JP2004000758A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Gaming machine

The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by a pachinko machine, particularly if it can not receive a stop command at the display control means despite the end timing of the variable display has come even hinder the control of the variable display without causing a is relates to the gaming machine capable of performing the control properly.

  The main control board that controls the game of the pachinko machine includes a payout control board that controls the payout of prize balls and loaned balls, a sound effect control board that controls the output of sound effects, and a display control such as a symbol variation display. A display control board to be performed is connected. Among these boards, the control of the display control board is performed by a control command transmitted from the main control board to the display control board. This control command is subdivided so that the same variable portion can be controlled by the same control command.

  In the case where the display device for performing variable display of symbols is composed of three rows of upper, middle, and lower rows, and the variable display is performed while horizontally scrolling from right to left for each of the three rows, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the control commands (1) to (10) are transmitted from the main control board to the display control board, and a series of symbol variation display is performed.

  First, the control command (1) starts the display of symbols in a variable manner for all three lines of the upper, middle and lower rows. Next, the symbols are replaced by the control command (2) for the upper symbol, the control command (3) for the middle symbol, and the control command (4) for the lower symbol. The control command (5) decelerates the fluctuation display of all three lines that are changing at a high speed, and the control command (6) causes the display in the upper and lower rows to fluctuate back and forth repeatedly, and The middle-stage fluctuation display is set to the medium speed fluctuation. Further, the control command (7) causes the middle display to change to a low-speed change, and then the control command (8) stops the upper display, and the control command (9) stops the lower display. Then, the variable display in the middle stage is stopped by the control command (10). As a result, the variable display of all three lines stops, and a series of variable display ends.

  Since the control command for controlling the variable display is transmitted from the main control board to the display control board at each point where the state of the variable display changes, most control of the variable display is performed by the main control board. It will be. For this reason, the control load on the main control board is increased, which may interfere with other controls executed on the main control board, or may cause a program of the main control board having a limited capacity to control variable display. The capacity and data capacity are increased, which makes program development of the main control board difficult.

In view of this, the applicant of the present invention has invented a gaming machine in Japanese Patent Application No. 11-164210 (unknown), which comprises a minimum of three types of control commands transmitted from the main control board and controls variable display. Minimum 3 kinds control commands, along with starting the variable display, stop symbol determining a variation pattern commands showing the fluctuation pattern of the variable display, the stop symbols stopped and displayed on the LCD display at the end of the variable display and the decision for the command, composed by a stop command to specify the end timing of the variable display.

According to the invention, it is possible to show the fluctuations patterns at a time by the variation pattern command, for each point variable display state changes without the need to transmit control commands from the main control board, the main control The load of controlling the variable display by the substrate can be reduced. Therefore, the program capacity and data capacity mounted on the main control board for controlling the variable display can be reduced, and the program development of the main control board can be facilitated.

  Here, since the control command is transmitted from the main control board to the display control board and other sub-boards in only one direction, the control command transmitted from the main control board is normally transmitted by the display control board and the sub-board. Cannot be determined by the main control board. Further, the display control board or the sub board cannot request the main control board to transmit a predetermined control command.

Therefore, even if the arrival of the end timing of the shown in the variation pattern command variable display, when the stop command stop from the main control board is not transmitted, the display control board, also exit the variable display, the main not can also request transmission of the stop command stops the control board, there is a problem that disturbed the subsequent control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and does not hinder the control of the variable display even when the display control means cannot receive a stop command despite the end timing of the variable display. without causing a has an object to provide a gaming machine capable of performing the control properly.

Gaming machine of claim 1, wherein in order to achieve the object, a main control unit for performing a display device for displaying a pattern, control the gaming, the display on the basis of a control command sent from the main control unit apparatus and a display control means for causing the variable display of the symbols, the control command transmitted from the main control means includes a variation pattern commands showing the fluctuation pattern of the variable display, wherein the variable display a command for stop symbol determination used when determining the stop symbols stopped and displayed on the display device at the end, at least constituted by a stop command to terminate the pre-symbol variable display, wherein the display control means And stopping the stop symbol determined based on the stop symbol determination command on the display device when the stop command is received. When the stop command cannot be received even when the end timing of the fluctuation display based on the turn command arrives, the operation means for displaying the symbol in operation, and the symbol displayed in operation by the operation means receives the stop command. End means for stopping and displaying the information.

According to the claim 1 gaming machine according by variation pattern command sent from the main control unit, it is indicated that fluctuations patterns of variable display executed on the display device, the stop symbol determination command, change patterns co stop symbols stopped and displayed on the display device at the end of the shown has been variably displayed is determined by the command, based on these control commands, variable display of the symbols is performed by the display control unit. Results the variable display is advanced, the end timing of the variable display has come, stop command stop from the main control unit is transmitted. When the stop command by the display control unit is received, is displayed stopped to stop symbols determined by the stop symbol determination command display device, thereby fluctuation display is completed.
Here, if the stop command cannot be received by the display control means even if the end timing of the variable display comes, the symbol is operatively displayed by the operating means. During this, if the stop command by the display control means is received by the termination means, symbols being operated display is caused to display stopped, the display is terminated varies.
Gaming machine of claim 2 wherein the Oite to claim 1 gaming machine described in the operating display by said operating means is that the design is carried out in the vicinity of the stop position is the stop display.
Gaming machine of claim 3 is Oite the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, operating display by said operating means is a moving display for back and forth in the vicinity of the stop position in a predetermined direction or a reverse direction is there.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the operation display by the operation means is to enlarge and reduce the symbol.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the operation display by the operation means keeps moving the symbol in an animation manner.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to show the fluctuations patterns at a time by the variation pattern command, there is no need to transmit the control command from the main control unit for each point variable display state changes . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden of controlling the variable display by the main control means, and to reduce the program capacity and data capacity mounted on the main control means for controlling the variable display, thereby reducing the program development of the main control means. There is an effect that it can be facilitated. Further, the substrate for controlling the fluctuation receives and displays the variation pattern command (e.g., sub-unit and the display control means) at the side, to change the control of the variable display, due to its change, the main control The content (pattern) of the variable display can be changed without changing the control of the means . Thus, while sharing the main control unit (programs), in the case of simply replacing the sub-unit and the display control means connected to the main control means, by itself, to carry out a variable display differently on the display device There is an effect that can be.
Furthermore, even if the arrival of the end timing of the display is shown by the variation pattern command change, if it can not receive a stop command at the display control means, pattern is operated displayed by the operation unit, during this time, the control display When the stop command is received by the means, the symbol being operated and displayed is stopped and displayed by the ending means, and the variable display ends. Accordingly, even when the stop command cannot be received by the display control means despite the arrival of the end timing of the variable display, the control can be performed normally without hindering the control of the variable display. effective. Further, since the variable display by receiving the display control means stop command transmitted from the main control unit is completed, the timing of transmitting and receiving stop command, to grasp the timing of variation displayed is actually terminated There is an effect that can be.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine, which is a kind of a ball-and-ball game machine, will be described as an example of a game machine, in particular, a first-type pachinko game machine. Note that it is naturally possible to use the present invention for a third-type pachinko game machine and other game machines.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of the pachinko machine P of the first embodiment. Around the game board 1, there are provided a plurality of winning ports 2 from which 5 to 15 balls are paid out when a hit ball wins. In the center of the game board 1, a liquid crystal (LCD) display 3 for displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols as identification information is provided. The display screen of the LCD display 3 is divided into three parts in the horizontal direction, and in each of the three divided display areas, symbols are displayed while being scrolled from right to left in the horizontal direction.

  Below the LCD display 3, a symbol operation port (first type start port) 4 is provided, and when the hit ball passes through the symbol operation port 4, the above-described variable display of the LCD display 3 is started. Below the symbol operating port 4, a specific winning port (large winning port) 5 is provided. When the display result after the change of the LCD display 3 matches one of the predetermined symbol combinations, the specific winning opening 5 becomes a big hit and a predetermined time (for example, 30) is set so that the hit ball can easily win. The winning opening is opened until the second elapses or until 10 hit balls are won. The specific winning opening 5 is provided with a V zone 5a. If a hit ball passes through the V zone 5a while the specific winning opening 5 is open, a continuation right is established and the specific winning opening 5 is closed. Thereafter, the specific winning opening 5 is opened again for a predetermined time (or until a predetermined number of hit balls are won in the specific winning opening 5). The opening and closing operation of the specific winning opening 5 can be repeated up to 16 times (16 rounds), and a state in which the opening and closing operation can be performed is a state in which a predetermined game value is given (a special game state). is there.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine P. The main control board C of the pachinko machine P has an MPU 11 which is an arithmetic unit, a ROM 12 which stores various control programs executed by the MPU 11 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data. A RAM 13 as a memory is mounted. The programs in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are stored in the ROM 12 as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 13 includes a transmission buffer 13a and a command counter 13b. The transmission buffer 13a is a buffer for storing a control command transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for controlling the variable display of the LCD display 3. Since the control command is composed of 2 bytes, the transmission buffer 13a is also composed of 2 bytes. The control command set (written) to the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by a timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where the display screen of the LCD display 3 is divided into nine display areas. As described above, the variable display according to the present embodiment is performed while horizontally scrolling in the direction of arrow A in each of the three display areas 3a, 3b, and 3c divided into three in the horizontal direction. The three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three in the horizontal direction are further divided into three in the vertical direction to form nine display areas 3a1,..., 3c3, and the nine display areas 3a1,. , 3c3, as shown in FIG. 3, nine symbol numbers 32a of "Symbol 1 to Symbol 9" are displayed.

