JP2003325827A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more improve interest associated with previous notice performance without increasing a burden to a game control means associated with control of the previous notice performance. <P>SOLUTION: Before establishing a condition to start variable display based upon the establishment of a condition to carry out the variable display, a decided result command transmitting means 31c transmits a decided result command with which the result decided by a performance condition establishment deciding means is specified to a performance control means 80B. The performance control means 80B is provided with a data table 102A stored with a mode of performance for determining a kind of the previous notice performance, and the data table 102A has a plurality of tables 102B<SB>n</SB>stored with modes of the previous notice performance of different kinds. Besides, any table 102B<SB>n</SB>is selected in accordance with a held memory number which is the number of times of variably displaying identification information which is not started although the condition to carry out the variable display is established based upon the decided result command received in the performance control means 80B, and a performance determining means is provided for determining the mode of the previous notice performance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are provided. There are things that are paid out to the player.
Further, a variable display device 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 is, for example, a state in which the state of the variable winning ball device is advantageous for a player who easily hits a hit ball (big hit gaming state), and a state in which a right to become an advantageous state for the player is generated. , A state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state in which the condition for paying out a prize game medium is easily established.

In a pachinko gaming machine, it is usually called "big hit" that the display result of the variable display device for displaying the special symbol (identification information) becomes a predetermined specific display result. 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). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and the special winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number. If the predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied when the special winning opening is closed, the jackpot gaming state ends.

Further, in the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol which is the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left-middle-right symbol) continue for a predetermined period of time, and stop in a state in which it coincides with a specific display result, A big hit occurs before the final result is displayed, because it swings, scales or is deformed, or multiple symbols fluctuate in sync with the same symbol, or the positions of the displayed symbols are swapped. The production performed in a state where the possibility continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is called 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. When the display result of the symbols variably displayed on the variably display device does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, the result is “out”, and the variably display state ends.
A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

Further, there is a variable display means having a so-called advance notice function for giving advance notice that the reach mode or the big hit mode will be displayed. Further, the variable display device is a memory number of the satisfaction of the condition for starting the variation of the special symbol (for example, the number of times that the winning of the starting winning opening has occurred but the variation of the special symbol has not yet been performed accordingly. A notice effect may be given by using a number-of-starting-memory display section that displays (starting winning memory). That is, for example, in a starting memory number display section having four display devices corresponding to the number of starting winning prize memories, by making the display mode of one of the indicators different from the displaying form of the other indicator, a certain starting prize memory is obtained. It notifies in advance that there is a possibility that a big hit will occur due to a change in the special symbol according to.

[0007]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the gaming machine having the notice function, the variety of game effects has become richer and the interest in the game is increasing. However, the whole game including the game effects in the gaming machine is correspondingly increased. The burden on the game control means that controls the progress of the game becomes heavy. On the other hand, just by using the starting memory number display unit to give the notice effect, the interest in the game is not so much improved even if the types of the game effect increase.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further enhancing the interest of the notice effect without increasing the burden on the game control means concerning the control of the notice effect.

[0009]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
After the variable display means (for example, the variable display device 9) capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, the predetermined variable display execution condition (for example, winning in the start winning area provided in the game area) is satisfied. , Start variable display of identification information based on the establishment of variable display start conditions (for example, last variable display of special symbols and end of jackpot gaming state), and display result of variable display of identification information is a specific display A game machine that can be controlled to a specific game state (for example, a big hit game state) that is advantageous to the player when the result (for example, the left middle right symbol is the same symbol) is achieved based on the game control program. Of the game control means (for example, the CPU 56, etc.) for controlling the progress of the game, and the production related to the variable display of the identification information based on the command from the game control means (corresponding to the variation pattern Variable display device 9, lamp · L
Effect means (for example, variable display device 9, lamp / LED, speaker 27) for executing the effect by the ED and the speaker 27, and effect control means (for example, display, which controls the effect means based on the command from the game control means). C for control
Numerical data update for updating numerical data (for example, a count value of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) used for making decisions regarding variable display with PU 101 and the like, CPU 111 for effect control, and the like. Means (for example, a portion of the game control means for executing steps S17, S22, S24), the game control means, when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, extracts the numerical data from the numerical data updating means, Execution condition satisfaction determination means for determining whether or not the extracted numerical data matches a predetermined determination value (for example, steps S122 to S in game control means)
133) and a determination result command capable of specifying the determination result by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied (for example, a display control command for specifying an out-of-range prize, a reach prize, a non-specific jackpot prize designation, a specific jackpot prize designation).
Is transmitted to the effect control means before the variable display start condition based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition determined by the execution condition satisfaction determination means is satisfied (for example, in the game control means). When the execution control condition determination unit determines that the execution condition is satisfied, the effect control unit determines that the predetermined determination value is included. A data table in which a plurality of effect modes for notifying before the variable display start condition based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition that is determined to match the value are stored (for example, in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28). The number of variable display execution conditions for which the variable display execution condition is satisfied but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. A performance determination unit that selects a data table according to a certain number of pending storages and determines the mode of the performance from the table selected based on the determination result command (a portion that executes steps S662 to S665 in the performance control unit, specifically, Includes a part for executing a process of determining the type of notice and the number of executions according to a random number value using a table selected from a plurality of tables 102Bn corresponding to the number of reserved storages.

At least a part of the plurality of presentation modes stored in the data table may be different for each of the plurality of data tables. In addition, "different" means
It is a concept that includes both completely different cases and partially different cases.

When the execution condition determination means determines that the execution condition is satisfied, the effect control means executes the variable display in which it is determined that the effect matches the predetermined determination value. It is possible to execute the effect for notifying before the variable display start condition based on the satisfaction of the condition is satisfied over a plurality of times of variable display.

The game control means transmits a hold storage number command (for example, a display control command for designating a starting entrance storage number) capable of specifying the hold storage number, and the effect control means holds based on the hold storage number command. The number of memories can be specified.

The game control means has a function of transmitting a start command indicating the start of variable display to the effect control means based on the establishment of the variable display start condition, and the effect control means,
A holding storage number storage area for storing a numerical value capable of specifying the holding storage number is added, and the numerical values in the holding storage number storage area are added based on the reception of the determination result command transmitted from the game control means, and the start command It is also possible to subtract the numerical value of the reserved storage number storage area based on the reception and to specify the reserved storage number based on the numerical value.

The determination by the execution condition satisfaction determination means may include determination as to whether or not the display result of the identification information is a specific display result (for example, steps S123 and S124).

Whether the reach variable display is executed as the content of the variable display of the identification information is determined by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied, when the display result of the identification information is determined not to be the specific display result. Determination (for example, step S1
32, S133) may be included.

As a specific display result, including a special display result (for example, probability variation pattern) and a non-special display result (for example, non-probability variation pattern), when the special display result is displayed as the display result, after the specific game state ends It is possible to control to a special game state (for example, a probability change state) that tends to result in the specific display result, and the determination by the execution condition satisfaction determination means determines whether or not the display result of the identification information is the special display result. It may be included.

The special display result includes a special display result and a non-special display result, and when the special display result is displayed as the display result, the special display state is likely to be the specific display result after the end of the specific game state. When it is determined that the execution condition is satisfied by the execution condition satisfaction determination means, the effect determination means determines that the effect matches the predetermined determination value. According to whether or not the special game state is selected, the selection of the mode of the effect to be notified before the start condition of the variable display based on the satisfaction of the execution condition of the variable display is determined at different ratios. (For example, in the probability change state, it is possible to configure the continuous notice determination table so as to increase the probability that the appearance mode of the continuous notice appears.)

The game control means extracts numerical data from the numerical data updating means and stores it in a predetermined storage area when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and stores it in the storage area when the variable display start condition is satisfied. The game state includes a game state determination means (for example, a portion of the game control means that executes steps S55 to S57) that reads out numeric data and determines whether or not the read numeric data matches a predetermined determination value. A program module used by the determining means to determine whether or not the numerical data matches a predetermined judgment value, and a determination means when the execution condition is satisfied determine whether or not the numerical data matches the predetermined judgment value. The program module used for this purpose may be configured as a common module.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. 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. Figure 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine,
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front surface of the game 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).
The variable display portion may be a fixed area, but may be moved or changed in size in the display area of the variable display device 9 while the game is in progress. Further, 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 winning memories. Effective start prize (start prize when the number of remembered start prizes is less than 4)
Each time there is a change in the display color (for example, from blue display to red display), the start memory display area 18
Increase by 1. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the start memory display area 18 in which the display color is changed is decremented by 1. That is, the display color is returned to the original state.

Since the symbol display area and the starting memory display area 18 are provided separately, the number of starting winning prizes stored can be displayed even during variable display. Further, the starting memory display area 18 may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the number of winning memory for starting winning may be interrupted during the variable display. In addition, in this embodiment, the starting memory display area 1
8 is provided in the variable display device 9, but a display for displaying the number of memory for winning a prize for winning (special symbol starting memory display)
May be provided separately from the variable display device 9.

Below the variable display device 9, the start 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.

An opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. 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 the game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, a predetermined random number value is extracted unless the normal symbol start winning memory reaches the upper limit. And, if it is a state where the variable display whose display state changes in the normal symbol display device 10 can be started, the ordinary symbol display device 10
The variable display of the display of is started. Normally, if the variable display in which the display state changes on the symbol display 10 cannot be started, the value of the normal symbol start winning memory is incremented by 1.
In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 10, there is provided a normal symbol starting memory display device 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of ordinary symbol starting winning prizes. 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 of the normal symbol is performed by alternately turning on the left and right lamps (the symbol becomes visible when illuminated), and the variable display is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 29.2 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 10 is a hit, the variable winning ball device 15
Is opened for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time, and the game balls are in a state where it is easy to win. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15, when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol,
The player's disadvantageous state changes to an advantageous state.

Furthermore, in the probability change state as the special game state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and one of the opening time and the opening number of the variable winning ball device 15 or Both will be enhanced, which will be more advantageous for the player. Further, in a predetermined state such as the probability variation state, the variable display period (variation time) in the normal symbol display device 10 may be shortened, which may be more advantageous for 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, decorative 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. Further, two speakers 27 for producing sound effects and voices are provided on the upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a ceiling frame lamp 28
a, a left frame lamp 28b and a right frame lamp 28c are provided.

