JP2006042926A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce control burdens on a microcomputer for game control and to execute the performances of many variations in a game machine for variably displaying a special pattern and a decorative pattern. <P>SOLUTION: When a big winning game performance after a probability variation pattern is led out and displayed is ended, the microcomputer for performance control reports the fact that the big winning game performance is ended in a variable display device and shifting to a probability variable state is performed to a player. Then, in the 1st-6th variable display, the performance using a character is executed. Before executing the 7th variable display, drawing for deciding whether or not to end the probability variable state is executed by the microcomputer for the game control. Then, in the 7th variable display, when it is decided to end the probability variable state by drawing decision, the fact that the probability variable state is to be ended is reported to the player. On the other hand, when it is decided to continue the probability variable state by the drawing decision, the fact that the probability variable state is to be continued is reported to the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the present invention, a player plays a game by launching a game medium into a game area, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied, a plurality of special types are selected based on the satisfaction of the variable display start condition. A special variable display device that starts variable display of identification information and derives and displays the display result is provided, and a transition to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player is made based on the specific display result being derived and displayed on the special variable display device. When the specific transition condition is satisfied, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the special identification information is the specific display result is shifted to the specific advantageous state which is improved compared to the normal state different from the specific gaming state. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, there is provided a variable display unit capable of changing the display state, and configured to give a predetermined game value to the player when the display result of the variable display unit becomes a predetermined specific display result. is there.

  Note that the game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball, or the advantageous state for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display unit that displays the special symbol (identification information) becomes a predetermined specific display result is usually referred to as “hit”. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Further, when a predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the big prize opening) is not established at the time when the big prize opening is closed, the big hit gaming state is ended.

  In the variable display section, the symbols other than the symbol that will be the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol of the left and right middle symbols) are stopped, swung, and enlarged in a state that continues for a predetermined time and matches the specific display result. The possibility of big hits continues before the final result is displayed due to a reduced or deformed state, or multiple symbols changing synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol changing. An effect performed in a state in which the player is in a state (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display portion is not the specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In such a gaming machine, a special symbol and a decorative symbol are used as identification information, the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the variable display device, and the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol indicator. There is (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the special symbol display is controlled by a game control means such as a microcomputer for controlling the game progress in the gaming machine, and the display control different from the microcomputer of the game control means. A control signal for decorative design control is transmitted to the microcomputer (display control means). The variable display device is controlled by the display control means in response to a control signal from the game control means.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-2014457 (FIG. 3-4)

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a control signal is output by the game control means in a timer interruption process that is periodically executed, and the display contents of the decorative symbols on the variable display device are all displayed by the game control means. It was to be decided.

  As described above, since the process of transmitting the control signal is periodically executed and all the display contents of the decorative symbols are determined, there is a problem that the control burden of the game control means increases.

  In addition, as described above, since all the display contents of the decorative symbols are determined, it becomes necessary to hold various data used for determining the display details of the decorative symbols, so that the game control There is a problem in that the variation of the decorative symbol display may be limited because the storage area of the storage medium included in the game control board on which the means is mounted is compressed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the control burden of a gaming control microcomputer and produce many variations in a gaming machine that variably displays special symbols and decorative symbols. And

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, a player plays a game medium (for example, a game ball) in the game area, and a predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied (for example, a game to the start winning opening 13). After winning the ball, the variable display of multiple types of special identification information (for example, special symbols) is started based on the establishment of the variable display start condition (for example, when the previous variable display has ended, not during the big hit game) A special variable display device (for example, special symbol display 8) for deriving and displaying the display result is provided, and it is advantageous for the player based on the specific display result (for example, the jackpot display result) being derived and displayed on the special variable display device. Transition to a specific gaming state (for example, jackpot gaming state), and special identification information can be changed by establishing a specific transition condition (for example, probability variation jackpot display result, probability variation jackpot display result) A gaming machine that shifts to a specific advantageous state (for example, a probable variation state) that is a state in which the probability that the displayed result is a specific display result is improved compared to a normal state that is different from the specific gaming state. A game control microcomputer (for example, the game control microcomputer 60) that executes a game control process for controlling the progress of the game, and a game control board (for example, the main board 31) on which the game control microcomputer is mounted can be identified. A variable decoration display device (for example, a variable display device 9) that variably displays a plurality of types of decoration identification information (for example, decorative symbols), and a variable decoration display device based on a control signal (for example, an effect control command) from a game control microcomputer. A decoration display control microcomputer (for example, a production control microcomputer 101) for controlling the display, A decoration display control board (for example, an effect control board 80) equipped with a decoration display control microcomputer, and a relay board (for example, a centralized relay board 77) that relays a signal output from the game control board to the decoration display control board. The game control microcomputer has an end condition determining means for determining whether or not an end condition for the specific advantageous state is satisfied (for example, a part for executing steps S56 to S57 in the game control microcomputer 60), and the specific transition condition is A specific advantageous state control means (for example, a game control micro) that makes a transition from the normal state to the specific advantageous state when established, and makes a transition from the specific advantageous state to the normal state when the termination condition determining means determines that the termination condition has been established. A part for executing steps S98, S104, S58 in the computer 60) and special identification Special variable display control means (for example, a game control microcomputer) that performs control to output a drive signal to a light emitter (for example, 7 segment LED, LED, lamp, etc.) provided in the special variable display device for variably displaying information 60) and specific numerical data used to determine whether or not the display result of variable display of special identification information is the specific display result (for example, the count of a random number counter that generates a random number for jackpot determination) Value) within a predetermined numerical value range (for example, 0 to 630), a specific numerical value updating means (for example, a part for executing step S26 in the game control microcomputer 60) and an execution condition for variable display of special identification information are established. Execution condition determination means for determining whether or not the game control microcomputer 60 is And the specific numerical value updating means on condition that the execution condition determination means determines that the execution condition is satisfied (for example, it is determined as Y in step S311). Based on the specific numerical data extracted by the extraction means for extracting the specific numerical data (for example, the part for executing step S113 in the game control microcomputer 60) and the specific numerical data extracted by the extraction means, the display result of the special variable display device is specified and displayed. Predetermining means for determining whether or not to make a result (for example, the portion of step S67 in the game control microcomputer 60) and the variable of the decoration identification information on the decoration variable display device based on the determination result of the predetermining means. Variable display instruction signal for instructing execution of display (for example, variation pattern command Control signal transmission means (for example, a part for executing steps S76 and S77 in the game control microcomputer 60), and the decoration display control microcomputer is connected to the decoration variable display device based on the variable display instruction signal. Display content determining means for uniquely determining at least a part of the display contents to be displayed (for example, a part for executing S801 in the production control microcomputer 101) and variable decoration according to the display contents determined by the display content determining means. And a decoration variable display control means for controlling the display device and executing variable display of the decoration identification information (for example, a portion for executing the steps S802 to S804 in the effect control microcomputer 101).

  A game end condition determination result notifying unit (for example, a probability variation end determination notification display 203) for notifying a determination result of whether or not the end condition is satisfied by the end condition determining unit is provided. A game end condition determination result notification control unit that performs control to output a drive signal to perform the notification to the end condition determination result notification unit (for example, a part that executes steps S60 and S61 in the game control microcomputer 60) ) May be included.

  The pre-determination unit performs a pre-determination process (for example, step S67) for determining whether or not the display result of the special variable display device is the specific display result before starting the variable display. In the pre-determination process, the extraction unit The display result of the special variable display device when the specific numerical data extracted by the above matches one of the specific determination values stored in advance more in the specific advantageous state than in the normal state Is determined to be the specific display result, and the end condition determining means determines whether or not the end condition for the specific advantageous state is satisfied before the predetermination means performs the predetermination process (for example, step S67 is executed). Step S57 is executed before the determination is made), and the pre-determination unit is in the specific determination value or the specific advantageous state in the normal state according to the determination result of the end condition determination unit. It may be configured to perform a pre-determination process using a specific determination value.

  Due to the establishment of a special transition condition that is different from the specific transition condition, the state shifts to a special advantageous state (for example, a short time state) that shortens the variable display period of the variable display of the special identification information a predetermined number of times compared to the normal state. The probability that the display result of variable display of special identification information in a predetermined period including a period shorter than the predetermined number of times due to the establishment of the specific transition condition is a specific display result, compared with the normal state and the special advantageous state A gaming machine that is shifted to a specific advantageous state (for example, a probable change state) that has been improved, and when both the special transition condition and the specific transition condition are satisfied (for example, the result of the probability change short and big hit display result) Advantageous state priority control means to be shifted (for example, a portion of steps S96 to S98 in the game control means) and the advantageous state priority control means are in a specific advantageous state. Number of times setting means (for example, a part for executing step S99 in the game control means) for setting the number of times of display (for example, the number of time reductions) that is the number of times of variable display of the special identification information that can be executed in the special advantageous state when shifting. Each time the variable display of the special identification information is executed, the number of times updating means for updating the number of times of display (for example, the part executing step S50b in the game control means) and the end condition determining means satisfy the end condition of the specific advantageous state. If the display count is a feasible number of times indicating that the variable display of the special identification information can be performed in the special advantageous state (for example, the count value of the short time counter is not 0), Special advantageous state transition control means for shifting to the special advantageous state (for example, steps S62 to S63 in the game control means are executed. And minutes), or it may be configured to include a.

