JP2003181048A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the controlling burden of a game controlling means regarding a process for determining the variable display content of identification information for a variably displaying device. <P>SOLUTION: In a win-confirming process, when a starting port switch is turned on, a CPU increases a start-winning storage number by one if the start- winning storage number has not reached four, and extracts numerals for respective random numbers such as a big jackpot judging random number. Then, after performing the judgement for a big jackpot/missing based on the numeral for the big jackpot judging random number, the CPU performs the judgement for a variation pattern of a picture, conforming to the numeral for a variable pattern determining random number. Then, a process to transmit a judgement result command at the time of winning is performed. A display-controlling CPU determines the content of a previous notice based on the judgement result command at the time of winning. Therefore, the controlling burden for the game controlling means is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises variable display means capable of variably displaying identification information, and after the predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, identification is performed based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that can start variable display of information and can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous for a player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result.

[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.
Further, variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, it is possible to control to a specific game state advantageous to the player. There is one configured.

The specific game state means a state that is advantageous to a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific game state, for example, the state of the variable winning ball device is advantageous for the player who can easily hit the ball (big hit gaming state), and the right for the player to have an advantageous state is generated. A predetermined game value is given such as a state in which the game condition is paid, a condition in which the prize game medium payout is easily established, or the like.

In the pachinko gaming machine, it is usually that the display result of the variable display means for displaying the special symbol (identification information) is a combination of predetermined specific display modes.
It is called "big hit". 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, 15 rounds). In addition, the opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is decided for each opening,
Even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the special winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. 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, in the variable display means, the symbols other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time, and are stopped and shaken in a state of being consistent with a specific display result. It is possible that a big hit occurs before the final result is displayed, because it is moving, scaling or deforming, or multiple symbols fluctuate in sync with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is swapped The effect performed in a state in which the sex continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach production. Further, the reach state and the state thereof are referred to as the reach mode. Furthermore, the variable display including the reach effect is called the 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. Then, when the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the variably display means 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 progress of the game on the gaming machine is controlled by the game control means such as a microcomputer. Since the identification information displayed on the variable display means can be displayed in a variety of ways, the capacity of the program relating to the variable display control is large. Therefore, it is difficult to control the identification information and the like displayed on the variable display means by the microcomputer of the game control means having a limited program capacity, and a microcomputer for display control different from the microcomputer of the game control means. It is a good idea to use (display control means).

When a microcomputer for display control is provided, the game control means appropriately controls the microcomputer for display control according to the progress of the game in order to synchronize the game control state with the variable display control state. Need to send a signal. In that case, a control signal for designating the identification information displayed on the variable display means, particularly the stop identification information at the end of the variable display, is sent to the microcomputer for display control.

[0008]

In order to enrich the display effect without increasing the processing load of the game control means, the display control means including a microcomputer for display control is displayed by the game control means. It is conceivable that the control content regarding the notice display is determined and executed according to a control signal designating the effect content.

However, in order to determine the variable display contents of the identification information in the variable display means such as the determination of whether or not to be a big hit and the determination of the variable display pattern (variation pattern) of the special symbol displayed by the variable display means. Since most of the processing is performed by the game control means, the control load on the game control means is still large.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the control load of the game control means relating to the processing for determining the variable display content of the identification information on the variable display means.

[0011]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information (for example, the variable display device 9 and the variable display means 9a shown in FIG. 42) is provided, and a predetermined variable display execution condition (for example,
After the condition is established when there is a prize in the prize area provided in the game area) is established, the variable display start condition (for example, the condition that is established when the variable display of the last special symbol is completed) The variable display of the identification information is started based on the establishment, and the specific game advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result (for example, the same symbol in the left middle right pattern) A game machine that can be controlled in a state (for example, a big hit state), and game control means (for example, CPU 56, game control means 561 shown in FIG. 42) for controlling the progress of the game, and commands from the game control means. On the basis of the above, the effect means (eg, the variable display device 9, the light-emitting body, which can perform the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information,
The speaker 27, the effect control means for controlling the effect means 802 shown in FIG. 42 (for example, the display control CPU 101, the lamp control CPU 351, the sound control CPU 701, FIG.
2, and the game control means, when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied, the content of the effect according to the variable display of the identification information (for example, the variable display during the variable display of the special symbol) The production pattern command (for example, a variation pattern command) capable of specifying one production pattern among a plurality of production patterns each indicating the content) is transmitted, and the production control means is based on the production pattern command from the game control means. The production means is controlled to execute the production according to the variable display of the identification information, and the game control means selects which of the plurality of types of production patterns is to be produced when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied (for example, Step S
47, selection means when the execution condition is satisfied (for example, CPU) for effect pattern selection processing in step S400 shown in FIG.
56, selecting means 562 when the execution condition is satisfied shown in FIG. 42)
And a selection result command capable of specifying the selection result by the selection means when the execution condition is satisfied (for example, a winning determination result command)
Before the condition for starting variable display based on the satisfaction of the selected execution condition is satisfied (for example, it is preferable that the timing immediately after the selection by the selection means when the execution condition is satisfied is made. The selection result command transmitting means (for example, the timing may be after the predetermined delay period has elapsed after the selection is made) before the condition for starting the variable display based on the winning is satisfied. The CPU 56 and the selection result command transmitting unit 563 shown in FIG. 42), and the selection result command transmitting unit transmits, as the selection result command, a command capable of specifying the effect pattern selected by the executing condition selection unit. Based on the received selection result command, the production control means opens the variable display based on the establishment of the selected execution condition. Before the condition is met, a predetermined effect is produced by the effect means (for example, a big hit announcement effect that gives a warning that there is a possibility that it will be a big hit in the variable display of the next several times, when the variable display of the next several times is performed. Reach advance notice production that gives advance notice that there is a possibility of becoming a reach).

The control executed by the game control means includes a regular process (for example, a winning confirmation process) executed in response to a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined period. The processing may be configured to complete all the selection processing (for example, step S44 to step S47) based on the establishment of the variable display execution condition.

The effect pattern command and the selection result command each include pattern information (for example, EXT data) indicating the type of effect pattern, and the pattern information is commonly used in the effect pattern command and the selection result command (for example, at the time of winning). Selection result command E
XT data may be set in common with the variation pattern command and the EXT data).

When the effect control means specifies the variable display effect pattern specified by the selection result command and the variable display effect pattern specified by the effect pattern command are different, the effect control command specifies the effect. It is preferable that the production is performed based on the pattern. That is, the variable display of the identification information may be always executed based on the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern command, without executing the variable display of the identification information based on the effect pattern specified by the selection result command. .

The selection result command transmission means transmits the selection result command only when the execution means selection means selects a predetermined effect pattern (for example, effect pattern indicating a big hit, effect pattern indicating reach). It may be configured.

[0016] The effect control means displays a reserved storage number display means (for example, a winning winning storage number) which is the number of times of variable display of the identification information which has satisfied the variable display execution condition but has not been started yet ( For example, the number of reserved memories is included, including the number of reserved memories display control means (for example, the CPU 101 for display control, the CPU 351 for lamp control mounted on the lamp control board 35) that controls the variable display device 9, the starting memory indicator. The control means is configured to change the display mode (for example, display color, display order) of the number of reserved storages displayed on the number of reserved storages based on the effect pattern specified by the selection result command. Good.

The effect pattern is at least an effect pattern in which the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result (for example, a variation pattern in which a big hit) and an effect pattern in which the display result is not a specific display result (for example, a big hit). Variation pattern which does not become), the production control means,
When the selection result command indicating the effect pattern that the display result is the specific display result is received, the content of the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information until the effect based on the effect pattern is started is changed. It may be configured.

At least the effect patterns are effect patterns in which the variable display of the identification information is reach-variable display (for example, a reach variation pattern) and not-reach-variable display (for example, a variation pattern that is out of reach).
In the case where the effect control means receives the selection result command indicating the effect pattern to be the reach variable display,
It may be configured to change the contents of the effect according to the variable display of the identification information until the effect based on the effect pattern is started.

[0019]

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 attached to the inside of 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. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball feed tray 3 and a hitting ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hit ball. Glass door frame 2
A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the. 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, there is provided a variable display device (special variable display portion) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions for variably displaying symbols as identification information. The variable display device 9 includes, for example, “left”, “middle”,
There are three "right" variable display parts (symbol display areas).
In addition, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol starting memory display areas (starting memory display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of starting memories. Each time there is an effective start prize, the display color is changed (for example, changed from blue display to red display) and the start memory display area is increased by one. And the variable display device 9
Each time the variable display of (3) is started, the display area for changing the number of starting memories in which the display color is changed is decremented by 1 (that is, the display color is restored). In this example, since the symbol display area and the starting memory display area are provided separately, the number of starting memories can be displayed even during variable display.
The start memory display area may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the start memory number may be interrupted during the variable display. Further, in this example, the starting memory display area is provided in the variable display device 9, but a display device (special symbol starting memory display device) for displaying the number of starting memories is provided separately from the variable display device 9. You may

Below the variable display device 9, the starting winning opening 1
A variable winning ball device 15 is provided. 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 is provided below the starting winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

At the lower part of the variable winning ball device 15, an opening / closing plate 20 is provided which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). Opening plate 20
Is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. One of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 (V winning area)
The entered winning balls are detected by the V winning switch 22, and the winning balls from the opening / closing plate 20 are 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.

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 that case, the special variable display section and the ordinary variable display section are realized by 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 decorative LED is installed around each structure (a special winning opening, etc.) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decorative LED are examples of the decorative light-emitting body provided in the game machine.

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.
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.

In the card unit 50, a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether or not the card unit 50 is in an usable state, and a fraction (a number less than 100 yen) in the balance information recorded in the card, the fraction is displayed. A fraction display switch 1 for displaying on a frequency display LED provided in the vicinity of the hit ball supply tray 3
52, the connection stand direction indicator 15 showing which side the pachinko gaming machine 1 the card unit 50 corresponds to
3, a card insertion display lamp 154 indicating that a card has been inserted into the card unit 50, a card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card reader provided on the back surface of the card insertion slot 155. A card unit lock 156 is provided for releasing the card unit 50 when checking the mechanism of the writer.

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 2
0 is released until a fixed time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls are won. Then, when the hit ball enters the V winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is open and is detected by the V winning switch 22, the continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20
Is released again. The continuation right can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

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 side of the game machine, a variable display control unit 49 including a symbol control board 80 for controlling the variable display device 9, a game control board on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted (mainly Substrate) 31 is installed. Further, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. Furthermore, various decorations L provided on the game board 6
ED and normal pattern starting memory display 41, decorative lamp 2
5, a lamp control board 35 provided with lamp control means for controlling lighting of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the out-of-ball lamp 52 provided on the frame side, a speaker A sound control board 70 on which sound control means for controlling the sound generation from 27 is mounted is also provided. In addition, DC30V, DC21V, DC12
A power supply board 910 and a firing control board 91 on which a power supply circuit for generating V and DC5V is mounted are provided.

On the back side of the game machine, a terminal board 160 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the game machine is installed above. Terminal board 160
At least, the terminal for ball breakage for introducing the output of the ball breakage detection switch and outputting it externally, the terminal for prize balls for externally outputting the prize ball number signal and the external output for the ball lending number signal A ball lending terminal 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.

Further, it is stored in a storage content holding means (for example, a variable data storage means or a backup RAM capable of holding the content even when the power supply is stopped) included in each board (main board 31, payout control board 37, etc.). There is provided a switch board 190 on which a clear switch 921 is mounted as an operation means for clearing the backup data. The switch board 190 is provided with a clear switch 921 and a connector 922 connected to another board such as the main board 31.

The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail 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 that detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the out-of-ball detection switch 167 that detects a shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream part (in the storage tank 38) in the guide rail. It is provided in the adjacent portion). When the out-of-ball detection switch 167 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 a ball lending request are paid out, the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and when the 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. 4 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. 4, 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. It is the same in other embodiments that what is called a switch may be what is called a sensor, that is, the switch is an example of the game medium detecting means.

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 game control program and the like, and R as a storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory.
AM55, CPU5 which controls according to the program
6 and 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 contents of part or all of M55 are saved.

The hit ball launching device for hitting and launching a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the launch 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 normal board starting memory display 41 and the decorative lamp 2 provided on the game board.
5, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28 provided on the frame side are controlled.
c, display control of the award ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 is performed. Each lamp may be an LED or other type of light emitting body, and the LEDs used in this embodiment and other embodiments may be another type of light emitting body. That is, the lamp and the LED are examples of the light emitting body. 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) 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. Further, in this embodiment, the command data is transmitted by parallel communication (8 bit parallel in this example), but it may be exchanged by serial communication.

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 according to the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP (video display processor) 103. The VDP 103 is the character RO
Read the required data from M86. VDP103 is
Image data to be displayed on the LCD 82 is generated according to the input data, and the R, G, B signals and the synchronization signal are set to L.
Output to CD82.

