JP2003199908A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve amusement for a user by continuously producing a series of play sounds so as to increase the interest of a game. <P>SOLUTION: A predetermination means makes a prejudgment concerning the displaying result of a variable display device before variable display. On the basis of this determination result, the series of game sounds can continuously be produced through a plurality of variable displays. It is possible to inform that the displaying result becomes a prescribed displaying result by continuously producing the game sounds to the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine. Specifically, it includes a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous for a player on condition that the display result of the variable display device is a predetermined specific display mode. About gaming machines that become.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine generally known as a gaming machine of this type includes a variable display device capable of updating and displaying identification information, such as a pachinko gaming machine. For example, there is one in which the big hit state can be controlled on condition that the display result is a combination of "777".

In such a gaming machine, the display mode displayed on the variable display device is changed, the game is started, and sound effects are continuously output.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, there is no relation between the output sound effect and the fact that the jackpot state is controlled, and therefore, Players were not interested in sound effects, and they lacked the interest of playing games.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to make a relation between output sound effects and control of a big hit state, and to make a plurality of games. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which amusement of a game is improved by continuously generating a series of gaming sounds.

[0006]

[Specific examples of means for solving the problems and the effects thereof]
(1) After the execution condition for executing the variable display of the display state is satisfied (for example, after the start winning of the hitting ball), the start condition of the variable display is actually satisfied (for example, the variation pattern command is received). The player is provided with a variable display means (variable display device 9) for starting variable display on the basis of the variable display means, and when the display result of the variable display means becomes a predetermined specific display mode (for example, "777"), A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled in an advantageous specific game state (big hit state), and at least an effect control means (sound control board 70) for controlling the generation of a game sound, and the variable display means. It includes a pre-determining unit (game control board 31) that pre-determines the determination related to the display result before the start of the variable display, and the effect control unit is provided for each variable display of the variable display unit. It is possible to control the generation of the game sound corresponding to the variable display, and based on the determination result of the predetermination means, continue the series of game sounds over the execution of the variable display a plurality of times (a plurality of games). It is possible to execute the game sound continuation effect that is generated and controlled (see FIG. 20), and it is possible to give advance notice that the display result becomes a predetermined display result by executing the game sound continuation effect.

According to the above arrangement, since the game sound is continuously executed, and the display result of the variable display device has a predetermined display result, the game sound is continuously produced. It is possible to predict that a predetermined display result will be imminent by being executed, and the enjoyment of the game is improved.

(2) The pre-determining means makes a first judgment which is part of the judgment relating to the display result when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, and the execution condition judgment means (see FIG. 12). And a start-time determination means (see FIG. 30) that performs a second determination that is a part other than the first determination related to the display result when the variable display start condition is satisfied.

According to the above configuration, a part of the determination relating to the determination of the display result when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied and when the variable display is started (for example, the determination of the stop symbol, the determination of the sound control pattern). Therefore, the control load can be dispersed over time.

(3) The determination means when the execution condition is satisfied is
It includes a display result mode determining unit that determines whether or not the display result of the variable display device is the predetermined display result.

According to the above configuration, since it is determined whether or not the predetermined display result is obtained when the execution condition is satisfied, it is possible to notify in advance that the predetermined display result will be obtained in the future.

(4) A game control means (game control board 31) for controlling the progress of the game is further provided, and the game control means is a command capable of specifying the determination result by the execution condition satisfaction determination means (winning determination Result command) to the effect control means, including a determination result command transmitting means,
The effect control means receives the command from the determination result command transmitting means before the variable display start condition is satisfied due to the execution condition being determined by the execution condition satisfaction determination means. , The game sound continuation effect is executed.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to continuously execute the game sound before the variable display corresponding to the command is performed, and by the game sound being continuously executed, the predetermined effect is achieved. By notifying that the result will be displayed, the entertainment of the game is further improved.

(5) The judgment result command transmitting means transmits the judgment result command only when the judgment result of the execution condition satisfaction judgment means is a judgment result indicating that the predetermined display result is obtained.

According to the above arrangement, the command is transmitted only when it is determined that the predetermined display result is obtained, so that the control load can be reduced.

(6) The effect control means stops the execution of the game sound continuation effect when the reach state is displayed by the variable display means.

According to the above configuration, the player can further attract the player to the game sound by producing the game sound of the reach during the reach, and the interest of the player is improved.

(7) The game sound continuation effect is ended when a predetermined period of time elapses after the variable display of the number of times the execution condition is satisfied is ended.

According to the above configuration, the game sound is not continued in a state in which the execution condition is not established and the variable display is not displayed, so that the control load for generating the game sound can be reduced. .

(8) The effect control means may execute the game sound continuation effect even when the pre-determination means determines that the predetermined display result is not obtained.

According to the above configuration, since the player cannot predict whether or not the game state will always have the predetermined display result even if the game sound continuation effect is executed, the reliability of the notice that the game sound continuation effect is executed is relied upon. The game can have a wide range of sexuality, and the interest in the game can be improved.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but includes a variable display device whose display state is changeable, and the display mode of the variable display device is a specific display mode. As a condition, as long as it is a game machine that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player, it can be applied to other game machines.

First, the overall structure 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).
Below the variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15 as a starting winning opening 14 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. In addition, the starting winning opening 14
A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided in the lower part of the. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

At the bottom of the variable winning ball device 15, there is provided an opening / closing plate 20 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. At the bottom of the variable display device 9, four LEs that display the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of starting winnings stored.
A special symbol starting memory display device (hereinafter, referred to as starting memory display device) 18 by D is provided. Each time there is an effective start prize, the start memory indicator 18 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is reduced by 1.

When the 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 start winning memory reaches the upper limit. And, if it is a state where the variable display whose display state changes in the normal symbol display device 10 can be started, the ordinary symbol display device 10
The variable display of the display of is started. Normally, if the variable display in which the display state changes on the symbol display 10 cannot be started, the value of the normal symbol start winning memory is incremented by 1.
In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 10, there is provided a normal symbol starting prize winning memory display device 41 having a display section with four LEDs for displaying the number of ordinary symbol starting winning prizes. Gate 3
Every time there is a winning in 2, the normal symbol starting memory display 41 increases the number of lit LEDs by 1. And the normal symbol display 1
Every time the variable display of 0 is started, the number of LEDs to be turned on is decreased 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 turning on the left and right lamps (the pattern becomes visible when turned on), 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.

