JP2004254973A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely end continuous performance continuously performed while the variable display of identification information is successively executed when the execution of the variable display is interrupted. <P>SOLUTION: A special pattern game is started by the reception of a special game command, a result is indicated by the reception of an establishment command and a special pattern game is ended. In the case that start winning which is a condition to start the special pattern game is held and stored, the next special pattern game command is received successively to the reception of the establishment command and the special pattern game is successively performed. When the start winning is not held and stored, a customer waiting command is sent following the establishment command. The reproduction of music and the drive of an accessory are stopped by the reception of the customer waiting command originally. The timing of a customer waiting timer is started at the time of receiving the establishment command, and the reproduction of the music and the drive of the accessory are stopped when the customer waiting timer times prescribed time even when the customer waiting command is not received at a timing to receive it originally. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that performs a continuous effect while variable display of identification information is being performed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a pachinko gaming machine, a game proceeds by paying out game balls as prize balls when the game balls launched into the game area pass through a predetermined winning opening. In particular, when a game ball passes a specific winning opening called a starting winning opening, a lottery is performed, special symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device according to the lottery result, and the display result is derived after a certain period of time has elapsed You are playing a special map game to be displayed. Here, it is general that the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening is held and stored up to a certain number.
[0003]
A game in a pachinko game machine progresses by launching a game ball in a game area, but the control circuit determines whether or not the game is substantially proceeding. Based on winning balls. In other words, while the special drawing game is continuously performed due to the holding of the winning in the starting winning opening, the control is performed assuming that a substantial game is in progress.
[0004]
By the way, there are many pachinko gaming machines in which variable display of special symbols in a special figure game is controlled by an effect control board provided separately from a game control board for controlling the progress of the game. In such a gaming machine, when the prize stored and stored is lost and the special figure game is not continuously performed, a predetermined command called a customer waiting command is transmitted from the game control board at that timing, and The effect control board is notified that the state of progress of a typical game has ceased.
[0005]
Also, when the game is in a substantial progress state, the state is clearly different from that in a substantial stop state. Therefore, although a slot machine has been proposed, if the progress of a game is continuously performed, an effect may be provided by outputting a continuous sound during the continuous play (for example, see Patent Document 1). Even in this slot machine, such effect control is performed by the effect control board, but when the progress of the game is stopped, a customer waiting command is sent from the game control board, whereby the effect by outputting a continuous sound is performed. I try to stop.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-58024 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the effect control board knows that the game has been substantially stopped, including the slot machine of Patent Document 1, only by the customer waiting command sent from the game control board. If the effect control board can normally receive the customer waiting command, even if the effect by outputting the continuous sound or the like is performed, this can be reliably stopped.
[0008]
However, due to a faulty connection between the game control board and the performance control board, or even if there is no problem with the connection itself, due to the entry of noise, etc., the customer control command sent from the game control board to the production control board without mistakes I can't say I can receive it. In this case, the effect control board determines that the game is still in a substantial progress state, so even after the game is substantially stopped, the same effect as in the progress state is performed. There was a risk of becoming.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably terminating a continuous effect that is continuously performed while variable display of identification information is continuously performed when variable display is interrupted. With the goal.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A variable display unit (variable display unit 4) capable of changing a display state, and variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which is identifiable by the variable display unit based on establishment of a predetermined starting condition; A game machine that derives and displays a display result after a period of time has elapsed, and when the derived and displayed display result has a specific display mode, controls the game in a specific game state advantageous to the player,
A game control means (game control board 101) for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command according to the progress of the game;
An effect control means (effect control board 102) for receiving a command transmitted from the game control means and performing effect processing including variable display of the identification information in the variable display means based on the received command. ,
The game control means,
When a predetermined start condition is newly established, the new display condition of the identification information based on another start condition established earlier than the newly established start condition is derived and displayed until the display result is variably displayed. Holding means (step S33) for holding the execution start of the variable display of the identification information based on the start condition;
A variable display command transmitting unit that transmits to the effect control unit a variable display command for instructing to start the variable display of the identification information when the variable display of the identification information is started (steps S103 and S28); )When,
After the variable display command is transmitted, when a variable display time corresponding to the variable display command has elapsed, a fixed command for instructing the display result of the variable display of the identification information to be derived and displayed is provided by the effect control. Confirmation command transmission means (steps S104, S28) for transmitting to the means;
When the execution of the variable display of the identification information based on the new start condition is not suspended in the suspending unit when the confirmation command is transmitted, a standby command is transmitted to the effect control unit. Command transmission means (steps S101 and S28),
The effect control means,
Variable display control means (step S319, FIG. 11, VDP125) for variably displaying the identification information on the variable display means when receiving the variable display command;
When the confirmation command is received, a result derivation control unit (step S328, FIG. 11, VDP125) for deriving and displaying a display result of the variable display of the identification information performed by the variable display control unit based on the confirmation command. )When,
An effect execution means (ADP126) for executing a specific effect when the identification information is variably displayed,
When the effect execution means starts executing the variable display of the identification information whose execution start has been suspended in the holding means continuously after the end of the execution of the variable display of the identification information based on another start condition established earlier. A continuous effect executing means (steps S326 and S802) for executing a continuous effect for continuously performing the specific effect over the variable display in which the execution is completed and the variable display in which the execution is started; Continuation effect ending means (steps S333 and S808) for terminating the continuation effect being executed by the continuation effect execution means when receiving the command.
The continuation effect ending unit includes a timer unit (Step S329) for counting an elapsed time from the reception of the confirmation command, and the timer unit performs a predetermined operation without receiving the standby command and the fluctuation time command. The continuation effect is also ended when the time is measured (step S504).
It is characterized by the following.
[0011]
In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the continuous production performed continuously while the variable display of the identification information is continuously performed is performed not only when the standby command is received but also when the elapsed time from the reception of the confirmation command is a predetermined time. It ends when the time comes. For this reason, when the execution of the variable display is interrupted, even if the effect control means misses the standby command, it can be surely ended by measuring a predetermined time.
[0012]
In the above gaming machine,
The continuation effect ending means may be configured to output the identification information in the variable display process even when a reach occurs (e.g., the same number is stopped in two of the three areas until the final stop). The continuous effect can be ended (steps S608, S810, ADP 126).
[0013]
In this case, by terminating the execution of the continuous production at the time of the occurrence of the reach, the occurrence of the reach can be easily shown to the player, and the expectation of the player can be increased, and the interest of the game can be improved. it can.
[0014]
In the above gaming machine,
The continuation effect execution means, when newly starting the variable display of the identification information in a state where the continuation effect has been finished, after executing a predetermined start effect (start time part 201), continues the specific effect. It may include a start-time effect executing means for executing the effect (A part 202, B part 203).
[0015]
In this case, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the continuous effect has been newly disclosed by executing the start-time effect.
[0016]
In the above gaming machine,
When a special display mode of the specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display of the identification information, after the end of the specific game mode, the game state changes to a special game mode in which the specific game mode is likely to be set. Game state control means (step S108) for controlling
The continuous effect execution means may execute the continuous effect on condition that a game state is controlled to the special game state.
[0017]
In this case, in the special game state, the method of executing the continuous effect is different from the normal game state, so that it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the player is in the special game state, and to change the special game state to the special game state. At a certain time, the sense of expectation of the player can be improved, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0018]
In the above gaming machine,
An audio output unit (ADP 126, speaker 15) for outputting audio can be further provided. In this case,
The specific effect may be performed by outputting music from the audio output unit.
[0019]
In this case, by performing not only a visual effect of variable display of identification information but also a specific auditory effect of sound output of music, a synergistic effect of visual and auditory effects occurs, and The fun of the game can be improved.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure on the back side of the glass door (front door) of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (glass door frame) 20 for pointing and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 forms a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails.
[0022]
At a substantially central position of the game area of the game board 2, a variable display section 4 composed of an LCD is provided. The variable display unit 4 is for playing a special figure game, and displays a background image, a character image, a special symbol, and the like along with the special figure game. In this pachinko gaming machine 1, for example, ten kinds of numbers from "0" to "9" are prepared as special symbols used in the special figure game. On the variable display section 4, special symbols are variably displayed in three display areas of left, middle and right, and the special figure game becomes a big hit when the same numbers are stopped in these three areas. In particular, when the odd symbols are aligned and stopped, a probability fluctuation jackpot occurs, and the winning probability of the special figure game after the jackpot control ends is high. Also, when the same numbers are stopped in two areas before the final stop, the vehicle reaches the reach.
[0023]
In the upper center of the variable display section 4, there is provided an accessory 11 that is rotationally driven in an effect in a special figure game, a jackpot effect, or an effect in a customer waiting demonstration when it is determined that the game is not being performed. ing. Here, the rotation drive means that the drive mechanism is driven around the rotation axis of the drive mechanism, and does not necessarily have to be driven to rotate, but is driven in small increments alternately around the left and right. Is also good.
[0024]
On the lower side of the variable display section 4, a special symbol hold storage display section 10 for displaying hold of a special figure game is provided. Decorative lamps 13a and 13b are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 4, respectively. Decorative lamps 13c and 13d are also provided in the decorations at the ends of the lower left and lower right game areas. Further, a decorative lamp may be provided in another place. The decorative lamps 13a to 13d emit light at the time of a reach effect or a big hit effect, for example, in accordance with a change in an image displayed on the variable display unit 4, and enhance the amusement of a game by the effect of light in addition to the image. It is.
[0025]
A special symbol starting port (start chucker) 5 which is also used as an electric tulip-type accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 6 is provided below the variable display section 4. The special game is started when a game ball passes through the special symbol starting port 5. On both sides of the special symbol starting port 5, pass gates 7a and 7b are provided for starting a general-purpose game by passing game balls. A maximum of four game balls passing through the special symbol starting port 5 and the passing gates 7a and 7b are held and stored. The reservation storage of the special figure game is displayed on the special symbol reservation storage display unit 10, but the reservation storage of the ordinary figure game is not particularly displayed.
[0026]
Below the special symbol opening 5, a large winning opening (first-class special electric accessory: attacker) 8 that performs an opening operation by driving a solenoid or the like when a big hit occurs is provided. The special winning opening 8 performs an opening operation when a special figure game is played based on winning in the special symbol starting opening 5 and a jackpot is won. This opening operation is performed intermittently up to 15 times on condition that the game ball passes through a specific area (not shown) inside the special winning opening 8. Winning holes 9a to 9d are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display section 4 and below the passing gates 7a and 7b. On the right side of the special winning opening 8, there is provided a normal symbol display section 12 which indicates the result of the ordinary figure game by ○ or ×.