FIG. 5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for giving 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.

Noise filter 10 for cutting off high frequency signals
For example, a 3-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as 7, but the presence of the noise filter 107 eliminates the influence of noise on the display control command between the substrates. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 62A of the main board 31.

Although not shown, the structure of the signal transmission / reception part of the lamp control command between the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35, and the signal of the sound control command between the main board 31 and the sound control board 70. The configuration of the transmission part is as shown in FIG.
It is configured similarly to the signal transmission / reception portion of the display control command between the main board 31 and the symbol control board 80 shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 6
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 power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts the main processing after step S1. 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 CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) (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). Also, the CTC has two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2,3.
And two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.

CPU 5 used in this embodiment
6 has the following 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.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that issued the interrupt request has an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3
Byte) on the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 56 executes the instruction of the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. At reset, CPU 56 automatically sets interrupt mode 0
become. Therefore, when it is desired to set the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.

Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted,
It is a mode to always fly to the address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output by the built-in device is the interrupt address. Is a mode indicating. 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.

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

Next, the CPU 56 confirms the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 inputted through the input port only once (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S15).

If the clear switch 921 is not in the ON state, the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, processing when power supply is stopped such as addition of parity data) is performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not (step S8). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this 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, it means that there is no backup (off state).

When it is confirmed 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 step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. If the power is restored after an unexpected power outage such as a power outage, backup RA
Since the data in the M 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 this embodiment, it is checked whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is saved by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. . That is,
Either backup flag or check data,
It may be used as a trigger for executing the state restoration process.

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 (hereinafter, referred to as a payable state designation command) for instructing that the ball can be paid out from the ball payout device 97 to the payout control board 37 (step S13). . Also,
Other sub-boards (lamp control board 35, sound control board 70,
A process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the pattern control board 80) to each sub-board is executed (step S1).
4). As an initialization command, a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (for the symbol control board 80) and a command for instructing to turn off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 (for the lamp control board 35) Etc.)

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied 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). The display random number is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . 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 random number for determining an initial value of a count value of a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In the game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, the initial value is set to the counter.

It should be noted that when the display random number updating process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is set because the display random number updating process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later. This is to avoid competing with. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the process of step S17 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value is lost. There are cases. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt prohibition state is set during the process of step S17.

When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56
After performing the register saving process (step S20), the game control process of steps S21 to S32 shown in FIG. 7 is executed. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs the detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the starting opening switch 14a, the count switch 23 and the winning opening switch 24a via the switch circuit 58, and determines their states. (Switch processing: step S2
1).

Then, 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. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether to generate a big hit (for big hit determination = special symbol determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle out-of-range symbol determination (3) Random 3: Decide the combination of symbols at the time of big hit (for big hit symbol determination = for special symbol judgment) (4) Random 4: Decide whether or not to reach in case of out of reach (for reach judgment) (5) Random 5: Reach Determining time fluctuation pattern (for fluctuation pattern determination)

In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (5) (for example, random numbers for initial value determination) are also used. Further, for example, by setting an initial value (for example, an initial value set for each random number) to each random number regularly, the random numbers of the above (1) to (5) are configured not to be synchronized with each other. Is desirable. In step S23, the CPU 56 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the big hit determination random number (1), the big hit symbol determination random number (3), and the reach determination random number (4). That is, those are random numbers for determination, and the other random numbers are random numbers for display.

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 display device 10 in a predetermined order. And the value of the normal symbol process flag,
It is updated during each process according to the game state.

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

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 management 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
In response to the winning detection based on that any one of a, 33a, and 39a is turned on, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37. 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.
Next, the CPU 56 confirms the number of memory for starting winning prizes, and when the number of memory for starting winning winnings has changed compared to the time when it was confirmed last time, the lighting color of the corresponding starting memory display area 18 in the variable display device 9 is changed. A storage process of setting a display control command designating change in the command transmission table is executed (step S33). In addition, even when designating the lighting / extinction of the holding lamp of the normal symbol starting memory display 41, a module common to the module used when designating to change the lighting color of the starting memory display area 18 is used. It After that, the contents of the register are restored (step S34), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S35).

By 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. 9 is an explanatory view showing an example of the left and right middle symbols used in this embodiment. As shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, the symbols displayed as the left and right middle symbols are the same 10 symbols in the left and right. When the design number 0 is displayed, the design number 9 is displayed next. Then, the left and right middle symbols are, for example, "1", "3",
When all stop at "5", "7" or "9", the high probability state is reached. That is, they are the probability variation patterns.

FIG. 10 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. 10 is a specific process of step S26 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process process, the CPU 56 performs either the fluctuation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) or the winning confirmation process (step S311), and then, according to the internal state, one of steps S301 to S307. Perform processing. The fluctuation reduction timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.

Winning confirmation process (step S311): Wait for the starting winning opening 14 to be hit and the starting opening switch 14a to be turned on. When the start opening switch 14a is turned on, if the number of memory for winning the winning prize is not full, the number of memory for winning the winning prize is increased by +.
In addition to 1, each random number such as a big hit determination random number is extracted, and it is determined whether to make a big hit or not, a pattern variation pattern, or the like.

Stop symbol setting process (step S301):
Wait until the variable display of special symbols can be started.
When the variable display of the special symbols can be started, the number of memory for winning the winning start is confirmed. If the number of memory for winning a prize is not 0,
Along with determining the variation pattern of the symbol, the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols is determined. Stop symbols, big symbol, out, special symbol variation waiting process such as reach (step S311)
It is determined based on the determination result in step S1 and the control state at the start of variable display. When the processing is completed, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

All symbol variation start processing (step S30
2): The variable display device 9 is controlled so that all the symbols start to fluctuate. At this time, to the symbol control board 80, the right and left middle final stop symbols and information for instructing the variation mode (variation pattern) are transmitted. When the processing is completed, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

Waiting process for all symbols stop (step S30
3): When a predetermined time (the time indicated by the fluctuation reduction timer in step S310) has elapsed, all the symbols displayed on the variable display device 9 are stopped. Then, when the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S304. Otherwise, the internal state is set to step S30.
Update to move to 1.

Special winning opening opening processing (step S30
4): Start the control for opening the special winning opening. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. In addition, the process timer sets the execution time of the process during opening of the special winning opening, and the big hit flag (a flag indicating that the big hit is in progress)
Set. When the processing is completed, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305.

Processing for opening the special winning opening (step S30
5): The control for sending the display control command data of the special winning opening round display to the symbol control board 80, the processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, etc. are performed. When the final closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S306.

Specific area effective time processing (step S30
6): 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. If the conditions for continuation of the jackpot gaming state are satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S304. If the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or if all the rounds are finished, the internal state is set to step S.
Update to move to 307.

Big hit end processing (step S307): Display for notifying the player that the big hit game state has ended. When the display ends, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S301.

FIG. 11 shows a winning confirmation process (step S31).
It is a flowchart which shows 1). When the ball hits the starting winning opening 14 provided on the game board 6, the starting opening switch 14a is turned on. CPU in the winning confirmation process
As shown in FIG. 11, when 56 determines that the starting opening switch 14a is turned on via the switch circuit 58 (step S41), the number of stored winning awards is 4 which is the maximum value.
It is confirmed whether or not has reached (step S42). If the number of stored winning awards has not reached 4, the number of stored starting awards is incremented by 1 (step S43), and the value of each random number such as the random number for jackpot determination is extracted (step S44). Then C
Based on the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number, the PU 56 makes a jackpot / offset determination under conditions of high probability and low probability (step S45). Also, the CPU 56
If it is determined to be out of alignment in step S45, it determines whether or not to reach based on the value of the extracted reach determination random number (step S46). Then, if it is determined to be a big hit in step S45, and if it is determined to be a reach in step S46, step S44
A process of selecting the variation pattern of the symbol is performed according to the value of the variation pattern determination random number (random 5) extracted in (step S47). In step S47, the variation pattern is selected for each of the determination result at the high probability and the determination result at the low probability in step S45. Further, in the case of an outlier that does not become a reach, a predetermined variation pattern is set.

When a pattern variation pattern is selected, CP
The U 56 stores data (winning judgment result information) indicating the selection result (which may also be called a judgment result in the following description) in the winning judgment result information storage area (step S48). In this example, there are a plurality of winning determination result information storage areas, for example, in the backup area of the RAM 55, which correspond to the number of memory for winning winnings (that is, the same number as the maximum number of memory for winning winnings, four in this example). ) It is provided. In step S48, the data indicating the selection result is stored in the winning determination result information storage area which is provided corresponding to the current number of stored winning prizes (the number after the addition in step S43). The data indicating the selection result includes, for example, a flag for specifying whether to make a big hit (big hit determination result flag), a flag for specifying whether to make a reach (reach determination result flag), And information for specifying the fluctuation pattern (for example, data corresponding to EXT data of a fluctuation pattern command described later)
Is included. Further, in the present example, the data indicating the selection result includes respective information indicating the result determined according to the determination condition (selection condition) at the time of high probability and the result determined according to the determination condition at the time of low probability. Be done.

Generally, in order to improve randomness, various random numbers such as a big hit determination random number are extracted at the time of winning. (When the variable display is started, the variable display is performed for a fixed period. In this example, do not save the value of the extracted big hit judgment random number and the value of the reach judgment random number, and whether to use the data or the reach for specifying whether to make a big hit or not. Since the data for specifying whether or not to save is stored, the storage capacity of the winning determination result information storage area can be small. When storing the value of the big hit determination random number and the value of the reach determination random number, it is necessary to use a storage area capable of storing the value in the range of the random number. In this example, both the big hit determination random number and the reach determination random number are values in the range of 0 to 299 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, in order to save the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number and the value of the reach determination random number, a storage area for storing and holding the value of the jackpot determination random number,
Each of the storage area for storing and holding the value of the reach determination random number requires a storage capacity of 2 bytes. In this example, the data indicating the determination result is stored, and the flag is used for the data indicating the determination result, so the data (big hit determination result flag) for specifying whether or not to make a big hit is stored. As a storage area and a storage area for storing data (reach determination result flag) for specifying whether or not to reach, it is possible to use storage areas each having a storage capacity of 1 byte. Therefore, the capacity of the winning determination result information storage area can be reduced. It should be noted that the larger the maximum value of the number of stored winning awards is, the more the above-mentioned effects are exhibited.

In the above example, an area for storing data for specifying whether or not to be a big hit in each winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of memory for winning a prize for winning, and whether or not to reach. The area for storing the data for specifying is configured by 1 byte each, but the storage area corresponding to the number of memory for winning a prize for winning may be configured in bit units. For example, in a 1-byte storage area, the number of stored winning prizes = N (for example, N = 1 to 4) is associated with a bit (N−1), and each bit stores data indicating a reach determination result flag. You can do it like this. With the above configuration, the capacity of the winning determination result information storage area can be further reduced. When the storage area corresponding to the number of stored winning awards is formed in bit units, the data of each bit may be shifted each time variable display is executed (see step S54). Further, the larger the maximum value of the number of stored winning awards is, the greater the above effect is.

Then, the CPU 56 sets a command transmission table relating to the winning determination result command (step S49) and calls a command setting process (step S50). In step S49, the command transmission table (RO
The start address of M) is set as the address of the command transmission table. In the command transmission table related to the winning determination result command, INT data, which will be described later, data of the first byte of the command, and data of the second byte of the command are set. The prize determination result command is a selection of a variation pattern performed based on that the hit ball has won the starting winning opening 14 (step S47).
Command), which specifies the variation pattern selected according to the selection condition at the time of low probability. In this embodiment, in step S49, a command transmission table relating to a start winning prize memory number designating command for designating the starting prize winning memory number is also set, and in step S50, a starting prize winning memory number designating command is also transmitted. In this example, the processes of steps S49 and S50 are configured such that the winning determination result command is transmitted after the start winning memory number designating command is transmitted.

FIG. 12 is a stop symbol setting process (step S
It is a flow chart showing (301). In the stop symbol setting process, if the CPU 56 is in a state in which the fluctuation of the special symbol can be started (specifically, if the value of the process flag is the value indicating step S301) (step S51), start The value of the winning prize memory number is confirmed (step S52). If the number of memory for winning a prize is not 0,
The winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = 1 is read (step S53), the value of the starting winning memory number is decreased by 1, and each winning determination is made. The value of the result information storage area is shifted (step S54). That is, each winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of starting winning memory = n (n = 2, 3, 4) corresponds to the number of starting winning memory = n−1. It is stored in the winning determination result information storage area.

Next, the CPU 56 executes step S53 based on the current control state (probability change state, normal state).
The variation pattern selected based on the selection condition at the time of low probability included in the winning determination result information read in,
Which of the fluctuation patterns selected based on the selection condition at the time of high probability is used is determined (step S5).
5). If the current control state is the probable variation state, it is decided to use the variation pattern selected based on the selection condition at the time of high probability. If the current control state is not the probable variation state (normal state), it is determined to use the variation pattern selected based on the selection condition at the time of low probability.

