JP2005349113A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the content of presentation of a game from being changed by restraining the change of the presentation mode during the game. <P>SOLUTION: A supervising CPU determines whether the first control command from a main CPU was inputted or not (whether a command input completion flag is zero or not) (Step S1) after a power supply is turned on. If the result of determination is yes, the supervising CPU confirms the setting state of a mode changing switch for setting the presentation mode, and determines the kind of presentation of the game based on the presentation mode (Steps S2-S5). After the first control command from the main CPU is inputted, the main CPU does not confirm the setting state of the mode changing switch or determine the kind of presentation of the game either. As a result, the effective period of the change of the presentation mode is the period till the supervising CPU inputs the first control command from the main CPU, and after the input, change of the presentation mode is restrained even if the setting state of the mode changing switch is changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a plurality of performance modes and performing a game performance according to the performance modes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, pachinko machines, which are a type of gaming machine, have been provided with game effects with various tastes in the design of designs and contents of reach effects in order to improve the interest of the player. For example, the types of symbols are not limited to numbers such as “1” and “2”, but are symbols such as humans, animals, and robots. In reach production, the symbols are changed in a predetermined direction (vertical variation, horizontal variation, diagonal variation, etc.), the symbols are displayed according to the character's movement, or the background of the variable display is changed. The contents are diverse.

  By the way, in a pachinko machine, one type of game effect is usually defined for each model, and a plurality of types of pachinko machines having different main contents of the effect of the game effect are installed in the game store. For example, in a game store, a pachinko machine capable of performing a game production with the main content of the production as a car race, a pachinko machine capable of performing a game production with the production content as a baseball, and the main content of the production as mahjong. There are pachinko machines that can play games. In each pachinko machine, the design of the design, the content of the reach production, and the like are determined together with the subject of the production content. Therefore, the player selects a pachinko machine according to his / her preference and plays a game while enjoying the game effect executed by the pachinko machine.

However, if a player plays with a pachinko machine of the same model for a long time, the player gets tired of the game production of the pachinko machine and strongly desires to introduce a new pachinko machine. For this reason, in order to fulfill the player's wishes, the game store had to introduce a new pachinko machine instead of the pachinko machine that the player was bored of. Therefore, conventionally, a plurality of symbol control patterns are stored in the symbol control means, and the symbol control pattern is changed by the changeover operation of the changeover switch. A pachinko machine capable of executing (different game effects) has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). With the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, a plurality of games can be enjoyed with one pachinko machine by changing the symbol control pattern.
JP 2003-38771 A (Claim 1, paragraph number [0020])

  By the way, when different game effects are executed by one pachinko machine as in the pachinko machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is desirable that the game effect (symbol control pattern) can be selected by a simple operation. In particular, in a game store, many pachinko machines must be handled at the same time when opening a store, etc., so it is desirable that the operation be simple in order to reduce the labor involved in selecting a game effect. As a configuration for easily selecting a game effect in this way, for example, a changeover switch for selecting a game effect may be provided so as to be exposed on the back side of the machine so that it can be easily operated when the middle frame is opened. However, when the changeover switch is exposed on the rear side of the machine, the following problems occur. In other words, a clerk at an amusement store may perform inspection work on the back side of the machine by opening the pachinko machine when a defect such as a ball jam occurs during business. For this reason, if the changeover switch is accidentally operated during the inspection work, the game effect (symbol control pattern) is changed regardless of the player's intention, and the player who started the game after the inspection work May be confused or awakened by changing the game performance.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art, and its purpose is to restrict the change of the effect mode during the game, and the effect contents of the game effect will be changed. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent this.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes a main control device that controls the entire gaming machine and a sub-control device that controls a plurality of performance devices, wherein the sub-control device is In a gaming machine in which a game effect is performed by receiving an instruction from the main control device and controlling the effect device, an effect mode in which a plurality of effect modes can be set as indicators when determining the effect content of the game effect The sub control device includes an effect mode determining means for determining an effect mode from a setting state of the effect mode setting means, and an effect content of the game effect based on the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means. And an effect determination unit for determining whether or not the sub-control device has received an initial instruction from the main control device after the sub-control device is activated. The determining means switches the effect mode when the setting state of the effect mode setting means is changed before the determination result of the instruction determining means becomes affirmative, while the determination result of the instruction determining means is affirmed. The gist is to restrict the switching of the effect mode when the setting state of the effect mode setting means is changed after that.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, a start instruction means for instructing the main control device and the sub control device to start a start, and the start of the main control device Delay means for delaying a predetermined delay time from activation of the sub-control device, or delaying an instruction output from the main control device to the sub-control device by a predetermined delay time, the main control device, The gist is to instruct the sub-control device to execute the startup process after the delay time elapses, and the instruction determination unit makes an affirmative determination when receiving the execution instruction of the startup process.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the activation instructing means is a reset signal output circuit that outputs a reset signal when the gaming machine is turned on, and the delay means is a reset signal. And a delay circuit that delays activation of the main control device with respect to activation of the sub-control device using the reset signal.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, switching of the production mode in a game can be controlled and it can prevent that the production content of a game production is changed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in one type of pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is schematically shown, and a vertical rectangular middle frame 12 for setting various game components is opened and closed on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outline of the machine body. And is detachably assembled. On the front side of the middle frame 12, a front frame 14 having a glass frame on which a protective glass for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine is transparently mounted, and an upper ball tray 15 are in a laterally open state. It is assembled so that it can be opened and closed. On the front side of the front frame 14 and the game area 13a of the game board 13, there is provided a decoration lamp (effect device) 16 that turns on (flashes) or turns off and performs a game effect (light emission effect) based on the light emission decoration. A speaker (production device) 17 that outputs various sounds and performs a game effect (sound effect) based on the sound output is disposed below the outer frame 11. A lower ball tray 18 and a launching device 19 are attached to the lower part of the middle frame 12.

  A display device 21 having a liquid crystal display type variable display device (effect device) 20 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 13 a of the game board 13. In the variable display 20, a game effect (display effect) based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the variable display 20, a symbol combination game (symbol variation game) is displayed in which a plurality of types of symbols are varied and displayed in a plurality of columns. In the present embodiment, combinations of three columns of symbols are derived in the symbol combination game, and the types of symbols of each column forming the combination are eight types of 1-8.

  Then, the player can recognize the big hit or miss from the symbol combination finally displayed in the symbol combination game. When the symbols of all the columns displayed on the variable display 20 are of the same type, the big hit can be recognized from the symbol combination ([111] [777] or the like). The symbol combination that can recognize the jackpot is a jackpot symbol combination. When the jackpot symbol combination is displayed, the player is given a jackpot gaming state (special gaming state). Further, when the symbols of all the columns displayed on the variable display 20 are of different types, or when the symbols of one column are different from the symbols forming the reach, the symbol combination ([234] [122] [767] etc.) can be recognized. A symbol combination that can recognize this deviation is a symbol combination that is out of sync.

  Further, below the display device 21, a start winning opening 23 including an opening / closing blade 22 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) (not shown) is disposed. Behind the start winning opening 23, a start opening sensor SE1 (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting a winning game ball is provided. The start winning opening 23 can give a start condition for the symbol combination game in response to detection of winning of a game ball. Also, below the start winning opening 23, a large winning opening 25 having a large winning opening door 24 that opens and closes by the operation of an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.) not shown is arranged. When the big hit gaming state is given, the big winning opening 25 is opened by the opening operation of the big winning opening door 24 so that the game ball can be won, so that the player has a chance to acquire a large number of winning balls. Can be obtained.

  The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of executing a plurality of types of game effects with different contents by using a single pachinko machine 10. The “game effect with different effect contents” indicates that the effect subject (theme, idea, theme) in the game effect is different. By configuring the pachinko machine 10 so as to be able to execute game effects with different effects, different game characteristics (game characteristics) are provided for each type of game effect. And a player can play a game with different game characteristics, although it is the one pachinko machine 10. FIG. In the present embodiment, two types of game effects are prepared as game effect types (game effect types): a game effect with a “Hanafuda game” as the effect subject and a “Mahjong game” as the effect subject. Hereinafter, a game effect in which the production subject is a “flower card game” is indicated as “flower card game”, and a game effect in which the effect subject is a “mahjong game” is indicated as “mahjong game”. In the Hanafuda game, as shown in FIG. 3A, a symbol combination game is performed using a symbol imitating the Hanafuda. On the other hand, in the mahjong game, as shown in FIG. 3B, a symbol combination game is played using a symbol imitating a mahjong tile.