[0027]
A plurality of gaming effect LEDs 14a to 14h are provided on the glass door frame 20 so as to surround the gaming area. Speakers 15a and 15b are provided on the upper left and right sides of the glass door frame 20 (inside the gaming effect LEDs 14a and 14b). The game effect LEDs 14a to 14h emit light with the change of the image displayed on the variable display unit 4 or independently of the image, and the sound is output from the speakers 15a and 15b. From the speakers 15a and 15b, a music piece reproduced in synchronization with the driving of the accessory 11 is also output.
[0028]
Below the game area of the glass door frame 20, there is provided a hit ball supply tray 21 for supplying game balls to hit into the game area. A surplus ball tray 22 for paying out prize balls that cannot be paid out to the hit ball supply tray 21 is provided below the ball. On its right side, a hit ball operation handle 23 for driving a firing motor (not shown) for hitting a game ball into the game area is provided.
[0029]
On the left side of the game area of the glass door frame 20, there is a prize ball lamp 17 indicating that there is a prize ball that has not been paid out, and on the upper side of the game area that the prize ball to be paid out has run out. A ball out lamp 18 for informing is provided. On the left side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is provided a prepaid card unit 200 for inserting a prepaid card and renting a game ball.
[0030]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the glass door frame 20, a ball payout device 105 for paying out a prize ball, and to detect that there is no longer a prize ball that the ball payout device 105 can pay out. Ball switch 52 is provided. In addition, there is provided a full switch 53 (not shown in FIG. 2; see FIG. 3) for detecting that the storage of the game balls overflowing from the ball payout device 105 is full.
[0031]
A game control board 101, an effect control board 102, and a payout control board 104 are also provided on the back side of the glass door frame 20 as control boards for controlling the above-described units. A power supply board 100 for supplying power to each unit is also provided on the back side of the glass door frame 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1 including the boards 100 to 104.
[0032]
The game control board 101 is a main-side control board for controlling the overall flow of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, and a ROM (Read Only). A basic circuit 110 including a one-chip microcomputer including a memory (Memory) 113 and an I / O (Input / Output) port 114 is mounted. The game control board 101 has a switch circuit 120, a solenoid circuit 130, an information output circuit 140, and an address decode circuit 150 mounted thereon.
[0033]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function, a timer interrupt function, and a random number generation function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113, controls the progress of the game, and controls each part of the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Control directly or indirectly. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the basic circuit 110.
[0034]
The switch circuit 120 includes a gate switch 37 for detecting a game ball that has passed through the pass gate 7, a start port switch 35 for detecting a game ball that has passed the special symbol start port 5, and a game that has passed the special winning opening 8. A count switch 38 for detecting a ball, a V count switch 30 for detecting a game ball passing through a specific area of the special winning opening 8, and a winning opening for detecting a game ball passing through the winning openings 9a to 9d. Connected to switch 39. Further, it is also connected to a full tank switch 53, a ball out switch 52, and a prize ball count switch 51 for counting prize balls paid out by the ball payout device 105.
[0035]
The switch circuit 120 shapes the input signal output from each of the switches 37, 35, 38, 30, 39, 53, 52, and 51 as a pulse wave through a low-pass filter or the like, and amplifies the input signal with a buffer gate or the like. It is output to the / O port 114 and input to the CPU 111.
[0036]
The solenoid circuit 130 is provided in the solenoid 45 for driving the electric tulip-type accessory 6, the solenoid 48 for driving the opening and closing of the special winning opening 8, and the inside of the special winning opening 8, and the game ball is located in a specific area. It is connected to a solenoid 40 for driving a seesaw (not shown) for shifting. The solenoid circuit 130 outputs a drive control signal (excitation signal) to the solenoids 40, 45, and 48 based on a control signal output from the I / O port 114.
[0037]
The information output circuit 140 is, based on the control signal output from the I / O port 114, jackpot information indicating that a jackpot is occurring, probability change information indicating that the state is in a probability variation state, and information relating to the start of the special figure game. Various kinds of information such as start information and prize ball information that is information on paid prize balls are output to an external computer such as a management computer of a pachinko hall (game store).
[0038]
The address decode circuit 150 receives and decodes the address signal output from the CPU 111. As a result of the decoding, a signal for selecting which of the RAM 112, the ROM 113, and the I / O port 114 is controlled by the CPU 111 is output to the CPU 111.
[0039]
The payout control board 104 is connected to the ball payout device 105 and the prepaid card unit 200, and exchanges information necessary for lending game balls with the prepaid card unit 200. And a control circuit for paying out game balls lent to the player or game balls to be paid out as prize balls by winning.
[0040]
The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board for controlling execution of an effect in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and includes a basic circuit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. The effect control board 102 also has a video processor (VDP) 125 for drawing an image to be displayed on the variable display unit 4 and an audio processor (ADP) 126 for reproducing sound output from the speaker 15. ing.
[0041]
The CPU 121 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123, controls the execution of the effect, and sends necessary commands to the VDP 125 and the ADP 126. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs a control signal to and from each circuit connected to the basic circuit 120.
[0042]
The basic circuit 120 is connected to the game effect LEDs (14a to 14h), the prize ball lamp 17, the ball out lamp 18, the decoration lamp 13 (13a to 13d), the special symbol holding storage display unit 10, and the ordinary symbol display unit 12. And control these. The basic circuit 120 also has an accessory drive motor 41 for rotationally driving the accessory 11 via a drive mechanism (not shown), and a reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 is at a specific position (origin). It is connected to a motor reference sensor 16 for detecting the fact that the details will be described later.
[0043]
The VDP 125 draws an image based on a command from the CPU 121 and causes the variable display unit 4 to display the image. A series of image data for which the VDP 125 is to draw an image (a special figure game, a customer waiting demonstration, etc.) is stored in the ROM 123, and the CPU 121 specifies which image data is to be drawn. The character ROM used when the VDP 125 draws an image may be included in the ROM 123 or may be included in the VDP 125.
[0044]
The ADP 126 reproduces music and sound effects based on a command from the CPU 121 and causes the speaker 15 to output the music and sound. The ADP 126 has a function of adjusting the playback volume level of the music. The adjustment of the playback volume level is performed based on a command from the CPU 121. There are two levels for setting the playback volume level: an Up level and a Down level (there is also a playback level 0 when no music is played as an actual output), and these are set in accordance with the number of reserved symbols in the special symbol. Be changed.
[0045]
When the ADP 126 receives a command from the CPU 121, the ADP 126 continuously performs processing based on the received command until receiving the next command having a content opposite to the command. For example, once the reproduction of a specific music described below is started, the reproduction of the specific music is continued until the reproduction is stopped or a command to reproduce another music is received. When the playback volume level is set to the Up level, the playback volume level is maintained at the Up level until a Down command is received next time. The music data reproduced by the ADP 126 may be contained in the ROM 123 or may be contained inside the ADP 126.
[0046]
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of song data of a specific song among songs played by the ADP 126. The specific music is a music that is played when no reach occurs while the special figure game is being played on the variable display unit 4. However, how the specific music is reproduced when the special figure game is continuously performed differs depending on whether the game is in a normal game state or a probability fluctuation state. As shown in FIG. 4A, the music data of the specific music is composed of three parts: a start part 201, an A part 202, and a B part 203.
[0047]
Each of the start part 201, the A part 202, and the B part 203 includes control data 211 to 213 indicating a part to be reproduced next when reproduction of the corresponding part is completed. In accordance with the control data 211 to 213, after the start part 201 is reproduced first, the A part 202 and the B part 203 are reproduced alternately and repeatedly. In other words, the start part 201 is a part as a start effect indicating that the reproduction of the specific music has newly started.
[0048]
FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a reproduction procedure of each of the parts 201 to 203 of the specific music in a case where the special figure game is continuously performed a plurality of times in the normal game state. Here, it is assumed that the reach does not occur in the special figure game that is continuously performed. In the normal gaming state, each time the special figure game starts, the reproduction of the specific music starts anew. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
[0049]
When the first special figure game starts, after the start part 201 is reproduced, the A part 202 and the B part 203 are repeatedly reproduced. Also when the second special figure game starts, after the start part 201 is reproduced, the A part 202 and the B part 203 are repeatedly reproduced. Also when the third special figure game is started, after the start part 201 is reproduced, the A part 202 and the B part 203 are repeatedly reproduced. Even if the reproduction of the part being reproduced at the start of the second and third special figure games is not completed, the start part 201 is newly reproduced.
[0050]
FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a reproduction procedure of each of the parts 201 to 203 of the specific music in a case where the special figure game is continuously performed a plurality of times in the probability fluctuation state. Here, it is assumed that the reach does not occur even in the special figure game played continuously. In the probability fluctuating state, the specific music is continuously played over the special figure game whose execution has ended and the special figure game whose execution has newly started. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
[0051]
When the first special figure game starts, after the start part 201 is reproduced, the A part 202 and the B part 203 are repeatedly reproduced, as in the normal gaming state. When the second special figure game starts, the start part 201 is not newly reproduced. For example, when the A part 202 is being reproduced, the reproduction of the A part 202 is continued until the end. When the reproduction of the A part 202 ends, the reproduction of the B part 203 starts. The same applies when the third special figure game starts. At the start of the second and third special figure games, the specific music is continuously reproduced in a state where it has been continued up to that point.
[0052]
The music played by the ADP 126 includes a reach music played when a reach has occurred in the special map game. Since the period during which the state of the reach continues is always limited, the reach music is not divided into parts like the specific music, and constitutes the music data of the longest period of the reach. When a reach occurs in the special figure game, the music to be played is changed from the specific music to the reach music, but when the next special figure game starts, the reproduction of the specific music is resumed from the start part 201 again. .
[0053]
The song played by the ADP 126 includes a jackpot song played during the jackpot effect, but is not related to the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The ADP 126 also reproduces sound effects in accordance with the execution of the special map game, based on a command from the CPU 121, separately from the reproduction of these music pieces. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.
[0054]
Next, driving of the accessory 11 will be described. The accessory 11 is driven by the rotation of the accessory drive motor 41, but is not directly attached to the rotation shaft of the accessory drive motor 41, but is constituted by a plurality of gears and the like. It is attached to the rotating shaft on the accessory side of the drive mechanism. Through such a driving mechanism, the accessory 11 makes two rotations while the accessory driving motor 41 makes one rotation.