The game ball shot from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then comes down 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 memory for winning a prize for winning is increased by one.

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 (mainly a game control microcomputer, etc.) is mounted. 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. Further, various decorative LEDs provided on the game board 6, the starting memory display 18 and the normal symbol starting memory display 41, the decorative lamp 25, the top frame lamp 28a provided on the frame side, the left frame lamp 28b, the right Frame lamp 28c,
A lamp control board 35 having a lamp control means for controlling lighting of the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52, and a sound control board 70 having a sound control means for controlling sound generation from the speaker 27 are also provided. . In addition, DC
A power supply board 910 and a firing control board 91 on which a power supply circuit for producing 30V, DC21V, DC12V and DC5V are 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.). A switch board 190 on which a clear switch 921 is mounted as an operation unit for clearing the backup data is provided. 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 and the hitting ball supply plate 3 is full, and the game balls are further paid out, the game balls are transferred to the surplus ball receiving plate 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 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 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, and an R as a storage means (a means for storing variation data) used as a work memory.
AM55, CPU for controlling according to program
56 and an I / O port portion 57 are included. 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. The 1-chip microcomputer only needs to include at least the RAM 55,
The ROM 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 RAM with built-in CPU) 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.

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.

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

Then, the display control CPU 101 controls the display of the screen displayed on the LCD 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP (video display processor) 103. VDP103 is the character R
Necessary data is read from the OM86. VDP103
Generates image data to be displayed on the LCD 82 according to the input data, and outputs the R, G, B signals and the synchronizing signal to the LCD 82.

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.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the signal transmission portion of the sound control command on the main board 31 and the sound control board 70. In this embodiment, the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 according to the progress of the game.
A sound control command for instructing the sound output of is output from the main board 31 to the sound control board 70.

As shown in FIG. 6, the sound control command is output from the output ports (output ports 0 and 4) 570 and 574 of the I / O port section 57 in the basic circuit 53.
8-bit data is output from the output port (output port 4) 574, and 1-bit I is output from the output port 570.
The NT signal is output. In the sound control board 70, signals from the main board 31 are input buffer circuits 705A, 7
Input to the sound control CPU 701 via 05B. When the sound control CPU 701 does not have an I / O port built therein, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B and the sound control CPU 701.

Then, for example, the voice synthesizing circuit 702 by a digital signal processor is provided with the sound control CPU 701.
The volume switching circuit 70 generates a sound or a sound effect according to the instruction of
Output to 3. The volume switching circuit 703 is a sound control CPU.
The output level of 701 is set to a level according to the set volume and output to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplifier circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

The input buffer circuits 705A and 705B are, for example, 74HC54 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC.
0.74HC14 is used. Input buffer circuit 70
5A and 705B can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 to the sound control board 70. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the sound control board 70 side to the main board 31 side. Therefore, even if the circuit in the sound control board 70 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. A noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B.

On the main board 31, the output port 5
Buffer circuits 620 and 67A are provided outside 70 and 574, respectively. The buffer circuits 620 and 67A are, for example, 74HC540 and 7 that are general-purpose CMOS-ICs.
4HC14 is used. According to such a configuration, a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, so that the signal line that may give a signal from the sound control board 70 to the main board 31 is further surely removed. be able to. A noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 620 and 67A.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 7
Is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When 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 composed of the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is 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).
When the clear switch 921 is on (when pressed), a low level clear switch signal is output. Note that, for example, the game store staff can easily execute the initialization process by starting the power supply to the gaming machine while turning on the clear switch 921. That is, the RAM clear or the like can be performed.

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

In this embodiment, the backup RAM
Whether or not there is backup data in the area is confirmed by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area during the power supply stop process. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is backup (on state), and if a value other than "55H" is set, there is no backup (off). State).

After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 5
6 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S9).
In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Further, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of checksum target data is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area indicated by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above process is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 56 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and sets the inverted data as the checksum.

In the power supply stop process, the checksum is calculated by the same process as the above process, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. 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 restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply was stopped (step S10). And the PC saved in the backup RAM area
The saved value of the (program counter) is set in the PC and the address is restored.

As described above, the backup RA is backed up by using the backup flag and the check data such as the checksum.
By checking whether or not the data in the M area is saved, it is possible to accurately return the game state to the state when the power supply was stopped. That is, the certainty of the state restoration process based on the data in the backup RAM area is improved. In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as a trigger for executing the state restoration process.

Further, if "backup is present" is not confirmed by the state of the backup flag, the initialization process described below is performed without performing the game state recovery process described below, so that backup data exists. It is possible to prevent the game state restoration process from being executed despite not doing so, and it is possible to return the control state to the initial state by the initialization process.

Further, when the check result using the check data is not normal, the initialization process described below is performed without performing the game state restoration process described below, so that the power supply is stopped. It is possible to prevent the game state restoration process from being executed based on the backup data having different contents, and it is possible to return the control state to the initial state by the initialization process.

In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first executes R
AM clear processing is performed (step S11). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol determination,
Normal symbol determination buffer, special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, special symbol process flag, payout command storage pointer, award ball flag, ball out flag, payout stop flag, etc. for selectively performing processing according to control state flag)
A work area setting process for setting an initial value is performed (step S12). Further, a process of transmitting a payout permission state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a payable state designation command) for instructing that the payout from the ball payout device 97 is possible to the payout control board 37 (step S1).
3). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the other sub-boards (lamp control board 35, sound control board 70, symbol control board 80) to each sub-board is executed (step S14). As the initialization command, a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (with respect to the symbol control board 80) and a command instructing to turn off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 (lamp control board 35).
For example)

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that 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).

When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56
After performing the register save process (step S20), the game control process of steps S21 to S32 shown in FIG. 8 is executed. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs the detection signals of 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).

