display device 9 is according to the contents shown in FIG. Control to change.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the fluctuation pattern command and the fluctuation pattern. In FIG. 18, “EXT” indicates the EXT data of the second byte in the display control command. In this embodiment, the first-mode “MODE” data is “80 (H)” in any case. Further, “time” indicates a fluctuation time. As shown in FIG. 18, in the high probability state, the variation time of each variation pattern is shortened by 3.5 seconds.

The "normal fluctuation" is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Normal” is a variation pattern that involves the reach mode but does not cause the variation result (stop symbol) to cause a big hit. “Long” is a variation pattern similar to “normal” but a variation time is long. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “long” and “normal”. Note that different reach forms mean that different reach forms (velocity, rotation direction, etc.), characters, etc. appear in the reach change time. For example,
In “normal”, the reach mode is realized by only one type of fluctuation mode, whereas in “reach A”, the reach mode including a plurality of fluctuation modes with different fluctuation speeds and fluctuation directions is realized.

Further, "reach B" is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from "long", "normal" and "reach A". And "all rotation short",
"Full rotation long" is a variation pattern that includes a reach mode in which the left and right middle symbols vary in line.

The "preliminary notice X1" means that a predetermined character or the like gives a notice of the occurrence of a reach or a big hit while the symbol is changing. "Notice Y1" means "Notice X
"1" indicates that a reach is generated or a big hit is announced in a different manner. The "hit" indicates that a big hit occurs after the variation of the symbol ends. “Re” indicates that a so-called re-variation mode after the temporary stop appears. "high speed"
Indicates that a high speed variation mode is added. "return"
Shows that the stop symbol includes a variation mode in which the stop symbol temporarily reverses and then stops. "Premium" is
It is shown that this is a variation pattern used when a situation in which the player is surely advantageous. For example, it is a variation pattern that includes a so-called super-reach mode and that the variation ends without fail when the probability variation big hit symbol is always displayed.

"+1" indicates that the middle symbol to be stopped finally is a combination of stop symbols which are shifted by one frame in the + direction with respect to the left and right symbols. For example, the left middle right pattern is "7",
This is a case where "8" and "7" are obtained. "-1" is
It shows that the middle symbol that stops at the end is a combination of stop symbols that are shifted by one frame in the + direction with respect to the left and right symbols. For example, it is a case where the left middle right pattern becomes "7", "6", "7".

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the lamp control command sent from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35. Lamp control commands are also MODE and EX
It is a 2-byte structure of T. In the example shown in FIG. 19, commands 8000 (H) to 8031 (H) are described as lamps and LEDs (light emitters provided in the gaming machine, hereinafter, lamps / LEDs) corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol. ) Is a lamp control command that specifies a control pattern. Further, the command A0XX (H) (X = any value of 4 bits) is a lamp when stopping the variable display of the special symbol.
It is a lamp control command for instructing an LED control pattern. The command BXXX (H) is a lamp control command that instructs the control pattern of the lamp / LED from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The command C000 (H) is a lamp control command for instructing the lamp / LED control pattern during the customer waiting demonstration.

Incidentally, the command 8XXX (H), AXXX
(H), BXXX (H) and CXXX (H) are lamp control commands sent from the game control means in accordance with the game progress situation, that is, lamp control commands for informing the gaming state. When the lamp control means receives the above-mentioned lamp control command from the game control means of the main board 31, the lamp / L according to the contents shown in FIG.
Change the ED display status (lit, extinguished, and blinking).

In this embodiment, the lamp control means is
When a lamp control command for informing the gaming state is received, the gaming state lamp 28d and the lower lamp 28
Using e, lighting / extinguishing control for notifying the player of the game state or giving a notice is given. The lamp control command for instructing to notify or give a notice of the gaming state is, for example, a high-probability state designation, a normal state, or a ramp control command for a variable lamp designation accompanied by a notice.

The command E0XX is (H), a lamp control command indicating the starting memory number (special symbol starting memory number). The lamp control means turns on the number of LEDs in the start memory display 18 designated by “XX (H)”. Further, the command E1XX (H) is a lamp control command which normally indicates the number of symbols starting memory. The lamp control means is
The number of LEDs in the normal symbol starting memory display 41 designated by "XX (H)" is turned on. The lamp control command indicating the starting memory number or the normal symbol starting memory number may be configured to instruct an increase or decrease in the number of LEDs that are turned on in the display.

Commands E200 (H) and E201
(H) is a lamp control command relating to the display state of the prize ball lamp 51, and includes commands E300 (H) and E3.
01 (H) is a lamp control command related to the display state of the out-of-bulb lamp 52. The lamp control means is the main board 3
When the lamp control command of "E201 (H)" is received from the game control means of No. 1, the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 is changed to a predetermined display state when there is a prize ball remaining, and the lamp of "E200 (H)" is displayed. When the control command is received, the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 is changed to a predetermined display state as when there is no prize ball remaining.

Also, from the game control means of the main board 31, "E
When the lamp control command of "300 (H)" is received, the display state of the out-of-bulb lamp 52 is changed to the display state with a sphere,
When the lamp control command of "E301 (H)" is received, the display state of the out-of-bulb lamp 52 is changed to the display state of out-of-bulb. That is, the commands E200 (H) and E201
(H) is a command indicating that a light emitting body provided to notify a player or the like that there is a non-prize game ball, and commands E300 (H) and E30.
1 (H) is a command indicating that the light emitter provided to notify the player or the game store staff that the supply ball has run out is controlled.

Incidentally, the game control means, to the lamp control means, at a time related to the start of the variable display of the special symbol in the variable display device 9, a lamp control command (variable lamp designation command) capable of specifying the variable display period. ) And a command capable of specifying the display result on the variable display device 9 (a lamp control command indicating a fixed symbol of the left and right middle symbols), and the end of the variable display can be specified at a time related to the end of the variable display. Command (Variation end lamp specification command)
To send. Then, the lamp control means receives each command and executes the control of the lamp / LED when the variable display device 9 is performing the variable display operation of the special symbol.

When a control command is to be output from the game control means of the main board 31 to each sub-board (lamp control board 35, payout control board 37, sound control board 70, symbol control board 80), the command transmission table Settings are made. Alternatively, the command transmission table formed in the ROM 54 is addressed. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the command transmission table. One command transmission table is composed of 3 bytes, and INT data described later is set in the 1st byte. Also, 2
MODE data of the first byte of the control command is set in the command data 1 of the byte. Then, in the command data 2 of the third byte, the EXT data of the second byte of the control command is set.

Although the EXT data itself may be set in the command data 2 area, the command data 2
Is a table (ROM that stores EXT data).
54. Data for specifying the address of () (buffer specifying data) may be set. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
If bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is 0, it indicates that the EXT data itself is set in the command data 2. Note that such EXT data is data in which bit 7 is 0. Further, as shown in FIG. 21B, if the work area reference bit is 1, it indicates that the other 7 bits are an offset for designating the address of the table in which the EXT data is stored. In the example shown in FIG. 21B, since bits 4 to 0 are used, 32 types of buffers can be designated. Also, 32
Types of buffers include, for example, a special symbol variation pattern buffer, a special symbol left symbol buffer, a special symbol middle symbol buffer, a special symbol right symbol buffer, and the like.

Also, the EXT data ("00 (H)" to "14" of the command indicating the number of each special symbol starting memory.
(H) ”is stored in command data 2 and MODE data (E0 (H)) is stored in command data 1 2
If 0 kinds of command transmission tables are prepared in the ROM 54, for example, the control for transmitting the command (E0XX (H)) indicating the starting memory number of the special symbol is simplified. That is, if the address of the command transmission table according to the displayed starting memory number is designated, the game control means is designated in the command control process (step S28) in the game control process shown in FIG. Based on the address, it is possible to easily recognize the content of the command indicating the number of starting memories to be transmitted. Also about the normal symbol starting memory number, EXT data (“00 (H)” to “04 (H)” of the command indicating the normal symbol starting memory number) is stored in the command data 2 and the MOD is set in the command data 1.
If four kinds of command transmission tables storing E data (E1 (H)) are prepared in the ROM 54, the control for transmitting the command (E1XX (H)) indicating the number of symbols starting memory is simplified. To be done.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of INT data. Bit 0 in the INT data indicates whether or not the payout control command should be sent to the payout control board 37. If bit 0 is "1", it indicates that the payout control command should be sent. Therefore, the CPU 56 sets "01 (H)" to the INT data in the prize ball process (step S32 of the game control process), for example.

Bit 1 in the INT data is
It shows whether or not a display control command should be sent to the symbol control board 80. If bit 1 is "1", it indicates that the display control command should be sent. Therefore, the CPU 56
For example, in the special symbol process process or the normal symbol process process (steps S26 and S27 of the game control process), "02 (H)" is set to the INT data.

Bits 2 and 3 of the INT data are bits indicating whether or not to send a lamp control command and a sound control command, respectively, and the CPU 56 outputs a special command at the timing to send these commands. In the symbol process processing, etc., in the command transmission table pointed by the pointer (for example, special symbol command transmission pointer),
INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 are set. When sending those commands,
The corresponding bit of INT data is set to "1", and MODE data and EXT data are set to command data 1 and command data 2.