  The game control microcomputer includes a plurality of first reach display modes (for example, normal reach) and second reach display modes (for example, super reach) as variable display patterns of decoration identification information based on the determination result of the prior determination means. It has variable display pattern determining means (for example, a part for executing step S75 in the game control means) for determining any one of the types of variable display patterns, and the variable reach pattern determining means executes the first reach display mode. Variable display pattern using determination data (for example, the second table for reach) set so that the probability that the specific display result is displayed is higher when the second reach display mode is executed than when the second reach display mode is executed. When it is determined by the end determination means that the end condition is satisfied, the comparison is made with the first reach display mode. It may be configured to determine a second reach display form in the stomach proportions.

  An effect end condition determination result notifying means (for example, a variable display device 9) for notifying the determination result of whether or not the end condition is satisfied by the end condition determining means is provided, and the decoration display control microcomputer includes the effect end condition. It includes an effect end condition determination result notification control means (for example, steps S856 to S859 in the effect control microcomputer 101) for controlling the determination result notification means, and the effect end condition determination result notification control means is variable in the decoration identification information. Each time the display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 7 times), the effect end condition determination result notification means may be configured to perform notification.

  Even after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, it is stored for a predetermined period of time when it is shifted to the specific advantageous state by the storage means (for example, the RAM 55 that is backed up by the power source) and the specific advantageous state control means. When data setting means (for example, a part for executing step S98 in the game control means) for storing specific data (for example, probability change flag, probability change time short flag) indicating a specific advantageous state in the means, and when power supply to the gaming machine is started In addition, based on the fact that a predetermined recovery condition is satisfied (for example, N in step S7, Y in step S8, Y in step S9), a recovery state determination unit that determines whether specific data is stored in the storage unit (For example, the part that executes steps S155a and S155d in the game control means) and when power supply to the gaming machine is started The start specific advantageous state control means (for example, step in the game control means) that shifts the gaming state to the specific advantageous condition on the condition that the specific data is stored in the storage means based on the establishment of the predetermined recovery condition A predetermined recovery condition is satisfied when the power supply to the gaming machine is started by S152 (particularly, a part for executing processing that does not set an initial value for data such as a probability change flag) and the recovery state determination means. Based on this, when it is determined that the specific data is stored in the storage means, the start specific advantageous state notification means that performs a predetermined notification (for example, the probability change recovery notification image of FIG. 53B in the effect control means) And a game control microcomputer and a decoration display control microcomputer. Regardless of whether or not it is in a specific advantageous state, a common game effect is executed (for example, a common effect is executed regardless of the control state without changing the background according to the control state) ) May be configured.

  The decoration display control board is a board provided in the gaming machine separately from the game control board or a gaming device provided in the gaming machine (for example, a special symbol display 8, a variable display 9, a lamp / LED, a speaker 27, external input means to which signals from the sensors 154, 155, etc. are input (for example, an input port such as the input port 111 provided in the effect control board 80, an effect control microcomputer 101 that receives an input signal from the input port) ).

  The gaming device includes operation means (for example, a selection switch 122 and an operation button 17) for selecting the type of effect by the effect device (for example, the variable display device 9) provided in the gaming machine, and the external input means is The operation means may be configured to receive an operation signal output in response to an operation (for example, a player's operation). In the case of such a configuration, the decorative display control board may be equipped with an electrical component (for example, an effect control microcomputer) for controlling the effect device. Furthermore, not only the operation means for selecting the type of effect, but also an operation means that can be operated by the player, and when an operation signal is input to the board inside the gaming machine, the decoration display control board, A substrate for inputting such an operation signal may be included.

  The decoration display control board performs two-way communication with a board other than the game control board (for example, the effect control board 80 and the voice control board 70), and the external input means is from a board other than the game control board (for example, the voice control board 70). You may be comprised so that the signal output may be input.

  Movable effect means (for example, hammer 151) that performs an effect operation (for example, rotation operation) by performing a predetermined operation within a predetermined movable range (for example, a range between sensors 154 and 155), and movable effect means The position detection means (for example, sensor 154, sensor 155) for detecting the operation position of the position detection means may be provided, and the external input means may be configured to receive a position detection signal of the position detection means. In the case of such a configuration, the decorative display control board may be mounted with an electrical component (for example, an effect control microcomputer) for controlling the movable effect means.

  The game control board is provided with first signal direction regulating means (for example, the information output circuit 34 and the output buffer circuit 67) for blocking the input of signals from the relay board, and the relay board is a signal from the decoration display control board. Second signal direction restricting means (for example, unidirectional circuits 74 and 76 shown in FIG. 7) may be provided.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to reduce the control burden of the game control microcomputer and to produce many variations.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the player can easily recognize the determination result as to whether or not the end condition is satisfied.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the end condition determining means is configured to determine whether or not the end condition for the specific advantageous state is satisfied before the prior determination means performs the prior determination process. When determining the pre-determination process based on the determination result of whether or not the end condition of the specific advantageous state is satisfied, as in the case of determining whether or not the end condition of the specific advantageous state is satisfied after execution It is possible to prevent the specific determination value used for the change from occurring, and it becomes unnecessary to execute the pre-determination process again, and it is possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated.

  In the invention according to claim 4, since the number of executions of the special advantageous state can be changed and the variation of the game in the specific game state can be increased, the interest of the game in the specific game state is improved. be able to.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the specific advantageous state ends, the second reach display mode having a higher probability of displaying the specific display result when executed than the first reach display mode is caused to appear with high probability. It is possible to improve the player's expectation that there is a possibility that the specific gaming state will continue further, and to improve the interest of the game.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the determination result by the end condition determining means is notified every time the variable display of the decoration identification information is executed a predetermined number of times, the player's sense of expectation for the continuation of the specific gaming state is given. It can be improved and the interest of the game can be improved.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from easily grasping the determined gaming state, to improve the player's interest in the gaming state, and to change the current gaming state to the player. Can be prevented from being recognized, and the player's willingness to play can be maintained.

  In the invention described in claim 8, the decoration display control board can receive signals from other than the game control board separately from the signals from the game control board.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the signal line for transmitting the operation signal output in response to the operation is also illegal with respect to the game control microcomputer even if an illegal act is performed on the game control board side of the relay board. A signal can be prevented from being input.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being sent to the game control board via the decoration display control board using a signal line from a board other than the game control board to the decoration display control board.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, even if a fraudulent act is performed on the signal control line for transmitting the position detection signal on the game control board side of the relay board, an illegal signal is not input to the game control microcomputer. can do.

  In the invention described in claim 12, even if an illegal act is made on the relay board side, an illegal signal can be prevented from being input to the game control microcomputer, and the game control microcomputer can be connected to the game control microcomputer from outside the game control board. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is possible to more reliably prevent an illegal signal from being input.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2A (see FIG. 2) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame 2A so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be freely opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2A, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding a game board 6 to be described later). .).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are operation buttons 17 operated by the player, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 that stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a speed at which the hitting ball launching device launches the game balls. A striking ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 is provided for adjusting the height (that is, the strength of the spring that plays the game ball).

  The player can adjust the momentum of the game ball launched from the hitting ball launching device by rotating the operation knob 5. Specifically, by rotating the operation knob 5 to the right, the speed of the game ball fired from the hitting ball launching device gradually increases, and when it exceeds a predetermined speed, Enters the left area of the gaming area 7 from above through the hitting rail. When the operation knob 5 is further rotated to the right, the launched game ball enters the right area of the game area 7 from above.

  A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 partitioned by guide rails is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, a variable display device 9 is provided that includes a plurality of variable display units that each variably display (variably display) decorative symbols as identification information. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”.

  A special symbol display 8 including a variable display unit that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the upper portion of the variable display device 9. The special symbol display 8 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment displays.

  On the left side of the variable display device 9, a hammer 151 is provided as a movable member used for game effects. Further, on the right side of the variable display device 9, there is provided a probability change end determination notification display 203 for notifying the player of a lottery result as to whether or not to end the probability change state. The probability change end determination notification display 203 is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. For example, when notifying that the probability change state is continued, “7” is displayed, and when notifying that the probability change state is to be ended. “0” is displayed in.

  Below the variable display device 9, there is provided a variable winning ball device 15 that forms a start winning opening 13. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 13 is detected by the start opening switch 14 and guided to the back of the game board 6. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  Between the variable display device 9 and the special symbol display 8, there is a special symbol start memory display 18 composed of four LEDs for displaying the number of effective winning balls, that is, the starting memory number, in which the game balls are placed in the starting winning port 13. Is provided. In other words, up to four of the starting memory numbers are displayed in the winning order. The special symbol start memory display 18 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by 1 every time there is an effective start winning in the start winning opening 13. Then, each time the special symbol display 8 starts variable display, the special symbol start memory indicator 18 reduces the number of LEDs to be turned on by 1 (that is, turns off one LED). In this example, the special symbol start memory display 18 shifts the lighting state every time variable display is started on the special symbol display 8. In this example, the upper limit number (up to 4) is provided for the starting memory number by winning to the start winning opening 13, but the upper limit number may be four or more.