In this example, the prize ball lamp 51 which is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls 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.

The card unit 50 has a usable indicator lamp 151 indicating whether or not it is in a usable state, and a connecting board direction indicator indicating which side the card unit 50 corresponds to the pachinko gaming machine 1. 153, a card insertion display lamp 154 indicating that a card is inserted in 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 comes down from the game area 7. When the ball hits the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 14a, if the variable display of the symbol can be started, the variable display device 9 starts the variable display (variation) of the special symbol. If it is not in a state where variable display of symbols can be started, the number of memory for winning a prize for winning is increased by one.

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

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. Note that FIG. 3 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a firing control board 91, and a 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. 3, 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 or 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. The CPU 56 is the ROM 54
Since the control is executed according to the program stored in, the CPU 56 executing (or performing the process) hereinafter means that the CPU 56 specifically executes the control according to the program. This also applies to CPUs mounted on other boards than the main board 31.

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 source created in the power source 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.

Since each control means controls the electric parts provided in the gaming machine, each control means is hereinafter referred to as an electric part control means, and the board on which the electric part control means is mounted is called an electric part control board. Sometimes. The electric component is a component (mechanical component, circuit, etc.) provided in the game machine and electrically operates. As the electric part control means, for example, a payout control means for controlling a ball payout device as an electric part, a display control means for controlling a variable display device for effect as an electric part, and a luminous body for effect control as an electric part. There are a lamp control means for controlling (lamps and LEDs) and a sound control means for controlling sound generation from a speaker for production as an electric component. Further, the display control means, the lamp control means, the sound control means, etc. for controlling the electric parts for production may be referred to as production control means.

FIG. 4 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) 82 which is an example of realizing the variable display device 9, an ordinary symbol display device 10, an output port of the main substrate 31 (port 0). , 2) 570 and 572 and output buffer circuits 620 and 62A.
8-bit data is output from the output port (output port 2) 572, and a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal) is output from the output port 570. 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. 4 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillating 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.

The structure of the signal transmission / reception part of the lamp control command between the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35,
The configuration of the signal transmission portion of the sound control command between the main board 31 and the sound control board 70 is the same as that of the main board 3 shown in FIG.
1 and the symbol control board 80 are configured similarly to the signal transmission / reception portion of the display control command. Each lamp is LE
D Other types of light emitters may be used. That is, the lamp or the LED is an example of the light emitting body, and may be generically referred to as a lamp / LED hereinafter. Further, a variable display device decoration LED (center decoration LED) is installed on the upper and left and right parts of the variable display device 9, a special winning opening decoration LED is installed inside the special winning opening, and on the left and right of the special winning opening. Has a special winning opening left decoration LED and a special winning opening right decoration LED.

A drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is created in the lamp control board 35. 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,
This is performed by the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. Figure 5
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 the RST instruction (1 byte) or the CALL instruction (3
Byte) on the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 56 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. 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, it becomes possible to easily process the interrupt request from each built-in device, and the interrupt processing 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 input 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 S14).

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).

After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 5
6 performs 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 is performed when the power supply is not restored.

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 confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. . That is,
Either 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,
A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a prize ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout stop flag, and other flags for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S1).
2). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-boards (the payout control board 35 and each effect control board in this embodiment) to each sub-board is executed (step S13). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating the initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 (to the symbol control board 80) and a command for instructing turning off of the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52.

Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 56 is set so that a timer interrupt is taken every 2 ms (step S14). That is,
A value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

Execution of initialization processing (steps S11 to S1)
When 4) 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. Is performed (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 is to 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 which will be 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 prohibited state is set during the processing of step S17.

When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56
After performing the register save process (step S20), the game control process of steps S21 to S33 shown in FIG. 6 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 process: step S21).

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 S22).
The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and a process of updating the counter value for generating the display random number (steps S23 and S24).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Decide whether to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3 (Random 2): For left edge middle right of special symbol Determining symbol (special symbol) Left middle right) (3) Random 3: Determine the combination of special symbols that generate a big hit (for big jack symbol determination) (4) Random 4: Determine the variation pattern of special symbols (for variation pattern determination) (5) Random 5: Determine whether or not to reach when big hit does not occur (for reach determination) (6) Random 6: Determine whether or not to generate hits based on ordinary symbols (for ordinary symbol hit determination) ( 7) Random 7: Determine initial value of random 1 (for determining random 1 initial value) (8) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)

In step S22 in the game control process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 56 determines the random numbers for jackpot determination in (1), the random numbers for determining jackpot symbols in (3), and the random numbers for determining regular symbol hits in (6). The counter is incremented (added by 1) to generate. That is, those are the judgment random numbers, and the other random numbers are the display random numbers or the initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to enhance the game effect,
Random numbers related to ordinary symbols other than the above random numbers (1) to (8) are also used.

Further, the CPU 56 carries out special symbol process processing (step S25). 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 S26). In the normal symbol process process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 10 in a predetermined order. And the value of the normal symbol process flag,
It is updated during each process according to the game state.

Next, the CPU 56 sets a display control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and performs a process of transmitting the display control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). Further, the display control command relating to the normal symbol is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and the process of transmitting the display control command is performed (normal symbol command control process: step S28).

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 S29).

Further, the CPU 56 causes the winning opening switch 29
The prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of a, 30a, 33a and 39a is executed (step S
30). Specifically, the winning opening switches 29a, 30a,
The payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on the turning on of either 33a or 39a. The payout control CPU 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.

Then, the CPU 56 executes a storage process for checking the increase / decrease in the number of memory for winning the winning prize (step S3).
1). Further, a test terminal process for outputting a test signal for making it possible to confirm the control state of the gaming machine outside the gaming machine is executed (step S32). Further, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a drive command is issued to the solenoid circuit 59 (step S33). 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 responds to the drive command with the solenoids 16, 21 and 2.
Drive 1A. 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. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of a program for special symbol process processing executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 8 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. CPU56, when performing the special symbol process processing,
Performs fluctuation reduction timer subtraction processing (step S310),
If the starting opening switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won in the starting winning opening 14 provided in the game board 6 is turned on, that is, the starting winning in which the gaming ball wins the starting winning opening 14 occurs. If so (step S311),
After performing the starting opening switch passage process (step S312), any one of steps S300 to S308 is performed according to the internal state. The fluctuation reduction timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.

Special symbol normal processing (step S300):
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,
As a result of the variable display of the special symbols, it is determined whether or not to be a big hit. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S301.

Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S3
01): The stop symbol of the left middle right symbol after the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S30
2): The variation pattern (variable display mode) of the variable display of the special symbol is determined according to the value of Random 4. Also, the variable time timer is started. At this time, the information for instructing the left middle right final stop symbol and the variation mode (variation pattern) is transmitted to the symbol control board 80. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

Special symbol variation process (step S303):
When the predetermined time (the time indicated by the variable time timer in step S302) has elapsed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S304.

Special symbol stop processing (step S304):
Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display device 9 are stopped. Specifically, the display control command indicating the stop of the special symbol is set to be transmitted. Then, when the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

Special winning opening opening processing (step S30
5): Start 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. Also, the process timer sets the execution time of the special winning opening opening process, and sets the big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306.

Processing during the opening of the special winning opening (step S30
6): The control for sending the display control command 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, and the like are performed. When the closing condition for the last special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.

Specific area effective time processing (step S30
7): 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 met and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S305. If the jackpot gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or if all the rounds have been completed, the internal state is set to step S.
Update to move to 308.

Big hit end processing (step S308): control for causing the display control means to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG.
“EXT” indicates the EXT data of the second byte in the display control command having a 2-byte structure. That is, each variation pattern of the special symbol and the display control command are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis. Further, "time" indicates a variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of the identification information).

The "normal fluctuation" is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve the reach mode. What is "normal reach"?
It is a variation pattern that accompanies the reach mode, but the variation result (stop pattern) does not cause a big hit. "Reach A" is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from "normal reach". The different reach mode means that different modes of change (speed, rotation direction, etc.), characters, etc. appear in the reach change time. For example, in “normal”, the reach mode is realized by only one type of fluctuation mode, whereas in “reach A”, the reach mode including a plurality of fluctuation modes with different fluctuation speeds and fluctuation directions is realized.

"Reach B" is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from "normal reach" and "reach A". The "reach C" is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from the "normal reach", "reach A", and "reach B". In addition, "reach A", "reach B" and "reach C" may or may not be a big hit.

In this embodiment, a shortened display pattern is further used. The shortened display pattern is an extremely short variation pattern in which the variation time of the symbols on the left, middle and right sides is, for example, 1.0 second.

In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns 1 to 14 are used at the time of high probability (during probability change) and at the time of low probability (during uncertain change = normal state), but at the time of high probability, the change pattern 1 It is also possible to shorten the fluctuation time of each of No. 14 to No. 14. Further, the variation pattern group used at the high probability (a plurality of variation patterns that can be used) and the variation pattern group used at the low probability may be separated.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the start opening switch passage processing (step S312) executed when a start winning occurs. In the starting opening switch passage processing, the CPU 56 determines that the number of stored starting winning prizes is the maximum value of 4
It is confirmed whether or not has reached (step S111).
If the number of memory for winning a prize for winning has not reached 4, the number of memory for winning a prize for starting is increased by 1 (step S112), each random number value such as a random number for jackpot determination is extracted, and these are stored in correspondence with the value of the number of memory for winning a winning prize It is stored in the area (special symbol determination buffer) (step S113). Extracting a random number means reading a count value from a counter for generating a random number and using the read count value as a random number value. In step S114, a timer that determines whether to reduce the variation time is set. Then, a winning effect setting process is executed (step S115).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a winning effect setting process. In the winning effect processing, the CPU 5
The player 6 first sets a winning flag indicating that a start winning has been made (step S121). The winning flag is referred to in the storage process (step S31) executed after the special symbol process process ends. Then CPU5
6 extracts the random 1 from the counter for generating the random 1 (random number for jackpot determination) (step S12
2) Execute the jackpot determination module. That is, the big hit determination subroutine is called (step S12).
3). When the big hit judging module judges that the big hit is based on the value of Random 1 (step S124), it is judged whether or not the probability variation big hit is made (step S125).