  The command counter 13b shown in FIG. 2 is a counter for indicating the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the LCD display 3 designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 (see FIG. 5) which is a kind of control command. "In the range" 1 ". When the value of the command counter 13b is in the range of "1 to 9", the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the symbol number 32a (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b are designated. When the value of the command counter 13b is "10", no display area is specified.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus line 14, and the bus line 14 is also connected to an input / output port 15. The input / output port 15 is connected to the display control board D and other input / output devices 16. The main control board C sends various commands to the display control board D and other input / output devices 16 via the input / output port 15 to control those devices. The connection between the main control board C and the display control board D is made via two buffers (inverter gates) 17 and 28 having fixed inputs and outputs. Therefore, transmission and reception of control commands between the main control board C and the display control board D are performed only in one direction from the main control board C to the display control board D. A control command or the like cannot be transmitted to the board C.

  The display control board D includes an MPU 21, a program ROM 22, a work RAM 23, a video RAM 24, a character ROM 25, an image controller 26, an input port 29, and an output port 27. The input of the input port 29 is connected to the output of the inverter gate 28, and the output of the input port 29 is connected to a bus line connecting the MPU 21, the program ROM 22, and the work RAM 23. The image controller 26 is connected to the input of the output port 27, and the LCD display 3 is connected to the output of the output port 27.

  The MPU 21 of the display control board D controls the (fluctuation) display of the LCD display 3 based on the control command transmitted from the main control board C. Various control programs to be performed are stored. The programs in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 are stored in the program ROM 22 as a part of the control program. The data of the default symbols shown in FIG. 7 are also stored in the program ROM 22.

  The work RAM 23 is a memory in which work data and flags used when the MPU 21 executes various programs are stored. The work RAM 23 includes a reception buffer 23a, a command reception flag 23b, nine stop symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k, It has upper, middle and lower symbol replacement flags 231 to 23n.

  The reception buffer 23a is a buffer for receiving a control command transmitted from the main control board C. Since the control command is composed of 2 bytes, the reception buffer 23a is also composed of 2 bytes. The command reception flag 23b is a flag that is turned on when a new control command is stored in the reception buffer 23a. When the command reception flag 23b is turned on, the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is read, and the variable display of the LCD display 3 is controlled based on the read control command. The command reception flag 23b once turned on is turned off when a control command is read from the reception buffer 23a.

  The stop symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k are memories for storing a symbol code 32b (see FIG. 5) of the stop symbol transmitted by the stop symbol designation command 32, which is a kind of control command, and the LCD display 3 In total, nine stop symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k are provided, one for each of the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 (see FIG. 3). The details of the stopped symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k will be described later.

  The upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 indicates that, among the three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three in the horizontal direction of the LCD display 3, a symbol that is variably displayed in the upper display area 3a has been replaced. Is a flag for indicating. The fluctuation display started by the fluctuation pattern specification command 31 must end with a stop symbol specified by the stop symbol specification command 32 after producing a series of fluctuation patterns specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command. Therefore, the symbols are exchanged for each symbol during the high-speed variation display so that a series of variation patterns ends with the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32. The upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is a flag that is turned on when such a symbol replacement is performed on the upper display area 3a. The upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is turned off at the start of the variable display.

  Similar to the upper symbol replacement flag 231, the middle symbol replacement flag 23 m is a flag for indicating that a symbol that is variably displayed in the middle display area 3 b of the LCD display 3 has been replaced. This flag is turned off at the start of the variable display and turned on when a symbol is replaced in the middle display area 3b. Further, the lower symbol replacement flag 23n is a flag for indicating that a symbol that is variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD display 3 has been replaced, and is the same as the upper symbol replacement flag 231. The flag is turned off at the start of the variable display, and is turned on when the symbols are replaced in the lower display area 3c.

  The video RAM 24 is a memory in which display data displayed on the LCD display 3 is stored. By rewriting the contents of the video RAM 24, the display contents of the LCD display 3 are changed. That is, the change display of the symbols in each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 is performed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 24. The character ROM 25 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the LCD display 3. The image controller 26 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 21, the video RAM 24, and the output port 27, intervenes in reading and writing of data, and displays the display data stored in the video RAM 24 at a predetermined timing with reference to the character ROM 25. This is to be displayed on the display 3.

  Next, a control command transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for controlling the variable display will be described with reference to FIGS. The control command is composed of three types of commands: a variation pattern designation command 31, a stop symbol designation command 32, and a symbol stop command 33. Since the control command is composed of two bytes, the most significant bit is set in the first byte command code and the second byte command code is set in order to distinguish the first byte from the second byte command code. The code has the most significant bit reset.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a command code of the variation pattern designation command 31 and the contents of the command. The fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is a command for starting the fluctuation display and specifying a series of fluctuation patterns from the start to the end of the fluctuation display. The command code in the first byte is C0H or C1H, and a total of 56 types of variation patterns are prepared.

  The control of the fluctuation display specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command 31 is performed by the display control board D that has received the fluctuation pattern specification command 31. Therefore, the content of the control program of the display control board D must be changed. Thus, the contents of the fluctuation display for the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 of the same code can be changed. That is, the contents of the variable display can be changed only by changing the control program of the display control board D without changing the control program of the main control board C.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the correspondence between the command code of the stop symbol designation command 32 and the symbol number 32a designated by the command code. As described above, the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 shown in FIG. 3 are associated with the respective symbol numbers 32a. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the correspondence between 20 types of symbol codes 32b and symbol names 32c.

  The stop symbol designation command 32 is a command for designating a symbol that is stopped and displayed in each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the LCD display 3 at the end of the variation display of the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31. . The stop symbol designation command 32 is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for each of the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the LCD display 3 after the variation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted and the variation display is started. Sent to

  The stop symbol designation command 32 is composed of 2 bytes, similarly to the variation pattern designation command 31. In the first byte of the stop symbol designating command 32, a command code designating the display areas 3a1-3c3 of the symbols 1-9 is set. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the first byte command code of the stop symbol designation command 32 is “90H”, the display area 3a1 of symbol 1 is “A0H”, and the display area 3b1 of symbol 2 is “A0H”. ,..., “B2H”, the display area 3c3 of the symbol 9 is specified. In the second byte of the stop symbol designation command 32, a symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the symbols 1 to 9 designated by the command code of the first byte is set. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, "10H" is displayed when the symbol to be stopped and displayed is "octopus", "11H" is displayed when "Harisenbon" is displayed,. In the case of "(2)", "23H" is set as the second byte code of the stop symbol designation command 32, respectively.

  Upon receiving the stop symbol designation command 32, the display control board D considers the variation pattern being executed, and ends the variation display with the symbol of the symbol code 32b designated by the stop symbol designation command 32, Replace the moving symbol. Since the symbol replacement is performed only when the variable display is fluctuating at a high speed, the player does not notice that the symbol replacement has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, different symbols are assigned to all symbols. In particular, the symbol names 32c "Shark (1)" and "Shark (2)" are displayed as exactly the same symbol on the LCD display 3, but as shown in FIG. And a different symbol code 32b of “23H”. Similarly, the symbol names 32c “shellfish (1)” to “shellfish (10)” are displayed as exactly the same symbol on the LCD display 3, but as shown in FIG. 5B, “19H” to “22H”. Are given.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 in the upper, middle, and lower stages. FIG. 6A schematically illustrates the configuration of the upper virtual symbol reel 41 that is variably displayed in the upper display area 3 a of the LCD display 3. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), 18 kinds of symbols of "shellfish (9)", "crab", "shellfish (8)",... After the last "octopus" symbol, the symbols are returned to the top symbol, and the "shell (9)", "crab", "shell (8)",. Is done. The upper virtual symbol reel 41 is variably displayed in the upper display area 3a of the LCD display 3 in the order of arrangement of the symbols.

  Similarly, FIG. 6C schematically illustrates the configuration of the lower virtual symbol reel 43 that is variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD display 3. As shown in FIG. 6C, the lower virtual symbol reel 43 has an arrangement completely opposite to the arrangement of the upper virtual symbol reel 41, and has 18 types of symbols “octopus”, “shell (1)”, "Harisenbon", ..., "shellfish (9)" are arranged in this order. After the final symbol of “shellfish (9)”, the symbols of “octopus”, “shellfish (1)”, “harris bomb”,. The lower virtual symbol reel 43 is variably displayed in the lower display area 3c of the LCD display 3 in the order of arrangement of the symbols.

  FIG. 6B schematically illustrates the configuration of the middle-stage virtual symbol reel 42 that is variably displayed in the middle display area 3 b of the LCD display 3. As shown in FIG. 6B, two types of symbols, “shark (2)” and “shellfish (10)”, are provided at the end of the array of the lower virtual symbol reels 43 on the middle virtual symbol reel 42. A total of 20 additional symbols are arranged in order. As in the case of the upper and lower virtual symbol reels 41 and 43, after the last symbol of the "shell (10)", return to the first symbol and return to "octopus", "shell (1)", "harris bon". ,... Are arranged. The middle-stage virtual symbol reels 42 are variably displayed in the middle-stage display area 3b of the LCD display 3 in the arrangement order of the symbols.

Therefore, for each of the nine display areas 3a1-3c3, even if there is a partial missing in the stop symbol designation command 32 transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D, each row (upper / middle) If the at least one stop symbol designation command 32 has been normally received for the lower stage, the symbol code 32b of the missing stop symbol designation command 32 can be calculated. That is, different symbol codes 32b are assigned to all symbols and the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 (see FIG. 6) is fixed, so that the stop transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D is stopped. Even if the symbol designating command 32 is partially missing, it is possible to calculate the symbol code 32b of the missing stopped symbol designating command 32 and perform normal fluctuation display (and stop display at the end of the fluctuation display). You can.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a default symbol used in the present embodiment. The default symbol is a symbol used as a stop symbol instead of the original stop symbol when a stop symbol cannot be designated by the stop symbol designation command 32. For example, it is used when a stop symbol cannot be designated at all because an error occurs during transmission and reception of the stop symbol designation command 32.