  On the left and right sides of the lower part of the variable winning ball apparatus 15, there are provided opening / closing plates 20 that are opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state). The opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing a large winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus). The winning ball guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the count switch 23.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of normal symbols “0” to “7” on the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 10 is constituted by one 7-segment LED. For example, if “7” is derived and displayed at the end of variable display, it is a win, and if a number other than “7” is derived and displayed, it is lost. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol: “7”), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. Note that the probability of hitting a normal symbol is, for example, 12/13. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls entered into the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a prize at the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports (general winning ports) 29 and 30 as winning devices, and winning of game balls to the winning ports 29 and 30 is detected by winning port switches 29a and 30a, respectively. . Decorative lamps 25 blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 for collecting the game balls that have not won a prize is provided at the bottom.

  In this example, the decorative lamp 25 is composed of eight lamps, and numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to the lamps. And when it is a big hit game state, the number corresponding to one of the opening patterns 1 to 8 described later determined when the big hit occurs among the eight lamps constituting the decorative lamp 25 is given. The lamp is turned on. That is, in this example, the decorative lamp 25 is also used as a display (open pattern display device) for notifying the open pattern. The open pattern display device may be driven and controlled by the game control microcomputer 60 mounted on the main board 31.

  Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure in the game area 7 (such as a special variable winning ball apparatus that executes opening / closing processing of the big winning opening). The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In addition, a camera 120 such as a two-dimensional CCD or a CMOS sensor for photographing a player is installed on the upper part of the variable display device 9. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, an imaging effect selection switch (hereinafter referred to as a selection switch) 122 for selecting whether or not to allow an effect based on the captured image in the vicinity of the hitting operation handle 5, and again after shooting. A reset switch 123 used for enabling photographing is installed. The camera 120 may be installed not on the game board 6 but on the game frame side.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit during award ball payout is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. It has been. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with lamps and LEDs as light emitters in various places. Further, a prepaid card unit that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (not shown).

  The game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through the ball striking rail, and then falls in the game area 7.

  When the hit ball enters the start winning opening 13 and is detected by the start opening switch 14, if the variable display of the symbol can be started, the special symbol starts variable display on the special symbol display 8 and the variable display device 9 The decorative pattern starts variable display. If it is not in a state in which the variable display of the symbol can be started, if the number of start winning memories which is the reserved storage of the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display 8 is not the upper limit number, the starting winning memory number is increased by one. That is, the number of LEDs to be turned on in the special symbol start memory display 18 is increased by one.

  The variable display of special symbols (“00” to “99”) on the special symbol display 8 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the special symbol at the time of stoppage is a big hit symbol (specific display result: specifically, for example, the left and right symbols such as “33” and “77” are the same symbol), the game shifts to a big hit gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hitting balls are won (until a predetermined number of game balls are detected by the count switch 23). When a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls wins, the next round is started up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds), and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened.

  As described above, in this example, a predetermined number of rounds are always executed when the game is shifted to the big hit gaming state without requiring generation of the continuation right. However, only when the continuation right is acquired, a transition to the next round may be performed, and a predetermined number of rounds may not be executed. In this case, a V winning area (special area) is provided, and among the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, a winning ball entering the V winning area is detected by the V winning switch. That's fine. Then, when the hitting ball is won in the V winning area while the open / close plate 20 is opened in the round during the big hit game, and the V winning switch detects it, the continuation right may be generated and the next round may be shifted to. Note that the generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  The special symbol at the time of stopping in the special symbol display 8 is a jackpot symbol with a probability variation (probability variation symbol: specifically, for example, a combination of symbols determined in advance among jackpot symbols such as “33” and “77”) If this is the case, the probability of the next big hit becomes high. That is, it becomes a more advantageous state for the player in the probability variation state. In the probability variation state, for example, the probability of the next big hit is about 2/630 (1/315) in the normal state that is not the probability variation state, but about 10/630 (1/63: normal) (About 5 times the state). Specifically, by increasing the number of jackpot determination values compared to the extracted value of the jackpot determination random number, the probability of winning the jackpot is increased.

  In this example, when a big hit is made, the probability (probability change entry rate) of being a probable big hit is ½. Further, the probability variation state continues, for example, until the next big hit occurs.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which always becomes a probable variation big hit when it is a big hit (that is, a structure in which there is no non-probable big hit). The probability variation state may be continued until the next big hit occurs or until a predetermined number of special symbols are variably displayed. Furthermore, the lottery of whether or not to end the probability variation state may be performed using a random number, and the probability variation state may be terminated according to the lottery result.

  After the big hit gaming state is ended, for example, the time is reduced until a special symbol variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). In the short-time state, the change time of the special symbol (variable display period: the period from the start of variable display of the special symbol until the display result is derived and displayed) is shortened compared to the normal state that is not the short-time state. The In the short-time state, one or both of the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 are increased as compared with the normal state, or the fluctuation time in the normal symbol display 10 is shortened. May be. It should be noted that there are a plurality of types of jackpot symbols, and only when a big jackpot is achieved with a predetermined symbol, the time saving state may be set after the jackpot gaming state has ended. In other words, the gaming state after the big hit gaming state is one of a probability variation state, a time-short state, a probability variation / time-short state (a probability variation state and a time-short state), or a normal state (a normal state that is neither a probability variation state nor a time-short state). Become.

  When the game ball wins the gate 32, the normal symbol display unit 10 is in a state where the normal symbol is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 can be increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol or the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. Change to an advantageous state.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine as seen from the back side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a ball storage tank 38 is provided on the top of the mechanism plate in the outer frame 2A, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. A game ball is supplied to the ball storage tank 38 from above. The game balls in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide rod 39 and reach the ball dispensing device 97 covered with the case body.

  On the back side of the gaming machine, a variable display control unit 49 including an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer 101 for controlling the variable display device 9 and the like, a game control microcomputer 56 and the like are mounted. A game control board (main board) 31 is installed. In addition, a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing ball payout control is mounted is installed.

  The variable display control of the variable display device 9 is realized by the effect control microcomputer 101 and the VDP 109 mounted on the effect control board 80. Further, a lamp driver board 35 on which a circuit for driving lamps / LEDs and the like provided in the gaming machine is mounted, and an audio control board 70 on which a circuit for driving the speaker 27 is mounted.

  Furthermore, a power supply board 910 on which a power supply circuit for creating DC30V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V is mounted is provided. Further, a centralized relay board 77 that relays a signal output from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 is provided.

  On the back side of the gaming machine, a terminal board 160 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is installed above. The terminal board 160 includes at least a ball break terminal for introducing the output of the ball break detection switch 167 and outputting it externally, a prize ball terminal for outputting prize ball information (prize ball number signal) and a ball. A ball lending terminal for externally outputting lending information (ball lending number signal) is provided. Near the center, an information terminal board (information output board) 34 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 31 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed.

  The game balls stored in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide rod 39 and reach the ball dispensing device 97 via the curve rod 39. Above the ball payout device 97, a ball break switch as a game medium break detection means is provided. When the ball break switch detects a ball break, the dispensing operation of the ball dispensing device 97 is stopped. The ball break switch is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the game ball passage, but the ball break detection switch 167 for detecting the shortage of supply balls in the storage tank 38 is also an upstream portion of the guide rod 39 (in the storage tank 38). (Proximate part). When the ball break detection switch 167 detects the shortage of game balls, the game machine is replenished to the game machine from the supply mechanism provided on the gaming machine installation island.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the drive device for the hammer 151. The hammer 151 is driven by a motor 150 serving as a drive source. The rotational force of the motor 150 is transmitted to the gear 152 fitted to the rotational shaft of the motor 150 and further transmitted to the gear 153 that meshes with the gear 152. A flat plate 156 provided with a notch 156a is fitted to the rotating shaft 157 with which the gear 153 is fitted. Further, the arm 158 of the hammer 151 is fitted to the end of the rotation shaft 157 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 157 so that the hammer 151 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the gear 153. The joint member 159 is used for fitting.

  When the gear 152 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3A due to the rotational force of the motor 150, the flat plate 156 and the hammer 151 are moved along with the rotation of the rotating shaft 157 with which the gear 153 to which the rotational force is transmitted is fitted. Rotate. By this rotation, the hammer 151 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. The notch 156a formed in the flat plate 156 is detected by the sensor 154 when the hammer 151 is at the position shown in FIG. 3A, and the sensor 155 when the hammer 151 is at the position shown in FIG. Perceived by.