[0055]
The accessory drive motor 41 is configured by a stepping motor. By rotating counterclockwise or clockwise by a predetermined angle in one step, and rotating in the same direction for about 2,000 steps, one round is made. A disk provided with a slit in the radial direction is added to the accessory drive motor 41, and the position of the slit is a reference position of the accessory drive motor 41, and the rotational drive of the accessory drive motor 41 is performed. , The position changes.
[0056]
In addition, a motor reference sensor is provided near the accessory drive motor 41 and on a trajectory where the position of the slit transitions, comprising a light transmission type sensor for detecting light transmitted through the slit by rotation and outputting a detection signal. 16 are installed. When the detection signal is output from the motor reference sensor 16, the reference position (that is, the position of the slit) of the accessory drive motor 41 returns to the origin position. The current position (rotation angle) of the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 can be determined by the number of steps since the motor reference sensor 16 detects that the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 is at the origin. .
[0057]
The accessory 11 is rotationally driven via a drive mechanism by the rotation of the accessory drive motor 41. A predetermined position in the range of rotational driving of the accessory 11 is also set as a reference position, but there is no detection means like the motor reference sensor 16. When the reference position of the accessory 11 returns to a specific position, it is recognized as returning to the origin. Although the reference position of the accessory 11 is at the origin, the reference position of the accessory 11 is not always at the origin. Of course, if the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 is known, the reference position of the accessory 11 can be found by calculation, so that the reference position of the accessory 11 is at the origin. This is also obtained by calculation. The rotation direction of the accessory drive motor 41 and the rotation direction of the accessory 11 may be the same or opposite. However, the rotation direction in the following description is based on the rotation direction of the accessory 11.
[0058]
When the music is played by the ADP 126 (substantially when the special figure game is played), the accessory 11 is driven to rotate in synchronization with the music being played. However, when the special figure game is started and the reproduction of the specific music is started, the rotational drive of the accessory 11 is not necessarily started. If the reference position is not at the origin, the reference position is returned to the origin. Return control is performed.
[0059]
When performing the return control, the current position of the reference position of the accessory 11 is specified, and it is determined whether the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction is closer to the origin. Then, the drive data corresponding to the closer one is set, and the accessory drive motor 41 is driven by one step each time a timer interrupt described later is performed until the reference position of the accessory 11 returns to the origin. Regardless of which direction the return control is performed, the reference position of the accessory 11 returns to the origin in a time shorter than the shortest execution time of one special figure game. Note that, also when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on or when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reset, the return control for returning the reference position of the accessory 11 to the origin is performed.
[0060]
After the reference position of the accessory 11 has returned to the origin by the return control or if it has been at the origin from the beginning, the accessory 11 is driven to rotate in synchronization with the reproduction of the music. The rotation of the accessory 11 is performed in synchronization with the reproduction of the specific song and the reproduction of the reach song, but the accessory 11 is driven in synchronization with the rhythm of the song data of the specific song and the song data of the reach song, respectively. The drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 is prepared in advance, and when the reproduction of the music is started, the drive data corresponding to the music to be reproduced is set.
[0061]
This drive data is a time-sequential registration of whether to rotate the accessory drive motor 41 clockwise or counterclockwise by one step or to stop it. The drive data for the batch is read and the accessory drive motor 41 is controlled. The same driving data is registered in two sets of driving data. When the reproduction volume level of the music is the Up level, the accessory drive motor 41 is controlled in accordance with the driving data at each time of the timer interruption when the timer interrupt occurs. However, when it is at the Down level, it is halved. As a result, the magnitude of the rotational drive of the accessory 11 when the reproduction volume level of the music is at the Down level is apparently half that at the Up level.
[0062]
The special figure game on the variable display section 4 starts when a special figure game command is sent from the game control board 101 and ends when a finalization command is sent. If the hold command is further stored after the confirmation command is sent, the next special figure game command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 with a slight delay from the transmission of the confirmation command, and this is repeated. Thus, the special figure game is continuously performed a plurality of times.
[0063]
If there is no pending storage after the confirmation command is sent, a customer waiting command is sent instead of the next special figure game command. Upon receiving the customer waiting command, the effect control board 102 controls the customer waiting state in which the customer waiting demonstration is displayed on the variable display unit 4 every predetermined time. In addition, the effect control board 102 measures the elapsed time after receiving the confirmation command. Even if the customer waiting command is not received, a predetermined time (from the reception of the confirmation command to the customer After a lapse of a time longer than the time for which the waiting command should be received, the control is made to the customer waiting state.
[0064]
As described above, in order to execute the special figure game on the variable display unit 4, reproduce the music by the ADP 126, and drive the accessory 11 in synchronization with this, various data are stored in the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102. Is set. The data set in the RAM 122 includes data designating an image to be displayed on the variable display unit 4, drive data of the accessory drive motor 41, and the like.
[0065]
In addition, various flags are set in the RAM 122 in order to change the reproduction of the music and the driving of the accessory 11 during the execution of the special figure game in various modes. The flags set in the RAM 122 include a return control flag indicating that the position of the accessory 11 is under the return control, a volume Up flag indicating that the level of the reproduction volume of the music is at the Up level, A driving step flag for thinning out the driving, a probability fluctuation state flag indicating that the vehicle is in the probability fluctuation state, a customer waiting flag indicating that the vehicle is in the customer waiting state, a reach occurrence flag indicating that the reach has occurred in the special figure game and so on.
[0066]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the light emission of the decorative lamp 13 or the gaming effect LED 14, but these are not related to the present invention, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0067]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the CPU 111 in the basic circuit 110 of the game control board 101. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main processing shown in FIG. 5A is executed.
[0068]
In the main process, first, an initial setting process is performed (step S11). In the initial setting process, a process of setting a timer interrupt time (for example, 2 msec) that defines a timing at which an interrupt process to be described later is executed is set in the CPU 111. Thus, after resetting by turning on the power or the like, time measurement for defining the timing at which the first interrupt processing is executed is started. Further, in the initial setting process, a process for setting various timers is also performed.
[0069]
When the initial setting process is completed, it is determined whether or not the state at the time of power shutdown due to a power error occurring before the power is turned on is not backed up (step S12). If the state at the time of the power shutdown has been backed up, the state that was backed up is restored, and the state before the power failure is restored (step S13). Then, the processing from the state before the restored power supply error is continued.
[0070]
If the state at the time of power-off has not been backed up, processing such as initializing the RAM 112 and initializing various flags is performed (step S14). Next, an initial command is transmitted to the sub-boards such as the effect control board 102 and the pay-out control board 104 to initialize the states of these sub-boards (step S15).
[0071]
When the initialization of the sub-board is performed, a process of updating the display symbol random number for determining the fixed symbol (scheduled stop symbol) and the random number for variable display pattern determination for determining the variable display pattern of the special figure game is performed. This is performed (step S16). Further, a process of updating an initial value determination random number for determining an initial value to be set as a jackpot random number for determining whether to make a jackpot in the special figure game is performed (step S17). After the initialization of the sub-board is completed in step S15, the processes of steps S16 and S17 are repeatedly executed in an infinite loop. If a timer interrupt occurs during this time, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 5B is executed, and when the timer interrupt process ends, the processes of the infinite loop of steps S16 and S17 are executed again.
[0072]
In the timer interrupt process, first, the state of the gate switch 37, the count switch 38, the V count switch 30, and the like is input, and a switch process is performed to determine whether or not each of the winning ports and the passing gate has a winning (step S21). The determination of the start winning by the starting port switch 35 is performed in a special pattern process described later.
[0073]
Next, various abnormalities are diagnosed by the self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and error processing including processing such as generating an alarm if necessary is performed according to the result (step S22). .
[0074]
Further, a process of updating the jackpot random number is performed (step S23), a process of updating the initial value determining random number is performed (step S24), and a process of updating the display symbol random number and the variable display pattern determining random number are performed. (Step S25). Here, in order to avoid the value of the jackpot random number being updated periodically, for example, the random number for the initial value determination is determined by a timer interrupt process performed first after the value of the jackpot random number reaches the maximum value. Is a random number for determining an initial value to be set as the value of.
[0075]
When the updating of the various random numbers in steps S23 to S25 is completed, a special symbol process is performed (step S26). In this special symbol process, the above-mentioned various random numbers are extracted according to the special symbol process flag to determine whether the result of the special symbol game is a jackpot or the type of the fixed symbol in the special symbol game, This includes a process of performing a lottery such as selecting a variation display pattern of the figure game. Also, a necessary command is generated according to the processing result. Details of the special symbol processing will be described later.
[0076]
Next, a normal symbol process is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the normal symbols in a predetermined order. Further, a command such as a general game command is generated according to the processing result. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state.
[0077]
Next, special symbol command processing is performed (step S28). This special symbol command process is a process of transmitting various commands from the basic circuit 110 to the effect control board 102 if various commands are generated in step S26. Next, a normal symbol command process is performed (step S29). The normal symbol command process is a process of transmitting a command for controlling display of a normal symbol from the basic circuit 110 to the effect control board 102.
[0078]
Next, an information output process of outputting information such as probability change information, jackpot information, start information, and prize ball information to the outside via the information output circuit 140 is performed (step S30). Next, a solenoid output process for outputting a control signal for exciting and controlling the solenoids 45, 48, and 40 to the solenoid circuit 130 is performed (step S31). Next, a prize ball number signal and a prize ball possible signal are transmitted from the basic circuit 110 to the payout control board 104 to perform a prize ball process for issuing a prize ball payout command (step S32).
[0079]
Next, a hold storage process is performed (step S33). In the hold storage processing, for example, the number of hold memories changes when a special game start port 5 has a game ball winning and the hold memory increases, or when the change of the special symbol starts and the hold memory decreases. In this case, the processing is a process of transmitting a command of the number of reserved storages for instructing the display change of the number of reserved storages from the basic circuit 110 to the effect control board 102. Details of the hold storage process will be described later. When the process in step S33 ends, the process returns to the infinite loop process of steps S16 and S17 described above.
[0080]
Next, the special symbol process in step S26 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol process in step S26. In the special symbol process process, first, the detection of the passage of the game ball to the special symbol starting port 5 by the starting port switch 35 (so-called starting winning) is confirmed, and when the starting winning occurs, various random numbers for lottery are determined. Winning confirmation processing including extraction processing is performed (step S100).