  In addition, a selection operation unit 26 is provided at the approximate center of the front side of the upper ball tray 15 so that the player can select and play any of the “Hanafuda game” and “Mahjong game”. The selection operation unit 26 is provided with a push button type player selection switch 27 that is operated when a game effect is selected. In addition, the selection operation unit 26 is provided with a reception lamp 28 for notifying whether or not the selection of the game effect (operation of the player selection switch 27) is valid. In the present embodiment, while the reception lamp 28 is lit, it is a period during which selection of game effects by the player is effective. In addition, the selection operation unit 26 is provided with a game type display 29 for notifying the type of the selected game effect. The game type display 29 is a 7-segment LED display. The game type display 29 displays “0” when the selected game effect is “Hanafuda game”, and displays “1” when it is “Mahjong game”.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter referred to as “probability variation”) function. The probability variation function is a normal probability that the jackpot lottery probability is low under a predetermined condition after the jackpot gaming state is finished (this embodiment) on the condition that the symbol combination of the jackpot is a combination with a predetermined probability variation symbol. This is a function that gives a player a probability change state that varies from 315.7 to 1) with a high probability (in this embodiment, 1/16). The predetermined condition is that until the next big hit gaming state starts or until a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) of the symbol combination game is performed. In this embodiment, the probability variation symbols are defined as four types of symbols 1, 3, 5, and 7. If a jackpot symbol combination is formed by the probability variation symbols, the probability variation is a big hit. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol combination is a combination based on a predetermined non-probability variable symbol, after the jackpot gaming state is finished, the jackpot lottery probability is not changed and the normal probability is maintained. That is, in the case of a normal big hit, after the big hit gaming state ends, the normal gaming state is entered. In the present embodiment, the non-probable variation symbols are defined as four types of symbols 2, 4, 6, and 8, and when a jackpot symbol combination is formed by the non-probability variation symbols, a normal big hit is obtained. Therefore, the probability variation state is a state advantageous to the player because the jackpot gaming state is likely to occur because the lottery probability of the jackpot varies with a higher probability than in the normal gaming state.

Next, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
On the back side of the pachinko machine 10, a power supply board 30 that supplies a power source (for example, AC 24 V) of the game hall to various components constituting the pachinko machine 10 is mounted. A main control board (main control device) 31 for controlling the entire pachinko machine 10 is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 10. The main control board 31 executes various processes for controlling the entire pachinko machine 10, performs arithmetic processing on various control signals (control commands) for controlling the game according to the processing results, and outputs the control signals ( Control command). Further, an overall control board (overall control device) 32, a display control board (effect control device) 33, and a sound / lamp control board (effect control device) 34 are mounted on the back side of the machine. The overall control board 32 comprehensively controls the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 31. The display control board 33 controls the display mode (display images of symbols, backgrounds, characters, etc.) of the variable display 20 based on control signals (control commands) output from the main control board 31 and the overall control board 32. The sound / lamp control board 34, based on the control signal (control command) output from the main control board 31 and the overall control board 32, the lighting mode (lighting (flashing) / lighting timing, etc.) of the decorative lamp 16, and the speaker 17. The voice output mode (timing of voice output, etc.) is controlled. In the present embodiment, the overall control board 32, the display control board 33, and the sound / lamp control board 34 constitute a sub-control device.

Hereinafter, specific configurations of the power supply board 30, the main control board 31, the overall control board 32, the display control board 33, and the sound / lamp control board 34 will be described.
The power supply board 30 is provided with a power supply circuit 36 for converting the power supply of the game hall into a supply voltage (for example, DC 30 V) to the pachinko machine 10. A main control board 31, an overall control board 32, a display control board 33, and a sound / lamp control board 34 are connected to the power supply circuit 36. Each control board 31 to 34 is supplied with the converted voltage from the power supply circuit 36. The power supply board 30 is provided with a reset signal circuit 37 that outputs a reset signal, and the reset signal circuit 37 is connected to the power supply circuit 36. Outputting a reset signal means raising the signal level of the reset signal from L level (low level) to H level (high level). The reset signal circuit 37 continues the reset signal for a predetermined output time T1 (for example, about 400 ms to 1800 ms) when the voltage supplied to each control board 31 to 34 reaches the stable operation voltage. It is designed to output. The reset signal is a signal that instructs each control board 31 to 34 to start activation. In the present embodiment, the reset signal circuit 37 functions as a start instruction unit.

Next, the configuration of the main control board 31 will be described.
The main control board 31 is provided with a main CPU 38, a ROM 39, and a RAM 40. The main CPU 38 is connected to a ROM 39, a RAM 40, and a start port sensor SE1. The main CPU 38 sequentially outputs various random number values such as a jackpot determination random number, a jackpot symbol random number, an outlier left symbol random number, an outlier symbol random number, an outright symbol random number, a variation pattern distribution random number, etc. at predetermined intervals. The updated value is set in the setting area of the RAM 40 and the value before the update is rewritten. The ROM 39 stores a control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of variation patterns (effect patterns), and a big hit determination value (for normal times and for sure variations). The RAM 40 stores (sets) various types of information (such as various random number values) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. The variation pattern indicates a pattern that is a base of a game effect (display effect, light emission effect, sound effect) from the start of the symbol combination game to the end of the game. In the variation pattern, a game production time is defined for each variation pattern. The variation patterns are classified into those for the jackpot effect and those for the effect. The jackpot effect is an effect that the symbol combination game is developed so as to finally display the symbol combination of the jackpot. The outlier effect is an effect in which the symbol combination game is finally developed so as to display a symbol pattern combination that is out of place.

  The main control board 31 is provided with a reset input circuit (delay means, delay circuit) 41. The reset input circuit 41 is connected to the reset signal circuit 37 of the power supply substrate 30 and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 37. The reset input circuit 41 is connected to the main CPU 38. When a reset signal is input, the reset input circuit 41 continuously outputs the reset signal to the main CPU 38 for a predetermined output time T2. In the present embodiment, the output time T2 is set to a time obtained by adding a predetermined delay time T3 (5 seconds in the present embodiment) to the output time T1 when the reset signal circuit 37 of the power supply substrate 30 outputs a reset signal. Yes. The main CPU 38 starts to be activated when the signal level of the reset signal changes from H level to L level. That is, the main CPU 38 is restricted from performing an operation (control process) while the signal level of the reset signal is at the H level.

Next, the configuration of the overall control board 32 will be described.
The overall control board 32 is provided with an overall CPU 42, a ROM 43, and a RAM 44. A ROM 43, a RAM 44, a player selection switch 27, an acceptance lamp 28, and a game type display 29 are connected to the overall CPU 42. The ROM 43 stores an overall control program (including the contents of various processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 10) for overall control of the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34. The RAM 44 stores (sets) various information (various control flags, various timer values, etc.) that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The overall control board 32 is provided with a reset input circuit 45. The reset input circuit 45 is connected to the reset signal circuit 37 of the power supply substrate 30 and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 37. The reset input circuit 45 is connected to the overall CPU 42, and when a reset signal is input, the reset signal 45 is continuously output to the overall CPU 42 for a predetermined output time T4. In the present embodiment, the output time T4 is set to the same time as the output time T1 during which the reset signal circuit 37 of the power supply substrate 30 outputs a reset signal. The overall CPU 42 is restricted from executing an operation (control process) while the signal level of the reset signal is H level, and starts to be activated when the signal level becomes L level. In the present embodiment, the reset signal output time T4 in the reset input circuit 45 is set shorter than the reset signal output time T2 in the reset input circuit 41 of the main control board 31 (output time T1 + delay time T3). For this reason, the overall CPU 42 starts activation earlier than the main CPU 38 by the delay time T3.