In this embodiment, the special symbols on the left, middle and right sides are 12 types of "0" to "11", respectively, and the display of the special symbols is sequentially changed from "0" on the variable display device 9. The variation of the special symbol is realized by. The display of the display symbol may change discontinuously during the change of the special symbol. Further, when the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) of the special symbol is aligned in the left, middle and right, it is a big hit, and when the left and right are aligned, it is a reach. Then, in the case of a big hit, when the odd numbers are arranged, the high probability state is entered after the big hit game is over. Also, in the high probability state, when a big hit occurs, or when the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times, the high probability state ends and returns to the low probability state.

Therefore, in step S124, the CPU 5
6, random 3 (random number for jackpot symbol determination) is extracted,
The jackpot design is determined based on the extracted random numbers, and if the determination result is an atypical number design, it is determined that the probability variation jackpot is achieved. If it is determined that the probability won't be a big jackpot, the data indicating the non-specific jackpot winning designation command is R as the winning command.
It is set to AM55 (step S126). When it is determined that the probability is a big jackpot, the data indicating the specific jackpot winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as a winning command (step S127).

When it is determined in step S124 that the jackpot is not a big hit, the random 5 is extracted from the counter for generating the random 5 (random number for reach determination) (step S131), and the reach determination module is executed. That is, the reach determination subroutine is called (step S132). When the reach determination module determines that the reach is achieved based on the value of Random 5 (step S133), the data indicating the reach winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as the winning command (step S134). When it is determined that the reach is not reached, the data indicating the out-of-focus winning designation command is set in the RAM 55 as the winning command (step S135).

Then, the data set as the winning command in the RAM 55 is stored in the area defined as the winning effect buffer in the RAM 55 (step S).
136). The data stored in the winning effect buffer is referred to in a storage process (step S31) executed after the special symbol process process is completed.

FIG. 12A is an explanatory view showing an example of the big hit judging table used in the big hit judging module. Further, FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the reach determination table used in the reach determination module. As shown in FIG. 12A, in this embodiment,
When the probability is low (non-probability change), the jackpot judgment value is "3", and when the probability is high (probability change), the jackpot judgment value is "3",
These are "7", "79", "103", and "107". Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), when the probability is low (when the probability is uncertain)
Then, the reach judgment values are "0", "1", "11",
When the probability is high, the reach judgment value is “0”, “1”, “9”,
They are "11" and "12". Therefore, when the probability is high, the reach is more likely to occur than when the probability is low.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the big hit judging module. CPU in the jackpot determination process
First, 56 determines whether or not the state at that time is undergoing probable variation (step S141).
It is decided to use the high probability table in the jackpot determination table shown in (A) (step S14).
2). If the probability is not changing, it is decided to use the table at the time of low probability in the jackpot determination table (step S
143).

Then, it is determined whether or not there is a value matching the extracted value of random 1 in the jackpot determination table (steps S144 and S145), and if there is a matching value, the jackpot is determined (step S146). ), It is decided not to hit the jackpot if there is no matching value (step S
147).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the reach determination module. In the reach determination process, the CPU
First, 56 determines whether or not the state at that time is undergoing probable variation (step S151).
It is decided to use the high probability table in the reach determination table shown in (B) (step S15).
2). If the probability change is not in progress, it is decided to use the low probability table in the reach determination table (step S
153).

Then, it is determined whether or not there is a value matching the extracted random 5 value in the reach determination table (steps S154 and S155), and if there is a matching value, the reach is determined (step S156). , If there is no matching value, it is determined not to reach (step S15).
7).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol normal processing, CPU56
In the state where the variation of the special symbol can be started (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is the value indicating step S300) (step S51), the value of the number of stored winning awards is confirmed ( Step S52). Specifically, the count value of the starting winning counter is confirmed. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is the value indicating step S300 is a case where the symbol is not changed in the variable display device 9 and the jackpot game is not being performed.

If the number of memory for winning a prize for starting is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of memory for starting a prize = 1 is read out and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S53), and the starting is performed. The value of the winning prize memory number is decremented by 1 and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S54). That is, the number of memory for winning a prize for start = n (n =
Each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to (2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of memory for winning winning winnings = n-1.

Next, the CPU 56 reads the big hit determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S55),
The jackpot determination module is executed (step S56).
If you decide to make a big hit (step S5
7), the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag (step S58). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S59).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S61). When the big hit flag is set, the big hit design is determined according to the value of the big hit random number (random 3) (random 3 read in step S53) (step S6).
2). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol numbers set in the jackpot symbol table corresponding to the value of Random 3 is determined as the jackpot symbol. In the big hit symbol table, the symbol numbers on the left middle right corresponding to each of a combination of a plurality of kinds of big hit symbols are set. And
The value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S63).

When the big hit flag is not set, the CPU 56 executes the reach determination module (step S65). Here, in the reach determination module, it is determined whether or not to reach based on the value of Random 3 read from the storage area in step S53, that is, the value stored in the random number buffer (step S64). Further, the left and right symbols are determined according to the value of random 2-1 and the middle symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-2 (step S67). Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the middle symbol stop symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. To do. Then, the process proceeds to step S63.

When it is determined in step S66 that the reach is not reached, the stop symbol in the case of the out is determined (step S68). Specifically, step S53
The value read in, that is, the extracted random 2-
The left symbol is determined according to the value of 1, the middle symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-3, and the right symbol is determined according to the value of random 2-3. In addition, here, when the right and left symbols match, the right symbol is shifted by one symbol so that it does not become a reach. And step S
63. When the probability variation symbol is determined in step S62, the probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation state is entered after the jackpot game is over is set.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the storage process (step 31) in the 2 ms timer interrupt process. In the storage processing, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the count value of the starting winning prize memory counter is the same as the count value of the previous starting winning prize memory counter (step S16).
1). If they are not the same, that is, if there is a change in the number of memory for winning a prize for winning, the address of the command transmission table for designating the memory for starting a prize for winning is set in the pointer (step S162), and the command setting is a subroutine. The process is executed (step S163). Then, the count value of the starting winning prize memory counter is set in the previous starting winning prize memory counter (step S164).

The display control command is transmitted to the symbol control board 80 by executing the command set process.
In this embodiment, each display control command that can be transmitted to the display control means is stored in the command transmission table of the ROM. In the command set processing, the CPU 5
6 sets the display control command data stored in the address of the ROM 54 indicated by the pointer to the output port for outputting the display control command data, and
The display control INT signal indicating that the command is transmitted is output.

If the winning flag is set (step S165), the address of the winning command transmission table corresponding to the data corresponding to the winning command stored in the winning effect buffer is set in the pointer. (Step S166), the command setting process which is a subroutine is executed (Step S167).

By the above-mentioned processing, when the number of stored winning prizes is changed, a display control command for designating the number of starting winning memories is transmitted to the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 (steps S161 to S161). S163). Further, when the number of stored winning awards is increased, a display control command for specifying a specific jackpot winning prize, a non-specific jackpot winning prize, a reach winning prize, or a deviant winning prize designation is transmitted (FIG. 1).
0, steps S112 and S115, and FIG. 11 and steps S166 and S167 shown in FIG. 17).
In this embodiment, if it is not a big hit,
Although the display control command for the reach winning designation or the off-winning prize designation is transmitted, the display control command for the off-winning winning designation may be transmitted always when the jackpot is not a big hit. Hereinafter, the display control commands for the specific jackpot winning designation, the non-specific jackpot winning designation, the reach winning designation and the out-of-range winning designation may be referred to as a winning determination result command or a determination result command.

The jackpot and the reach (see steps S123 and S132) determined when the start winning is generated are the conditions for starting the variable display on the variable display device 9 (execution conditions and start conditions). Absent)
It was decided based on the establishment of. When a condition (start condition) for starting variable display is satisfied in the variable display device 9, whether or not to make a big hit again,
Further, it is determined whether or not the outlier reach is performed (see steps S56 and S65). Then, the display result of the actual variable display is derived based on the determination result (step
See S62, S67, S68). However, the random number value used when the variable display start condition is satisfied is the value that is extracted and stored in the storage area when the variable display execution condition is satisfied. Therefore, when the variable display start condition is satisfied, the determination result of whether the variable display start condition is satisfied or not, whether the variable display is a non-probable variable big hit, and whether the outreach is performed is determined. Will be the same as the decision result of.

This is because the process of step S113, which is a process for extracting predetermined numerical data used when the variable display start condition is satisfied, and the winning effect setting process corresponding to the determination when the variable display execution condition is satisfied. This is because is completed within one timer interrupt process and does not change during that period.

Further, the game control means transmits a start prize winning memory number designating command as a reserved memory number command before the determination result command (step S in the storing process).
The processing of 162 and S163 is executed before the processing of steps S166 and S167). Therefore, the display control means, based on the latest pending storage number, a continuous notice (pending notice: based on the result of the lottery whether or not to be a jackpot executed when the start winning occurs, based on the number of special symbols thereafter In the variable display, the number of starting winnings stored is the upper limit, that is, an effect that is continuously executed over a plurality of variable displays,
It is possible to make a decision regarding a big hit, specifically, a notice effect for notifying the player of that there is a possibility of a big hit, using an effect means provided in the gaming machine.

Next, a method of sending control commands from the game control means to the display control means will be described. FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing signal lines of a display control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the display control command is
The display control signals D0 to D7 are transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 through eight signal lines. Further, between the main board 31 and the symbol control board 80, a signal line of a display control INT signal for transmitting a strobe signal (display control INT signal) is also wired. Although an example of the display control command is shown in FIG. 18, control commands to other electric component control boards are also transmitted by eight signal lines and one INT signal signal line.

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 are displayed according to the contents shown in FIG. Changing the display state Incidentally, control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 20 are also transmitted from the game control means to the display control means. For example, a control command indicating the number of lights of the normal symbol starting memory display 41, and a more detailed display control command regarding the big hit game are also transmitted from the game control means to the display control means.

In this embodiment, the display control command has a 2-byte structure, and the first byte represents MODE (command classification) and the second byte represents EXT (command type). First bit of MODE data (bit 7)
Is always "1", and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always "0". Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

As shown in FIG. 19, the 8-bit display control command data of the display control command is the display control INT.
It is output in synchronization with the signal. The display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 detects that the display control INT signal has risen, and starts the process of fetching 1-byte data by the interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the display control means, the display control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the capture of the display control command data.