[0081]
After that, according to the special symbol game and a special symbol process flag (set in the RAM 112) indicating a control state in the event of a big hit in the special symbol game, a customer waiting process (step S101), a stop symbol setting process (step S102), all symbols Fluctuation start processing (step S103), all symbol stop waiting processing (step S104), special winning opening opening processing (step S105), special winning opening opening processing (step S106), specific area effective time processing (step S107), One of the jackpot ending processes (step S108) is performed.
[0082]
Of these processes, the process relating to the present invention will be described in detail. In the winning confirmation process of step S100, when the passing of the game ball to the special symbol starting port 5 is detected by the starting port switch 35, the winning flag is set. At the same time, a random number for jackpot determination, a random number for display symbol determination, and a random number for variable display pattern extraction are extracted and stored in a special symbol determination bank for start-up storage. In addition, until the number of reserved memories becomes four (the number of banks for special symbol determination is four, and if the start winning prize is detected and all the banks have the memory, the starting prize is invalidated). Therefore, the number of pending storages is incremented by one. In accordance with the value of the extracted random numbers for determining the jackpot, it is determined whether or not the result of the special figure game is a jackpot, and whether or not the result is a probability variation jackpot.
[0083]
In the customer waiting process at step S101, it is determined whether or not at least one of the special symbol determination banks stores a big hit determination random number, a display symbol determination random number, and a variable display pattern determination random number. If these random numbers are not stored in any of the special symbol determination banks, a customer waiting command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 in the next special symbol command processing. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value for performing the stop symbol setting process. If there is a special symbol determination bank in which the random number for jackpot determination, the random number for display symbol determination, and the random number for variable display pattern determination are stored, without generating a customer waiting command, the special symbol process flag The value is updated to a value for performing the stop symbol setting process.
[0084]
In the stop symbol setting process of step S102, if a random number for jackpot determination, a random number for display symbol determination, and a random number for variable display pattern determination are stored in at least one of the special symbol determination banks, they are stored. The determined symbol of the special figure game is determined according to the value of the displayed symbol determining random number. Further, the variable display pattern required for the special figure game is determined according to the stored random display pattern determining random number value. Furthermore, in order to generate a special figure game command including information that can specify the determination result of the fixed symbol and the variable display pattern, and to transmit the command to the effect control board 102 when the special figure game can be started, Add to the special symbol judgment bank and save. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value for performing the all symbol variation start process.
[0085]
In the all symbol variation start process in step S103, it is determined whether or not the special figure game can be started. When the special figure game can be started, the special symbol determination is performed so that the special figure game is started on the variable display unit 4. The special figure game command stored in the bank for the game is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Further, the number of reserved storages is subtracted by one. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value for performing the all symbol stop waiting process.
[0086]
In the all symbol stop waiting process in step S104, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the special figure game, and when the end timing is reached, the variable display unit 4 determines that the final result of the special figure game is shown. A command is generated and transmitted when the special symbol command processing is executed next. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value for performing the special winning opening opening process or the customer waiting process in accordance with the determination result of the special figure game.
[0087]
In the big hit end processing of step S108, a control for terminating the opening operation of the big winning opening 8 is performed, a command for instructing the end of the big hit demonstration is generated, and the command is transmitted when the special symbol command processing is next executed. To When the jackpot is a probability variation jackpot, the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state. If it is a normal jackpot, the game state is set to a normal game state.
[0088]
Next, the hold storage process in step S33 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the suspension storage process in step S33 in detail. In the suspension storage processing, first, it is determined whether the current suspension storage number set in the RAM 112 is equal to the previous suspension storage number, that is, whether the suspension storage number has not changed (step S201). If the current reserved storage number is equal to the previous reserved storage number and there is no change in the reserved storage number, the processing of this flowchart is terminated as it is.
[0089]
If the current number of pending storages is not equal to the previous number of pending storages and there is a change in the number of pending storages, a pending storage command indicating the current number of pending storages is generated (step S202). Further, the current reserved storage number is reset in the RAM 112 as the previous reserved storage number (step S203). After that, the command of the number of reserved storages generated in step S202 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S204). Then, the process of this flowchart ends.
[0090]
By the processing described above, the game control board 101 performs a lottery based on the passing of the game ball to the special symbol starting port 5, and when the result is a jackpot, the special winning port 8 is intermittently continued for a certain period of time. Release. In addition, an operation of paying out a game ball by winning or changing the next lottery probability depending on a lottery result is performed. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs various effects including execution of the special figure game on the variable display unit 4, driving of the accessory 11, and reproduction / output of the specific music in accordance with the command sent from the game control board 101. Is working. In addition, the timing of the game operation controlled on the game control board 101 side and the effect operation controlled on the effect control board 102 side in accordance with the transmitted command is achieved.
[0091]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a command reception standby process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. The effect control board 102 determines whether a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S301). Until the command is received, the process of step S301 is repeated, and the process is in a state of waiting for the reception of the command. When any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined (step S302).
[0092]
When the type of the received command is the initial command, first, a predetermined area of the RAM 122 is initialized (step S303). Next, the accessory drive interrupt process described later is set to disable the interrupt (step S304). Next, the accessory driving motor 41 is controlled to rotate clockwise one step (step S305). Then, it is determined whether the motor reference sensor 16 has detected that the motor reference position has reached the origin as a result of rotating the accessory driving motor 41 clockwise by one step (step S306).
[0093]
If the motor reference position has not reached the origin, the process returns to step S305, and further rotates the accessory drive motor 41 clockwise by one step. If it is detected that the motor reference position has reached the origin, the accessory drive interrupt processing prohibited in step S304 is permitted (step S307). Further, in order to perform the return control for returning the reference position of the accessory 11 to the origin, a return control in-progress flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S308), and the return is performed until the reference position of the accessory 11 reaches the origin. The drive data of the control accessory drive motor 41 is set in the RAM 122 (step S309). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0094]
If the type of the command received in step S302 is the number of reserved storage commands, the current reserved storage number stored in the RAM 122 is stored in the RAM 122 as the old reserved storage number (step S310). The number of pending storages indicated by the pending storage number command is set in the RAM 122 as the current number of pending storages, and the current number of pending storages is displayed on the special symbol pending storage display unit 10 (step S311).
[0095]
Next, a comparison is made between the current reserved storage number stored in the RAM 122 and the old reserved storage number to determine whether the reserved storage number has changed from 1 to 0 (step S312). If the number of held storages has changed from 1 to 0, a command is issued to the ADP 126 for the playback volume Down of the music (step S313). Further, the volume Up flag indicating that the reproduction volume of the music is at the Up level is deleted from the RAM 122 (step S314). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0096]
If the number of pending storages has not changed from 1 to 0, the current number of pending storages stored in the RAM 122 is also compared with the old number of pending storages to determine whether the number of pending storages has changed from 0 to 1. It is determined whether or not it is (step S315). If the number of reserved storages has changed from 0 to 1, the ADP 126 is instructed to increase the reproduction volume of the music (step S316). Further, a volume Up flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S317). Then, the process returns to step S301. If the number of pending storages has not changed from 0 to 1, the process directly returns to the processing of step S301.
[0097]
If the type of the command received in step S302 is a special figure game command, the time counted by the customer waiting timer provided in the RAM 122 is cleared to 0 (step S318). Also, a series of image data corresponding to the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command is designated as image data to be drawn by the VDP 125 (step S319).
[0098]
Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability fluctuation state based on whether or not the probability fluctuation state flag of the RAM 122 is set (step S320). If it is not in the probability fluctuation state, the process proceeds to step S325. If the probability fluctuation state flag is set, whether the customer waiting flag is set in the RAM 122, that is, the execution of the special figure game is temporarily interrupted from the previous special figure game, and the special figure game is executed by a new start winning. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S321). If the customer waiting flag has been set, the customer waiting flag is deleted from the RAM 122 (step S322), and the process proceeds to step S325.
[0099]
If the customer waiting flag has not been set, it is determined whether or not the reach occurrence flag has been set in the RAM 122 in the last special figure game (step S323). In addition, if the special figure game after the big hit control ends, the reach has always occurred before the big hit in the last special figure game before the big hit control, so that the reach occurrence flag is set. Become. If the reach occurrence flag has not been set, the process returns to step S301. If the reach occurrence flag has been set, the reach occurrence flag is deleted from the RAM 122 (step S324), and the process proceeds to step S325.
[0100]
In step S325, when the reference position of the accessory 11 is not at the origin, an accessory return setting process for setting drive data for returning the reference position of the accessory 11 to the origin is executed. The details of the accessory return setting process will be described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S326. In the step S326, the ADP 126 is instructed to start reproduction of the specific music. Also, the accessory drive data corresponding to the specific music reproduced by the ADP 126 is set in the RAM 122 (step S327). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0101]
If the type of the command received in step S302 is a confirmation command, a series of image data for displaying the confirmation symbol indicated by the confirmation command on the variable display unit 4 is designated as image data to be drawn by the VDP 125. (Step S328). In addition, even if the customer waiting command is missed, the counting of the customer waiting timer for controlling the customer waiting state is started (step S329). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0102]
If the type of the command received in step S302 is a customer waiting command, the time counted by the customer waiting timer is cleared to 0 (step S330). In addition, since the customer wait state is set here, the customer wait flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S331), and the VDP 125 draws a series of customer wait image data for displaying the demonstration screen at predetermined time intervals. It is designated as power data (step S332). In addition, the reproduction of the music (specific music or reach music) of the ADP 126 is instructed (step S333), and the accessory driving data set in the RAM 122 is deleted (step S334). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0103]
If the type of the command received in step S302 is another type of command, a process corresponding to the type of the other received command is performed (step S335). Here, setting of the probability fluctuation state flag after the occurrence of the probability fluctuation jackpot and erasure of the probability fluctuation state flag after the end condition of the probability fluctuation state are satisfied are included, but are not particularly related to the present invention, Detailed description is omitted. Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0104]
Next, the accessory return setting processing in step S325 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the accessory return setting process in step S325. In the accessory return setting process, the reference position of the accessory 11 is determined based on the number of steps in which the accessory drive motor 41 was driven since the motor reference sensor 16 detected the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 immediately before. It is specified whether or not it is at the position (step S401). Then, it is determined whether or not the reference position of the accessory 11 is at the origin (step S402). If the reference position of the accessory 11 is at the origin, there is no need to perform the return control, and the accessory return setting process is terminated as it is.
[0105]
If the reference position of the accessory 11 is not at the origin, a return control flag is set in the RAM 122 in order to perform return control for returning the reference position of the accessory 11 to the origin from here (step S403). Next, it is determined whether it is clockwise or counterclockwise from the current position of the reference position of the accessory 11 specified in step S401 to the origin (step S404).