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

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

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: 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 variation pattern (for variation pattern determination) In addition, in order to enhance the game effect, a random number other than the random numbers of the above (1) to (5) (for example, an initial value determining random number) is 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
(1) big hit determination random number, (3) big hit symbol determination random number and (4) reach determination random number for counting up (1 addition). 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 sets a display control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and performs a process of transmitting the display control command (special symbol command control process: step S28). 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 performs an information output process for outputting data such as big hit information, starting information, probability variation information, etc. 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 stored winning prizes, and turns on / off the corresponding hold lamp of the starting memory indicator 18 when the current number of stored winning prizes has changed compared to the time of the previous confirmation. , Is set to the interrupt permitted state (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. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the left and right middle symbols used in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the symbols displayed as the left and right middle symbols are the same 10 symbols in the left and right. Design number 0
When the symbol is displayed, the symbol number 9 is displayed next. And the left and right middle symbols are, for example, "1",
When all of the special symbols are stopped at “3”, “5”, “7” or “9”, the probability that the special symbols are aligned with the big hit symbol becomes a high probability state (probability change state). That is, they are the probability variation patterns.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for special symbol process processing executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 11 is shown in FIG.
This is a specific process of step S26 in the flowchart of FIG. When the CPU 56 performs the special symbol process process, after performing the fluctuation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) and the winning confirmation process (step S311),
Any one of steps S301 to S307 is performed according to the internal state. The fluctuation reduction timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.

Winning confirmation processing (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 +.
At the same time, each random number such as a big hit determining random number is extracted, and it is determined whether to make a big hit, a big hit, a reach, 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,
The stop pattern of the left and right middle symbols and the variation pattern of the symbol are determined. The determined stop symbol is a symbol according to the determination result in the special symbol fluctuation waiting process (step S311) such as a big hit, a loss, and a reach. 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 left and right middle final stop symbols and the information instructing the variation mode 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 during opening of 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. 12 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. 12, 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
The PU 56 makes a jackpot / outfall determination based on the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number (step S45).
Further, when the CPU 56 determines that it is 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 S4).
6).

When the jackpot and reach are judged, CP
U56 stores the data indicating the determination result (winning determination result information) in the winning determination result information storage area (step S47). 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 S47, data indicating the determination result is stored in the winning determination result information storage area provided corresponding to the current number of stored winning awards (the number after the addition in step S43). In addition, in the data indicating the determination result, for example, a flag for determining whether to make a big hit (big hit determination result flag) or a flag for specifying whether to make a reach (reach determination result flag) Is included.

Then, the CPU 56 sets a command transmission table relating to the winning determination result command (step S48) and calls a command setting process (step S49). In step S48, a 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 determination result command at the time of winning is determined based on that the hit ball has won the starting winning opening 14 (steps S45, S4).
This is a command for specifying the result of (determination in 6). In this example, the winning determination result command also includes data indicating the current number of memory for starting winning prizes. The command set process will be described in detail later.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the big hit determination process in step S45. Step S45
In step S45a, the CPU 56 makes a big hit / off hit judgment based on the judgment condition at the time of low probability that is a normal state (step S45a), and at the next step, hits the big hit / The disconnection is determined (step S45b). In short, the game state when the fluctuation start becomes possible, whether it is the normal state or the probability changing state, or whether it is either state, the big hit determination processing is performed (the game state responding means). ).

In this example, the big hit determination random numbers are 0 to 299.
The value in the range of is decided. As shown in FIG. 13, when the probability is low, for example, when the value is “3”, it is determined as “big hit”, and when it is any other value, “out”
To decide. When the probability is high, for example, the value is “3”,
If it is any one of "7", "79", "103", and "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "outlier".

FIG. 14 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. 14 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. 15 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the 8-bit control signal forming the control command for the sound control board 70 and the INT signal (strobe signal). As shown in FIG. 15, when a predetermined period elapses after the MODE or EXT data is output to the output port, C
The PU 56 turns on the INT signal, which is a signal indicating data output. Further, when a predetermined period has passed from that point, the INT signal is turned off.

Although the sound control commands have been described here, the control commands sent to the other sub-boards are also the same as those shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 16 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. 16, 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,
Normally, when the symbol display device 10 is controlled by the lamp control means, it is not sent to the symbol control board 80. When the display control means receives the special symbol power-on designation command,
Start 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 95XX
(H) is a command indicating the content of the determination result at the time of winning and the current number of starting winning prizes stored. For example, command 95X
The first digit value of the EXT data in X (H) indicates whether it is a big hit, a reach that does not result in a big hit, or an outlier that does not result in a reach.
The value of the second digit of the XT data may indicate the number of memory for winning the winning prize. 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.

When the display control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the above-mentioned display control command from the game control means of the main board 31, the variable display device 9 and the ordinary symbol display device 10 are displayed according to the contents shown in FIG. Change the display status.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the sound control command sent from the main board 31 for controlling the game to the sound control board 70. Sound control commands are MODE and E
It is a 2-byte structure of XT. In the example shown in FIG.
Command 80XX (H) (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits)
Is a sound control command for designating a sound generation pattern in a variation period of the special symbol. Command BXXX (H)
Is a sound 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 sound control commands that are not related to special symbol variations and jackpot games. For example, command C
000 (H) is a sound control command for designating a sound generation pattern at the customer waiting demonstration. When the sound control means of the sound control board 70 receives the above-mentioned sound control command from the game control means of the main board 31, it changes the sound output state according to the contents shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 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. 19 is a flowchart 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. The addresses of the ports 2 to 4 are the addresses of the output ports for outputting the sound control signal, the display control signal, and the lamp 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.

Then, 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 (sound control command, payout control command, display control command, lamp 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.

In addition, since the control command to which the control command should be output is determined only by the shift processing in this way, it is determined to which electric component control means the control command should be output. 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 (sound control command, payout control command, display control command, lamp control command) output in the processing of steps S351 to S359 becomes “1”. Has become. Therefore,
The INT signal corresponding to the control command (sound control command, payout control command, display control command, lamp 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 process 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 falling edge of the first INT signal shown in the timing chart of FIG. 15 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 EXT data output is all the electrical component control means (sub-commands) that 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. 18, 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 (sound control command, payout control command, display control command, lamp 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. Further, 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.

Furthermore, 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, control commands (sound control command, payout control command,
Since multiple ring buffers are prepared for each display control command and lamp control command), for example, data that can specify the control command is set in the ring buffer of the sound control command, the lamp control command, and the display control command. In this case, a plurality of display control commands, lamp control commands, and sound control commands can be sent in one command control process. 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 irrespective of the progress of the game effect, it is generally not sent at the same time as the sound control command, the lamp control command and the display control command.