The display control command is sent only once so that the display control means can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the display control INT signal changes, and “recognitionally sent only once” means, for example, that the first byte and the second byte of the display control command data are transmitted. Accordingly, the display control INT signal is output once in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape). The display control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 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. 20, commands 8000 (H) -80
0E (H) is a variable display device 9 that variably displays special symbols
It is a display control command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol. The command for designating the variation pattern (variation pattern command) also serves as a variation start instruction. The command 800E (H) is a command for designating a shortened display pattern.

The command 88XX (H) (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a display control command relating to a variation pattern of a normal symbol. The command 89XX (H) is a display control command for designating a stop symbol of a normal symbol. The command 8A00 (H) is a display control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the normal symbols.

Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H)
And 93XX (H) is a display control command for designating the left middle right stop symbol of the special symbol. A symbol number is set in "XX". Also, the command A000 (H) is
It is a display control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the special symbol. The command BXXX (H) is a display control command sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Then, the commands C000 (H) to EXXXX
(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.

The command C3XX (H) is a determination result command transmitted when a start winning is generated. C30
0 (H) is a display control command for specifying an out-of-win prize (out-of-win prize specifying command), and C301 (H) is a display control command for specifying an out-win prize (reach winning specifying command)
C302 (H) is a display control command (non-specific jackpot winning designation command) that specifies non-specific jackpot winning, and C303 (H) is a display control command (specific jackpot winning designation command) that specifies specific jackpot winning. . Also,
The command D000 (H) is a display control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

The command E0XX (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 E0XX (H) is a command for instructing 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. Further, in this embodiment, since the upper limit value of the starting winning award memory is 4, "XX" is any of 0-4.

The command E400 (H) is a command transmitted when the high-probability state changes to the low-probability state, and the command E401 (H) when the low-probability state changes to the high-probability state. This is the command to be sent.

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

The lamp control means and the sound control means are also sent the lamp control command and the sound control command in the same form as the display control command. The lamp control means changes the display state of the lamp / LED when receiving the lamp control command, and the sound control means performs control to change the sound output mode from the speaker 27 when receiving the sound control command.

Further, the variable display start designating command indicating the start of variable display and the variable display mode designating command capable of specifying the variable display mode are realized by the display control command for designating the variation pattern, and the display result of the identification information can be specified. The identification information designation command is realized by the display control command of the left symbol designation, the middle symbol designation, the right symbol designation, and the variable display end designation command indicating the end of the variable display is realized by the display control command of the special symbol stop. There is. Further, in the present embodiment, the display control command for designating the variation pattern is also used as the variable display start designation command indicating the start of the variable display and the variable display manner designation command capable of specifying the variable display manner. The designation command and the variable display mode designation command capable of specifying the variable display mode may be separated.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display control means is executed by using the variable display device 9 as the effecting means before the start condition of the variable display based on the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied. Data table 1 in which the manner of the effect for determining the type of the notice effect, which is the effect, is stored
02A in the control data ROM 102. Also, the display control means is a table (continuous notice determination table) according to the number of pending storages, which is the number of times of variable display of the identification information, which has satisfied the variable display execution condition based on the received determination result command but has not yet started. 102Bn is selected, and the mode of the notice effect is determined.

In the data table 102A, the effect mode is stored for each of the plurality of tables 102Bn, and the effect mode stored for each table 102Bn is at least partially different in the present embodiment. Further, such notice production may be performed in the form of continuous notice that is continuously executed in a plurality of variable displays.

The mode of the notice effect is determined by selecting the table 102Bn corresponding to the number of reserved memories, and in this embodiment, the number of reserved memories for specifying the number of reserved memories is transmitted to the display controller by the game controller. To be done.

FIG. 21 shows a variable display device 9, a lamp / LED for informing the gaming state (in this embodiment, the ceiling frame lamp 2).
8a, left frame lamp 28b and right frame lamp 28c) and an explanation of an example of a notice effect (effect for notifying that there is a big hit or a reach) executed using the speaker 27. It is a figure. Figure 21
As illustrated in (A) to (B), in this embodiment, the variable display device 9 can perform two types of notice effects by displaying a character or the like that appears in the background (a portion other than the symbol display area). It is possible. The notice A shown in FIG. 21A and the notice B shown in FIG. 21B are notice effects other than continuous notice.

Further, it is possible to perform four types of continuous notice effects as shown in FIGS. 21 (C) to 21 (F). Figure 21
In the variable display device 9, the continuous notice A shown in (C) is
This is a notice effect by displaying characters or the like that appear in the background. The continuous notice B shown in FIG. 21D is the variable display device 9
And a notice effect using the speaker 27. Figure 21
The continuous notice C shown in (E) is a notice effect using the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED. The continuous announcement D shown in FIG. 21 (F) is an announcement effect using the variable display device 9, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27.

The example of the notice effect shown in FIG. 21 is an example, and more kinds of notice effects may be performed. For example, in the consecutive notices B and C, different production modes may be realized by changing the sound generation patterns, and in the consecutive notices C and D, different production modes may be realized by changing the blinking patterns of the lamps / LEDs. May be realized. Further, in the consecutive notices A to D, different presentation modes may be realized by changing the type of character. In addition, even when more types of continuous notice production are performed, the display control means determines whether the continuous notice is performed based on the reception of the determination result command and the control command for designating the number of winning prize winnings. To decide.

The lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 and the sound control means mounted on the sound control board 70 are required to perform an effect synchronized with the display effect on the variable display device 9 in the effect of the continuous announcement. There is. Therefore, in this embodiment, the determination result command, the lamp control command and the sound control command for designating the number of memory for winning a prize for start-up are transmitted to the lamp control means and the sound control means. Based on the reception of these control commands, the lamp control means and the sound control means can determine which presentation mode the continuous notice is given, as in the display control means. That is, the lamp control means and the sound control means can perform the notice effect using the lamp / LED and the speaker 27 in synchronization with the display effect on the variable display device 9.

Next, the operation of the display control means will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the display control CPU 101. In the main process, first
Initialization processing is performed to clear the RAM area, set various initial values, and initialize the 2 ms timer for determining the activation interval of the display control (step S70).
1). After that, the display control CPU 101 shifts to the loop processing for confirming the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). As shown in FIG. 23, when the timer interrupt occurs, the display control CPU 101 sets the 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
S703), the following display control processing is executed.

In this embodiment, the timer interrupt is 2 ms
It costs each time. That is, the 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 display control process is executed in the main process, but the display control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

In the display control process, the display control CPU
First, the 101 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 processing,
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 advance random number counter 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. 24 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 sound 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 sound control means, and the lamp control means are 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.

25 and 26 are flowcharts showing a concrete example of the command analysis process (step S704). The display control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the received command buffer, but in the command analysis processing, the display control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

In command analysis processing, C for display control is used.
The PU 101 first confirms whether or not a received command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S61).
1). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number 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 CP for display control
U101 reads the received command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +1.

If the received display control command is the display control command (91XX (H)) designating the special symbol left (step S613), the display control CPU 101 displays "X".
The data indicating the left symbol indicated by "X" is stored in the left symbol storage area in the RAM (step S614). In addition, a display control command (92XX
(H)) (step S616), display control C
The PU 101 stores the data indicating the medium symbol indicated by "XX" in the medium symbol storage area in the RAM (step S617). Then, if it is a display control command (93XX (H)) designating the special symbol right (step S61)
8), the display control CPU 101 stores the data indicating the right symbol indicated by "XX" in the right symbol storage area in the RAM (step S619).

If the received display control command is the display control command for designating the variation pattern (step S6)
21), the display control CPU 101 uses the command E
The XT data is stored in the fluctuation pattern data storage area (step S622), and the fluctuation pattern reception flag is set (step S623).

If the received display control command is the display control command for designating the number of memory for winning winning prizes (step S63)
1), the CPU 101 for display control updates the number of stored winning prizes in the starting winning number storage area in the RAM to the number designated by the display control command (step S632). Also,
The number of start memory display areas 18 whose display color changes in the variable display device 9 is updated (step S633). Further, the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (step S63
4). The random number counter is a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to execute the continuous announcement. In this embodiment, the count value of the random number counter takes a value in the range of 0 to 126, and when the count value becomes 127, the value is returned to 0.

Further, if the received display control command is a display control command for specifying a win prize (step S63).
5) The CPU 101 for display control increments the value of the random number counter by 1 (step S636), extracts the random number by reading the count value of the random number counter (step S637), and determines the continuous announcement (step S6).
38). Even when the received display control command is the display control command for specifying the reach winning prize (step S63
9), increment the value of the random number counter by +1 (step
(S64040), a random number is extracted (step S641), and continuous notice is determined (step S642).

Also, when the received display control command is a non-specific big hit winning designation display control command (step S651), the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (step S652) and a random number is extracted (step S65).
3), determination of continuous notice is made (step S654). Further, even when the received display control command is a display control command for designating a specific jackpot winning (step S65
5), the value of the random number counter is incremented by 1 (step
S656), a random number is extracted (step S657), and continuous notice is determined (step S658).

If the received command read in step S612 is another display control command, a flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S659).

Next, the determination of continuous notice will be described.
27 and 28 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the relationship between the number of stored winning prizes and the number of times of execution of continuous notice. (A) shows the relationship between the determination result command and the continuous notice mode when the number of stored winning prizes is 1, and (B) shows the number of stored winning prizes of 2
In the case of, the relationship between the determination result command and the continuous notice mode is shown, (C) shows the relationship between the determination result command and the continuous notice mode in the case where the number of stored winning prizes is 3, and (D) is
The relationship between the determination result command and the mode of continuous notice when the number of stored winning awards is 4 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, in this embodiment, when the number of stored starting winning prizes is 1, when a display control command specifying an out-of-range winning prize or a display control command specifying a reach winning prize is received, Continuous notice will not start. However, when receiving a non-specific big hit specified display control command or a specific big hit specified display control command,
Continuous advance notice can be started (see FIG. 27A). Even if the number of stored winning awards is 2, when the display control command for the out-of-range winning award or the display control command for a reach award is received, the continuous announcement is not started. However, when the display control command designated by the non-specific big hit or the display control command designated by the particular big hit is received, the continuous announcement can be started (see FIG. 27 (B)).