  The overall control board 32 has a mode changeover switch (effect mode setting means) 46 for selecting and setting one effect mode from a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) effect modes, and the mode. A mode indicator (notification means) 47 for notifying the effect mode set from the setting state of the changeover switch 46 is provided. The mode switch 46 and the mode display 47 are connected to the overall CPU 42. The mode switch 46 is provided in an exposed state without being covered with a case so that it can be easily operated when the middle frame 12 is opened. The effect mode serves as an index when determining (specifying) the type of game effect. The effect mode also serves as an index for determining the effect content since the effect content of the symbol combination game is determined according to the type of game effect determined from the effect mode. In the present embodiment, a “flower card mode”, a “mahjong mode”, a “multi-mode”, and a “player selection effect mode” are prepared as four effect modes. The Hanafuda mode is an effect mode in which a game is played with the type of game effect fixed to “Hanafuda game”. The mahjong mode is an effect mode in which a game is played with the type of game effect fixed to “Mahjong game”. Multi mode is an effect mode in which a game is performed by switching the type of game production from “Hanafuda game” to “Mahjong game” → “Hanafuda game” It is. The player selection effect mode is an effect mode in which a game is performed according to the type of game effect selected by the player operating the selection operation unit 26 (player selection switch 27).

  The mode switch 46 is composed of two switches, and an effect mode can be set from a combination of the ON state and the OFF state of the two switches. That is, the four rendering modes are associated with the four combinations of “OFF and OFF”, “OFF and ON”, “ON and OFF”, and “ON and ON” of the two switches, respectively. Specifically, “Flower Card Mode” for “OFF and OFF”, “Mahjong Mode” for “OFF and ON”, “Multi Mode” for “ON and OFF”, and “ON and ON”. Is associated with “player selection effect mode”. The mode indicator 47 is a 7 segment LED type indicator. The mode display 47 displays numbers “0”, “1”, “2”, and “3” indicating the four effect modes. In this embodiment, “0” is set in the “flower card mode”, “1” is set in the “mahjong mode”, “2” is set in the “multi-mode”, and the “player selection effect mode”. "3" is displayed.

Next, the configuration of the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 will be described.
The display control board 33 is provided with a sub CPU 48, a ROM 49, and a RAM 50. A ROM 49 and a RAM 50 are connected to the sub CPU 48. The ROM 49 stores a display effect control program for controlling the display effect. The ROM 49 also stores various image information for the Hanafuda game (patterns that imitate the Hanafuda game, backgrounds at the time of the Hanafuda game, characters that appear in the Hanafuda game, etc.) and various image information for the Mahjong games (designs that imitate Mahjong, Mahjong) The game background, characters appearing in mahjong games, etc.) are stored. The RAM 50 stores (sets) various information (various control flags, various timer values, etc.) that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The display control board 33 is provided with a reset input circuit 51. The reset input circuit 51 is connected to the reset signal circuit 37 of the power supply substrate 30 and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 37. The reset input circuit 51 is connected to the sub CPU 48. When a reset signal is input, the reset signal is continued to the sub CPU 48 for a predetermined output time T4 as in the reset input circuit 45 of the overall control board 32. It is designed to output.

  The sound / lamp control board 34 is provided with a sub CPU 52, a ROM 53, and a RAM 54. A ROM 53 and a RAM 54 are connected to the sub CPU 52. The ROM 53 stores a sound / light emission effect control program for controlling the sound effect and the light emission effect. The RAM 54 stores (sets) various information (various control flags, various timer values, etc.) that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. The sound / lamp control board 34 is provided with a reset input circuit 55. The reset input circuit 55 is connected to the reset signal circuit 37 of the power supply substrate 30, and receives the reset signal output from the reset signal circuit 37. Further, the reset input circuit 55 is connected to the sub CPU 52, and when a reset signal is input, the reset signal is continued to the sub CPU 52 for a predetermined output time T4 as with the reset input circuit 55 of the overall control board 32. It is designed to output.

The contents of control executed by the main control board 31, the overall control board 32, the display control board 33, and the sound / lamp control board 34 will be described below.
First, the control contents of the main control board 31 will be described.

  When the main CPU 38 of the main control board 31 starts up after the power is turned on, it executes various processes based on the main control program stored in the ROM 39. After starting, the main CPU 38 first performs initial setting. In the initial setting, the main CPU 38 outputs a power-on initial designation command to the overall CPU 42 of the overall control board 32. This power-on initial designation command is a command for instructing the initial setting of each of the control boards 32 to 34. For example, the initial design displayed on the variable display 20 is designated. The main CPU 38 executes timer interrupt processing (not shown) every predetermined period (for example, every 4 ms) after the initial setting is completed.

  In the timer interruption process, the main CPU 38 receives a game ball in the start winning port 23 and inputs a detection signal from the start port sensor SE1, and stores the number of start reserved balls stored (set) in the RAM 40 (hereinafter, referred to as “reserved ball”). It is determined whether or not (denoted as “pending storage number”) is less than a predetermined upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). The number of reserved memories indicates the number of symbol combination games being held. When the reserved memory number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 38 rewrites the reserved ball memory number by adding 1 and obtains the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value from the RAM 40, and holds the values. It is set in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 40 in association with the storage number. When the reserved memory number is the upper limit number, the main CPU 38 does not rewrite the reserved memory number and does not acquire the value of the big hit determination random number and the value of the big hit symbol random number.

  Then, the main CPU 38 executes a process of starting the symbol combination game when the symbol combination game is not being performed and the symbol combination game is not being performed. This process is executed immediately before the start of the symbol combination game. First, the main CPU 38 determines whether or not the number of reserved memories is greater than “0 (zero)” (whether or not there is a pending symbol combination game). When the determination result is affirmative, the main CPU 38 rewrites the reserved storage number by subtracting 1 and, at the same time, among the big hit determination random number values set in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 40, the main CPU 38 sets the storage area first. Read the value of the jackpot determination random number. Subsequently, the main CPU 38 performs a big hit determination (big hit lottery) for comparing the big hit determination random number value read out with the big hit determination value stored in the ROM 39 to determine whether or not the big hit. In the present embodiment, the possible values of the jackpot determination random number are 0 to 946 (a total of 947 different integers). In the normal state, the main CPU 38 uses the three jackpot determination values (for normal time) determined from the numerical values that can be taken by the random number for determining the big hit, and sets the lottery probability (winning probability) for the big hit to 3/947. The big hit judgment is performed as (= 315.6 / 1). On the other hand, at the time of probability change, the main CPU 38 uses the 15 jackpot determination values (for probability change) determined from the possible values of the random number for jackpot determination to set the jackpot lottery probability (winning probability) to 947 minutes. The big hit determination is performed with 15 (= 63.1 / 1).

  The main CPU 38 determines the jackpot if the determination result of the jackpot determination is affirmative (the value of the jackpot determination random number matches the jackpot determination value). The main CPU 38, which has determined the big hit, determines the big hit symbols constituting the big hit symbol combination based on the values of the random numbers for the big hit symbols stored in the RAM 40, and also determines the variation pattern for the big hit effect. When determining the jackpot symbol, the main CPU 38 determines whether the jackpot symbol is a probability variation symbol or a non-probability variation symbol. In the case of the probability variation symbol, the main CPU 38 sets the probability variation flag in the RAM 40 because it assigns the probability variation state after the big hit gaming state. On the other hand, when the determination result of the big hit determination is negative, the main CPU 38 determines a loss. The main CPU 38, which has determined the detachment, determines the detachment symbol that constitutes the detachment symbol combination and also determines the variation pattern for the detachment effect. The main CPU 38 obtains the values of the random symbol for the left symbol, the random number for the symbol in the middle, and the random number for the right symbol, and determines the symbol according to the values.

  Then, the main CPU 38 outputs a control command for designating the symbol and variation pattern determined in the above processing to the overall control board 32 (overall CPU 42). Specifically, the main CPU 38 outputs a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern and instructing the start of the symbol combination game. Next, the main CPU 38 outputs a left symbol designation command for designating the left symbol, a right symbol designation command for designating the right symbol, and a middle symbol designation command for designating the middle symbol. After that, the main CPU 38 outputs all symbol stop commands instructing to stop (determine display) symbols in each column when the production time set in the designated variation pattern has elapsed.