When the variation pattern is determined, the CPU 56
Is a jackpot determination result flag or a reach determination result flag related to the variation pattern determined in step S55 among the winning determination result information read in step S53 (specifically, selection of the determined variation pattern (step S4
7)) means the big hit determination result and each flag indicating the reach determination result) used in the above)
The left-middle-right special symbol that matches the variation pattern determined in step S55 is determined. In this example, when it is confirmed that the jackpot is determined by the state of the jackpot determination result flag (Y in step S56), a jackpot symbol determining random number (random 3) is extracted and the jackpot symbol is determined according to the value. Yes (step S57). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol numbers set in the jackpot symbol table according to the value of the extracted 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.

If it is confirmed that the jackpot determination result flag is off depending on the state, it is confirmed whether the reach determination is made on the basis of the reach determination result flag state (step S58). When it is confirmed that the reach has been determined, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol in the case of reaching, although it is not a big hit (step S59). In this embodiment, random 2-1
Random number is extracted and the left symbol is determined according to its value, random 2-2 random numbers are extracted, the middle symbol is determined according to that value, random 2-3 random numbers are extracted, and the right symbol is determined according to that value ( Step S59). Here, the stop symbol is determined so that the left and right symbols are the same, and the reach is achieved. In addition, 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. .

When it is confirmed that the reach is not determined in step S58, the CPU 56 determines the stop symbol in the case of the reach which does not reach the reach (step S60). In this embodiment, random 2
-1 random number is extracted and the left symbol is determined according to that value, random 2-2 random number is extracted and the middle symbol is determined according to that value, while random number 2-3 random numbers are extracted and the right symbol is determined according to that value. It is determined (step S60). In addition,
Here, the stop symbol is determined so that the left and right symbols do not match, and it is set as an outlier that does not reach.

Then, the CPU 56 sets the command transmission table relating to the fluctuation pattern command designating the fluctuation pattern determined in step S55 (step S64), and calls the command setting process (step S65). In step S64, the start address of the command transmission table (ROM) in which the variation pattern command is stored is set as the address of the command transmission table. In the command transmission table regarding the variation pattern command, INT data, which will be described later, data of the first byte of the command, and data of the second byte of the command are set. In step S64, a command transmission table for a symbol designating command that designates the left middle right symbol is also set, and the symbol designating command is also transmitted in step S65. The command set process will be described in detail later. Although a series of processes are collectively described here, strictly speaking, the processes of steps S51 to S60 described above are the stop symbol setting process, and the steps S64 and S65 are performed.
The process of is a process executed in the all symbol variation start process (step S302).

In the case of a high probability state, a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time may be used as a fluctuation pattern at the time of deviation. By doing so, it is possible to increase the number of fluctuations per hour and give the player many opportunities to be a big hit.

As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol variation is the big hit, the reach mode, or the off state when the starting winning is made, and the variation pattern is based on the determination result. Is selected, the variation pattern used for the effect is determined when the variation of the symbol can be started, and the combination of the respective stop symbols is determined.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the big hit determination process in step S45. Step S45
In the CPU, first, the big hit / outside hit is judged based on the judgment condition at the time of low probability (step S4).
5a). In this example, the big hit determination random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 299. As shown in FIG. 13, at a low probability, 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” (step S45a). Next, the CPU 56 makes a jackpot / outfall determination based on the determination condition at the time of high probability (step S45b). In this example, when the probability is high, for example, the values are “3”, “7”, “79”, “10”.
If either "3" or "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "out" (step S45b).

As described above, in the present example, regardless of whether the state is the probability variation state or not, it is determined whether or not the big hit / offset is based on the determination condition at the time of low probability, and whether or not the big hit / offset is based on the determination condition at the time of high probability. Make a decision. Further, the variation patterns are separately selected based on the jackpot / outlier determination results (including the reach / non-reach determination results thereafter) determined by the determination conditions for the high probability and the low probability. Then, in step S48 described above, the jackpot determination result flag is set in a state in which the jackpot / offset determination result based on the low probability determination condition and the jackpot / offset determination result based on the high probability determination condition are recognizable. It is stored in the corresponding winning determination result information storage area. Therefore,
The big hit determination result flag is composed of, for example, 2 bits, and if it is “00”, it is “out” in both low probability and high probability, and if it is “01”, it is “big hit” in both low probability and high probability, If it is “10”, it may indicate that it is “out” at low probability and “big hit” at high probability. In step S48 described above, the selection condition at the time of low probability (the condition of selecting based on the result of the jackpot or reach determined by the determination condition at the time of low probability)
It is possible to recognize the selection result of the variation pattern based on the variation pattern, and the selection result of the variation pattern based on the selection condition at the time of high probability (the condition that the selection is made based on the judgment result of the big hit or reach determined by the determination condition of the high probability). In such a state, the relevant jackpot determination result flag is stored in the winning determination result information storage area.

Next, the transmission of the display control command from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 will be described. Although not shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the display control command is composed of eight signal lines for the display control signals D0 to D7.
It is transmitted from 1 to the symbol control board 80. In addition, the main substrate 3
A signal line of a display control INT signal for transmitting a strobe signal is also wired between 1 and the pattern control board 80.

When trying to output a control command from the game control means to another electric component control board (sub board), the start address of the command transmission table is set. FIG. 14A 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 is set in the 1st byte. In addition, the command data 1 in the second byte is
MODE data of the first byte of the control command is set. Then, in the command data 2 of the third byte, the EXT data of the second byte of the control command is set.

The EXT data itself may be set in the command data 2 area, but the command data 2
May be set with data for designating the address of the table in which the EXT data is stored. For example, if bit 7 (work area reference bit) of command data 2 is 0, command data 2 is EX
Indicates that the T data itself is set. Such EXT data is data in which bit 7 is 0.
In this embodiment, if the work area reference bit is 1, it indicates that the content of the transmission buffer is used as the EXT data. If the work area reference bit is 1, the other 7 bits can be configured to indicate that the other 7 bits are an offset for designating the address of the table in which the EXT data is stored.

FIG. 14B is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of INT data. Bit 0 in INT data
Indicates whether or not a payout control command should be sent to the payout control board 37. If bit 0 is "1", it indicates that the payout control command should be sent. Therefore, CPU5
6 is, for example, prize ball processing (step S3 of timer interrupt processing)
In 2), "01 (H)" is set in the INT data. Bit 1 in the INT data indicates whether or not a display control command should be sent to the display output control board 80. If bit 1 is "1", it indicates that the display control command should be sent. Therefore, the CPU 56 sets "02 (H)" to the INT data in the special symbol command control process (step S28 of the timer interrupt process), for example.

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 or the like, INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 are set in the command transmission table pointed to by the pointer. When sending those commands, the corresponding bit of the INT data is set to "1", and the command data 1 and the command data 2 are MOD.
E data and EXT data are set.

In this embodiment, for the payout control command, a ring buffer and a transmission buffer are prepared as shown in FIG. 14 (C). Then, in the prize ball processing, when the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, the number of prize balls according to the satisfied condition is sequentially set in the ring buffer. Also, when sending the payout control command regarding the number of prize balls,
One data is transferred from the ring buffer to the transmission buffer. In the example shown in FIG. 14C, the ring buffer can store data corresponding to 12 payout control commands. That is, there are 12 buffers. The number of buffers in the ring buffer may be any number corresponding to the number of winning openings for generating prize balls. This is because even if the simultaneous winnings occur, it is possible to store the payout control command data based on the respective winnings.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the command form of the control command sent from the main board 31 to another electric component control board. In this embodiment, the control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always "1", and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always "0". As described above, the control command, which is a command to the electric component control board, is composed of a plurality of data, and can be distinguished by the leading bit. 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.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the 8-bit control signal and the INT signal (strobe signal) that form the control command for the symbol control board 80. As shown in FIG. 16, when a predetermined period elapses after the MODE or EXT data is output to the output port, the CPU 56 outputs INT, which is a signal indicating data output.
Turn on the signal. Further, when a predetermined period has passed from that point, the INT signal is turned off.

Although the display control command has been described here, each control command sent to the other sub-boards is also the same as that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the display control command sent to the symbol control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 17, commands 8000 (H) -80
XX (H) (X = any value of 4 bits) is a display control command that specifies a variation pattern of the special symbol in the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol. The command for designating the variation pattern also serves as a variation start instruction.

Commands 8F00 (H) and 8F01
(H) is a special symbol power-on designation command and a normal symbol power-on designation command that are sent out when the power is turned on. The normal symbol power-on time designation command is used when the display control means normally performs the symbol variation control, and when the normal symbol display device 10 is controlled by the lamp control means, it is sent to the symbol control board 80. Not done. When the display control means receives the special symbol power-on time designation command, it starts the control for initial display.

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. Command 9500
(H) to 95XX (H) is a command indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol included in the result determined as the winning determination. In this example, EXT of command 95XX (H)
The data is defined corresponding to the EXT data of the command 80XX (H). That is, the command 80XX
(H) variation pattern and command 95XX (H)
If the EXT data has the same value, the same fluctuation pattern is designated. As described above, in this example, the EXT data is commonly set for the command 95XX (H) and the command 80XX (H). In this example, commands 9500 (H) to 95X
The variation pattern indicated by X (H) is used as a judgment material for determining the notice effect by the display control means, and the variable display of the special symbol is not executed based on the variation pattern. Further, the command A000 (H) is a display control command (decision command) for instructing to stop the variable display of the special symbol.

The command BXXX (H) is a display control command sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The command B300 (H) is a command to be sent a predetermined number of times at a predetermined timing during the big hit game (for example, the number of rounds-1 times at a timing at which a big hit symbol is displayed during each round). It is a display control command (big hit symbol display command) for designating the display of symbols. Also, the command CXXX
(H) is a display control command relating to the display state of the variable display device 9 which is not related to the variation of the special symbol and the big hit game. Then, the commands D000 (H) to D400
(H) is a display control command relating to a variation pattern of a normal symbol.

The command D5XX (H) is a display control command indicating the number of start memory display areas 18 for changing the display color in the display area for displaying the number of start prize winning memories in the variable display device 9. For example, the display control means changes the display color of the number of starting memory display areas 18 designated by “XX (H)” in each starting memory display area 18. That is, the command D5XX (H) is a command for instructing the control of the display area provided for notifying the information of the number of holdings. It should be noted that the command relating to the number of start-up storage display areas 18 for changing the display color may be configured to indicate an increase or decrease in the number of areas for changing the display color.

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, according to the contents shown in FIG. Change the display status.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the lamp control command sent from the main board 31 for controlling the game to the lamp control board 35. The lamp control command also has a 2-byte structure of MODE and EXT. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the command 80XX (H) (X = an arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a lamp / LED (each light emission provided in the gaming machine) corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol in the variable display device 9. This is a lamp control command that specifies the control pattern of the body. Although not shown, command A
0XX (H) is a lamp control command for instructing the lamp / LED display control pattern when the variable display of the special symbol is stopped, and the command BXXX (H) is a lamp / between the big hit game start and the big hit game end. It is a lamp control command for instructing an LED display control pattern. The command C000 (H) is a lamp control command for instructing the lamp / LED display control pattern at the customer waiting demonstration.

The commands 8XXX (H), 9XXX
(H), AXXX (H), BXXX (H) and CXX
X (H) is a lamp control command sent from the game control means according to the game progress status. When the lamp control means receives the above-mentioned lamp control command from the game control means of the main board 31, it changes the display state of the lamp / LED according to the contents shown in FIG. In addition, command 8
XXX (H), 9XXX (H), AXXX (H), BX
XX (H) and CXXX (H) are commonly used with a display control command and a voice control command, for example, in a common control state.

The command E0XX (H) is a lamp control command which indicates the number of lights of the normal symbol starting memory display 41. For example, the lamp control means normally turns on the number of display devices designated by "XX (H)" in the symbol starting memory display device 41. That is, the command E0XX
(H) is a command for instructing control of the light-emitting body provided for notifying the information of the number of holdings. In addition, the command regarding the number of lights of the normal symbol starting memory display 41 may be configured to indicate the increase or decrease of the number of lights.

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. When the lamp control command of "E300 (H)" is received from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the out-of-ball lamp 52 is changed to the display state with a ball, and the lamp control command of "E301 (H)" is issued. When it is received, the display state of the out-of-ball lamp 52 is changed to the in-bulb display state. That is, the command E2
00 and E201 (H) are commands indicating that a light emitting body provided for notifying a player or the like that there is a non-prize game ball, and a command E300.
(H) and E301 (H) are commands indicating that the light emitters provided for notifying the player or the game clerk that the supply ball has run out are controlled.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the voice control command sent from the main board 31 for controlling the game to the voice control board 70. Voice control commands are also MOD
It has a 2-byte structure of E and EXT. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the command 80XX (H) (X = an arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a voice control command for designating the sound generation pattern in the variable period of the special symbol. Command BXXX
(H) is a voice control command that specifies a sound generation pattern from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Other commands are voice control commands that are not related to special symbol variations and jackpot games. For example,
The command C000 (H) is a voice control command that specifies a sound generation pattern during a customer waiting demonstration. When the voice control means of the voice control board 70 receives the above-mentioned voice control command from the game control means of the main board 31, it changes the voice output state according to the contents shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing a processing example of the command set processing. The command set process is a process including a command output process and an INT signal output process. In the command setting process, the CPU 56 first saves the address of the command transmission table in 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 S332). 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.