In this embodiment, a plurality of command transmission tables are prepared for each control command, and the command transmission table to be used is set before command transmission. Alternatively, the command transmission table formed in the ROM 54 is addressed. Also, a plurality of command transmission tables may be set in one table. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, one table including a plurality of command transmission tables capable of storing a plurality of display control commands is prepared.
In the command control processing, the CPU 56 selects INT from the command transmission table pointed by the pointer.
The data, the command data 1 and the command data 2 are read and the display control command is transmitted. Then, the pointer is updated. After that, the display control command transmission process is repeated until the command transmission table designated by the pointer indicates the end code. A part of the table prepared for each control command (for example, the payout control board 37
Table for setting the payout amount specification command for
May be configured in a ring buffer format.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an example of command control processing in the game control processing shown in FIG. The command control process is a process including a command output process and an INT signal output process. In the command control process, the CPU 56 first saves the address of the command transmission table to the stack or the like (step S331).
Then, the INT data of the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer is loaded into the argument 1 (step S33).
2). The argument 1 is input information for the command transmission process described later. Further, the address indicating the command transmission table is incremented by 1 (step S333). Therefore, the address indicating the command transmission table matches the address of the command data 1. The display control command is set in the command transmission table shown in FIG. 20, for example.

Then, the CPU 56 sends the command data 1
Is read out and is set to the argument 2 (step S334).
The argument 2 is also input information for the command transmission process described later. Then, the command transmission processing routine is called (step S335).

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the command transmission processing routine. In the command transmission processing routine, the CPU 56 first sets the data set in the argument 1, that is, the INT data, in the work area determined as the comparison value (step S351).
Next, the number of transmissions = 4 is set in the work area determined as the number of processes (step S352). Then, the address of port 1 is set to the IO address (step S353). In this embodiment, port 1
Is the address of the output port for outputting the payout control command data, and the addresses of ports 2 to 4 are the addresses of the output ports for outputting the display control command data, the lamp control command data, and the sound control command data. Suppose

Next, the CPU 56 shifts the comparison value right by 1 bit (step S354). As a result of the shift processing, it is confirmed whether the carry bit has become 1 (step S355). The carry bit has become 1, which means that the rightmost bit in the INT data is "1".
It means that it was. In this embodiment, the shift process is performed four times. For example, when it is specified that the display control command should be sent, the carry bit becomes 1 in the second shift process.

When the carry bit becomes 1, the data set in the argument 2, in this case, the command data 1 (that is, MODE data) is output to the address set as the IO address (step S3
56). Since the address of the port 2 is set as the IO address when the second shift processing is performed, the MODE data of the display control command is output to the port 2 at that time.

Next, the CPU 56 sets the IO address to 1
While adding (step S357), 1 is subtracted from the processing number (step S358). When the port 2 is shown before the addition, the address of the port 3 is set to the IO address by the addition processing for the IO address. Port 3 is a port for outputting a lamp control command. Then, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the processing number (step S359), and if the value is not 0, returns to step S354. The shift process is performed again in step S354.

In the second shift processing, the value of bit 1 in the INT data is pushed out, and the carry flag becomes "1" or "0" depending on the value of bit 1. Therefore,
A check is made to see if it is specified that a display control command should be sent. Similarly, by the third and fourth shift processes, it is checked whether or not the lamp control command and the sound control command should be sent. In this way, when each shift process is performed, the command (payout control command,
An IO address corresponding to a display control command, a lamp control command, a sound control command) is set.

Therefore, when the carry flag becomes "1", the corresponding output port (port 1 to port 4)
A control command is sent to. That is, one common module can perform a control command transmission process to the control means of each sub-board.

Further, as described above, it is determined which control means of each sub-board the control command is to be output only by the shift processing, and therefore, which control means is to be output the control command is determined. Processing has been simplified.

Next, the CPU 56 reads the contents of the argument 1 in which the INT data before the shift process is started (step S360), and outputs the read data to the port 0 (step S361). In this embodiment,
The address of port 0 is a port for outputting the INT signal for each control signal, and bit 0 of port 0
4 to 4 are the payout control INT signal and the display control IN, respectively.
It is a port for outputting a T signal, a lamp control INT signal, and a voice control INT signal. In the INT data, the bit corresponding to the output bit of the INT signal corresponding to the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) output in the processing of steps S351 to S359 becomes “1”. Has become. Therefore, the INT signal corresponding to the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) output to any of the ports 1 to 4 is turned off (low level).

Next, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined value in the wait counter (step S362), and subtracts 1 by 1 until the value becomes 0 (steps S363, S36).
4). When the value of the wait counter becomes 0, clear data (00) is set (step S365) and the data is output to port 0 (step S366). Therefore, the INT signal is turned off. Then, a predetermined value is set in the wait counter (step S362), and 1 is subtracted until the value becomes 0 (steps S368, S).
369).

As described above, the 1st byte MODE data of the control command is transmitted. Therefore, CPU5
In step S336 shown in FIG. 24, 6 adds 1 to the value indicating the command transmission table. Therefore, the area of the command data 2 in the third byte is designated. The CPU 56
The contents of the indicated command data 2 are loaded into the argument 2 (step S337). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the value of bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is "0" (step S339). If not 0, the head address of the command extension data address table is set in the pointer (step S339), and the value of bits 6 to 0 of the command data 2 is added to the pointer to calculate the address (step S340). Then, the data of the area pointed to by the address is loaded into the argument 2 (step S341).

In the command extension data address table, EXT data which can be sent to the control means of each sub-board is sequentially set. Therefore, by the above processing,
If the value of the work area reference bit is "1", the EXT data in the command extension data address table corresponding to the content of the command data 2 is loaded into the argument 2 and the value of the work area reference bit is "0". For example, the content of the command data 2 is loaded into the argument 2 as it is. In addition,
Even when the EXT data is read from the command extension data address table, bit 7 of the data is "0".

Next, the CPU 56 calls the command transmission processing routine (step S342). Therefore, M
EXT at the same timing as when transmitting ODE data
Data is sent out. After that, the CPU 56 restores the address of the command transmission table (step S34
3) Update the value of the read pointer that points to the command transmission table (step S344). Then, if there is a command to be transmitted (step S345), the process returns to step S331.

As described above, the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) having a 2-byte structure is transmitted to the control means of the corresponding sub-board. When the control means of each sub-board detects the level change of the INT signal, it starts the processing for fetching the control command, but for each control means, a new signal from the game control means is received before the fetching processing is completed. It is not output to the signal line. That is, reliable command reception processing is performed in each control unit such as the display control unit. The polarity of the INT signal may be reversed from that shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 shows display control means (CP for display control).
(U101 and its peripheral circuits) is a flowchart showing a main process executed according to a program. In the main process, the display control CPU 101 first executes an initialization process for initializing a register, a RAM including a work area, an output port, and the like (step S70).
1). Next, a process of updating the counter value for generating a random number is performed (step S702). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the display control command is received from the main board 31 (step S703: command confirmation processing). In addition, command execution processing, which is processing such as changing process data to be used, is performed according to the received display control command (step S704). The display control command from the main board 31 is fetched by an interrupt process activated in response to the input of the INT signal and stored in the reception command buffer formed in the RAM.

Thereafter, in this embodiment, the display control CPU 101 monitors the timer interrupt flag (step S
705) is performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 27, when the timer interrupt occurs, the display control CPU 101 sets the timer interrupt flag (step S711). In the main processing, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the display control CPU 101 clears the flag and performs display control process processing and port output processing (steps S706 and S707).

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the display control process process (step S706) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control process processing,
Step S800 according to the value of the display control process flag
~ Any one of S804 is performed. In each process, the following process is executed.

Fluctuating pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed by the command reception interrupt process whether or not a display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the varying time is received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag indicating that the variation pattern command has been received is set. Such a flag is set when the received command stored in the received command buffer is a variable pattern command.

All symbol variation start processing (step S80
1): Control is performed so that the fluctuation of the left and right middle symbols is started.

Processing during symbol fluctuation (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) forming the fluctuation pattern, and monitors the end of the fluctuation time. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

All symbol stop waiting setting process (step S80)
3): At the end of the fluctuation time, if the display control command (decision command) for instructing the stop of all the symbols is received, the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped and the stop symbol (determined symbol) is displayed.

Big hit display process (step S804): After the variation time ends, the probability variation big hit display or the normal big hit display is controlled. After that, the display effect during the big hit game is executed.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of process data. The process data is composed of data in which a plurality of combinations of the process timer set value and the display control execution table are collected. Each display control execution table describes each variation mode that constitutes the variation pattern. Further, the process timer set value is set with the change time in the change mode. Display control CPU 101
Refers to the process data, and performs control to variably display the symbols in the variation mode set in the display control execution table only for the time set in the process timer set value.

The process data shown in FIG. 29 is stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 80. Further, the process data is prepared for each variation pattern.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the lamp control means (lamp control CPU 351 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) mounted on the lamp control board 35 in accordance with a program. In the main processing, the lamp control CPU 351 of the lamp control means firstly has a RAM including a register and a work area.
And initialization processing for initializing the output port and the like (step S441). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the lamp control command is received from the main board 31 (step S442: command confirmation processing). In addition, command execution processing, such as processing for changing the lamp data to be used, is performed according to the received lamp control command (step S
443). The lamp control command from the main board 31 is captured by an interrupt process activated in response to the input of the INT signal, and is stored in the input buffer formed in the RAM, as in the case of the display control means. .