Next, an example of the game sound continuation effect emitted from the speaker 27 at the time of the big hit announcement will be described.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart in which the mode of the game sound continuation effect is made to correspond to the variable display of the variable display device in this embodiment.

(A) shows that the winning determination result command saved in the starting winning memory 2 is a big hit, that is,
This is a mode of game sound continuation effect in the case of a big hit in the second (next) variable display. First, the generation of the game sound is started at the same time when the first (current) variable display is started. Then 1
The game sound is continuously produced without taking an interval until the second (current) variable display ends and the second (next) variable display starts. Then, the game sound continuation effect is terminated by generating a reach sound when the display mode is reach in the second (next) variable display.

Subsequently, (B) is a mode of game sound continuation effect in the case where the winning determination result command saved in the starting winning prize memory 3 is a big hit, that is, when the third (next) variable display is a big hit. Is. First, the first time (this time)
The generation of the game sound is started at the same time when the variable display of is started.
Next, until the first (current) variable display ends and the second (next time) / third (next time) variable display starts, the game sound is continuously produced without taking an interval. ing. Then, when the display mode becomes the reach in the third (next-by-one) variable display, the game sound continuation effect is generated and the reach sound is ended. Even when the winning prize memory 4 of (C) is a big hit, and during the variable display of each time, the game sound is continuously generated to produce the effect.

(D) shows that the winning determination result command saved in the starting winning memory 4 is a big hit, and the winning determination result command saved in the starting winning memory 2 is reach, that is, This is a mode of game sound continuation effect in which the reach is achieved by the second (next) variable display and the big hit is achieved by the fourth (one after another) variable display. First, the generation of the game sound is started at the same time when the first (current) variable display is started. Next, until the first (current) variable display ends and the second (next) variable display starts, the game sound is continuously rendered without taking an interval. Subsequently, in the game sound continuation effect, the reach sound is generated by the reach of the second (next) variable display, and the game sound is again generated at the same time as the start of the third (next time) variable display, and the fourth time. When the display mode is the reach in the variable display (one after another), the game sound continuation effect is generated again with the reach sound and terminated.

As described above, by performing the game sound continuation effect, it is possible to notify that the display result of the variable display after the next time will be a big hit.

In this embodiment, only four modes are mentioned, but more modes may be used.
For example, the game sound continuation effect is one sound control pattern that is generated when the display mode of the variable display becomes reach and ends and is continued until the stop symbol is fixed, but the game sound continuation effect at the time of reach. May be terminated. In addition, in the case of (D), an example is shown in which the second variable display (reach) is reached and the fourth variable display (one after another) is a big hit. However, the reach is not limited to this. It may be the first time or the third time, and the big hit may be the second time or the third time. Furthermore, if the winning judgment result command saved in the starting winning prize memory is a big hit, the game sound continuation production is performed, but not limited to that case, the game sound continuation is performed when the winning judgment result command becomes reach. You may give a performance. In that case, a game sound with a high probability of a big hit and a game sound with a low probability of a big hit may be set separately (probability notification means). Also,
Although the mode has been described with respect to the case where the number of starting winning prizes is four, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of starting winning prizes stored may be more than one (for example, 10). The game sound continuation effect as described above may be performed in synchronization with the variable display device, the movable member used for the game effect, and the light-emitting body. Thereby, a plurality of notification modes can be provided, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

Sound control CPU 7 in the sound control board 70
01 receives the sound control command from the main board 31,
Control is performed to generate a predetermined game sound in each sound control pattern. It should be noted that although a predetermined game sound is generated, and switching to another game sound is also performed at a predetermined timing,
The sound control CPU 701 also independently controls them.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the main processing executed by the sound control CPU 701. In the main processing, first, clear the RAM area, set various initial values,
Further, initialization processing is performed to initialize the 2 ms timer for determining the sound control activation interval (step S701). Thereafter, in this embodiment, the sound control CPU 701 performs a sound control command reception process by an interrupt process (S702), and shifts to a loop process for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S703). Therefore, even if the timer interrupt flag = 1 is not set, the sound control command can be received. This command reception process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when a timer interrupt occurs, the sound control CPU 701 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S711). In the main process,
If the timer interrupt flag is set, the sound control CP
U701 clears the flag (step S70).
4) The following sound control processing is executed.

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

In the sound control main processing, the sound control CP
The U 701 first analyzes the received sound control command (command analysis execution process: step S705). Next, the sound control CPU 701 performs sound control process processing (step S706). In the sound control process process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from the processes corresponding to the control state. Then, a process of updating the game sound effect determination random number is executed (step S7).
07). After that, the process returns to the process of confirming the timer interrupt flag in step S703.

Next, the sound control command receiving process from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the sound control command received from the main board 31. In this example, 2
A ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six byte-based sound control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is the reception command buffer 1
12 to 12-byte area. Then, a command reception number counter indicating which area to store the received command is used. The command reception number counter takes a value of 0-11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three game sound designation command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command reception buffer) and other command storage areas for sound control pattern designation, etc. A buffer configuration such as a unit (2 × 1 = 2 byte command reception buffer) may be used. Similarly, the display control means and the lamp control means may have a buffer format other than the ring buffer format. in this case,
The sound control means, the display control means, and the lamp control means are controlled based on the latest command stored in the storage area such as the sound control pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly respond to the instruction from the main board 31.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the sound control command receiving process by the interrupt process performed in S702 of the sound control main process. The sound control INT signal from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the sound control CPU 701. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the CPU 701 for sound control interrupts. Then, the reception process of the sound control command shown in FIG. 24 is started.

In the reception processing of the sound control command, the sound control CPU 701 first saves each register in the stack (step S670). When the interrupt occurs, the sound control CPU 701 automatically sets the interrupt-disabled state. However, if a CPU that does not automatically enter the interrupt-disabled state is used, before executing the processing of step S670. It is preferable to issue an interrupt prohibition instruction (DI instruction). Then, the data is read from the input port assigned to the input of the sound control command data (step S67).
1). Then, it is confirmed whether or not it is the first byte of the sound control command of 2 bytes (step S67).
2).