Therefore, 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. 21 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 the port 1 for outputting the payout control signal is set to the IO address (step S353). In this embodiment, the address of port 1 is the address of the output port for outputting the payout control signal. Further, the addresses of the ports 2 to 4 are the addresses of the output ports for outputting the display control signal, the lamp control signal and the voice control signal.

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 payout control command should be sent, the carry bit becomes 1 in the first shift process.

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

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 1 is shown before the addition, the address of the port 2 is set to the IO address by the addition process for the IO address. Port 2 is a port for outputting a display control command. Then, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the number of processes (step S359), and if the value is not 0,
It 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 IO address has the IO address corresponding to the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) checked by the shift process. It 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 process of sending a control command to each electric component control means.

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

Next, the CPU 56 reads the contents of the argument 1 in which the INT data before the shift processing 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 sound 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 becomes high level.

Next, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined value in the wait counter (step S362), and decrements by 1 until the value becomes 0 (steps S363, S36).
4). This process corresponds to the I shown in the timing diagram of FIG.
This is a process for setting the ON period of the NT signal (control signal INT). When the value of the wait counter becomes 0, clear data (00) is set (step S365),
The data is output to port 0 (step S36).
6). Therefore, the INT signal becomes low level. Then, a predetermined value is set in the wait counter (step S3
62), and subtracts 1 by 1 until the value becomes 0 (steps S368 and S369). This process is a process for setting the period from the fall of the first INT signal shown in the timing chart of FIG. 16 to the start of EXT data output. However, the actual period set here is the time that is created in steps S367 to S369 and the subsequent processing time (if MODE data is output at this time, the control required until the EXT data is output). (Time required for) is added. In this way, IN
By setting the period from the falling of the T signal to the start of EXT data output, even if commands are continuously sent, after the output of one command is completed, the next command is started to be sent. As a result, a predetermined period of time elapses before the command is received, and the electric component control means that receives the command can easily identify the breaks between successive commands, and each command is reliably received.

Therefore, in the value set in the wait counter in step S367, the period from the falling edge of the first INT signal to the start of the output of EXT data is all the electric component control means (sub-devices) which are the object of control command reception. It is a value such that the CPU mounted on the board, etc.) has a sufficient period for surely performing the command receiving process. Further, the value set in the wait counter is such a value that the period becomes longer than the time required for the processing of steps S351 to S359.

As described above, the 1st byte MODE data of the control command is transmitted. Therefore, CPU5
In step S336 shown in FIG. 20, 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 it is not 0, the contents of the transmission buffer are loaded into the argument 2 (step S341). If the extended data is used when the value of the work area reference bit is "1", the start address of the command extended data address table is set in the pointer and the command data is set in the pointer. The address is calculated by adding the values of bit 6 to bit 0 of 2. Then, the data of the area pointed to by the address is loaded into the argument 2.

Since data capable of specifying the number of prize balls is set in the transmission buffer, the data is set in the argument 2. If the extended data is used when the value of the work area reference bit is “1”, the command extended data address table contains
EXT data that can be sent to the electric component control means is sequentially set. Therefore, if the value of the work area reference bit is “1”, the EXT data in the command extension data address table according to the content of the command data 2 is loaded into the argument 2.

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.

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 corresponding electric component control means. The electric component control means starts the control command fetching process when the rising edge of the INT signal is detected, but for any electric component control means, a new signal from the game control means is signaled before the fetching process is completed. It is never printed on the line. That is, a reliable command reception process is performed in each electric component control means. In addition, each electric component control means is
The control command acquisition process may be started at the falling edge of the T signal. Also, the polarity of the INT signal may be reversed from that shown in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, in the prize ball processing, when the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, the data capable of specifying the number of prize balls is stored in the ring buffer capable of storing a plurality of data at the same time. When the payout control command designating the is sent, the data in the area of the ring buffer pointed by the read pointer is transferred to the transmission buffer. Therefore, even if a plurality of prize ball payout conditions are satisfied at the same time, the data capable of specifying the number of prize balls based on the satisfaction of those conditions is stored in the ring buffer, so that the command output process based on the satisfaction of each condition does not pose a problem. To be executed.

Further, in this embodiment, both the payout stop state designating command or the payable state designating command and the command indicating the number of prize balls can be sent in one prize ball process. That is, 1 is activated every 2 ms
Multiple commands can be sent within one control period. Further, in this embodiment, since a plurality of ring buffers are prepared for each control command (display control command, lamp control command, sound control command, payout control command) to each control means, for example, When data capable of specifying the control command is set in the ring buffer of the control command, the lamp control command, and the sound control command, a plurality of display control commands, lamp control commands, and sound control commands can be performed by one command control process. Can also be configured to deliver. That is, a plurality of control commands can be sent at the same time (meaning in the activation cycle of the game control process, that is, the 2 ms timer interrupt process). Since the transmission timings of those control commands occur at the same time in the progress of the game production, it is convenient to have such a configuration. However, since the payout control command is generated regardless of the progress of the game effect, in general, the display control command,
It is not sent at the same time as the lamp control command and the sound control command.

Next, an example of the display form of the reach notice display or the big hit notice display displayed on the variable display device 9 at the time of the reach notice or the big hit notice will be described. 22 and 23 are explanatory views showing an example of a character used for performing various effect displays on the variable display device 9 in the present embodiment. In this example, (A) character A and (B) character B are used. In this example, the characters A and B are used as jackpot advance announcement characters. In addition, the character A is also used as a character for reach announcement.

In this embodiment, there are a plurality of reach announcement modes. For example, when the character A is displayed so as to shine (reach announcement 1), or when the character A gives a speech announcement (reach announcement 2). , Reach notice has been given. The character A is also used as a character for establishing a reach, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the foot of the character A is displayed as if to kick the right symbol, and display control is performed to stop the left and right symbols with the same symbol. . In addition, in this embodiment, there is a reach announcement mode (reach announcement 3 and 4) for announcing that the reach may appear in the variable display after the next time depending on the contents of the balloon when the reach announcement is given.

In this example, the characters A and B are
During the reach operation, a balloon is displayed to give a big hit announcement. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of jackpot notification modes (jackpot notifications 1 and 2).
The mode of (1) is used alone, but the mode of notice 2 of big hit is displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the notice 1 of big hit is displayed. In this embodiment, there is a jackpot preview mode that can be displayed regardless of whether or not the reach operation is being performed (jackpot announcements 3 and 4). The big hit notices 3 and 4 are big hit notices that give notice that the display result of the variable display after the next time may be a big hit.

In this embodiment, four reach notices and four big hit notices are used, but more types may be used. Further, in this embodiment, the notice is given by the balloon of the character, but the notice may be in any form as long as the player can recognize that the notice is given. For example, a motion of a character different from a normal character or a variation mode of a symbol different from a normal character may be used. Furthermore, the notice used when the probability of a big hit with a probability variation pattern is high may be a probability variation big hit notice. In addition, a notice with a high probability of a big hit and a notice with a low probability of a big hit may be divided, and the notice with the lower probability may be defined as a reach notice. The effect corresponding to the notice effect by the characters A and B as described above is performed in synchronization with the sound and the light emitter.

CP for display control on the pattern control board 80
Upon receiving the display control command from the main board 31, the U 101 performs control to display a background or character that is predetermined in each variation pattern on the screen. It should be noted that although the character is moved and displayed in a predetermined manner and the background and the character are switched at a predetermined timing, the display control CPU 101 also independently controls them.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the display control CPU 101. In the main process, first, an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining the display control activation interval is performed (step S701). After that, in this embodiment, the display control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for confirming the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). Then, as shown in FIG. 25, when a timer interrupt occurs,
The display control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S711). If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the display control CPU
101 clears the flag (step S70).
3) The following variable display control processing is executed.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the timer interrupt is taken every 2 ms. That is, the variable display control process is activated every 2 ms. Further, in this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific variable display control process is executed in the main process, but the variable display control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process. .

In the variable display control process, C for display control is used.
The PU 101 first analyzes the received display control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the display control CPU 101 performs display control process processing (step S705). In the display control process process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from the processes according to the control state. Then, the process of updating the display random number is executed (step S70).
6). In this embodiment, as the display random number, various random numbers including a reach advance announcement determination random number and a big hit advance announcement determination random number are used. After that, the process returns to the process of confirming the timer interrupt flag in step S702.

Next, the display control command receiving process from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the display control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command reception buffer capable of storing six 2-byte display control commands is used. Therefore, the command receiving buffer is composed of the 12-byte area of the receiving command buffers 1-12. 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. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command receiving buffer) and one command storage area for other variable pattern designations ( 2 × 1 = 2 byte command receiving buffer). Similarly, the voice control means and the lamp control means may have a buffer format other than the ring buffer format. In this case, the display control means, the voice control means, the lamp control means,
It is controlled based on the latest command stored in the storage area such as the variation pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly respond to the instruction from the main board 31.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the display control command receiving process by the interrupt process. The INT signal for display control from the main board 31 is the CPU 101 for display control.
It is being input to the interrupt terminal of. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the display control CPU 1
An interrupt occurs at 01. Then, the reception process of the display control command shown in FIG. 27 is started.

In the display control command receiving process, the display control CPU 101 first saves each register in the stack (step S670). When an interrupt occurs, the display control CPU 101 automatically sets the interrupt-disabled state. However, if a CPU that does not automatically become the interrupt-disabled state is used, before executing the processing of step S670. It is preferable to issue an interrupt prohibition instruction (DI instruction). Next, the data is read from the input port assigned to the input of the display control command data (step S671). Then, it is confirmed whether or not it is the first byte of the display control command having a 2-byte structure (step S
672).

Whether or not it is the first byte is confirmed by whether or not the first bit of the received command is "1". The head bit is “1” in the MODE data (first byte) of the display control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 15). Therefore, if the leading bit is "1", the display control CPU 101 determines that the valid first byte has been received, and stores the received command in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter in the reception buffer area (step). S67
3).

If it is not the first byte of the display control command, it is confirmed whether or not the first byte has already been received (step 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 display 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 display 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 the payout control command,
The same applies to the lamp control command and the sound control command.

FIG. 28 shows command analysis processing (step S
704) is a flowchart showing a specific example. The display control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the received command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the content of the command stored in the received command buffer is confirmed.

In the command analysis process, C for display control is used.
The PU 101 first confirms whether or not the received command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S68).
1). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the received command is stored in the command receiving buffer, the display control CPU 1
01 reads the received command from the command reception buffer (step S682). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +1.

If the read received command is the left symbol designating command (step S683), E of the command
The XT data is stored in the left stop symbol storage area (step S684), and the corresponding valid flag is set (step S685). Whether or not it is the left symbol designating command can be immediately recognized by the first byte (MODE data) of the 2-byte display control command.

If the read received command is the middle symbol designating command (step S686), the display control CPU
101 stores the EXT data of the command in the intermediate stop symbol storage area (step S687) and sets the corresponding valid flag (step S688). If the read received command is the right symbol designating command (step S689), the EXT data of the command is stored in the right stop symbol storage area (step S690), and the corresponding valid flag is set (step S691). The left middle right stop symbol storage area is provided in, for example, a RAM included in the symbol control board 80.

If the read received command is a variable pattern command (pattern command output to the pattern control board 80) (step S692), the display control CPU
The 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the fluctuation pattern storage area (step S693) and sets the fluctuation pattern reception flag (step S694). The fluctuation pattern storage area is provided in, for example, a RAM included in the symbol control board 80.

If the received command that has been read is the command for specifying the number of memory for winning winning prizes (step S695), the CPU 101 for display control stores the number of memory for starting winning prizes indicated by the EXT data of the received command (step S6).
96). In addition, the number of starting winning prizes stored is stored in, for example, a predetermined area of the RAM included in the symbol control board 80. Specifically, in step S696, a process of adding 1 to the stored number of stored starting prizes is executed. C for display control
The PU 101 increments the start memory display area 18 in which the display color is changed by 1 when the number of memory for winning the start prize is incremented by 1.

If the read received command is a winning determination result command (step S697), C for display control is used.
The PU 101 stores the determination result information indicated by the received winning determination result command in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the current number of stored starting winnings (step S69).
8). As described in the process of step S49 described above, since the winning determination result command is transmitted later than the corresponding start winning memory number designating command, the current starting winning memory number is the winning determination time. The value is a value that takes into account the starting prize that has caused the determination specified by the result command. For example, in the RAM provided in the symbol control board 80, a plurality of prize-winning determination result information storage areas are provided in correspondence with the number of memory for winning winning prizes (that is, four in this example, which is the same number as the maximum value of memory for starting winning prizes). It is provided. In this example, since the determination result information indicated by the winning determination result command includes the information indicating the variation pattern, the information indicating the variation pattern is stored in the winning determination result information storage area. If the received command read in step S682 is another display control command,
A flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S699).