  That is, the sensors 154 and 155 are sensors for detecting the position of the hammer 151. The sensors 154 and 155 are installed at positions where both ends of the rotatable range of the hammer 151 can be detected. In this example, the rotatable range of the hammer 151 is, for example, 90 degrees.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the rotation operation of the hammer 151 on the game board 6. In this example, the hammer 151 rotates about 90 degrees in the clockwise direction by the rotational drive of the motor 150 from the state where the arm 158 is installed on the left side of the variable display device 9, and the arm 158 becomes horizontal. Rotate to state. The hammer 151 rotates about 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction by the reverse rotation driving of the motor 150, and the arm 158 rotates and moves to the vertical direction, and returns to the original state.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. FIG. 5 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. The main board 31 includes a basic circuit (game control microcomputer 60) 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, winning port switches 29a and 30a, a starting port switch 14, and a count switch 23. An input driver circuit 58 that supplies a signal to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball apparatus 15, and a solenoid circuit 59 that drives the solenoid 21 that opens and closes the opening and closing plate 20 according to a command from the basic circuit 53 are mounted. ing.

  It should be noted that the winning port switches 29a and 30a, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14, the count switch 23, and other switches may be referred to as sensors. That is, the name of the game medium detection means is not limited as long as it is a game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball. Each of the winning opening switches 29a and 30a, the start opening switch 14 and the count switch 23 for detecting winning is also a winning detection means. Note that the winning detection means may be configured to collectively detect the respective game balls that have won separately a plurality of winning openings. In addition, even if a pass gate such as the gate switch 32a is used, if a prize ball is to be paid out, a game ball enters the pass gate is a prize, and a switch ( For example, the gate switch 32a) serves as a winning detection means.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used to start the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8, and the probability variation are generated. An information output circuit 64 is provided for outputting an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating this to an external device such as a hall computer.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a game control microcomputer 60 and an I / O port unit 57. The game control microcomputer 60 is controlled according to a ROM 54 that stores a game control (game control) program and the like, a RAM 55 that is used as a work memory (variation data storage means that stores variation data), and a program. This is realized by the CPU 56 that performs the operation. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 60. That is, the game control microcomputer 60 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55. For this reason, the ROM 54 may be externally attached. Further, the I / O port unit 57 may be built in the game control microcomputer. Note that the game control microcomputer 60 executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 60 will be executed (or processed) hereinafter. The game control microcomputer 60 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is stored for a predetermined period (until the power supply of the backup power supply is disabled). At least data (a special symbol process flag or the like) corresponding to the game state, that is, the control state of the game control microcomputer 60 is stored in the backup RAM. The data corresponding to the control state of the game control microcomputer 60 is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power failure or the like is restored. is there.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state of main boards provided in the gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 6, a signal from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 and a signal from the main board 31 to the information terminal board 34 are output via the centralized relay board 77. Note that the detection signals of the respective switches (such as the above-described prize opening switch) provided in the gaming machine are input to the main board 31 via the switch relay board 78.

  6 illustrates the information terminal board 34 and the effect control board 80, it is preferable that the information terminal board 34 and the effect control board 80 are output to a plurality of boards via one central relay board 77. Furthermore, the drive signal from the solenoid circuit 59 (see FIG. 5) that outputs the drive signal to the solenoid may be routed through the central relay board 77.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the power supply line from the power supply board 910 is input to the main board 31. The power line from the power supply board 910 is input to the effect control board 80, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, and the payout control board 37 via the main board 31. A power supply relay board 911 that relays the power supply line is disposed between the main board 31 and each of the sub boards 80, 35, 70, and 37. Although not shown, the power supply relay board 911 is mounted with a unidirectional circuit as signal direction regulating means that allows a power signal to pass only in the direction toward the sub boards 80, 35, 70, and 37. A diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal output unit on the main board 31 and components mounted on the centralized relay board 77. As shown in FIG. 7, in the main board 31, the information output circuit 34 for outputting a signal from the basic circuit 53 (specifically, the output port of the game control microcomputer) to the information terminal board 34, and the effect control board 80 The output buffer circuit 67 (not shown in FIG. 5) that outputs a signal passes only in the direction toward the central relay board 77 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the central relay board 77 to the main board 31). ) It consists of a unidirectional circuit as a signal direction regulating means. As the unidirectional circuit, a transistor or an IC circuit is used. Note that the unidirectional circuit may have a current amplification function.

  The signal output from the main board 31 to the central relay board 77 connects the connector 31A mounted on the main board 31, the connector 77A mounted on the central relay board 77, and the connector 31A and the connector 77A. The signal is transmitted to the central relay board 77 by a cable. The centralized relay board 77 allows a signal input from the main board 31 to pass only in the direction toward the production control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 (from the production control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 to the centralized relay board 77. Unidirectional circuits 74 and 76 as signal direction regulating means are mounted. As the unidirectional circuits 74 and 76, for example, a diode or a transistor is used. FIG. 7 illustrates a diode. Unidirectional circuits 74 and 76 are provided for each signal.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the signal output to the information output circuit 34 is output via the connector 77 </ b> B mounted on the central relay board 77. The signal output to the effect control board 80 is output via the connector 77D mounted on the central relay board 77.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which a signal is output from the main board 31 to the centralized relay board 77 via one connector, but centralized relay from the main board 31 via a plurality of connectors and cables. A signal may be output to the substrate 77. In this embodiment, the signal between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 does not pass through the central relay board 77, but as a signal between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37, from the main board 31. When there is only a signal directed to the payout control board 37, a signal from the main board 31 toward the payout control board 37 may be configured to pass through the central relay board 77.

  In addition to the signal direction regulating means, noise removing components such as a noise filter may be mounted on the centralized relay board 77. That is, in the relay board, all the signals input from the game control board (or main signals such as production control commands and INT signals for which noise countermeasures are particularly required, that is, if they are not input correctly, the game progress is hindered. It is preferable that noise removing means is provided for the signal. Even if the wiring length between the main board 31 and the presentation control board 80 or the information terminal board 34 is increased by mounting a noise removing component (for example, a noise filter such as a bandpass filter), the presentation control board 80 In addition, the possibility of noise on the signal reaching the information terminal board 34 can be reduced. The centralized relay board 77 may be equipped with an amplifying means for amplifying a signal (for example, a current for the signal) input from the game control board. In the case of such a configuration, amplification processing is performed on the relay board, so that the amplification circuit mounted on the game control board can be eliminated.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the centralized relay board 77 is configured to relay a signal output to the information output circuit 34 and a signal output to the effect control board 80. May be relayed by a separate relay board. If each signal is relayed by a separate relay board, the prevention of fraud can be further strengthened. The centralized relay board 77 may be any one that relays a signal communicated with at least a board (for example, the effect control board 80) having a control command input function, and is a signal output to the information output circuit 34. Alternatively, the signal output to the decorative lamp substrate 79 may not be relayed.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the sound control board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer. The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 101 including an effect control CPU and RAM (not shown). The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control microcomputer 101 operates according to a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and strobes from the main board 31 input via the central relay board 77. In response to the signal (effect control INT signal), the effect control command is received via the input port 103. Further, the production control microcomputer 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD based on the production control command.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the centralized relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (the signal passes in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the centralized relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as signal direction regulating means.

  Further, the production control microcomputer 101 outputs sound number data to the sound control board 70 via the output port 104 and the output driver 110. A bus (including an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line such as a write / read signal) that is input to and output from the production control microcomputer 101 is extended to the lamp driver board 35 via the bus driver 105. .

  In addition, the production control microcomputer 101 outputs a drive signal to the motor 150 via the motor control circuit 112.

  In addition, the effect control microcomputer 101 inputs image data from the camera 120 via the input port 111. Further, an operation signal indicating whether or not an operation has been performed by the player is input from the selection switch (selection SW) 122 and the reset switch (reset SW) 123. Further, detection signals for detecting the rotational position of the hammer 151 are input from the sensors 154 and 155.

  In the lamp control board 35, a bus that inputs and outputs to the effect control microcomputer 101 is connected to the output port 352 via the bus receiver 351. A signal for driving each lamp output from the output port 352 is amplified by the lamp driver 354 and supplied to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. . In addition, a signal for driving each LED output from the output port 352 is amplified by the LED driving circuit 355 and supplied to each LED provided on the frame side such as the prize ball LED 51 or the ball-out LED 52.

  In this embodiment, the lamps / LEDs provided in the gaming machine are controlled by the effect control microcomputer 101 mounted on the effect control board 80. Further, data for controlling the variable display device 9 and lamps / LEDs are stored in the ROM. The production control microcomputer 101 controls the variable display device 9 and the lamps / LEDs based on the data stored in the ROM. Then, the lamp / LED is driven via the output port 352 mounted on the lamp driver substrate 35 and each driver or drive circuit.

  In addition, although the effect control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the sound control board 70 are independent boards, they may be installed in a state accommodated in one box on the back of the gaming machine, for example.

  In the voice control board 70, the sound number data from the effect control board 80 is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 by a digital signal processor, for example, via the input driver 702. The voice synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the read data, and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27.

  In addition, the camera 120 is used, for example, to use a captured image showing a player as a background image in the variable display device 9, or to use an image previously captured by the player as a jackpot notice effect. . When used as a jackpot notice effect, the effect control microcomputer 101 displays the display result in the variable display device 9 when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a jackpot symbol (the display is finally stopped and displayed). Before shooting), an image of the player is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the variable display device 9 with a high probability (100% may be acceptable). Further, when the display result of the variable display of the identification information does not become a big hit symbol, an image obtained by shooting the player is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the variable display device 9 with a low probability (the probability may be 0). .