Then, in this embodiment, the lamp control CPU 351 shifts to the loop processing for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S444). And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, when the timer interrupt occurs, the lamp control CPU 351 sets the timer interrupt flag (step S450). If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the CPU 351 for lamp control
Clears the flag (step S44
5), lamp process update processing, gradual lighting / extinguishing processing, and port output processing (steps S446, S44).
7, S448). The gradual turning on / off processing will be described in detail later.

In this embodiment, the lighting pattern of the lamps / LEDs controlled to blink according to the progress of the game is RO.
It is controlled according to the lamp data stored in M.
The ramp data is prepared for each type of control pattern (each control command indicating the type of variation pattern designation shown in FIG. 19 and each control command related to other game effects transmitted from the game control means according to the game progress situation). Has been done. Each lamp data is set with data indicating that the lamp / LED is turned on or off, and data indicating a period of turning on or off (process timer value). That is, data indicating the lighting pattern of the light emitter is stored in the control data area.

In the ramp process update process, the value of the timer whose value is initialized according to the process timer value is subtracted, and when the timer times out, the data set in the next address of the ramp data is changed. Accordingly, it is determined to turn off or turn on the lamp / LED, and the process timer value according to the determination result is set in the timer. Also, when the process timer value is set to the timer, it is when the light is turned on / off.
Data for turning on or off the LED is output to the corresponding output port.

Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the timer interrupt is taken every 2 ms. That is, the lamp process update process, the gradual lighting / extinguishing process, and the port output process are
It is activated every 2 ms.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an address map of the ROM mounted on the lamp control board 35. ROM
In the area, the initialization data table is stored in the forefront part. Next, a command upper byte table is stored. The command upper byte table stores the address of the program in which the processing corresponding to the upper byte (MODE data) of the lamp control command is stored, and the MODE.
An address table corresponding to the data is set.
For example, in the command execution process (step S443), the contents of the command upper byte table are referred to according to the MODE data of the received lamp control command, and the corresponding process (program) is executed. In the process, the data in the lamp data selection table stored next to the command upper byte table is specified according to the address table and the lower byte (EXT data) of the received lamp control command. Then, the lamp data pointed to by the specified data is selected.

For example, if the lamp control command received from the main board 31 is 8000 (H) (variable lamp designation # 1), the data (4 bytes) corresponding to 80 (H) in the command upper byte table. Is referred to. The upper 2 bytes of the data are 80
This is an address in which the process when the lamp control command (H) is received is stored. Then, in the processing, the data in the lamp data selection table indicated by the sum of the contents of the lower 2 bytes of the data in the command upper byte table and the EXT data of the received lamp control command is specified. Therefore, the lower 2 bytes in the command upper byte table that is referred to when the upper byte of the received lamp control command is 80 (H) corresponds to the start address of the lamp data selection table regarding the variable lamp designation.

Further, a main processing program is stored, and then each program of initialization processing, command recognition processing, and command execution processing is stored. Next, a program for specific lamp / LED processing is stored. The specific lamp / LED processing program is each program that executes processing when a lamp control command is received. Further, a lamp process updating process, a gradual lighting / extinguishing process, a port output process, a command reception interrupt process, and a timer interrupt process are stored.

In this embodiment, the data indicating the lighting pattern of the lamp / LED is stored in the lamp data in the control data area. Then, in the lamp process update process (step S446) in the main process, turning on / off of the lamp / LED is controlled with reference to the lamp data.

Further, a starting memory number designating command indicating a starting memory number relating to a special symbol and a normal symbol starting memory number designating command relating to a normal symbol are also transmitted to the lamp control means as a lamp control command. The lamp control means is responsive to these commands to start memory indicator 1
8 and the lighting LE in the normal symbol starting memory display 41
Change the D number. Specifically, for example, in the command execution process (step S443), when it is recognized that the starting memory number designating command or the normal symbol starting memory number designating command is received, the lamp control CPU
351 executes a subroutine according to the number of starting memory designated by the received command.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the lamp control command receiving process (command receiving interrupt process) by the interrupt process. INT for controlling the lamp from the main board 31
The signal is input to the interrupt terminal of the lamp control CPU 351. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the CPU 351 for lamp control interrupts. Then, the reception process of the lamp control command shown in FIG. 33 is started.

In the lamp control command reception process,
The lamp control CPU 351 first saves each register in the stack (step S670). When an interrupt occurs, the lamp control CPU 351 automatically sets the interrupt prohibited state, but does not automatically change to the interrupt prohibited state C
When using a PU, it is preferable to issue an interrupt prohibition instruction (DI instruction) before executing the process of step S670. Then, the data is read from the input port assigned to the input of the lamp control command data (step S671). Then, it is confirmed whether or not it is the first byte of the 2-byte lamp control command (step S672).

Whether or not it is the first byte is confirmed by whether or not the leading bit of the received command is "1". The head bit is "1" in the MODE data (first byte) of the lamp control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 15). Therefore, if the first bit is “1”, the lamp control CPU 351
Assuming that the valid first byte is received, the received command is stored in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter in the reception buffer area (step S6).
73).

If it is not the first byte of the lamp control command, it is confirmed whether or not the first byte has already been received (step S674). Whether or not the data has already been received is confirmed by whether or not valid data is set in the reception buffer (reception command buffer).

If the first byte has already been received,
It is confirmed whether the first bit of the received 1 byte is "0". If the first bit is "0",
Assuming that the valid second byte has been received, the received command is stored in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter + 1 in the reception buffer area (step S675). The head bit is "0" in the EXT data (second byte) of the lamp control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 15). If the confirmation result in step S674 is that the first byte has already been received, the process ends if the first bit of the data received as the second byte is not "0".

When the command data of the second byte is stored in step S675, 2 is added to the command reception number counter (step S676). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the command reception counter is 12 or more (step S677), and if it is 12 or more, the command reception number counter is cleared (step S678). After that, the saved registers are restored (step S679),
The interrupt permission is set (step S680).

The lamp control command has a 2-byte structure, and the first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) can be immediately distinguished on the receiving side. That is, the receiving side can immediately detect whether the data as MODE or the data as EXT is received by the first bit. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to easily determine whether or not proper data has been received. In addition, this is a display control command,
The same applies to the payout control command and the sound control command.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command receiving buffer for storing the lamp control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing 6 lamp control commands of 2 bytes is used. Therefore,
The command receiving buffers are the receiving command buffers 1 to 1.
2 12-byte area. Then, a command reception number counter indicating which area to store the received command is used. The command reception number counter takes a value of 0-11.

FIG. 35 is a circuit diagram showing a structural example of the frame side output driver circuit 357 mounted on the lamp control board 35 shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 35, the frame side output driver circuit 357 is the transistor circuit 356A.
~ 356F is included. However, FIG. 35 shows only the transistor circuits 356A and 356F. The transistor circuits 356A to 356F may have the same configuration. The outputs of the transistor circuits 356A to 356F are the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28.
c, the gaming state lamp 28d, the prize ball lamp 51, and the out-of-ball lamp 52.

In the transistor circuit 356A, the MO
The SFET 356a is a signal amplifying transistor, and further, the overcurrent detecting MOSFETs 356c, 3
56d is provided. An overheat detection circuit 356b is provided on the input side. In addition, MOSFET
Switches 356g and 356h for connecting the input side (gate side) of 356a and the ground line are provided. For example, when the overheat detection circuit 356b detects that it has reached 160 °, it closes the switch 356g to turn off the output of the transistor circuit 356A.

Further, when it is detected that the output voltage becomes + 12V or more, the 12V detection circuit 356e and the switch 3 are detected.
A logic circuit 356f for controlling 56h is provided.
When the voltage application to the IN terminal is started by the logic circuit 356f, when the MOSFET 356c detects that a large current (for example, 10 A) due to the rush current flows within a predetermined period (for example, a period of 150 μs or less),
The switch 356h is closed to limit the output current. In addition,
Although a circuit for detecting a predetermined period is provided, FIG.
Is omitted. Also, after the lapse of a predetermined period,
The output voltage is + 12V or more and the MOSFET 356d
When it detects that a current more than a predetermined value flows,
The switch 356h is closed to limit the output current.

Such transistor circuits 356A to 356A
If 56E is used, the output current is limited even if a short circuit occurs on the lamp side and an overcurrent starts to flow, so that it is possible to prevent destruction of the substrate and elements. The MOSFET 35
6c, 356d, 12V detection circuit 356e, logic circuit 3
56f and switch 356h form an overcurrent detection / protection circuit.

Further, the structure shown in FIG. 35 is an example, and the frame side output driver circuit 357 may have another structure as long as it has a function of current amplifying a signal for each lamp. . Overcurrent detection /
It preferably has a protective function.

Transistor circuits 356A to 356A-3 are provided as drivers in the output driver circuit 356 shown in FIG.
It can be realized by a transistor circuit similar to 56E. Although various lamps and LEDs are installed on the game board 6 in addition to the illustrated lamps, the transistor circuit 3 serves as a driver for driving those lamps.
Transistor circuits similar to 56A-356E can be used. A transistor array can be used as a driver for driving the LED.