  As described above, the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 is fixed, and different symbol codes 32b are assigned to the symbols constituting the respective virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 (see FIG. 6). . Therefore, even if any error occurs during transmission / reception of the stop symbol designation command 32, if at least one stop symbol can be normally received in each of the upper, middle, and lower display areas 3a, 3b, 3c, the corresponding symbol is displayed. All other stop symbols can be calculated.

  However, when all of the three stop symbols of the first stage cannot be received, or even when two or three stop symbols of the first stage can be received, the arrangement of the symbols does not match the arrangement of the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43. In this case, it is not possible to calculate the symbol code 32b of another stop symbol in the stage from the symbol code 32b of one stop symbol. As described above, when there is a stop symbol that is not specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 (undesignated stop symbol) or a stop symbol that is incorrectly specified (erroneously specified stop symbol), the undesignated or incorrect designation is made. When the stop symbol cannot be calculated, the default symbol is used as the stop symbol in place of the undesignated or incorrectly designated stop symbol.

  The default symbol is composed of a set (combination) of nine symbols, and the nine symbols are associated with nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the LCD display 3, respectively. Specifically, in the upper display area 3a of the LCD display 3, default symbols of “shellfish (3)”, “turtle”, and “shellfish (2)” are displayed in order from the left, and in the middle display area 3b, “shellfish”. (3) "," Shark (1) "and" shellfish (4) "are displayed in the default pattern, and the lower display area 3c is displayed in the default pattern of" shellfish (9) "," octopus "and" shellfish (1) ". Are associated with each other.

  The default symbol is not a jackpot display with the opening of the special winning opening 5, but a combination of symbols constituting a loss display. Therefore, when an error occurs during transmission / reception of the stop symbol designation command 32 and the default symbol is used instead of the original stop symbol, the stop display on the LCD display 3 at the end of the variable display is a loss display, and a big hit It does not appear.

  The jackpot determination is performed on the control of the main control board C. If a loss is determined on the control of the main control board C, the loss display on the LCD display 3 by the default pattern is performed on the main control board C. Is the same as the control determination result. Therefore, even if the default symbol is used instead of the original stop symbol, there is no problem with the progress of the game.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit under the control of the main control board C, the misalignment display of the LCD display 3 with the default symbol does not match the determination result under the control of the main control board C. Although the variable display ends with the losing display, a big hit occurs and the large winning opening 5 is opened, and the player is satisfied rather than dissatisfied. It should be noted that since the jackpot was originally generated, there is no problem even if the jackpot is controlled by the main control board C.

  By configuring the default symbol as a lost symbol (a symbol that is displayed as a lost symbol), even if an error occurs during transmission / reception of the stop symbol designation command 32, the game can be continued while satisfying the player. You can do it.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the command code of the symbol stop command 33 and the contents of the command. The symbol stop command 33 is a command for stopping (fixing) a symbol variably displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 of the designated symbol number 32a. When the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33, the stop symbols already designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 are stopped and displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 designated by the symbol stop command 33, and the display area is displayed. The symbols 3a1-3c3 are determined. That is, the variable display of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 specified by the symbol stop command 33 ends. When the symbols in all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are determined by the symbol stop command 33, a series of variable display started by the variable pattern designation command 31 ends.

  The display control board D considers the contents of the variation pattern designation command 31 and the stop symbol designation command 32, and displays the display areas 3a1-3c3 to which the symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 at the timing of the variation display termination. Are replaced in advance during the high-speed fluctuation of the fluctuation display. In addition, the main control board C controls the symbol stop command 33 to be transmitted to the display control board D at the timing when the variation pattern of the variation display designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 ends. Therefore, the symbol stop display (determination) by the symbol stop command 33 is smoothly performed without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

  In addition, as a result of the transmission timing of the symbol stop command 33 from the main control board C being delayed, the symbol stop command 33 is received by the display control board D even though the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31 has ended. If not, the display control board D continues the display in which the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 goes back and forth in the corresponding display areas 3a1-3c3, that is, the so-called right and left display. (See FIG. 16). When the symbol stop command 33 is received from the main control board C, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 is stopped and displayed at the center of the corresponding display area 3a1-3c3, and the symbols in the display areas 3a1-3c3 are displayed. Determine.

  On the other hand, as a result of the transmission timing of the symbol stop command 33 from the main control board C being advanced, the display control board D is switched to the symbol stop command even before the end of the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31. When the control symbol D is received, the display control board D stops the stop symbol already designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 at the center of the corresponding display area 3a1-3c3 even before the end of the variation pattern. The symbols are displayed and the symbols in the display areas 3a1-3c3 are determined.

  The symbol stop command 33 includes nine types of commands for individually determining the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3, one type of command for determining all the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 at one time, and There are three types of commands for individually determining the symbols of the three display areas 3a, 3b, 3c divided into three stages of a middle stage and a lower stage, and a total of thirteen types of commands are prepared. Of these, a symbol stop command 33 ((1) “80H, 0BH”, (2) “80H, 0CH” for fixing three symbols at a time for each of the upper, middle, and lower rows serving as scroll units. , (3) “80H, 0DH”), the control allows the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 displayed on the display of the LCD display 3 to be scrolled in the same manner as the scroll of the actual symbol reels. It is possible to further enhance the interest of the player.

  Next, each process executed by the pachinko machine P configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the reset interrupt processing executed every 4 ms in the main control board C of the pachinko machine P. The main control of the pachinko machine P is executed by this reset interrupt processing.

  In the reset interrupt processing, first, a stack pointer is set (S1), and a pattern written in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 is checked (S2). As a result of the check, if the predetermined pattern is written in the predetermined area, the RAM 13 is normal without any abnormality (S2: normal), and the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, as a result of the check in S2, if the predetermined pattern is not written in the predetermined area, it is the reset interrupt processing executed first after the power is turned on, or the RAM 13 is abnormal (S2: abnormal). In this case, the process proceeds to S21, where the contents of the RAM 13 are temporarily cleared, and then an initial value is written into the RAM 13 (S21), and the process waits for the next reset interrupt process. The initial value written in the RAM 13 in the process of S21 includes a predetermined pattern checked in the process of S2.

  In the process of S3, the timer interrupt is set (S3). The timer interrupt set here includes a timer interrupt for generating a strobe signal for transmitting a control command for controlling the variable display of the LCD display 3 to the display control board D. After the setting of the timer interrupt, each interrupt is enabled (S4). After the interruption is permitted, the output data updated in the previous reset interrupt processing is simultaneously processed by the special symbol change processing (S15), the display data creation processing (S17), the ramp / information processing (S18), and the like. A port output process for outputting to a port is executed (S5).

  Further, a random number update process (S6) for updating the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot by "+1" is executed, and a storage timer subtraction process is executed (S7). The storage timer subtraction process is for shortening the time required for the symbol fluctuation display when the number of reserved balls for the jackpot determination is equal to or more than a predetermined number and the symbol display is being displayed on the LCD display 3.

  In the switch reading process (S8), the value of each switch is read, and the hitting ball 2 hit into the game area 1 wins the winning opening 2 or the large winning opening 5 (including the V zone 5a), and the symbol operating opening 4 passes. And a process for detecting a prize ball or a lending ball. The count abnormality monitoring process (S9) is a process for monitoring whether there is an abnormality in the switch data read by the switch reading process of S8. For example, even if the special winning opening 5 is opened and the hit ball is detected by the V count switch for detecting the passing of the hit ball through the V zone 5a, the winning in the special winning opening 5 other than the V zone 5a is detected. If one ball cannot be detected by the count switch, the 10 count switch has some abnormality, for example, the 10 count switch is removed. In addition, if one prize ball is not paid out even though the motor for paying out the prize ball is driven, some abnormality has occurred in the prize ball payout device. As described above, in the count abnormality monitoring process (S9), the presence or absence of the above-described abnormality is monitored based on the switch data read in the switch reading process (S8).

  In the symbol counter updating process (S10), a counter updating process for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed as a result of the variable display performed on the LCD display 3 is performed. Further, in the symbol check process (S11), based on the value of the counter updated in the symbol counter update process (S10), a big hit symbol used in the special symbol variation process (S15), a lost symbol, and a reach symbol. Is determined.

  In the processing from S3 to S11, if no error has occurred (S12: normal), the fluctuation display of the 7-segment LED (not shown) is performed by the normal symbol fluctuation processing (S13), and the result of the fluctuation display is performed. In the case where a hit occurs, a hitting process is executed to open the ordinary electric accessory (not shown) for a predetermined time. After that, the state flag is checked (S14), and if the symbol change is started or displayed on the LCD display 3 (S14: Symbol is being changed), the special ball change process (S15) causes the ball to hit the symbol operating port 4 by the special symbol change process (S15). Based on the value of the random number counter read at the timing of passing, it is determined whether or not a big hit has occurred, and symbol variation processing is executed on the LCD display 3. On the other hand, as a result of checking the state flag, if a big hit is being made (S14: big hit), a big hit process (S16) such as opening the big winning opening 5 is executed. Further, as a result of checking the state flag, if the symbol is not fluctuating or a big hit (S14: other), the processing of S15 and S16 is skipped, and the process proceeds to the display data creation processing of S17. When an error is confirmed in the process of S12 (S12: error), the processes of S13 to S16 are skipped, and the process proceeds to the display data creation process of S17.

  In the display data creation process (S17), demonstration data to be displayed on the LCD display 3 and display data of a 7-segment LED are created in addition to the symbol change display. Various lamp data including data are created. In the sound effect processing (S19), sound effect data according to the game situation is created. The display data and the sound effect data are output to each device by the port output process (S5) and the timer interrupt process described above.