  The selection switch 122 is used, for example, for the player to select whether or not to use an image photographed by the camera 120 for production. The reset switch 123 is used for resetting the state selected by the selection switch 122, canceling an image photographed by the camera 120 (specifically, erasing from the RAM included in the effect control board 80), and the like. It is done.

  Note that the use of the camera 120 as a jackpot notice effect is an example, and the camera 120 may be used for other effects in the gaming machine. The use of the selection switch 122 and the reset switch 123 together with the camera 120 is also an example. For example, when the camera 120 is not provided, the player displays an effect displayed on the variable display device 9. May be used to select one character image from a plurality of character images. In that case, the production control microcomputer 101 produces different productions by the production devices such as the variable display device 9 and lamps / LEDs according to the character image selected by the player. Furthermore, as long as it is an operation means for selecting the kind of effect by the effect device (for example, variable display device 9) provided in the gaming machine, other operation means (for example, a lever or a handle) are not used as a switch. ) Or a non-contact type remote control means such as an infrared sensor.

  FIG. 9 is a front view showing a board box that accommodates the central relay board 77. The central relay board 77 is accommodated in the board box on the back side of the gaming machine. That is, the central relay board 77 is housed in a board box as a housing means and attached to the gaming machine. The relay board box has a structure in which a box body 770 in which the central relay board 77 is accommodated is covered with a lid 773. The lid portion 773 is fixed to the box main body 770 with a one-way screw and other screws (not shown) screwed into attachment holes in the attachment portions 771 and 772. A one-way screw is a screw that can only turn in the tightening direction. Therefore, once tightened, the screw cannot be removed. Further, in the attachment portions 771 and 772, a one-way screw is attached to each of the left and right three attachment holes. The box body 770 and the lid portion 773 are made of a synthetic resin or the like that can be visually recognized from the outside (for example, transparent).

  When the lid 773 is removed from the box body 770 to expose the concentrated relay board 77, the one-way screw attachment portions (attachment portions with the lid portion 773) of the attachment portions 771 and 772 are used as cutting tools or the like. It is necessary to cut using a jig. Therefore, when the central relay board 77 is removed from the gaming machine, it cannot be mounted in the same manner as the mounting mode before removal. In addition, the number of times the central relay board 77 is exposed can be found from the cutting history of the attachment portion. When the actual number of times of cutting is larger than the cutting history (number of times) of the mounting portion known by the administrator or the like, the lid 773 is illegally removed and the central relay board 77 is exposed, and the central relay board is exposed. It can be seen that there is a possibility that some kind of fraud has been done against 77. In addition, since the attachment parts 771 and 772 are each provided with three attachment holes, the cover part 773 can be removed up to three times.

  Further, hinges 775 are provided at portions (two on the right side in the example shown in FIG. 9) attached to the mechanism plate of the box body 770. On the opposite side, a fixing portion 776 for fixing the box body 770 to the mechanism plate is provided. As the fixing portion 776, for example, a structure in which a flexible claw portion engages with a fixing portion fixed to the mechanism plate can be employed.

  In addition, there is a portion where the central relay board 77 is exposed in the upper part of the board box, and connectors 77A to 77D are installed in that part.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the board box containing the central relay board 77 is opened around a hinge 775 (not shown in FIG. 10). When the substrate box is closed and fixed to the mechanism plate, for example, the surface side of the central relay substrate 77 can be visually recognized through the transparent lid 773. As shown in FIG. 10, when the substrate box is opened, the back surface side of the concentrated relay substrate 77 can be visually recognized through the back surface of the transparent box body 770, for example.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a connection state of each symbol display device such as the special symbol display 8 or the variable display device 9. As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, the game control microcomputer 60 mounted on the main board 31 includes a special symbol display 8, a special symbol start memory display 18, a normal symbol display 10, Display control of the normal symbol start memory display 41 and the probability variation end determination notification display 203 is performed. Further, the production control microcomputer 101 mounted on the production control board 80 controls the variable display device 9 based on the production control command from the main board 31 to perform display control of the decorative symbols.

  In this example, the special symbol display 8 is composed of two 7-segment displays and performs a 2-digit segment display. The variable display of special symbols is performed by blinking display of a 7-segment display. In the special symbol display 8, when the stop symbols when the variable display ends are aligned with the left and right odd symbols such as “7, 7”, it means a probable big hit, and “0, 0” such as left and right identical When even symbols are arranged, it means a non-probable big hit, and when the left and right symbols such as “3, 7” become different symbols, it means a loss. The probability that the display result of variable display on the special symbol display 8 is a big hit is, for example, a probability of 2/630 (= 1/315). The special symbol may be one digit or three digits or more.

  Moreover, in this example, the special symbol start memory | storage display 18 and the normal symbol start memory | storage display 41 are comprised by LED. Further, the normal symbol display 10 and the probability variation end determination notification display 203 are constituted by one 7-segment display, and the variable display device 9 is constituted by an LCD. The decorative symbols are displayed by, for example, three symbols of the left middle right, and ten numbers from “0” to “9” are used for each of the left middle right symbols, for example. The decorative symbol suggests “big hit” (simply called “big hit”) when the stop symbol is the same symbol (for example, “000”, “111”) in the middle left and right. In the case of a stop symbol other than that (for example, “012”, “767”), it means that “displacement” is suggested (sometimes simply referred to as “disconnection”). In addition, in the case of some predetermined stop symbols (for example, “333” and “777”) among the stop symbols suggesting a big hit, “probable big hit” may be suggested (simply referred to as “probable big hit”). ). In addition, you may make it perform the display effect by the variable display apparatus 9 by identification information, such as a character. For example, when a display effect is performed by a character, it may be possible to suggest a big hit by, for example, displaying a baseball player and hitting a home run. In this example, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner in conjunction with the special symbol, and a display result that matches the display result of the special symbol is derived and displayed. That is, for example, when the display result of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the display result of the decorative symbol is a symbol that suggests a jackpot symbol.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 60 (peripheral circuits such as the CPU 56 and the ROM 54 and RAM 55) on the main board 31. When power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the gaming control microcomputer 60 starts main processing after step S1. In the main process, the game control microcomputer 60 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the game control microcomputer 60 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is initialized (step S4). Further, after initialization (step S5) of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), the RAM is set in an accessible state (step S6). The interrupt mode 2 is an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the game control microcomputer 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device. Is a mode indicating an interrupt address.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (not shown) input via the input port only once (step S7). When ON is detected in the confirmation, the game control microcomputer 60 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S14).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S8). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the game control microcomputer 60 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state).

  When it is confirmed that there is a backup, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the game control microcomputer 60 returns the game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the main board 31 and the control state of other boards such as the effect control board 80 to the state when the power supply is stopped. Is performed (step S10). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the address is restored.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the state recovery process.

  In the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 60 first performs a RAM clear process (step S11). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag such as a stop flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state is performed (step S12). Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-boards (the payout control board 37 and the effect control board 80 in this embodiment) to each sub-board is executed (step S13). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating the initial design of the decorative design displayed on the variable display device 9 (for the effect control board 80), a command for instructing the turn-off of the prize ball LED 51 and the ball break LED 52, and the like.

  Then, a CTC register provided in the game control microcomputer 60 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (step S14). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S11 to S14) is completed, the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number for determining the symbol displayed on the special symbol display 8, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. is there. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the initial value of the count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). In a game control process described later, when the count value of the jackpot determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.

  Note that when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt is prohibited. The display random number update process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later, and thus conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. This is to avoid that. That is, if the timer interrupt is generated during the process of step S17 and the counter value for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value is impaired. There is a case. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the process of step S17.

  When the timer interruption occurs, the game control microcomputer 60 performs the register saving process (step S20), and then executes the game control process of steps S21 to S37 shown in FIG. In the game control process, the game control microcomputer 60 first inputs detection signals of switches such as the winning port switches 29a and 30a, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14 and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 58. Then, the state determination is performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol start memory display 41 (step S22). In the display control process, control for outputting a drive signal to each display unit is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S34 to S37.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 performs processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (step S23). , S24).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control (step S26).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment)
(2) Random 2: Decide special symbols (for example, symbols with different left and right symbols) (for special symbol determination)
(3) Random 3: Determine a special symbol that generates a big hit (for big hit symbol determination)
(4) Random 4: Determine the variation pattern of the special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Decide whether or not to reach when no big hit is generated (in this example, whether or not to perform reach production with decorative symbols) (for reach determination)
(6) Random 6: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(7) Random 7: Determine initial value of random 1 (for determining random 1 initial value)
(8) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)
(9) Random 9: Decide whether to end the probability variation state (for lottery determination). Random 9 takes a value in the range of 0-49. In the probability changing state, the game control microcomputer 60 ends the probability changing state, for example, when the random 9 matches one predetermined value. Therefore, the probability variation state ends (probability variation puncture) with a probability of 1/50. It should be noted that a determination value table in which one value to be compared with random 9 is set and a determination value table in which two or more values are set are prepared, and any determination is made when deciding whether to end the probability variation state. It may be determined whether to use the value table, and the probability variation state may be terminated when the value set in the determined determination value table matches the random 9. Specifically, for example, a determination value table in which one value to be compared with random 9 is set and a determination value table in which two values are set may be prepared, selected, and used. In this case, the probability variation state ends (probability variation puncture) with a probability of 1/50 or 1/25, depending on the determination value table used. Further, a determination value table to be used may be determined depending on the probability variation symbol, and the probability of probability variation puncture may be varied depending on the probability variation symbol. Then, according to the probability of probability variation puncture, the background pattern and background color displayed on the variable display device 9 or the character displayed on the variable display device 9 is made different to notify the player of the probability state. You may do it.