  When the number of reserved memories exists after the output of all symbol stop commands (that is, when the number of reserved memories> 0), the main CPU 38 performs the above-described processing (such as jackpot determination) in order to start the next symbol combination game. ). Then, after the symbol combination game is over, the next symbol combination game is started when a predetermined interval time (1 second (1000 ms) in the present embodiment) elapses.

  In addition, when the determination result of the big hit determination is affirmative, the main CPU 38 opens and closes the big hit game process (the big winning opening door 24 (the big winning opening 25)) after the symbol combination game based on the variation pattern for the big hit effect is completed. Etc.). The big hit game is composed of an opening effect, a plurality of (16 times) round games, and an ending effect. The main CPU 38 determines whether or not the probability variation flag is set in the RAM 40 at the start of the ending effect. If the probability variation flag is set, the main control board 32 sends an ending designation command for high probability. To the overall CPU 42. On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is not set, the main CPU 38 outputs an ending designation command for low probability to the overall CPU 42 of the overall control board 32. In the present embodiment, the ending effect is an effect of 9 seconds (9000 ms).

  Next, processing contents of the overall control board 32 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. The overall CPU 42 of the overall control board 32 performs mode switching processing (FIG. 4) → command check processing (FIG. 5) → power-on setting processing (FIG. 6) → game at every predetermined interrupt cycle (in this embodiment, every 2 ms). An effect end process (FIG. 7) → a jackpot end process (FIGS. 8 and 9) → a player selection mode process (FIG. 10) is sequentially executed.

  In the mode switching process of FIG. 4, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the command input flag is “0 (zero)” (step S1). The command input completion flag is set in the RAM 44. The command input flag is a flag set in the command check process of FIG. 5 and indicates whether or not the general CPU 42 has input the first command from the main CPU 38 after the power is turned on (after startup). is there. In the command check process, the general CPU 42 sets “1” to the command input completion flag when the first command is input. The command input completion flag is normally set to “1” when the general CPU 42 first inputs a power-on initial designation command because the main CPU 38 activated by power-on first outputs a power-on initial designation command. Will be set.

  If the determination result of step S1 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the mode switching process. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S1 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 confirms the setting state of the mode switch 46 (step S2). Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 determines an effect mode from the setting state confirmed in Step S2, and sets (stores) the determined effect mode in the RAM 44 (Step S3). For example, when the setting state of the mode switch 46 is “OFF and OFF”, the overall CPU 42 determines the “flower card mode” and sets the determined flower card mode in the RAM 44. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 outputs a signal for causing the mode display 47 to display the effect mode set in the RAM 44 in step S3 (step S4). For example, when the overall CPU 42 determines the “flower card mode”, it outputs a signal for displaying “0” on the mode display 47. On the mode display 47 to which this signal is input, a number (any one of 0 to 3) indicating the effect mode is displayed by light emission.

  Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 determines a mode counter based on the effect mode set in the RAM 44 in step S3 (step S5). The mode counter sets the type of game effect. When the overall CPU 42 determines the production mode in step S3 of the mode switching process, if the production mode is “flower card mode”, “multi-mode”, or “player selection production mode”, the overall counter 42 displays “ If “0” is set and the production mode is “Mahjong mode”, “1” is set in the mode counter. Subsequently, the main CPU 38 outputs a signal for causing the game type display 29 to display the type of game effect set in the mode counter in step S5 (step S6). For example, the general CPU 42 outputs a signal for displaying “0” on the game type display 29 when “flower card game” is set as the mode counter in the mode counter. On the game type display 29 to which this signal is input, a number (either 0 or 1) indicating the effect mode is lit and displayed. After the end of step S6, the overall CPU 42 ends the mode switching process.

  In the mode switching process, the overall CPU 42 determines that the command input flag is set to “0”, that is, until the first control command (such as a power-on initial designation command) is input from the main CPU 38, step S2 The subsequent processing is executed. In other words, after the first control command is input from the main CPU 38 (command input flag = 1), the general CPU 42 does not check the setting state of the mode changeover switch 46 and does not set the effect mode. It becomes. For this reason, after the general CPU 42 inputs the first control command, the effect mode cannot be switched. On the contrary, until the general CPU 42 inputs the first control command, the determination in step S1 is affirmative and the processing after step S2 is executed, so that the effect mode is set according to the setting state of the mode changeover switch 46. Will be set. In the present embodiment, after the power is turned on, the main CPU 38 starts activation when the output time T2 (output time T1 + delay time T3) has elapsed, and outputs a power-on initial designation command to the overall CPU 42. Therefore, until the main CPU 38 starts activation, the setting change of the mode change switch 46, that is, the change of the effect mode is effective. In the present embodiment, the effect mode switching is effective for about 5 seconds (delay time T3 (5 seconds)) after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the overall CPU 42 functions as an effect mode determination unit and an instruction determination unit.

Next, the command check process of FIG. 5 will be described.
In the command check process, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not a control command has been input from the main CPU 38 (step S11). If the determination result of step S11 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the input control command is normal (step S12). If the determination result in step S12 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not “0” is set in the command input completion flag (step S13). If the determination result in step S13 is affirmative, the general CPU 42 sets “1” in the command input completion flag because the control command input in step S11 is the first command input by the general CPU 42 after power-on. (Step S14). Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the command check process. The overall CPU 42 ends the command check process when the determination result in step S11, step S12, or step S13 is negative.

  In step S11 of the command check process, the general CPU 42 makes an affirmative determination in step S11 when a control command is input regardless of the type of control command output by the main CPU 38, and proceeds to step S12. Normally, the general CPU 42 first outputs the power-on initial designation command from the main CPU 38, and therefore inputs the power-on initial designation command and executes the processing from step S12 onward to the command input completed flag. 1 ”is set. However, when the general CPU 42 cannot input a power-on initial designation command (for example, the influence of noise or the like), the general CPU 42 may be reset due to the influence of noise or the like during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. When the overall CPU 42 is reset, the stored contents of the RAM 44 are initialized. When the stored contents of the RAM 44 are initialized, “0” is set to the command input completion flag. Then, as long as the main CPU 38 operates normally (or as long as the power is not turned on again), the main CPU 38 does not output a power-on initial designation command at a timing other than the time of startup. For this reason, if the general CPU 42 is designed to set the command input flag to “1” only when the power-on initial designation command is input, step S1 of the mode switching process in FIG. Every time it is executed, an affirmative determination is made, and unless the power is turned on again, the switching of the effect mode is not restricted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, not only the power-on initial designation command in step S11 of the command check process, but when the general CPU 42 inputs some control command, if the set value of the command input flag is “0”, “ 1 ”is set. For example, the general CPU 42 sets “1” in the command input completion flag if a variation pattern designation command or a symbol designation command is inputted even if a power-on initial designation command is not inputted.

Next, the power-on setting process of FIG. 6 will be described.
In the power-on setting process, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not a power-on initial designation command has been input (step S21). In step S21, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not a power-on initial designation command has been input in the current interrupt cycle. Then, the overall CPU 42 makes an affirmative decision in step S21 when the command obtained when an affirmative decision is made in step S11 of the command check process (FIG. 5) is a power-on initial designation command. If the determination result of step S21 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the power-on setting process. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S21 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 checks the setting value of the mode counter (that is, the type of game effect set in the mode counter) (step S22). Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets a mode command for designating the type of game effect in the RAM 44 based on the setting value of the mode counter confirmed in step S22 (step S23). The mode command set in the RAM 44 is output to the display control board 33 (sub CPU 48) and the sound / lamp control board 34 (sub CPU 52). In the following description, among the mode commands set in the power-on setting process, the mode command for designating “flower card game” is indicated as “power-on initial stage effect 0 designation command”, and the mode for designating “Mahjong game”. The command is referred to as “power-on initial stage production 1 designation command”, and when both commands are expressed together, it is simply represented as “power-on initial stage production designation command”.

  Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets “1” in the player selection switch invalid flag in order to invalidate the selection operation by the player selection switch 27 of the selection operation unit 26 (step S24). The player selection switch invalid flag is set in the RAM 44. When “1” is set in the player selection switch invalid flag, the selection of the game effect by the player is invalidated (that is, the operation of the player selection switch 27 is invalidated). Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets the value of the player selection switch invalid period timer (step S25). The player selection switch invalid period timer is a timer that is set in the RAM 44 and measures the invalid period of the selection operation by the player. In this embodiment, “204 (ms)” is set as the player selection switch invalid period timer in step S25. Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the power-on setting process.

Next, the game effect end process of FIG. 7 will be described.
In the game effect end process, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not an all symbol stop command has been input (step S31). If the determination result of step S31 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 sets “1” to the stop time flag because the symbol combination game ends (step S32). The stop time flag is set in the RAM 44. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets a stop timer value. The value of the stop timer is set in the RAM 44, and is a timer that measures the time after the symbol combination game ends, that is, the time during the interval period. In the present embodiment, “204 (ms)” is set as the value of the stop timer in step S32. Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the game effect end process.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S31 is negative, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not “1” is set in the stop flag (step S34). If the determination result of step S34 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 subtracts the value of the stop timer (step S35). In step S35, the overall CPU 42 subtracts the interrupt time (2 ms) value from the stop timer value. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the value of the stop timer is “0 (zero)” (step S36). If the determination result of step S36 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 confirms the set value of the mode counter (step S37). Then, the overall CPU 42 sets a mode command for designating the type of game effect in the RAM 44 based on the setting value of the mode counter confirmed in step S37 (step S38). The mode command set in the RAM 44 is output to the display control board 33 (sub CPU 48) and the sound / lamp control board 34 (sub CPU 52). In the following description, among the mode commands set in the game effect end process, the mode command for designating “flower card game” is shown as “game mode 0 designation command”, and the mode command for designating “Mahjong game” is “ “Game mode 1 designation command”, and when both commands are expressed together, they are simply represented as “game mode designation command”. By executing the processes of steps S34 to S38, the overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command (game mode designation command) every time the symbol combination game is finished. More specifically, the overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command (game mode designation command) when the value (204 ms) set as the stop timer value has elapsed in step S33 after the symbol combination game ends.

  Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets “1” in the player selection switch invalid flag (step S39). Further, the overall CPU 42 sets the value (204 ms) of the player selection switch invalid period timer (step S40). Then, the overall CPU 42 sets “0” in the stop time flag (step S41). Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the game effect end process. If the determination result in step S34 or step S36 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the game effect end process.

Next, the big hit end processing of FIGS. 8 and 9 will be described.
In the big hit ending process, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not an ending designation command has been input (step S51). If the determination result of step S51 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the input ending designation command is an ending designation command for low probability (step S52). If the determination result of step S52 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 sets “1” in the low probability flag (step S53), and then proceeds to step S54. The low probability flag is set in the RAM 44, and is set to “1” when a normal jackpot due to a non-probable variation symbol occurs. If the determination result of step S52 is negative, the overall CPU 42 proceeds to step S54.

  The overall CPU 42 that has shifted to step S54 sets “1” in the ending flag because the ending effect is performed. The ending flag is set in the RAM 44. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets the value of the ending timer (step S55). The ending timer is a timer that is set in the RAM 44 and measures the time during the ending effect. In the present embodiment, “9204 (ms)” is set as the value of the ending timer in step S55. Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the jackpot ending process.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of step S51 is negative, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not “1” is set in the ending flag (step S56). If the determination result of step S56 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the jackpot end process. If the determination result of step S56 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 subtracts the value of the ending timer (step S57). In step S57, the overall CPU 42 subtracts the interrupt time (2 ms) value from the ending timer value. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the value of the ending timer is “0” (step S58). If the determination result of step S58 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the jackpot end process. If the determination result of step S58 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 confirms the effect mode set in the RAM 44 (step S59). Then, after confirming the effect mode, the overall CPU 42 proceeds to step S60 shown in FIG. The overall CPU 42 that has shifted to step S60 determines whether or not the effect mode confirmed in step S59 is “2”, that is, whether or not the effect mode is “multi-mode” (step S60).

  If the determination result of step S60 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not “1” is set in the low probability flag (step S61). If the determination result of step S61 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 checks the current setting value of the mode counter (step S62). Then, the overall CPU 42 determines and sets the type of game effect to be newly set in the mode counter based on the setting value of the mode counter confirmed in step S62 (step S63). In step S <b> 63, the overall CPU 42 switches the type of game effect since the effect mode is “multi-mode” and a normal jackpot caused by an uncertain variable symbol has occurred. For example, if the set value of the mode counter confirmed in step S62 is “0 (flower card game)”, the overall CPU 42 determines “1 (Mahjong game)” as the set value of the mode counter in step S63. Conversely, if the set value of the mode counter confirmed in step S62 is “1 (Mahjong game)”, the overall CPU 42 determines “0 (flower card game)” as the set value of the mode counter in step S63. .

  Then, the overall CPU 42 changes the setting value of the mode counter, that is, switches the type of game effect, and therefore outputs a signal for causing the game type display 29 to display the type of game effect after switching (step S64). Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 proceeds to step S64. If the determination result of step S60 or step S61 is negative, the overall CPU 42 confirms the set value of the mode counter (step S65), and then proceeds to step S66.

  The overall CPU 42 that has proceeded to step S66 sets a mode command for designating the type of game effect in the RAM 44 based on the setting value of the mode counter determined in step S63 or the setting value of the mode counter confirmed in step S65. The mode command set in the RAM 44 is output to the display control board 33 (sub CPU 48) and the sound / lamp control board 34 (sub CPU 52). In step S66 of the big hit end process, a game mode designation command is set in the RAM 44 as in step S38 of the game effect end process. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 sets “1” in the player selection switch invalid flag (step S67). Further, the overall CPU 42 sets the value (204 ms) of the player selection switch invalid period timer (step S68). Further, the overall CPU 42 sets “0” in the low probability flag (step S69). The overall CPU 42 sets “0” in the ending flag (step S70). Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the game effect end process.

Next, the player selection mode process of FIG. 10 will be described.
In the player selection mode process, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the player selection switch invalid flag is “0” (step S101). If the determination result of step S101 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 proceeds to step S105. If the determination result of step S101 is negative, the overall CPU 42 subtracts the value of the player selection switch invalid period timer (step S102). In step S102, the overall CPU 42 subtracts the value corresponding to the interrupt time (2 ms) from the value of the player selection switch invalid period timer. Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the value of the player selection switch invalid period timer is “0” (step S103). If the determination result of step S103 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 sets “0” in the player selection switch invalid flag (step S104), and proceeds to step S105. If the determination result of step S103 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the player selection mode process.

  The overall CPU 42 that has shifted to step S <b> 105 confirms the effect mode set in the RAM 44. Then, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not the effect mode confirmed in step S106 is “3”, that is, whether or not the effect mode is “player selection effect mode” (step S106). If the determination result in step S106 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 outputs a signal for lighting the reception lamp 28 because the player's selection operation is validated (step S107). Subsequently, the overall CPU 42 confirms the signal of the player selection switch 27 (step S108). Then, the overall CPU 42 determines whether or not there is a signal from the player selection switch 27 based on the confirmation result of step S108 (step S109). In step S109, the overall CPU 42 makes an affirmative determination if the player selection switch 27 is switched from OFF to ON, and makes a negative determination if it remains OFF.

  If the determination result of step S109 is affirmative, the overall CPU 42 checks the set value of the mode counter (step S110). Then, the overall CPU 42 determines and sets the type of game effect to be newly set in the mode counter based on the setting value of the mode counter confirmed in step S110 (step S111). In step S <b> 111, the overall CPU 42 switches the type of game effect since the player has selected and operated the player selection switch 27. For example, if the set value of the mode counter confirmed in step S110 is “0 (flower card game)”, the overall CPU 42 determines “1 (Mahjong game)” as the set value of the mode counter in step S111. Conversely, if the mode counter setting value confirmed in step S110 is “1 (Mahjong game)”, the overall CPU 42 determines “0 (flower card game)” as the mode counter setting value in step S111. . Then, the overall CPU 42 changes the set value of the mode counter, that is, switches the type of game effect, and therefore outputs a signal for causing the game type display 29 to display the type of game effect after switching (step S112). Thereafter, the overall CPU 42 ends the player selection mode process. If the determination result of step S106 or step S109 is negative, the overall CPU 42 ends the player selection mode process.

