JP2003325873A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more improve interest in a game by more enriching performance contents without increasing loads to a game control means and other control means. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a game control means 31A for controlling the proceedings of the game, a performance control means 101A for controlling a plurality of kinds of performance means (variable display device 9, lamp/LED and speaker 27) for carrying out performance associated with variable display of identification information based upon a command from the game control means, and a selection means 161 for a player to input his/her choice, and the performance control means 101A includes a choice presenting means 101a for presenting a plurality of choices, A, B, and C to the player based upon the command received from the game control means 31A and a performance determining means 101b for originally determining a performance mode to be carried out by using the plurality of kinds of performance means based upon which choice corresponds to the choice inputted to the selection means 161. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has variable display means whose display state can be changed, and can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to a player when the display result on the variable display means is in a specific display mode. Related to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

[0002]

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

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

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

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

The gaming machine is provided with a control board on which various control means are mounted in addition to a game control board on which game control means for controlling the overall progress of the game is mounted. Then, the game control means transmits a control command indicating a control instruction to the electric parts to each control means mounted on each control board according to the game situation. As each control means, for example, a display control means for controlling a variable display device as an electric part, a lamp control means for controlling a light emitting body (lamp or LED) for effect control as an electric part, and a speaker as an electric part. There is a sound control means for controlling the sound generation from the.

If the game control means is configured to send control commands to a large number of control means, the load on the game control means becomes excessive. Therefore, each control means that receives a control command from the game control means may be configured to independently determine the effect contents and execute the effect. But,
In such a configuration, each control means must synchronize the performance with other control means, and the burden on each control means becomes excessive. Therefore, one effect control means equipped with the display control means, the lamp control means, and the sound control means may be provided.

[0008]

However, in the case where one effect control means is provided, it is easy to synchronize the control of the variable display device as an electric component, the light emitter for effect control, and the speaker. However, the fact that only visual and auditory effects can be produced is similar to the case where the display control means, the lamp control means, and the sound control means are provided separately, and the content of the effect is limited.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which can further enhance the interest of the game by increasing the contents of the effect without increasing the load on the game control means and other control means. To do.

[0010]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
The player has a variable display means (for example, a variable display device 9) whose display state can be changed, and when the display result on the variable display means is a specific display result (for example, a jackpot pattern in which the left-middle-right symbols are aligned). It is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state that is advantageous to (eg, a big hit game state), and a display result pre-determining means (for example, game control means) that determines in advance whether or not the display result is a specific display result. Game control means (for example, CPU 56) that controls the progress of the game, including the portion that executes the processing of steps S55 to S58 in
Etc.) and a command from the game control means (for example, a production control command) based on a plurality of types of production means (for example, a variable display device 9, a lamp / LED, a speaker 27, and a production) for performing production related to variable display of identification information. Effect control means (for example, effect control CPU) for controlling the movable member for
101) and selection means for inputting the selection operation of the player (for example, the light emitting units 17a and 17b and the light receiving units 19a and 1).
9b and a human body sensor), and the production control means,
Option presenting means for presenting the player with a plurality of options (for example, baseball pitch and batter) based on the command received from the game control means (for example, a selection effect selection process in the effect control means or a portion executing step S832). Based on the selection result of the display result pre-determination means specified by the received command and which option the selection operation input by the selection means corresponds to It is characterized by including an effect determination means (for example, a portion of the effect control means that executes step S841) for independently determining the effect mode to be performed.

The production control means sets the valid period of the operation of the selecting means (for example, the processing of step S833), monitors the selection input from the selecting means within the valid period, and inputs the selection operation by the selecting means. It may be configured to determine whether or not the option is supported (for example, execute the processing of steps S838 and S839).

The effect control means may be configured to perform control for notifying the effective period (for example, executing the processing of steps S834 and S836).

An option selection means (for example, a portion in the effect control means for executing steps S661 to S667) for selecting an option presented by the option presentation means is provided,
The option selection means selects predetermined options (for example, each of the left and right combinations shown in FIG. 24) at different ratios according to whether or not the predetermined display result is a predetermined display result (for example, FIG. The option allocation table shown in FIG. 24 is used).

An option selecting means for selecting an option presented by the option presenting means is provided, and the option selecting means has a specific option (for example, shown in FIG. 30) according to the number of times of displaying a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol). Each of the combinations of batters to be played) may be selected at different ratios (for example, the option allocation table shown in FIG. 30 may be used according to the number of continuations of the big hit).

The effect control means controls the effect means based on the data (for example, a program) stored in the ROM, and stores at least a part of the data relating to the control of the plurality of effect means in the same ROM. May be.

A performance control board (for example, a performance control board 80) equipped with a performance control means, and a driver board (for example, a lamp) that generates an operation signal for operating the performance means based on a signal output from the performance control board. The driver board 35 and the audio output board 70) may be separately provided.

The production control means includes a production control CPU,
An input port (for example, an input port 359) that is bus-connected to the effect control CPU on the driver substrate (for example, a lamp driver substrate 35) and receives a selection input (for example, a detection signal of the light receiving units 19a and 19b) from the selection unit. May be installed.

On the driver board, a sound data ROM (for example, a voice data ROM 704) storing data for generating a sound output from a sound output means (for example, a speaker 27) as a production means, and an output from the production control means. A voice synthesizing IC that selects data stored in the sound data ROM based on the designated sound data (for example, sound number data) and controls the sound output means based on the selected data may be mounted.

[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, a variable display device (special variable display portion) 9 having a variable display portion 150 including a plurality of variable display areas for variably displaying symbols as identification information is provided. There is. In the variable display device 9,
For example, there are three variable display areas (symbol display areas) of "left", "middle", and "right". The variable display area may be a fixed area, but may move or change in size in the display area of the variable display device 9 while the game is in progress. Further, the variable display device 9 displays the number of effective winning balls that have entered the starting winning opening 14, that is, the number of starting winning memories 4
One special symbol starting memory display area (starting memory display area) 18 is provided. Every time there is an effective start prize (start prize when the number of stored start prizes is less than 4), the start memory display area 18 for changing the display color (for example, changing from blue display to red display) is increased by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display device 9 is started, the start memory display area 18 whose display color is changed is decremented by 1 (that is, the display color is returned to the original one).

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
Although 8 is provided in the variable display device 9, a display device (special symbol start memory display device) for displaying the number of memory for winning the start prize 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)
If it is a combination of, after the jackpot game is over,
Then the chances of a big hit increase. That is, the probability change state is a more advantageous state for the player (special game state).

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, light emitting portions 17a and 17b for emitting light are installed above the variable display portion 150, and the variable display portion 150 is provided.
Light receiving portions 19a and 19b for emitting the light emitted from the light emitting portions 17a and 17b and reflected at a predetermined portion are provided below. The light emitting unit 17a and the light receiving unit 19a constitute one human body sensor, and the light emitting unit 17b and the light receiving unit 19b.
And form one human body sensor.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. Note that, in FIG. 3, the payout control board 37, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound output board 70 are shown.
And the production control board 80 is also shown. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a starting opening switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23,
A switch circuit 58 for giving signals from the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a and the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball device 15, and a solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20.
Also, a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21A for switching the path in the special winning opening according to a command from the basic circuit 53 is mounted. Clear switch 9
21 is mounted on a power supply board installed in, for example, a game machine.