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 sound control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 14). Therefore, C for sound control
The PU 701 has a valid 1 if the first bit is "1".
Assuming that the byte has been received, the received command is stored in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter in the reception buffer area (step S673).

If it is not the first byte of the sound control command, it is confirmed whether 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 first bit is "0" because the EXT data (2
It should be the (byte) (see FIG. 14). If the confirmation result in step S674 has already received the first byte, 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 sound control command has a 2-byte structure,
The first byte (MODE) and the second byte (EXT) are
The receiving side is configured to be immediately distinguishable. That is,
The first bit enables the receiving side to immediately detect whether the data as MODE or the data as EXT is received. Therefore, as mentioned above,
It is possible to easily determine whether or not proper data has been received. The same applies to the display control command, the payout control command, and the lamp control.

FIG. 25 shows command analysis processing (step S
705) is a flowchart showing a specific example. The sound 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 processing, the sound control CP
The U 701 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 sound control CPU 70
1 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 reception command is the sound control pattern command (pattern command output to the sound control board 80) (step S683), the sound control CPU 7
01 stores the EXT data of the command in the sound control pattern storage area (step S684) and sets the sound control pattern reception flag (step S685). The sound control pattern storage area is provided in, for example, a RAM included in the sound control board 70.

If the read received command is a winning determination result command (step S686), the sound control CP
The U 701 saves the number of memory of the winning prize for starting indicated by the EXT data of the received command (step S68).
7) The winning start determination result information storage area corresponding to the stored starting winning award memory number is stored (step S688). In addition, the number of stored winning prizes is stored in, for example, a predetermined area of the RAM included in the sound control board 70. Further, the winning determination result information storage area is provided in the sound control board 70, for example, R
A plurality of AMs (that is, four in the present example, which is the same number as the maximum value of the number of memory for winning start prizes) are provided corresponding to the number of memory for winning start prizes. In step S688, the determination result information indicated by the winning determination result command is stored in the winning determination result information storage area which is provided corresponding to the number of stored winning prizes indicated by the received determination result command. That is, information including information indicating whether to make a big hit and information indicating whether to make a reach is stored in the winning determination result information storage area. Then, if the received command read in step S682 is another sound control command, the flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S689).

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the game sound effect determination random numbers handled by the sound control CPU 701. As shown in FIG. 26, the game sound effect determination random number is updated in the game sound effect determination random number update process (step S707) described above. In this example, the game sound effect determination random number has a 1-byte configuration, and takes a value in the same range of 0 to 255.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a game sound effect determination table. A plurality of (12 here) game game effect determination tables are provided. The table is determined depending on whether or not the winning determination result command is a big hit, and whether or not the number of starting winning memories less than the number of starting winning memories includes a variable display for reaching.
This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, when the sound control command indicating the winning judgment result information is sent to the sound control board 70, the display control board 80 and the lamp control board 35 are also controlled to show the winning judgment result information. The command is sent from the main board 31. Therefore, each board 80, 35 other than the sound control board 70
Also in, it is possible to determine whether or not to make a big hit.

The sound control CPU 701 reads out (extracts) a game sound effect determination random number when generating a game sound, and uses the set game sound effect determination table according to the value. For example, it is determined to be one of a normal pattern without continuous effect, a reach pattern without continuous effect, a pattern for performing continuous effect with the game sound 1, and the like.
Specifically, in the set game sound effect determination table, the effect to which the comparative value having the same value as the value of the extracted random number for game sound effect determination is assigned is determined.

For example, when the game sound effect determination table 2 is set, the normal reach pattern 2 is generated with a probability of 100/256 depending on the value of the game sound effect determination random number.
With a probability of 156/256, continuous production is performed with the game sound 1, and the game state becomes a big hit. When the determination table 11 is set, the normal reach pattern 1 is generated with a probability of 100/256 depending on the value of the game sound effect determination random number.
To 145/256 with a normal reach pattern 2
Then, it is determined that a continuous effect that does not result in a big hit with the game sound 10 is performed with a probability of 11/256. The setting of the determination table will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the sound control process process (step S706) in the main process shown in FIG. In the sound control process processing, steps S800 to S8 are performed according to the value of the sound control process flag.
Any one of the processes of 05 is performed. In each process, the following process is executed.

Sound control command reception waiting processing (step S
800): It is confirmed by a command reception interrupt process whether or not a sound control command (sound control pattern command) capable of specifying the game sound generation time is received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag indicating that the sound control pattern command has been received is set. Such a flag is set when the received command stored in the received command buffer is a sound control pattern command.

Game sound effect setting process (step S80)
1): It is determined which game sound effect is to be performed, and when it is determined to perform the continuous effect, the type of notice is determined.

Game sound generation start processing (step S80)
2): Control so that the generation of the game sound is started.

Processing during game sound generation (step S803):
The switching timing of each game sound state that constitutes the sound control pattern is controlled, and the end of the game sound generation time is monitored.

Game sound generation end waiting processing (step S80)
4): At the end of the game sound generation time, if a sound control command (decision command) for instructing the end is received, control for ending the generation of the game sound is performed.

Big hit game sound generation processing (step S80
5): After the generation of the game sound, control is performed to generate the game sound at the time of a big hit.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the sound control command reception waiting process (step S800). In the sound control command reception waiting processing, the sound control CPU 7
01 first confirms whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (step S811). The command non-reception timer times out when the sound control command indicating the start of the generation of the game sound is not received from the main board 31 for a predetermined period or longer. When the time is out, the sound control CPU 701 performs control to stop the game sound (step S812).

If the command non-reception timer has not timed out, the sound control CPU 701 confirms whether or not a sound control command capable of specifying the game sound generation time is received (step S813). In this embodiment, the sound control command capable of specifying the game sound generation time is the sound control pattern designation command (variation pattern designation # 1 shown in FIG.
~ Fluctuation pattern designation XX-1). When a sound control command capable of specifying the game sound generation time is received, the value of the sound control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the game sound effect setting process (step S801) (step S814).