When the number of stored winning awards is 3, the continuous notice can be started even when the display control command for the award winning or the display control command for the award winning is received (see FIG. 28C). . Even when the number of stored winning awards is four, the continuous notice can be started even when the display control command specifying the out-of-range winning or the display control command specifying the reach winning is received (see FIG. 28 (D)).

Data indicating the information shown in the four tables ((A) to (D)) shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 are stored in the control data ROM 102 as continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B4, respectively. There is.

When the display control command designating the reach winning is received, in addition to the continuous notice using the variable display device 9 (continuous notice A), the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27 are used.
Or continuous notice using lamp / LED (continuous notice B,
C) is feasible. Further, when the display control commands for the non-specific big hit prize designation and the specific big hit prize designation are received, a continuous notice (continuous notice D) using the variable display device 9, the speaker 27 and the lamp / LED can be executed.

In this embodiment, when the result of variable display of the special symbol (stop symbol) on the variable display device is out of order, the continuous notice effect does not appear. That is, since the game control means makes a determination relating to the variation pattern when the start winning occurs, the variation pattern of the symbol used when the result of the variable display is out of sync, the variation of the symbol actually starts. If the result of the variable display is off according to the determination result of the game control means, the display control means does not select the continuous announcement effect. That is, the continuous announcement effect appears when it is determined at the time of starting winning that the result of the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device is a big hit or a reach (a reach that does not become a big hit). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the variation pattern used in the case of a big hit is also used in the case of a reach (a reach that does not become a big hit). That is, when it is determined that a big hit is not generated when the start winning is generated, a specific variation pattern (normal reach, reach A, reach B, reach C in the example shown in FIG. 9) which is also generated during the big hit is determined. It is possible to execute the continuous notice production when the above is performed.

Continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B
Since data indicating the number of executions and the type of continuous notice is set in 4, the display control means determines the continuous notice mode (the number of executions and the number of executions) based on the determination result command and the contents of the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B4. The type of continuous notice) can be selected. In addition, since the contents of each of the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B4 are different at least in part (a part that is designated as a non-specific jackpot and a portion that is designated as a specific jackpot), it is variably displayed according to the difference in the number of memory for winning a prize for starting. Different effects can be performed using the effect means such as the device 9.

In addition, the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B1
102B4 shows a specific continuous notice mode that can appear only when a determination result command of a specific winning designation (for example, probability variation jackpot designation) or a determination result command for a non-specific winning designation (for example, probability variation jackpot specification) is received. Contains data. In this example, the continuous notice D is applicable.
Therefore, the player can strongly expect that a big hit will occur in the future (in the variable display of the special symbol several times later) due to the appearance of the continuous notice D, and the interest of the game can be further enhanced. .

If the determination result command is a non-specific prize designation control command or a specific prize designation control command, the continuous notice C is selected at a higher rate than when other determination result commands are received. That is, when the determination result command indicates that the display result on the variable display device 9 is the specific display result, the probability that the specific continuous advance notice mode is selected is higher than that in the other case. Has become.

Further, in this embodiment, when the determination result command specifying the specific winning a prize is received, the probability that a continuous notice will appear is higher than that when the determination result command specifying the non-specific winning a prize is received. For example, the continuous announcement may be executed only when the determination result command specifying the specific winning is received.

FIG. 29 shows steps S638, S642 and S.
16 is a flowchart showing an example of determination processing of continuous notice executed in S654, S658. In the continuous announcement determination process, the display control CPU 101 first determines whether or not a continuous announcement is being executed (step S661). Whether or not it is being executed can be determined by the continuous announcement executing flag which is an internal flag set during the execution. If the continuous notice is not being executed, the continuous notice determination table 102
Bn is selected (step S662). The continuous notice determination table 102Bn is a plurality of tables 10 in the data table 102A provided in the control data ROM 102.
27 is a table of 1 in 2Bn and is shown in FIG. 27 and FIG.
It is a table in which the information shown in is set. In this embodiment, the display control CPU 101 selects, from among the continuous announcement determination tables 102B1 to 102B4, a table corresponding to the number of stored winning awards indicated by the display control command for specifying the number of award winning winnings received immediately before. In addition, when the variable display of the special symbol due to the shortened variation is executed, the display control means does not perform the notice effect.

Then, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the continuous notice determination value that is the same as the value of the extracted random number is set in the continuous notice determination table 102Bn (step S663). If there is, the corresponding type of continuous notice and the number of executions are extracted from the continuous notice determination table 102Bn. If the number of executions is not 0 (step S664), the type of continuous notice is stored in the notice type buffer in the RAM, and the number of executions is stored in the number of executions buffer in the RAM (step S66).
5), set the continuous notice lottery flag (step S6)
66).

Through the above-described processing, the random number counter is designed to specify the number of memory for starting winning prizes, the designation of outlier winnings, the designation of reach winnings,
Step forward every time a display control command for non-specific jackpot winning designation or specific jackpot winning designation is received, and a continuous notice is given when a display control command for out-of-range winning designation, reach winning designation, non-specific jackpot winning designation, or specific jackpot winning designation is received A lottery on whether or not to perform is performed. When it is decided to give the consecutive notice, the type of the consecutive notice is decided, and the number of times of execution decided in advance is decided according to the number of memories for starting winnings at that time. And, which display means is used to give the continuous notice, and which production mode is used to give the continuous notice, the display control means receives the determination result command and the display control command for designating the number of memory for starting winning prizes. It will be decided independently based on this.

Further, for example, in the consecutive notices B and C,
Different production modes can be realized by using different sound generation patterns, and lamps L
27 and FIG. 27, even when different types of continuous announcement effects are performed by changing the blinking pattern of the ED to realize different effect modes, or by changing the character types in the continuous notifications A to D. 28Bn of the continuous notice determination table based on the information shown in FIG.
In, in the case of setting the distribution of a large number of production modes, which production means is used to give the continuous notice,
The display control means can uniquely determine in which presentation mode the continuous notice is given based on the reception of the determination result command and the display control command for designating the number of memory for winning a prize.

Like the display control means, the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 and the sound control means mounted on the sound control board 70 are lamps for which a determination result command and a start winning award memory number are designated. Based on the reception of the control command and the sound control command, it is independently determined whether or not to give the continuous notice and in which presentation mode the continuous notice is given. In this embodiment, since the same control command as the display control command is transmitted to the lamp control means and the sound control means, the lamp control means and the sound control means perform the effect control synchronized with the control of the display control means. It can be performed.

As will be described later, the display control CPU 101
When the variable display device 9 performs variable display of the special symbol after the number of executions which is not 0 is determined, the notice effect (continuous notice) is controlled in the variable display period of the special symbol for the number of executions. . It should be noted that the display control command for specifying the number of memory for winning a prize for start-up can be received before the judgment result command,
Further, since the continuous announcement is not made when the number of stored winning awards is 0, no data is set in the consecutive announcement determination table 102Bn when the number of stored winning awards is 0.

Further, in this embodiment, the display control means is irrespective of the gaming state of the gaming machine, for example, whether it is the probable variation state (high probability state) or the non-probability variation state (low probability state). , 1 according to the number of memory for each winning prize
Since the three consecutive notice determination tables are referred to, even if the game states are different, the probability of appearance of the consecutive notice effect is the same. However, for example, each continuous notice determination table corresponding to the number of starting prize winning memories for the probability variation state and each continuous notice determination table corresponding to the number of starting winning memories for the non-probability variation state are provided. The data of the continuous notice determination table may be configured so as to increase the probability that the aspect appears. In addition, for example, in the case of the probability variation state, the continuous announcement is determined without dividing the continuous notice determination table according to the number of the winning prize start memories for the probability variation state and the respective consecutive notice determination tables according to the number of the start winning memory for the non-probability variation states. By increasing the range of the numerical value (numerical value to be compared with the random number value) for selecting, it is possible to increase the probability that the appearance mode of the continuous announcement will appear in the probability variation state. In addition,
The display control means can recognize the game state by the display control command of E4XX (H) (see FIG. 20).

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the display control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control process processing,
Step S800 according to the value of the display control process flag
One of the processes from S806 to S806 is performed. In each process, the following process is executed.

Fluctuating pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed by the command reception interrupt process whether or not a display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the varying time is received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (fluctuation pattern reception flag) indicating that the fluctuation pattern command has been received is set. The fluctuation pattern reception flag is
It is set when it is confirmed that the display control command for designating the variation pattern is received (step S62).
3).

Advance notice selection process (step S801): Whether or not to give advance notice effect and the type of advance notice effect to be performed are determined.

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

Process during symbol fluctuation (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) that constitutes the fluctuation pattern, and monitors the end of the fluctuation time. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

All symbol stop waiting setting process (step S80
4): At the end of the fluctuation time, if the display control command (display control command of special symbol stop) instructing to stop all the symbols is received, the control for stopping the fluctuation of the symbols and displaying the stopped symbol (determined symbol) is performed. To do.

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

Processing during the big hit game (step S80
6): The big hit game is controlled. For example, when a display control command for displaying before opening the special winning opening or displaying when opening the special winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and display control execution data. Each display control execution data describes each variation mode forming the variation pattern. Further, the process timer set value is set with the change time in the change mode. The display control CPU 101 refers to the process data and performs control to variably display the symbols in the variation mode set in the display control execution data only for the time set in the process timer set value.

The process data shown in FIG. 31 is stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 80. The process data is prepared for each variation pattern. Also, it is prepared according to the type of notice production.
For example, the process data for executing the notice production of the notice A with the variation pattern 10 is the notice B with the variation pattern 10.
It is prepared separately from the process data when executing the notice production. Therefore, the display control CPU 101 selects the process data to be used according to the variation pattern and the type of notice effect.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the variable pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the display control process process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern reception flag is set (step S871). If it is set, that flag is reset (step S87).
2). Then, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801) (step S873).

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the advance notice selection process (step S801) in the display control process process shown in FIG. In the notice selection process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the continuous notice is being executed (step S811). If not running
It is confirmed whether or not the continuous notice lottery flag is set (step S812). If the continuous notice lottery flag has been set, that is, if it has been decided to give a continuous notice, the continuous notice lottery flag is reset (step S813) and the content of the execution count buffer is set in the execution count counter. Yes (step S814). Then, the flag of continuous notice execution is set (step S81).
5).