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,
The switch such as 39a may be what is called a sensor. That is, any name may be used as long as it is a game medium detecting means (a game ball detecting means in this example) capable of detecting a game ball.

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 via an information terminal board provided on the rear surface of the game machine is mounted.

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

A part or all of the RAM (which may be a RAM with a built-in CPU) 55 is a backup RAM backed up by a backup power supply created on a power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the RAM 55 remains for a predetermined period.
Some or all of the contents of the will be saved.

In this embodiment, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the normal symbol start memory display 41 and the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board, and the frame. Top frame lamp 28a, left frame lamp 28b, right frame lamp 28c,
The display control of the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 is performed. Each lamp may be an LED or other type of light emitter. 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. The effect control means also controls those light emitters.

A drive signal for driving the lamp / LED is created in the lamp driver board 35. Further, when the game machine is provided with a movable member as an effect means, the 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 35. 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 performed by the production control means mounted on the production control board 80.

Further, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 executes a predetermined effect based on the output of the human body sensor.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound output board 70. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates according to a program stored in a ROM (not shown), and in response to a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) from the main board 31, an input driver 102 and an input port. An effect control command is received via 103. In addition, the production control CPU 101 controls the LC via the output port 104 and the LCD drive circuit 106.
While controlling the display of the variable display device 9 using D,
The display control of the normal symbol display device 10 is performed through the output port 104 and the lamp drive circuit 107.

Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs the sound number data to the sound output board 70 via the output port 104 and the output driver 110. A bus (including an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line such as a write / read signal) input to and output from the effect control CPU 101 is connected to the lamp driver board 35 via a bus driver / receiver (bus transceiver) 105. It has been extended.

In the lamp driver board 35, the bus for inputting / outputting to / from the effect control CPU 101 is the output port 352 and the expansion port 3 via the bus transceiver 351.
Connected to 53. 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.

Further, a drive signal for causing the light emitting units 17a and 17b to emit light is output to the light emitting units 17a and 17b via the output port 352 and the drive circuit 357. The signals from the light receiving parts 19a and 19b are transmitted to the amplifier circuit 35.
8 and the input port 359, and is transmitted to the effect control board 80 via the bus transceiver 351. The output signals of the light receiving units 19a and 19b correspond to the output signals of the human body sensor.

In this embodiment, the lamp / LED, the human body sensor, and the production drive means provided in the game machine are the production CPU 1 mounted on the production control board 80.
It is controlled by the effect control means including 01. Further, the variable display device 9, the normal symbol display device 10 and the lamp / LE
Data for controlling D and the like is stored in the ROM. The effect CPU 101 uses the variable display device 9 and the normal symbol display device 10 based on the data stored in the ROM.
It also controls lamps, LEDs, etc. Then, the lamp / LED and the performance drive means are driven through the output port 352 mounted on the lamp driver board 35 and each drive circuit. Therefore, when changing models,
If the production control board 80 is replaced with a new model, the model change can be realized without replacing the lamp driver board 35.

Although the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound output board 70 are independent boards, they are installed, for example, in the state of being housed in one box on the rear surface of the game machine. Further, the expansion port 353 is installed in consideration of an increase in the number of lamps / LEDs, etc., when changing the model, but 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 70, the sound number data from the effect control board 80 is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 by, for example, a digital signal processor via the input driver 702. The voice synthesis IC 703 is
Data corresponding to the sound number data is converted to the voice data ROM 704.
Then, a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the read data is generated and output to the amplifier circuit 705. Amplifier circuit 705
Outputs to the speaker 27 a voice signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC 703 to a level according to the volume set in the volume 706.

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 or sound effect output from the speaker 27 is controlled by the effect control means including the effect control CPU 101. However, the effect control means causes the sound output board 70 to generate sound number data. Is output.
In the sound output board 70, the sound data ROM 704 stores a large number of data for realizing sounds and sound effects that can appear as the game progresses, and these data are associated with 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 70 by a serial signal line or a parallel signal line.

In addition, the production control board 80 which mounts the production control means, and the driver board (the dram driver board 35 and the driver board 35 for generating the operation signal for operating the production means based on the signal output from the production control board 80). Since the audio output board 70) is separately provided, the model can be changed by replacing only the driver board. And the production control means is the production control CPU 10
1, the driver board is provided with an input port 359 which is bus-connected to the effect control CPU 101 and which receives a selection input from the selection means.
The versatility of can be improved. Furthermore, for example,
In the case of a model having no selection means, the driver board without the input port 359 may be replaced, and the effect control board 80 need not be replaced.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining the action of the human body sensor as a selection means for the player to input a selection input. Light-emitting parts 17a, 1 constituting a human body sensor
The light from 7b passes through the glass installed in the glass door frame 2. However, the light emitting parts 17a and 17b in the glass are
If there is a shield that can reflect light in the transmission part of the light from
The light is reflected by the shield and reaches the light receiving portions 19a and 19b. Therefore, for example, the player touches the finger or the like as the shield with the touch portion (the portion that reflects the light from the light emitting portions 17a and 17b).
161a and 161b, the light receiving portions 19a and 19b
Light reaches. That is, it is detected that the finger has been applied when the light reaches the light receiving portions 19a and 19b. The sensitivities of the light receiving portions 19a and 19b are set so that the light from the outside of the glass is not sensed, but the reflected light of the light shielding portions of the light from the light emitting portions 17a and 17b is sensed.

As will be described later, the touch sections 161a and 161b are located at positions corresponding to the selection screen (a part of the entire screen, where information for selection is displayed) on the variable display unit 150. Is set. That is,
The optical axes of the light emitting units 17a and 17b and the light receiving units 19a and 19b are adjusted so that the light is reflected at the position corresponding to the selection screen.

The human body sensor having the structure shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the touch portions 161a and 161b on the glass are used.
A human body sensor of any structure may be used as long as it can detect that the player's finger or the like has been hit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the CPU 56 confirms the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 inputted through the input port only once (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S14).

If the clear switch 921 is not in the ON state, the data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) is performed when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not (step S8). 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 a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S9). In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. If the power is restored after an unexpected power outage such as a power outage, backup RA
Since the data in the M area should have been saved, the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply was stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply was stopped, the initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on 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 effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply (step S10). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) saved in the backup RAM area is set in the PC and the address is restored.

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

In the initialization processing, the CPU 56 first executes R
AM clear processing is performed (step S11). Further, a predetermined work area (for example, a random number counter for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer,
Special symbol process flag, payout command storage pointer,
Work area setting processing for setting an initial value to a prize ball flag, out-of-ball flag, payout stop flag, or other flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S1).
2). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-boards (the payout control board 35 and the effect control board 80 in this embodiment) to each sub-board is executed (step S13). Examples of the initialization command include a command (for the effect control board 80) indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 9 and a command for turning off 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 the timer interrupt is periodically applied every 2 ms (step S14). That is,
A value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register).

