JP2003199928A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the amusement of a game by making various performances. <P>SOLUTION: In stopping pattern setting processing, based on the state of a big win storing flag, a CPU confirms whether occurring of a big win in variation display of next time and after this is decided or not. When a big win storage flag is set, the CPU performs processing of changing a variation pattern selection table to be used. The CPU decides the variation pattern of patterns by using a set variation pattern selection table on the basis of the value of a random number for deciding the variation pattern. Thus, it is possible to change a variation pattern according to whether the occurrence of the big win is decided by the variable display of the next time and after this. Consequently, various performances can be carried out and the amusement of the game is improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are provided. There are things that are paid out to the player.
Further, variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, it is possible to control to a specific game state advantageous to the player. There is one configured.

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

In the pachinko gaming machine, it is usually that the display result of the variable display means for displaying the special symbol (identification information) is a combination of predetermined specific display modes.
It is called "big hit". When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win is entered. Then, in each opening period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning holes are won, the winning holes are closed. The number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). In addition, the opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is decided for each opening,
Even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the special winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. If the predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied when the special winning opening is closed, the jackpot gaming state ends.

Further, in the variable display means, the symbols other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) continue for a predetermined time, and are stopped and shaken in a state of being consistent with a specific display result. It is possible that a big hit occurs before the final result is displayed, because it is moving, scaling or deforming, or multiple symbols fluctuate in sync with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is swapped The effect performed in a state in which the sex continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach production. Further, the reach state and the state thereof are referred to as the reach mode. Furthermore, the variable display including the reach effect is called the reach variable display. By changing the variation pattern in the reach state from the variation pattern in the normal state, the interest of the game is enhanced. Then, when the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the variably display means does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, the result is “out”, and the variably display state ends.
A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

The progress of the game on the gaming machine is controlled by the game control means such as a microcomputer. Since the identification information displayed on the variable display means can be displayed in a variety of ways, the capacity of the program relating to the variable display control is large. Therefore, it is difficult to control the identification information and the like displayed on the variable display means by the microcomputer of the game control means having a limited program capacity, and a microcomputer for display control different from the microcomputer of the game control means. It is a good idea to use (display control means).

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

[0008]

[PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION]
According to one production pattern determined by a lottery result based on the starting winning from a plurality of predetermined production patterns, the display of the variable display means, the sound output, the lighting of the light-emitting body is turned on / off, Although it is performed by the action of the accessory provided in the game area, if such a game effect is continuously provided to the player,
There is a problem that the player may get tired of it.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing various effects in the game effect and improving the interest of the game.

[0010]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
Equipped with variable display means capable of variably displaying identification information (eg, variable display device 9, variable display means shown in FIG. 30), predetermined execution conditions for variable display (eg, winning area provided in game area) Variable conditions of the identification information based on the fulfillment of the condition for starting the variable display (for example, the condition that is satisfied when the variable display of the previous special symbol is finished) When the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result (for example, the same symbol in the left middle right pattern), it is controlled to a specific game state (for example, big hit state) advantageous to the player. A possible gaming machine, game control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, game control means including CPU 56, game control means 561 shown in FIG. 30), and commands from the game control means. Based on the production control means (for example, the display, for example, the production means capable of executing the production corresponding to the variable display of the identification information (for example, the variable display device 9, the light emitter, the speaker 27, the production means 802 shown in FIG. 30) is controlled. Display control means including control CPU 101, lamp control CP
Light emitter control means including U351, sound control CPU 701
Sound control means including, effect control means 801 shown in FIG. 30)
The game control means is provided with a plurality of types each indicating the effect contents of the effect according to the variable display of the identification information (for example, the variable display contents during the variable display of the special symbol) when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied. Of the effect patterns, an effect pattern command (for example, a variation pattern command) capable of specifying the execution period of one effect pattern is transmitted, and the effect control means
Based on the production pattern command from the game control means, the production means is controlled to execute the production according to the variable display of the identification information, and the game control means is used to determine whether to enter the specific game state. Numerical value extraction means (for example, game control means including the CPU 56, numerical value extraction means 562 shown in FIG. 30) for extracting a numerical value for game state determination (for example, a value of a random number for jackpot determination) when the execution condition of variable display is satisfied,
Numerical value confirmation means for confirming whether or not the extracted specific game state determination numerical value matches a predetermined confirmation numerical value (for example, game control means including CPU 56, FIG. 3).
0) and confirmation result information storage means (for example, RAM 55) for storing confirmation result information (for example, big hit storage flag) indicating the confirmation result of the numerical confirmation means.
When the start condition of the variable display is satisfied, it is determined whether the specific game state is set based on the confirmation result information storage unit 564 shown in FIG. 30) and the specific game state determination numerical value extracted when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied. A specific game state determination means (for example, a case where the determination is made not only from the specific game state determination numerical value itself but also from the confirmation result information) (for example, game control means including the CPU 56, FIG. 30).
The specific game state determining means 565 shown in FIG. 2 and the effect pattern determining means (for example, a game including the CPU 56) that determines which effect pattern of a plurality of kinds of effect patterns is to be based on the determination result by the specific game state determining means. Control means, effect pattern determination means 566 shown in FIG. 30)
And the effect pattern determining means, the execution condition of the variable display is newly established in the period after the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied until the start condition of the variable display is satisfied, and the confirmation result information storage means. Based on the confirmation result information stored in, the effect pattern determination method changing means for changing the method for determining the effect pattern (for example, the game control means including the CPU56, the effect pattern determination method changing means 566a shown in FIG. 30). It is characterized by including.

The effect pattern determining means sets an effect pattern table in which determination probabilities are determined for a plurality of effect patterns (for example, a variation pattern selection table in which some or all of the selection probabilities of each variation pattern are set to be different). ) Is used to determine an effect pattern (for example, step S60 and step S64), and the effect pattern table includes a plurality of different decision probabilities (for example, the variation pattern selection table 1 shown in FIG. 14).
And the variation pattern selection table 2) are provided, and the effect pattern determination method changing means may be configured to change the effect pattern table used for determining the effect pattern to another effect pattern table (for example, step S62). .

The effect pattern command is classification data (for example, MO that indicates a predetermined effect pattern classification).
DE data) and type data (for example, EXT data) indicating the effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determining means, the effect pattern is specified by a combination of the classification data and the type data, and the effect pattern determining method changing means is It may be configured to change the classification data (for example, step S68). Specifically, a plurality of effect pattern classifications to which a plurality of effect patterns showing different effect contents belong are provided (see, for example, FIGS. 33 and 35). 1
Production pattern commands that belong to the production pattern classification of
Each contains the same classification data. To the different effect pattern classifications, effect pattern commands that differ only in classification data belong to each. When a plurality of such effect pattern classifications are provided, the effect pattern determination method changing means changes the classification data so that the effect pattern classification to which the effect pattern command to be determined belongs is another effect pattern classification. Processing (eg, step S6
Perform 8).

When the execution condition of the variable display in which the extracted numerical value for determining the specific game state matches the numerical value for confirmation is satisfied by the effect pattern determining method changing means, the execution condition for the variable display is satisfied but is still variable. The number of holding times indicating the number of variable displays of the identification information for which the display start condition is not satisfied (for example, FIG.
The method for determining the effect pattern is changed based on the number of times specified by the information indicated by the big hit storage flag shown in No. 1 (for example, changed to one of the fluctuation pattern selection tables shown in FIG. , FIG. 35
Change to any one of the MODE data shown in FIG. Note that the number of times of suspension also includes, for example, the number of times of execution of variable display of identification information in which the variable display execution condition is satisfied but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied when the variable display start condition is satisfied. means.

The confirmation result information stored in the confirmation result information storage means is information capable of specifying the number of holdings (for example, information indicating two times when the variable display after two times is a big hit).
May be included.

A structure in which the game control means has a holding count updating means (for example, a game control means including the CPU 56) for updating the holding count specified from the confirmation result information in connection with the execution of the variable display of the identification information. It may have been done.

The effect pattern determination method changing means changes the method for determining the effect pattern with a predetermined probability (for example, the change pattern selection table is changed with a predetermined probability, or the MODE data is changed with a predetermined probability). ) May be configured.

The specific game state determination means has a predetermined specific game state determination value (for example, a big hit determination value),
Depending on whether or not the numerical values for the specific game state match, it is determined whether or not the specific game state is set (for example, step S5
5) Then, the confirmation numerical value may be set to be the same as the specific game state determination value.