[0179] Further, a notice start time determination timer corresponding to the decided notice effect is started (step S81).
6). Then, the display control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start process (step S802) (step S817). The advance notice start time determination timer is a timer for determining the timing of starting the advance notice production after the variation of the symbol is started in the variable display device 9.

If it is confirmed in step S811 that the continuous notice is being executed, the display control CPU 101 decrements the execution counter by -1 (step S821). If the execution counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S816 (step S822). ). When the execution count counter reaches 0, it means that the continuous notice for the determined execution count has already been completed. In that case, step S823
Move to.

In step S812, if it is confirmed that the continuous notice lottery flag is not set, notice production by notice A or notice B is performed. Alternatively, the notice production is not performed. Specifically, a random number value is extracted from the advance notice random number counter (step S82).
5) If the user gives or does not give a notice based on the random number, it is determined which of the notice A and the notice B is to be used for the notice effect if the notice is given (step S826). For example, a table in which the judgment values corresponding to each of "not foreknowledge / notice for notice" / "notice for notice" are set is prepared in the ROM, and by comparing the random number value with the judgment value, the notice is given. If so, it is determined which of the notice A and the notice B is used for the notice effect. Notice A
Alternatively, when it is determined to perform the notice effect of the notice B (step S827), the process proceeds to step S816.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the all symbol variation start process (step S802) in the display control process process. In the all symbol variation start process, the display control CPU 101 first selects process data to be used (step S881). Then, the process timer corresponding to the display control execution data 1 is started (step S882). Further, the LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data (step S883). For example, a signal according to the contents of the display control execution data 1 is given to the variable display device 9 using an LCD. An address of the ROM may be set in the display control execution data, more detailed control data may be stored in an area starting from the address, and the LCD control may be performed according to the control data.

After that, the variable time timer (the timer corresponding to the variable time of the special symbol) is started (step S88).
4), the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation process (step S885).

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing the symbol changing process (step S803) in the display control process process. In the process of changing symbols, CP for display control
U101 confirms whether the timer for determining the advance notice start time has timed out (step S831). If it has timed out, the VDP 103 is controlled so that the display is performed based on the previously decided notice effect (step S832). Here, the advance notice effect may be executed using a pattern table (data in which a plurality of combinations of timer setting values and control execution tables are collected) for executing the advance notice effect, but it is set for each variation pattern table. It is also possible to further divide the set process data according to the type of the notice effect and set the process data, and use the process data according to the variation pattern to be realized and the notice effect to be executed. When using the process data according to the variation pattern and the notice effect, the display control of the notice effect is executed according to the content of the process data together with the variable display of the symbol.

When the process timer times out (step S833), the display control CPU 101 determines that the process timer has timed out.
The display control execution data is switched (step S83).
4). That is, in the process data, the process timer set next is started, and the VDP 103 is controlled according to the contents of the display control execution data set next. Therefore, the VDP 103
The display state of the variable display device 9 is controlled according to the contents of the display control execution table.

Then, if the variable time timer has timed out (step S835), the monitoring timer for monitoring the reception of the display control command for stopping the special symbol is started (step S836), and the value of the display control process flag is set to the whole value. The value corresponding to the symbol stop waiting process is set (step S837).

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (step S804) in the display control process process. In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it has received a display control command (display control command of special symbol stop) instructing to stop all symbols (step S841). If the display control command instructing to stop all the symbols is received, the control to stop the symbols with the stored stop symbols is performed (step S842).

When the big hit symbol is displayed in step S842, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to the big hit display process (step S8).
05) is set (step S844).
Then, the value of the execution number counter indicating the number of times of execution of the continuous announcement is cleared (step S846), and the flag for executing the continuous announcement is reset (step S84).
7). As a result, the control of the continuous notice ends at this point even if the continuous notice of the number of times of execution of the continuous notice has not been completed. When the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S842 (when the deviating symbol is displayed), the display control CPU
101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the variable pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S844).

When the display control command designating the stop of all symbols is not received, it is confirmed whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S848). If a time-out has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display device 9 (step S849). Then, the process proceeds to step S843.

As described above, the game control means mounted on the main board 31 can start a new variable display when the start winning is generated (when the variable display execution condition is satisfied). When it comes to (when the variable display start condition is met) and whether to make a big hit (judgment related to the judgment result of the identification information) or not, a judgment as to whether or not to reach (Judgment related to contents of identification information) is determined, but one jackpot determination module and one reach determination module are used at any timing. Further, one jackpot determination table and one reach determination table are used.
Therefore, even when configured to give the continuous notice, the program capacity in the game control means does not increase as compared with the case where the continuous notice is not given. That is, it is possible to enrich the contents of the game effect without increasing the program capacity in the game control means.

Embodiment 2. In each of the above embodiments,
The display control means, the lamp control means and the sound control means are independent, but they may be integrated into one effect control means. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in the case where one effect control means is provided. In this embodiment, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80A, the normal symbol start memory display 41 and the decorative lamp 25, etc. provided on the game board based on the effect control command from the game control means. Display control, and the top frame lamp 28a and the left frame lamp 28 provided on the frame side.
b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the out-of-ball lamp 52 are displayed. The effect control command is the same control command as the display control command in each of the above-described embodiments.

A drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is created in the lamp driver board 35A. In addition, when the game machine is provided with a movable member as an effect means, a drive signal for driving the effect drive means 61 such as a motor or a solenoid for driving the movable member is also the lamp driver board 35A. Created in.

Also, a variable display device 9 for variably displaying special symbols and a normal symbol display 10 for variably displaying ordinary symbols.
The display control of is also executed by the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80A based on the effect control command. FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80A, the lamp driver board 35A, and the sound output board 70A. In the effect control board 80A, the effect control CPU 111 operates according to a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and according to a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from the main board 31, an input driver 112 and an input port. An effect control command is received via 113. In addition, the production control CPU 111 outputs L via the output port 114 and the LCD drive circuit 116.
While performing the display control of the variable display device 9 using the CD, the display control of the normal symbol display device 10 is performed via the output port 114 and the lamp drive circuit 117.

Further, the effect control CPU 111 outputs the sound number data to the sound output board 70A via the output port 114 and the output driver 120. Also,
A bus (including an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line such as a write / read signal) that is input / output to / from the effect control CPU 111 is extended to the lamp driver board 35A via the bus driver 115.

In the lamp driver board 35A, the bus input to and output from the CPU 111 for effect control is the output port 352 and the expansion port 35 via the bus receiver 351.
3 is connected. The signal for driving each lamp output from the output port 352 is amplified by the lamp driver 354 and supplied to each lamp. A signal for driving each LED output from the output port 352 is amplified by the LED drive circuit 355 and supplied to each LED. Then, the signal for driving the performance drive means 61 is amplified by the drive circuit 356 and supplied to each lamp.

In this embodiment, the lamp / LED and the effect drive means provided in the game machine are controlled by the effect control means including the effect CPU 111 mounted on the effect control board 80A. Further, data for controlling the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display device 10, the lamp and the LED, etc. is stored in the ROM. Performance C
The PU 111 controls the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display device 10, the lamp / LED, etc. based on the data stored in the ROM. And the lamp driver board 3
The lamp / LED and the performance drive means are driven through the output port 352 and each drive circuit mounted on the 5A. Therefore, when changing the model, if the effect control board 80A is replaced with a new model, the model change can be realized without replacing the lamp driver board 35A.

The effect control board 80A, the lamp driver board 35A, and the audio output board 70A are independent boards, but they are, for example, 1 on the rear surface of the game machine.
It is installed in one box. Also, the expansion port 353 has a lamp / L
It is installed in consideration of the case where the number of EDs and the like increases, but it may not be installed. The drive circuit 356 may not be provided if there is no movable member for performance, but when the model is changed, considering the case in which the movable member for performance is installed, the drive circuit 356 is movable. It is preferably provided even when there are no members or the like.

In the voice output board 70A, the sound number data from the effect control board 80A is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 by a digital signal processor, for example, via the input driver 702. IC703 for voice synthesis
Is the voice data ROM 7 for the data corresponding to the note number data.
The audio data and the sound effect corresponding to the read data are generated and output to the amplifier circuit 705. Amplifier circuit 70
Reference numeral 5 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC 703 to a level according to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27.

The data corresponding to the sound number data stored in the voice data ROM 704 is a collection of data showing the output form of the sound effect or the voice in a predetermined period (for example, the changing period of the special symbol) in time series. I for speech synthesis
When C703 receives the sound number data, the sound data R
Sound output control is performed according to the corresponding data in the OM 704. The sound output control according to the corresponding data is continued until the next sound number data is input. When the next voice number data is input, the voice synthesis IC 703 inputs the voice number ROM 704 corresponding to the newly input voice number data.
The sound output is controlled according to the data inside.

In this embodiment, the sound and the sound effect output from the speaker 27 are controlled by the effect control means including the effect control CPU 111. However, the effect control means outputs the sound number data to the sound output board 70A. Is output. In the audio output board 70A, the audio data ROM 7
In 04, a large number of data for realizing sounds and sound effects that can appear as the game progresses are stored, and these data are associated with the sound number data. Therefore, the effect control means can realize the sound output control only by outputting the sound number data. The sound number data is, for example, 1-byte data, and is transferred to the audio output board 70A by a serial signal line or a parallel signal line.

With such a configuration, the effect control board 80A
The effect control means mounted in is equivalent to one in which all of the display control means, the lamp control means and the sound control means in the first embodiment are integrated.

Then, as in the case of the first embodiment, the effect control means determines which effect means is used to give the continuous notice and which effect mode is used to give the continuous notice. And it is decided independently based on the reception of the control command that specifies the number of memory for winning a prize.

Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments, the display control means and other effect control means recognize the start winning award memory number by receiving the control command for designating the starting award memory number from the game control means. The effect control means may recognize the number of stored winning prizes by another method. For example, the game control means, when the start condition of the variable display in the variable display device 9 is satisfied, transmits a control command for specifying a variation pattern, and then a control command indicating a stop symbol (determined symbol) of the left middle right special symbol. When the variable display end condition (for example, the end of the variable display period) is satisfied, a special symbol stop control command (decision command) is transmitted, but the effect control means,
It counts up (+1) when it receives a judgment result command that is sent when a start winning occurs, and counts down when variable display is started based on the reception of a control command that specifies a fluctuation pattern, or when a confirmation command is received. It is also possible to have a counter for (-1) and to recognize the number of stored winning awards for winning by the count value of the counter.