Execution of initialization processing (steps S11 to S1)
When 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. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the variable display device 9, and the display random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random numbers. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value of a count value of a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In the game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, the initial value is set to the counter.

It should be noted that when the display random number updating process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is set because the display random number updating process is also executed in the timer interrupt process 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 prohibition state is set during the process 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. 7 is executed. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first inputs the detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the starting opening switch 14a, the count switch 23 and the winning opening switch 24a via the switch circuit 58, and determines their states. (Switch processing: step S2
1).

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 random number for initial value and a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (steps S23 and S24).

FIG. 8 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. 7, the CPU 56 determines the random number for jackpot determination in (1), the random number for jackpot symbol determination in (3), and the random number for ordinary symbol hit determination 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.

In this embodiment, when the left-middle-right symbols are stopped in a row, that is, when the fixed symbols in the left-middle-right symbol match, the jackpot is a big hit, and when the left-right symbols are stopped in a row,
That is, when the determined symbols of the left and right symbols match, the reach is reached. Also, in the case of a big hit, if the left-middle-right symbol is an odd symbol, it shifts to the probability changing state (high probability state).

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 performs a process of setting the effect control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending out the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). Moreover, the process of sending the production control command by setting the production control command relating to the ordinary symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (ordinary 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 which are 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 stored winning awards for winning (step S3)
1). In addition, 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. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for special symbol process processing executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 9 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. CPU56, when performing the special symbol process processing,
The fluctuation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) is performed,
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 enters the starting winning opening 14 occurs. If so (step S311),
After performing the starting opening switch passage process (step S312), steps S300 to S308 are performed according to the internal state.
One of the above is performed. 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, to the effect control board 80, the left middle right final stop symbol and the information instructing the variation mode (variation pattern) are transmitted. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

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

Special symbol stop process (step S304):
Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display device 9 are stopped. Specifically, it is set to a state in which an effect control command indicating the stop of the special symbol is 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 out the effect control command for the special winning opening round display to the effect control board 80, the processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition for the special winning opening, etc. are performed. When the closing condition for the last special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated so as 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 are finished, the internal state is set to step S.
Update to move to 308.

Big hit end processing (step S308): control for causing the production 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. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 10, “EXT” indicates the EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having the 2-byte structure (MODE data and EXT data). In this embodiment, 1
In each case, the “MODE” data of the byte is “8”.
0 (H) ". Further, "time" indicates a variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of the identification information). As shown in FIG. 10, during the high probability (during probability change), the change time of each change pattern is shortened by 3.5 seconds.

The "normal fluctuation" is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve the reach mode. “Normal” is a variation pattern that involves the reach mode but does not cause the variation result (stop symbol) to cause a big hit. "Reach A"
Is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal”. Different reach forms mean that different forms of variation (speed, rotation direction, etc.), characters, etc. appear during the reach production period. For example, in “normal”, the reach mode is realized by only one type of variation mode, whereas in “reach A”, the reach mode is realized.
A 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" and "reach A". “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal”, “reach A”, and “reach B”. "Reach D" is "Normal",
It is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “reach A”, “reach B” and “reach C”. And
"Full rotation" is a variation pattern including a reach mode in which the left and right middle symbols are evenly varied.

"With selected effect" is a variation pattern accompanied by a selected effect which will be described later. The "hit" indicates that a big hit occurs after the variation of the symbol ends. “Re” indicates that a so-called re-variation mode after the temporary stop appears. "return"
Shows that the stop symbol includes a variation mode in which the stop symbol temporarily reverses and then stops.

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.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how to divide the variation patterns by the game control means of the main board 31. As shown in FIG. 8, the game control means is random 4 (0 to 1).
The variation pattern is determined in accordance with (random numbers that can take 150 kinds of values of 49), but when it is determined to be a big hit, as described in the “win” column shown in FIG. The variation pattern is determined by the distribution method. For example, at uncertain variation (during low probability), the value of random 4 is
If the value matches a predetermined value corresponding to the variation pattern of the production control command "8008 (H)"("Reach C, with selected production, hit" from FIG. 10), the production control command "8008 (H)" It is decided to use the fluctuation pattern of. It should be noted that the value determined in advance corresponding to the variation pattern of "8008 (H)" is 1
Two values are defined (see FIG. 11).

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the starting opening switch passage processing (step S312). In the starting opening switch passing process, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the number of stored winning awards has reached the maximum value of 4 (step S111). If the number of memory of winning prizes for starting has not reached 4, the number of memory of winning prizes for starting is increased by 1 (step S112),
The value of each random number such as the jackpot determination random number is extracted and stored in a storage area (special symbol determination buffer) corresponding to the value of the number of memory for winning the winning prize (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, random numbers 1 to 5 are extracted from the random numbers shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process process. In the special symbol normal processing, CPU56
In the state where the fluctuation 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 starting winning award memory number 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 winning prize is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of memory for winning winning winning = 1 is read out and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S53). The value of the winning 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 big hit determination process is executed (step S56). When the big hit determination process determines that the big hit is made (step S57), 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. 14 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 decided 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 a reach determination process (step S65). Here, in the reach determination process, it is determined whether or not the reach is performed 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 S6).
4). 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.

If it is decided not to reach in step S66, the stop symbol in the case of falling out is decided (step S68). Specifically, step S5
The value read in 3, that is, the random 2 that has been extracted
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. Then, the process proceeds to step S63. If 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.

Next, a method of sending control commands from the game control means to the effect control means will be described. Figure 15
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing signal lines of effect control commands transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the effect control command is
The effect control signals D0 to D7 are transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 through eight signal lines. Further, a signal line of a production control INT signal for transmitting a strobe signal (production control INT signal) is also provided between the main board 31 and the production control board 80. Note that FIG. 15 shows an example of the effect control command, but the control command to another electric component control board (in this embodiment, the payout control means) also has eight signal lines and one control command. It is transmitted by the signal line of the INT signal.

In this embodiment, the effect control command has a 2-byte structure, 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. 16, the 8-bit production control command data of the production control command is the production control INT.
It is output in synchronization with the signal. The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts the process of fetching 1-byte data by the interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control means, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the acquisition of effect control command data.

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

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 17, commands 8000 (H) -80
26 (H) is a variable display device 9 for variably displaying special symbols
It is the production control command which designates the fluctuation pattern of the special design in. The command for designating the variation pattern (variation pattern command) also serves as a variation start instruction. Further, the commands 8000 (H) to 8012 (H) are used during the low probability (when the probability is uncertain), and
13 (H) to 8025 (H) are used in a high probability (at the time of probability change). And the command 8026 (H) is
This command is used to specify the shortened display pattern.

The command 88XX (H) (X = any value of 4 bits) is an effect control command relating to the variation pattern of the normal symbol which is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 10. Command 89XX (H) is a production control command for designating a stop symbol of a normal symbol. Command 8AXX
(H) (X = an arbitrary value of 4 bits) is an effect control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the normal symbols.