In this embodiment, in each prize-winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of stored winning awards, information for identifying the variation pattern is stored as information indicating the determination result. The information that specifies the variation pattern includes information such as whether or not it is a big hit and whether or not it is a reach. However, the information indicating the determination result includes data (big hit determination flag) for specifying whether or not to be a big hit, and data (reach determination result flag) for specifying whether or not to reach, Such information may also be stored in each winning determination result information storage area.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing the display random numbers handled by the display control CPU 101. As shown in FIG. 29,
In this embodiment, as the display random numbers, there are reach prediction random numbers and jackpot prediction random numbers. These display random numbers are updated by the above-described display random number updating process (step S70).
It will be updated in 6). The reach announcement random number is for deciding whether or not the reach announcement is given, and the jackpot announcement random number is for deciding whether or not the jackpot announcement is given. In this example, the reach announcement random number and the big hit announcement random number each have a 1-byte configuration, and take values in the same range of 0 to 255. The reach announcement random number and the big hit announcement random number may be configured to take values in different ranges. In addition, in this embodiment,
The light emitter random number handled by the lamp control CPU 351 and the sound random number handled by the sound control CPU 701 are each set in the same range as the display random number shown in FIG. Therefore, in this embodiment, like the display random number, there are the reach announcement random number and the big hit announcement random number as the light emitter random number, and the reach announcement random number and the big hit announcement random number as the sound random number.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the notice effect determination table. A plurality of (four in this case) tables are provided for the notice effect determination. Further, each notice effect determination table is extracted as a reach notice effect determination table ((A) of each notice effect determination table) in which the extracted reach notice random number and the reach notice are associated with each other. It includes a big hit announcement effect determination table ((B) of each announcement effect determination table) in which the big hit announcement random number and the big hit announcement are associated. In this embodiment,
Whether to reach or not to hit the jackpot is determined based on the winning determination result information. In this embodiment, when the display control command indicating the winning determination result information is sent to the symbol control board 80, the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 are also controlled to show the winning judgment result information. The command is sent from the main board 31. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to make a big hit in each of the boards 35 and 70 other than the symbol control board 80. In addition,
You may make it determine based on the display control command which shows the stop pattern of right and left middle symbols.

[0171] The notice production determination table W is
Alternatively, the table is set when it is determined that the reach and the big hit are determined in the variable display effect to be executed in the future. The notice effect determination table X is a table set when the reach or the big hit is not achieved in the variable display effect this time, and when the reach or the big hit is determined in the next variable display effect. . The notice effect determination table Y is a table set when the reach or the big hit is not achieved in the variable display effect this time, and when the reach or the big hit is determined in the variable display effect two times later. Is. The notice effect determination table Z is a table set when the reach or the big hit is not achieved in the variable display effect this time, and when the reach or the big hit is determined in the variable display effect three times later. Is. In this example, the plurality of notice effect determination tables shown in FIG. 30 are provided on each of the boards 80, 35, 70, and the notice effect determination tables to be used are changed synchronously to change each board 80, 35, 70. In the configuration, the corresponding notice production determination table is used. The configuration of the notice effect determination table is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. The change of the notice effect determination table to be used will be described later in detail.

Explaining the reach announcement, the display control CPU 101 reads (extracts) a reach announcement random number when executing the variable display effect, and according to the value thereof,
Using the set table for determining the notice effect, it is determined to be no reach notice, reach notice 1 to reach notice 4. Specifically, in the notice production determination table that has been set, the production to which the comparison value having the same value as the value of the extracted reach announcement random number is assigned is determined.

For example, when the reach is performed in the variable display effect this time, since the notice effect determination table W should be set in this example, it is determined that the reach notice is not issued with a probability of 128/256. Each of the performances is decided so that the probability of 72/256 is used to give the reach announcement in the form of reach announcement 1 and the probability of the possibility of 56/256 is given to give the reach announcement in the form of reach announcement 2. Is assigned a number of comparison values according to the respective ratios. For example, when the comparison value is 0 to 255, 0
16 out of 31 are assigned to Reach Notice 1 without reach notice, 7 to Reach Notice 2 and 7 are assigned to each rendition according to the ratio. do it.

If the variable display effect this time does not reach the reach, in this example, whether or not the reach and the big hit are decided in the variable display effects to be executed in the future, and One of the notice effect determination table W to the notice effect determination table Z is set depending on how many times the variable display effect is determined to be the reach and the big hit. For example, if the notice effect determination table W is set, 240/2
With a probability of 56, it was decided not to give a reach announcement, and 1
A comparative value of a number corresponding to each ratio is assigned to each effect so that it is determined that the reach announcement is performed in the reach announcement 1 mode with a probability of 6/256.
For example, when the comparison value is 0 to 255, 0 to 15
Fifteen of them may be assigned to the reach announcement 1 without the reach announcement, and thereafter, 16 pieces may be sequentially assigned to the respective comparative values according to the ratio.

Explaining the big hit announcement, the display control CPU 101 reads (extracts) a big hit announcement random number when executing the variable display effect, and displays the notice effect determination table set according to the value. It is determined to be one of the big hit announcement 1 to the big hit announcement 4 without using the big hit announcement. Specifically, in the notice production determination table that has been set, the production to which the comparative value having the same value as the value of the extracted jackpot notice random number is assigned is determined.

For example, in the case of making a big hit in the variable display effect this time, since the notice effect determination table W should be set in this example, it is determined that the reach announcement is not performed with a probability of 80/256. Each of the performances is determined such that 96/256 of the jackpots are announced in the jackpot announcement 1 mode and 80/256 of the jackpots are announced in the jackpot 2 manner. Is assigned a number of comparison values according to the respective ratios. For example, when the comparison value is 0 to 255, 0
5 of 5 to 15 without jackpot notice, 6 with jackpot announcement 1 and 5 with jackpot announcement 2 and then 16 pieces each sequentially assigned a comparative value according to the ratio. do it.

If the variable display effect this time is not a big hit, in this example, it is determined whether or not the reach and the big hit are decided in the variable display effect to be executed later, and whether the reach and the big hit are determined. One of the notice effect determination table W to the notice effect determination table Z is set depending on how many times the variable display effect is determined to be a big hit. For example, when the notice production determination table W is set, it is determined that the big hit announcement is not performed with the probability of 244/256, and the big hit announcement is given in the manner of the big hit announcement 1 with the probability of 12/256. As a result, the number of comparison values corresponding to the respective proportions is assigned to each effect. For example, when the comparison value is 0 to 255, 61 out of 0 to 63
3 pieces may be assigned to the big hit announcement 1 without a big hit announcement, and thereafter 64 comparison values may be sequentially assigned to each effect according to the ratio.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the display control process process (step S705) 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
One of the processes from S805 to S805 is performed. In each process, the following process is executed.

Display control 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 variation 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.

Reach notice and jackpot notice determination process (step S801): It is determined whether or not to give a reach notice and a jackpot notice, and when it is decided to give a notice, the type of notice is determined.

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

Processing during symbol fluctuation (step S803): The switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed, background, character) forming the fluctuation pattern is controlled, and the end of the fluctuation time is monitored. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

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

Big hit display processing (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the probability variation big hit display or the normal big hit display is controlled.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the display control command reception waiting process (step S800). In the display control command reception waiting process, the CP for display control
The U 101 first confirms whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (step S811). The command non-reception timer times out when the display control command indicating the variation of the symbol is not received from the main board 31 for a predetermined period or longer. When the time-out occurs, the display control CPU 101 controls to display the demonstration screen on the variable display device 9 (step S812).

If the command non-reception timer has not timed out, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not a display control command capable of specifying the variable time has been received (step S813). In this embodiment, the display control command capable of specifying the variation time is any of the variation pattern designation commands (variation pattern designation # 1 to variation pattern designation XX-1) shown in FIG. When the display control command capable of specifying the variable time is received, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the reach notice and the big hit notice determination process (step S801) (step S814).

When changing the special symbol, the main substrate 31
The display control command that is first transmitted from the symbol control board 80 is a command that indicates the variation time and a command that specifies the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols. They are stored in the confirmed command buffer.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the reach announcement and big hit announcement determination processing (step S801).
In the reach announcement and the big hit announcement determination processing, the display control CPU 101 first determines the announcement effect based on the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of winning award memory = 1. Table setting processing is performed (step S821), and the stored value of the number of stored winning prizes for winning is decreased by 1 (step S82).
2) In addition, the value of each winning determination result information storage area is shifted (step S823). That is, each winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of winning winning memory = n (n = 2, 3, 4) corresponds to the number of winning winning memory = n-1. It is stored in the winning determination result information storage area.

Next, the display control CPU 101 determines whether or not to reach the notice (step S824). Next, based on the contents of the display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the variation time, it is determined whether or not the variation does not reach the reach (step S825). Alternatively, the determination may be made based on the contents of the left middle right stop symbol designating command.

If it is out of reach, it is confirmed whether the left and right stop symbols are different (step S826). If they match, the right stop symbol is shifted by one symbol (step S82).
7). Then, the left and right stop symbols are stored in a predetermined storage area (step S828). Further, in this example, the monitoring timer is set to 7.9 seconds (step S829). 7.
9 seconds is, for example, a value with a margin for the fluctuation time (for example, 7.8 seconds) at the time of outliers that does not reach.
When the command for stopping all symbols cannot be received before the monitoring timer times out, a predetermined process is performed.

In step S825, if it is not out of reach, it is confirmed whether the left and right stop symbols are the same (step S830). If different, the right stop symbol is made the same as the left stop symbol (step S831). Then, the left and right stop symbols are stored in a predetermined storage area (step S832). Further, the display control CPU 101 sets a value obtained by adding a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds) to the variation time corresponding to the display control command in the monitoring timer (step S833). Then, it is determined whether or not to give a big hit announcement (step S834).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 is inconsistent with the variation pattern sent from the main board 31 and the received left / right center stop pattern at the time of starting the variable display. Correct the stop design.
Therefore, even if an error occurs in the left and right middle stop design for some reason, the error is corrected. An error is, for example,
This is a case where a noise occurs on the cable from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 and a bit error occurs in the command. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display of a definite symbol that contradicts the deviation / reach determined by the game control means.

Further, when the variation time is different between the case with re-variation and the case without re-variation, and the variation pattern for re-variation is configured to be determined by the probability variation pattern, the main substrate 31
Command received from the main board 3
When the stop symbol received from 1 is not the probability variation pattern, the display control CPU 101 may correct the probability variation pattern. For example, when a command indicating "7", "6", "7" is received from the main board 31 as a stop symbol, it is corrected to "7", "7", "7".

Then, the display control CPU 101 determines to use the process table according to the selected variation pattern (step S835). In each process table, each variation state (variation speed, variation period at that speed, etc.) in the variation pattern is set. Further, each process table is set in the ROM. Then, the display control CPU 101 changes the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start process (step S802) (step S836).

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the advance notice effect determination table setting processing in step S821. In the notice effect determination table setting process, the display control CPU 101 determines whether to make a big hit or reach in the variable display effect this time based on the content of the display control command (fluctuation pattern command) that can specify the variation time. Is confirmed (step S821a). When the big display or the reach is not made in the variable display effect of this time, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the big display or the reach is determined in the variable display effects of the next time onward (step S821b). This confirmation is performed based on the valid winning determination result information stored in the respective winning determination result information storage areas corresponding to the number of stored winning prizes = 2 to 4. The effective winning determination result information means winning determination result information regarding a variable display effect that is to be executed before and after the next time. Specifically, in this example, it is the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to a number less than or equal to the value of the current starting winning memory number other than 1. For example, when the current number of memory for winning a prize is 3, the information about the result of winning a prize stored in each area for storing a result of winning a prize = 2,3 is effective. It is regarded as the determination result information at the time of winning.

When it is confirmed in step S821a that a big hit or reach is made in the variable display effect of this time, or in step S821b, it is not decided that a big hit or reach is made in the variable display effects of the next time and thereafter. If it is confirmed, CP for display control
U101 sets the notice effect determination table W as a table to be used (step S821c). When it is determined in step S821b that the jackpot or reach is to be made in the variable display effect after the next time, the display control CPU 101 is determined to be the jackpot or reach in the next variable display effect (starting). In the case where the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the winning memory number = 2 includes information indicating a big hit or reach,
The notice effect determination table X is set as a table to be used (steps S821d and S821e).

When it is determined that the jackpot or the reach is made in the variable display effect after the second time (the winning judgment made in the winning judgment result information storage area corresponding to the number of starting winning memories = 3). If the result information includes information that indicates a big hit or reach),
The notice effect determination table Y is set as a table to be used (steps S821f and S821g).
Furthermore, when it is determined that the jackpot or the reach is made in the variable display effect after three times (when the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of memory of winning start winning = 4 is stored). , When the information indicating that the jackpot or the reach is included), the notice effect determination table Z is set as a table to be used (step S821h, step S821i).