  After the end of the sound effect processing (S19), the symbol counter updating processing (S20), which is the same processing as that of S10, is repeatedly executed for the remaining time until the next reset interrupt processing occurs. Since the execution time of each processing of S1 to S19 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next reset interrupt processing occurs is not a fixed time. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the symbol counter updating process (S20) using the remaining time, the stopped symbols can be changed at random.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a command setting process executed in the special symbol change process (S15) of the reset interrupt process in FIG. In this command setting process, a variation pattern designation command 31, a stop symbol designation command 32, and a symbol stop command 33, which are control commands for controlling the variation display on the LCD display 3, are transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D. This is a process for writing (setting) each of the commands 31 to 33 into the transmission buffer 13a.

  In the command setting process, first, the state of the variable display is checked by the state check flag (S31). As a result of the check, if the fluctuation display is started (S31: fluctuation start), the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is written into the transmission buffer 13a (S32), the value of the command counter 13b is set to "1" (S33), and this processing is performed. finish. As described above, the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D byte by byte by the timer interruption process set in the process of S3.

  In the process of S31, as a result of checking the state flag, if the symbol is being displayed in a variable display (S31: During the variable display), it is checked whether or not the value of the command counter 13b is "9" or less (S34). If the value of the command counter 13b is equal to or less than "9" (S34: Yes), the first byte of the stop symbol designation command 32 corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is written to the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a (S35). Based on the correspondence shown in FIG. 5A, for example, if the value of the command counter 13b is "1", "90H" is obtained, if the value of the command counter 13b is "2", "A0H" is obtained. .. If the value of the command counter 13b is "9", "B2H" is written to the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a.

  Further, the symbol code 32b of the stop symbol corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is written to the lower byte of the transmission buffer 13a (S36). For example, if the value of the command counter 13b is "1", the symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of the symbol 1 (3a1) is obtained. If the value of the command counter 13b is "2", the symbol 2 (3b1) is displayed. ), The symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area is the symbol code 32b of the symbol stopped and displayed in the display area of symbol 9 (3c3) if the value of the command counter 13b is "9". Are written to the lower byte of the transmission buffer 13a based on the correspondence shown in FIG. Here, when a design of "octopus" is designated as a stop design, a design code 32b of "10H" is provided, and when a design of "harris bonbon" is designated, a design code 32b of "11H" is provided. -When the symbol "Shark (2)" is designated, the symbol code 32b of "23H" is designated.

  After writing the two-byte stop symbol designation command 32 to the transmission buffer 13a by the processing of S35 and S36, the value of the command counter 13b is incremented by "1" (S37), and this processing ends. The stop symbol designation command 32 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S3, as in the case of the variation pattern designation command 31. Is done.

  On the other hand, if the value of the command counter 13b is "10" or more (S34: No), it means that the stop symbol designation command 32 has been transmitted for all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3. Therefore, in such a case, each process from S35 to S37 is skipped, and this process ends.

  In the process of S31, as a result of checking the state flag, if it is the timing of the end of the variable display (S31: the end of the variable display), the symbol stop for stopping and displaying (fixing) all the symbols in the nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 at once. The command 33 (80H, 0AH) is written into the transmission buffer 13a (S38), and this processing ends. The symbol stop command 33 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S3, as in the case of the variation pattern designation command 31. When the symbol stop command 33 is transmitted to the display control board D, a series of variable display started by the variable pattern designation command 31 ends.

  Note that the symbol stop display (determination) by the symbol stop command 33 does not necessarily require all nine symbols to be determined at once. For example, nine symbols can be individually determined or scrolled. The symbol may be determined for each unit of the symbol, that is, the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol. In the former case, as shown in FIG. 8, the symbol stop commands 33 of “80H, 01H” to “80H, 09H” are used. In the latter case, the symbols of “80H, 0BH” to “80H, 0DH” are used. A stop command 33 is used.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a command reception process executed in the reception interrupt process of the display control board D. This command receiving process is executed when a control command is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D. First, the control command transmitted from the main control board C and received by the display control board D is written into the reception buffer 23a (S41), and the command reception flag 23b is turned on (S42). This indicates that the data is stored in the reception buffer 23a, and this processing ends.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the variable display process executed in the main process of the display control board D. In the variable display process, the variable display is controlled based on the control command received from the main control board C.

  First, it is confirmed whether or not the command reception flag 23b is turned on (S51). If the command reception flag 23b is on (S51: Yes), after turning it off (S52), the type of the control command is confirmed by the data stored in the upper byte of the reception buffer 23a (S53). If the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is “C0H” or “C1H”, the control command is the variation pattern designation command 31. Therefore, in such a case (S53: fluctuation pattern designation command), the contents of all the stopped symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k are cleared to 0 (S54), and the upper, middle and lower symbol replacement flags 231 to 23n are set. Is turned off (S55), the variation display according to the variation pattern designation command 31 is started on the LCD display 3 (S56).

  On the other hand, in the process of S53, if the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is any of “90H to 92H”, “A0H to A2H”, or “B0H to B2H”, the control command is This is the stop symbol designation command 32. Therefore, in such a case (S53: stop symbol designation command), the symbol code 32b, which is the second byte command of the stop symbol designation command 32, is written to the corresponding stop symbol 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k (S57). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example, if the stop symbol designation command 32 stored in the reception buffer 23a is “90H, 14H”, the stop symbol 1 memory 23c corresponding to “90H” The symbol code 32b of "14H (shrimp symbol)" is written. If the stop symbol designation command 32 stored in the reception buffer 23a is "B2H, 21H", the symbol code 32b of "21H (shell symbol)" is stored in the stop symbol 9 memory 23k corresponding to "B2H". Written.

  In the process of S53, if the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is “80H”, the control command is the symbol stop command 33. Therefore, in such a case (S53: symbol stop command), the symbols in the display areas 3a1-3c3 of the symbol number 32a designated by the symbol stop command 33 are determined (S58), and the symbols correspond to the display areas 3a1-3c3. Stop and display the symbol.

  For example, if the symbol stop command 33 of "80H, 0AH" is stored in the reception buffer 23a, the symbols in all nine display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are determined at a time and stop-displayed. If the symbol stop command 33 of "80H, 0CH" is stored in the reception buffer 23a, three symbols 2, 5, and 8 displayed in the middle display area 3b are determined at a time and stopped and displayed.

  If the symbol stop command 33 is received even before the end timing of the variable display, the variable display of the display areas 3a1-3c3 specified by the symbol stop command 33 is immediately stopped (determined). I do. Therefore, the fluctuation display can be actually ended at the timing of receiving the symbol stop command 33.

  In the case where the command reception flag 23b is turned off in the process of S51 (S51: No), or after the execution of each process of S56, S57, S58, each of the upper, middle, and lower symbols according to the status of the variable display. The replacement process (S59 to S61), the variable display continuation process (S62), and other processes for controlling the variable display are executed (S63), and thereafter, the variable display process ends.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the upper symbol replacement process executed in the variable display process of FIG. The upper symbol replacement process (S59) is performed so that the variable display performed in the upper display area 3a of the LCD display 3 ends with the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 transmitted from the main control board C. This is a process for replacing a symbol that is changing in the upper display area 3a. This symbol replacement is performed only when the variable display is performed at high speed.

  Note that when an error occurs during transmission and reception of the stop symbol designation command 32 and the stop symbol designation command 32 cannot be normally received by the display control board D, that is, a stop symbol not designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 (not designated If there is a stop symbol that has been incorrectly specified, or a stop symbol that has been incorrectly specified (an incorrectly specified stop symbol), a symbol code 32b of a normal stop symbol corresponding to the undesignated or incorrectly specified stop symbol is calculated, The calculated symbol code 32b is determined as the symbol code 32b of the undesignated or incorrectly designated stop symbol, and the symbols are replaced based on the determined symbol code 32b.

  In the upper symbol replacement process, first, it is checked whether or not the symbol has already been replaced by the upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 (S70). If the upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is on (S70: Yes), the symbols that are variably displayed in the upper display area 3a of the LCD display 3 have already been replaced. The upper symbol replacement process ends.

  If the upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is off (S70: No), the three stop symbols 1 and 3 storing the symbol codes 32b of the three stop symbols stopped and displayed in the upper display area 3a at the end of the variable display. It is checked whether or not any of the 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i stores "0" (S71). If there is something that stores "0" (S71: Yes), there is a stop symbol that has not yet been designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 (undesignated stop symbol). It is checked whether it is within Xms (ms: millisecond) before the end (S72). Since the symbols need to be replaced without causing the player to feel uncomfortable, the replacement must be performed during the high-speed fluctuation. Therefore, if the upper symbol is within Xms before the end of the high-speed change (S72: Yes), even if there is an undesignated stopped symbol, the symbols are forcibly replaced by the processes of S73 to S78 and S83 to S85 described later. Execute the process. If it is not within Xms before the end of the high-speed fluctuation of the upper symbol (S72: No), this processing is ended as it is.

  In the processing of S73, it is checked how many of the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i store "0" (undesignated stopped symbols) (S73). If there are two that store “0” (S73: two), two stop symbol memories that store “0” from the symbol code 32b of one stop symbol memory that stores other than “0” Is calculated (S74), and the calculated symbol code 32b is written to each of the two stop symbol memories storing "0" (S75), and the three stop symbols 1 in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3 are stored. , 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i are determined.

  Here, the calculation of the symbol code 32b is performed based on the arrangement of the upper virtual symbol reels 41 shown in FIG. For example, if the symbol code 32b stored in the stop symbol 1 memory 23c is “16H (Dugong)”, the symbol code 32b of the undesignated stop symbol 4 memory 23f is “1EH (shellfish) based on the symbol code 32b. (6)) is calculated as the symbol code 32b of the undesignated stopped symbol 7 memory 23i, and "15H (angkow)" is calculated.