The numerical value confirmation means confirms whether the numerical value for specific game state determination extracted by the numerical value extraction means matches the numerical value for confirmation, and the processing of storing and holding the confirmation result (for example, for each number of starting winning prizes stored). The process of setting the flag provided) is performed, and the specific game state determination means is configured to determine whether or not to set the specific game state based on the confirmation result stored and held by the numerical value confirmation means. May be.

[0019]

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

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

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

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device (special variable display portion) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions for variably displaying symbols as identification information. The variable display device 9 includes, for example, “left”, “middle”,
There are three "right" variable display parts (symbol display areas).
In addition, the variable display device 9 is provided with four special symbol starting memory display areas (starting memory display areas) 18 for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of starting memories. Each time there is an effective start prize, the display color is changed (for example, changed from blue display to red display) and the start memory display area is increased by one. And the variable display device 9
Each time the variable display of (3) is started, the display area for changing the number of starting memories in which the display color is changed is decremented by 1 (that is, the display color is restored). In this example, since the symbol display area and the starting memory display area are provided separately, the number of starting memories can be displayed even during variable display.
The start memory display area may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the start memory number may be interrupted during the variable display. Further, in this example, the starting memory display area is provided in the variable display device 9, but a display device (special symbol starting memory display device) for displaying the number of starting memories is provided separately from the variable display device 9. You may

Below the variable display device 9, the starting winning opening 1
A variable winning ball device 15 is provided. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning opening 14 is guided to the rear surface of the game board 6 and detected by the starting opening switch 14a. Also,
A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the starting winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

At the lower part of the variable winning ball device 15, an opening / closing plate 20 is provided which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). Opening plate 20
Is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. One of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 (V winning area)
The entered winning balls are detected by the V winning switch 22, and the winning balls from the opening / closing plate 20 are detected by the count switch 23. On the back surface of the game board 6, a solenoid 21A for switching the route inside the special winning opening is also provided.

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

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

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

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

In this example, the prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when there is a remaining prize ball number near the left frame lamp 28b.
Is provided, and a ball-out lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball runs out is provided near the top frame lamp 28a.
Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 which is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enables a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card.

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

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

The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 9 is stopped when a certain time has elapsed. When the combination of special symbols at the time of stop is a big hit symbol (specific display mode), the big hit game state is entered. That is, the opening / closing plate 2
0 is released until a fixed time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls are won. Then, when the hit ball enters the V winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is open and is detected by the V winning switch 22, the continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20
Is released again. The continuation right can be generated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

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

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

As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the game machine, a variable display control unit 49 including a symbol control board 80 for controlling the variable display device 9, a game control board on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted (mainly Substrate) 31 is installed. Further, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed. Furthermore, various decorations L provided on the game board 6
ED and normal pattern starting memory display 41, decorative lamp 2
5, a lamp control board 35 provided with lamp control means for controlling lighting of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the out-of-ball lamp 52 provided on the frame side, a speaker A sound control board 70 on which sound control means for controlling the sound generation from 27 is mounted is also provided. In addition, DC30V, DC21V, DC12
A power supply board 910 and a firing control board 91 on which a power supply circuit for generating V and DC5V is mounted are provided.

On the back side of the game machine, a terminal board 160 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the game machine is installed above. Terminal board 160
At least, the terminal for ball breakage for introducing the output of the ball breakage detection switch and outputting it externally, the terminal for prize balls for externally outputting the prize ball number signal and the external output for the ball lending number signal A ball lending terminal is provided. Further, in the vicinity of the center, an information terminal board 34 provided with each terminal for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed.

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

The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail and reach the ball payout device covered with the prize ball case 40A. At the upper part of the ball payout device, a ball break switch 187 is provided as a game medium cut detection means. When the out-of-ball switch 187 detects out-of-ball, the payout operation of the ball payout device is stopped. The out-of-ball switch 187 is a switch that detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the out-of-ball detection switch 167 that detects a shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream part (in the storage tank 38) in the guide rail. It is provided in the adjacent portion). When the out-of-ball detection switch 167 detects a shortage of game balls, the supply mechanism provided on the game machine installation island supplies game balls to the game machine.

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

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

Although not shown in FIG. 4, the count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 through the switch circuit 58. Further, the gate switch 32a, the starting port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a,
39a, full tank switch 48, out of ball switch 187,
Switches such as the prize ball count switch 301A may be called a sensor. That is, a game medium detecting means capable of detecting a game ball (a game ball detecting means in this example)
If so, the name does not matter. It is the same in other embodiments that what is called a switch may be what is called a sensor, that is, the switch is an example of the game medium detecting means.

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

The basic circuit 53 is a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, and R as a storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory.
AM55, CPU5 which controls according to the program
6 and I / O port section 57. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. Note that the 1-chip microcomputer only needs to have at least the RAM 55 built therein, and
The OM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be external or built-in.

Further, a part or all of the RAM (which may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a backup RAM backed up by a backup power supply created in the power supply board 910. In other words, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped,
The contents of part or all of M55 are saved.

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

In this embodiment, the lamp control board 35 is used.
The lamp control means mounted on the normal board starting memory display 41 and the decorative lamp 2 provided on the game board.
5, the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28 provided on the frame side are controlled.
c, display control of the award ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 is performed. Each lamp may be an LED or other type of light emitting body, and the LEDs used in this embodiment and other embodiments may be another type of light emitting body. That is, the lamp and the LED are examples of the light emitting body. Further, the display control of the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol and the normal symbol display 10 that variably displays the ordinary symbol is performed by the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

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

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

Then, the display control CPU 101 controls the display of the screen displayed on the LCD 82 according to the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP (video display processor) 103. The VDP 103 is the character RO
Read the required data from M86. VDP103 is
Image data to be displayed on the LCD 82 is generated according to the input data, and the R, G, B signals and the synchronization signal are set to L.
Output to CD82.

FIG. 5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for giving an operating clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image including characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the LCD 82.

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

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

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

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 6
Is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control means (CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts the main processing after step S1. In the main process, the CPU 56 first makes necessary initial settings.

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

CPU 56 used in this embodiment
Also incorporates an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). Also, the CTC has two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2,3.
And two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.

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

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

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

Interrupt mode 2: The address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output by the built-in device is the interrupt address. Is a mode indicating. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, the interrupt processing can be installed at an arbitrary (although discrete) even address. Each built-in device has a function of transmitting an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

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

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

If the clear switch 921 is not in the ON state, the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, processing when power supply is stopped such as addition of parity data) is performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not (step S8). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed by, for example, the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, if "55H" is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is backup (on state), and if a value other than "55H" is set, it means that there is no backup (off state).

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

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs a game state recovery process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply was stopped (step S10). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the backup RAM area is set in the PC and the address is restored.

In this embodiment, it is checked whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is saved by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. . That is,
Either backup flag or check data,
It may be used as a trigger for executing the state restoration process.

In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first executes R
AM clear processing is performed (step S11). Further, a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer,
Special symbol process flag, payout command storage pointer,
Work area setting processing for setting an initial value to a prize ball flag, out-of-ball flag, payout stop flag, or other flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S1).
2). Further, a process of transmitting a payout permission state designation command (hereinafter, referred to as a payable state designation command) for instructing that the ball can be paid out from the ball payout device 97 to the payout control board 37 (step S13). . Also,
Other sub-boards (lamp control board 35, sound control board 70,
A process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the pattern control board 80) to each sub-board is executed (step S1).
4). As an initialization command, a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (for the symbol control board 80) and a command for instructing to turn off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 (for the lamp control board 35) Etc.)

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

Execution of initialization processing (steps S11 to S1)
When 5) is completed, the display random number updating process (step S17) and the initial value random number updating process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16), and when the display random number updating process and the initial value random number updating process are completed, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random numbers. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value of a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In the game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, the initial value is set to the counter.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether to generate a big hit (for big hit determination = special symbol determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For out-of-right 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: Determine fluctuation pattern at the time of falling off (for fluctuation pattern determination)

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

Further, the CPU 56 carries out special symbol process processing (step S26). In the special symbol process control, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Also, a normal symbol process process is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 10 in a predetermined order. And the value of the normal symbol process flag,
It is updated during each process according to the game state.

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

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

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

Then, the CPU 56 causes the winning opening switch 2
A prize ball process is performed for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of 9a, 30a, 33a and 39a (step S32). Specifically, the winning opening switches 29a, 30
In response to the winning detection based on that any one of a, 33a, and 39a is turned on, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37. The payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls.
Next, the CPU 56 confirms the number of memory for starting winning prizes, and when the number of memory for starting winning winnings has changed compared to the time when it was confirmed last time, the lighting color of the corresponding starting memory display area 18 in the variable display device 9 is changed. A storage process of setting a display control command designating change in the command transmission table is executed (step S33). In addition, even when designating the lighting / extinction of the holding lamp of the normal symbol starting memory display 41, a module common to the module used when designating to change the lighting color of the starting memory display area 18 is used. It After that, the contents of the register are restored (step S34), and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S35).