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the reach advance notice determination processing in step S824. In the reach announcement determination process, the display control CPU 101 first extracts a reach announcement determination random number (step S824a).
Further, based on the content of the display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the variation time, it is confirmed whether the reach or the reach is lost in the variable display effect this time (step S824b).

In the case of the deviation, the display control CPU
Reference numeral 101 determines whether or not to give the reach notice by using the out-of-place table in the set reach notice effect determination table (the table shown as “out of place” in FIG. 30), and gives the notice. If it is to be performed, the form of the advance notice is determined (step S824c). Further, in the case of reach, the display control CPU 101 uses the reach time table (the table shown as “reach time” in FIG. 30) in the reach advance notice effect determination table W in this example. , Reach advance notice is determined, and if the advance notice is given, the advance notice mode is determined (step S824d).
In this example, when the reach is made in the variable display effect this time, the reach time table of the reach notice effect determination table W is always used, but when the reach is made, a plurality of reach time tables are used. It may be configured such that one reach table is selected and used.

When it is decided to give the reach advance notice (step S824e), the reach advance start time determining timer is started (step S824f).
The reach announcement start time determination timer is a timer that determines the time from the start of variation of the symbol to the occurrence of the reach announcement.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the big hit announcement determination process in step S834. In the jackpot notification determination process, the display control CPU 101 first extracts a jackpot notification determination random number (step S834a).
Further, based on the content of the display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the variation time, it is confirmed whether or not the jackpot or the big hit is caused in the variable display effect this time (step S834b).

In the case of the deviation, the display control CPU
Reference numeral 101 determines whether or not to give a big jackpot notice by using the out-of-range table in the set jackpot notice production determination table (a table shown as “at the time of a fallout” in FIG. 30), and gives a notice. If it is to be performed, the form of the advance notice is determined (step S834c). Further, in the case of a big hit, the display control CPU 101 uses a big hit time table (a table shown as “big hit time” in FIG. 30) in the big hit advance notice determination table W in this example. , It is determined whether or not to give a big jackpot notice, and when giving a notice, a notice form is decided (step S834d).
In this example, when a big hit is made in the present variable display effect, the big hit time table of the big hit advance notice effect determination table W is always used, but when making a big hit, a plurality of big hit time tables are used. One big hit table may be selected and used.

When it is decided to give a big hit announcement (step S834e), a big hit announcement start time determination timer is started (step S834f).
The jackpot preliminary announcement start time determination timer is a timer that determines the time from the start of variation of the symbol to the big jackpot announcement.

Here, a description will be given of the manner of sending the fluctuation pattern command indicating the fluctuation time and the command designating the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols. The variation pattern command indicating the variation time and the command designating the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols are transmitted in the above-described display control command control process. When these commands are sent, for example, as shown in FIG. 37, the CPU 56 sets INT data, command data 1 and command data 2 in the command transmission table pointed to by the command transmission number counter. First, the first command data (command data for designating the variation pattern set in the command transmission table + 0) composed of the above three data is transmitted. Then the next 2ms
In the display control command control process executed during the period (in this embodiment, the built-in CTC of the CPU 56 sets the repeating period for generating the repeated timer interrupt to 2 ms), the following command data (command transmission table Command data for specifying the special symbol left stop symbol which is set to +1) is transmitted. Then, when such a process is repeated and the special symbol command transmission pointer points to the end code, the command data is not transmitted until the command transmission table is effectively designated by the special symbol command transmission pointer. The command data thus transmitted is received by the above-mentioned command reception processing and stored in the reception command buffer. It should be noted that each value indicating the command shown in FIG. 37 is an example, and 81 (H), 82 indicating the special symbol left middle right symbol
(H) and 83 (H) are, for example, "1",
It is a command for displaying “2” and “3” on the variable display device 9.

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing the all symbol variation start process (step S802) in the display control process process. In the all symbol variation start process, the display control CPU 101 first starts a variation time timer (step S840). Then, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S841), and the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation process (step S84).
842).

FIG. 39 is a process during symbol fluctuation (step S8).
It is a flow chart showing (03). In the symbol changing process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the reach warning start time determination timer has timed out (step S851). If it has timed out, the VDP 103 is controlled so that the display according to the reach announcement mode that has already been determined is performed (step S852). Also,
It is confirmed whether or not the big hit announcement start time determination timer has timed out (step S853). If it has timed out, the big jackpot announcement that has been decided (big jackpot announcement 1,
VD so that the display according to the mode of 3 or 4) is performed.
Control P103 (step S854).

[0207] Then, if it is decided that the advance notice by the big hit notice 2 is given (step S855),
The jackpot advance notice 2 start time determination timer is started (step S856). In this embodiment, jackpot notice 2
Since the jackpot announcement 1 is a developed form of the jackpot announcement 2, the announcement by the jackpot announcement 2 is given after a predetermined time (until the timeout of the jackpot announcement 2 start time determination timer) after the announcement by the jackpot announcement 1.

Further, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the jackpot advance notice 2 start time determination timer has timed out (step S857). If the time-out has occurred, the jackpot notice 2 will be displayed in V mode.
The DP 103 is controlled (step S858).

Next, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variable time timer has timed out (step S859). When the variable time timer times out, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (step S804) (step S860).

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S804). In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it has received a display control command instructing to stop all symbols (step S871). If the display control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, control is performed to stop the symbols with the stored stop symbols (step S87).
2). Then, in order to monitor the time until the reception of the next display control command, the command non-reception timer is started (step S873).

When the display control command designating the stop of all the symbols is not received, it is confirmed whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S875). If a time-out has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display device 9 (step S876).

After the processing of step S873, when the big hit symbol is displayed in step S872, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit display processing (step S805). Yes (step S874). Note that step S872
When the big hit symbol is not displayed (when the outlying symbol is displayed), the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the display control command reception waiting process (step S800).

FIG. 41 shows a big hit display process (step S8).
It is a flowchart showing (05). In the big hit display process, the display control CPU 101 determines whether or not the probability variation big hit (step S881). Display control CPU 10
1, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not the probability variation big hit based on the confirmed symbol. If it is a probability big hit, the display control CPU 101, for example, performs display control to display "probability big hit" on the variable display device 9 (step S88).
2). Specifically, the display instruction of "probable variation big hit" is VDP.
Notify 103. Then, the VDP 103 creates the image data of the instructed display. Also, the image data is combined with the background image. If it is not the probability variation big hit, the display control CPU 101 gives, for example, "big hit" to the variable display device 9.
Display control is performed to display (step S883).

Then, in the big hit display process, the main substrate 31
The display control of the variable display device 9 is performed based on the display control command in the big hit game state transmitted from. For example, the number of rounds is displayed. In addition, the main substrate 31
When a display control command indicating the end of the big hit game is received from (step S884), the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the display control command reception wait (step S800) (step S885).

FIG. 42 is a block diagram showing a structure of a characteristic portion in the above-mentioned gaming machine of this example. As shown in FIG. 42, the gaming machine of this example includes a variable display means 9a capable of variably displaying identification information, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, a variable display start condition is satisfied. A gaming machine that starts variable display of identification information based on the above, and is capable of controlling to a specific game state advantageous to a player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, The game control means 561 for controlling the progress of the game, and the effect control means 801 for controlling the effect means 802 capable of executing the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information based on the command from the game control means 561 are provided.
When the start condition of the variable display is satisfied, the game control means 561 transmits an effect pattern command capable of specifying one effect pattern among a plurality of kinds of effect patterns each indicating the content of the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information. Based on the effect pattern command from the game control means 561, the effect control means 801 controls the effect means 802 to execute the effect according to the variable display of the identification information, and the game control means 5
Reference numeral 61 denotes an execution condition satisfaction selection unit 56 that selects which effect pattern to select from among a plurality of kinds of effect patterns when the variable display execution condition is satisfied (step S400).
2, and a selection result command transmission unit 563 that transmits a selection result command that can specify the selection result by the execution condition satisfaction selection unit 562 before the variable display start condition based on the satisfaction of the selected execution condition is satisfied. The selection result command transmitting unit 563 transmits, as the selection result command, a command capable of specifying the effect pattern selected by the executing condition selection unit 562, and the effect control unit 801 changes the received selection result command. On the basis of the above, it is characterized in that the effect means 802 can execute a predetermined effect before the variable display start condition based on the establishment of the selected execution condition is satisfied.

As described above, the game control means (CP
U56), based on the fact that the game ball has won the starting winning opening, a part of the determination (such as the selection of the variable pattern of the variable display of the special symbol) is performed based on the determination of the display mode of the identification information on the variable display device 9. , A configuration for transmitting a winning determination result command indicating the determination result (selection result) to the symbol control board 80, and the symbol control board 80,
Since the content of the notice effect is determined based on the determination result indicated by the received prize determination result command, the control load of the game control means when executing the effect based on the determination result performed at the time of winning is reduced. be able to.

It should be noted that the determination (the selection of the variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbols, etc.) which is executed based on the fact that the game ball has won the starting winning opening is executed immediately after the winning as in the above-mentioned embodiment. Alternatively, it may be executed after a predetermined delay period has elapsed after winning the prize. In addition, the winning judgment result command is the symbol control board 8
The time to send to 0 may be immediately after the judgment based on the winning (selection of the variation pattern of the variable display of the special symbol) is made, and the predetermined delay period after the determination is made. It may be after the passage of. However, at least it is necessary to have a configuration in which the above determination and command transmission are completed before the variable display based on the winning is started (because meaningless processing is performed). If there is a variable display that is executed before the variable display based on the winning, if the above determination and command transmission are completed before the variable display is started, the winning effect will be given in advance notice, etc. The determination result of is added.

Further, as described above, when the variable display of the identification information is started, a part of the determination (determination of the stop symbol etc.) relating to the determination of the display mode of the identification information is performed, The control load of the game control means can be dispersed over time.

Further, as described above, the winning determination result information includes the information indicating the variation pattern of the symbol, and the information indicating the variation pattern includes the information indicating whether or not to make a big hit. It is possible to notify the symbol control board 80 in advance that a big hit will occur. Therefore, the symbol control board 80 can perform the notice production in consideration of the fact that a big hit will occur in the future.

Further, as described above, the winning determination result information includes the information indicating the variation pattern of the symbol, and the information indicating the variation pattern includes the information indicating whether or not the reach is made. It is possible to notify the symbol control board 80 in advance that reach is generated. Therefore, the symbol control board 80 can perform the notice production in consideration of future reach.

Further, as described above, the game control means,
When making a big hit judgment based on the fact that a game ball has won the starting prize hole, both the judgment condition in the low probability state and the judgment condition in the high probability state, regardless of whether it is the probability variation state or not. Since the determination is made, the variation pattern at the start of variable display is determined (step S
At the time of 55), it is possible to determine the fluctuation pattern that matches the actual control state simply by selecting the fluctuation pattern according to the current control state. In addition, if the probability change state was at the time of winning, but the probability change state is no longer present at the time of starting the variable display, the big hit will not be determined by the high-probability determination condition, and the big hit will be excessively generated. Can be prevented. Furthermore, since the data transmitted by the winning determination result command is data indicating the result determined by the determination condition in the low probability state, it is possible to give an excessive notice effect on the symbol control board 80 due to incorrect information. It can be prevented from being decided.

As described above, the game control means is
Winning confirmation processing based on winning in the starting winning opening 14 (Fig. 1
1) is executed by a series of processes (periodic process) based on a timer interrupt, it is possible to surely detect the winning even if there are consecutive winnings. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as malfunctions due to continuous winning, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the winning confirmation process.

Further, as described above, since the contents of the EXT data of the winning determination result command and the contents of the EXT data of the variation pattern command are made common, the EXT data of the two classification commands Can be shared, and the control load at the time of analyzing the type information of the command can be reduced.

Further, in this example, the display control means uses the information specified by the winning determination result command for determining the notice effect, etc., and displays the special symbol according to the variation pattern specified by the winning determination result command. The variable display effect is not executed. That is, the display control means is always configured to execute the variable display effect of the special symbol according to the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command. Therefore, it is possible to execute an appropriate effect according to the control state at the time of starting the variable display, and prevent the variable display effect from being inconsistent.

As described above, the display control means is
Based on the received prize determination result information indicated by the received prize determination result command, the content of the notice production as the original effect (whether to execute the notice effect and the mode of the notice effect to be executed) is determined. Therefore, the unique effect can be determined in consideration of the information related to the variable display which is not started yet and is executed in the future.

As described above, the display control means is
A configuration in which the winning judgment result information indicated by the received winning judgment result command is stored in the winning judgment result information storage area, and the content of the notice production is determined based on the information stored in the winning judgment result information storage area. It is said that,
The control for determining the notice effect can be performed with a simple configuration.