  Then, the general CPU 42 displays the mode commands (power-on initial effect designation command, game mode designation command) set in the RAM 44 by the various processes described above, and the display control board 33 (sub CPU 48) and the sound / lamp control board 34 (sub CPU 52). Further, the overall CPU 42 inputs the variation pattern designation command and the ending designation command output from the main CPU 38, and outputs these commands to the display control board 33 (sub CPU 48) and the sound / lamp control board 34 (sub CPU 52). The overall CPU 42 inputs each symbol designation command (left, middle, right) and all symbol stop commands, and outputs these commands to the display control board 33 (sub CPU 48).

Next, the control content of the display control board 33 will be described.
The sub CPU 48 of the display control board 33 initializes “Hanafuda game” in the RAM 50 as a type of game effect at the start of activation upon power-on (or when the sub CPU 48 alone is reset). Further, when the sub CPU 48 inputs a mode command (one of the above-described two types of commands), the sub CPU 48 stores the type of game effect specified by the mode command in the RAM 50. At this time, the sub CPU 48 erases the already stored game effect type and rewrites it with the game effect type specified by the input mode command.

  Further, when the sub CPU 48 inputs a variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of the symbol combination game, the sub CPU 48 confirms the type of the current game effect stored in the RAM 50. Then, the sub CPU 48 starts control related to the display effect of the symbol combination game based on the display effect control program. Specifically, the sub CPU 48 determines the specific content of the combination game (the content of the display effect) based on the type of game effect and the change pattern specified by the change pattern specification command. Specific production contents are, for example, design movements, types and movements of characters appearing, and the production contents are patterned in advance and associated with each variation pattern. Then, the sub CPU 48 uses the image information stored in the ROM 49 based on the determined content of the display, and generates display image data to be displayed on the variable display device 20 according to the generated image data. Display processing for displaying the displayed image on the variable display 20 is executed. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 48 functions as effect content determination means.

Hereinafter, display data generation processing and display processing will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when the sub CPU 48 inputs a variation pattern designation command, the presentation time associated with the designated variation pattern is set in the RAM 50, and the time relating to one symbol combination game is managed. The sub CPU 48 subtracts the effect time set in the RAM 50 every execution cycle of the display effect control program (2 ms in the present embodiment). Then, the sub CPU 48 executes display data generation processing and display processing in frame units (one unit time) in which the production time is divided into predetermined times (50 ms in the present embodiment). That is, after the input of the variation pattern designation command, the sub CPU 48 displays the image data (“A” in FIG. 11) to be displayed on the variable display 20 in the next frame (second frame) in the display data generation processing of the first frame. Is added). In the display process for the first frame, an image displayed at the end of the previous symbol combination game (for example, an image of the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed) is displayed. Subsequently, the sub CPU 48 generates image data (labeled “B” in FIG. 11) to be displayed on the variable display 20 in the next frame (third frame) in the display data generation processing of the second frame. To do. Further, the sub CPU 48 controls the variable display 20 so as to display an image (display A) corresponding to the image data generated in the first frame in the display processing of the second frame.

  Subsequently, the sub CPU 48 generates image data (labeled “C” in FIG. 11) to be displayed on the variable display 20 in the next frame (fourth frame) in the display data generation process of the third frame. To do. Further, the sub CPU 48 controls the variable display 20 to display an image (display B) corresponding to the image data generated in the previous frame (second frame) in the display processing of the third frame. Thereafter, the sub CPU 48 executes display data generation processing and display processing in units of frames until the production time is reached. As a result, images are switched on the variable display 20 every 50 ms, and a symbol combination game based on the determined effect content is played. For example, if the game effect type is “Hanafuda game”, a symbol combination game is played with the effect content of the Hanafuda game, and if the game effect type is “Mahjong game”, the symbol is displayed with the effect content of the mahjong game. A combination game is played. Then, on the variable display 20, when the effect time elapses, that is, when all symbols stop command is input, the symbol combination based on the symbol designated by each symbol designation command is fixedly displayed. The sub CPU 48 generates an image of all symbols fixed display by inputting all symbols stop command, and after displaying it in the next frame, inputs a variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of the next symbol combination game. Until a new image is not generated. That is, until the change pattern designation command is input, the final display image is only continuously displayed, so the processing load on the sub CPU 48 is reduced.

  Similarly, the sub CPU 48 executes display data generation processing and display processing when an ending designation command is input. Then, when the ending effect is finished, the sub CPU 48 generates a fixed display image of all symbols as described above, displays the image in the next frame, and then instructs the start of the next symbol combination game. A new image is not generated until is input. Accordingly, as described above, the processing load on the sub CPU 48 is reduced until the change pattern designation command is input.

Next, the control contents executed by the sub CPU 48 when a mode command is input will be described.
When the sub CPU 48 inputs a mode command and rewrites the type of game effect stored in the RAM 50, the sub CPU 48 determines whether or not the type of game effect has been changed. When the type of game effect is changed, the sub CPU 48 executes display data generation processing in order to change the image to be displayed on the variable display device 20 in accordance with the type of game effect, and displays the generated image data. When the sub CPU 48 displays an image corresponding to the changed game effect, the sub CPU 48 executes a display data generation process taking a time of 2 frames (50 ms × 2). That is, the sub CPU 48 first generates image data (image data for displaying a black screen) for erasing the image currently displayed in the first frame. Subsequently, the sub CPU 48 generates image data for displaying an image (for example, a background or a design) according to the changed game effect in the second frame, and also generates an image based on the image data generated in the previous frame. Display. Thereafter, the sub CPU 48 displays an image based on the image data generated in the second frame. By this control, the variable display 20 once displays a black screen, and then displays an image such as a background or a pattern according to the changed game effect. The type of the symbol displayed after the change is a symbol of a type that can form a symbol combination based on the symbol displayed before the change. For example, if the game effect before the change is “flower card game” and the symbol combination [123] with a pattern imitating the flower card is displayed on the variable display 20, the game effect is changed from “flower card game” to “Mahjong game”. ”Is changed, the variable display 20 displays a symbol combination [123] based on a symbol imitating a mahjong tile.

Next, the sound / lamp control board 34 will be described.
The sub CPU 52 of the sound / lamp control board 34 initializes “Hanafuda game” in the RAM 54 as the type of game effect at the start of activation upon power-on (or when the sub CPU 52 alone is reset). When a mode command (one of the two types of commands described above) is input, the type of game effect specified by the mode command is stored in the RAM 54. At this time, the sub CPU 52 deletes the already stored game effect type and rewrites it with the game effect type specified by the input mode command.

  Further, when the sub CPU 52 inputs a variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of the symbol combination game, the sub CPU 52 confirms the type of the current game effect stored in the RAM 54. Then, the sub CPU 52 starts control related to the light emission effect and the sound effect of the symbol combination game based on the sound / light emission effect control program. Specifically, the sub CPU 52 determines the specific content of the symbol combination game (the content of the light effect and the sound effect) based on the type of game effect and the change pattern specified by the change pattern specification command. Specific production contents are, for example, a light emission pattern of the decorative lamp 16, an audio output pattern from the speaker 17, and the like. The production contents are patterned in advance and associated with each variation pattern. Then, the sub CPU 52 executes a light emission process for causing the decoration lamp 16 to emit light and a sound process for outputting sound from the speaker 17 based on the determined effect content. In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 52 functions as effect content determination means.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the mode commands (the power-on initial stage designating command and the game mode designating command) are issued when the power is turned on, at the end of the symbol combination game, or at the end of the big hit (end of the ending effect). Output. The overall CPU 42 uses the interval time (1000 ms in this embodiment) until the next symbol combination game is started after the symbol combination game is finished (after the input of all symbol stop commands), to the sub CPUs 48 and 52. Output to. Specifically, the overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command to the sub CPUs 48 and 52 when 204 ms elapses after the input of all symbol stop commands. 204 ms corresponds to a time obtained by adding a tolerance time of 4 ms to a time of 4 frames (50 ms × 4) when the sub CPUs 48 and 52 execute the display data generation processing and the display processing.