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

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

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

Winning confirmation process (step S311): Wait for the starting winning opening 14 to be hit and the starting opening switch 14a to be turned on. When the start opening switch 14a is turned on, if the number of memory for winning the winning prize is not full, the number of memory for winning the winning prize is increased by +.
At the same time, each random number such as a big hit determination random number is extracted, and it is confirmed whether the big hit or the big hit is lost.

Stop symbol setting process (step S301):
Wait until the variable display of special symbols can be started.
When the variable display of the special symbols can be started, the number of memory for winning the winning start is confirmed. If the number of memory for winning a prize is not 0,
Along with determining the variation pattern of the symbol, the stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols is determined. The stop symbol is determined based on the value of each random number extracted in the winning confirmation process (step S311). When the processing is completed, the internal state (process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

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

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

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

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

Specific area effective time processing (step S30
6): The presence or absence of passage of the V winning switch 22 is monitored, and the processing for confirming the establishment of the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is performed. If the conditions for continuation of the jackpot gaming state are satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S304. If the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or if all the rounds are finished, the internal state is set to step S.
Update to move to 307.

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

FIG. 11 shows a winning confirmation process (step S31).
It is a flowchart which shows 1). When the ball hits the starting winning opening 14 provided on the game board 6, the starting opening switch 14a is turned on. CPU in the winning confirmation process
As shown in FIG. 11, when 56 confirms 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 memory of winning prizes for starting has not reached 4, the number of memory of winning prizes for starting is increased by 1 (step S43). Then, the CPU 56
The value of each random number such as the big hit determination random number is extracted and stored in a random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of memory for winning the winning prize (step S44). It should be noted that the number of memory for winning start prize is 4
If it has reached, the process of increasing the number of memory for winning a prize for starting is not performed. That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to store the number of hit balls that are won in the maximum of four starting winning openings 14.

Then, the CPU 56 confirms the big hit / fall from the big hit determination random number extracted in step S44 (step S45). In this example, in step S45, the big hit / outfall is confirmed under the condition of the low probability (non-probability change time) regardless of whether it is the probability change state or not. In this example, the jackpot determination random number is 0 to 29.
A value in the range of 9 will be taken. When the probability is low, for example, when the value is “3”, it is confirmed that it is a “big hit”, and when it is any other value, it is confirmed that it is “out” (step S45). When it is confirmed in step S45 that the big hit is generated, the CPU 56
Sets the big hit storage flag if not set (step S46). The big hit storage flag is a flag indicating whether or not it is confirmed that there is a big hit among the pending storages in the variable display start waiting state, and is provided in the backup area of the RAM 55, for example.

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

Next, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the result of the variable display effect this time (variable display effect to be executed) is a hit based on the value read in step S53, that is, the value of the extracted random number for jackpot determination. Is determined (step S55). Here, the big hit determination random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 299.
As shown in FIG. 13, at a low probability, for example, when the value is “3”, it is determined as “big hit”, and when it is any other value, it is determined as “out”. When the probability is high, for example, the value is “3”, “7”, “79”, “103”,
If it is any of "107", it is determined to be a "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined to be "off." When the big hit is determined, the CPU 56 clears the big hit storage flag (step S56).

Further, the CPU 56 extracts a big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) and determines the big hit symbol according to the value (step S59). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol numbers set in the jackpot symbol table according to the value of the extracted random 3 is determined as the jackpot symbol. In the big hit symbol table, symbol numbers in the left and right corresponding to each of a combination of a plurality of kinds of big hit symbols are set. Further, based on the value read in step S53, that is, the value of the extracted variation pattern determining random number (random 4), the variation pattern of the symbol is determined using the set variation pattern selection table (step S60). ). In step S60, the value of the EXT data is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern (random 4), and then the process of setting 80 (H) as the MODE data is executed. In this embodiment, the variation pattern selection table 1 (see FIG. 14) is always used when it is determined that the big display is the big hit. However, in the case of a big hit, another variation pattern selection table may be used.

When it is determined in step S55 that there is a deviation, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not a big hit is determined in the variable display after the next time based on the state of the big hit storage flag (step). S61). That is, it is confirmed whether or not there is a variable display effect that is determined to be a big hit, in the variable display effects of the next time and after that executed after the end of this variable display effect. In this example, when the big hit storage flag is set, the CPU 56 determines that there is a variable display effect determined to be a big hit in the variable display effects of the next time onward and is set. If not, it is determined that there is no variable display effect that is determined to be a big hit. If the big hit storage flag is set in step S61, the CPU 56 performs a process of changing the fluctuation pattern selection table to be used to the fluctuation pattern selection table 2 (see FIG. 14) (step S62).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation pattern selection table. As shown in FIG. 14, in this example, a variation pattern selection table 1 and a variation pattern selection table 2 are provided in advance as the variation pattern selection table. The fluctuation pattern selection table 1 is
It is a table used when there is no variable display effect determined to be a big hit in the variable display effects after the next time. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern selection table 1 is set as the usage table unless the CPU 56 performs special processing. The variation pattern selection table 2 is a table used when there is a variable display effect that is determined to be a big hit in the variable display effects from the next time onward. Therefore, the CPU 56 performs the process of changing the table to be used to the variation pattern selection table 2 in step S62. Each variation pattern selection table is set in association with each variation pattern and the comparison value. Therefore, in the processing of step S60 and step S64 described later, the variation pattern associated with the comparison value of the same value as the value of the big hit determination random number read in step S53 is used in the variable display effect of the special symbol. It is determined as a fluctuation pattern. In addition,
In the example shown in FIG. 14, the selection probability of each variation pattern is made different by making it different from the number of comparison values associated with each variation pattern.

Next, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol when a big hit is not made. In this embodiment, the left symbol is determined according to the value read in step S53, that is, the value of the random 2-1 being extracted, and the random 2
The middle symbol is determined according to the value of -2, and the right symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-3 (step S63). Here, if the determined middle design matches the left and right designs,
The symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the medium symbol is set as the medium symbol stop symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. Then, the value read in step S53,
That is, the variation pattern of the symbol is determined using the variation pattern selection table that is set based on the value of the extracted variation pattern determination random number (random 4) (step S64). In step S64, the value of the EXT data is determined based on the value of the random number (random 4) for determining the fluctuation pattern, and then 80
The process of setting (H) is executed.

When the variation pattern selection table 1 is set as a use table and the combination of symbols on the left, middle and right indicates non-reach, the variation pattern determination random number (random 4) It is also possible to determine a predetermined variation pattern in the non-reach time without using the value of. In other words, if there is a variable display effect that is determined to be a big hit among the variable display effects from the next time onward, it is sufficient if the variable display effect executed this time can be varied, so at least the fluctuation When the pattern selection table 2 is set as the use table, 1 is selected from a plurality of variation patterns.
It suffices that the variation pattern of is selected.

In this embodiment, step S6
After the processing of 0 or step S64, if the variation pattern selection table 2 is set as the usage table, the processing of changing the usage table to the variation pattern selection table 1 is performed.

Then, the CPU 56 sets the command transmission table relating to the fluctuation pattern command designating the fluctuation pattern determined in step S60 or step S64 (step S65), and calls the command setting process (step S66). In step S65, the start address of the command transmission table (ROM) storing the variation pattern command is set as the address of the command transmission table. The command transmission table relating to the variation pattern command includes I described later.
NT data, command first byte data, and command second byte data are set. In addition,
In step S65, the command transmission table relating to the symbol designating command designating the left middle right design is also set, and the symbol designating command is also transmitted in step S66. The command set process will be described in detail later. Although a series of processes are collectively described here, strictly speaking, the above-described steps S51 to S
The process of 64 is a stop symbol setting process, and the above step S
The process of 65 and step S66 is a process executed in the all symbol variation start process (step S302).

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

As described above, it is confirmed whether the display mode of the symbol variation is a big hit or a big hit when there is a start winning, and when it is possible to start changing the symbol, it is a big hit. The variation pattern selection table to be used is determined according to the confirmation result, and the variation pattern is selected using the variation pattern selection table, the variation pattern used for the performance is determined, and the combination of the respective stop symbols is determined. It is determined.