Next, the outline of the gradual lighting and the gradual extinction of the lamp according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Gradual lighting is a method of lighting that causes the lamp to gradually (stepwise) transition to a fully lit state (full lit state), and gradual lighting is gradually lit from the fully lit state. It is a method of extinguishing so as to shift to the extinction state (in steps).

The lamp control means, for example, needs to perform the gradual lighting or gradual extinction based on the lamp control command from the main board 31 at the beginning of the gradual lighting / extinguishing process (step S447) shown in FIG. If it is determined that it is necessary, the lighting start / extinguishing start processing shown in FIG. 36 is started. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lightness change control means for performing the lightness change control for changing the brightness of the light emitting means in a plurality of steps is such that the lamp control means performs the processing shown in FIG. 36 and a drive signal pattern table described later. It is realized with.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing an example of the lamp gradual lighting start / extinction start control processing executed by the lamp control means. Here, 2 of timer 1 and timer 2
Two timers are used. FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pattern table (drive signal pattern table) in which the maximum value (initial value) of the timer 2 is set. Although not explicitly shown in the flowchart of FIG. 36, a pointer that points to data in the pattern table is used. 38 is the same as FIG. 36 using the pattern table shown in FIG.
Timer 1 and timer 2 when the control shown in is executed
3 is a timing diagram showing the state and the lamp on / off state.

If the value of the timer 1 is 0 (step S461), the lamp control means (specifically, the lamp control CPU 351 that operates according to the program) updates the maximum value of the timer 2 (step S46).
2) The timer 1 is set to "7" corresponding to 14 ms (step S463). As described above, since the gradual lighting / extinguishing process (step S447) is started every 2 ms, the gradual lighting start / extinguishing start control process is also 2 ms.
It is activated every time.

Updating the maximum value of the timer 2 means that the value of the pointer is incremented by 1 (the next data in the pattern table is set) and the data in the pattern table pointed to by the pointer is set. It is to set the timer 2. The lamp control CPU 351
In the first state, that is, when the gradual lighting start / extinguishing start control process is first activated, “250” (value corresponding to 500 ms), which is the first data in the pattern table, is set in the timer 2. The value of the pointer is 0
Then, the timer 1 is set to "7".

If the value of timer 1 is not 0 (step S
461) and subtracts 1 from the value of timer 1 (step S46
4) If the value of timer 2 is 0, the maximum value (data in the pattern table pointed to by the pointer) is reset in timer 2 (step S466) and the lamp is turned on (on). Control (step S4)
67). If the value of timer 2 is not 0, timer 2
Is subtracted by 1 (step S468), and the lamp is controlled to the extinguished state (off state) (step S46).
9).

"7" is set in timer 1 and timer 2
When the control shown in FIG. 36 is started from the state in which "250" is set to, the timer 1 becomes 0 first. In that case, the maximum value of the timer 2 is updated by the processing of steps S462 and S463, the timer 2 is set to "6", and the timer 1 is set to "7".

After that, before the timer 1 becomes 0, the timer 2
Becomes 0, the timer 2 is set to "6" again and the lamp is turned on by the processing of steps S466 and S467. At this time, the value of the timer 1 is "1". Therefore, when the lighting start / extinguishing start control process is started next time (after 2 ms), step S
The value of timer 1 becomes 0 by the processing of 464 and the value of timer 2 is not 0, so the lamp is turned off by the processing of step S469.

Next (after 2 ms), when the lighting start / extinction start control process is started, the value of the timer 1 becomes 0.
Therefore, the maximum value of the timer 2 is updated to "3" and the timer 1 is set to "7" by the processing of steps S462 and S463. After that, 14m
For each s (corresponding to the set value "7" of timer 1), timer 2
The maximum value of decreases gradually. Also, during that time, timer 2
Each time the value of becomes 0, the lamp is turned on for 2 ms.

That is, in this embodiment, the timer 1
By this, a divided period that is a fixed period is set.
Although the predetermined divided period is 14 ms in this embodiment, the value is an example, and another value may be used as the predetermined divided period. The divided period is a unit period of the brightness change control in which the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output do not change in the brightness change control. Further, the timer 2 sets a lamp-off period within a predetermined divided period. If the lamp-off period within the predetermined divided period is long, the state of the lamp is visually recognized by the player as dark. Further, the shorter the lamp-off period within the predetermined divided period, the brighter the state of the lamp is visually recognized by the player. Further, the lamp control means continues to output the drive signal based on the data stored in the pattern table during the predetermined divided period except for the lamp-on period. In this example, the off period of the drive signal output is repeatedly continued according to the data stored in the pattern table.

The value set in the timer 2 is set in the pattern table. In the example shown in FIG. 37,
Since the set value of the pattern table is gradually decreased, the player visually recognizes the lamp as gradually becoming brighter. If the set value of the pattern table is set to gradually increase, the player visually recognizes the lamp as gradually becoming dark.
Further, by adjusting each set value of the pattern table, it is possible to freely set the degree of change in brightness when the lamp becomes brighter or darker.
When the lightness change is realized by the program calculation without using the pattern table, the program itself has to be changed if the degree of the lightness change is to be changed, and the change scale of the lamp control means becomes large. It gets bigger. However, if configured as in this embodiment, the degree of change in lightness can be easily adjusted by simply changing the setting value of the pattern table at the development stage of the gaming machine, for example.

If the data set in the pattern table is a value equal to or greater than the value (“7” in this example) corresponding to the predetermined division period (“25 in this example”).
0 "), the lamp is not turned on in the divided period using the data. When the data set in the pattern table is 0, all the lamps are turned on in the divided period in which the data is used.

In this embodiment, the value corresponding to the lamp-off period (data corresponding to the OFF period of the drive signal output) is set in the pattern table. However, the lamp-ON period (drive signal output) is set in the pattern table. A value corresponding to (data corresponding to the ON period of) may be set. Further, in the process shown in FIG. 36, the value corresponding to the lamp-off period is sequentially set in the pattern table and the lamp-on period is fixed to 2 ms, but the value corresponding to the lamp-on period is also set in the pattern table. You may do it. That is, in the pattern table, at least one (or both) of the data corresponding to the OFF period of the drive signal output and the data corresponding to the ON period of the drive signal output is set. When the value corresponding to the lamp-on period is also set in the pattern table, the length of the lamp-on period in each divided period can be changed.

Next, a specific application example of the gradual lighting / extinguishing control process will be described. FIG. 39 is a jackpot gaming state as a gaming state, a high probability state, and a gaming state lamp 28d.
5 is a timing chart showing an example of the relationship with the state of FIG. In this example, the gaming state lamp 28d is gradually turned on / off. When the variation of the symbol is performed in the variable display device 9 and the variation result (stop symbol) is a big hit with the probability variation symbol, the gaming state relating to the probability variation becomes the high probability state. At this time, the game control means mounted on the main board 31 turns on a probability variation flag as an internal flag and sends a lamp control command designating a high probability state to the lamp control board 35. .

In the lamp control board 35, when the lamp control means receives the lamp control command designating the high probability state, it gradually executes the lighting start / extinguishing start control processing for the gaming state lamp 28d. In this case, for example,
The pattern table shown in FIG. 40 is used. Specifically, the pointer is set to point to the beginning of the pattern table shown in FIG. By executing the processing shown in FIG. 36 using the pattern table shown in FIG. 40, the state of the gaming state lamp 28d gradually changes from the extinguished state to become brighter. Then, from the start of execution of the gradual lighting start / extinction start control processing, for example, 70
When ms has passed, the gradual lighting start / extinction start control processing is not executed. As a result, the gaming state lamp 28
The state of d is a state in which the full lighting state is maintained.

When the condition for ending the high-probability state is satisfied, the game control means mounted on the main board 31 turns off the probability variation flag as an internal flag, and the lamp control board 35, Send the lamp control command to specify the normal status. Lamp control board 35
In, when the lamp control means receives the lamp control command for designating the normal state, it turns off the gaming state lamp 28d. In addition, in FIG. 39, an example of a big hit with an uncertain variation pattern is shown as a condition for ending the high-probability state.

Here, the signal to the gaming state lamp 28d may be turned off immediately, but may be controlled so that it gradually becomes dark from the full lighting state. In that case, for example, a pattern table arranged in the reverse order to the data arrangement in the pattern table shown in FIG. 40 is prepared,
The pointer may be set to point to the beginning of the pattern table, and the lighting start / extinguishing start control process may be started gradually.

In this example, when the state changes to the high probability state, the state of the gaming state lamp 28d gradually becomes bright.
Therefore, not only can the player easily recognize that the gaming state related to the probability variation is the high-probability state, but also the lighting control is performed so as to gradually shift to the all-lit state when changing to the high-probability state. As a result, the player can be given a new interest in the game.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view showing a pattern table in another example of how to turn on the lamp. In this example, only two types of "250" and "0" are used as the maximum value of the timer 2, and "250" is set in the first part. When the pointer is set so as to point to the beginning of the pattern table shown in FIG. 42 and the lighting start / extinguishing start control process is started gradually, the lamp state becomes as shown in FIG. That is, the non-illuminated state (non-illuminated state) is immediately changed to the fully illuminated state. A pattern table arranged in the reverse order of the data arrangement in the pattern table shown in FIG. 42 is prepared, the pointer is set to point to the beginning of the pattern table, and the lighting start / extinction start control process is started gradually. By doing so, the state of the lamp can be immediately changed from the fully lit state to the non-lit state.