As described above, the display control means is
Since the information indicated by the received winning judgment result command is sequentially stored in a plurality of winning judgment result information storage areas provided according to the number of starting winning judgments, the winning judgment result information will be executed in the future. Each variable display can be stored separately.

As described above, the display control means is
The storage contents of a plurality of winning determination result information storage areas, which are provided according to the number of stored winning awards, are configured to be shifted when the variable display of the identification information is executed. It suffices to provide a storage area for, and it is possible to reduce the capacity of the storage area for storing the winning determination result information.

Further, as described above, a plurality of types of notice production determination tables are provided with different determination probabilities, and the content of the notice production is determined using a predetermined notice production determination table according to the determination result indicated by the winning determination result command. Since it is configured to determine, the determination probability can be made different only by changing the advance notice effect determination table, and the control load of the display control means can be reduced.

In the embodiment described above, the winning determination result information includes the information indicating the variation pattern of the symbol, and the symbol control board 80 is based on the information indicating the variation pattern in the variable display effect to be executed in the future. Since the content of the notice effect is determined by the above, it is possible to perform the notice effect based on the detailed content of the variable display executed in the future.

That is, the symbol control board 80 is, for example, based on the information indicating the variation pattern included in the winning determination result information, for example, whether or not it is a normal big hit (big hit that does not shift to the positive change state), or whether it is a positive change big hit. Whether it is reach, whether it is super reach, the content of the reach production (what kind of reach, what kind of character appears in the reach production and what kind of action is performed, such background in the reach production It is possible to recognize specific contents of the variable display effect that will be executed in the future, such as whether or not the effect will appear, and whether or not the effect of re-lottery will be executed. Therefore, the symbol control board 80 takes into account the contents of the specific variable display effect to be executed in the near future, and executes an original effect such as the appearance of a unique character in relation to the variable display effect to be executed. be able to.

For example, when it is determined that the reach effect in which the character A appears in the variable display effect next to the variable display effect of this time is determined to be executed, the reach effect of the next time in the variable display effect of this time is determined. It is possible to give a reach notice that the appearing character A has appeared. in this case,
In the case where the reach effect in which the character A appears in the next variable display effect is executed and a big hit occurs, the probability that the reach notice in which the character A appears in the variable display effect this time is executed is increased and the next variable effect is set. Character A with display effect
In the case where there is a delay after the reach effect in which the character appears is executed, the probability that the reach advance notice that the character A appears in the variable display effect this time is executed may be reduced. Specifically, the symbol control board 80 is a big hit after the reach effect in which the character A appears in the next variable display effect is executed based on the information indicating the variation pattern included in the winning determination result information. If it is confirmed that, when the variable display effect of this time is executed, the advance notice effect in which the selection probability of the reach advance notice effect in which the character A prepared in advance appears is set high (including 100%). The decision table may be used to decide whether or not to reach. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that there will be a delay after the reach effect in which the character A appears in the next variable display effect is executed, when the variable display effect is executed this time, the previously prepared character A It is only necessary to determine whether or not to give the reach notice by using the notice effect determination table in which the selection probability of the appearing reach notice effect that appears is set low (including 0%). If configured as above, the character that appeared at the time of the reach announcement in the previous variable display effect,
By reappearing in the reach effect in the variable display effect this time, it is possible to make the player recognize that the display result of the variable display this time is highly likely to be a big hit (including 100%). It becomes possible to improve.

In addition, for example, when it is determined that the big display is a big hit in the variable display effect after several times of the present variable display effect, in a plurality of variable display effects until the big hit, according to a certain rule. It is possible to give a reach notice to make the character appear. In this case, for example, in the case where the character C (for example, frog) appears twice in the variable display effect after two times and a big hit occurs, the reach in which the character A (for example, tadpole) appears in the current variable display effect. A notice is executed, and a reach notice in which the character B (for example, a tadpole with hands and feet) appears in the next variable display effect is executed, and the character C is used in the variable display effect two times after (a big hit).
By executing a reach announcement (for example, a frog) (this announcement effect may not be executed),
The characters may be made to appear in sequence according to a certain rule. Specifically, the symbol control board 80 is based on the information indicating the variation pattern included in the winning determination result information, and after the effect by the predetermined character is executed in the variable display effect after two times, it is a big hit. If it is confirmed that when the variable display effect of this time is executed, the characters sequentially appear in accordance with a certain rule in three times of variable display effects prepared this time including the current time (for example, a variable display that is a big hit). Using a table for determining an announcement effect (which is a table prepared in advance) that allows a continuous announcement effect that causes characters to sequentially appear so as to be connected to the characters that appear in the effect to be selected with a predetermined probability, that continuous announcement effect It may be determined whether or not to perform. When it is decided to perform the continuous notice production, the notice productions that have been decided in advance are sequentially executed in several variable display productions thereafter. According to the above configuration, in a plurality of consecutive variable display effects, the display result of the variable display (variable display in which the frog appears in the above example) is displayed by sequentially causing the characters to appear according to a certain rule. It is possible to let the player recognize that there is a high possibility of being a big hit (including 100%), and it is possible to improve the interest of the game. In addition,
The above-mentioned continuous effect may be selected when the final deviation (variable display in which the frog appears in the above example) is shifted, but in that case, it is selected more than when it is a big hit. The probability that the

Also, for example, when it is determined that the variable display effect after several times of the variable display effect this time becomes the reach after the reach is reached, the effect is changed a plurality of times until the effect is executed. In the display effect, it is possible to give a reach notice in which the characters sequentially appear so that a certain rule is finally broken. In this case, for example, 2
In the case where there is a reach after the reach in the variable display effect after turning, the reach notice that the character A (eg tadpole) appears in the variable display effect this time is executed, and the character B (eg, the character B (eg, tadpole) appears in the next variable display effect. Execute the reach notice that the tadpoles with hands and feet appear)
For example, by executing a reach announcement that the character D (for example, crocodile) appears in the variable display effect after two times, the characters may be sequentially made to appear so that a certain rule is finally broken. Specifically, based on the information indicating the variation pattern included in the winning determination result information, the symbol control board 80 has been confirmed to be out after reaching in the variable display effect after two times. In this case, when the variable display effect of this time is executed, a continuous notice effect that causes the characters to sequentially appear so that a certain rule is finally broken in three variable display effects including the current time prepared in advance is predetermined. It suffices to determine whether or not to perform the continuous notice effect by using the notice effect determination table (which is a table prepared in advance) that can be selected with the probability of. When it is decided to perform the continuous notice production, the notice productions that have been decided in advance are sequentially executed in several variable display productions thereafter. With the above configuration, in a plurality of consecutive variable display effects,
By letting the characters appear in sequence so that a certain law is finally broken, the player can expect what the character will appear in this variable display (variable display in which the crocodile appears in the above example). It becomes possible to improve the enjoyment of the game. It should be noted that the above continuous effect may be selected when the jackpot is finally (in the above example, the variable display in which the crocodile appears) a big hit, but in that case, it may be selected more than when the jackpot is finally lost. It suffices to lower the selection probability.

In the above-described embodiment, the display control means (display control CPU) is mainly used as the effect control means.
101), the lamp control means (lamp control CPU 351) and the sound control means (sound control CPU 701) may be configured to execute the same processing as the display control means described above. In this case, since each effect control means can set the notice effect determination table in synchronization with each other, the light emitter effect by the lamp control means and the sound output effect by the sound control means are synchronized with the variable display effect by the display control means. You can do it.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the notice effect is executed when the special symbol is variably displayed based on the determination result indicated by the winning determination command. It may be configured such that the notice effect is performed by changing the display mode of. For example, the display color may be changed to a color indicating a big hit or a notice of reach, or the starting memory number display area 18 in which the display color is changed may be increased in different order. According to this structure, it is possible to diversify the content of the unique effect by the effect control means.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the number of symbols corresponding to the number of memory for starting prize winning may be displayed in the number of memory for starting memory display 18. In this case, for example, it is configured to display the number of egg symbols corresponding to the number of memory for starting prize winning in the number of memory for starting memory display 18, and if the egg is cracked, it means a reach announcement regarding the variable display at that time. However, when the egg is broken and a chick is born, it is conceivable that the notice production is performed so as to mean a big hit notice regarding the variable display at that time.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the design control board 80 independently determines whether or not to give a notice effect, but the main board 31 determines and a command indicating the determination result is given to the design. It may be configured to transmit to the control board 80.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when neither the big hit nor the reach is reached in the variable display effect of this time, and the big hit or the reach is reached in the variable display effects of the next time onward, the notice effect determination table X is set. Although any one of the notice production determination table Z is always set, even in such a case, the notice production determination table W may be set with a predetermined probability. In this way, according to the judgment result indicated by the winning judgment result command, if the predetermined notice effect determination table (preliminary effect determination table X to notice effect determination table Z) is used with a predetermined probability, the notice is given. Since it is possible to reduce the probability that the effect will be executed, it is possible to prevent the player's attention level from deteriorating when the notice effect is not made. Further, in the case of the above configuration, when a predetermined notice effect determination table (preliminary effect determination table X to notice effect determination table Z) is set, some kind of notice effect is always performed. However, since it is possible not to always execute the notice production, it is possible to prevent the player's attention level from deteriorating when the notice production is not performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, even if the variable display effect of this time does not result in a big hit or reach, and the variable display effect of the next time or later results in a big hit or reach, no notice effect is given. Although the configuration is such that it may not be performed, in such a case, it may be configured so that some notice effect is always executed. Even if the variable display effect this time does not result in a big hit or reach, if it is determined that a big hit or a reach will occur in the next and subsequent variable display effects, a big hit will occur in the variable display after the next time. It may be possible to perform an effect that gives advance notice that there is a possibility of reaching.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the winning determination result information includes the information indicating the variation pattern. The information indicating this variation pattern includes information indicating whether or not to reach, and when the reach is set, the reach mode is further reached (e.g., a normal reach mode in which no special effect is made, generally called super reach). It goes without saying that the information includes information indicating a reach mode in which a flashy reach production is performed. That is, in the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 11), the game control means determines whether or not the display mode of the identification information is a predetermined specific reach mode (super reach), and then outputs it. The information indicating the variation pattern specified by the winning determination result command includes information on whether or not the specific reach mode is set.
Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, the design control board 80 can be notified in advance that superreach will occur in the future. Therefore, the symbol control board 80 can give a notice effect in consideration of future super reach.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the command (for example, the command for specifying the number of memory for starting prize winning) for indicating the number of memory for starting winning prize is provided separately from the command for judgment result at winning, and the command is transmitted and received separately. By doing so, it was made possible to clarify the division of roles and improve the certainty of control based on commands.However, the data indicated by the winning judgment result command now includes information indicating the number of starting winning memory. It may be configured. According to this structure, it is possible to eliminate the need to separately send and receive the command indicating the number of stored winning prizes, and it is possible to reduce the number of commands.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display area for informing the number of memory for winning the start winning prize is provided in a part of the display area of the variable display device 9. However, the number of memory for starting winning a prize is notified. The starting memory indicator may be provided separately from the variable display device 9. In that case, even if the start memory indicator is configured to be controlled by the display control board 80,
The configuration may be controlled by the lamp control board 35.

In the above-described embodiment, the process of selecting the variation pattern is performed in the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 11). However, in the winning confirmation process, another determination such as a determination of a stop symbol is made. It may be configured to perform processing.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination process based on the starting winning (step S44 to step S4).
After executing 7), the winning judgment result command is always transmitted, but the winning judgment result command is transmitted only when the result of the judgment based on the starting winning is a predetermined result. Good. In this case, for example, in the determination process, only when it is determined that the big hit, or when the reach is determined,
The winning determination result command may be transmitted.
If constituted in this way, the control load of the game control means regarding the transmission of the command will be reduced. In addition, control of the display control means relating to command reception (for example, processing for storing winning determination result information in the winning determination result information storage area)
Burden is also reduced. In the case of the above-mentioned configuration, if the result of the determination based on the start winning is a predetermined result, the determination result command at the time of winning may be transmitted, and the result of the determination based on the starting winning is When the result is a predetermined result, the winning determination result command may be selectively transmitted with a predetermined probability.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the winning judgment result command is received from the game controlling means, the display controlling means always stores the winning judgment result information in the winning judgment result information storage area. Although the processing is performed, the storage processing of the winning determination result information may be performed only when the determination result specified by the received winning determination result command is a predetermined result. In this case, for example, only when the determination result specified by the received prize-time determination result command is information indicating a big hit or information indicating a reach, the determination result information at the time of winning is set. Storage processing may be performed. According to this structure, the control load of the display control means for receiving the command is reduced.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the effect control boards 80, 3 are generated based on the winning determination result command.
Although 5 and 70 are configured to execute the reach announcement effect and the big hit announcement effect, the present invention is not limited to the announcement effect, and other effects may be executed. For example, the entire production from the start of the variable display on the variable display device 9 to the display of the display result (for example, lottery is performed on each production control board 80, 35, 70 to produce the production pattern A or the production pattern B).
Any of the above is selected by lottery), the production during the big hit (for example, the production during the big hit develops a story, and the lottery is performed on each of the production control boards 80, 35, 70, and the content of the story during the big hit. Is selected from a plurality of stories by lottery), and an effect of selecting a probability change or a time saving (a lottery is performed in each effect control board 80, 35, 70, and an effect for notifying whether or not there is a probability change or the number of time saving. The game content is determined from among a plurality of types of effect games.
A game that informs whether there is a probability change based on the result of the Amida lottery production, and a game that notifies whether it is a probability change based on the result of the daruma drop production are prepared in advance. Various effects such as (determine) may be executed in synchronization.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, although the advance notice effect of the reach advance notice and the big hit advance notice is made by the character (see FIGS. 22 and 23), the advance notice effect may be any form. Well, for example, the change mode of special symbols such as slip effect (effect of changing several symbols at high speed in low speed changing state) and return effect (effect of changing backward after passing the stop position of the symbol) etc. You may make it perform notice production. Further, the notice effect may be performed by changing the background.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the maximum number of memory for winning a prize for winning is four, but other number may be used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display control means is provided with the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of memory for winning the winning a prize. However, the display control means at least holds a big hit or a reach during the hold. It only needs to be able to recognize whether there is a big hit or reach, and what number of holdings it is, so for example, a flag indicating whether there is a big hit or reach and what number (For example, a counter that is set in accordance with the number of stored winning awards included in the winning determination result command and is decremented each time variable display is started) may be configured. It should be noted that it may be configured such that the original effect is simply performed based on whether or not there is a big hit or reach in the hold, and in this case, the display control means only has a flag indicating whether there is a big hit or reach. Is enough.