Commands 91XX (H), 92XX (H)
And 93XX (H) is a production 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 production control command for instructing to stop the variable display of the special symbol. Command BXXX (H) is a production 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 production 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 E0XX (H) is an effect 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 effect control unit changes the display color of the number of start-up memory display areas 18 designated by “XX (H)” in each start-up 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 production control means of the production control board 80 receives the above-mentioned production control command from the game control means of the main board 31, the variable display device 9 and the ordinary symbol display device 10 are displayed according to the contents shown in FIG. While changing the display state, the display state of the lamp / LED is changed, and if necessary, the sound number data is output to the voice output board 70. Note that control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 17 are also transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means. For example, the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 and the out-of-ball lamp 52, a control command indicating the number of lights of the normal symbol starting memory display 41, and a more detailed production control command regarding the big hit game are also produced from the game control means to the production control means. Sent to.

The variable display start designating command indicating the start of variable display and the variable display form designating command capable of specifying the variable display form are realized by the production control command for designating the variation pattern, and the identification result which can identify the display result of the identification information is identified. The information designation command is realized by a production control command of left symbol designation, middle symbol designation, right symbol designation, and the variable display end designation command indicating the end of variable display is realized by a special symbol stop production control command. In addition, in this embodiment,
The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also used as the variable display start designation command indicating the start of variable display and the variable display mode designation command capable of specifying the variable display mode, but the variable display start designation command and the variable display mode are specified. It may be different from the possible variable display mode designating command.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU 101. In the main process, first
Initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing the 2 ms timer for determining the activation interval of the effect control is performed (step S70).
1). After that, the effect control CPU 101 shifts to the loop processing for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets the timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. In the main process, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101
Clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control processing.

In this embodiment, the timer interruption is 2 ms.
It costs each time. That is, the effect control process is activated every 2 ms. In addition, in this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process, but the effect control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

In the effect control processing, the effect control CPU
101, first, analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the production 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 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. The count value of the random number counter is used to determine which mode of the initial display is performed in the selection effect described later.

Next, the effect control command receiving process from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command receiving buffer is composed of the 12-byte area of the receiving command buffers 1-12. Then, a command reception number counter indicating which area to store the received command is used. The command reception number counter takes a value of 0-11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command receiving buffer) and one command storage area for other variable pattern designations ( 2 × 1 = 2 byte command receiving buffer). Similarly, the voice control means and the lamp control means may have a buffer format other than the ring buffer format.

The INT signal for effect control from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the effect control CPU 101. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the effect control CPU 101 interrupts. Then, the effect control CPU 101 executes the effect control command receiving process in the interrupt process. In the process of receiving the effect control command, the effect control CPU 101
Stores the received effect control command data in the received command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the effect control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the production control process processing,
Step S800 according to the value of the production control process flag
~ Any one of 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 an effect control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the changing 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 effect control command for designating the variation pattern is received (step S62).
3).

Selection processing of selection effect (step S80
1): In the selected effect, it is determined which mode of initial display is to be performed.

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): The switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) forming the fluctuation pattern is controlled, and the end of the fluctuation time is monitored. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. Further, when performing the selection effect, the display mode of the selection effect is also controlled.

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

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

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

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a structural example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and effect control execution data are collected. The performance control execution data includes display control execution data and lamp control execution data. As the display control execution data, data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 during the changing period of the special symbol is set. For example, the display control execution data 1 is set with data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 at the start of variable display. Further, the lamp control execution data is set to data indicating the display state of the lamp / LED during the variation period of the special symbol. For example, the lamp control execution data 1 is set with data indicating the display state of the lamp / LED at the start of variable display. Then, during the variation period of the special symbol, the timing of switching the display state (for example, the variable display device 9
When a new character appears and the lamp / LED is switched from a lighting state to a non-lighting state), the effect control means, according to the next effect control execution data in the process data, displays the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED. Control the display state of. The process timer set value is set with a time corresponding to the switching timing.

In this way, the effect control means controls the effect means based on the program and the process data stored in the ROM, and a plurality of effect means (variable display device 9 and lamps / LEDs in this embodiment). A program relating to control of is stored in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 80. Then, the ROM storing these programs can be configured as one ROM. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Further, among the process data stored in the ROM, the process timer set value is shared. Therefore, the ROM capacity of the effect control means can be saved. In addition,
As for the effect control execution data, if the display control execution data and the lamp control execution data can be made common, 1
It may be one production control execution data. As described above, in this embodiment, at least a part of the data (data excluding the data stored in the audio data ROM 704 in this embodiment) out of the data related to the control of the plurality of rendering units is stored in the same ROM. can do.

The process data shown in FIG. 21 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, the process data is prepared for each variation pattern. In addition, it is prepared according to the type of selection effect. For example, the process data for executing one selection effect with the variation pattern 10 is prepared separately from the process data for executing another selection effect with the variation pattern 10.

22 and 23 are explanatory views showing an example of the selection effect. The selection effect is executed during the period when the reach effect is performed. The selection effect is selected by the effect control means by selecting one option from a plurality of options presented to the player, or by allowing the player to decide whether or not to select the information to be presented to the player. This is an effect that is executed by using all or part of the variable display device 9, the effect lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 according to the result or the determination result.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, after the symbols on the left, middle and right have fluctuated to reach (see (A) and (B)), two types of balls (for example, curve and tornado) It is displayed on the variable display device 9 (see (C)). then,
The symbol display area has moved to the upper right in the variable display unit 150. The variable display section 150 also displays a selection valid period display area 162 for notifying the selection valid period. When the player selects one of them during the selection effective period, the brightness of the selected one of the pitch types is increased, and "Is this OK?" Is displayed ((D)).
reference). Further, when either one is selected and the other is selected, the brightness of the other is increased and the brightness of the already selected one is restored. Further, the display of "Is this OK?" Is displayed again. Then, when the selection valid period ends, only the last selected ball type is displayed (see (E)).

In the present embodiment, the variable display section 1
Although the selected effective period display area 162 is displayed as an image on 50,
For example, the display start time of "Please select" (Fig. 22
The selection valid period may be from (C)) to the display start time of "Is this all right?" (See FIG. 22D). That is, “Is this OK?” May be displayed at the end of the selection valid period. Whichever method is adopted, the effect control means may perform the process of monitoring the detection signal of the human body sensor only for a limited period.

For example, when the selection valid period ends, an effect corresponding to the player's selection is started. As shown in FIG. 23 (F), the pitcher throws a ball. Then, when it is decided to make a big hit after the reach effect, it is displayed as if the pitch was made by the type of ball selected by the player (see the left side of (G)). Further, when it is determined that the jackpot is not to be given after the reach production (it is to be out of the jackpot), it is displayed as if the pitch was made by the player who has not selected the pitch ((G)). See right). Further, when it is decided to make a big hit, it is displayed as if the batter hit the ball and became a home run (see the left side of (H)). Further, when it is determined that the hit is out, the display is made as if the batter struck out (see the right side of (H)).