  In the process of S73, if only one of the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i stores "0" (S73: one), two stopped symbols storing other than "0" are stored. It is checked whether the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b stored in the memory is correct (S76). If the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b of the two stopped symbol memories is correct (S76: Yes), the symbol code 32b of the stopped symbol memory storing "0" is calculated from the two symbol codes 32b (S77), and the calculation is performed. The written symbol code 32b is written into the stop symbol memory storing "0" (S78), and the contents of the three stop symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i in the upper display areas 3a1-3a3 are determined. . The confirmation of the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b and the calculation of the undesignated symbol codes 32b are performed based on the arrangement of the upper virtual symbol reels 41 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the processing of S76, when the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b stored in the two stop symbol memories storing anything other than "0" is incorrect (when there is an incorrectly designated stop symbol) (S76: No), or , S73, when all the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i store "0", that is, all the stopped symbols in the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i. If the symbol code 32b is not specified (S73: 3), the regular symbol code 32b cannot be calculated. Therefore, in these cases, the default symbol replacement process is executed (S83), and the stopped symbols stopped and displayed in the nine display areas 3a1-3c3 of the LCD display 3 are replaced with the default symbols shown in FIG. . The default symbol replacement process (S83) will be described later.

  In the process of S71, when there is no one in which any of the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i store “0” (S71: No), there is no undesignated stopped symbol. Therefore, in this case, the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b stored in the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i is correct based on the arrangement of the upper virtual symbol reels 41 shown in FIG. It is checked whether it is (S79). If the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b is correct (S79: Yes), all three stop symbol designation commands 32 for the upper three display areas 3a1 to 3a3 have been normally received. Move to.

  On the other hand, when the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b stored in the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i is incorrect (S79: No), the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i. It is checked whether the arrangement of any two of the three symbol codes 32b is correct (S80). If the arrangement of the two symbol codes 32b is correct (S80: Yes), the remaining one incorrectly designated symbol code 32b is calculated from the two correct symbol codes 32b of the array (S81), and the calculated symbol code 32b is calculated. The contents are written into the corresponding stop symbol memories (S82), and the contents of the three stop symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i in the upper display areas 3a1-3a3 are determined.

  In the process of S80, if the arrangement of any two of the symbol codes 32b among the three symbol codes 32b stored in the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i is incorrect (an erroneously designated stopped symbol) If there are two or more) (S80: No), the regular symbol code 32b cannot be calculated. Therefore, in such a case, a default symbol replacement process is executed (S83), and the stopped symbols stopped and displayed in the nine display areas 3a1-3c3 of the LCD display 3 are replaced with the default symbols shown in FIG. The default symbol replacement process (S83) will be described later.

  In the process of S84, based on the symbol code 32b of the stop symbol specified by the normally received stop symbol designation command 32 (S79: Yes), or by the processes of S75, S78, and S82, the stop symbol 1, Based on the symbol code 32b written in the 4,7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i, the changing upper symbol is replaced (S84). After the replacement of the upper symbol, the upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is turned on (S85), and the upper symbol replacement process ends.

  The middle symbol replacement process (S60) is different from the above upper symbol replacement process (S59) in that the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i are stopped symbols 2, 5, 8 memories 23d, 23g, 23j, the upper symbol replacement flag 231 is the middle symbol replacement flag 23m, and the upper virtual symbol reel 41, which is referred to when calculating the symbol code 32b, is the middle virtual symbol reel 42 (FIG. 6B). ) Except for the respective changes, so that the description thereof will be omitted. Also, the lower symbol replacement process (S61) differs from the above upper symbol replacement process (S59) in that the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i have the stopped symbols 3, 6, 9 memory 23e, 23h and 23k, the upper symbol replacement flag 231 is the lower symbol replacement flag 23n, and the upper virtual symbol reel 41, which is referred to when calculating the symbol code 32b, is the lower virtual symbol reel 43 (FIG. 6 ( c)), except that the respective points are changed.

  When the default symbol replacement process (S83) is executed in any of the upper, middle, and lower symbol replacement processes (S59 to S61), the symbols of all the stages are replaced with the default symbols, Replacement of all symbols is completed.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the default symbol replacement process executed in each of the upper, middle, and lower symbol replacement processes (S59 to S61). This default symbol replacement process (S83) is executed when the symbol code 32b of the undesignated or erroneously designated stop symbol by the stop symbol designation command 32 cannot be calculated from the symbol code 32b stored in the stop symbol memory. Processing.

  In the default symbol replacement process, first, symbols are replaced in the upper display area 3a (S100), then, in the middle display area 3b (S110), and finally, in the lower display area 3c (S120). , The symbols are replaced.

  In the replacement of the symbol in the upper display area 3a (S100), first, the symbol code 32b "1BH" of "shellfish (3)" is written into the stopped symbol 1 memory 23c based on the default symbol shown in FIG. 7 (S101). ) Then, the symbol code 32b "12H" of "turtle" is written to the stop symbol 4 memory 23f (S102), and further the symbol code 32b "1AH" of "shellfish (2)" is written to the stop symbol 7 memory 23i (S103). . After that, according to the contents of the stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i written in the respective processes from S101 to S103, the changing upper symbol is replaced (S104), and the upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is turned on. (S105).

  In the replacement of the symbol in the middle display area 3b (S110), similarly, based on the default symbol shown in FIG. 7, first, the symbol code 32b "1BH" of "shell (3)" is written in the stopped symbol 2 memory 23d. (S111), the symbol code 32b "13H" of "shark (1)" is written to the stopped symbol 5 memory 23g (S112), and the symbol code 32b "1CH" of "shell (4)" is written to the stopped symbol 8 memory 23j. (S113). After that, the middle symbol that is changing is replaced according to the contents of the stopped symbols 2, 5, and 8 memories 23d, 23g, and 23j written in the processes from S111 to S113 (S114), and the middle symbol replacement completed flag 23m is turned on. (S115).

  In the replacement of the symbols in the lower display area 3c (S120), first, the symbol code 32b "21H" of "shell (9)" is written into the stopped symbol 3 memory 23e (S121), and the "octopus" is written into the stopped symbol 6 memory 23h. Is written (S122), and the symbol code 32b "19H" of "shellfish (1)" is written into the stopped symbol 9 memory 23k (S123). Thereafter, the lower symbol in the changing stage is replaced according to the contents of the stopped symbols 3, 6, 9 memories 23e, 23h, and 23k written in the processes from S121 to S123 (S124), and the lower symbol replacement completed flag 23n is turned on. (S125). By this default symbol replacement process, all of the symbols in the upper, middle, and lower display areas 3a to 3c of the LCD display 3 have been replaced.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the variable display continuation processing executed in the variable display processing shown in FIG. In the variable display continuation process (S62), if the symbol stop command 33 cannot be received by the display control board D despite the end timing of the variable display, the symbol display command 33 is received until the symbol stop command 33 is received. This is a process of performing a moving display in which the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 is moved back and forth, and continuing the variable display. The continuation of the variable display by the variable display continuation process is performed separately for the upper display area 3a, the middle display area 3b, and the lower display area 3c.

  In the variable display continuation processing, first, the variable display continuation processing is performed on the upper display area 3a (S160). Regarding the upper display areas 3a1-3a3, if the variable display end timing has arrived (S161: Yes) and the variable display has not ended (S162: No), the upper display areas 3a1-3a3 are displayed. The stop symbol that should be stopped and displayed, that is, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 is moved in the symbol change direction (the symbol scroll direction, that is, the arrow A direction and the opposite arrow A direction in FIG. 3). The moving display of going back and forth is performed in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3 (S163).

  Here, in the upper symbol replacement process (S59) shown in FIG. 13, at the timing of the end of the fluctuation display specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command 31, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol specification command 32 is the stop symbol. Are replaced during the high-speed change so that is displayed in the display areas 3a1 to 3a3 to be stopped and displayed. Therefore, the transition to the moving display can be smoothly performed without a sense of incongruity.

  On the other hand, in the upper display areas 3a1-3a3, even if the end timing of the variable display has not arrived (S161: No) or the end timing of the variable display has come (S161: Yes), the variable display has already been performed. Is completed (S162: Yes), the process of S163 is skipped.

  Next, the variable display continuation process is performed on the middle display area 3b (S170). Regarding the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3, even though the end timing of the variable display has arrived (S171: Yes), if the variable display has not ended (S172: No), the display areas 3b1 to 3b3 in the middle are displayed. The stop symbol that should be stopped and displayed, that is, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 is moved in the symbol change direction (the symbol scroll direction, that is, the arrow A direction and the opposite arrow A direction in FIG. 3). The moving display of going back and forth is performed in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 (S173).

  On the other hand, in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3, even if the end timing of the variable display has not arrived (S171: No) or the end timing of the variable display has come (S171: Yes), the variable display has already been performed. Is completed (S172: Yes), the process of S173 is skipped.

  Further, the variable display continuation process is performed on the lower display area 3c (S180). Regarding the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3, if the variable display end timing has arrived (S181: Yes) and the variable display has not ended (S182: No), the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3 are displayed. The stop symbol that should be stopped and displayed, that is, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 is moved in the symbol change direction (the symbol scroll direction, that is, the arrow A direction and the opposite arrow A direction in FIG. 3). The moving display of going back and forth is performed in the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3 (S183).

  On the other hand, for the lower display areas 3c1 to 3c3, even if the end timing of the variable display has not arrived (S181: No) or the end timing of the variable display has come (S181: Yes), the variable display has already been performed. Is completed (S182: Yes), the process of S183 is skipped.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the moving display in which the stop symbols are moved back and forth is performed only in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3. That is, the variable display is finished for the upper and lower display areas 3a1-3a3, 3c1-3c3, and the display area 3b1-3b3 for the middle display area is displayed despite the arrival of the variable display end timing. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the moving display is performed only in the middle display areas 3b1 to 3b3 because the control board D cannot receive the symbol stop command 33.