For example, the gaming state lamp 28d may be turned on when the big hit game is started, and may be turned off when the big hit game is finished. In that case, the gaming state lamp 28d at the start of the big hit game
Changes to the all-lit state immediately, and when it changes to the high probability state, the gaming state lamp 28d gradually changes to the all-lit state, so there is a difference in the effect of the gaming state lamp 28d, which makes the game interesting. You can improve further.

If a pattern table as shown in FIG. 42 and a pattern table arranged in the reverse order of the data arrangement in the pattern table shown in FIG. 42 are provided, the lamp can be gradually turned on. Not only in the case of turning off the light, but also in the case of immediately turning into the full lighting state or the non-lighting state can be realized by activating the gradual lighting start / extinguishing start control processing illustrated in FIG. 36. That is, since it is only necessary to start one process in any of the manners of lighting and extinguishing, the lamp control becomes easy.

Next, a case will be described in which there are a plurality of control methods for gradually turning on the lamp. Figure 44 shows
It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the other pattern table used when making a lamp fully light up gradually. When the pointer is set to point to the beginning of the pattern table shown in FIG. 44 and the lighting start / extinguishing start control process is started gradually, the lamp state becomes as shown in FIG.

The state shown in FIG. 41 realized by using the pattern table shown in FIG. 40 (gradual lighting A
And ) And the state shown in FIG. 45 (gradual lighting B) realized when the pattern table shown in FIG. 42 is used, the state shown in FIG. It can be seen that the gradient of brightness change is gentle.

If there are multiple ways of controlling the lamps to gradually become fully lit, they can be used to inform the player of the likelihood of a big hit. For example, the lighting mode of the lamp / LED provided on the game board 6 or the frame side is set to non-lighting, gradual lighting A (see FIG. 41) and gradual lighting B (see FIG. 45) as illustrated in FIG. 46. Divide. Then, the lamp control means, when the variation result of the symbol is a big hit, the selection rates of non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B are 1/10 and 4 /, respectively.
It will be 10, 5/10. If the left and right symbols are aligned and reach is achieved but the jackpot is not a big hit, the selection rates are 995/1000, 4/1000 and 1 /, respectively.
It is set to 1000.

The lamp control means can determine whether or not a big hit will occur by, for example, a lamp control command (see FIG. 19) showing the right and left middle symbols.
Further, the selection at the time of big hit (selection of non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B) and the selection at the time of deviating are determined based on, for example, a random number generated in the lamp control means. Also, the variable lamp designation command of 8000 (H) to 8031 (H) output from the game control means of the main board 31 (see FIG. 19) is divided into a command that is used only when a big hit occurs and a command that is not so. The lamp control means may be configured to determine whether or not a big hit will occur, based on the received variable lamp designation command.

In this example, it is assumed that the lower lamp 28e provided on the game board 6 is used. Then, as a timing for controlling the lower lamp 28e by non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B, as shown in FIG. 47, a predetermined period from the time when the left and right symbols are stopped and reach in the variable display device 9 ( For example, until the timing of developing into super reach). It should be noted that the lamp control means can recognize the time at which the reach is reached as the predetermined time after the predetermined time measured by the timer from the time at which the lamp control command designating the variable lamp (see FIG. 19) is received. In addition, lighting gradually A
Alternatively, when the gradual lighting B is used, the all lighting state is maintained after the all lighting until a predetermined period elapses.

The lamp control means stops the notification by non-lighting, gradual lighting A or gradual lighting B after a predetermined period of time, and controls the lower lamp 28e in a predetermined manner as a reach effect. In addition, in the case of developing into a super reach (a reach state in which the probability of being a big hit is 100% or an extremely high probability), the display effect corresponding to the change is performed on the variable display device 9.

The player can recognize that when the lower lamp 28e is lit by the gradual lighting A or the gradual lighting B, there is a high possibility of a big hit. In particular,
When the lower lamp 28e is lit by the gradual lighting B (lighting mode that changes more slowly to the full lighting state),
You can expect to be a big hit with a high probability.

As described above, in this example, the player can be informed of the degree of possibility of a big hit, depending on how the lamp changes to the full lighting state. In the example shown in FIG. 46, when the lower lamp 28e is lit in the lighting mode of the gradual lighting A, a big hit occurs at a rate of 25.0%, and the lower lamp 2 in the lighting mode of the gradual lighting B.
When 8e is lit, it is a big hit at a rate of 62.5%. Further, in this example, two kinds of lighting modes, that is, the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are used, but the degree of the possibility of a big hit may be notified by more lighting modes.

It should be noted that 1/10 and 4/1 shown in FIG.
The selectivities of 0 and 5/10 are super-reach selectivities (selectivities when developing to super-reach), and 99
If the selection rates of 5/1000, 4/1000, and 1/1000 are non-super-reach selection rates (selection rates when super-reach does not develop), non-lighting, gradual lighting A, gradual lighting B, the gaming state It is possible to realize the advance notice that will develop into the super reach state.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing another application example in which a plurality of control methods for gradually turning all the lamps on are used. In the example shown in FIG. 48, it is used as a reach announcement. Also in this example, it is assumed that the lower lamp 28e provided on the game board 6 is used. And the lower lamp 2
As a timing to control 8e by non-lighting, gradual lighting A, gradual lighting B, as shown in FIG. 48, a period from the time when the left and right symbols start changing in the variable display device 9 until it is determined whether or not the reach is reached. Suppose Note that FIG.
In, an example of the case where the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are used is shown, but the example of the case where the non-lighting is used is omitted. Further, although FIG. 48 shows the case of reaching, even when the gradual lighting A or the gradual lighting B is used, there are cases where the reach is not reached (there is no reach effect).

Then, the lamp control means causes the non-lighting, the gradual lighting A, and the gradual lighting B to appear at the predetermined selection rate in the case of the reach, and the predetermined selection when the reach is not reached. Non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B are made to appear at a rate. For example, in the case of reach using the selectivity shown in FIG. 46, non-lighting,
The selection rates of the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are 1/1.
0, 4/10, 5/10. If the reach is not reached, selectivities are 995/1000 and 4/1, respectively.
000 and 1/1000.

It should be noted that the lamp control means may recognize the reach time point in the case of the reach as the predetermined time period measured by the timer from the reception time point of the lamp control command for designating the variable lamp (see FIG. 19). it can. When the gradual lighting A or the gradual lighting B is used, the all lighting state is maintained after all lighting, for example, until a predetermined period elapses.

The player can recognize that there is a high possibility of reaching when the lower lamp 28e is lit by the gradual lighting A or the gradual lighting B. In particular,
When the lower lamp 28e is lit by the gradual lighting B (lighting mode that changes more slowly to the full lighting state),
You can expect to reach with a high probability.
That is, it is possible to give a notice that the gaming state will reach.

As described above, in this example, the reach announcement can be given to the player according to the manner of change when the lamp is changed to the full lighting state. In addition, Figure 4
When the selectivity shown in FIG. 6 is used, the appearance rate is different from the value shown in FIG. Further, in this example, two kinds of lighting modes, that is, the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are used, but the extent of the possibility of reaching the reach state may be notified by more lighting modes.

The lamp control means can determine whether or not the reach will be reached, for example, by a lamp control command (see FIG. 19) showing the right and left middle symbols.
In addition, the selection for reaching (non-lighting, gradual lighting A,
The selection of which one of the gradual lighting B is used) and the selection when the reach is not reached are determined, for example, based on a random number generated in the lamp control means.

As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the display control command for designating the variation pattern includes information as to whether or not to give a notice. Therefore, the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 decides whether or not to give the reach notice in the variable display device 9 based on the display control command for designating the variation pattern, and based on the decision, the effect regarding the reach notice is produced. It can be carried out. The display control command for designating the variation pattern and the ramp control command for designating the variation lamp correspond to each other (see FIGS. 17 and 19).
Also, the lamp control means can also determine whether to give the reach warning based on the lamp control command designating the variable lamp. When the lamp control means decides whether or not to give the reach advance notice based on the lamp control command designating the variable lamp, the reach advance notice effect on the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED (lower lamp 28 in this example).
The reach announcement by e) can be synchronized. In this case, for example, the notice X1 corresponds to the gradual lighting A, and the notice Y1 corresponds to the gradual lighting A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 49, a big hit announcement is made by using a plurality of control methods for gradually turning all the lamps into a fully lit state (notice that the gaming state becomes a specific gaming state).
You can also do As timing for controlling the lower lamp 28e by non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that it is a period from the time when the reach effect (for example, the effect in the variable display device 9) is started in the variable display device 9 until the left and right middle symbols are fixed (finally stopped). Note that FIG. 49 shows an example of the case where the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are used, but an example of the case where non-lighting is used is omitted.

Then, the lamp control means causes non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B to appear at a predetermined selection rate in the case of a big hit, and a predetermined selection when the big hit does not occur. Non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B are made to appear at a rate. For example, using the selection rate shown in FIG. 46, in the case of a big hit, no lighting,
The selection rates of the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are 1/1.
0, 4/10, 5/10. If the jackpot is not a big hit, select rates are 995/1000 and 4/1, respectively.
000 and 1/1000.