At the end of the variable period of the symbols, if it is determined to be a big hit, the symbols matching the left and right symbols are stopped and displayed as the middle symbols. Also,
When it is determined to be out of alignment, a symbol different from the left and right symbols is stopped and displayed as the middle symbol (see (I)).

Incidentally, (C) to FIG. 22 and FIG.
While the display effect during (H) is being performed, the effect / lamp for production and the speaker 27 are performing the effect in synchronization with the display effect. In this embodiment, one effect control unit controls the display of the variable display device 9, the light emitter control of the lamp / LED, and the sound output control by the speaker 27. Therefore, it is not possible to synchronize them. It's easy.

Further, the player can feel that the game effect has changed according to his / her selection, and can give the player a new interest. However, whether or not to make a big hit is determined by the game control means in the gaming machine, and in fact, whether or not to make a big hit is not decided by the player's selection. That is, when it is determined that the jackpot is hit, no matter which option is selected by the player (curve or tornado in this example), FIG.
At the stage shown in FIG. 3 (G), the type of ball selected by the player is displayed, and at the stage shown in FIG. 23 (H), it is displayed as if the batter hit a home run. In addition, when it is decided to be out of alignment, no matter which option is selected by the player, at the stage shown in FIG. 23 (G), the type of ball that the player has not selected is displayed, At the stage shown in FIG. 23 (H), the display is as if the batter struck out. It should be noted that if it is decided to be out of alignment, instead of displaying the type of ball that the player did not select, a completely different type of ball (for example, if the player selects a curve or a tornado curve) (Shooting or straight) when is selected may be displayed.

It should be noted that the player selects the ball type by touching the touch section 16
This is done by putting a finger or the like on the 1a and 162b. Specifically, as described above, the light emitting sections 17a and 17b are included.
Based on the detection signals of the human body sensor by b and the light receiving portions 19a and 19b, the effect control CPU 101 determines which is selected.

Next, the control of the selected effect by the effect control means will be described. ROM mounted on the performance control board 80
In the table, a table indicating how to distribute the choices (option distribution table) is stored. Figure 24
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an option distribution table.

As shown in FIG. 24, data relating to the selection rate of the combination of the sphere type displayed on the left side and the sphere type displayed on the right side is set in the option allocation table. Specifically, there are 191 types of numerical values (for example, 0 to 19).
A plurality of numerical values of 0) are set according to each combination. There are no duplicate numbers between each combination. Then, the effect control CPU 101 searches the option selection table for a numerical value that matches the random number value extracted from the random number counter that steps between 0 and 190, and selects a combination corresponding to the matched numerical value in FIG. ) Each ball type displayed on the screen shown in).

In the option distribution table, a table used when the probability variation big hit, a table used when the probability variation big hit and a table used when the probability variation big hit are set separately ( Selectivity A, Selectivity B, Selectivity C). Performance control CPU 101
Is to determine the fixed symbol on the basis of the production control command for designating the left-middle-right symbol received from the game control means, and to determine whether it is a probability variation big hit, an uncertain variation jackpot, or an outlier based on the determination symbol. You can check. In addition, in the case of probability variation big hit, in the case of non-probability variation big hit, in the case of off, in the case of being configured to use different variation patterns, if the fixed symbol based on the effect control command of the variation pattern designation Judgment can be made based on the confirmed symbol, and it can be confirmed whether the probability is a big jackpot, the non-probability jackpot is a big hit, or the hit is out.

The effect control CPU 101 determines to use the table of the selection rate A, the selection rate B or the selection rate C according to the confirmation result. The selection rate of each combination of sphere types is different between the tables of the selection rate A, the selection rate B, and the selection rate C. Therefore, the player can predict from the displayed combination of the types of balls whether the probability will be a probable variation big hit, the probability will be a non-probability variation big hit, or a deviance. That is, the combination of the types of balls displayed includes a big hit announcement function. In this way, the effect control means includes a special display result (probability variation jackpot design) and a non-special display result (non-probability variation jackpot design) as a specific display result (jackpot symbol), and a special display as a display result. When the result is displayed, if it is possible to control to a special game state (probably changed state in this embodiment) advantageous to the player after the specific game state (big hit game state) ends,
Depending on whether or not the display is a predetermined display, that is, whether or not the display result is a specific display result, or whether or not the display result is a special display, the method of allocating the options (selection of options Appearance ratio) is changing.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the selection process (step S801) of the selection effect. In the selection process of the selection effect, the effect control CPU 101 determines to use the table of the selection rate C when it is determined to be out (steps S661 and S6).
62). If it's decided to hit the jackpot,
If it is the probability variation big hit, it is decided to use the table of the selection rate B (steps S663 and S664). If it is a non-probable variation big hit, it is decided to use the table of the selection rate A (steps S663 and S665).

Next, the count value of the random number counter is read out and set as a random number value (step S666), and a combination of the left and right sphere types corresponding to the numerical value matching the random number value in the table decided to be used is selected (step S666). S66
7). Then, information indicating the selected left and right ball types is stored in the RAM.
(Step S668). After that, the value of the process flag indicating the control state is updated to a value according to the all symbol variation start process (step S669).

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the all symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process process. In the all symbol variation start processing, the effect control CPU 101 first selects process data to be used according to the variation pattern (step S88).
1). Then, the process timer corresponding to the performance execution data 1 is started (step S882). Further, based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data, L
CD control is performed (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. Further, the lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data 1 in the process data (step S884). For example, a signal according to the content of the lamp control execution data 1 is given to each lamp / LED. An address of the ROM is set in the lamp control execution data, more detailed control data is stored in an area starting from the address, and the lamp / LE according to the control data is stored.
It may be configured to perform D control.

The sound number data corresponding to the variation pattern is output to the sound output board 70 (step S885).
In the voice output board 70, the voice synthesis IC 703 is
Data corresponding to the sound number data is converted to the voice data ROM 704.
Then, a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the read data is generated and output to the amplifier circuit 705. Amplifier circuit 705
Outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the voice synthesis IC 703 to a level according to the volume set in the volume 707 to the speaker 27.

After that, the variable time timer (timer according to the variable time of the special symbol) is started (step S88).
6), the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation process (step S887).

27 and 28 are flowcharts showing the symbol changing process (step S803) in the effect control process process. In the symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the reach is established (the left and right symbols are stopped) (step S830). Whether or not the reach is established is confirmed, for example, by measuring the time from the start of the change until the left and right symbols are stopped. If the reach is not established, it is confirmed whether or not the reach is established (step S831). If the reach has not been established yet, the process proceeds to step S851. If the reach is established, the information indicating the ball types selected in step S667 and stored in the RAM is read out, and control is performed to display those ball types on the variable display device 9 (step S832, FIG. 22C). )reference). In addition, a selection valid period timer (for example, a timer that measures 5 seconds) is set (step S833), and control for starting notification of the valid period is performed (step S834, see FIG. 22C).
Then, it transfers to step S851.