Further, the unique effect executed by the display control means includes, in addition to various effects such as the above-mentioned notice effect, an effect performed with a predetermined probability based on the reception of the winning determination result command. For example, when a winning determination result command indicating a big hit is received, a big hit holding sound may be produced with a predetermined probability. As a result, it is not necessary to store the determination result (award determination result information) specified by the prize determination result command, and the control load on the effect control means is reduced.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the content of the notice effect is determined for each variable display. However, for example, in the case of a big hit after three times, including the variable display effect this time, four times in succession. You may make it perform the same notice production. In this case, a specific character may be continuously displayed, a background of a specific color may appear, or a specific sound may be output.

It should be noted that each of the above-mentioned notice effects may be executed when the judgment result information indicating that the reach or the big hit is not obtained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the notice production determination table is provided for each of the held numbers, but the notice production determination table common to a plurality of hold numbers may be used. In this case, for example, the notice effect determination table that is set when the number of held items is 2 or 3 may be used.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the type of performance determined (for example, reach notice, jackpot notice,
Types of notices such as probability notices, types of reach notices such as reach notice 1, reach notice 2, jackpot notices such as jackpot notice 1 and jackpot notice 2. ), The electrical components used to execute the effect may be different.
For example, when the effect according to the reach notice 1 is performed, the effect is produced by the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27, and when the effect according to the reach notice 2 is performed, the effect is produced by the variable display device 9 and the light emitter. . Further, for example, when the effect according to the reach notice 1 is performed, the effect is produced by the variable display device 9 and each of the frame lamps 28a to 28c, and when the effect according to the reach notice 2 is provided, the effect is produced by the variable display device 9 and the decoration lamp 25. Should be done. With this configuration, it is possible to diversify the effect.

In the above-described embodiment, the determination process (step S44) in the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 11).
The step S48) is started when there is a winning in the starting winning opening, but, for example, in the case where the variable display is not started unless there are a plurality of winnings, The determination process may be started on the condition that a plurality of prizes have been won. In addition, the winning is recognized only during a period in which a predetermined variable winning device (for example, a second type variable winning ball device) is in an advantageous state (for example, a period from when the opening operation is performed until a predetermined period elapses). In such a case, the determination process may be started on the condition that the game ball has won during the period.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the main substrate 3
1 to each effect control board (symbol control board 80, lamp control board 35, sound control board 70) to send a control command,
The gaming machine for controlling the effect means (variable display device 9, light-emitting body such as lamp / LED, speaker 27) based on the control command received by each effect control board has been described, but some functions of each effect control board. A main effect control board having (for example, a function of the pattern control board 80) is provided, and based on a control command from the main board 31,
The present invention can be applied even if the main effect control board is a gaming machine configured to transmit a control command to each effect control board. That is, in the gaming machine having the above configuration, the control command is not directly output from the main board 31 to each effect control board, but the main effect control board is output based on the control command from the main board 31. Since the control command is received, each effect control board controls the effect means based on the control command output from the main board 31. Further, in the case of the above configuration, the main effect control board and each effect control board can be collectively regarded as one effect control means (effect control means configured by a plurality of effect control boards). Based on the control command from the main board 31, it can be considered that the group of boards controls the rendering means. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented even if there is a sub-board that performs various controls based on the control command from the main board 31 and outputs a control command to another sub-board as described above. It can be applied.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the advance notice effect is executed in consideration of the contents of the variable display from the next time when performing the variable display of the special symbol has been described as an example, but the variable display of the normal symbol When performing, the advance notice effect may be executed in consideration of the contents of the variable display from the next time. In this case, for example, when a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the hit / off judgment processing is executed and a command indicating the judgment result is transmitted.

In the above-described embodiment, the "specific game state" means a state that is advantageous to the player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the "specific game state" is, for example, a state in which the state of the variable winning ball device is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a hit ball (big hit gaming state), and a right to be a state advantageous for the player. Is a state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state in which the game is generated, a state in which the prize game medium payout condition is easily established.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the "special game state" means a state advantageous to the player who is likely to be a big hit. Specifically, "special game state"
Is, for example, a probability variation state in which the probability that the special symbols are arranged in a big jackpot pattern is a high probability state, a time saving state in which the number of fluctuations of the ordinary symbol per unit time is increased, and an opening period and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. It is a high-probability state in which the probability of a big hit such as the extended extension state is increased. In the time saving state, since the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened is increased, the number of winnings per unit time is increased, and the number of times the special symbol is variably displayed per unit time is increased. Can be said to have been raised. Similarly, in the extended open state, the number of winnings per unit time is increased because the opening period and the number of times of opening the variable winning ball device 15 are increased, and the number of times the special symbol is displayed variable per unit time is increased. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of being a big hit is increased.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments has a predetermined game value 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 combination of the predetermined symbols. It was a first-class pachinko game machine that can be awarded to the player, but if there is a prize in the predetermined area of the electric auditors to be released based on the starting prize, it becomes possible to give the player a predetermined game value. 2 types of pachinko gaming machines, or the symbols that are variably displayed based on the starting prize are released when the combination of the symbols is the combination of the predetermined symbols. The present invention can be applied to a three-type pachinko gaming machine.

[0262]

As described above, in the invention described in claim 1, the selection result command transmitting means transmits, as the selection result command, the command capable of specifying the effect pattern selected by the executing means when the execution condition is satisfied. The production control means can execute a predetermined production based on the received selection result command before the start condition of the variable display based on the establishment of the selected execution condition is established by the production means. As a result, it is possible to execute an effect in which the information regarding the variable display in which the execution condition for the variable display is satisfied but the start condition is not satisfied is added,
It is possible to reduce the control load of the game control means in the case of executing the effect based on the selection result made at the time of winning.

In the invention according to claim 2, the control executed by the game control means includes a periodic process executed in response to a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined period, and the execution condition selection means selects once. Since all the selection processing based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition is completed in the regular processing of 1, the selection processing can be completed in a short period of time.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the effect pattern command and the selection result command each include pattern information indicating the type of effect pattern, and the pattern information is
Since it is configured to be commonly used in the effect pattern command and the selection result command, it is possible to share the pattern information in the effect pattern command and the selection result command, and control when analyzing the pattern information of the command, etc. The burden is reduced.

In the invention according to claim 4, when the effect control means determines that the effect pattern of the variable display specified by the selection result command is different from the effect pattern of the variable display specified by the effect pattern command,
Since the effect is executed based on the effect pattern specified by the effect pattern command, it is possible to prevent the effect from being inconsistent.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the selection result command transmission means is configured to transmit the selection result command only when the execution condition selection means selects the predetermined effect pattern. The control load on the game control means relating to the transmission of is reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the reserved storage number display control means changes the display mode of the reserved storage number displayed on the reserved storage number display means based on the effect pattern specified by the selection result command. Since it is configured as described above, it becomes possible to diversify the content of the effect, and it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

In the invention according to claim 7, when the effect control means receives the selection result command indicating the effect pattern in which the display result is the specific display result, the effect based on the effect pattern is started. Since it is configured to change the contents of the effect according to the variable display of the identification information, it becomes possible to diversify the contents of the effect until a specific display result is obtained, and the interest of the game can be improved. it can.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the effect control means receives the selection result command indicating the effect pattern which is the reach variable display, the identification information is changed until the effect based on the effect pattern is started. Since it is configured to change the contents of the effect according to the display, it is possible to diversify the contents of the effect until the reach variable display is performed, and it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

[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 example of a symbol control board.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of left and right middle symbols.

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

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a winning confirmation process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a stop symbol setting process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a big hit determination process.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command transmission table and the like.

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 contents of a lamp control command.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a voice control command.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing example of command set processing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a command transmission processing routine.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character displayed on the variable display device.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character displayed on the variable display device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the display control CPU.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a command reception buffer.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a command reception interrupt process.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display random numbers.

It is the explanation drawing which shows the constitution example of the announcement production decision table.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a display control process process.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a display control command reception waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a reach notice and a big hit notice setting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a notice effect determination table changing process.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of reach advance notice determination processing.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of a jackpot notification determination process.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a variation pattern command or the like is set in the command transmission table.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an all symbol variation start process of the display control process process.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a symbol varying process of the display control process process.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing an all symbol stop waiting process of the display control process process.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a big hit display process of the display control process process.

42 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game machine. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display 31 Main board 35 lamp control board 56 CPU 70 sound control board 80 symbol control board 101 Display control CPU

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A variable display means capable of variably displaying identification information is provided, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, variable display of identification information is started based on satisfaction of a variable display start condition. However, when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, it is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and a game control means for controlling the progress of the game. , Based on a command from the game control means, the production control means for controlling the production means capable of executing the production according to the variable display of the identification information, the game control means, the start condition of the variable display is satisfied Sometimes
An effect pattern command capable of specifying one effect pattern out of a plurality of kinds of effect patterns respectively indicating the contents of the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information is transmitted, and the effect control unit causes the effect from the game control unit. Based on a pattern command, the effect means is controlled to execute an effect according to the variable display of the identification information, and the game control means, when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, one of the effect patterns of the plurality of types. The execution condition selection means for selecting whether or not to use the effect pattern, and the selection result command that can specify the selection result by the execution condition selection means are the variable display start conditions based on the establishment of the selected execution condition. Selection result command transmitting means to be transmitted before being satisfied, the selection result command transmitting means, as the selection result command, When the execution condition is satisfied, a command capable of specifying the effect pattern selected by the selection means is transmitted, and the effect control means, based on the received selection result command, displays a variable display based on the satisfaction of the selected execution condition. A game machine characterized in that a predetermined effect can be executed by the effect means before a start condition is satisfied. 2. The control executed by the game control means includes a periodic process executed in response to a timer interrupt that occurs every predetermined period, and the execution condition satisfaction selection means performs the regular process once. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein all selection processing based on establishment of execution conditions of variable display is completed. 3. The production pattern command and the selection result command each include pattern information indicating the type of production pattern, and the pattern information is commonly used in the production pattern command and the selection result command. The game machine described in 2. 4. When the effect pattern of the variable display specified by the selection result command and the effect pattern of the variable display specified by the effect pattern command are different, the effect control means specifies by the effect pattern command. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which executes an effect based on an effect pattern that is performed. 5. The selection result command transmission means transmits the selection result command only when the execution condition selection means selects a predetermined effect pattern.
A game machine according to any one of the above. 6. The holding storage for controlling the holding storage number display means for displaying the holding storage number, which is the number of times of variable display of the identification information which has fulfilled the variable display execution condition but has not yet been started. A number display control means is included, and the held storage number display control means changes a display mode of the held storage number displayed on the held storage number display means based on an effect pattern specified by a selection result command. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The effect pattern includes at least an effect pattern in which the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, and an effect pattern in which the display result is not the specific display result, and the effect control means, When a selection result command indicating an effect pattern in which the display result is a specific display result is received,
7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the contents of the effect are changed according to the variable display of the identification information until the effect based on the effect pattern is started. 8. The effect pattern includes at least an effect pattern in which the variable display of the identification information is a reach variable display and an effect pattern in which the reach variable display is not performed, and the effect control means generates the effect variable display in the reach variable display. 8. When the selection result command shown is received, the content of the effect according to the variable display of the identification information until the effect based on the effect pattern is started is changed. Amusement machine.