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

When trying to output a control command from the game control means to another electric component control board (sub board), the start address of the command transmission table is set. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the command transmission table. One command transmission table is composed of 3 bytes, and INT data is set in the 1st byte. In addition, the command data 1 in the second byte is
MODE data of the first byte of the control command is set. Then, in the command data 2 of the third byte, the EXT data of the second byte of the control command is set.

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

FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of INT data. Bit 0 in INT data
Indicates whether or not a payout control command should be sent to the payout control board 37. If bit 0 is "1", it indicates that the payout control command should be sent. Therefore, CPU5
6 is, for example, prize ball processing (step S3 of timer interrupt processing)
In 2), "01 (H)" is set in the INT data. Bit 1 in the INT data indicates whether or not a display control command should be sent to the display output control board 80. If bit 1 is "1", it indicates that the display control command should be sent. Therefore, the CPU 56 sets "02 (H)" to the INT data in the special symbol command control process (step S28 of the timer interrupt process), for example.

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

In this embodiment, a ring buffer and a transmission buffer are prepared for the payout control command, as shown in FIG. 15 (C). Then, in the prize ball processing, when the prize ball payout condition is satisfied, the number of prize balls according to the satisfied condition is sequentially set in the ring buffer. Also, when sending the payout control command regarding the number of prize balls,
One data is transferred from the ring buffer to the transmission buffer. In the example shown in FIG. 15C, the ring buffer can store data corresponding to 12 payout control commands. That is, there are 12 buffers. The number of buffers in the ring buffer may be any number corresponding to the number of winning openings for generating prize balls. This is because even if the simultaneous winnings occur, it is possible to store the payout control command data based on the respective winnings.

FIG. 16 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. 16 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. 17 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the 8-bit control signal and the INT signal (strobe signal) that form the control command for the symbol control board 80. As shown in FIG. 17, when a predetermined period elapses after the MODE or EXT data is output to the output port, the CPU 56 outputs INT, which is a signal indicating the data output.
Turn on the signal. Further, when a predetermined period has passed from that point, the INT signal is turned off.

Although the display control commands have been described here, the control commands sent to other sub-boards are also the same as those shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 18 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. 18, commands 8000 (H) -80
XX (H) (X = any value of 4 bits) is a display control command that specifies a variation pattern of the special symbol in the variable display device 9 that variably displays the special symbol. The command for designating the variation pattern also serves as a variation start instruction.

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

Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H)
And 93XX (H) is a display control command for designating the left middle right stop symbol of the special symbol. Also, command A
000 (H) is a display control command (decision command) for instructing to stop the variable display of special symbols.

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

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

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

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the lamp control command sent from the main board 31 for controlling the game to the lamp control board 35. The lamp control command also has a 2-byte structure of MODE and EXT. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the command 80XX (H) (X = an arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a lamp / LED (each light emission provided in the gaming machine) corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol in the variable display device 9. This is a lamp control command that specifies the control pattern of the body. Although not shown, command A
0XX (H) is a lamp control command for instructing the lamp / LED display control pattern when the variable display of the special symbol is stopped, and the command BXXX (H) is a lamp / between the big hit game start and the big hit game end. It is a lamp control command for instructing an LED display control pattern. The command C000 (H) is a lamp control command for instructing the lamp / LED display control pattern at the customer waiting demonstration.

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

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

Commands E200 (H) and E201
(H) is a lamp control command relating to the display state of the prize ball lamp 51, and includes commands E300 (H) and E3.
01 (H) is a lamp control command related to the display state of the out-of-bulb lamp 52. The lamp control means is the main board 3
When the lamp control command of "E201 (H)" is received from the game control means of No. 1, the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 is changed to a predetermined display state when there is a prize ball remaining, and the lamp of "E200 (H)" is displayed. When the control command is received, the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 is changed to a predetermined display state as when there is no prize ball remaining. When the lamp control command of "E300 (H)" is received from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the out-of-ball lamp 52 is changed to the display state with a ball, and the lamp control command of "E301 (H)" is issued. When it is received, the display state of the out-of-ball lamp 52 is changed to the in-bulb display state. That is, the command E2
00 and E201 (H) are commands indicating that a light emitting body provided for notifying a player or the like that there is a non-prize game ball, and a command E300.
(H) and E301 (H) are commands indicating that the light emitters provided for notifying the player or the game clerk that the supply ball has run out are controlled.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the voice control command sent from the main board 31 for controlling the game to the voice control board 70. Voice control commands are also MOD
It has a 2-byte structure of E and EXT. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the command 80XX (H) (X = an arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a voice control command for designating a sound generation pattern in the variable period of the special symbol. Command BXXX
(H) is a voice control command that specifies a sound generation pattern from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Other commands are voice control commands that are not related to special symbol variations and jackpot games. For example,
The command C000 (H) is a voice control command that specifies a sound generation pattern during a customer waiting demonstration. When the voice control means of the voice control board 70 receives the above-mentioned voice control command from the game control means of the main board 31, it changes the voice output state according to the contents shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart 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. 22 is a flow chart showing the command transmission processing routine. In the command transmission processing routine, the CPU 56 first sets the data set in the argument 1, that is, the INT data, in the work area determined as the comparison value (step S351).
Next, the number of transmissions = 4 is set in the work area determined as the number of processes (step S352). Then, the address of the port 1 for outputting the payout control signal is set to the IO address (step S353). In this embodiment, the address of port 1 is the address of the output port for outputting the payout control signal. Further, the addresses of the ports 2 to 4 are the addresses of the output ports for outputting the display control signal, the lamp control signal and the voice control signal.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, since the control command to which the control command should be output is determined only by the shift process 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 starting the shift processing is stored (step S360), and outputs the read data to the port 0 (step S361). In this embodiment,
The address of port 0 is a port for outputting the INT signal for each control signal, and bit 0 of port 0
4 to 4 are the payout control INT signal and the display control IN, respectively.
It is a port for outputting a T signal, a lamp control INT signal, and a sound control INT signal. In the INT data, the bit corresponding to the output bit of the INT signal corresponding to the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) output in the processing of steps S351 to S359 becomes “1”. Has become. Therefore,
The INT signal corresponding to the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) output to any of the ports 1 to 4 becomes high level.

Next, the CPU 56 sets a predetermined value in the wait counter (step S362) and subtracts 1 from the value until the value becomes 0 (steps S363 and 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. 17 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-devices) 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
6, in step S336 shown in FIG. 21, 1 is added to the value indicating the command transmission table. Therefore, the area of the command data 2 in the third byte is designated. The CPU 56
The contents of the indicated command data 2 are loaded into the argument 2 (step S337). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the value of bit 7 (work area reference bit) of the command data 2 is "0" (step S339). If it is not 0, the contents of the transmission buffer are loaded into the argument 2 (step S341). If the extended data is used when the value of the work area reference bit is "1", the start address of the command extended data address table is set in the pointer and the command data is set in the pointer. The address is calculated by adding the values of bit 6 to bit 0 of 2. Then, the data of the area pointed to by the address is loaded into the argument 2.

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

Next, the CPU 56 calls the command transmission processing routine (step S342). Therefore, M
EXT at the same timing as when transmitting ODE data
Data is sent out.

As described above, the control command (payout control command, display control command, lamp control command, sound control command) having a 2-byte structure is transmitted to the corresponding electric component control means. The electric component control means starts the control command fetching process when the rising edge of the INT signal is detected, but for any electric component control means, a new signal from the game control means is signaled before the fetching process is completed. It is never printed on the line. That is, a reliable command reception process is performed in each electric component control means. In addition, each electric component control means is
The control command acquisition process may be started at the falling edge of the T signal. 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.

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

Next, the variation pattern selection table 2 (see FIG.
The contents of the effect executed based on each variation pattern set in (4) will be described. For each fluctuation pattern set in the fluctuation pattern selection table 2,
For example, in consideration of the fact that it will be a big hit in the variable display several times from the next time onward, in this variable display effect, a display that can give the player an expectation for a big hit is made. A variation pattern is provided for displaying the character or for setting a background different from the usual background.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a character used for performing various effect displays based on the variation patterns set in the variation pattern selection table 2. Each character is displayed on the variable display device 9 in the variable display effect of the special symbol. In this example, the variation patterns set in the variation pattern selection table 2 are
For example, the variation pattern in which the character A shown in FIG. 23A appears and the variation pattern in which the character B appears in FIG. 23B are included. By executing the variable display effect in which the characters A and B appear, it is possible to make the player expect a big hit in the near future. Note that more characters may be used.