When a game sound is generated, the sound control command first transmitted from the main board 31 to the sound control board 70 is a command indicating the game sound generation time and a command designating the type of the game sound. They are stored in the confirmed command buffer.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the game sound effect setting process (step S801). In the game sound effect setting process, the sound control CPU 701 first sets the game sound effect determination table based on the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number. While performing the process (step S821), the stored value of the number of stored starting prizes is decremented by 1 (step S822), and the value of each winning determination result information storage area is shifted (step S82).
3). That is, the number of memory for winning a prize for start = n (n = 2, 3,
4) each winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to 4)
It is stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to -1.

Next, the sound control CPU 701 determines a game sound effect (step S824). The game sound generation time may be determined based on the content of the sound control command that can specify the time.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the game sound effect determination table setting processing in step S821 described above. In the game sound effect determination table setting process,
The sound control CPU 701 confirms whether or not a big hit occurs in the variable display effect, based on the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area corresponding to the number of stored winning prizes (step S821a). ). In the case of a big hit, the sound control CPU 701 confirms whether or not it has been determined that the reach is set to be less than the starting winning prize stored numerical value which is a big hit in the variable display effect (step S821b). This confirmation is performed on the start winning award memory stored before the start winning award memory which is a big hit, and is performed based on the valid winning award determination result information stored in each corresponding award determination result information storage area. . 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 the current starting winning memory number excluding 4. For example, when the current number of memory for starting winning prizes is 3, the respective winning judgment result information stored in the respective winning judgment result information storage areas corresponding to the number of starting winning memories = 1, 2 is valid. It is regarded as the determination result information at the time of winning.

In step S821a, it is determined whether or not a command for a big hit is stored in the winning determination result command, and if it is not stored, it is determined whether or not the variable display this time is reach (S821k). The decision tables 11 and 12 are set (steps S8911, S).
8912). That is, the determination table 11 is an ordinary table with a very low probability that the game sound continuation effect is selected. When the presence of the command for the big hit can be confirmed in step S821b, it is confirmed whether or not there is a reach command in the start winning prize memory before the start winning prize memory in which the big hit command can be confirmed. This is because it is necessary to include the generation of the reach sound corresponding to the display mode of the reach in the sound control pattern during the game sound continuous effect.
If the presence of a reach command cannot be confirmed, the variable display that will be the big hit will be displayed this time or next time, or the variable display of the next one, or the variable display after that. It is determined in steps S821c, d, and e, and the sound control CPU 701 sets the determination tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 as game sound effect determination tables (step S).
891, S892, S893, S894). When it is confirmed in step S821b that the reach command is present, whether the reach variable display is the current variable display or the next variable display, or after that. Whether there is step S82
The judgment is made in 1f and g, and further, S821h, i, and j
It is determined which variable display is a big hit, and finally the sound control CPU 701 sets the decision tables 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 as game sound effect decision tables. Yes (step S895,
S896, S897, S898, S899, S891
0).

From the above, first, it is determined whether or not the winning determination result command for a big hit is stored,
From among these, a determination table is set in which the probability of selecting the sound control pattern for the game sound continuation effect is set to a relatively high probability, depending on whether or not a winning determination result command that is a reach is stored. Will be done. On the other hand, if the winning determination result command that is a big hit is not stored, the determination table is set in which the probability of selecting the sound control pattern of the game sound continuation effect is set to an extremely low probability. .

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the game sound effect determination processing in step S834. In the game sound effect determination processing, the sound control CPU 701 first extracts a game sound effect determination random number (step S834a). Further, the game sound effect is determined using the determination table determined based on the winning determination result information stored in the winning determination result information storage area in the start winning memory (step S834b).

As described above, since the game sound effect is determined, for example, when the execution condition is satisfied after that, the player cannot predict the duration of the game sound and the game sound continues. During the period in which the performance is executed, it is possible to further concentrate on the game sound and improve the fun.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the game sound generation start waiting processing (step S802) in the sound control processing. In the game sound generation start waiting process,
The sound control CPU 701 first starts a game sound generation time timer (step S840). Next, the generation of the game sound is started (step S841), and the value of the sound control process flag is set to the value corresponding to the process during the game sound generation (step S842).

FIG. 34 shows a process during game sound generation (step S
It is a flowchart showing 803). Next, the sound control CPU 701 confirms whether or not the game sound generation time timer has timed out (step S859). When the game sound generation time timer has timed out, the value of the sound control process flag is set to the game sound generation end waiting process (step S
804) (step S86)
0).

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing the game sound generation end waiting processing (step S804). In the game sound generation end waiting process, the sound control CPU 701 confirms whether or not a sound control command instructing the end of the game sound is received (step S871). Then, in order to monitor the time until the reception of the next sound control command, the command non-reception timer is started (step S873).

When the sound control command designating the end of game sound generation is not received, it is confirmed whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S875). When the time-out occurs, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and the speaker 27 is controlled to generate an error sound (step S876).

If the gaming state is not a big hit, the sound control CPU 701 sets the value of the sound control process flag to a value corresponding to the sound control command reception waiting process (step S800).

FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the big hit game sound generation processing (step S805). In the big hit game sound generation process, the sound control of the speaker 27 is performed based on the sound control command in the big hit game state transmitted from the main board 31. Further, when the sound control command indicating the end of the big hit game is received from the main board 31 (step S884), the value of the sound control process flag is set to the value corresponding to the sound control command reception waiting (step S800) (step S885). .

As described above, the game control means (CP
U56) is a part of the determination (whether to make a big hit, whether to make a reach, etc.) related to the determination of the display mode of the identification information on the variable display device 9 based on the fact that the game ball has won at the starting winning opening. ) Is performed and a winning determination result command indicating the determination result is transmitted to the sound control board 70, and the sound control board 70 generates a sound based on the determination result indicated by the received winning judgment result command. Since the content of the control pattern is determined, it is possible to reduce the control load of the game control means when executing the effect based on the determination result performed at the time of winning.

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

Further, as described above, since the winning determination result information includes the information indicating whether or not to make a big hit, the sound control board 70 indicates that a big hit will occur in the future.
Can be notified in advance. Therefore, the sound control board 70 can perform the game sound continuation effect in consideration of the fact that a big hit will occur in the future.