  In step S23 in the game control process shown in FIG. 13, the game control microcomputer 60 determines (1) big hit determination random number, (3) big hit symbol determination random number, and (6) normal symbol hit determination. The counter for generating a random number for use is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (9) are also used.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a special symbol process (step S27). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 performs normal symbol process processing (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a process of sending an effect control command by setting an effect control command related to the decorative symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (decorative symbol command control process: step S29).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S30).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signal of the prize opening switch (step S31). Specifically, the number of winning balls on the payout control board 37 in response to detection of winning based on any of the winning opening switches (each switch such as the start opening switch 14 which is a condition for paying out the winning balls) is turned on. A payout control command is output. A payout control microcomputer including a payout control CPU and a RAM (not shown) mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls. The RAM may not be built in the payout control microcomputer but may be externally attached.

  Then, the gaming control microcomputer 60 executes a test terminal process which is a process of outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine (step S32). Further, when a predetermined condition is established, a drive command is issued to the solenoid circuit 59 (step S33). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16 and 21 in response to a drive command in order to open the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20 in an open state or a closed state.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the normal symbol reserved memory number data corresponding to the storage state of the start winning memory number of the normal symbol in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol reserved memory number data, and starts the special symbol. The special symbol reserved memory number data corresponding to the storage state of the winning memory number is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol reserved memory number data (storage process: step S34). Here, the normal symbol start memory indicator 41 and the special symbol start memory indicator 18 are turned on / off by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the reserved memory number data set in the output buffer. Control is executed.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 sets special symbol display control data for effect display of special symbols according to the value of the special symbol process flag in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data. A control process is performed (step S35). In addition, according to the display control data set here in the output buffer, a special signal effect display on the special symbol display 8 is executed by outputting a drive signal in step S22.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the normal symbol display control data for displaying the normal symbol according to the value of the normal symbol process flag in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data. A control process is performed (step S36). In addition, according to the display control data set to the output buffer here, a drive signal is output in step S22, whereby the effect display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is executed.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a state display lamp control process for setting game state display control data for notifying a game state such as a probability change state or a short time state in an output buffer for setting the game state display control data. (Step S37). Here, in response to the display control data set in the output buffer, a drive signal is output in step S22, so that a gaming state display for notifying the gaming state indicates that the state is in a probable change state. Or a display indicating that the time is short. In this example, the probability variation end determination notification display 203 is used as the game state display. That is, the probability change end determination notification display 203 performs both notification of whether or not the probability change state end condition is satisfied and notification of the gaming state. In this case, for example, “3” is displayed on the probability change end determination notification display 203 when the gaming state is the probability change state, and “9” is displayed on the probability change end determination notification display 203 when the game state is the normal state. What is necessary is just to display.

  Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S38), and the interrupt permission state is set (step S39).

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the special symbol stop symbol used in this embodiment and the gaming state to be controlled. In the example shown in FIG. 15, when the left and right symbols of the special symbol are aligned at 1 or 5, the gaming state (the control state of the gaming machine) shifts to the probability changing state after the big hit game. Moreover, if it arranges by 9, a game state will transfer to a time-short state after completion | finish of a big hit game. And if it arranges by 3 or 7, a game state will transfer to a probability change state and a time-short state after completion | finish of a big hit game. In this case, however, the probability variation state is given priority, and the state is shifted to the time reduction state at the end of the probability variation state.

  In the probability variation state, the probability that the display result of the special symbol (final stop symbol, also simply referred to as the stop symbol) becomes a big hit symbol is increased as compared with a state that is not a probability variation state (low probability state). Hereinafter, this may be expressed as “a hit / displacement is determined with high probability in the probability variation state”. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the probability of a big hit symbol is increased five times in the probability variation state.

  In addition, when the probability variation state ends, control may be performed so as to shift to a special symbol variation time shortening (short time) state as a special advantageous state. In the short time state, the variation time (variable display period) of the special symbol is shortened compared to the case where the special time state is not. It should be noted that the mode of shortening (how much is shortened for each variation pattern, which variation pattern is to be shortened, etc.) may be the same as the mode in the probability variation state (including the probability variation short state). The short-time state continues until a predetermined number of special symbol changes or until a big hit occurs. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of times is 100, but the predetermined number of times may be selected from a plurality of types by lottery. In the short-time state, since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened, the frequency of the special symbol variation is increased (in other words, the digestion of the reserved memory is accelerated), and as a result, the big hit game is performed. The possibility increases.

  The advantageous state includes a probability change state (specific advantageous state) and a short time state (special advantageous state), and a gaming state (a state of the gaming machine) that is not in an advantageous state is a normal state. The high probability state is a probability variation state, and the low probability state includes a short time state and a normal state.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the game control microcomputer 60. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 16 is a specific process of step S27 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a variable shortening timer subtraction process (step S310) to detect that the game ball has won the start winning opening 13 provided in the game board 6. If the start opening switch 14 is turned on, that is, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the start winning opening 13 is generated (step S311), after performing the start opening switch passing process (step S312), Depending on the internal state, any one of steps S300 to S308 is performed. The variation shortening timer is a timer for setting the variation time when the variation time of the special symbol is shortened.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Waits until the variable symbol variable display can be started. When the special symbol variable display can be started, the start winning memory number for the special symbol is confirmed. If the starting winning memorization number is not 0, it is determined whether or not the result of variable symbol special display is a big hit. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S301.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): A stop symbol after variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

  Fluctuation time setting process (step S302): A fluctuation pattern is determined according to the value of random 4, and the fluctuation time in the fluctuation pattern (variable display time: display result is derived and displayed (stop display) after variable display is started). Is determined as the variation time of the variable symbol special display. In addition, a variation time timer that measures the variation time of the determined special symbol is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303.

  Special symbol variation processing (step S303): After the special symbol variation display is started, when the variation time of the special symbol elapses, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S304.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): The special symbol on the special symbol display 8 is stopped. In addition, a decoration design stop command for instructing stop of the decorative design is transmitted to the effect control board 80. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

  Big winning opening opening process (step S305): Control for opening the big winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. In addition, the process timer sets the execution time of the big winning opening opening process (large winning opening open time), and sets the big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306.

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (step S306): A process for sending a production control command for displaying a big prize round to the production control board 80, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition for the special prize opening, and the like are performed. When the closing condition for the last big prize opening is established, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.

  Specific area valid time processing (step S307): The presence / absence of passage of the count switch 23 and the opening period of the special winning opening are monitored to check whether the round end condition is satisfied. If the round end condition is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S305. In addition, when the big hit gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.

  Big hit end process (step S308): Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 101 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the gaming state changes in this embodiment. In FIG. 17, the probability variation time short symbol (for example, the symbols with the left and right symbols of “3, 3” or “7, 7”: see FIG. 15) is finally stopped and displayed, and when the big hit gaming state is finished, the probability variation state is controlled. Each time the variable display is executed seven times, a random variation puncture lottery based on random 9 (a lottery for determining whether or not an end condition for the certain variation state is satisfied: see steps S56 and S57) is executed, and the lottery result is notified. An example is shown. In this example, the initial value of the time reduction counter is 100. However, since the step is started from the time when it is controlled to the probability variation state, the value of the time reduction counter becomes 93 when the seven fluctuations are completed. Thereafter, the lottery determination is executed every seven fluctuations, and when the probability variation state end condition is satisfied by the lottery determination, if the value of the time reduction counter has not yet become 0, the time reduction state is reached at the end of the probability variation state. Will be started.

  Note that the probability variation punk lottery may be performed every time variable display is executed, instead of performing the probability variation puncture lottery every time a predetermined plural number of variable displays are performed as described above.

  In this case, the lottery result of the probability puncture lottery may not be notified every time, but the lottery result of the probability puncture lottery may be notified each time a predetermined variable display is performed a plurality of times. Even in this case, when the end condition of the probability variation state is satisfied by the lottery determination, the notification may always be made. Such a configuration can improve a sense of expectation for continued probability variation.

  In this example, the production control microcomputer 101 performs control to display the probability variation continuation notification image (see FIG. 45B) on the variable display device 9 when the probability variation state termination condition is not satisfied by the lottery determination. . Further, in this example, the production control microcomputer 101 performs control to display the probability variation end notification image (see FIG. 45A) on the variable display device 9 when the probability variation state termination condition is satisfied by the lottery determination. Do.