The lamp control means can recognize the time point at which the reach effect is started as the predetermined time period measured by the timer from the time point when the lamp control command for designating the variable lamp (see FIG. 19) is received. In addition, lighting gradually A
Alternatively, when the gradual lighting B is used, the full lighting state is maintained after the full lighting, for example, until a predetermined period elapses.

The player can recognize that if the lower lamp 28e is lit by the gradual lighting A or the gradual lighting B, there is a high possibility of a big hit. In particular,
When the lower lamp 28e is lit by the gradual lighting B (lighting mode that changes more slowly to the full lighting state),
You can expect to be a big hit with a high probability.
That is, it is possible to give a notice that the gaming state will be the jackpot gaming state.

As described above, in this example, the player can be given a big hit notice according to how the lamp changes to the full lighting state. In addition, in the big jackpot announcement
When the selectivity shown in FIG. 6 is used, the appearance rate is different from the value shown in FIG. Further, in this example, two kinds of lighting modes, that is, the gradual lighting A and the gradual lighting B are used, but the degree of the possibility of a big hit may be notified by more lighting modes.

In each of the above examples, the reliability of the reach announcement or the jackpot announcement (the expectation of the announcement for the player) is changed in three modes of non-lighting, gradual lighting A, and gradual lighting B. Whether it lights up or not (2 of non-lighting and gradual lighting)
(In one aspect), the reliability of the reach announcement or the jackpot announcement may be changed. Further, the reliability of the reach announcement or the big hit announcement may be changed by changing the lamps / LEDs that are gradually turned on.

Further, the reliability of the notice is not changed by changing the lightness of one light emitting means, but the reliability is changed by which of the plurality of light emitting means is changed in lightness. You may For example, by changing the brightness of the first light emitting means, a notice with the highest reliability is given, and by changing the brightness of the second light emitting means, a notice with a high degree of moderate reliability is given, and the third light emitting means is changed. It is also possible to change the brightness so that a notice with the lowest reliability is given. That is, a plurality of types of light emission control means having different lightness change modes of the light emission means (concepts including both a case where there is a plurality of lightness change methods for one light emitting means and a case where there are a plurality of light emission means that change brightness) The control can be executed, and the expectation level of the advance notice of the predetermined game state can be changed depending on the type of the brightness change control. At this time, the difference in reliability depending on the type of the light emitting means and the difference in reliability due to the difference in how to change the brightness may be used together.

Further, in each of the above examples, a predetermined game state in which the lightness change control of the light emitting means is performed in that state, or a predetermined game state announced by the lightness change of the light emitting means is set as a special game state. Although the probability state / normal state, the big hit game state as a specific game state, and the reach state are illustrated, the lighting mode of the lamp / LED (a mode in which the brightness gradually changes) according to the present invention notifies those game states. The present invention can be used not only for giving a notice, but also for giving a notice or giving a notice of another game state that may appear when the gaming machine is in operation (power-on state). That is, the predetermined gaming state to which the present invention can be applied can include any state that can appear in the gaming machine when the gaming machine is operating.

As other game states to which the lightness change control of the light emitting means can be applied, for example, in addition to a demonstration state, an error state such as running out of a ball or a lower plate full, a game is played by the player. There are situations such as not. When the various gaming states that can appear when the gaming machine is operating are informed by the lighting mode of the lamp / LED according to the present invention, the predetermined light emitting means brightness gradually changes. By this, the player (the person who actually plays the game and the person who does not play the game who come to the game shop) and the game shop staff can easily find the status of the gaming machine in operation, especially the error status. For example, it is possible to visually confirm that the gaming machine has no player.

Further, in the above embodiment, the high probability state as the special game state is illustrated, but the special game state is
Although the probability of being a big hit itself does not change, it may be in a time saving state in which the variable period (variable display period) of the symbols in the variable display device 9 is shortened.

In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming state lamp 28d and the lower lamp 28e are mainly used to notify or give a notice of the gaming state has been described, but it is provided on the gaming board 6 or on the frame side. The lighting mode (lighting mode in which the brightness gradually changes) according to the present invention can be applied to the lamp and LED. In that case, as the light emitter to which the lighting mode according to the present invention is applied, only the lamps / LEDs provided on the game board 6 may be targeted, or only the lamps / LEDs provided on the frame side may be targeted. . Furthermore, all the lamps and Ls provided in the gaming machine
The lighting mode according to the present invention may be applied to the ED. Also,
When the lighting mode according to the present invention is applied to a plurality of lamps / LEDs, the timing at which the brightness is gradually changed may be the same or different. When the lighting mode according to the present invention is applied to a plurality of lamps / LEDs, the conditions for gradually changing the brightness may be the same or different.

In particular, as the luminous body to which the lighting mode according to the present invention is applied, in addition to the lamp / LED illustrated in FIG. 1, the outside of the variable display device 9 is used to decorate the display area of the variable display device 9. A lamp / LED (front decoration) provided on a decorative member to be modified, or a lamp / LED provided on a variable winning ball device 24 including a special winning opening (a peripheral portion of the opening / closing plate 20 in the variable winning ball device 24 ( (Provided on a decorative member) or the like can also be used. Since the variable display device 9 is installed in the central portion of the game area 7, when the lighting mode according to the present invention is applied to the decoration, a lighting mode in which the brightness gradually changes at a position conspicuous to the player is realized. Will be. Variable winning ball device 24
When the lighting mode according to the present invention is applied to the lamps / LEDs provided on the decorative member in, the brightness at a position relatively conspicuous to the player can be obtained without hindering the effect in the display area of the variable display device 9. The gradually changing lighting mode is realized. Further, not only the lamp / LED used in combination with each member on the game board surface, but also the lamp / LED installed so as to be embedded at an arbitrary position on the game board surface may be used.

Further, the lamp L provided on the frame side
As the ED, the upper plate 3, the lower plate 4 or the hit ball operation handle 5
May be provided in the. That is, it may be provided at a position visible to the player.

The lighting mode according to the present invention may be applied to each lamp / LED, or a plurality of lamps / LEs may be used.
The lighting mode according to the present invention may be collectively applied to D.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the pattern table in which a plurality of data is set to gradually change the lightness is used.
The pattern table may be provided for each lighting mode of the ED, or if there is a common lighting mode of the plurality of lamps / LEDs, the pattern table may be shared for them.

It should be noted that if the stepwise cycle of changing the lightness is lengthened (specifically, if the number of consecutive identical data in the pattern table is increased), the speed of the lightness change becomes slower and the stepwise change of the lightness becomes stepwise. When the cycle is shortened, the rate of change in brightness becomes faster, but the rate of change in brightness can be dealt with only by changing the data in the pattern table. Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 37, 40, 42 and 44, the value of the data in the pattern table is simply reduced, but the value of the data may be increased or decreased in the pattern table. If set, it is possible to realize a change in brightness that makes the image darker or brighter. Furthermore, the degree of change in brightness can be freely set depending on how to set the value of the data in the pattern table. For example, it is possible to realize a lighting mode in which the light changes slowly in the middle and changes quickly in the middle.

Further, in the above embodiment, the data corresponding to the off period is set in the pattern table as the data corresponding to each brightness of a plurality of stages, but the data corresponding to the on period is set in the pattern table. You may set it. FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pattern table in which data corresponding to the ON period is set. Even when such a pattern table is used, the lighting mode in which the brightness gradually changes can be realized as shown in FIG. 51 by the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. However, when the pattern table in which the data corresponding to the ON period is set is used, the process of step S467 is turned off and the process of step S469 is turned on in the flowchart shown in FIG.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-described embodiments is mainly a predetermined game when the stop symbol of the special symbol which is variably displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the start winning is a predetermined symbol combination. It was a first-class pachinko game machine that can be given value to the player, but if there is a prize in the predetermined area for the electric auditors to be released based on the starting prize, the predetermined game value can be given to the player. The second kind of pachinko gaming machine and the symbols that are variably displayed based on the starting winnings will be released when the combination of the predetermined symbols is the combination of the predetermined symbols. The present invention can be applied to a third-class pachinko gaming machine that does. Further, the present invention can be applied to not only pachinko game machines but also slot machines and the like.

FIG. 52 is a front view of the slot machine 500 seen from the front. As shown in FIG. 52, the slot machine 500 has a game panel (game board) 501 near the center.
Is detachably attached. Also, game panel 5
A variable display area 502 in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed is provided near the center of the front surface of 01. A one bet lamp 503, a two bet lamp 504 and a three bet lamp 505 are provided on the left side of the variable display area 502. A game over lamp 506, a replay lamp 507, a weight lamp 508, a start lamp 509, and a medal insertion instruction lamp 510 are provided on the right side of the variable display area 502.

Below the variable display area 502 are provided a credit indicator 511, a game number indicator 512, and a payout indicator 513 each of which is composed of a 7-segment LED and digitally displays the corresponding numerical value. In this embodiment, the variable display area 502 has three symbol display areas of "left", "middle", and "right", and the symbol display reels 514a, 514b, 514c respectively correspond to the symbol display areas. Is provided.