In addition, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 2 is displayed such that, for example, as shown in FIG. 23 (C), the display of the character A is shining, and FIG. 23 (D) and FIG. As shown in FIG. 23 (E), a variation pattern for giving a notice that the character A is expected to be a big hit in the balloon in the near future, and FIG.
As shown in (F) and FIG. 23 (G), it includes a variation pattern in which the character B makes a balloon and expects to be a big hit in the near future. By performing the variable display effect in which the character A or the character B gives a predetermined motion or a notification by a balloon, it is possible to expect the player to be a big hit in the near future.

As described above, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 2 includes a variation pattern for making a notification by a character's speech bubble or the like, but the manner of the notification is that the player is notified. As long as it is recognizable, any form may be used. For example, an action of a character different from normal (variable display effect based on the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 1) or a variation mode of a symbol different from the normal may be used.

In this example, although not shown, the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 2 is close to the case in which it is determined that the probability variation jackpot will be made in the variable display effects after the next time. It is possible to execute an effect for announcing that it will be a big hit with the probability variation pattern in the future (for example, an effect of causing a predetermined character to appear, a character performing a predetermined action, a notification by a balloon of the character, etc.). Such a fluctuation pattern is set.

[0148] It should be noted that the fluctuation pattern selection table 2 may be set with the respective fluctuation patterns for giving a notice with a high probability of a big hit in the near future and a notice with a low probability of a big hit in the near future. The effect corresponding to the variable display effect by the characters A and B described above is
The sound and the light emitter are also synchronized.

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

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

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

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

Next, the display control command receiving process from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the display control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command reception buffer capable of storing six 2-byte display control commands is used. Therefore, the command receiving buffer is composed of the 12-byte area of the receiving command buffers 1-12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating which area to store the received command is used. The command reception number counter takes a value of 0-11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command receiving buffer) and one command storage area for other variable pattern designations ( 2 × 1 = 2 byte command receiving buffer). Similarly, the voice control means and the lamp control means may have a buffer format other than the ring buffer format. In this case, the display control means, the voice control means, the lamp control means,
It is controlled based on the latest command stored in the storage area such as the variation pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly respond to the instruction from the main board 31.

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

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

Whether or not it is the first byte is confirmed by whether or not the first bit of the received command is "1". The head bit is “1” in the MODE data (first byte) of the display control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 16). Therefore, if the leading bit is "1", the display control CPU 101 determines that the valid first byte has been received, and stores the received command in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter in the reception buffer area (step). S67
3).

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

If the first byte has already been received,
It is confirmed whether the first bit of the received 1 byte is "0". If the first bit is "0",
Assuming that the valid second byte has been received, the received command is stored in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter + 1 in the reception buffer area (step S675). The head bit is "0", which is supposed to be the EXT data (second byte) of the display control command having a 2-byte structure (see FIG. 16). If the confirmation result in step S674 is that the first byte has already been received, the process ends if the first bit of the data received as the second byte is not "0".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If the received command that has been read out is the command for specifying the number of winning memory for start winning (step S695), the CPU 101 for display control stores the number of memory for starting winning prize indicated by the EXT data of the received command (step S696).
In addition, the number of starting winning prizes stored is stored in, for example, a predetermined area of the RAM included in the symbol control board 80. Specifically, in step S696, a process of adding 1 to the stored number of stored starting prizes is executed. Display control CPU 10
When 1 is added to the number of memory for winning the winning prize, the number of the starting memory display area 18 for changing the display color is increased by 1. If the received command read in step S682 is another display control command, the flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S697).

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the display control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control process processing,
Step S801 according to the value of the display control process flag
One of the processes from S805 to S805 is performed. In each process, the following process is executed.

Display control command reception waiting process (step S801): It is confirmed by the command reception interrupt process whether or not a display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the variation time is received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag indicating that the variation pattern command has been received is set. Such a flag is set when the received command stored in the received command buffer is a variable pattern command.

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

Symbol changing process (step S803): The switching timing of each changing state (changing speed, background, character) forming the changing pattern is controlled, and the end of the changing time is monitored. That is, the variable display effect based on the variation pattern command received from the main board 31 is executed. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

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

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

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a structure of a characteristic portion in the above-mentioned gaming machine of this example. As shown in FIG. 30, the gaming machine of the present example includes a variable display means 9a capable of variably displaying identification information, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, a variable display start condition is satisfied. A gaming machine that starts variable display of identification information based on the above, and is capable of controlling to a specific game state advantageous to a player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, The game control means 561 for controlling the progress of the game, and the effect control means 801 for controlling the effect means 802 capable of executing the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information based on the command from the game control means 561 are provided.
When the start condition of the variable display is satisfied, the game control means 561 can specify the execution period of one effect pattern among a plurality of kinds of effect patterns respectively showing the effect contents of the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information. The command is transmitted, the effect control unit 801 controls the effect unit 802 based on the effect pattern command from the game control unit 561 to execute the effect corresponding to the variable display of the identification information,
The game control means 561 extracts a specific game state determination numerical value used to determine whether or not to enter the specific game state when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and a specific game state determination extracted. Numerical value confirmation means 563 for confirming whether or not the numerical value matches a predetermined confirmation numerical value, confirmation result information storage means 564 for storing confirmation result information indicating the confirmation result of the numerical confirmation means 563, and variable display. Specific game state determination means 565 and specific game state determination means for determining whether or not to set the specific game state based on the specific game state determination numerical value extracted when the execution condition of is satisfied when the variable display start condition is satisfied. And a production pattern determination unit 566 that determines which one of a plurality of types of production patterns is to be produced on the basis of the determination result by 565, The output pattern determining unit 566 stores a new variable display execution condition in the confirmation result information storage unit 564 in a period after the variable display execution condition is satisfied until the variable display start condition is satisfied. Based on the confirmation result information obtained, the production pattern determination method changing unit 566a that changes the method for determining the production pattern.
It is characterized by including.

As described above, when the game ball is won in the starting winning opening, the jackpot / out of contact is confirmed, and after the gaming ball is won in the starting winning opening, the variable display based on the winning is made. At the time of starting, a fluctuation pattern determined as a fluctuation pattern used for the production based on the result of confirmation of a big hit / off caused by a new winning during the period until the variable display is started. By changing the configuration, it is possible to determine the variation pattern based on the content of the variable display effect that will be performed after the next time, and add the content of the effect that will be executed after the next time to the variable display effect of this time. Since the contents can be decided, various effects can be performed, and the interest of the game can be improved.

It should be noted that confirmation is carried out based on the fact that the game ball has won the starting winning opening (confirmation of big hit / miss)
May be executed immediately after winning the prize as in the above-described embodiment, or may be executed after a predetermined delay period has elapsed after winning the prize. However, the above confirmation must be completed at least before the variable display based on the winning is started. If there is a variable display that is executed before the variable display based on winning, if the above confirmation is completed before the variable display is started, the confirmation result at the time of winning will be taken into consideration. ,
It is possible to execute the process of changing the fluctuation pattern.

As described above, a plurality of fluctuation pattern selection tables in which a plurality of fluctuation patterns are preset are provided, and the fluctuation pattern selection table to be used is changed to change the determined fluctuation pattern. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern determined with a simple configuration can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to perform a variety of effects in consideration of the contents of effects to be executed in the future simply by changing the variation pattern table.

Further, as described above, the configuration is such that it is determined whether or not the variation pattern used for the effect is changed based on the result of confirmation as to whether or not the jackpot will be a big hit in the variable display effect to be performed next time or later. It becomes possible to select a variation pattern for executing an effect in which a big hit will occur in the future.

As described above, the game control means is
When confirming whether it is a big hit when a game ball wins at the starting winning opening, it is configured to perform confirmation based on the judgment condition in the low probability state regardless of whether it is a probability change state, so it was wrong as a result. It is possible to prevent the variation pattern from being changed based on the information. In other words, when the probability change state was at the time of winning, but it was not at the time of variable display start, the change pattern was changed based on the confirmation result under the high probability judgment condition, and a big hit would occur in the future. It is possible to prevent the effect based on the variation pattern for executing the effect for informing that is excessively executed.