  In this example, the game control microcomputer 60 transmits an effect control command indicating the result of the lottery determination to the effect control microcomputer 101. Then, upon receiving such an effect control command, the effect control microcomputer 101 receives, for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds), a probability change end notification image (see FIG. 45A) or a probability change continuation notification image (FIG. 45B). )) Is displayed on the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. In FIG. 18, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  In this example, each variation pattern of the special symbol is out of place, whether it is a probable big hit, whether it is a non-probable big hit, whether it is a reach, and reach when it is a reach A plurality of types are prepared according to differences in various production modes such as modes. In this example, the reach effect is performed using decorative symbols.

  The “normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern that does not involve a reach mode. “Normal reach” is a variation pattern that involves a reach mode, but the variation result (stop symbol) does not cause a big hit. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”. Further, the difference in reach mode means that a change mode (speed, rotation direction, etc.), a character, or the like of a different mode appears in the reach change time. For example, in “normal”, the reach mode is realized by only one type of change mode, whereas in “reach A”, a reach mode including a plurality of change modes with different speeds and directions of change is realized.

  Further, “reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach” and “reach A”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B”. Note that “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C” may or may not be a big hit.

  A shortened display pattern may be used. The shortened display pattern is a very short variation pattern in which the variation time of the left middle right symbol is 1.0 seconds, for example. Although not shown in FIG. 18, in addition to the reach effect, a variation pattern including presence / absence of another specific effect such as presence / absence of a notice effect or presence / absence of a re-change effect may be included. .

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process (step S312). In the start port switch passing process, the game control microcomputer 60 confirms whether or not the start winning memorized number has reached the maximum value of 4 (step S111). If the starting winning memory number has not reached 4, the starting winning memory number is increased by 1 (step S112), each random number value such as a big hit determination random number is extracted, and stored corresponding to the starting winning memory value Store in the area (special symbol determination buffer) (step S113). Note that extracting a random number means reading a count value from a counter for generating a random number and setting the read count value as a random value. In step S113, random numbers 1 to 5 are extracted from the random numbers shown in FIG.

  Then, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the variation time reduction determination time for determining whether or not to shorten the variation time in the variation reduction timer (step S119). As described above, the variation shortening timer set here is subtracted in step S310.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the game control microcomputer 60 can start the variation of the special symbol (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300) (step S51). ), And confirms the value of the start winning memory number (the number of reserved memories) (step S52). Specifically, the count value of the start winning storage counter is confirmed.

  Note that when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300, the special symbol is not changed in the special symbol indicator 8, and the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is the jackpot display result. This is a case where the jackpot game based on the jackpot generated by the fact is not being executed.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S53), and the value of the reserved memory number is set. 1 is decreased (the value of the start winning memory counter is decreased by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S54). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes. In other words, in this example, the game control microcomputer 60 executes a process of shifting the contents of each storage area each time a variable display start condition is satisfied.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 subtracts 1 if the time reduction counter is not 0 when the probability change time reduction flag is set (step S50a) (step S50b). If the probability change time-short flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S55.

  Next, when the probability change flag is set (step S55), the game control microcomputer 60 determines whether or not to end the probability change by lottery before executing the jackpot determination in step S66 (see FIG. Steps S56 to S57). If the probability variation flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S66. In this example, the determination as to whether or not to end the probability change is performed every time the variable display is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 7 times). In other words, for example, when lottery determination is performed every seven times, lottery is performed when variable display of the seventh time, the 14th time, the 21st time,... Determination (processing of steps S56 to S57) is executed.

  The probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the probability variation state. When the probability change flag is set, it means that the probability change state is set.

  When the probability change flag is set (step S55), the game control microcomputer 60 reads the probability change end random number (random 9) from the storage area (step S56), and the value of the read random 9 is It is determined whether or not it coincides with the probability variation end value (step S57). If they coincide, the probability variation flag and the probability variation time short flag are reset to terminate the probability variation state (including the probability variation time short state) (steps S58 and S59). In addition, a drive signal is output to the probability variation end determination display 203, and a display (for example, “0”) for notifying that the probability variation has been completed is performed (step S60).

  If the time-count counter is not 0, a time-short flag is set to shift the gaming state to the time-short state (steps S62 and S63), and an effect control command for specifying the probability change end indicating that the probability change state has ended. Control to transmit to the effect control board 80 is performed (step S64).

  In addition, if the time-count counter is 0 (note that the value of the time-count counter is 0 even when the time change counter is not the short state at the time of the probability change), the normal state designation indicating the return to the normal state is made. Control for transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board 80 is performed (step S65). Therefore, when the probability variation state ends based on the value of random 9, the lottery based on the low probability state is executed in the jackpot determination in step S66.

  On the other hand, if the random 9 value read in step S56 does not match the probability change end value (step S57), the game control microcomputer 60 outputs a drive signal to the probability change end determination display 203. Then, a display (for example, “7”) for notifying that the probability change continues is performed (step S61).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 reads the jackpot determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S66), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S67). When it is determined to be a big hit (step S68), the game control microcomputer 60 sets a big hit flag (step S69). When it is decided to make the difference, the reach determination module is executed to decide whether or not to reach.

  Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S70). The jackpot determination module is a program that determines that a jackpot is determined when the jackpot determination random number matches a predetermined jackpot determination value.

  In step S67, whether or not the control state is the probability variation state is taken into consideration, and the determination is made based on the jackpot probability at the time of probability variation or the jackpot probability at the time of non-probability variation.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, when the game control microcomputer 60 determines the presence or absence of the big hit, it determines the stop symbol of the special symbol according to the determination result. Specifically, when it is determined to be a big hit in step S67 (Y in step S71), the big hit symbol is determined according to the value of the big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) stored in the random number storage buffer. Is determined (step S72). If it is determined in step S67 that it is determined to be out of order (N in step S71), the out-of-sequence symbol is determined according to the value of the out-of-sequence symbol determining random number (random 2) stored in the random number storage buffer. (Step S73). Then, the game control microcomputer 60 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the variation time setting process (step S74).

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the variation time setting process (step S302) in the special symbol process. In the variation time setting process, the game control microcomputer 60 determines the variation pattern according to the determination result of the presence or absence of the big hit or the presence or absence of reach in steps S67 to S68 (step S75). In this example, the variation time of the special symbol is determined by determining the variation pattern. Note that after determining the variation time, the variation pattern in which the determined variation time is set may be selected from a plurality of variation patterns.

  In step S75, the game control microcomputer 60 is based on the variation pattern determination table set in accordance with the determination result in step S67 and the variation pattern determination random number stored in the special symbol determination buffer. Thus, it is determined which of the variation patterns shown in FIG. As the variation pattern determination table, for example, for big hit, probable big hit, reach, and loss are prepared in advance, and the use table is set according to the determination results in steps S67 and S68.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reach variation pattern determination table. In this example, as shown in FIG. 23, a reach first table and a reach second table are prepared as reach variation pattern determination tables. In the first table for reach, a normal reach (normal reach) with a low probability of being a jackpot display result when reaching reach is selected with a high probability, and a super reach with a high probability of being a jackpot display result when reaching is reached. It is a table in which reach determination values are set so as to be selected with low probability. Specifically, in the first table for reach, a normal reach having a jackpot development rate (probability of winning a jackpot when the corresponding reach appears) of 3/100 is selected with a probability of 13/16. The reach determination value is set so that the 15/100 super reach (reach A) is selected with a probability of 3/16.

  On the other hand, the reach second table is a table in which the reach determination value is set so that the normal reach is selected with a low probability and the super reach is selected with a high probability as compared with the first reach table. Specifically, in the second reach table, a normal reach with a jackpot development rate of 3/100 is selected with a probability of 3/16, and a super reach with a jackpot development rate of 15/100 (reach A). ) Is selected with a probability of 5/16, and the reach determination value is set so that the super reach (reach B) having a jackpot development rate of 30/100 is selected with a probability of 3/16. That is, when the second reach table is used, a super reach appears with a probability of 1/2.

  It should be noted that normal reach may always appear when the first reach table is used, and super reach may always appear when the second reach table is used.

  In this example, when it is determined that the probability variation state is to be ended by the lottery determination, the game control microcomputer 60 determines the second table for reach as a use table with high probability in step S75, and determines the use. A variation pattern is determined using a table. Note that the second reach table may always be used as a use table when it is determined by lottery determination that the probability variation state is to be terminated.

  In this way, when the probability change state ends, super reach can appear with a higher probability than normal reach, and the player's expectation that the probability change state may continue further improves. Can improve the interest of the game. In other words, when the probability variation state ends, a super-reach that has a high probability of developing to a big hit appears with a high probability, and the expectation to the big hit is large, but conversely, if the deviation occurs, the probability variation state ends. It can be executed and the interest of the game can be improved.

  In addition, when super reach is made to appear in the above-described example, it may be notified that the probability variation state is ended when the reach is lost. If comprised in this way, it can make a player recognize that it is the production | presentation of whether it will be the end of probability change. In addition, the probability change puncture notification is performed by setting the stop symbol of the special symbol or decoration symbol to a predetermined stop symbol (for example, “37” for a two-digit symbol, “123” for a three-digit symbol, etc.). Also good. If comprised in this way, the production | presentation (probability pancreech production) which asks whether the probability change state will be complete | finished can be performed.