[0255] In the lower frame portion of the game panel 501,
An operation table 520 is provided in which various input switches for the player to perform various operations are arranged. Behind the operation table 520, a BET switch 521 for betting (betting) coins one coin at a time, and a MAXBET switch for betting coins by the maximum number of coins that can be bet in one game (three coins in this example). 522, a settlement switch 523, and a coin slot 524 are provided. The coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 524 are
It is detected by an inserted coin sensor (not shown). In this example, every time a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 524, for example, the upper limit is 50, and the credit indicator 51
Increase the number displayed in 1 by 1. And BET
Each time the switch 521 is pressed and one coin is bet, the value displayed on the credit display unit 511 is decremented by 1. Further, each time the MAXBET switch 522 is pressed to bet three coins, the numerical value displayed on the credit indicator 511 is reduced by three.

A start switch 525 and a left reel stop switch 526 are provided on the front side of the operation table 520.
a, a middle reel stop switch 526b, a right reel stop switch 526c, and a coin jam clearing switch 527 are provided. Side lamps 528a and 528b are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively. Below the operation table 520, a title panel 530 that is detachably attached is provided. On the title panel 530, the model name of the slot machine and the like are drawn. Side lamps 529a and 529b are provided on the left and right of the title panel 530, respectively. A speaker 531 that outputs a sound effect or the like is provided below the title panel 530.
Further, below the title panel 530, a coin storage tray 532 for storing coins exceeding the number (for example, 50) that can be internally stored is provided.

[0257] In the upper frame portion of the game panel 501,
A panel 540 is provided that is removably attached. In the vicinity of the center of the panel 540, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 54 for informing the player of a game method, a game state, etc.
1 is provided. For example, when a winning occurs, an image in which the character performs a predetermined action is displayed on the LCD 541 to notify the player that a winning flag, which will be described later, is set. Lamps 542, 543, and 544 for notifying various information are provided on the upper portion of the panel 540. Further, two speakers 545a and 545b that emit a sound effect are provided on the left and right outside the panel 540. Further, side lamps 550, 551, 552 and 553 are provided around the outside of the game panel 501.

Next, a winning combination generated in the slot machine 500 will be described. The winning combination includes a small prize, a replay prize, a big bonus prize, and a regular bonus prize. In the slot machine 500, random numbers are extracted at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, and it is determined whether or not the generation of a prize by any of the above winning combinations is allowed. The fact that winning is permitted is called "internal winning". If you win internally,
A winning flag indicating that is set inside the slot machine 500.

In the game in which the winning flag is set, the reels 514a to 514c are controlled so that the winning combination corresponding to the winning flag can be drawn.
Therefore, by pressing the reels 514a to 514c, the winning of the winning combination corresponding to the winning flag can be generated. On the other hand, in the game in which the winning flag is not set, the reel 5
14a-514c are controlled. Therefore, the reel 514
A prize cannot be generated even if the user presses a to 514c. Even if the winning flag is set, if the winning corresponding to the winning flag cannot be generated, the winning flag is cleared. However, the winning flags for regular bonus prizes and big bonus prizes are different from the winning flags of other winning combinations, and if the winning flag does not occur in the game with the winning flag set, it corresponds to that winning flag. Until the prize is won, the winning flag is carried over to the next and subsequent games.

Here, the "small winning a prize" does not involve the occurrence of a special game such as a big bonus game or a regular bonus game, or the occurrence of a replay game,
It is a prize that only involves giving a valuable value (for example, a credit or a medal). In addition, with "replay prize",
It is a prize that gives the privilege of starting the next game without consuming medals or credits.

[0261] The "regular bonus prize" means
This is a prize in which a privilege that allows the player to play a regular bonus game multiple times is given. In the regular bonus game, only the winning combination peculiar to the regular bonus game is valid, and the winning combination is internally won with an extremely high probability.

[0262] Furthermore, the "big bonus prize" is a prize to which a privilege to play the big bonus game a plurality of times is given. In the big bonus game, the winning probabilities of the small win prize and the regular bonus prize are set to a high probability state. The big bonus game is
It is provided until the regular bonus winning occurs a predetermined number of times or the big bonus game of a predetermined upper limit number is exhausted.

Next, the outline of the game provided by the slot machine will be described. For example, coin insertion slot 52
A coin is inserted from 4 and BET switch 521 or M
When the bet number is set by pressing the AXBET switch 522 or the like, the start lamp 509 is turned on and the player is informed that the operation of the start switch 525 is effectively accepted. Start lamp 509
When the start switch 525 is operated by the player while is on, the symbol display reels 514a to 514c provided in the variable display area 502 start to rotate unless it is within the wait time period. . The wait time is a game progress adjustment period set in the slot machine in order to prevent the game from progressing too quickly. Further, when the regular bonus prize or the big bonus prize is internally won at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, for example, a screen in which a predetermined character is performing a predetermined action is displayed on the LCD 541 to internally win the prize. The player is notified of the fact.

When a predetermined time elapses after the symbol display reels 514a to 514c start rotating, the operation valid lamps provided on the reel stop switches 526a to 526c are turned on. When the operation valid lamp is turned on, the player is informed that the operation of each reel stop switch 526a to 526c has become valid. The player can determine the order in which the symbol display reels 514a to 514c are stopped. When the player presses any one of the reel stop switches 526a to 526c, the corresponding operation valid lamp is turned off. Then, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. If the symbol display reels 514a to 514c are left for a predetermined period or longer without being stopped, the symbol display reels 514a to 514c are automatically stopped,
Each operation valid lamp goes out.

All symbol display reels 514a to 514c
When the symbols are stopped, the upper and middle rows of the symbol display reels 514a to 514c displayed in the variable display area 502,
Of the lower three symbols, whether or not the prize is won is determined by the combination of the symbols located on the effective winning line determined according to the number of bets. When the number of bets is 1, only the pay line in the horizontal row in the middle of the variable display area 502 is activated. When the number of bets is 2, the pay lines in the upper, middle and lower three horizontal rows in the variable display area 502 are activated. When the number of bets is three, a total of five pay lines of three horizontal rows and two diagonal diagonal lines in the variable display area 502 are effective lines.

When the combination of the symbols on the activated line becomes the predetermined specific display mode and the prize is won, a predetermined game effect is given by sound, light, display of the LCD 541, etc., and the prize is generated. The game corresponding to is started.

FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a main board (game control board) 600 provided in the slot machine 500, together with a production control board 690 and the like. Although other boards such as a power board and a relay board are also connected to the main board 600, they are not shown in FIG. Main board 600
Includes a basic circuit 601 for controlling the slot machine 500 according to a control program, a signal from the start switch 525, and each stop switch 526a to 526.
A switch circuit 606 for giving a stop switch signal from c to the basic circuit 601 and the symbol display reels 514a to 514a-5
The basic circuit 6 includes a reel motor 651 for rotating 14c.
A motor circuit 607 which is driven in accordance with a command from 01 is mounted. The motor circuit 607 controls the rotation and stop of each of the symbol display reels 514a to 514c,
The reel control signal is output to the reel motor 651.

The basic circuit 601 includes a CPU 602 that performs a control operation according to a program, a RAM 603 that is an example of a storage unit used as a work memory, a ROM 604 that stores a game control program and the like, and an I / O port unit 605. In this embodiment, the RAM 60
3, ROM 604 is built in the CPU 602. That is, the CPU 602 is a one-chip microcomputer. It should be noted that the one-chip microcomputer only needs to have at least the RAM 603 built therein, and the ROM
The 604 and the I / O port unit 605 may be external or built-in. Also, the I / O port unit 605
Is an information input / output terminal in the microcomputer.

Further, on the main board 600, a random number generation circuit 6 for generating each random number such as a big hit random number (a random number used for determining whether or not to allow a bonus game to be generated).
12 and a sampling circuit 613 that acquires a random number from the random number generation circuit 612 in response to receiving the start switch signal and outputs the random number to the basic circuit 601.

[0270] The effect control means including the effect control CPU mounted on the effect control board 690 is the slot machine 5.
Display control of the LCD 541 provided on the display unit 00.
On the LCD 541, various information such as a display related to a winning notification, a display for informing a game state and a game method, and the like are displayed under the control of the effect control means. In addition, the production control means, reel lamps 652a to 652i provided in the slot machine 500, various side lamps 55.
0 or the like, and the lighting control of the fluorescent lamp 671 is performed. Further, the effect control means controls the sound output of the speakers 531, 545a, 545b provided in the slot machine 500.

The reel unit 650 stores a reel motor 651, reel lamps 652a to 652i, and a reel sensor 653. Reel motor 651
Is a motor for rotating each reel 514a to 514c. The reel lamps 652 to 652i are respectively provided inside the reels 514a to 514c, and for illuminating the symbols visually recognized in the variable display area 502 among the symbols drawn on the reels 514a to 514c from the inside of the reels. Is the lamp. Reel lamps 652a-6
52c are lamps for illuminating the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol which can be visually recognized in the variable display area 502 among the symbols drawn on the reel 514a. The reel lamps 652d to 652f are lamps that illuminate the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol, which are visible in the variable display area 502 among the symbols drawn on the reel 514b. Further, the reel lamps 652g to 652i are respectively the variable display areas 50 of the symbols drawn on the reel 514c.
It is a lamp that illuminates the upper design, the middle design, and the lower design visible in 2. The reel sensor 653 includes the reels 514a-
It is a sensor for sensing the rotation state and the number of rotations of 514c.