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

In the above-described embodiment, it is determined whether or not to change the variation pattern used for the effect, based on the result of confirmation as to whether or not the jackpot will be a big hit in the variable display effect performed after the next time. However, it may be configured to determine whether or not to change the variation pattern used for the presentation based on another confirmation result. For example, in a variable display effect performed after the next time, based on a confirmation result such as whether or not it is a probability variation big hit, or whether it is a reach, whether it is a reach of a specific aspect, etc. The configuration may be such that the variation pattern is changed when For example, if the configuration is such that the variation pattern used for the production is changed in the case of reaching in the variable display production performed after the next time, the production taking into account the future reach (for example, reach in the variable display production of several times in the future) It is possible to select a variation pattern for executing a predetermined character indicating that there is a possibility that

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the big hit storage flag indicates whether or not there is a big hit effect in the variable display effects to be performed from the next time onward. It may be configured to also indicate whether or not a big hit is made in the variable display effect.

In this case, the big hit memory flag is composed of a plurality of flags (for example, four, which is the same number as the maximum value of the number of memory for starting winning prizes) corresponding to the number of memory for starting winning prizes, respectively. You can do it like this. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the number of memory of winning a prize for start = n (n =
1 to 4) may have a 4-bit configuration in which the bits (n-1) correspond to each other. When it is confirmed in step S45 in the above-described embodiment that the big hit is won,
A flag (for example, bit (n-1)) corresponding to the current number of memory for starting winning prizes (for example, n) is set. That is, when the flag indicates "1", it means that the variable display result of the pending storage corresponding to the bit is confirmed to be a big hit, and the flag indicates "0". In this case, it means that the variable display result of the pending storage corresponding to the bit is confirmed to be out (or there is no pending storage). For example, if the big hit storage flag is "0100", it means that the variable display result of the third reserved storage is confirmed to be a big hit. The bit data indicating each flag is shifted each time variable display is executed (for example, step S5).
4). For example, in FIG.
Each bit data of the big hit storage flag shown in 1 (A) is
The shift is performed so that the state shown in FIG.

It should be noted that, without using the big hit storage flag, when there is a big hit in the variable display effects that will be carried out from the next time onward, the number of times (a value indicating the number of times) until the big hit is stored. It may be configured to use a big hit storage means. In this case, it is possible to indicate by how many times the variable display effect after the big hit is the variable display effect with 2 bits (in the case of the maximum four held memories). For example, when there is no variable display that is a big hit, it is set to "00", and in the above-described step S46, "01" is set when the next big hit is made, "10" is set when the big hit is made after three times, and three times. In case of a big hit after that, "11" may be set respectively. Then, each time the variable display is executed (for example, in step S54), the set value is subtracted (-
1) should be performed. In this way, if the value indicating how many times the variable display will be a big hit is stored in the big hit storage means, by confirming the big hit / off in each variable display effect by storing the simplified information. It is possible to reduce the control load of the game control means for controlling using the information.

As described above, if the configuration is such that it is possible to recognize how many times the variable display effect will be a big hit, the variation pattern is changed in consideration of how many times the variable display effect is a big hit. It becomes possible. In this case, at least two types of variation pattern selection tables may be provided in addition to the table used in normal times, and the variation pattern selection table may be changed to a different variation pattern selection table depending on how many times the variable display effect will be a big hit. . For example, as shown in FIG. 32, the variation pattern selection table 1 used in the normal case where there is no effect determined to be a big hit in the variable display effects after the next time, and the variable display effect in the next time A variation pattern selection table 2 used when it is determined to be a big hit, and a variation pattern selection table 3 used when it is determined to be a big hit in the variable display effect after two times. The variable pattern selection table 4 used when it is determined that a big hit is determined in the variable display effects after three times may be provided. That is, different variation pattern selection tables are selected and changed depending on how many times the variable display effect that is a big hit is after. As described above, if the variation pattern selection table is changed in consideration of how many times the variable display effect will be a big hit, it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

As described above, when the variation pattern selection table, which is different depending on how many times the variable display effect is followed by a big hit, is used, the variation patterns set in the respective variation pattern selection tables are different. By doing so, it becomes possible to perform various effects.

That is, by performing an effect based on the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table that is set according to how many times the variable display effect is to be a big hit, each variable display until the big hit is achieved. In the production, for example, a specific character or background can be made to appear continuously. Further, for example, in each variable display effect until it becomes a big hit, as the variable display effect becomes a big hit, the variable display period is gradually lengthened, the variable display period is gradually shortened, or It is also possible to make the expectations gradually higher. Further, for example, when it is determined that a big hit is made in the variable display effect several times after the present variable display effect, the character appears in accordance with a certain rule in the multiple variable display effects until the big hit. It is also possible to perform an effect. When performing each of the above-mentioned effects, the change pattern is limited to the variation patterns determined by a plurality of times of variable display effects until a big hit (for example, a variation pattern in which the variable display period gradually increases). It is sufficient to add a restriction such that only that is determined.

[0187] Here, when it is determined that the big display will be a big hit in the variable display effect after several times of the present variable display effect, the character is displayed in accordance with a certain rule in a plurality of variable display effects until the big hit. The case where the effect of causing the appearance is performed will be described. For example, when it is determined that a big hit will occur in the variable display effect after three times, the variation pattern selection table 4 (FIG. 32) is set in the variable display effect this time.
The effect in which the character X (for example, tadpole) appears based on the variation pattern set in (1), and the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 3 (see FIG. 32) is changed in the next variable display production. Based on the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 2 (see FIG. 32) in the variable display production two times after, the production in which the character Y (for example, tadpole with hands and feet) appears is executed. Character C
It is only necessary to perform an effect in which (for example, a frog) appears so that characters sequentially appear according to a certain rule. Then, in the next variable display effect, an effect that is a big hit is executed based on the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection table 1 (see FIG. 32). Specifically, when the game control means confirms that a big hit will occur in the variable display effect after three times, based on the big hit storage flag (see FIG. 31), when executing the variable display effect this time. In the variable pattern selection table 4 (Fig. 4), a specific variation pattern for executing the continuous notice production in which the characters sequentially appear in accordance with a certain rule in the variable display production of three times in total from the time before the big hit When it is determined as a variation pattern to be executed from the variation patterns set in (see 32), it is determined to perform the continuous notice effect. When it is determined to perform the continuous notice effect, a predetermined variation pattern is selected from each variation pattern selection table so that the predetermined notice effect is sequentially executed in the variable display effects several times thereafter. You should do so. According to the above configuration, in a plurality of consecutive variable display effects, the characters are sequentially made to appear in accordance with a certain rule, so that the variable display thereafter (in the above example, it is performed at the time after the frog appears) The player can recognize that the display result of (variable display) is highly likely to be a big hit (not necessarily 100%), and the interest of the game can be improved. It should be noted that the above continuous effect may be selected when there is a final deviation (variable display executed next to the variable display in which the frog appears in the above example), but in that case, it may be selected. The probability of being selected may be lower than that of a big hit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 11), the value of each random number such as the extracted jackpot determination random number is stored in the random number storage area. It may be configured to store only data (for example, a big hit storage flag) indicating a confirmation result such as whether or not to perform. In this case, the confirmation result based on the determination condition at the low probability and the confirmation result based on the determination condition at the high probability may be stored. According to this structure, since it is not necessary to store the big hit determination random number, the random number value storage area can be reduced and the required capacity of the RAM 55 can be reduced. When storing the value of the random number for jackpot determination, it is necessary to use a storage area capable of storing the value in the range of the random number. In this example, the big hit determination random number is a value in the range of 0 to 299 (FIG. 8).
reference). Therefore, in order to save the value of the extracted big hitting judgment random number, a storage capacity of 2 bytes (because 1 byte is not enough) per reserved as a random value storage area for storing and holding the value of the big hit judging random number. You will need it. If the configuration is such that data indicating the confirmation result is stored, the big hit storage flag for specifying whether or not to make a big hit is 1 byte per pending (a confirmation result at a low probability and a confirmation result at a high probability). It can be stored in a storage capacity of 2 bits). Therefore, the required capacity of the RAM 55 can be reduced. It should be noted that the larger the maximum value of the number of stored winning awards is, the more the above-mentioned effects are exhibited. It should be noted that not only confirmation of big hits / outfalls but also confirmation of fluctuation patterns is executed in the winning confirmation processing, and if the result is saved, random number storage for storing random numbers such as random numbers for fluctuation pattern determination is stored. Since the area is unnecessary, the required capacity of the RAM 55 can be further reduced.