After the reach is established, the production control CP
U101 updates the selection valid period timer (step S835). For example, the numerical value displayed in the selected effective period display area 162 is controlled to be decremented by 1 each time 1 second has elapsed. Note that the process of step S835 is not performed after the selection valid period has elapsed.

Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the effect after the selection of the type of ball (the effect shown in FIGS. 23F to 23H) is started (step S837). For example, if a flag indicating the stage of the selected effect is provided and the value of the flag is updated along with the progress of the stage of the effect, it is determined whether the effect after the selection of the type of ball is started by the value of the flag. Can be confirmed. While the effect after the selection of the pitch type is not started, it is confirmed whether or not the pitch type is selected (step S834). Specifically, the detection signals of the light receiving portions 19a and 19b forming the human body sensor are confirmed.

When it is confirmed that the sphere type has been selected, control is performed so as to increase the brightness of the display portion of the selected sphere type (steps S839, S830, see FIG. 22D).
At this time, if the other luminance is increased, the original luminance is restored. Then, it transfers to step S851.

When the selection effective period has elapsed, it is decided to use process data according to the selected sphere type (higher brightness sphere type) and the variable display result (whether to make a big hit or not) ( Steps S838, S841). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 22, when the player selects a curve and the variable display result is a hit, the process data corresponding thereto is selected, the player selects the curve, and the variable display result is out of alignment. In some cases, process data is selected accordingly. At this point, the variable display device 9 is controlled to display only the type of ball selected by the player (FIG. 22).
(See (E)). After that, the modes shown in FIGS. 23F to 23H are controlled based on the contents of the process data.

When the player does not select either type of ball, the predetermined type (for example, left side) of the type of ball is regarded as the selected type of ball.

Further, the effect control CPU 101 starts the process timer corresponding to the effect execution data 1 in the selected process data (step S841).
Further, LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data (step S843). For example, a signal according to the content of the display control execution data 1 is
It is given to the variable display device 9 by D. Also, based on the lamp control execution data 1 in the process data,
ED control is performed (step S844). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the lamp control execution data 1 is sent to each lamp / LE.
Give to D. Further, the sound number data corresponding to the selected mode (for example, the mode in which the curve is selected and the variable display result is a hit) is output to the audio output board 70 (step S845). In the voice output board 70, the voice synthesizing IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates a voice and a sound effect according to the read data, and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705.

When the process timer times out (step S851), the effect control CPU 101 determines that the process timer has timed out.
The effect control execution data in the process data is switched (step S852). That is, in the process data, the process timer set next is started (step S853), and the LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data set next (step S854). Further, the lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data set next in the process data (step S855).

Then, if the variable time timer has timed out (step S856), the value of the process flag is set to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (step S8).
57).

By the control of the effect control means as described above, the selected effect shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is realized. Further, the blinking control of the lamps / LEDs and the sound output control by the speaker 27 are realized in synchronization with the selection effect by the variable display device 9. Since the effect control means independently determines and executes the effect mode, the game control means does not have to perform any particular control while the selected effect is being performed.
That is, even if the interest of the game is further enhanced by the selection effect, the burden on the game control means does not increase. When the player does not select the presented option, the effect control unit regards the option determined in advance as the selected option and determines and effects the effect mode. To do. That is, the effect control means performs control for independently selecting the effect mode depending on whether or not the player has selected the presented option.

Embodiment 2. In the first embodiment (Embodiment 1), the player is presented with two options and is allowed to select one of the options, but more options may be presented. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example in which three options are presented and any one option is selected. The example shown in FIG. 29 is shown in FIG.
It is used instead of the screen shown in (C).

In the example shown in FIG. 29, three batters are displayed on the variable display device 9. One of them appears to be in the bat. In addition, the player touches the touch section 16
When a finger or the like is applied to 1a, the three batters move clockwise and the batter on the right side is displayed so as to enter the bat.
When a finger or the like is applied to 1b, it is displayed that three batters move counterclockwise and the batter on the left enters the bat.

Then, when the selection valid period has elapsed, only the batters who are in the bat are displayed, and thereafter, FIG.
The effect as shown in (I) is performed. However, in this embodiment, the information indicating the type of ball is not displayed on the screen (see FIG. 23 (G)). Then, on the screens shown in FIGS. 23 (G) and (H), the batter character displayed is the batter character selected by the player.

30 and 31 are explanatory views showing a configuration example of the option allocation table stored in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 80 in this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, in the option distribution table, data relating to the selection rate of the combination of the batter initially displayed in the center (bats), the batter displayed on the right side, and the batter displayed on the left side is set. There is.
Specifically, a plurality of numerical values out of 157 kinds of numerical values (for example, 0 to 156) are set according to each combination. There are no duplicate numbers between each combination. Then, the effect control CPU 101 searches the option distribution table for a numerical value that matches the random number value extracted from the random number counter that steps between 0 and 156, and selects the combination corresponding to the matched numerical value from the variable display device 9 Let each batter appear first in.

In the option distribution table, a table used when the probability variation big hit is made, a table used when the probability variation big hit is made and a table used when the probability variation big hit is set separately. further,
In the case of probability variation big hit, the table used when the probability variation big hit occurs at the first time, the third time, and the tenth time after the power is turned on to the gaming machine, the probability variation big hit at the second time, the fifth time, and the eighth time. The table used when the probability variation big hit occurs after the fourth time, the sixth time, the seventh time, the ninth time, and the eleventh time is properly used. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 counts the number of occurrences of the probability variation big hit, and uses one of the three shown in FIG. 30 according to the number of occurrences. That is, the method of distributing the options is changed according to the number of occurrences of the probability variation big hit.

As shown in FIG. 30, after the 11th time,
The ratio of appearance of combinations including the batter S is increased. That is, when the number of big hits is large, a combination including the batter S is likely to appear. As a result, it is recognized by the player that a large number of big hits have occurred in the gaming machine in which the combination including the batter S has appeared, and the player's motivation for playing the game is increased. The willingness of other players to participate in the gaming machine is also increased. In this way, by changing the method of allocating the options according to the number of big hits, it is possible to further attract the player's interest in the gaming machine. It should be noted that even before the eleventh time, when the predetermined number of big hits occur, consideration is given so that the rate of appearance of the batter S is increased and the interest of the game is not deteriorated.

In this embodiment, the method of distributing the options is changed according to the number of occurrences of the probability variation big hit.
As for the non-probable variation big hit, the method of allocating the options may be changed according to the number of occurrences. Further, regardless of whether the change is probable or not, the method of allocating the options may be changed according to the number of times the big hit occurs.

Further, as shown in FIG. 31, in the present embodiment, different tables are used for non-probability-variable jackpots and for out-of-probability variation jackpots. Then, among combinations of batters that can appear in the case of a probability-varying jackpot, there are those that do not appear in the case of a non-probability-varying jackpot or a combination thereof. Further, the method of allocating combinations of batters in the case of non-probability variation jackpot is different from the method of allocating combinations in the case of non-probability variation jackpot. As a result, it becomes possible for the player to predict whether it will be a probability-varying jackpot, an uncertain-varying jackpot, or a hit depending on the combination of batters. That is, the combination of batters displayed also includes a big hit announcement function.