Also, as described above, since the winning determination result information includes the information indicating whether or not to reach, the sound control board 70 indicates that the reach will occur in the future.
Can be notified in advance. Therefore, the sound control board 70 can be used as a reference for selection of the game sound effect determination table in consideration of future reach. Furthermore, in addition to when the big hit occurs as a case of performing the game sound continuation effect described above, it is possible to perform the game sound continuation effect also in the case of reach.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the winning determination result command is transmitted when the display result is either a big hit or a reach. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display result is a big hit. The winning determination result command may be transmitted only when in this case,
A big hit can be determined by the command being transmitted, but it can be determined by the command not being transmitted other than the big hit such as reach, and the control load can be reduced.

As described above, the case where the display result is the predetermined display result is the big hit or the reach. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined display result is the big hit by the probability variation pattern. Alternatively, the display may be set as a predetermined display result when the jackpot, the reach, and the probability variation pattern are out of alignment other than the jackpot. In that case, a winning determination result command is transmitted respectively. As a result, the number of scenes in which the game sound continuation effect is performed is increased, and the player can be provided with a sense of expectation, which improves the interest.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13 described above, the game control means determines the big hit in both the probability change state and the low probability state based on the fact that the game ball has won in the starting winning opening. The big hit is determined by using a random number for execution (judgment means when the execution condition is satisfied), and which one is adopted is decided when the variable display corresponding to the winning is started (start judgment means), and the big hit is excessively generated. It is possible to prevent it. That is, when the big hit is determined at the start of the variable display, it is also assumed that the probability change state has ended due to the big hit occurring before that.
It is possible to prevent the determination that was originally made in the low probability state from being made in the high probability state.

Further, as described above, since the data indicated by the winning determination result command includes the information indicating the number of memory for winning start winning, it is necessary to separately send and receive the command indicating the number of memory for winning winning start. It can be eliminated and the number of commands can be reduced.

As described above, the game control means is
Winning confirmation processing based on winning in the starting winning opening 14 (Fig. 1
2) is executed by a series of processes based on a timer interrupt, so it is possible to prevent malfunctions such as malfunctions due to consecutive winnings. The certainty can be improved.

Further, as described above, the sound control means, based on the winning judgment result information indicated by the received winning judgment result command, has a unique sound control pattern (whether or not to execute the game sound continuation effect). Since it is configured so as to determine whether or not the mode of the game sound to be executed), it is possible to determine the unique effect in consideration of the information related to the variable display to be executed in the future which has not been started yet.

Further, as described above, the sound control means stores the winning determination result information indicated by the received winning determination result command in the winning determination result information storage area and stores it in the winning determination result information storage area. Since it is configured to determine the content of the game sound effect based on the information that is given,
The control for determining the game sound effect can be performed with a simple configuration.

Further, as described above, the sound control means sequentially stores the information indicated by the received winning determination result command in the plurality of winning determination result information storage areas which are provided in accordance with the number of stored winning prizes. Since it is configured, the winning determination result information can be stored separately for each variable display to be executed later.

Further, as described above, the sound control means, when performing the variable display of the identification information, the stored contents of the plurality of winning determination result information storage areas provided in accordance with the number of stored winning awards are stored. Since it is configured to shift, it is only necessary to provide a storage area for the maximum value that can store the winning award, and it is possible to reduce the capacity of the storage area that stores the winning determination result information.

As described above, a plurality of types of game sound effect determination tables having different determination probabilities are provided, and the game sound is determined using a predetermined game sound effect determination table according to the determination result indicated by the winning determination result command. Since the content of the effect is determined, the decision probabilities can be made different only by changing the game sound effect determination table, and the control load of the sound control means can be reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the sound control means (sound control CPU 70) is mainly used as the effect control means.
1) has been described, for example, the lamp control means (lamp control CPU 351) and the display control means (display control CP).
U101) can also be configured to execute the same processing as the sound control means described above. In this case, since each effect control means can set the game sound effect determination table in synchronization with each other, the light emitter effect by the lamp control means and the display effect by the display control means are synchronized with the game sound effect by the sound control means. You can do it.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the effect control means such as the display control means for controlling the start memory display device 18 controls the start memory display device 18 based on the judgment result indicated by the winning judgment result command. The display mode may be changed. For example, the lighting color may be changed, or the number of lighting (the order) may be changed. According to this structure, it is possible to diversify the content of the unique effect by the effect control means. Note that the number of stored winning prizes is displayed on a part of the display area of the variable display device 9, and the display mode of the display portion of the number of stored winning prizes on the variable display device 9 is based on the determination result indicated by the determination result command during winning. May be changed. As a result, it is easy to provide multiple start winning prizes,
In that case, the game sound continuation effect is more powerful and the game sound can be enjoyed for a long time, so that the interest of the player is improved.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game sound effect determination table is set depending on how many times the variable display results in a big hit or a reach. However, even in such a case, the predetermined probability is set. Alternatively, the game sound effect determination table may be set. As described above, if the predetermined game sound effect determination table is used with a predetermined probability in accordance with the judgment result indicated by the winning judgment result command, the probability that the game sound continuation effect is executed can be freely set. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the player's attention level when the game sound continuation effect is not produced.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the data indicating the winning determination result command includes the information indicating the number of memory for winning start winning, but the command for indicating the number of memory for winning winning start (for example, memory for starting winning winning) The number designation command) may be provided separately from the winning determination result command and transmitted / received separately. According to this structure, the division of roles is clarified by the separate commands, so that the reliability of the control based on the commands can be improved.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 12) determines whether to make a big hit and whether to make a reach. The configuration may be such that only the determination is performed. Further, in the winning confirmation process, another determination process such as determination of a stop symbol or determination of a sound control pattern may be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the winning determination result command and the sound control pattern command are provided separately, but a sound including data of whether to make a big hit or whether to make a reach is generated. As the control pattern, the information indicated by the winning determination result command may include a variation pattern. In this case, the sound control pattern is also determined in the winning confirmation process, and a command for designating the start of the generation of the game sound is separately provided, and the game control means transmits the command for designating the start of the generation of the game sound. You can do it like this.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination processing based on the starting winning (step S44 to step S4)
After executing 6), the winning judgment result command is always transmitted. However, 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, the load of control of the sound control unit related to the reception of the command (for example, the process of storing the winning determination result information in the winning determination result information storage area) is also reduced.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the sound control board 70 executes the game sound effect based on the winning determination result command, and the game sound continuation effect is configured as one mode thereof. The game sound to be continuously generated may be any one, and in particular, it may be one continuously generated without any interval between variable displays. For example, a song is played as a game sound, the first song of the song is played during the first variable display, the second song of the song is played during the second variable display, and the third song is played during the third song. The number of songs may be matched. As a result, the player can become more familiar with the game table and the interest of the player can be improved. Further, the volume of the game sound to be generated may be increased as the big hit approaches, and conversely, a game sound generation amount control means for decreasing the volume may be provided. As a result, the player's tension is increased and the interest is increased. Further, depending on the game control to be generated, the reliability of a big hit may be predicted for the player.