  The moving display is first performed until the pattern is slightly overrun in the scroll direction of the symbol as shown in FIG. 16A, and then returned to the original stop display position as shown in FIG. 16B. It is. Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (c), the operation is performed up to a state where the symbol is slightly excessive in the direction opposite to the scroll direction of the symbol, and as shown in FIG. 16 (b), it is returned to the original stop display position. . That is, it is performed while moving smoothly in the order of (a), (b), (c), (b), (a),... In FIG.

  While the moving display is being performed in this way, the stopped symbol is always displayed near the corresponding display area 3a1-3c3. Therefore, when the symbol stop command 33 is received, the moving display is immediately stopped, and even if the stopped symbols are stopped and displayed in the corresponding display areas 3a1 to 3c3, the player can feel that the symbols have moved smoothly. Since it can be seen, it is possible to transition from the moving display to the stop display without a sense of incompatibility.

  Next, the timing of the variable display based on the above description will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 17, the timing when all nine symbols are stopped and displayed (fixed) at once will be described. When the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D, the fluctuation display is started for all the symbols 1 (3a1) to 9 (3c3). Following the fluctuation pattern designation command 31, during the high speed fluctuation, the stop symbol designation command 32 is sequentially transmitted to the nine display areas 3a1-3c3. When the stop symbol designation command 32 is received by the display control board D, the symbols are replaced during the high-speed fluctuation in accordance with the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32.

  Thereafter, the variable display is continued by the display control board D in the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31, and at the end timing of the variation display, all nine symbols are transferred from the main control board C to the display control board D. A symbol stop command 33 (80H, 0AH (see FIG. 8)) for stopping and displaying (fixing) all at once is transmitted. When the symbol stop command 33 is received by the display control board D, a series of variable display started by the variable pattern designation command 31 ends. After the end of the variable display, the display of the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 stopped and displayed in each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 is switched to another display after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As described above, if the display control board D cannot receive the symbol stop command 33 even when the end timing of the variable display arrives, the stop symbol designation command is received until the symbol control command 33 is received. The stopped symbol specified by the symbol 32 is continuously moved and displayed in the symbol changing direction (the symbol scrolling direction, that is, the arrow A and the anti-arrow A direction in FIG. 3) (FIG. 16). reference).

  Conversely, if the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33 before the end timing of the fluctuation display, the end timing of the fluctuation display specified by the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 has not arrived. However, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 is immediately stopped and displayed in the specified display areas 3a1-3c3. By such control, the variable display can be terminated in accordance with the transmission (reception) timing of the symbol stop command 33.

  Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 18, a description will be given of the timing when the nine symbols are stopped and displayed (fixed) in three symbols in the order of upper, lower, and middle. The transmission of the stop symbol designation command 32 is performed in the same manner as in the timing of FIG. 17, and symbols are replaced during high-speed fluctuation.

  At the end of the variable display, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbol displayed in the upper display area 3a is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D (80H, 0BH). (See FIG. 8)). When this symbol stop command 33 is received by the display control board D, the upper symbols 1, 4, and 7 are stopped and displayed (determined) (see FIG. 3). Next, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbol displayed in the lower display area 3c is transmitted (80H, 0DH (see FIG. 8)), and the lower symbols 3, 6, and 9 are stopped and displayed ( (Determined) (see FIG. 3). Further, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbol displayed in the middle display area 3b is transmitted (80H, 0CH (see FIG. 8)), and the symbols 2, 5, and 8 in the middle column are determined (FIG. 3). With the three symbol stop commands 33 described above, a series of fluctuation display started by the fluctuation pattern designation command 31 ends.

  In this way, by stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbols in the order of upper, lower and middle in accordance with the scroll direction of the symbols, the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 represented on the display by the control are replaced with the actual symbol reels. Can be expressed as follows. When the scroll direction of the symbol is the vertical direction, the stop display (determination) of the symbol is performed, for example, in the order of left, right, and middle.

  As described above, according to the pachinko machine P of this embodiment, a series of variation patterns can be designated at once by the variation pattern designation command 31, so that the main control is performed for each point where the state of the variation display changes. There is no need to transmit a control command from the substrate C. Therefore, the control load of the variable display by the main control board C can be reduced, and the program capacity and the data capacity mounted on the main control board C for controlling the variable display can be reduced, so that the Program development can be facilitated.

  Further, if the control of the variable display corresponding to the variable pattern designation command 31 is changed on the display control board D side, the variable pattern can be changed without changing the program of the main control board C. Therefore, while changing the main control board C in common and simply replacing the display control board D, a different variable display can be performed on the LCD display 3.

  Furthermore, even if the end timing of the variation display specified by the variation pattern designation command 31 has arrived, if the symbol stop command 33 cannot be received by the display control board D, the variation display is continued by the display control board D. You. If the display control board D receives the symbol stop command 33 while the variable display is continued, the continuous variable display is terminated. Therefore, even when the display control board D cannot receive the symbol stop command 33 despite the end timing of the variable display, it is possible to perform the control normally without hindering the control of the variable display. Can be. Further, by checking the transmission / reception timing of the symbol stop command 33, it is possible to grasp the timing at which the variable display is actually ended.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the following two points are changed from the first embodiment.

  First, a "variation start command 30" is newly added to the control commands, and the variation display is started by the variation start command 30, and only the variation pattern of the variation display is designated by the variation pattern designation command 31. It is composed. The change start command 30 is composed of “D0H, 01H”.

  Second, the stop symbol designation command 32 is displayed in the upper display area 3a (symbols 1, 4, and 7), the middle display area 3b (symbols 2, 5, and 8), and the lower display area 3c (symbols 3, 6, and 9). ) Are transmitted in this order, the execution timing of the symbol replacement process is dispersed, and the efficiency of the process is improved. Since the replacement of the symbols is performed in units of the upper, middle and lower display areas 3a to 3c, it cannot be performed unless all the stop symbols of the display areas 3a to 3c are designated. That is, as in the first embodiment, when the stop symbols are transmitted in the order of symbol 1 (3a1), symbol 2 (3b1),..., Symbol 9 (3c3) by the stop symbol designation command 32, the display control board D Then, the stop symbol of the seventh symbol (3a3) transmitted from the main control board C is received, the symbol in the upper display area 3a is replaced, and the symbol 8 (3b3) transmitted eighth is stopped. Upon receiving the symbol, the symbol of the middle display area 3b is replaced, and the symbol of the ninth transmitted symbol 9 (3c3) is received, and the symbol of the lower display area 3c is replaced. Therefore, the symbol replacement process is performed continuously at short intervals, and the control load during that time increases, resulting in poor process efficiency. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the stop symbol designation command 32 is displayed in the upper display area 3a (symbols 1, 4, and 7) of the LCD display 3, the middle display area 3b (symbols 2, 5, and 8), and the lower display area. The transmission is performed in the order of the area 3c (symbols 3, 6, and 9).

  Since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a command setting process of the second embodiment executed in the special symbol change process (S15) of the reset interrupt process in FIG. In this command setting process, a variation start command 30, a variation pattern designation command 31, a stop symbol designation command 32, and a symbol stop command 33, which are control commands for controlling the variation display on the LCD display 3, are sent from the main control board C for display. This is a process for writing (setting) each of the commands 30 to 33 to the transmission buffer 13a for transmission to the control board D.

  In the command setting process, first, the state of the variable display is checked by the state check flag (S130). As a result of the check, if the fluctuation display is started (S130: fluctuation start), the fluctuation start command 30 is written into the transmission buffer 13a (S131), the value of the command counter 13b is set to "0" (S132), and this processing is ended. I do. The change start command 30 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D byte by byte by a timer interrupt process set in the process of S3 in FIG.

  In the process of S130, as a result of checking the state flag, if the symbol is being displayed in a fluctuating manner (S130: During fluctuating display), it is checked whether or not the value of the command counter 13b is “0” (S133). If the value of the command counter 13b is "0" (S133: Yes), the variation pattern specifying command 31 for designating the variation pattern of the variation display is written to the transmission buffer 13a (S134), and the value of the command counter 13b is set to "1". (S135), and this process ends. The variation pattern designation command 31 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D byte by byte by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S3 in FIG.

  In the process of S133, if the value of the command counter 13b is not "0" (S133: No), it is further checked whether the value of the command counter 13b is "9" or less (S136). If the value of the command counter 13b is equal to or less than "9" (S136: Yes), the first byte of the stop symbol designation command 32 corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is written to the upper byte of the transmission buffer 13a (S137). The symbol code 32b of the stop symbol corresponding to the value of the command counter 13b is written into the lower byte of the transmission buffer 13a (S138), and the stop symbol designation command 32 to be transmitted to the display control board D is set.

  Thereafter, “3” is added to the value of the command counter 13b (S139). If the value after the addition is “9” or less (S140: Yes), this processing ends. On the other hand, if the value after the addition is not “9” or less (S140: No), it is further checked whether the value after the addition is “11” or less (S141). If the value after the addition in S139 is “11” or less (S141: Yes), “8” is subtracted from the value of the command counter 13b (S142), and this processing ends. On the other hand, if the value after the addition in the processing of S139 is not equal to or less than “11” (S141: No), this processing is terminated as it is.

  Note that the value of the command counter 13b in the case of branching to No in the processing of S141 is “12”. Therefore, in such a case, in the next and subsequent command setting processes, while the variable display of the symbol is continued, the command setting process is performed through the branches of S130: during variable display, S133: No, and S136: No. finish.