Further, the distribution method of the combinations of batters may be changed according to the number of continuations of the big hit. In that case, for example, as shown in FIG.
"0th", "2nd, 5th, 8th", "4th, 6"
"The seventh, seventh, ninth, and eleventh and subsequent times" are defined as the number of continuous jackpots. The effect control CPU 101 includes a counter that counts the number of times the combination of the left, right, and right definite symbols becomes a big hit symbol, and clears the count value of the counter to 0 when the definite symbol combination does not become the big hit symbol. . Then, when determining the combination of batters, the table to be used is selected according to the count value of the counter.

With such a configuration, the ratio of appearance of the combination including the batter S is increased after the number of times the big hit is continued for the eleventh time and thereafter. That is, a combination including the batter S is likely to appear when the number of continuous big hits is large. By displaying a batter S who does not apply unless the big hit continues for a large number of times, the player can visually recognize to the other players that the batter S is enjoying the big hit many times. Therefore, the satisfaction of the player who is playing the game with the gaming machine can be further enhanced.

As in the case of the first embodiment, the effect control means uses one of the tables shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 as an option in the selection process of the selected effect. Select a batter combination. Then, as in the case of the first embodiment, in the symbol changing process, the player is caused to select a batter, and the process data corresponding to the determined variable display result and the selected batter. Can be selected and the selected effect can be executed according to the content of the selected process data.

In this embodiment as well, since the effect control means independently determines and executes the effect mode, the game control means does not have to perform any particular control while the selected effect is being effected. That is, even if the interest of the game is further enhanced by the selection effect, the burden on the game control means does not increase. In addition, when the player does not select the presented option, the effect control means selects a predetermined option (for example, a batter first displayed to be at bat). It is regarded as the selected option and the effect mode is determined and executed. That is, the effect control means performs control for independently selecting the effect mode depending on whether or not the player has selected the presented option.

Third embodiment. In each of the above embodiments,
Although a plurality of options have been presented to the player, one piece of information may be presented to the player, and the effect may be changed depending on whether or not the player selects that information. Figure 32
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for allowing the player to decide whether or not to select information. The example shown in FIG. 32 is used, for example, instead of the screen shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 32, the variable display device 9 has 1
The type of ball is displayed. Then, the player touches 1
When it is decided to hit the 61b with a finger or the like to select the type of the ball, the effect control CPU 101 determines in FIG.
The effect as shown in (I) is performed. When it is decided to make a big hit, as in the case of the first embodiment, a display is made as if a pitch was made by the player's selected ball type (the left side of (G)). If it is determined not to be a big hit (out), it is displayed as if a pitch was made by a ball type not selected by the player (see the right side of (G)).

It should be noted that in this embodiment, only one touch section needs to be present. That is, only one human body sensor needs to be provided.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a selection table stored in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 80 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33, data relating to the selection ratio of the type of sphere to be displayed is set in the selection table. Specifically, a plurality of numerical values out of 157 kinds of numerical values (for example, 0 to 156) are
It is set according to the type of pitch. There are no duplicate numbers between each type of ball. And CPU101 for production control is 0 to 1.
The selection table is searched for a numerical value that matches the random number value extracted from the random number counter that steps between 56, and the sphere type corresponding to the matched numerical value is the sphere type displayed on the variable display device 9.

In the selection table, a table used in the case of a probability variation big hit, a table used in the case of a non-probability variation big hit, and a table used in the case of a non-probability variation big hit are set separately (selection Rate A, Selectivity B, Selectivity C). The effect control CPU 101 confirms whether the variable display result of the symbol is a probability big hit, a non-probability big hit, or an outlier, and the selection rate A, the selection rate B, or the selection rate depending on the confirmation result. Decide to use the C table. The selection ratio of the sphere type is different between the tables of the selection ratio A, the selection ratio B, and the selection ratio C. Therefore, the player can predict from the displayed ball type whether it is a probability-varying jackpot, an uncertain-varying jackpot, or a deficit. That is, the type of balls displayed includes a big hit announcement function.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment (Embodiment 2), the selection rate of the ball type is changed according to the number of occurrences of the probability variation big hit, or the occurrence of the non-probability variation big hit. The selection rate of the type of ball may be changed according to the number of times. Further, regardless of the probability change / non-probability change, the selection ratio of the ball type may be changed according to the number of times the big hit occurs.

Then, the effect control means are the first and second
Similar to the case of the embodiment of the above, in the selection processing of the selection effect, the pitch type is selected using any one of the tables shown in FIG. 33. Then, in the symbol changing process, the player is caused to decide whether or not to select the type of ball, and at the same time, the process data corresponding to the decided variable display result and the decided result of the player are selected and selected. The effect can be executed according to the content of the process data.

As described above, in this embodiment, the effect control means performs control for independently selecting an effect mode depending on whether or not the player has selected the presented option (specifically, one piece of information). ing.

Fourth Embodiment In each of the above embodiments,
Although the options are displayed on the variable display unit 150 of the variable display device 9 as an image, an option notification device for notifying the options may be provided separately from the variable display unit 150. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the option notification devices 163a and 163b of the dot matrix type display device are provided. The production control means does not display the options on the variable display section 150 of the variable display device 9, and the option notification device 1
Information indicating options is displayed on 63a and 163b.
Other controls are the same as the controls of the first to third embodiments.

As the option notification devices 163a and 163b, not only the dot matrix type display device but also the 7-segment LED can be used as long as it can notify the player of the options.
Or other display device or display device such as a display device that displays only a lamp or LED corresponding to a selection from a plurality of lamps or LEDs (a display device that lights only the selection lamp or the selection LED). it can.

As described above, in each of the above embodiments,
As shown in FIG. 35, game control means 31A for controlling the progress of the game, and a plurality of types of effect means (variable display device 9, variable effect display device 9, for executing effects related to variable display of identification information based on commands from the game control means. The production control means 101A for controlling the lamp / LED, the speaker 27) and the selection means 161 for the player to input the selection input are provided, and the production control means 101A is based on the command received from the game control means 31A. Players have multiple choices A, B, C
Option presenting means 101a for presenting and selection means 161
Based on the selection input corresponding to which selection input is input to, the production determining means 101b for independently determining the production mode to be executed using a plurality of types of production means is included.

According to such a configuration, the player can feel as if the game effect has changed according to his / her selection by the selection effect, and can give the player a new interest. However, the game control means in the gaming machine decides whether or not to make a big hit, and in reality,
It is not decided by the player's choice whether or not to make a big hit. And when realizing the selection effect,
The game control means does not particularly perform new control, and the load on the game control means does not increase. Further, one effect control means is a display control of the variable display device 9, a lamp for effect,
Since the blinking control of the LED and the sound output control from the speaker 27 are performed, it is easy to establish synchronization among the electric parts for production. Further, when executing the selective effect, in terms of hardware, it is only necessary to provide a human body sensor on the game board, and it is not necessary to add other parts.

In the above embodiment, baseball is used as an example of the selection effect, but baseball is merely an example, and other games having game characteristics may be used.