[0106]
If the clockwise rotation is closer to the origin, the driving data of the accessory drive motor 41 for rotating and driving the accessory 11 clockwise to return the reference position to the origin is set in the RAM 122 (step S405). . If the counterclockwise direction is closer to the origin, the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 for rotating and driving the accessory 11 counterclockwise to return the reference position to the origin is set in the RAM 122 (step S406). . When the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 is set in the RAM 122 in step S405 or S406, the processing of this flowchart ends.
[0107]
The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 monitors the customer waiting timer by interrupt processing in parallel with the processing of FIGS. 8 and 9 to stop the reproduction of music and the driving of the accessory 11 in synchronization with the processing. A process of generating a display image of a figure game or the like for each frame and a process of controlling the accessory driving motor 41 to rotate and drive the accessory 11 are performed. Hereinafter, these processes will be described in detail.
[0108]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a customer waiting timer monitoring process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. The processing of this flowchart is started by a timer interrupt generated in the CPU 121 every 2 milliseconds, for example. In the customer waiting timer monitoring process, the customer waiting timer started in step S329 is not cleared in step S318 or S330, and is not cleared for a predetermined time (longer than the original time from the transmission of the confirmed command to the transmission of the customer waiting command). Is determined (step S501). If the predetermined time has not been counted, the processing of this flowchart ends as it is.
[0109]
If the customer waiting timer has counted a predetermined time, a customer waiting flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S502), and a series of customer waiting image data for displaying the demo screen at predetermined time intervals is displayed. The VDP 125 specifies the data to be drawn (step S503). Also, the reproduction of the tune (specific tune or reach tune) of the ADP 126 is instructed (step S504), and the accessory driving data set in the RAM 122 is deleted (step S505). Then, the process of this flowchart ends.
[0110]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a display image setting process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. The process of this flowchart is started by a timer interrupt generated in the CPU 121 every frame period. In the display image setting processing, first, data of a background image specified according to a specified series of image data and an image variation mode based on an elapsed time from the specification of the image data is temporarily set in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. (Step S601).
[0111]
Next, the position and the mode of each special symbol in the current frame are specified according to the specified series of image data and the variation mode of the image based on the elapsed time from the specification of the image data, and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. Set. However, when a series of image data for waiting for customers is set, there is no setting of the position and the special symbol (step S602).
[0112]
Next, when it is necessary to display a character pattern in accordance with a series of designated image data and a variation mode of the image based on the elapsed time from the designation of the image data, the position and the form of the character pattern to be displayed are determined. Then, it is specified and temporarily set in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S603). Then, it instructs the VDP 125 to draw an image together with the background image data temporarily set in the RAM 122, the position and mode of the special symbol, and the position and mode of the character symbol (step S604). Based on this, the VDP 125 draws an image and causes the variable display unit 4 to display the image. However, since it has nothing to do with the present invention, a detailed description is omitted.
[0113]
When an instruction to draw an image is given to the VDP 125, it is determined whether or not the reach of the special figure game is to occur in the current frame in accordance with the position and mode of the special symbol specified in step S602 (step S605). If the reach has not occurred in the current frame (the reach has not occurred or has already occurred before the previous frame), the processing of this flowchart is terminated as it is.
[0114]
If a reach has occurred in the current frame, a reach occurrence flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S606). Also, it instructs the ADP 126 to change the music to be played from the specific music to the reach music. The reach music may be different for each reach pattern, but in that case, it is necessary to instruct the type of the reach music (step S607). The drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 in accordance with the reach music is set in the RAM 122 (step S608). Then, the process of this flowchart ends.
[0115]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the accessory driving interrupt processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. The processing of this flowchart is started by a timer interrupt generated in the CPU 121 every 2 milliseconds, for example. In the accessory drive interruption process, first, it is determined whether or not drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 other than for return control (corresponding to a specific song or a reach song) is set in the RAM 122 (step S701). If the drive data of the accessory drive data 41 other than those for return control has not been set, the process proceeds to step S705.
[0116]
If the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 other than for the return control is set, one drive data to be taken out of the series of drive data (one step of clockwise or counterclockwise drive, or (Indicating a stop) is taken out (step S702). Then, the extraction target is set to the next one-time drive data. If the drive data following the extracted drive data is control data, one drive data indicated by the control data is to be extracted next (step S703). Further, the state of the drive step flag of the RAM 122 is inverted from the current state (step S704). Then, the process proceeds to step S705.
[0117]
In step S705, whether or not the return control of the position of the accessory 11 is currently performed is determined based on whether or not the return control flag is set in the RAM 122. If the return control of the position of the accessory 11 has been performed, one drive data extracted in step S703 is discarded (step S706). However, when the drive data is not set in step S701 and the process proceeds to step S705, the drive data is not discarded.
[0118]
Next, in this case, since the driving data of the accessory drive motor 41 for the return control is set in the RAM 122, the accessory drive motor 41 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by one step according to the drive data for the return control. (Step S707). As a result, it is determined whether or not the reference position of the accessory 11 has reached the origin (step S708). If the reference position of the accessory 11 has not reached the origin, the processing of this flowchart ends as it is. When the reference position of the accessory 11 has reached the origin, the return control is completed, and the return control in-progress flag set in the RAM 122 is deleted (step S709). Then, the process of this flowchart ends.
[0119]
If the return control of the position of the accessory 11 has not been performed in step S705, it is determined whether or not one-time drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 has been extracted (step S710). If the drive data for one time of the accessory drive motor 41 has not been taken out, it is not the case that the accessory 11 is driven to rotate in the first place, and the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is.
[0120]
If the one-time drive data of the accessory drive data 41 has been extracted, it is determined whether or not the volume up flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S711). If the volume Up flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S713. If the volume Up flag is not set, it is determined whether the state of the drive step flag in the RAM 122 is 0 or 1 (step S712). If the state of the drive step flag is 1, the rotational drive of the accessory 11 is reduced by one time, and the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is. If the state of the driving step flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S713.
[0121]
In step S713, the accessory driving motor 41 is driven to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise by one step in accordance with the extracted driving data for one time. In this case, the accessory 11 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by one step. However, if the taken out driving data indicates stop, the accessory driving motor 41 is not driven to rotate. Then, the process of this flowchart ends.
[0122]
In the effect control board 102, the VDP 125 and the ADP 126 perform an image drawing process and a sound reproduction process, respectively, based on an instruction from the CPU 121. Since the image drawing processing by the VDP 125 is not related to the present invention, a detailed description is omitted. In addition, the ADP 126 performs, other than the reproduction of the music, the reproduction of the sound effect in accordance with the execution of the special figure game. I do.
[0123]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a music reproduction process executed by the ADP 126 of the effect control board 102. The ADP 126 continues the previous process unless a new command is received from the CPU 121, and the process of this flowchart is performed to determine the switching of the process.
[0124]
In the music reproduction process, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start reproduction of a specific music has been received from the CPU 121 (step S801). When the instruction to start the reproduction of the specific music has been received, the reproduction of the specific music is started from the start part 201. If this command is received during the reproduction of the reach music, the reproduction of the reach music is stopped and then the reproduction of the specific music is started (step S802). When the reproduction of the start part 201 ends, the reproduction of the A part 202 starts, and when the reproduction of the A part 202 ends, the reproduction of the B part 203 starts. After the reproduction of the B part 203 is completed, the process returns to the reproduction of the A part 202. Then, the process returns to step S801.
[0125]
If the instruction to start the reproduction of the specific music has not been received, it is determined whether or not the instruction of the reproduction volume Down has been received from the CPU 121 (step S803). If the instruction for the reproduction volume Down has been received, the reproduction volume is reset to the Down level (step S804). Then, the process returns to step S801. If the command for the playback volume Down has not been received, it is determined whether or not a command for the playback volume Up has been received from the CPU 121 (step S805). If the instruction for the reproduction volume Up has been received, the reproduction volume is reset to the Up level (step S806). Then, the process returns to step S801.
[0126]
If the instruction for the reproduction volume Up has not been received, it is determined whether or not an instruction to stop reproducing the music has been received from the CPU 121 (step S807). If the reproduction stop instruction has been received, the reproduction of the currently reproduced music (specific music or reach music) is stopped (step S808). Then, the process returns to step S801. If no instruction to stop reproduction has been received, it is determined whether an instruction to change the music to reach music has been received from the CPU 121 (step S809). If the music change command has been received, the reproduction of the specific music is stopped, and the reproduction of the reach music is started (step S810). Then, the process returns to step S801. If the music change command has not been received, the process returns to step S801.
[0127]
Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described based on a specific example. First, the effect control board 102 receives, from the game control board 101 at a specific timing, the relationship between the execution of the special figure game, the driving of the accessory 11, and the reproduction of the music performed based on the command received from the game control board 101. It will be described as having done.
[0128]
FIG. 14 is a first example of a timing chart specifically showing the reception timing of the command from the game control board 101 and the processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 based on the received command. As an initial state in this example, it is assumed that the gaming state is in the probability fluctuation state, the special figure game is not being executed, and the customer is in the waiting state. The number of reserved storages is naturally 0. Since the special map game is not executed, no music is reproduced, and the level of the reproduction volume is 0 (however, the setting in the ADP 126 is the Down level). It is also assumed that the accessory 11 is stopped without its reference position being at the origin.
[0129]
It is assumed that there is a first start winning at timing t0 and a special figure game command has been sent. At this time, since the number of reserved storages does not change even by the start winning, no pending storage command is sent. Upon receipt of the special figure game command, the variable display section 4 starts the special figure game in the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command. Further, the ADP 126 sets the reproduction volume to the Down level and starts reproduction of the specific music from the start part 201. After the end of the start part 201, the reproduction of the specific music repeats the A part 202 and the B part 203 alternately. Although the reproduction of the specific music has been started, but the reference position of the accessory 11 is not at the origin, the return control of the position of the accessory 11 is started.
[0130]
It is assumed that a second start winning is made at timing t1. At this time, since the special figure game cannot be started immediately, the command of the number of reserved storages is sent, and the current setting of the number of reserved storages is changed from 0 to 1. Thereby, the reproduction volume Up is instructed to the ADP 126, and the reproduction volume of the specific music is changed to the Up level. When the reference position of the accessory 11 reaches the origin at the timing t2, the rotational drive is performed in accordance with the specific music. However, since the reproduction volume is at the Up level and the drive data is not thinned, the magnitude of the rotational drive is large. Become.