  By the processing from S136 to S142, the stop symbol designation command 32 becomes the symbol 1 (3a1), symbol 4 (3a2), symbol 7 (3a3), symbol 2 (3b1), symbol 5 (3b2),. 9 (3c3) are set in the transmission buffer 13a in order, and are transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S3 in FIG. After the transmission of the stop symbol designation command 32, the transmission of the control command is waited until the fixed timing of the symbol that is variably displayed (the timing of the stop display) comes.

  In the process of S130, as a result of checking the status flag, if it is determined that the upper three symbols 1, 4, 7 (3a) have been confirmed (S130: upper symbol stop), the three symbols 1, 4, 7 are temporarily removed. Is written into the transmission buffer 13a (S143), and this process ends. Also, if it is the final timing of the lower three symbols 3, 6, 9 (3c) (S130: lower symbol stop), the symbol stop command 33 (80H, 80H, 0DH) is written to the transmission buffer 13a (S144), and this processing ends. Further, if it is the final timing of the three middle symbols 2, 5, 8 (3b) (S130: middle symbol stop), the symbol stop command 33 (80H, 80H, 0CH) is written to the transmission buffer 13a (S145), and this process ends.

  The symbol stop command 33 written in the transmission buffer 13a is transmitted to the display control board D one byte at a time by the timer interrupt process set in the process of S3, as in the case of the variation start command 30. By transmitting the third symbol stop command 33 to the display control board D, a series of variable display started by the variable start command 30 ends. In the symbol stop display (determination) by the symbol stop command 33, all nine symbols may be determined at once, or nine symbols may be determined separately.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the variable display processing according to the second embodiment, which is executed in the main processing of the display control board D. In the variable display process, the variable display is controlled based on the control command received from the main control board C. Note that, among the step codes in FIG. 20, the steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 12 showing the variable display processing of the first embodiment have the same contents as those in FIG. The description is omitted.

  In the process of S53, if the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is “D0H”, the control command is the fluctuation start command 30. Therefore, in such a case (S53: fluctuation start command), the contents of all the stopped symbols 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k are cleared to 0 (S151), and the upper, middle and lower symbol replacement flags 231 to 23n are reset. After being turned off (S152), the variable display is started on the LCD display 3 (S153).

  In the process of S53, if the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is “C0H” or “C1H”, the control command is the fluctuation pattern designation command 31. Therefore, in such a case (S53: fluctuation pattern specification command), a fluctuation display pattern specified by the fluctuation pattern specification command 31 is set (S154).

  In the process of S53, if the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is any of "90H to 92H", "A0H to A2H" or "B0H to B2H", the control command is a stop symbol. This is a designated command 32. Therefore, in such a case (S53: stop symbol designating command), the symbol code 32b, which is the second byte command of the stop symbol designating command 32, is written to the corresponding stopped symbol 1 to 9 memories 23c to 23k (S155).

  As described above, the stop symbol designation command 32 includes symbols 1, 4, 7 corresponding to the upper display area 3a of the LCD display 3, symbols 2, 5, 8 corresponding to the middle display area 3b, and lower display area 3c. Are transmitted in the order of the symbols 3, 6, and 9 corresponding to the symbols, so that the symbols are efficiently replaced by the upper, middle, and lower symbol replacement processes (S59 to S61). If the display control board D cannot receive the symbol stop command 33 even when the variable display end timing comes, the variable display continuation processing (until the symbol stop command 33 is received) By S62), the moving display in which the stopped symbol is moved back and forth is continued (see FIG. 16).

  In the process of S53, if the upper byte of the control command stored in the reception buffer 23a is “80H”, the control command is the symbol stop command 33. Therefore, in such a case (S53: symbol stop command), the symbols of the display areas 3a1-3c3 of the symbol number 32a specified by the symbol stop command 33 are determined (S156), and the symbols correspond to the display areas 3a1-3c3. Stop and display the symbol. When the symbols in all the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 are determined, the variable display processing ends.

  If the symbol stop command 33 is received before the end timing of the variable display, the variable display of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 specified by the symbol stop command 33 is immediately stopped (determined). Therefore, the fluctuation display can be actually ended at the timing of receiving the symbol stop command 33.

  Next, with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 21, the timing of the variable display of the second embodiment based on the above description will be described. When the variation start command 30 is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D, the variation display is started for all the symbols 1 (3a1) to 9 (3c3). Following the fluctuation start command 30, a fluctuation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted. Further, a stop symbol designation command 32 is transmitted to the nine display areas 3a1-3c3 of the LCD display 3 by symbol 1 (3a1), symbol 4 (3a2), symbol 7 (3a3), symbol 2 (3b1), symbol 5 (3b2),..., Symbol 9 (3c3).

  At the stage when the symbol designating command 32 for the symbol 1 (3a1), the symbol 4 (3a2), and the symbol 7 (3a3) is received, the symbols are replaced in the upper display area 3a. Next, at the stage where the stop symbol designation command 32 of the symbol 2 (3b1), the symbol 5 (3b2), and the symbol 8 (3b3) is received, the symbol is replaced in the middle display area 3b. Further, when the stop symbol designation command 32 of the symbol 3 (3c1), the symbol 6 (3c2), and the symbol 9 (3c3) is received, the symbols are replaced in the lower display area 3c. After the replacement of the symbols, the variation display is performed based on the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command 31.

  At the end timing of the variable display, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbol displayed in the upper display area 3a is transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D (80H). , 0BH (see FIG. 8). When the symbol stop command 33 is received by the display control board D, the symbols 1, 4, and 7 in the upper stage are stopped and displayed (determined) (see FIG. 3). Next, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbol displayed in the lower display area 3c is transmitted (80H, 0DH (see FIG. 8)), and the lower symbols 3, 6, and 9 are stopped and displayed ( Is determined) (see FIG. 3). Further, a symbol stop command 33 for stopping and displaying (fixing) the symbol displayed in the middle display area 3b is transmitted (80H, 0CH (see FIG. 8)), and the symbols 2, 5, and 8 in the middle stage are stopped (determined). ) (See FIG. 3). With the above three symbol stop commands 33, a series of fluctuation display started by the fluctuation start command 30 ends. After the end of the variable display, the display of the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 stopped and displayed in each of the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 is switched to another display after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In the second embodiment, the variation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted from the main control board C after the transmission of the stop symbol designation command 32, or the variation pattern designation command 31 is transmitted by several stop symbol designation commands 32. It may be transmitted later.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment described above, when there is an undesignated or erroneously designated stop symbol, a symbol code 32b of an undesignated or erroneously designated stop symbol is calculated from the symbol code 32b of the normally received stop symbol. Only when the calculation is impossible, all the stop symbols are changed to the default symbols shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the symbol code 32b of the undesignated or incorrectly designated stop symbol is not calculated from the symbol code 32b of the normally received stop symbol, and the undesignated or incorrectly designated stop symbol 32b is not calculated. If there is a symbol, only the undesignated or incorrectly designated stop symbol is changed to the default symbol.

  As the default symbols of the first embodiment, all the symbols on the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43, that is, normal symbols are used. However, as the default symbols of the third embodiment, the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43 are used. A symbol not on the top is used. Specifically, in the third embodiment, an undesignated design with a design code 32b of “30H” (no design, that is, a blank display) is displayed for an undesignated stop design for an undesignated stop design. In addition, the symbol with the? Symbol whose symbol code 32b is "31H" is used as a default symbol.

  Note that the default symbol of the undesignated stop symbol and the default symbol of the erroneously designated stop symbol may be configured by the same symbol. For example, as a default symbol of an undesignated and erroneously designated stop symbol, a symbol with a symbol code 32b of "30H" (a symbol without a symbol, that is, blank display) or a symbol with a symbol code of "31H" of "?" It is also possible to use the pattern of.

  As described above, by configuring the default symbol with a symbol different from the normal symbol on the virtual symbol reels 41 to 43, an error occurs during transmission and reception of the stop symbol designation command 32, and the undesignated or erroneous designation is performed. When a stop symbol is generated, a symbol different from the normal symbol is displayed on the LCD display 3. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize that an error has occurred simply by checking the display on the LCD display 3. Since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the upper symbol replacement process of the third embodiment, which is executed in the variable display process of FIG. The upper symbol replacement process (S59) is performed so that the variable display performed in the upper display area 3a of the LCD display 3 ends with the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command 32 transmitted from the main control board C. This is a process for replacing a symbol that is changing in the upper display area 3a. This symbol replacement is performed only when the variable display is performed at high speed.

  The upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is off (S70: No), and at least one of the three stopped symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i stores "0" (S71: Yes). If the upper symbol is within Xms before the end of the high-speed fluctuation (S72: Yes), an undesignated stop is performed to the memory storing "0" among the stop symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i. The symbol code 32b "30H" of the default symbol of "no symbol (blank symbol)" indicating the symbol is written (S161), and the three stop symbols 1, 4, 7 memory 23c in the upper display areas 3a1-3a3, The contents of 23f and 23i are determined. Since the replacement of the symbols must be performed during the high-speed fluctuation, if it is within Xms before the end of the high-speed fluctuation of the upper symbol, without waiting for the transmission of the stop symbol designation command 32 from the main control board C without further waiting, Undesignated stop symbols are replaced with default symbols.

  On the other hand, in the process of S71, when there is no one in which any of the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i store “0” (S71: No), there is no undesignated stopped symbol. . Therefore, in this case, the arrangement of the symbol codes 32b stored in the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i is correct based on the arrangement of the upper virtual symbol reels 41 shown in FIG. It is checked whether the sequence is incorrect (S79). If the arrangement is incorrect (S79: No), one of the three symbol codes 32b stored in the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i. It is checked whether the arrangement of the two symbol codes 32b is correct (S80).