As shown in FIG. 53, the detection signal of the start switch 525 is input to the basic circuit 601 via the switch circuit 606 and the sampling circuit 613. When the detection signal from the start switch 525 is input, the basic circuit 601 receives the motor circuit 607.
To output a reel control signal. The reel motor 651 is driven by the reel control signal to drive each reel 514.
a to 514c start rotating.

The sampling circuit 613 extracts one random number from the random number generation circuit 612 at the timing when the detection signal of the start switch 525 is input, and the basic circuit 601.
Output to. The CPU 602 has a sampling circuit 613.
By referring to the random number received from the winning combination and the winning determination table for each winning combination stored in the ROM 604, it is determined for each winning combination whether or not the generation of a winning is allowed, and the determination result is R
It is stored in the AM 603. In this way, whether or not the winning combination is won is determined at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated. After that, the CPU 602 controls the reels 514a to 514c according to the winning result for each winning combination.

Further, the CPU 602 responds to the input of the detection signal of the start switch 525, and sends a control command (preliminary production pattern command) to the production control board 690 via the buffer circuit 611 to specify the start of the game. Is output. The effect control board 690 controls the LCD 541 and the like based on the received control command in accordance with the effect pattern determined at the start of the game. In addition, based on the received control command, according to the lighting pattern determined corresponding to the start of the game,
The side lamp 550 and the like are controlled. Further, based on the received control command, according to the sound output pattern defined at the start of the game, the speaker 531
545a, 545b, etc. are controlled.

Further, when the detection signals (stop switch signals) of the stop switches 526a to 526c are input, the CPU 602 passes via the motor circuit 607 the reels corresponding to the stop switch signals (reels 514a to 514a to 514).
A reel control signal for stopping any one of 14c) is output toward the reel motor 651. Further, the CPU 602 outputs a control command (notification effect pattern command) capable of specifying the stop timing of the reels 514a to 514c to the effect control board 690 via the buffer circuit in response to the input of the stop switch signal. The production control means in the production control board 690, based on the received control command, according to the production pattern determined corresponding to the stop time of the reels 514a to 514c, LC
D541, side lamp 550, etc., speaker 53
1, 545a, 545b, etc. are controlled.

[0276] In such a slot machine, the luminous bodies provided at positions visible to the player, such as the lamps 542, 543, 544 for notifying various information and the side lamps 550, 551, 552, 553. The lighting mode control using the pattern table according to the present invention can be applied. As in the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1, by using the lighting mode in which the brightness gradually changes, the interest of the game can be further promoted.

[0277]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine, the light emission control means changes the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output so that the brightness of at least one light emitting means. The brightness change control means includes a brightness change control means for performing brightness change control for changing the brightness of the drive signal output according to the brightness of each of the plurality of steps. Since the brightness change control is performed by referring to the stored drive signal pattern table, it is possible to make the game production by the light emitting means more entertaining and to emit light at the time of developing the game machine. There is an effect that the manner of game production by means can be easily adjusted.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the light emission control means repeatedly executes the predetermined control every time the predetermined period elapses, and sets the minimum value of the ON period or the OFF period of the drive signal output to the predetermined period. Therefore, the drive signal output to the light emitting means can be controlled at the minimum control interval, and fine control of the light emitting means can be realized.

In the invention according to claim 3, since the light emission control means is configured to perform the brightness change control of the light emission means in a predetermined game state, the interest of the game in the predetermined game state is further enhanced. You can

In the invention according to claim 4, since the light emission control means is configured to make the light emission means give a notice that a predetermined game state is brought about by a change in brightness, the interest of the game relating to the notice can be further enhanced. You can

In the invention according to claim 5, the light emission control means can execute a plurality of types of lightness change control with different lightness change modes of the light emitting means, and a predetermined game state can be achieved depending on the kind of lightness change control. Since it is configured so that the degree of expectation of the notice is different, it is possible to give a plurality of notices having different degrees of expectation according to the lightness change mode, and it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game relating to the notice.

In the invention according to claim 6, since the light emitting means for controlling the brightness change in the predetermined game state and the light emitting means for notifying that the predetermined game state is brought about by the brightness change control are respectively provided. Notification of the game state to the player and advance notice are separately realized by brightness change control,

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the drive signal pattern table stores data indicating at least one of the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output for each predetermined divided period. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the light emission control means is configured to repeatedly output the drive signal based on the data stored in the drive signal pattern table in the predetermined divided period. It is not necessary to store a large amount of data in the drive signal pattern table, and the storage capacity can be saved.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the data indicating at least one of the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output stored in the drive signal pattern table corresponds to a period equal to or longer than a predetermined divided period. Since the data is stored, it is possible to easily realize full lighting or non-lighting of the light emitting means.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the light emitting means which is the subject of the lightness change control is provided on the decoration member for decorating the outside of the display area of the variable display device, the lightness is improved at a position conspicuous to the player. A gradually changing lighting mode is realized.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, since the light emitting means which is the subject of the brightness change control is provided in the variable winning device, the lighting mode in which the brightness gradually changes at a position relatively conspicuous to the player is realized. To be done.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front surface of the game board with the glass door frame removed.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine viewed from the back side.

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

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

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

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of random numbers.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a symbol variably displayed on the variable display device.

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

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a starting opening switch passage confirmation process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining a variable display stop symbol and a process for determining a reach type.

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

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a control command.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing a relationship between an 8-bit control signal forming a control command and an INT signal.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of contents of a display control command.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a variation pattern command and a variation pattern.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of contents of a lamp control command.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command transmission table.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing one configuration example of command data 2 and another configuration example.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of INT data.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command transmission table.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing command control processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a command transmission processing routine.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the display control CPU.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a display control process process.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a lamp control CPU.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the lamp control CPU.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an address map of a ROM mounted on the lamp control board.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a command reception interrupt process.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a reception command buffer.

FIG. 35 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a frame side output driver circuit.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of a gradual lighting start / extinction start control process.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a drive signal pattern table.

FIG. 38 is a timing chart showing an example of a gradual lighting mode.

FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing an example of a relationship between a big hit game state and a high probability state, and a state of a game state lamp.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the drive signal pattern table.

FIG. 41 is a timing chart showing another example of the gradual lighting mode.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the drive signal pattern table.

FIG. 43 is a timing chart showing another example of the gradual lighting mode.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the drive signal pattern table.

FIG. 45 is a timing chart showing another example of the gradual lighting mode.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between a lamp lighting mode and reliability.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of execution timing of gradual lighting.

FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the execution timing of the gradual lighting.

FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the execution timing of the gradual lighting.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the drive signal pattern table.

FIG. 51 is a timing chart showing another example of the gradual lighting mode.

FIG. 52 is a front view of the slot machine seen from the front.

53 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of a main board together with a production control board and the like. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display 24 Variable winning ball device 25 decorative lamp 28a Skylight lamp 28b Left frame lamp 28c Right frame lamp 28d Game status lamp 28e Lower lamp 35 lamp control board 56 CPU 351 CPU for lamp control

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A game machine in which a player plays a predetermined game and can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player in accordance with the establishment of a specific condition in the game, and a light emitting means provided in the game machine. Is provided with a light emission control means for controlling the light emission means by outputting a drive signal to the light emission means, wherein the light emission control means changes brightness of at least one light emission means by changing an ON period and an OFF period of the drive signal output. A brightness change control means for performing brightness change control for changing the brightness in a plurality of steps, wherein the brightness change control means corresponds to an ON period or an OFF period of the drive signal output according to the brightness of each of the plurality of steps. A gaming machine characterized by performing brightness change control with reference to a drive signal pattern table in which stored data is stored. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control means repeatedly executes predetermined control every time a predetermined period elapses, and the minimum value of the ON period or the OFF period of the drive signal output is set to the predetermined period. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emission control means controls the brightness change of the light emission means in a predetermined game state. 4. The light-emission control means causes the light-emission means to give a notice that a predetermined game state is brought about by a change in brightness.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3. 5. The light emission control means is capable of executing a plurality of types of lightness change control with different lightness change modes of the light emitting means, and if the kind of lightness change control has a different expectation of a notice of being in a predetermined game state. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the gaming machine is installed. 6. A light emitting means for controlling brightness change in a predetermined game state, and a light emitting means for notifying that a predetermined game state is brought about by the brightness change control are provided, respectively. The gaming machine described in any one. 7. The drive signal pattern table includes at least one of an ON period and an OFF period of the drive signal output for each predetermined divided period in which the ON period and the OFF period of the drive signal output do not change during the brightness change control. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein data indicating one of the two is stored. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the light emission control means repeatedly continues to output the drive signal based on the data stored in the drive signal pattern table in a predetermined divided period. 9. Data corresponding to a predetermined divided period or more is stored as data indicating at least one of an ON period and an OFF period of the drive signal output stored in the drive signal pattern table. The gaming machine according to claim 7 or claim 8. 10. A variable display device capable of changing a display state, wherein the light emitting means to be subject to brightness change control is provided on a decorative member for decorating the outside of the display area of the variable display device. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 9. 11. A variable winning device which is capable of changing between a state advantageous to a player and a state unfavorable to a player, and a light emitting means which is an object of brightness change control is provided in the variable winning device. The gaming machine according to claim 10.