In addition, in the above-mentioned other example, when the big hit storage flag is configured to include each flag corresponding to the number of starting winning prizes stored, each big hit storing flag corresponding to each number of starting winning prizes is set to a bit. If it is configured in units, the required capacity of the RAM 55 can be further reduced. In this case, it is sufficient for the big hit storage flag for setting whether or not to be a big hit to be 2 bits per pending (one bit for each of the confirmation result at the low probability and the confirmation result at the high probability).
It is enough to hold 4 bytes and have a capacity of 1 byte. Therefore, it is possible to store each flag indicating the result of confirmation of whether or not it is a big hit corresponding to the number of stored winning awards 1 to 4 in a storage area of 1 byte in total. When the big hit storage flag corresponding to the number of stored winning prizes is configured in bit units, a predetermined number of data of each bit (here, 2
It should be arranged so that it is shifted. Further, the larger the maximum value of the number of stored winning awards is, the greater the above effect is.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of variation pattern selection tables are provided, and the variation pattern selection table to be used is changed according to the state of the big hit storage flag so that the variation patterns to be determined can be made different. However, the variation patterns determined by other means may be different.

In this case, for example, as shown in FIG.
In response to a variation pattern command (80XX (H)) that indicates each variation pattern that can be selected in normal times (when it is not determined that a big hit will occur in the next and subsequent variable display effects), variable display from the next time onwards A fluctuation pattern command (81XX that indicates a fluctuation pattern that can be selected when it is determined that a big hit is determined in the production (when there is a big hit).
(H)) to be provided respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 33, different MODE data are assigned to the variation pattern command used in the normal time and the variation pattern command used in the case of a big hit. Also, as shown in FIG. 33, the same EXT data is assigned to the variation pattern command used in the normal time and the variation pattern command with the big hit provided corresponding to the variation pattern. .

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing another example of the stop symbol setting process. As shown in FIG. 34, at the start of variable display, the game control means selects a variation pattern (step S64) and then hits the jackpot if it is determined that the variable display effect this time is out of step. If the storage flag is set (step S61), MO
A process of changing the value of the DE data to a value when there is a big hit (in the example shown in FIG. 33, changing from "80 (H)" to "81 (H)") is performed (step S68). In this way, the game control means performs the process of changing the value of the MODE data to change the change pattern of the normal time to the change pattern of the big hit. Also in this example, when it is determined that a big hit is made in the variable display effect this time, M
The variation pattern may be changed by changing the value of the ODE data.

As described above, the game control means changes the variation pattern by changing the MODE data of the variation pattern command composed of MODE data and EXT data according to the state of the big hit storage flag. In this case, since the variation pattern can be changed by simple control, the load of the process of changing the variation pattern in the game control means is reduced.

Even when the MODE data of the fluctuation pattern command is changed to change the fluctuation pattern as described above, the big hit storage flag has a 4-bit structure (see FIG. 3).
1)), the variation pattern can be changed in consideration of how many times the variable display effect will be a big hit. Can be changed. In this case, in addition to the variation pattern of the normal time, at least two types of variation patterns when there is a big hit corresponding to the variation pattern of the normal time are provided, and M varies depending on how many times the variable display effect will be a big hit.
The configuration may be changed to a command of ODE data.
For example, as shown in FIG. 35, a variation pattern command (80XX) that is used in a normal case where there is no effect determined to be a big hit in the variable display effects from the next time onward.
(H)) and a variation pattern command (81XX (H)) used when it is determined that a big hit will be made in the next variable display effect, and a big hit will be made in the variable display effect two times later. The variation pattern command (82XX (H)) used when it is determined and the variation pattern command (83XX that is used when it is determined that a big hit is made in the variable display effect after three times. (H))
May be provided. Then, when the state of the big hit storage flag indicates that there is a variable display effect that is a big hit, the MODE is set depending on how many times it is after.
Change the data value (from "80 (H)" to "81
(H) ”,“ 82 (H) ”, or“ 83 (H) ”may be performed. In this way, MO is added considering how many times the variable display effect will be a big hit.
Even when the DE data is changed, as in the case of changing the plurality of fluctuation pattern selection tables (see FIG. 32) described above, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game.

In the above-described embodiment, the display control means (display control CPU) is mainly used as the effect control means.
101), the lamp control means (lamp control CPU 351) and the sound control means (sound control CPU 701) may be configured to execute the same processing as the display control means described above. In this case, since the same pattern command (80XX (H)) is transmitted to each effect control means at the same time, the light emitter effect by the lamp control means, the sound output effect by the sound control means, and the display control means. The variable display effects are performed in synchronization with each other.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, an effect for notifying that a big hit in the future will be made when variable display of special symbols is executed based on the variation pattern command from the game control means. However, by changing the display mode of the starting memory number display area 18, it may be possible to perform an effect to give a notice that a big hit will occur in the future. For example, the display color may be changed to a color indicating a notice, or the starting memory number display area 18 in which the display color is changed may be increased in different order (order).

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the number of symbols corresponding to the number of memory for starting winning prize may be displayed in the number of memory for starting starting memory display area 18. In this case, for example, it is configured to display the number of eggs corresponding to the number of remembered starting prizes in the number-of-started-memories display area 18, and if the eggs are cracked and chicks are born, it is a big hit in the variable display at that time. It may be possible to give advance notice that there is a possibility that

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that a big hit will occur in the variable display effect after the next time, the usage table is a table other than the variation pattern selection table 1 (each of the above-described embodiments). In the embodiment, the variation pattern selection table 2 to the variation pattern selection table 4) are always changed, but even in such a case, the variation pattern selection table 1 has a predetermined probability.
The configuration may be such that the usage table remains unchanged. In this way, if it is determined that a big hit will be made in the variable display effects from the next time onward, and if the table is changed to a table other than the variation pattern selection table 1 with a predetermined probability, there is a possibility of a big hit in the future. Since it is possible to reduce the probability that the effect for notifying that there is something will be executed, it is possible to prevent the player's attention level from decreasing when such an effect is not performed. Also,
In the case of the above-mentioned configuration, when a table other than the variation pattern selection table 1 is set, even if an effect is given to give a notice that there is a possibility of a big hit in the future, Since it is possible not to always perform such an effect, it is possible to prevent the player's attention from decreasing when such an effect is not performed.

Although not particularly mentioned in the above-mentioned embodiments, the same effect pattern may be set in each variation pattern selection table. Further, each of the different variation patterns of the MODE data as shown in FIG. 35 described above may include one designating the same variation pattern. For example, command 8020 (H)
And the command 8120 (H) may be commands that specify the same variation pattern.

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

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although there is no particular reference to the case where there are a plurality of effects decided to be a big hit in the variable display effects executed after the next time, In such cases, for example,
The control may be performed by paying attention to the big hit that produces the earliest effect. For example, when the big hit storage flag is used to indicate whether or not there is a variable display effect that will be executed after the next time, when the variable display effect that is a big hit is started (for example, in step S55 of FIG. 12). After that, before step S56), the value of the big hit determination random number stored in the random number storage area may be checked, and the big hit storage flag may be cleared when there is no effect that causes a big hit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the big hit confirmation processing is performed in the winning confirmation processing (see FIG. 11), but other confirmation processing such as confirmation of the variation pattern is performed in the winning confirmation processing. The configuration may also be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the character is used to perform the effect for notifying that a big hit may occur in the near future (see FIG. 23). It may be in the form of, for example, a sliding effect (an effect that changes several symbols at a high speed in a low speed changing state), a returning effect (an effect that changes in the opposite direction after passing the stop position of the symbol), etc. By changing the variation mode of the special symbol, it may be possible to perform an effect for giving a notice that a big hit will occur in the variable display effect after the next time.

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

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in order to execute the effect in accordance with the determined effect type (for example, effect type such as effect causing the character A to appear or character B causing to appear). The electric components used may be different. For example, when performing the effect of causing the character A to appear, the effect is performed by the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27, and when performing the effect of causing the character B to appear, the effect is performed by the variable display device 9 and the light emitter. Good. Further, for example, when performing the effect of causing the character A to appear, the variable display device 9 and the respective frame lamps 28a to 28c perform the effect, and when performing the effect of causing the character B to appear, the variable display device 9 and the decoration lamp 25. The effect may be performed by. With this configuration, it is possible to diversify the effect.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the confirmation processing (step S44) in the winning confirmation processing (see FIG. 11).
The step S45) is started when there is a winning in the starting winning opening, but, for example, in the case where the variable display is not started unless there are a plurality of winnings, The confirmation process may be started on the condition that a plurality of prizes have been won. In addition, winning is recognized only during a period in which a predetermined variable winning device (for example, a second type variable winning ball device) is in an advantageous state (for example, a period from when the opening operation is performed until a predetermined period elapses). In such a case, the confirmation process may be started on the condition that the game ball has won during the period.