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. For example, when the number exceeds 4, the state of the memory for winning the start prize may be displayed on a part of the variable display device 9 for the portion exceeding 4. As a result, the game sound continuation effect may be produced for a long time, and a game sound selection means may be provided that can select the game sound generated during the game sound continuation effect according to the player's preference. I am not tired of playing games, and my interest increases.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the sound control means is provided with the winning determination result information storage area according to the number of starting prize winning memories, but the sound controlling means at least has a big hit or reach for the starting winning prize memory. It only needs to be able to recognize whether there is a big hit or reach, and what number of holds it is, so for example, a flag indicating whether there is a big hit or reach and what number it is. (For example, a counter that is set according to 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 the unique effect executing means may be configured to perform an original effect based on whether or not there is a big hit or reach in the hold. In this case, the sound control means determines whether or not there is a big hit or reach. It suffices to have a flag that indicates.

Further, in the game sound continuation effect in the above-described embodiment, for example, when a big hit occurs after three times, a sound such as starting a game sound generation time timer for four times including this time is displayed. It was configured as one of the control patterns. However, in synchronization with the variable display of the variable display device, a sound control pattern is assigned for each variation pattern, and for example, when a big hit occurs after three times, a game sound is generated corresponding to each of four variable displays including this time. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of sound control patterns are combined, such that the time timer is started and the sound is not interrupted.

Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a pachinko game machine but also to other game machines such as a slot machine.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the "specific game state" means a state 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 tends 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-described 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 predetermined right is generated or continues when there is a prize for the predetermined electric accessory. The present invention can be applied to a three-type pachinko gaming machine.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of claims for patent, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the scope of claims for patent are included.

[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.

FIG. 3 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a circuit configuration in a game control board.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission portion of a display control command on the main board and a circuit configuration in the symbol control board.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission portion of a sound control command on the main board and a circuit configuration in the sound control board.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining main processing executed by the game control board.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an interrupt process executed by the game control board.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining various random counters for generating random numbers used for game control of a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining variable display symbols.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a special symbol process process of an interrupt process executed by the game control board.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining winning confirmation processing of the game sound processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a big hit determination process in the game sound process process.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a command form of a control command sent from the game control board to the sound control board.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for temporally explaining the relationship between a control signal forming a control command for the sound control board and the INT signal.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the content of a display control command sent to the symbol control board.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the content of a sound control command sent to a sound control board.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining command set processing.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a command transmission process.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart for explaining a pattern of game sound continuation effect.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining main processing executed by the sound control board.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining an interrupt process executed by the sound control board.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a command reception buffer for storing a control command.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining control command reception processing by interrupt processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining command analysis processing in the main processing of the sound control board.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining random numbers for determining game sound effects.

It is the figure in order to explain the game sound production decision table.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining sound control process processing in main processing of the sound control board.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining a sound control command reception waiting process.

It is the flowchart in order to explain the game sound production setting processing in the sound control board.

It is the flowchart in order to explain the game sound production decision table setting processing in the sound control board.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining a game sound effect determination process in the sound control board.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining a game sound generation start waiting process in the sound control board.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining processing during game sound generation in the sound control board.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart for explaining a game sound generation end waiting process in the sound control board.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining a big hit game sound generation process in the sound control board.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 pachinko gaming machine, 9 variable display device, 27 speaker, 70 sound control board, 31 game control board, 80 symbol control board, 701 CPU for sound control, 53 basic circuit.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A variable display means for starting variable display based on satisfaction of a start condition of variable display after an execution condition for executing variable display of a display state is satisfied, the variable display means comprising: A gaming machine capable of controlling to a specific game state advantageous to a player when a display result becomes a predetermined specific display mode, and an effect control means for controlling at least generation of a game sound, and the variable And a pre-determining means for pre-determining the determination regarding the display result of the display means before the start of the variable display, the effect control means, for each variable display of the variable display means, the game sound corresponding to the variable display. Generation control is possible, and based on the determination result of the pre-determination means, a game sound continuation effect that continuously generates and controls a series of game sounds over a plurality of times of variable display execution is executed. A capability, wherein the display result by executing the continued effect the game sound is subject notifiable configured to be a predetermined display result, the gaming machine. 2. The pre-decision means determines the execution condition when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, and makes a first judgment which is a part of the judgment relating to the display result, and the variable display. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising start time determination means for performing a second determination that is a portion other than the first determination related to the display result when a start condition is satisfied. 3. The execution condition satisfaction determination means includes display result mode determination means for determining whether or not the display result of the variable display device is the predetermined display result. The gaming machine described in 2. 4. A game result control means for controlling the progress of the game, wherein the game control means transmits a command capable of specifying a result of the judgment by the execution condition satisfaction judgment means to the effect control means. Including the transmitting means, the effect control means, on the basis of receiving the command from the determination result command transmitting means, start condition of the variable display by the satisfaction of the execution condition determined by the execution condition satisfaction determination means The game machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the game sound continuation effect is executed before is established. 5. The determination result command transmitting means transmits the determination result command only when the determination result of the execution condition satisfaction determination means is a determination result indicating that the predetermined display result is obtained. The gaming machine according to claim 4. 6. The at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the effect control means suspends execution of the game sound continuation effect when the reach state is displayed by the variable display means. The gaming machine described in any one. 7. The at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the game sound continuation effect ends when a predetermined period of time elapses after the variable display of the number of times the execution condition is satisfied ends. The gaming machine described in any one. 8. The effect control means may execute the game sound continuation effect even when the pre-determination means determines that the predetermined display result is not obtained. The gaming machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.