Further, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the lamp driver board 35 which is bus-connected to the production CPU 101 is provided for the light emitter control, and the data ROM is provided for the sound control.
CP for the sound output board 70 on which is installed
Although data (sound number data) is output from U101, both may have the same configuration. In other words, the production CP for both light emitter control and sound control
CPU 101 for performance is provided by providing respective driver boards which are bus-connected to U101, and by mounting a data ROM on each board for light emitter control and sound control.
To output data (data designating a control data number).

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments has a predetermined game value when the stop symbol of the special symbol which is variably displayed on the variable display device 9 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols. The first that can be granted to the player
A card reader (CR: Card Reader) that is a kind of pachinko machine and lends a ball using a prepaid card.
Although it was the first-type pachinko gaming machine of the type, it is applicable not only to CR-type pachinko gaming machines that lend a ball by a prepaid card, but also to pachinko gaming machines that lend a ball by cash. Furthermore, if there is a prize in the predetermined area of the electric accessory to be released based on the starting prize, a second-class pachinko gaming machine that allows the player to be provided with a predetermined game value, and is variably displayed based on the starting prize. The present invention can be applied even to a third-class pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continues when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when a stop symbol of a pattern is a combination of predetermined symbols.

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

[0191]

As described above, in the invention according to claim 1, the effect control means for controlling a plurality of kinds of effect means presents the player with a plurality of options based on the command received from the game control means. Based on the option presenting means, the selection result of the display result pre-determining means specified by the received command, and which option the input of the selection operation by the selecting means corresponds to Since it is configured to include an effect determining unit that uniquely determines the effect mode to be executed, even when the predetermined effect mode is executed by using a plurality of types of effect means, the effect control means does not operate between the effect means. It is easy to control in synchronization with each other, and it is possible to further enhance the enjoyment of the game by increasing the contents of the effect without increasing the load on the game control means.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the effect control means sets the valid period of the operation of the selecting means, monitors the selection input from the selecting means within the valid period, and inputs the selection operation by the selecting means. Since it is configured to determine whether or not it corresponds to the option, the effect control unit does not need to constantly monitor the selection input from the selection unit, and the load on the effect control unit can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the invention, since the effect control means is configured to perform control for informing the effective period, the player can easily recognize the effective period of the operation of the selecting means. .

In the invention according to claim 4, the option selection means is configured to select the predetermined options at different ratios depending on whether or not the predetermined display result is the predetermined display result. Therefore, the player can predict the appearance of a predetermined display result based on the presented options.

In the invention according to claim 5, since the option selecting means is configured to select the specific option at different ratios according to the number of times of displaying the specific display result, the option presented to the player. By this, it is possible to perform an effect that raises the satisfaction of the player.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the effect control means controls the effect means based on the data stored in the ROM, and at least a part of the data relating to the control of the plurality of effect means is the same. Since it is stored in the ROM, the number of parts can be reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there are provided a production control board on which the production control means is mounted, and a driver board which generates an operation signal for operating the production means on the basis of a signal output from the production control board. Since they are separately provided, it is possible to change the model only by exchanging only the driver board of both boards.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the effect control means includes the effect control CPU, and the driver board is provided with an input port which is bus-connected to the effect control CPU and takes in the selection input from the selection means. Therefore, the versatility of the effect control board can be further enhanced.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, on the driver board, a sound data ROM storing data for generating a sound output from the sound output means as a presentation means, and a sound output from the presentation control means. A voice synthesis I for selecting data stored in the sound data ROM based on designated data and controlling the sound output means based on the selected data.
Since C is mounted, it is possible to reduce the load on the performance control means mounted on the performance control board.

[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).

It is the block diagram which shows the circuit constitution example of the production control baseplate, the lamp driver baseplate and the audio output baseplate.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the human body sensor.

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

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

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

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how to distribute a variation pattern.

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

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing special symbol normal processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process.

It is the explanation drawing which shows the signal line of production control command.

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

It is the explanation drawing which shows one example of the contents of the production control command.

It is the flowchart which shows the main processing which the production control CPU executes.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a command reception buffer.

It is the flowchart which shows the production control process treatment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection effect.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection effect.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an option allocation table.

It is the flowchart which shows the selection processing of selective production.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an all symbol variation start process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a process during symbol change.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing a symbol changing process.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen that presents three options and selects any one option.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an option allocation table.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of an option allocation table.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for allowing the player to decide whether or not to select information.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a selection table.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an option notification device is provided.

FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine 9 Variable display 17a, 17b Light emitting part (human body sensor) 19a, 19b Light receiving part (human body sensor) 31 Main board 31A Game control means 35 Lamp driver board 56 CPU 70 Audio output board 80 Production control board 101 CPU for production control 101A production control means 101a option presenting means 101b Production determination means 150 variable display 161 selection means 163a, 163b Choice alarm

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takayuki Ishikawa             Gunma Prefecture Kiryu City Sakaino-cho 6-460 Stock             Company Sankyo F term (reference) 2C088 AA33 AA35 AA36 AA37 AA39                       AA42 AA55 BC07

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine having variable display means capable of changing a display state, and capable of controlling to a specific game state advantageous to a player when a display result on the variable display means becomes a specific display result. There is a display result pre-determining means for pre-determining whether or not the display result is a specific display result, a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and based on a command from the game control means, The production control means includes a production control means for controlling a plurality of types of production means for performing production related to variable display of identification information, and a selection means for inputting a selection operation of a player, wherein the production control means is the game control means. Option presenting means for presenting a plurality of options to the player based on the command received from the player, the determination result of the display result predetermining means specified by the received command, and the selecting hand. Characterized in that it includes an effect determining means for independently determining an effect mode to be executed by using the effect means of the plurality of types, based on which option the input of the selection operation by the step corresponds to the input. A gaming machine to do. 2. The effect control means sets a valid period of operation of the selecting means, monitors a selection input from the selecting means within the valid period, and selects which input is selected by the selecting means. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the game machine corresponds. 3. The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the effect control means performs control for notifying the effective period. 4. An option selecting means for selecting an option presented by the option presenting means is provided, and the option selecting means determines whether a predetermined display result is a predetermined display result. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein options are selected at different ratios. 5. An option selecting means for selecting an option presented by the option presenting means is provided, and the option presenting means selects the specific option at different ratios according to the number of times of displaying the specific display result. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The production control means controls the production means on the basis of the data stored in the ROM, and stores at least a part of the data relating to the control of the plurality of production means in the same ROM. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. An effect control board equipped with effect control means, and a driver board which separately generates an operation signal for operating the effect means based on a signal output from the effect control board. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The production control means includes a production control CPU, and the driver board is provided with an input port which is bus-connected to the production control CPU and which receives a selection input from the selection means. Amusement machine. 9. The driver substrate is provided with a sound data ROM storing data for generating a sound output from a sound output unit as a rendering unit, and the sound designation data output from the rendering control unit. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein a data stored in a sound data ROM is selected, and a voice synthesizing IC that controls the sound output means based on the selected data is mounted.