  If the arrangement of the two symbol codes 32b is correct (S80: Yes), it can be determined that the two symbol codes 32b are the regular symbol codes 32b. In the stop symbol memory, the symbol code 32b "31H" of the default symbol of the "?" Mark indicating the wrong designation is written (S163), and the three stop symbols 1, 4, and 7 in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3 are written. The contents of 23c, 23f and 23i are determined.

  In the process of S80, if any two of the symbol codes 32b among the three symbol codes 32b stored in the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i are erroneous (the erroneous designation is incorrect). If there are two or more stop symbols) (S80: No), it is not possible to determine which is the regular symbol code 32b. In such a case, all the stop symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i are sent. The symbol code 32b "31H" of the default symbol of the "?" Mark indicating incorrect designation is written (S162), and the three stop symbols 1, 4, 7 memories 23c, 23f, 23i in the upper display areas 3a1-3a3. Confirm the contents of

  After the contents of the three stop symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i in the upper display areas 3a1 to 3a3 are determined, based on the contents of the stop symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i. Then, the upper symbol being changed is replaced (S84), the upper symbol replacement completed flag 231 is turned on (S85), and the upper symbol replacement process ends.

  The middle symbol replacement process (S60) of the third embodiment is different from the upper symbol replacement process (S59) of the third embodiment in that the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i are different. The stopped symbols 2, 5, and 8 are the same as the memories 23d, 23g, and 23j, and the upper symbol replacement flag 231 is the same as the middle symbol replacement flag 23m, except that they are respectively changed. . Also, the lower symbol replacement process (S61) of the third embodiment differs from the upper symbol replacement process (S59) of the third embodiment in that the stopped symbols 1, 4, and 7 memories 23c, 23f, and 23i are provided. The same applies to the stopped symbols 3, 6, and 9 memories 23e, 23h, and 23k, except that they are respectively changed, so that the description thereof is omitted. As is clear from FIG. 22, in the third embodiment, there is no default symbol replacement process (S83).

In each of the above embodiments, the operation means described in claim 1 corresponds to the variable display continuation processing (S62) shown in FIG. 15, and the ending means is each processing of S58 shown in FIG. 12 and S156 shown in FIG. Is applicable.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is easily understood that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be inferred.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the control command of the present invention is directly transmitted from the main control board C to the display control board D for controlling the variable display. However, instead of this, the control command is temporarily transmitted from the main control board C to another sub-board other than the display control board D, and the control command is transmitted from the sub-board to the display control board D. The variable display is controlled, or the control command is developed in detail by the sub-board at each point where the variable display changes, and the developed command is transmitted from the sub-board to the display control board D, thereby controlling the variation. The display may be controlled. With the latter configuration, the control load of the variable display on the main control board C and the display control board D can be reduced. In the latter case, the entire display control board D and the sub-board correspond to the display control board according to the first aspect.

  Further, the control command of the present invention is used for controlling the variable display of the LCD display 3, but using such a control command or its command system, a sound effect board that emits a sound effect, various lamps, etc. May be controlled.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the default symbol shown in FIG. 7, a symbol having a symbol code 32b of "30H" (a symbol without a symbol, that is, blank display), a symbol symbol having a symbol code of 32H, or a symbol symbol having a symbol code of 30H is used. The design of the "?" Mark where 32b is "31H" was used. However, instead, if there is an undesignated or incorrectly designated stop symbol, a symbol to be lost is calculated based on the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32, and the calculated loss is calculated. The design to be displayed may be used as a default design.

  In addition, the continuation of the variable display was performed by moving the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command 32 in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 where the stop symbol is stopped and displayed. However, the variable display may be continued by a display method other than the moving display. For example, the stop symbol may be enlarged or reduced in the display areas 3a1 to 3c3 where the stop symbol is stopped and displayed, and the variable display may be continued, or the stop symbol may be continuously moved and animated. The variable display may be continued. As an example of an animation that keeps moving, when the stop symbol is a symbol of “fish”, there is a symbol that keeps the symbol of “fish” swimming and continues the fluctuation display.

  Hereinafter, modified examples of the present invention will be described. 2. The game machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the continuation means is configured to display the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command while moving the symbol to the display device to continue the variable display. Control device 1 for a gaming machine. Since the variable display is continued while the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol designation command is displayed on the display device, the variable display can be smoothly continued, and the display control board stops the symbol at any timing. Even if the command is received, the fluctuation display can be immediately terminated without any uncomfortable feeling.

  In the control device 1 of the gaming machine, the continuation means is configured to move the stop symbol designated by the stop symbol designation command to the display device by moving display in which the variation symbol moves forward or backward in the forward or reverse direction. A control device 2 for a gaming machine, wherein the variable display is continued.

  2. The control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, or the controller 1 or 2 for the gaming machine, wherein the variable display is performed for each row (or each column) obtained by dividing the display device into several rows (or several columns). The controller 3 of the gaming machine, characterized in that the variable display is continued for each row (or each column) of the display device by the continuation means.

  2. In the gaming machine control device according to claim 1, or in any one of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 3, the ending means is provided before the end timing of the fluctuation display designated by the variation pattern designation command. Even if the symbol stop command is received, the fluctuation display is immediately terminated, and the control device 4 of the gaming machine.

  The control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, or any one of the control devices 1 to 4 for a gaming machine, wherein the symbol stop command is a symbol displayed on all display areas of a display device on which a variable display is performed. One that stops at one time, one that stops and displays a plurality of symbols displayed in a plurality of predetermined display areas of the display device on which the variable display is performed, and a plurality of display areas of the display device on which the variable display is performed A control device 5 for a gaming machine, comprising at least three types of commands for stopping and displaying one symbol for each display area.

  2. The control device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, or any one of the control devices 1 to 5 for a gaming machine, wherein a variable display start command for starting the variable display is provided as a kind of the control command. A control device 6 for a gaming machine.

  2. The control device for a game machine according to claim 1, or any one of the control devices 1 to 6 for a game machine, comprising a one-way means for transmitting the control command only in one direction from the main control board. A control device 7 for a gaming machine.

  The control command transmitted from the main control board is directly transmitted to the display control board in the gaming machine control device according to claim 1 or any of the gaming machine control devices 1 to 7. A game machine control device 8 characterized by the following.

It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine which is the 1st Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where a display screen of a liquid crystal display is divided into nine display areas. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a command code of a variation pattern designation command and the contents of the command. (A) is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a command code of a stop symbol designation command and a symbol number designated by the command code. (B) is a diagram showing the correspondence between 20 types of symbol codes and symbol names. (A) is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a virtual symbol reel variably displayed in an upper display area, and (b) is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a virtual symbol reel variably displayed in a middle display region. (C) is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a virtual symbol reel that is variably displayed in a lower display area. It is the figure which showed the structure of the default design typically. It is a figure showing the command code of the symbol stop command and the content of the command. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a reset interrupt process executed by the main control board. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a command setting process executed in the reset interrupt process. It is the flowchart which showed the command reception process performed in the interruption process of the display control board. It is the flowchart which showed the variable display process performed in the main process of the display control board. It is the flowchart which showed the upper stage symbol replacement process performed in the variable display process of the display control board. It is the flowchart which showed the default symbol replacement process performed in each of the upper-stage, middle-stage, and lower-stage symbol replacement processes of the display control board. It is the flowchart which showed the variable display continuation processing performed in the variable display processing of the display control board. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of moving display in which a stop symbol is moved back and forth in a middle display area of an LCD display by a variable display continuation process. (A) illustrates a display state that has gone beyond the original stop display position, (b) illustrates a display state that has returned to the original stop display position, and (c) illustrates a display state that has returned to the original stop display position. The display state has returned from the original stop display position too much. It is a timing chart of the variable display which fixes all the symbols at once. It is a timing chart of the variable display which determines nine symbols by three symbols. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a command setting process according to a second embodiment, which is executed in the reset interrupt process. It is the flowchart which showed the variable display process of 2nd Example performed in the main process of a display control board. It is a timing chart of the variable display of the second embodiment in which nine symbols are determined by three symbols at a time. It is the flowchart which showed the upper stage symbol replacement process of 3rd Example performed in the variable display process of the display control board. 9 is a chart showing timing of variable display according to the related art.

Explanation of reference numerals

3. Liquid crystal (LCD) display (display device)
3a Upper display area 3b Middle display area 3c Lower display area 3a1-3c3 Display area 22 for each symbol Program ROM for display control board (default symbol storage means)
30 fluctuation start command 31 variation pattern specification command (variation pattern command)
32 Stop symbol designation command ( Stop symbol determination command )
32a symbol number 32b symbol code 32c symbol name 33 symbol stop command ( stop command )
41 to 43 virtual symbol reel C main control board (main control means)
D control board for display (control means for display)
P Pachinko machine (game machine)

Claims (5)

A display device for displaying a symbol , a main control unit for controlling a game, and a display control unit for causing the display device to perform a variable display of the symbol based on a control command transmitted from the main control unit. Oite to the gaming machine,
Control command transmitted from the main control unit, used to determine the variation pattern commands showing the fluctuation pattern of the variable display, the stop symbols stopped and displayed on the display device when the variable display of the termination is composed of at least a stop symbol determination commands, by a stop command to terminate the pre-symbol variable display,
The display control means, when receiving the stop command, to stop display the stop symbol determined based on the stop symbol determination command on the display device,
An operation means for operating and displaying the symbol when the stop command cannot be received even when the end timing of the fluctuation display based on the fluctuation pattern command arrives, and receiving the stop command for the symbol which is operatively displayed by the operation means. And a ending means for stopping and displaying when the game is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation display by the operation means is performed near a stop position at which the symbol is stopped and displayed. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the operation display by the operation means is a movement display for going back and forth in a predetermined direction or a reverse direction near the stop position. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation display by the operation means displays the symbol in an enlarged or reduced manner. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation display by the operation means is to continuously move the symbol in an animation manner.