In this case, in order to prepare for a case where the power is temporarily cut off due to a power failure or the like, a RAM provided on the symbol control board 80 (Embodiment 1) or the effect control board 80A (Embodiment 2) Part or all of the power board 9
The backup RAM is backed up by the backup power supply created in 10. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, part or all of the contents of the backup RAM are saved for a predetermined period. Then, a counter for recognizing the number of memory of winning a prize for start-up is set as a backup RA
It is formed in the region of M. With such a configuration, when the power supply is restored within the predetermined period, the effect control means performs the control related to the continuous notice from the state when the power supply is stopped, based on the content of the storage number storage area. You can continue.

The RAM 55 is also provided on the main board 31.
Is backed up by a backup power supply.
Therefore, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the content is saved for a predetermined period. That is, in the game control means, the number of stored winning awards formed in the RAM 55 is also stored for a predetermined period. Further, the game control means of the main board 31 executes a game state restoration process when the power supply is restored within a predetermined period (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the design control board 80 (first embodiment) or the effect control board 80A
Even if the RAM in (Embodiment 2) is not backed up by the power supply, the game control means directs the control command for designating the number of starting winning memory stored according to the number of stored starting winning memory in the game state restoration process. If it is configured to transmit to the means, the effect control means can continue the control regarding the continuous announcement from the state when the power supply is stopped.

Embodiment 4 In the case of using the continuous notice determination table corresponding to the tables shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, even if the number of memory for winning start winning is different, the continuous notice is produced in the same manner. It happened. For example, in the tables shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, "continuous notice B / execution count 1 time" and "continuous notice C / execution count 1 time" are common. However, if the number of stored winning awards is different, the presentation mode of continuous notice that may appear may be completely different. In addition, here, the effect mode is defined including the number of executions. That is, even if the type of continuous notice is the same, different presentation modes are performed if the number of executions is different.

In order to make the presentation modes of continuous announcements that may appear different when the number of stored winning awards is different, for example, continuous announcement determination tables corresponding to the tables shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 are used. Therefore, in this embodiment,
Data corresponding to the contents shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 is set in the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B2 stored in the control data ROM 102. 39 and 40
There is no production mode that exists in common among the four tables (A) to (D). For example, "continuous notice B / execution count of 1" appears only in (A). Therefore, if the tables are different between the continuous notice determination tables 102B1 to 102B2, the presentation mode of the selected continuous notice is completely different.

[0208] Such a continuous notice determination table 102B
When 1 to 102B2 are used, if the number of memories for starting winning is different, a completely different continuous notice effect appears, so that the player's expectation can be further improved. In addition, here, since the production mode is different if the number of executions is different even if the type of continuous notice is different, even if the number of memory for winning a prize is different, the number of executions is different, but the same continuous notice (continuous notice A, B, C, or D) may appear, but the content of the effect may be completely different if the number of memory for winning a prize is different.

[0209] As a form of continuous notice, for example, when a notice is given according to the result of the determination at the time of winning for the prize that is won as the third memory, the continuous notice with a storyline that is completed by three fluctuations is executed. It is possible to For that purpose, the table 102B3 of the data table 102A corresponding to the number of memories 3 is selected as the continuous notice mode of the story that is completed by three fluctuations when the result of the winning judgment is a hit, and is out. It is stored separately according to the mode selected at times. Similarly, by storing a plurality of types of effects in the table 102Bn for each number of memories, in which a story is completed by performing the effects with a predetermined number of variable displays, the table 102Bn is selected based on the memory number command, and the determination is made. An effect can be selected from the table 102Bn according to the result command. For example, it is for a big hit and a miss for a story that is completed when rendered four times, and for a big hit and a miss that is completed when rendered three times. By doing so, an effect for three memories and an effect for four memories can be made to appear, and it is possible to provide an interesting effect.

FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram showing the outline of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 41, in the game control means 31A, the numerical data updating means 31d updates the determination data and the display data. The execution condition satisfaction determination unit 31a determines the determination result relating to the variable display that is determined when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied (when the start winning is generated). In addition, the game state determining means 31b determines whether to control at least a specific game state when the variable display start condition is satisfied. And
The determination result command transmitting means 31c sends the determination result command that can specify the determination result by the execution condition satisfaction determination means to the effect control means 80B before the variable display start condition based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition is satisfied. Send. The effect control means 80B controls the variable display device 9, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 as an effect means. The effect control means 80B stores a data table 102A in which an aspect of the effect for determining the type of the notice effect is stored.
This data table 102A has a plurality of tables 102Bn in which different types of notice effects are stored. Further, based on the determination result command received by the effect control means, the table 102Bn is selected according to the number of pending storages, which is the number of times of variable display of the identification information, which fulfills the variable display execution condition but has not started yet. An effect determination means for determining the mode of effect is provided.

As described above, the effect control means is
Whether or not to execute a continuous notice (pending notice) based on the result determined by the game control means at the time of starting winning (whether or not to reach a big hit based on the value of the random number extracted at the time of starting winning) If it is executed, the number of times of execution is determined. Further, during the execution of the continuous notice, the notice effect in the notice A and notice B modes is not performed (because the process proceeds from step S811 to S821). When a big hit occurs, the continuous announcement ends even if the continuous announcement for the number of times of execution has not been completed (see step S847).

For example, when the variable display device 9 is fluctuating the symbols, an effect control command indicating that the number of memory for winning a prize for winning is "4" and an effect control command for designating a big hit prize are received. Imagine a case. And
In the determination of whether or not to give consecutive notices, it is decided that the notices are consecutively given, and the number of executions is four. Further, it is assumed that the determination results corresponding to the starting winning memory of 1, 2, 3 are not big hits. In that case, after the current variation of the symbol ends, a big hit occurs as a result of the fourth variation of the symbol. In addition, after the current variation of the symbol is completed, the continuous announcement effect is executed when the first to the fourth variation of the symbol is performed. Then, a big hit occurs as a result of the fourth variation of the symbol. That is, the fact that a big hit occurs as a result of the fourth variation of the symbol can be given to the player by a predetermined notification (that is, a notice effect) during the variation of the symbol of the previous symbol.

As illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28,
When it is determined that a big hit will occur when a start winning is generated, it is decided that continuous notice is given with a higher probability than when it is not a big hit, and the number of executions is large. Therefore, the reliability of the continuous announcement (the rate at which the big hit actually occurs when the continuous announcement is executed) is high, and the player can strongly expect the big hit to occur due to the occurrence of the continuous announcement.

In the first embodiment, the display control means also controls the display of the number of starting winnings to be stored, and the game control means specifies the display control command to specify the out-of-win prize, the display control command to specify the reach winning, and the jackpot winning specification. Separately from the display control commands, the display control commands for designating the number of memory for winning a prize for start-up are transmitted before the display control commands are transmitted. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the display control command for designating the number of memory for winning start winning is transmitted separately from the display control command for designating the variation pattern effect. However, the display control command for designating the number of memory for winning a prize for start-up, the display control command for designating an outlier prize, the display control command for designating a reach prize, and the display control command for designating a big hit prize may be combined. Also,
The display control command for designating the number of memory for winning a prize for start-up may be combined with the display control command for designating the variation pattern effect. That is, the command for the number of stored memories may be configured to include information that can specify the determination result by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied and the variation pattern effect designation. For example, E5
8-bit EX in XX (H) display control command
Of the T data, 4 bits are assigned to outlying winning designation, reach winning designation and jackpot winning designation, and the other 4 bits are assigned to start winning memory number designation.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the numerical data updating means included in the game control means is used for making a decision regarding variable display and is updated in a predetermined numerical range as a jackpot determination random number. An example of the count value of the counter for generating, the determination means when the execution condition included in the game control means, the jackpot determination value or reach determination value as a predetermined determination value to be compared with the extracted numerical data Although exemplified, the numerical data and the predetermined judgment value updated in the predetermined numerical range may be other numerical data and judgment value as long as they are used for the determination related to the variable display. In addition, after a plurality of tables included in the effect control unit, that is, the determination result of the execution condition determination unit matches the predetermined determination value, the variable display of the identification information corresponding to the determination is performed. A performance to notify that the judgment result matches a predetermined judgment value (for example, a big hit or a reach) before the variable display of the identification information based on the establishment of the execution condition is actually started. As examples of a plurality of data tables in which a plurality of modes (corresponding to jackpot notices and reach notices) are stored, those shown in FIGS. 29, 30 and 39, 40 are illustrated. Not limited. In the examples shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, (A) to (D)
There are four data tables, and in each data table, a plurality of data indicating the mode of performance (mode of continuous announcement and number of times) is set. Some of us are different.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the game control means sets the variable display mode of the identification information as a specific variable display mode when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied (in the above-mentioned embodiments, left and right). It is determined whether or not the pattern is uniform), and when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the variable display mode of the identification information is the reach mode as a specific variable display mode. The variable display mode of is not limited to the reach mode. Other variable display modes may be used as long as they are variable display modes that can be distinguished from other variable display modes that can appear. For example, the left-middle-right design may be a variable display mode in which the left-middle-right design is finalized (finally stopped) after being temporarily stopped at a specific design such as a so-called chance and restarting the variable display.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the effect control means executes the continuous announcement effect based on the winning judgment result command, but it is not limited to the continuous announcement effect and other effects may be executed. Good. For example, the overall effect from the start of variable display on the variable display device 9 to displaying the display result, the effect during the big hit game (for example, the effect during the big hit game is a story development, and the effect control means performs a lottery. During the jackpot game, the content of the story is selected from a plurality of stories by lottery), and various effects such as an effect of selecting a probability change or a shortened time may be executed.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the continuous notice and the notice effects of the notices A and B are made by the character, but the notice effect may take any form, for example, the slip effect ( A notice effect is performed by changing the variation mode of a special symbol such as a production effect that changes a few symbols at a high speed in a low speed variation state) and a return effect (an effect that changes in the opposite direction after passing the stop position of the symbol). You may do it. Further, the notice effect may be performed by changing the background.