[0131]
At the timing t3, when there is a third starting prize, a command of the number of reserved storages is sent, and the current setting of the number of reserved storages is changed from 1 to 2. At timing t4, the end timing of the special figure game is reached, and it is assumed that the confirmation command has been sent without occurrence of reach in the course of the change. With this, the confirmed symbol is shown and the first special figure game ends, but from this point on, the counting of the customer waiting timer is started.
[0132]
At a timing t5 immediately after that, the special figure game command can be sent because the special figure game can be continuously executed based on the hold storage. Upon receiving the special figure game command, the variable figure display unit 4 starts a new special figure game in the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command. This clears the time measurement by the customer waiting timer. At this time, since the number of reserved storages changes, the reserved storage number command is also transmitted at substantially the same timing, and the current setting of the reserved storage number is changed from 2 to 1.
[0133]
This second special figure game is started in succession to the previous special figure game without a reach in the previous special figure game in the probability fluctuation state. For this reason, a new command is not issued to the ADP 126 regarding the reproduction of the music, and the reproduction of the specific music is continuously performed over the first special figure game and the second special figure game. It becomes. At the timing t6, the end timing of the special figure game is reached, and if a confirmation command is sent without occurrence of a reach in the course of the fluctuation, a finalized symbol is shown and the second special figure game ends, but from this time. Timing of the customer waiting timer is started.
[0134]
At a timing t7 immediately after that, since the special figure game can be continuously executed based on the hold storage, a special figure game command is sent. Upon receiving the special figure game command, the variable figure display unit 4 starts a new special figure game in the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command. This clears the time measurement by the customer waiting timer.
[0135]
At this time, since the number of reserved storages changes, the reserved storage number command is also sent at substantially the same time, and the current setting of the reserved storage number is changed from 1 to 0. As a result, the playback volume Down is instructed to the ADP 126, and the playback volume of the specific music is changed to the Down level. In addition, since the reproduction volume is changed to the Down level, the thinning out of the drive data is started, so that the size of the rotational drive of the accessory 11 is reduced.
[0136]
The third special figure game is also started in the probability fluctuation state, without reaching the previous special figure game, following the previous special figure game. Therefore, no new command is issued to the ADP 126 regarding the reproduction of the music, and the reproduction of the specific music is continuously performed over the second special figure game and the third special figure game. It becomes. At the timing t8, the end timing of the special figure game is reached, and if a confirmation command is sent without occurrence of a reach in the course of the change, a finalized symbol is shown and the third special figure game is ended. Timing of the customer waiting timer is started.
[0137]
At a timing t9 immediately after that, there is no special figure game that can be executed based on the hold storage, so a customer waiting command is sent. Upon receipt of the customer waiting command, the time measurement by the customer waiting timer is cleared. Further, upon receiving the customer waiting command, the ADP 126 is instructed to stop reproducing the music, and the reproduction of the specific music is stopped. The reproduction level becomes 0. In addition, when the reproduction of the specific music is stopped, the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 is also deleted from the RAM 122, and the rotation of the accessory 11 is also stopped.
[0138]
FIG. 15 is a second example of a timing chart specifically showing the reception timing of the command from the game control board 101 and the processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 based on the received command. Even in the initial state in this example, it is assumed that the gaming state is in the probability fluctuation state, the special figure game is not executed, and the customer is in the waiting state. The number of reserved storages is naturally 0. Since the special map game is not executed, no music is reproduced, and the level of the reproduction volume is 0 (however, the setting in the ADP 126 is the Down level). However, it is assumed that the reference position of the accessory 11 is at the origin from the beginning.
[0139]
It is assumed that there is a first start winning at timing t0 and a special figure game command has been sent. At this time, since the number of reserved storages does not change even by the start winning, no pending storage command is sent. Upon receipt of the special figure game command, the variable display section 4 starts the special figure game in the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command. Further, the ADP 126 sets the reproduction volume to the Down level and starts reproduction of the specific music from the start part 201. Since the reference position of the accessory 11 is at the origin from the beginning, the rotational driving of the accessory 11 is also started, but the size is reduced because the drive data is thinned out.
[0140]
It is assumed that a second start winning is made at timing t1. At this time, since the special figure game cannot be started immediately, the command of the number of reserved storages is sent, and the current setting of the number of reserved storages is changed from 0 to 1. Thereby, the reproduction volume Up is instructed to the ADP 126, and the reproduction volume of the specific music is changed to the Up level. In addition, since the drive data of the accessory 11 is not thinned out, the magnitude of the rotational drive of the accessory 11 is increased.
[0141]
Further, when there is a third winning start at the timing t2, a command of the number of reserved storages is sent, and the current setting of the number of reserved storages is changed from 1 to 2. At timing t3, the end timing of the special figure game is reached, and it is assumed that the confirmation command has been sent without occurrence of reach in the course of the change. With this, the confirmed symbol is shown and the first special figure game ends, but from this point on, the counting of the customer waiting timer is started.
[0142]
At a timing t4 immediately thereafter, the special figure game command can be sent because the special figure game can be continuously executed based on the hold memory. Upon receiving the special figure game command, the variable figure display unit 4 starts a new special figure game in the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command. This clears the time measurement by the customer waiting timer. At this time, since the number of reserved storages changes, the reserved storage number command is also transmitted at substantially the same timing, and the current setting of the reserved storage number is changed from 2 to 1.
[0143]
This second special figure game is started in succession to the previous special figure game without a reach in the previous special figure game in the probability fluctuation state. For this reason, a new command is not issued to the ADP 126 regarding the reproduction of the music, and the reproduction of the specific music is continuously performed over the first special figure game and the second special figure game. It becomes. It is assumed that a reach has occurred at a timing t5 during the execution of the second special figure game.
[0144]
Then, since the reproduction of the reach music is instructed to the ADP 126, the reproduction of the specific music is stopped, and the reproduction of the reach music is started. Although the size of the driving of the accessory 11 remains large, the driving is changed to the driving in accordance with the reach music. At the timing t6, the end timing of the special figure game is reached, and when the confirmation command is sent, the finalized symbol is shown and the second special figure game ends, but from this time the timer of the customer waiting timer is started.
[0145]
At a timing t7 immediately after that, since the special figure game can be continuously executed based on the hold storage, a special figure game command is sent. Upon receiving the special figure game command, the variable figure display unit 4 starts a new special figure game in the variable display pattern indicated by the special figure game command. This clears the time measurement by the customer waiting timer.
[0146]
At this time, since the number of reserved storages changes, the reserved storage number command is also sent at substantially the same time, and the current setting of the reserved storage number is changed from 1 to 0. As a result, the playback volume Down is instructed to the ADP 126, and the playback volume of the specific music is changed to the Down level. In addition, since the reproduction volume is changed to the Down level, the thinning out of the drive data is started, so that the size of the rotational drive of the accessory 11 is reduced.
[0147]
The third special figure game is started after the previous special figure game in the probability fluctuation state, but reach has occurred in the previous special figure game. Therefore, the ADP 126 is newly instructed to start reproduction of the specific music. With this command, the reproduction of the specific music starts from the start part 201 again. After the start part 201 ends, the reproduction of the A part 202 and the B part 202 is repeated. At the timing t8, the end timing of the special figure game is reached, and if a confirmation command is sent without occurrence of a reach in the course of the change, a finalized symbol is shown and the third special figure game is ended. Timing of the customer waiting timer is started.
[0148]
Thereafter, it is assumed that the customer waiting command is not received at the timing at which the customer waiting command should be received, and the customer waiting timer has counted a predetermined time at the timing t9. As a result, the ADP 126 is instructed to stop reproducing the music, and the reproduction of the specific music is stopped. The reproduction level becomes 0. In addition, when the reproduction of the specific music is stopped, the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 is also deleted from the RAM 122, and the rotation of the accessory 11 is also stopped.
[0149]
Next, as a specific operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1, return control of the accessory 11 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating which control method is selected for the return control of the accessory 11. Here, it does not matter how the accessory 11 is rotated when the return control is started. It is determined only according to the position of the reference position of the accessory 11 when starting the return control.
[0150]
As shown in FIG. 16A, when the reference position of the accessory 11 is counterclockwise when the reference position is closer to the origin, the counterclockwise drive data is used as the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 for return control. Is set, and the accessory 11 is rotationally driven counterclockwise, and its reference position is returned to the origin. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the reference position of the accessory 11 is clockwise when the reference position is closer to the origin, the clockwise rotation data is used as the drive data of the accessory drive motor 41 for return control. The drive data is set, and the accessory 11 is rotationally driven clockwise, and the reference position is returned to the origin.
[0151]
Next, as a specific operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1, a relationship between the rotational drive of the accessory 11 and the music to be reproduced will be described. The rotation drive of the accessory 11 and the reproduction of the specific music are synchronized. However, only the CPU 121 controls the start timing, and the CPU 121 and the ADP 126 actually control each separately. If the external output is viewed on the basis of the rotational drive of the accessory 11, the music is reproduced in accordance with the mode of the rotational drive of the accessory 11. If the music reproduction is viewed as a reference, the accessory 11 is rotationally driven in accordance with the music reproduction mode.
[0152]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a music reproduction mode and a character driving mode. Here, a case where the volume does not change according to the setting of the playback volume of the ADP 126 but sequentially increases in each bar by the music data itself is shown for three measures. The rhythm of the song is quadruple, with stress on the first and third beats.
[0153]
In the first measure in which the volume of the music data is small, the accessory 11 is slightly driven left and right little by little on the first and third beats where the stress is applied. In the second measure in which the volume of the music data is increased, the magnitude of the drive of the accessory 11 at the first and third beats where the stress is placed becomes larger, and the second and fourth beats where the stress is not placed The accessory 11 is slightly moved right and left little by little with the eyes. Further, in the third measure in which the volume of the music data is increased, the magnitude of the drive of the accessory 11 at the first and third beats where the stress is applied is further increased, and the second and fourth beats where the stress is not applied are further increased. The magnitude of the driving of the accessory 11 becomes larger even at the beat.
[0154]
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the music reproduction mode and the accessory driving mode. Here, when the music data of the same part is reproduced, the driving modes of the accessory 11 when the reproduction volume level of the ADP 126 is set to the Down level and when the reproduction volume is set to the Up level are shown. I have. The rhythm of the music is quadruple, and the first and third beats are stressed as in the case of FIG.