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

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when performing variable display of special symbols, an example is given in which an effect is executed to give a notice in advance of whether or not it will be a big hit in the near future in consideration of the contents of variable display from the next time onward. As described above, when the variable display of the normal symbol is performed, the effect of giving a notice in advance of whether or not it will be a hit in the near future in consideration of the content of the variable display from the next time may be executed. In this case, for example, when a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, a confirmation process of hit / disappearance is executed, and a selection table in which a normal symbol variation pattern is set in consideration of the confirmation result May be changed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the winning confirmation process, when the extracted value of the random number for jackpot determination is a value indicating a jackpot, it is confirmed that it is a jackpot. It may be possible to confirm that the big hit is a big hit when the value of the extracted big hit determination random number is a value other than a value indicating a deviation. In this case, for example,
In step S45, the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number is a value other than “0”, “1”, “2”, and “4” to “299” (other than the value indicating the deviation in the uncertain variation). If there is, you should make sure that it is a big hit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to the case where the specific game state determination value (big hit determination value) is used as the confirmation numerical value, for example, any value other than the special game state determination value (high probability big hit determination value) is used. The predetermined value of may be used as the confirmation numerical value. In the case of such a configuration, even if the specific game state determination numerical value (big hit determination random number) is a value that does not result in the specific game state, it may be possible to change the method for determining the effect pattern. . In this case, the effect pattern is determined by a method different from the normal one, and when the effect pattern different from the normal one is controlled to appear, it is possible to create a so-called gasse that will not be in the specific game state in the future. It is possible to improve the interest of the production.

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 is prone to 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, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the "variation pattern" means a variation period or variation mode pattern (pattern) from the start to the end of the variable display effect by the identification information. It should be noted that the variation pattern may include a background and characters appearing in the variable display effect, and their motion modes. Further, the "production pattern" means a production period or a production mode pattern (pattern) from the start to the end of the production using the electric parts provided in the gaming machine. Therefore, the “variation pattern” is one form of the “effect pattern”.

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 starting 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.

[0215]

As described above, in the invention according to claim 1, the effect pattern determining means newly sets the period after the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied until the start condition of the variable display is satisfied. It is characterized in that it includes production pattern determination method changing means for changing the method for determining the production pattern based on the confirmation result information stored in the confirmation result information storage means when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied. Since the method for determining the effect pattern based on the content of the confirmation result information can be changed, the effect pattern to be determined can be different from the originally determined effect pattern, The interest of the game can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the effect pattern determining means performs the process of determining the effect pattern using the effect pattern table in which the determination probabilities are determined for a plurality of effect patterns.
Since a plurality of different determination probabilities are provided and the production pattern determination method changing means is configured to change the production pattern table used to determine the production pattern to another production pattern table, the production pattern table The method of determining the effect pattern can be changed only by the change, and the processing load on the game control means is reduced.

In the invention according to claim 3, the effect pattern command is composed of classification data indicating a predetermined effect pattern classification and type data indicating an effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determining means. Identified from the combination of classification data and type data,
Since the effect pattern determination method changing means is configured to change the classification data, the method of determining the effect pattern can be changed only by changing the classification data, and the processing load on the game control means is reduced. .

In the invention according to claim 4, when the execution condition of the variable display in which the extracted numerical value for specific game state match with the numerical value for confirmation is satisfied, the execution condition of the variable display is decided by the effect pattern determining method changing means. Is established, but the variable display start condition is not yet established.The method for determining the effect pattern is configured to be changed based on the number of holdings indicating the number of variable displays of the identification information. , It is possible to change the method for determining the effect pattern in consideration of the effect contents of variable display of the identification information to be executed in the future,
Since it is possible to determine an effect pattern that takes into consideration future effect contents, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the confirmation result information stored in the confirmation result information storage means is configured to include information capable of specifying the number of times of holding, and simplified information is stored, The control load on the game control means is reduced.

In the invention according to claim 6, the game control means has a holding number updating means for updating the holding number specified from the confirmation result information in connection with the execution of the variable display of the identification information. Therefore, the content of the confirmation result information can be updated every time the variable display of the identification information is executed.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the effect pattern determining method changing means is configured to change the method for determining the effect pattern with a predetermined probability, it is possible to excessively determine the effect pattern. It is possible to prevent the method from being changed and maintain the interest of the game.

In the invention according to claim 8, the specific game state determination means sets the specific game state depending on whether or not the predetermined specific game state determination value and the specific game state numerical value match. Since it is configured to determine whether or not it is determined that the numerical value for confirmation is the same as the specific game state determination value, the method for determining the effect pattern when it is determined to be in the specific game state is changed. It becomes possible to do.

In the invention of claim 9, the numerical value confirming means confirms whether or not the specific game state judging numerical value extracted by the numerical value extracting means matches the confirming numerical value, and stores and holds the confirmed result. Since the specific game state determination means is configured to determine whether or not to set the specific game state based on the confirmation result stored and held by the numerical value confirmation means, the confirmation result and the specific game state determination It is not necessary to separately store the usage value, and it is possible to reduce the required capacity of the storage medium provided in the game control means.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern selection table.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command transmission table and the like.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a control command.

FIG. 17 is a timing diagram showing a relationship between an 8-bit control signal forming a control command and an INT signal.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a display control command.

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

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a voice control command.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing example of command set processing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a command transmission processing routine.

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing display control process processing.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gaming machine.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the big hit storage flag.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a plurality of fluctuation pattern selection tables.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of variation pattern commands of different MODE data.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing another example of the stop symbol setting process.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a variation pattern command having different MODE data.

[Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A variable display means capable of variably displaying identification information is provided, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, variable display of identification information is started based on satisfaction of a variable display start condition. However, when the display result of the variable display of the identification information is a specific display result, it is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player, and a game control means for controlling the progress of the game. , Based on a command from the game control means, the production control means for controlling the production means capable of executing the production according to the variable display of the identification information, the game control means, the start condition of the variable display is satisfied Sometimes
An effect pattern command capable of specifying an execution period of one effect pattern among a plurality of kinds of effect patterns respectively showing effect contents of effects corresponding to variable display of identification information is transmitted, and the effect control means is the game control means. Based on the effect pattern command from, the effect means is controlled to execute an effect according to the variable display of the identification information, and the game control means is used for determining whether or not to be in the specific game state. Numerical value extraction means for extracting the numerical value for specific game state determination when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, and it is confirmed whether or not the extracted numerical value for specific game state determination matches a predetermined numerical value for confirmation. Numerical value confirmation means, confirmation result information storage means for storing confirmation result information indicating the confirmation result of the numerical value confirmation means, and extracted when the execution condition of variable display is satisfied. The specific game state determining means for determining whether or not the specific game state is set based on the specific game state determining numerical value when the variable display start condition is satisfied, and the plurality of the plurality of game states based on the determination result by the specific game state determining means A production pattern determination unit that determines which one of the various production patterns is to be produced, wherein the production pattern determination unit satisfies a variable display start condition after a variable display execution condition is established. Up to the period, until the execution condition of the variable display is newly established, based on the confirmation result information stored in the confirmation result information storage means, the production pattern determination method changing means for changing the method for determining the production pattern. A gaming machine characterized by including. 2. The effect pattern determination means performs a process of determining an effect pattern using an effect pattern table in which a determination probability is determined for each of a plurality of effect patterns, and the effect pattern table is determined with different determination probabilities. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of production pattern determination methods are changed, and the production pattern determination method changing unit changes the production pattern table used to determine the production pattern to another production pattern table. 3. The effect pattern command is composed of classification data indicating a predetermined effect pattern classification and type data indicating an effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determining means, and the effect pattern is the classification data and the type. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is specified from a combination of data, and the effect pattern determination method changing means changes the classification data. 4. When the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied when the extracted specific game state determination numerical value matches the confirmation numerical value, the effect pattern determination method changing means satisfies the execution condition of the variable display. The method for determining an effect pattern is changed based on the number of times of holding indicating the number of variable displays of the identification information for which the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. Game machine. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the confirmation result information stored in the confirmation result information storage means includes information capable of specifying the number of times of holding. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the game control means has a holding count updating means for updating the holding count specified from the confirmation result information in association with the execution of the variable display of the identification information. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect pattern determination method changing means changes a method for determining an effect pattern with a predetermined probability. 8. The specific game state determination means determines whether or not to set the specific game state depending on whether or not a predetermined specific game state determination value and the specific game state numerical value match. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the confirmation numerical value is set to be the same as the specific game state determination value. 9. The numerical confirmation means confirms whether the numerical value for specific game state determination extracted by the numerical value extraction means matches the numerical value for confirmation, and performs a process of storing and holding the confirmation result, and the specific game state. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the specific game state is established based on the confirmation result stored and held by the numerical confirmation means.