  When the sub CPU 48 inputs all symbol stop commands, the sub CPU 48 generates image data of the screen on which the symbols are fixedly displayed in the display data generation processing in a time (50 ms) for one frame, and is variable in the next frame. Displayed on the display 20. Therefore, considering the time of one frame, the sub CPU 48 has finished generating image data when 50 ms elapses after the input of all symbol stop commands. However, the general CPU 42 and the sub CPU 48 may measure the time of one frame for a long time due to a manufacturing error or an error caused by the usage environment (temperature, humidity), or the control program execution cycle ( 2 ms) may be measured short. Therefore, if the general CPU 42 is designed so that a mode command is output after the time of one frame (after 50 ms) from the measurement result of the timer, if a measurement error has occurred, all symbols are included in one frame. There is a possibility that both the stop command and the mode command are input to the sub CPU 48. In such a case, the sub CPU 48 simultaneously executes a plurality of processes (a process based on input of all symbol stop commands and a process based on input of a mode command), and in the next frame as the control burden increases. There is a possibility that generation of image data of an image to be displayed may not be in time. As a result, the image display for one frame is lost or the image display timing is shifted.

  Therefore, the overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command when 204 ms elapses after the output of all symbol stop commands so that both the symbol stop command and the mode command are not input to the sub CPU 48 within one frame. That is, the sub CPU 48 during the interval time does not generate a new display image and the processing load is light. Therefore, even if the game effect type is switched, the display image corresponding to the switched game effect type is increased. Can be generated without. If the mode command is output at the time when the tolerance time (2 to 4 ms) is added to the time of at least one frame after the output of all symbol stop commands, all symbol stop commands and mode commands are output within one frame. Are not considered to be input at the same time. However, if further certainty is to be pursued, the time when the tolerance time is added to the time of 2 frames, or the time when the tolerance time is added to the time of 4 frames as in this embodiment. It is preferable to output a mode command.

  The overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command to the sub CPU 48 using the interval time (1000 ms in this embodiment) until the next symbol combination game starts after the end of the big hit (after the end of the ending effect). Specifically, the overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command to the sub CPU 48 when 9204 ms elapses after the input of the ending designation command. 9204ms is the ending effect time (9000ms) and the time obtained by adding the 4ms margin time to the time of 4 frames (50ms x 4) when the sub CPU 48 executes the display data generation process and the display process. It corresponds to the total time. By outputting the mode command at such timing, the sub CPU 48 does not receive the mode command while generating the display image of the ending effect.

  Further, when the overall CPU 42 outputs the mode command (power-on initial stage designating command, game mode designating command), the player selecting switch invalid flag is set to “1”, and the selecting operation by the player selecting switch 27 is performed. An invalid period is set to be invalid. After the output of the mode command, the overall CPU 42 sets “204 ms” as the value of the player selection switch invalid period timer, and sets the period as the invalid period. That is, when the overall CPU 42 makes a negative determination in step S101 of the player selection mode process (FIG. 10) (when the player selection switch invalid flag = “1”), the value of the player selection switch invalid period timer is “0”. If not (No in step S103), the player selection mode process is terminated. At this time, the overall CPU 42 does not determine the presence / absence of a signal from the player selection switch 27 (processing in step S109), so that the selection operation of the player selection switch 27 is invalidated. By providing an invalid period of this selection operation, another mode command is not input to the sub CPU 48 while the type of game effect is being switched.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) After the general control board 32 is activated, the mode changeover switch 46 is set until the general control board 32 inputs the first control command from the main control board 31 (until the first command is input). The production mode can be switched according to the state, and after the first control command is input, the production mode is restricted. For this reason, even if the mode changeover switch 46 is accidentally operated during a game due to an inspection operation or the like, the production mode is not switched because the production mode switching during the game is restricted. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the effect contents of the game effect from being changed during the game.

  (2) In addition, whether or not the production mode can be switched or the switching is restricted is based on whether or not the overall control board 32 has input the first control command from the main control board 31. That is, regardless of the content of the control command, after the overall control board 32 inputs the first control command, switching of the effect mode is restricted. For example, if the switching of the production mode is restricted when a specific control command (specific instruction) is input, the control command (instruction) cannot be received due to the influence of noise or the like, or the general CPU 42 is reset. Cannot restrict the switching of the production mode. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the restriction is applied when the first control command is input without specifying the content of the control command, it is possible to reliably restrict the switching of the effect mode. In other words, the activated main control board 31 first outputs a power-on initial designation command, but even if the general control board 32 does not input this power-on initial designation command, other control commands are input. At that time, switching of the production mode is restricted. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the switching of the effect mode is not restricted until the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off.

  (3) The activation of the main control board 31 is delayed from the activation of the overall control board 32, the display control board 33, and the sound / lamp control board 34 by the reset input circuit 41. That is, after the power is turned on, the control command is not output from the main control board 31 to the overall control board 32 during the output time T2 including the delay time T3. Therefore, by using a configuration that delays the activation of the main control board 31, it is possible to create a time during which the effect mode can be switched (a switching effective period). The existing pachinko machine 10 employs the reset input circuit 41 so that the control boards 32-34 (sub-control devices) can reliably receive the control commands from the main control board 31 at the time of start-up. The activation of 31 is delayed from the activation of the control boards 32 to 34. For this reason, since the existing reset input circuit 41 can be used, it is not necessary to newly adopt a configuration such as a timer for measuring the effective time (effective period) of switching when performing the switching control of the effect mode. Complicating the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 can be suppressed.

  (4) Since the delay time T3 is created by the reset input circuit 41 without creating the delay time T3 by the main CPU 38, the processing load on the main CPU 38 can be reduced.

  (5) A mode indicator 47 for notifying the setting state of the mode changeover switch 46 is provided. For this reason, it is possible to recognize at a glance the currently set effect mode by the store clerk who sets the effect mode.

  (6) The overall control board 32 determines the production mode and restricts the production mode switching. Therefore, the processing burden on the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 can be reduced. In addition, since the production mode is determined by the overall control board 32, the decided production mode can be managed in a unified manner, and the game production (the same kind of game) in the same production mode can be performed by controlling the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34. Production) can be performed reliably. That is, in the display effect, for example, the sound effect of the mahjong game can be prevented from flowing in the sound effect even though the Hanafuda game is performed. In addition, since the overall control board 32 performs the determination of the type of game effect and the instruction of the type of game effect, the processing load on the main control board 31 can be reduced.

  (7) When the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 are started, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 initially set a predetermined game effect type (“flower card game” in this embodiment). Therefore, if the overall control board 32 cannot input the power-on initial designation command from the main control board 31, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 can input the mode command from the overall control board 32. Even if it is not, the symbol combination game can be performed with the contents of the effect of the type of the game effect that is initially set.

  (8) The display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 may not be able to input mode commands due to the influence of noise or the like. In addition, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 are reset because the processing cannot catch up due to an increase in the control burden during the game, and the types of game effects set in the RAMs 50 and 54 are initialized. May end up. In these cases, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 cannot accurately grasp the type of the game effect determined by the overall control board 32, and can cause the game effect according to the type of the game effect to be performed. Can not. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the type of game effect determined by the overall control board 32 is stored in the RAM 44, and the stored type of game effect is stored at the end of the symbol combination game. When not being instructed, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 are instructed. That is, a mode command is output. For this reason, even if the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 fall into a situation where the type of game effect cannot be grasped, the type of game effect is changed after a single symbol combination game is performed. It is possible to grasp accurately again. That is, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 can be returned to a normal state in which the type of game effect is accurately grasped. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of types of game effects (two types in this embodiment), between the overall control board 32 and the display control board 33, and between the overall control board 32 and the sound / lamp control board 34, The types of game effects can be matched between the two.

  (9) When there are a plurality of control boards (production control devices) such as the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34, the types of game effects grasped by the control boards 33 and 34 are different. At the time of the game effect, the effect contents of the variable display 20, the decoration lamp 16, and the speaker 17 are not synchronized. Therefore, the general CPU 42 can correct the discrepancy in the type of game effect between the control boards 33 and 34 by instructing the type of game effect to the control boards 33 and 34, and the variable display 20. The effect contents of the decoration lamp 16 and the speaker 17 can be synchronized.