[0155]
When the playback volume level is set to the Down level, the drive data is thinned out and the accessory 11 is driven only once in two times of the accessory drive interrupt processing. On the other hand, when the level of the reproduction sound volume is set to the Up level, the accessory 11 is driven in accordance with the drive data every time the accessory drive interrupt processing is performed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the magnitude of driving the accessory 11 when the level of the reproduction sound volume is set to the Up level is twice the magnitude of driving when the level is set to the Down level. It becomes.
[0156]
As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the specific music is reproduced and output during the execution of the special figure game (except when a reach occurs). By reproducing and outputting the specific music in this way, it is possible to aurally recognize that the special figure game is being executed, and to produce a synergistic effect of visual and auditory effects.
[0157]
In addition, while the music is being played, the accessory 11 is also driven to rotate in synchronization with the music. As a result, the mode of the effect becomes rich, and the synergistic effect of the visual and auditory effects is further enhanced, and the interest of the game can be improved. Here, the drive of the accessory 11 is performed in accordance with the rhythm and volume of the music being played. By driving the accessory 11 in accordance with such a rhythm or volume, an interesting effect can be performed.
[0158]
The level of the playback volume of the specific music is set to the Down level when the number of stored songs changes from 1 to 0. Since the reproduction volume is reduced in this manner, the player can know that the hold memory has been lost, so that the player does not suddenly notice that the execution of the special map game has been interrupted and feel uncomfortable. Also, the level of the reproduction volume is set to the Up level when the number of stored memories changes from 0 to 1. By increasing the reproduction volume in this manner, the player can also know that the hold has been made due to a new start winning.
[0159]
Then, the change in the number of storages on hold can be easily understood by a change in the volume at which the specific music is played, and the effect of the reproduction can be enhanced by changing the playback volume by the change in the number of storages on hold, The fun of the game can be improved. Further, since the change in the level of the reproduction volume of the specific music piece also appears as a change in the drive size of the accessory 11, the effect can be further enhanced, and the player can increase the drive size of the accessory 11. , It is possible to know the change in the number of pending storages.
[0160]
By the way, the specific music is played during the execution of the special figure game. However, when a plurality of special figure games are continuously performed, the special figure Each time the game is started, the specific song is started to be reproduced from the beginning, but if the probability varies, the specific song is continuously reproduced over a plurality of special figure games. Due to such a difference, the player can easily recognize the difference between the normal game state and the probability variation state, and increase the player's expectation in the probability variation state and improve the interest of the game. Can be.
[0161]
Also, even when the special figure game is being played, if a reach occurs in the process of the special figure game, the reproduction of the specific music is stopped, and another reach music is reproduced. Become. By playing such reach music, the player's expectation when a reach occurs can be enhanced by an auditory effect, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0162]
Even when the probability is fluctuating, when a reach song has occurred in the previous special map game and the reach song has been played, or when the first special map game has started from the waiting state for a customer, the specific song is played. Will be started from the beginning. For this reason, the reproduction start of the specific music is not performed from a halfway place, and the player does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, although the specific music is composed of three parts, the start part 201 among them is reproduced only at the start of reproduction, so that the player can easily understand that the reproduction of the specific music has started. .
[0163]
The reproduction of the specific music is stopped when the continuous execution of the special figure game is interrupted. The reproduction of the specific music is performed by receiving a customer waiting command from the game control board 101 as a trigger. However, the customer waiting timer starts counting every time a confirmed command is received, and if the customer waiting timer measures a predetermined time even if the customer waiting command has not been received at the timing when it should be received, the particular The reproduction of the music is stopped, and the driving of the accessory 11 is also stopped. For this reason, even if the customer control command is missed by the effect control board 102, the specific music continues to be played or the accessory 11 continues to be driven in spite of the fact that the special figure game is not executed. Nothing happens.
[0164]
Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the reproduction of the specific music is started, the current position of the reference position of the accessory 11 is checked, and if it is not at the origin, the return control for returning the reference position there is performed. Shall do. This return control can be performed by selecting either of the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations from the current position to the origin, whichever is closer. For this reason, efficient return control can be performed. Here, the time required for the reference position of the accessory 11 to return to the origin by the return control is set to be shorter than the time required for one special figure game. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the period during which the operation of the accessory 11 causes a sense of incongruity with respect to the variable display of the special symbol in the special figure game.
[0165]
The accessory 11 is rotatably driven by the accessory drive motor 41 via the drive mechanism. The rotation ratio is 2: 1 and the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 is at the origin. However, the reference position of the accessory 11 is not always at the origin. However, where the reference position of the accessory 11 is currently located can be specified by the number of drive steps of the accessory drive motor 41 after the motor reference sensor 16 detects the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41. Therefore, there is no problem even if the reference position of the accessory 11 and the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 are different.
[0166]
Further, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on or reset, the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 is detected by the motor reference sensor 16 and then the accessory is returned until the reference position of the accessory 11 returns to the origin. The return control for driving the drive motor 41 is performed. For this reason, it is not possible to know where the reference position of the accessory 11 is, and it is possible to prevent the effect by rotating and driving the accessory 11 in a state where the positional shift occurs.
[0167]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0168]
In the above embodiment, when the return control is started, the rotation direction of the return control is determined according to the position of the reference position of the accessory 11. On the other hand, the rotation direction of the return control may be determined in the same direction as the rotation direction of the accessory 11 immediately before the start of the return control. This gives a natural look. Even in this case, when the accessory 11 is stopped immediately before the start of the return control, the rotation direction of the return control can be determined in the same manner as in the above embodiment.
[0169]
In addition, depending on the accessory drive motor 41, when switching the rotation direction from left to right or switching the rotation direction from right to left, it may be necessary to stop for a certain period of time. In this case, if the rotation direction of the return control is determined only according to the position of the reference position of the accessory 11 at the time of starting the return control, the time required for the reference position to return to the origin is not necessarily shortened. Absent. Therefore, by determining the rotation direction of the return control according to both the rotation direction of the accessory 11 and the position where the reference position exists immediately before the start of the return control, the reference position of the accessory 11 can be returned to the origin as soon as possible. Will be able to
[0170]
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining which control method is selected for the return control of the accessory 11 in this modification. Here, the return control in the clockwise direction is different from the rotation direction of the accessory 11 immediately before the start of the return control, in which the time required for the reference position to return to the origin is shorter, and the return in the counterclockwise direction. A range in which the control time is shorter is set in advance. When starting the return control, the rotation direction and the position where the reference position exists, and the rotation direction in which the return control time becomes short are determined according to the set range, and the rotation direction in which it is determined that the return control time becomes short is selected. can do.
[0171]
In FIGS. 19A and 19B, considering only the position, the reference position of the accessory 11 is such that the counterclockwise direction is closer to the origin. In FIG. 19A, since the accessory 11 is rotating counterclockwise and the clockwise direction is within a shorter time range, the return control is performed as it is counterclockwise. On the other hand, in FIG. 19B, even if the position is counterclockwise, the accessory 11 is rotating clockwise and the clockwise direction is in a shorter time range. Return control is performed.
[0172]
On the other hand, in FIGS. 19 (c) and (d), considering only the position, the reference position of the accessory 11 is clockwise closer to the origin. In FIG. 19C, even if the clockwise direction is closer in position, since the accessory 11 is rotating counterclockwise and the clockwise direction is in a shorter time range, the return control is performed counterclockwise as it is. Is performed. On the other hand, in FIG. 19D, since the accessory 11 is rotating clockwise and clockwise is in a shorter time range, the return control is directly performed clockwise.
[0173]
When the accessory 11 has been stopped immediately before the start of the return control, the rotation direction of the return control is determined by determining the rotation direction of the return control in the same manner as in the above embodiment. can do. Further, in FIG. 19, in order to make the description easier to understand, the return control in the clockwise direction is different from the rotation direction of the accessory 11 in the range in which the time until the reference position returns to the origin is shorter, and in the counterclockwise direction. In the return control, the range in which the time is shorter is set in advance, but such a range can be set in advance for the accessory driving motor 41.
[0174]
In any of the above-described methods for selecting the rotation direction of the return control, the selection condition (to select the closer distance or the time) Is selected in the ROM 113 or whether the selection is made according to the rotation direction). When performing the return control, the CPU 111 refers to the selection condition stored in the ROM 113, and according to the selection condition, the drive data for the return control of the accessory driving motor 41 is clockwise or counterclockwise. The user can select any one of them and set it in the RAM 112 to perform the return control. As described above, by allowing any one of the clockwise return control and the counterclockwise return control to be arbitrarily selected, the flexibility of the return control is increased.
[0175]
In the above embodiment, when the reference position of the accessory 11 returns to the origin by the return control, the accessory 11 is driven in accordance with the music being reproduced immediately from that point. On the other hand, the accessory 11 may not be driven in time with the music until the special figure game in which the return control is performed ends. In addition, until the reproduction of one part is completed, the accessory 11 may not be driven in accordance with the music, and when the reproduction of a new part is started, the driving of the accessory 11 may be performed in accordance with the music. Can also be started.
[0176]
In the above embodiment, the accessory 11 is rotationally driven via the drive mechanism by the accessory drive motor 41 being rotationally driven. The rotation ratio between the accessory 11 and the accessory drive motor 41 was different at 2: 1. On the other hand, the rotation ratio of the accessory 11 and the accessory drive motor 41 may be the same, and in this case, the rotation shaft of the accessory 11 can be directly attached to the shaft of the accessory drive motor 41. Although the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 and the reference position of the accessory 11 are different from each other, when the reference position of the accessory drive motor 41 is at the origin, the reference position of the accessory 11 must be the origin. Can also be set to In this case, it is easy to determine where the reference position of the accessory 11 is.
[0177]
The accessory 11 is driven in synchronization with the music being reproduced, but may not be driven in rotation if it is considered to be driven in synchronization with the music. For example, it may be driven reciprocally on a straight line in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. In the case of an accessory driven reciprocally on a straight line, the driving means itself may be driven reciprocally on a straight line, but it may be driven by the accessory drive motor 41 depending on the structure of the drive mechanism. It is. Further, the accessory can be rotationally driven by a driving mechanism that is driven reciprocally on a straight line via a driving mechanism.
[0178]
In the above embodiment, the ADP 126 starts the reproduction of the specific music at the set reproduction volume level as it is. However, the reproduction may be started by fading in. When the reproduction is stopped, the reproduction is stopped as it is. However, the reproduction may be stopped by fading out. When switching from the specific song to the reach song, or when switching from the reach song to the specific song, the previously played song may be faded out and the song to be played back later may be faded in. Thereby, the player can listen to the music that is being reproduced more naturally.