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

In the above-described embodiment, the determination process (step S11) in the winning confirmation process (see FIG. 12).
5 to step S119) is started when there is a winning in the starting winning opening, but if the gaming machine has a configuration in which variable display is not started unless there are a plurality of winnings, a plurality of The determination process may be started on the condition that a prize has 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 determination process may be started on the condition that the game ball is won during the period.

In each of the above embodiments, the "specific game state" means a state advantageous to the player to whom a predetermined game value is given. 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 game state), and a right to be an advantageous state for the player 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.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the "special game state" means a state that is 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 each of the above-mentioned embodiments, in the variable display device 9, a continuous notice can appear even when the variation (variable display) of the special symbol is executed by any variation pattern except the shortened variation. However, it is also possible to configure not to give the continuous notice when the variation of the special symbol is executed by the variation pattern (normal variation in the example shown in FIG. 9) which is not used during the big hit.

Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-described embodiments has a predetermined game value when the stop symbol of the special symbol which is variably displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols. It was a first-class pachinko game machine that can be awarded to the player, but if there is a prize in the predetermined area of the electric auditors to be released based on the starting prize, it becomes possible to give the player a predetermined game value. 2 types of pachinko game machines, or if the stop symbol of the symbols that are variably displayed based on the starting prize is a combination of the symbols, the predetermined right is generated or continues when there is a prize for the prescribed electric accessory. The present invention can be applied to a three-type pachinko gaming machine.

[0225]

As described above, in the invention according to claim 1, when the effect control means determines that the execution condition is satisfied, the effect control means notifies that effect. It is provided with a plurality of data tables that store a plurality of effect modes for giving notification before the start condition of the variable display based on the execution condition of the variable display that is determined to match the predetermined determination value is satisfied. The display execution condition is satisfied, but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied.Select the data table according to the number of pending storages, which is the number of variable display execution conditions, and select from the table selected based on the judgment result command. Since the effect determination means for determining the mode of effect is included, it is possible to perform the effect related to the variable display before the variable display is started without increasing the control load of the game control means. It is possible to improve the interest of the game. In addition, by selecting the data table based on the number of reserved memories and determining the mode of the effect from the selected data table based on the determination result command, as an effect related to the variable display before the start of the variable display. The types of performances to be performed can be dramatically varied and varied, and it is possible to perform highly expressive and entertaining performances.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the plurality of effect modes stored in the data table is different for each of the plurality of data tables. The notice production can be novel and impressive.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the execution condition satisfaction determination means determines that the execution condition is satisfied, the variable is determined to match the predetermined determination value. Because the effect for notifying before the variable display start condition based on the satisfaction of the display execution condition is executed over the multiple variable displays, as an effect related to the variable display before the variable display starts. The effect mode of the effect to be executed can be varied, and since the effect is executed over a plurality of times of variable display, the player can easily recognize the effect.

In the invention according to claim 4, the game control means transmits a reservation storage number command capable of specifying the reservation storage number, and the effect control means specifies the reservation storage number based on the reservation storage number command. , For example, even if the command to reserve the number of reserved storages is missed once, the number of reserved storages can be grasped by the next command to reserve the number of reserved storages. Therefore, even if there is a discrepancy in the recognition of the number of reserved storages from the game control means, it can be corrected promptly. Is done.

In the invention according to claim 5, the game control means has a function of transmitting to the effect control means a start command indicating the start of variable display based on the establishment of the variable display start condition, and the effect control means, It has a reserved storage number storage area for storing a numerical value that can specify the reserved storage number, adds the numerical value of the reserved storage number storage area based on the reception of the judgment result command transmitted from the game control means, and receives the start command. Since the numerical value of the reserved storage number storage area is subtracted on the basis, and the reserved storage number is specified based on the numerical value, the effect control means stores the reserved memory even if data regarding the reserved storage number is not transmitted to the effect control means. The number can be determined autonomously, and the effect control unit can determine the number of pending storages without increasing the control load of the game control unit. Further, even when the present invention is applied to the design specifications of an existing gaming machine, it is not necessary to newly send a command for specifying the number of reserved memories, and it is possible to easily apply it by a partial design change. Become.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the determination by the execution condition determination means includes a determination as to whether the display result of the identification information is a specific display result. The effect can be executed depending on whether or not the display result is displayed, and the player's expectation can be improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the determination by the execution condition satisfaction determination means is such that when the display result of the identification information is determined not to be a specific display result, the reach variable is displayed as the variable display content of the identification information. Since the determination as to whether or not the display is executed is included, the effect can be executed even when the specific display result is not obtained, and the player's expectation can be improved.

In the invention according to claim 8, the special display result and the non-special display result are included as the specific display result, and when the special display result is displayed as the display result, the specific display is performed after the end of the specific game state. The determination by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied so that it can be controlled to a special game state that is likely to result includes a determination whether the display result of the identification information is a special display result. The effect can be executed depending on whether or not it is possible to further improve the player's expectation.

In the invention according to claim 9, when the execution condition determination means determines that the effect determination means matches the predetermined determination value, the effect determination means matches the predetermined determination value. It is determined at different ratios depending on whether or not the special game state is selected for the effect mode to be notified before the variable display start condition is satisfied based on the satisfaction of the variable display execution condition Since it is configured to do, the appearance ratio of the effect differs depending on whether it is in the special game state or not, and the appearance ratio of the effect is attached depending on the game state to prevent a decrease in interest in the effect. can do.

In the tenth aspect of the invention, the game control means extracts the numerical data from the numerical data updating means and stores it in a predetermined storage area when the variable display execution condition is satisfied, and the variable display start condition is satisfied. The numerical value stored in the storage area is sometimes read, and the game state determining means includes a game state determining means for determining whether or not the read numerical value data matches a predetermined determination value. And a program module used for determining whether or not the execution condition is satisfied and the program module used for determining whether or not the numerical data matches a predetermined determination value are configured as a common module. Therefore, even if the numerical data is judged when the execution condition is satisfied, the program capacity of the game control means should not be increased. There can be effectively.

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

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

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a starting opening switch passage process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a winning effect setting process.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a big hit determination table and a reach determination table.

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

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a reach determination module.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing special symbol normal processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a storage process.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a control command.

FIG. 19 is a timing diagram showing a relationship between an 8-bit control signal forming a control command and an INT signal.

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

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notice effect.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the display control CPU.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a command reception buffer.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing command analysis processing.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of stored winning prizes and the number of executions of continuous notice.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of stored winning awards and the number of times of execution of continuous notice.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a process of determining continuous notice.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a display control process process.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a variable pattern command command reception waiting process.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing advance notice selection processing.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an all symbol variation start process.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a symbol changing process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a waiting process for all symbols.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration example in the case where one effect control means is provided in the second embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a relationship between the number of stored winning awards and the number of times of execution of continuous announcement in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the number of stored winning awards and the number of executions of continuous notice in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the present invention.

[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 (10)

[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 becomes 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 the command from the game control means, the production control means for controlling the production means for executing the production related to the variable display of the identification information, and the numerical data used in the determination regarding the variable display, within the predetermined numerical range. And a numerical data updating means for updating, the game control means, when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied,
Execution condition satisfaction determination means for extracting numeric data from the numeric data update means and determining whether the extracted numeric data matches a predetermined determination value, and a determination result by the execution condition satisfaction determination means Determination result command transmission for transmitting to the effect control means before the variable display start condition based on satisfaction of the variable display execution condition determined by the execution condition satisfaction determination means is satisfied When the execution condition determination means determines that the execution condition is satisfied, it is determined that the effect control means matches the predetermined determination value. And a plurality of data tables in which a plurality of effect modes for informing before the start condition of the variable display based on the satisfaction of the execution condition of the variable display are stored are provided. The variable display execution condition is satisfied, but the variable display start condition is not yet satisfied. A data table is selected according to the number of pending storages, which is the number of variable display execution conditions, and is selected based on the determination result command. A gaming machine comprising an effect determination means for determining an aspect of the effect from a table. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the plurality of effect modes stored in the data table is different for each of the plurality of data tables. 3. When the execution condition determination means determines that the performance control means determines that the execution condition is satisfied, the effect control means makes a variable display that the effect is determined to match the predetermined determination value. 3. The effect for notifying before the variable display start condition based on the execution condition is satisfied is executed over a plurality of times of variable display.
The game machine described. 4. The game control means transmits a holding storage number command capable of specifying the holding storage number, and the effect control means specifies the holding storage number based on the holding storage number command. The gaming machine according to any one of 3. 5. The game control means has a function of transmitting a start command indicating the start of variable display to the effect control means based on the establishment of the variable display start condition, and the effect control means specifies the number of reserved memories. A storage number storage area for storing possible numerical values is provided, and the value of the storage number storage area is added based on the reception of the determination result command transmitted from the game control means, and based on the reception of the start command, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a numerical value in the reserved storage number storage area is subtracted, and the reserved storage number is specified based on the numerical value. 6. The determination by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied is
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which includes determining whether or not the display result of the identification information is a specific display result. 7. The determination by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied is
7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising determining whether or not the reach variable display is executed as the content of the variable display of the identification information when it is determined that the display result of the identification information does not become a specific display result. 8. A special game including a special display result and a non-special display result as the specific display result, and when the special display result is displayed as the display result, the special display is likely to be the specific display result after the end of the specific game state. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 6 or 7, which can be controlled to a state, and the determination by the determination means when the execution condition is satisfied includes determination whether or not the display result of the identification information is the special display result. 9. A special game including a special display result and a non-special display result as the specific display result, and when the special display result is displayed as the display result, the special display is likely to be the specific display result after the end of the specific game state. When it is determined by the execution condition satisfaction determination means that the execution condition is satisfied, the effect determination means determines that the effect matches the predetermined determination value. Depending on whether or not the special game state is selected, the selection of the mode of the effect for notifying before the start condition of the variable display based on the satisfaction of the execution condition of the variable display is determined at different ratios. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The game control means extracts the numerical data from the numerical data updating means and stores it in a predetermined storage area when the execution condition of the variable display is satisfied, and stores it in the storage area when the start condition of the variable display is satisfied. It includes a game state determination means for determining whether or not the read numerical value data matches the predetermined determination value, and the game state determination means causes the numerical value data to match the predetermined determination value. A program module used to determine whether or not to execute the program and a program module used by the execution condition determination time determination means to determine whether the numerical data matches a predetermined determination value are configured as a common module. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9.