  (10) The sub CPU 48 of the display control board 33 performs the most complicated control, and the control burden is imposed. For this reason, when the general CPU 42 of the general control board 32 removes the image generation of the sub CPU 48 and instructs the type of the game effect, the sub CPU 48 can surely input the instruction, and the type of the game effect is selected. Accurately grasp.

  (11) Since the overall control board 32 instructs the type of game effect every time the symbol combination game is finished, the display control board 33 and the sound / lamp control board 34 are the types of game effects across the plurality of symbol combination games. It is possible to avoid a state in which it cannot be accurately grasped. That is, when the type of game effect is instructed when the type of game effect is changed, the type of game effect continues to be inconsistent until the type is changed. However, in the present embodiment, the type of game effect is instructed regardless of whether the type of game effect is changed or not changed, so that this type of discrepancy can be corrected at an early stage.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.
In the embodiment, the overall CPU 42 outputs a mode command every time one symbol combination game ends. However, the mode command may be output every time a plurality of symbol combination games end. For example, the mode command may be output every time the symbol combination game is completed five times, ten times, or 100 times.

  In the embodiment, the general CPU 42 may output the mode command every time a predetermined time has elapsed after the output of the mode command. For example, the mode command may be output every 1 minute, 10 minutes, or 1 hour.

  In the embodiment, the overall CPU 42 makes a negative determination in step S1 after inputting the first control command in the mode switching process (FIG. 4) (after setting the command input flag = 1), and switches the mode. The setting state of the switch 46 is not read. However, even after the first control command is input, the overall CPU 42 may read the setting state of the mode switch 46. In this case, the overall CPU 42 restricts the switching of the effect mode by not determining the effect mode from the set state.

  In the embodiment, the activation of the main CPU 38 is delayed from the activation of the central CPU 42. However, the main CPU 38 and the general CPU 42 may be activated at the same time, and after the activation, the main CPU 38 may output the first control command (power-on initial specification command) with a predetermined delay time.

  In the above embodiment, the types of game effects are not limited to two, but may be changed to three, four, etc. In addition, the production subject of the game production may be changed to “Shogi”, “automobile race”, “baseball”, or the like.

  In the embodiment, the type of effect mode is not limited to four types, and may be changed to two types, three types, and five types. For example, two types of “flower card mode” and “mahjong mode” may be used.

  In the embodiment, the reset signal circuit 37 may not be provided on the power supply substrate 30 as long as it is connected to the power supply circuit 36. In the embodiment, the reset input circuit 41 may not be provided on the main control board 31 as long as it is connected to the main CPU 38. In the embodiment, the mode changeover switch 46 may not be provided on the overall control board 32 as long as it is connected to the overall CPU 42.

  In the above embodiment, the overall CPU 42 may output a mode command when a predetermined time has elapsed after the demonstration designation command is output (for example, when 204 ms has elapsed as in the embodiment). That is, the mode command may not be output to the sub CPU 48 that is generating image data for demonstration effects. In the demonstration production, the pachinko machine 10 is in a standby state (a state in which the symbol combination game is not performed) using a device such as the variable display 20 or the decoration lamp 16 to obtain a guest-coming effect. Production. The demonstration designation command is output from the main CPU 38 to the general CPU 42 when the power is turned on, after the symbol combination game based on the variation pattern for the offending effect, at the end of a predetermined time, and at the end of the ending effect. The general CPU 42 that has input the demonstration designation command outputs the demonstration designation command to the sub CPUs 48 and 52 when the variation pattern designation command is not inputted even after a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the entry.

  In the above-described embodiment, the overall control board 32, the display control board 33, and the sound / lamp control board 34 may be configured as a single board without being configured as separate boards. Further, for example, the sound / lamp control board 34 may perform the role of the overall control board 32, and the sound / lamp control board 34 may output a mode command or the like to the display control board 33.

  In the above-described embodiment, the timing at which the overall CPU 42 outputs the mode command when all symbol stop commands are input may be changed as follows. That is, when the type of game effect is switched, the sub CPU 48 of the display control board 33 needs to generate an image corresponding to the display effect after the switching and display the image. Therefore, the overall CPU 42 may be set to output the mode command by the time when the time obtained by subtracting the generation display time from the interval time after the symbol combination game ends. The generation display time is a time for the sub CPU 48 to generate and display an image, and is determined by a set time of one frame. For example, the overall CPU 42 of this embodiment may output the mode command at least when a time (900 ms) obtained by subtracting the time (50 ms × 2) for two frames from the interval time (1000 ms) has elapsed. More preferably, the overall CPU 42 may output the mode command before the time (800 ms) obtained by subtracting the time (50 ms × 4) for four frames from the interval time (1000 ms). If the mode command is output at such timing, the variation pattern designation command for instructing the start of the next symbol combination game is not input while the sub CPU 48 is generating the display image associated with the switching of the game effect. The timing for outputting the mode command described above can also be applied to the case where the mode command is output at the end of the ending.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the embodiment and another example will be added below.
(A) After the determination result of the instruction determination unit becomes affirmative, the production mode determination unit does not read the setting state of the production mode setting unit, or reads the setting state from the setting state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein switching of the effect mode is restricted by not determining the effect mode.

(B) The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising notification means for notifying the effect mode determined by the effect mode determination means.
(C) The sub-control device controls the plurality of effect control devices in response to instructions from the plurality of effect control devices that control the plurality of effect devices and the main control device, and performs the game effect. And the effect mode determining means and the instruction determining means are provided in the overall control device, while the effect content determining means is the overall control device or effect. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, provided in any one of the control devices.

The front view which shows the machine surface side of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows the control structure of a pachinko gaming machine. (A) is a front view which shows the variable display on which the design at the time of a Hanafuda game was displayed, (b) is a front view which shows the variable display on which the design at the time of a mahjong game was displayed. The flowchart which shows a mode switching process. The flowchart which shows a command check process. The flowchart which shows a power-on setting process. The flowchart which shows a game production | presentation end process. The flowchart which shows a jackpot end process. The flowchart which shows a jackpot end process. The flowchart which shows a player selection mode process. The schematic diagram which shows the display data production | generation process and display process which are performed with a display control board.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 16 ... Decoration lamp, 17 ... Speaker, 20 ... Variable display, 31 ... Main control board, 32 ... General control board, 33 ... Display control board, 34 ... Sound / lamp control board, 37 ... Reset Signal circuit, 38 ... main CPU, 41 ... reset input circuit, 42 ... general CPU, 46 ... mode change switch, 48, 52 ... sub CPU.

Claims (3)

A main control device that controls the entire gaming machine and a sub-control device that controls a plurality of effect devices, and the sub-control device receives instructions from the main control device to control the effect device. In gaming machines where the production is performed,
There is provided an effect mode setting means capable of setting a plurality of effect modes serving as an index when determining the effect contents of the game effect,
In the sub-control device,
Effect mode determining means for determining the effect mode from the setting state of the effect mode setting means;
Effect content determining means for determining the effect content of the game effect based on the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means;
An instruction determining means for determining whether or not the sub-control device has received an initial instruction from the main control device after the sub-control device is activated;
The effect mode determination means switches the effect mode when the setting state of the effect mode setting means is changed until the determination result of the instruction determination means becomes affirmative, while the determination of the instruction determination means A gaming machine that restricts switching of the effect mode when the setting state of the effect mode setting means is changed after the result becomes affirmative. Start instruction means for instructing the main control device and the sub control device to start starting;
Delay means for delaying activation of the main control device by a predetermined delay time from activation of the sub control device, or delaying an instruction output from the main control device to the sub control device by a predetermined delay time. ,
The main control device instructs the sub-control device to execute startup processing after the delay time has elapsed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the instruction determination unit makes an affirmative determination when an instruction to execute the startup process is received. The activation instruction means is a reset signal circuit that outputs a reset signal when the gaming machine is powered on,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the delay unit is a delay circuit that receives a reset signal and delays activation of the main control device from activation of the sub control device by using the reset signal.

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