[0179]
In the above-described embodiment, the driving mode of the accessory 11 is synchronized with the music being played, but does not change even if the special map game is performed a plurality of times in succession. . On the other hand, the number of continuous executions of the special figure game while the specific music piece is continuously played is counted, and, for example, the size of the drive of the accessory 11 is increased according to the count value. The driving mode may be changed. Further, the reproduction mode of the specific music may be changed by adding sound to the specific music being reproduced according to the count value. Thus, the effect of the effect is enhanced, and the sense of expectation of the player can be further increased as the special map game is continuously performed, so that the interest of the game can be improved.
[0180]
In the above-described embodiment, the level of the playback volume of the music is changed when the number of reserved storages changes from 1 to 0 or from 0 to 1. On the other hand, when the number of retained storages is large (for example, when the number of executions at the start of the special figure game is 4 or more), the special symbol variable display time in the special figure game is changed. There is also a pachinko game machine in which time-saving control is performed to shorten the time. When the time saving control of the special figure game is performed as described above, the tempo of the music to be reproduced may be changed. This makes it possible to synchronize the reproduction mode of the music with the execution mode of the special figure game, and to inform the player that the number of storages on hold has increased as the time saving control is being performed, and to direct the player. The effect can be enhanced.
[0181]
Changing the level of the playback volume of the music or changing the tempo may be performed from the beginning of each part of the music. For example, when the number of stored memories changes from 0 to 1 during the reproduction of the A part 202, the reproduction volume is not set to the Up level at that time, but the level of the reproduction volume is changed to the next B part 203. To the Up level. In this case, since the reproduction volume of the music is not suddenly changed, the player does not have to feel uncomfortable. The change in the reproduction mode of the music is not limited to a change in the level of the reproduction volume or a change in the reproduction tempo.
[0182]
In the above-described embodiment, even when the return control of the accessory 11 is being performed, the return control ends and the drive of the accessory 11 is performed in synchronization with the music. . On the other hand, while the return control of the accessory 11 is being performed, the reproduction mode of the specific music may be changed by, for example, changing the volume or deleting or adding a specific sound. The music played during the return control of the accessory 11 may be different from the specific music. This allows the player to know from the music being played that the return control operation of the accessory 11 is being performed.
[0183]
In the above-described embodiment, the specific music played when the special figure game is played (except when a reach occurs) is the same in the normal game state and the probability fluctuation state. Every time the game started, the only difference was whether to start playing from the beginning. On the other hand, it is possible to prepare specific songs different from the normal game state and the probability fluctuation state, and reproduce the specific songs corresponding to the respective game states.
[0184]
Also, in a pachinko gaming machine that includes a time-saving state in addition to the probability fluctuation state as a special gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state, even in the time-saving state, the specific music continues over a plurality of special figure games. Can be played back. In this time saving state, the number of times the special figure game is executed per unit time increases, so that a big hit is more likely to occur than in the normal gaming state. In addition, the same applies to a special game state in which a game ball can easily enter the special symbol starting port 5, such as shortening of the time of a normal figure game, extension of the opening of the electric tulip-type accessory 6, and the like. In any case, such a special game state is a game state in which a big hit is more likely to occur than in the normal game state.
[0185]
In the above-described embodiment, the reproduction of the specific music and the driving of the accessory 11 are continuously performed during a plurality of consecutive special figure games when the probability is changed. However, the effects other than the reproduction of the specific music and the driving of the accessory 11, for example, the light emission of the decoration lamp 13 and the game effect LED 14 may be performed continuously over a plurality of special figure games. In addition, when performing an effect continuously over a plurality of special figure games as described above, not only in the probability fluctuating state, but also in a normal gaming state or a pachinko game including a time reduction state as a gaming state. The machine may be in reduced working hours.
[0186]
In the above embodiment, the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured such that the effect control board 102 controls all effects including image display, sound output, and light emission of lamps. On the other hand, a sub-side control board for controlling image display, sound output, and light emission of lamps may be separately provided. In this case, it is preferable that the control boards on the sub side can perform timing control by bidirectional communication.
[0187]
In the above-described embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 which displays an image on the variable display unit 4 constituted by an LCD, variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols, and performs a special figure game. explained. On the other hand, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko game machine in which a special symbol is variably displayed by rotating a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of special symbols are drawn on an outer peripheral portion to perform a special figure game. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine in which a symbol that is changed by rotation of an image or a reel is a decorative symbol, and a plurality of special symbols are actually variably displayed as a special figure game, such as a seven-segment display. Can be.
[0188]
In addition, the number of display areas in which the special symbol (or decoration symbol) is changed is not limited to three, and an arbitrary number of two or more can be applied. As the jackpot display mode, not only the case where the same type of symbols are stopped in all the display areas, but also the combination display mode of the symbols stopped in each display area is a specific display mode (for example, 1-2-3). Combination, etc.) can also be applied.
[0189]
In any case, the reach display mode means that the display result of the display area that has already been derived and displayed is a jackpot combination at a stage where the display result is not yet derived and displayed in some of the plurality of display areas. A display mode that satisfies certain conditions. Also, what is defined as the reach display mode includes a so-called full-rotation reach in which variable display is performed in a state where a jackpot combination is held in all of the plurality of display areas.
[0190]
In the above embodiment, a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type 1-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card has been described as an example. A pachinko game machine classified as a type or a third type, a general electric machine, a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a pachicon, or the like may be used. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine (CR machine) for lending a ball with a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine (cash machine) for lending a ball with cash.
[0191]
Further, the present invention can be applied to a game machine or the like that simulates the operation of a pachinko gaming machine. In the game machine for simulating the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the CPU of the game machine executes a predetermined program to simulate the movement of the above-described gaming machine, and as a result, a special symbol starting port. When it is determined that the number 5 has passed, a lottery similar to the above is performed, and the symbol can be variably displayed. The program of the game machine may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, or may be downloaded from a server device on the Web to the game machine and distributed separately from the game machine. it can.
[0192]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the continuous display is performed continuously while the variable display of the identification information is continuously performed. It can be surely terminated when interrupted.
[0193]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, by ending the execution of the continuous production when a reach occurs, it is possible to increase the player's sense of expectation and improve the interest of the game.
[0194]
According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the continuous effect has been newly disclosed by executing the start-time effect.
[0195]
According to the invention of claim 4, since the method of performing the continuous effect in the special game state is different from that in the normal game state, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the player is in the special game state, The fun of the game can be improved.
[0196]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, not only the visual effect but also the sound effect is executed, whereby a synergistic effect of the effect is generated by the visual sense and the auditory sense.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the glass door (front door) of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.
4A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of specific music data, FIG. 4B is a reproduction procedure of each part of the specific music in a normal game state, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a playback procedure of each part.
FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU in a basic circuit of the game control board, and FIG. 5B is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in detail a special symbol processing process of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the hold storage process of FIG. 4 in detail;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a command reception standby process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
9 is a flowchart showing details of the accessory return setting process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a customer waiting timer monitoring process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a display image setting process executed by the CPU of the effect control board every frame period.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an accessory drive interruption process executed by the CPU of the effect control board every 2 milliseconds.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a music reproduction process executed by the ADP of the effect control board.
FIG. 14 is a timing chart of a command reception timing and a process controlled by an effect control board.
FIG. 15 is a timing chart of a command reception timing and a process controlled by the effect control board.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a return control operation of the accessory.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a reproduction mode of a music piece and a driving mode of a character.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a relationship between a reproduction mode of a music piece and a driving mode of an accessory.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the return control operation of the accessory.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
4 Variable display section
11 Characters
15 Speaker
16 Motor reference sensor
41 accessory drive motor
101 Game control board
102 Production control board
121 CPU
125 Video Processor (VDP)
126 Audio Processor (ADP)

Claims (5)

A variable display unit capable of changing a display state, and based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition, the variable display unit variably displays a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified, and displays the information after a predetermined period has elapsed. A gaming machine that causes a result to be derived and displayed, and when the derived result is a specific display mode, the gaming machine controls a specific gaming state advantageous to the player,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command according to the progress of the game,
An effect control unit that receives a command transmitted from the game control unit, and performs an effect process including a variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit based on the received command,
The game control means,
When the predetermined start condition is newly established, the new display is performed until the display result of the variable display of the identification information based on another start condition established earlier than the newly established start condition is derived and displayed. Holding means for holding the execution start of the variable display of the identification information based on the start condition,
When starting the execution of the variable display of the identification information, a variable display command transmitting means for transmitting to the effect control means a variable display command instructing to start the execution of the variable display of the identification information,
After the variable display command is transmitted, when a variable display time corresponding to the variable display command has elapsed, a fixed command for instructing the display result of the variable display of the identification information to be derived and displayed is provided by the effect control. A confirmation command transmitting means for transmitting to the means,
When the determination command is transmitted, a standby command is transmitted to the effect control unit on condition that execution of variable display of identification information based on the new start condition is not suspended in the suspension unit. Command transmission means,
The effect control means,
Upon receiving the variable display command, variable display control means for variably displaying the identification information on the variable display means,
Upon receiving the confirmation command, based on the confirmation command, result derivation control means for deriving and displaying a display result of the variable display of the identification information performed by the variable display control means,
When the variable display of the identification information is performed, comprising a performance performing means for performing a specific performance,
When the effect execution means starts executing the variable display of the identification information whose execution start has been suspended in the holding means continuously after the execution of the variable display of the identification information based on another previously established start condition has been completed. A continuous effect execution means for executing a continuous effect for continuously performing the specific effect over the variable display after the execution and the variable display for starting the execution, and when the standby command is received. Including a continuous production ending means for ending the continuous production executed by the continuous production execution means,
The continuation effect ending unit includes a timer unit that counts an elapsed time after receiving the confirmation command, and without receiving the standby command and the fluctuation time command, the timer unit measures a predetermined time. A gaming machine, wherein the continuous effect is sometimes terminated. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the continuation effect ending means ends the continuation effect even when a reach occurs in the process of variably displaying the identification information. The continuous production execution means, when newly starting the variable display of the identification information in a state where the continuous production is finished, at the time of starting to execute the specific production after performing the predetermined start production 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an effect executing unit. When a special display mode of the specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display of the identification information, after the end of the specific game mode, the game state changes to a special game mode in which the specific game mode is likely to be set. Game state control means for controlling the
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the continuation effect execution means executes the continuation effect on condition that a game state is controlled to the special game state. . Further comprising an audio output means for outputting audio,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific effect is performed by outputting music from the audio output unit.

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