  When the variation pattern is determined, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the address of the determined command transmission table for the variation pattern designation to the pointer (step S76), and executes a command setting process as a subroutine (step S77).

  An effect control command is transmitted to the effect control board 80 by executing the command set process. In this embodiment, each effect control command that can be transmitted to the effect control board 80 is stored in the command transmission table of the ROM 54. In the command set process, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the effect control command data stored at the address of the ROM 54 indicated by the pointer as an output port for outputting the effect control command data, and sends the command. An effect control INT signal indicating transmission is output.

  When the variation time of the special symbol is determined in step S75, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the variation time data indicating the determined variation time in the special symbol process timer and starts measuring the variation time ( In step S78), a measurement execution flag to be described later is set, and the special symbol display on the special symbol display 8 is started (step S79). Then, the game control microcomputer 60 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol variation process (step S80).

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol variation process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol variation processing, the game control microcomputer 60 monitors whether or not the special symbol process timer has timed out, and when the variation time ends (Y in step S81), the special symbol process flag value is stopped as the special symbol process flag. Update to a value corresponding to the process (step S82).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop process (step S304) executed when the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed. In the special symbol stop process, the game control microcomputer 60 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command indicating a decorative symbol stop (step S83). Further, the game control microcomputer 60 stops and displays the special symbol with the determined stop symbol (step S84).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 checks whether or not the stop symbol is a big hit symbol (step S85). If it is a big hit symbol, the probability variation time flag, the probability variation flag and the time variation flag are reset (steps S86, S87, S88), and the normal state designation is performed to notify the effect control board 80 that the normal state has been reached. The process of transmitting the effect control command is performed (step S89). Then, the process proceeds to step S95.

  If the stop symbol is not a jackpot symbol, the game control microcomputer 60 checks whether or not the hourly flag is set (step S90). If it is set, the value of the time reduction counter is decremented by 1 (step S91). When the value of the time reduction counter reaches 0 (step S92), the time reduction flag is reset to end the time reduction state (step S93), and the effect control board 80 is notified that the time reduction state has ended. In order to do this, a process of transmitting an effect control command for specifying a short time end is performed (step S94).

  In step S95, if the special symbol change stop symbol is a big hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S308) executed when the jackpot game ends. In the jackpot ending process, the game control microcomputer 60 checks whether or not the special symbol stop symbol (which is a jackpot symbol) that has caused the jackpot game is a probability change short symbol (step S96). If it is a short time symbol for probability change, a short time flag for probability change and a probability change flag are set (steps S97 and S98), and a predetermined value is set to the time count counter (step S99). In this embodiment, 100 is set in the time reduction counter. Further, in order to notify the effect control board 80 of the end of the big hit game state and the transition to the special game state (probability change state or short time state), a process of transmitting an effect control command for designating a specific big hit end display is performed. (Step S101). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S102).

  If the stop symbol of the special symbol is not the probability change time short symbol, it is confirmed whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probability change symbol (step S103). If it is a probability variation symbol, a probability variation flag is set (step S104). Then, the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol is not a probability variation symbol, it is confirmed whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol is a time-short symbol (step S105). If it is a time-short symbol, a time-short flag is set (step S106), and a predetermined value is set in a time-short count counter (step 107). Then, the process proceeds to step S101. If the special symbol stop symbol is not a time-short symbol, in order to notify the end of the jackpot gaming state, a process of transmitting an effect control command specifying non-specific jackpot end display is performed (step S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In this embodiment, 100 is set in the time reduction counter in step S99, but the time reduction number may be another number (for example, 50 times, 120 times, etc.). In addition, the number of time reductions may be selected from a plurality of types of times (for example, 20 times, 50 times, 100 times). In this case, the number of times selected by lottery is shortened in step S99. Set to the number counter.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol process (step S28). In the normal symbol process, when the game control microcomputer 60 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 32 and the gate switch 32a is turned on (step S101), the game switch microcomputer 60 performs the gate switch passage process (step S102). Execute. Then, the game control microcomputer 60 executes any one of the processes shown in steps S103 to S107 according to the value of the normal symbol process flag.

  In the gate switch passage processing, the game control microcomputer 60 checks whether the count value of the gate passage memory counter (the number of gate passage memories) has reached the maximum value (in this example, “4”). If not reached, the count value of the gate passage storage counter is incremented by 1, the value of the random number for hit determination is extracted, and the process of storing in the storage area (ordinary symbol determination buffer) corresponding to the value of the gate passage storage number is executed. Is done. The LED of the normal symbol start memory display 41 is turned on according to the value of the gate passage memory counter.

  Normal symbol variation waiting process (step S103): It is monitored whether or not the normal symbol variation can be started (for example, when the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value indicating step S103). The case where the value of the normal symbol process flag is a value indicating step S103 is a case where the normal symbol display 10 does not produce the normal symbol and is not in the big hit game. When the normal symbol variation can be started, if the number of stored gate passes is not 0, the value of the normal symbol process flag is changed to a value indicating the normal symbol determination process (step S104). .

  Normal symbol determination process (step S104): The random number value for hit determination stored in the storage area corresponding to the gate passing memory number = 1 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55, and the value of the gate passing memory number is set. Decrease by 1 (decrease the count value of the gate passage storage counter by 1) and shift the contents of each storage area. Next, a random number for hit determination is read from the random number storage buffer, and it is determined whether to win or not.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the hit determination random number matches the hit determination value, and if there is a matching hit determination value, the hit is determined. The hit determination value is, for example, a state that hits with a high probability as any of 3 to 12 when in the special gaming state, and a state that hits with a relatively low probability as 3, 5 or 7 when not in the special gaming state. Is done. It should be noted that not only the special game state in which the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 15 are increased, but also in a special game state such as a probability change state, it is possible to make a state with a high probability of winning. .

  Also, after determining the hit / miss, the normal symbol change time is set in the normal symbol change time timer. For example, 5.1 seconds is set when the probability is high, and 29.2 seconds is set when the probability is low. Then, the game control microcomputer 60 starts to produce a normal symbol. Further, the internal state (normal symbol process flag) is updated, and the process proceeds to step S105 (normal symbol variation process).

  Normal symbol variation processing (step S105): It is confirmed whether or not the normal symbol variation time timer has timed out, and if it has timed out, the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value indicating the normal symbol stop processing.

  Normal symbol stop process (step S106): The area corresponding to the determined hit / miss display result is turned on to stop the variation of the normal symbol, and the normal symbol effect is ended. When the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value indicating the start winning opening / closing process. In addition, when the stop symbol is displayed with the off symbol, the normal symbol process flag is updated to a value indicating the normal symbol variation waiting process.

  Start winning opening / closing process (step S107): The game controlling microcomputer 60 performs opening control for opening the variable winning ball apparatus 15 for a predetermined period. In this example, if it is not in the open extended state, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is controlled so as to open only once for 0.2 seconds. On the other hand, in the open extended state, control is performed so that the variable winning ball device 15 is opened only once for 2 seconds. In the open extended state, the variable winning ball apparatus 15 may be controlled to open again for 2 seconds after a closing period of 3 seconds after the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is released for 2 seconds. Then, the game control microcomputer 60 updates the normal symbol process flag to a value indicating the normal symbol variation waiting process.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S22). In the display control process, the game control microcomputer 60 first stops driving signals for the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol start memory display 41 (step S22a).

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 outputs a drive signal to the special symbol display 8 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer (special symbol output buffer) for setting the special symbol display control data. (Step S22b).

  Specifically, if a stop symbol designation value is set as display control data, the special symbol display unit 8 displays the stop symbol of the current variable display or the previous variable display stop symbol on the special symbol display 8 according to the content. A drive signal for output is output. Further, if the change state designation value is set as the display control data, a drive signal for making the display state of the special symbol display 8 blink is output. If the specified number of times of opening display is set as the display control data, a drive signal for displaying the number of times of opening of the big winning opening during the big hit is output to the special symbol display 8. Further, if the turn-off designation value is set as the display control data, a drive signal for turning off the display of the number of times of opening of the big winning opening during the big hit is output to the special symbol display 8.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 outputs a drive signal to the normal symbol display 10 in accordance with the display control data set in the output buffer for normal symbol display control data setting (ordinary symbol output buffer). (Step S22d).

  Specifically, if a stop symbol designation value is set as display control data, the stop symbol of the current variable display or the stop symbol of the previous variable display is displayed on the normal symbol display 10 according to the content. A drive signal for output is output. Further, if the change state designation value is set as the display control data, a drive signal for turning on the display state of the normal symbol display 10 is output.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 displays the special symbol start memory display according to the special symbol hold memory number data set in the output buffer (special symbol start winning memory number buffer) for setting the special symbol hold memory number data. A drive signal for displaying the current number of reserved symbols stored in the special symbol is output to the device 18 (step S22e).

  Then, the game control microcomputer 60 displays the normal symbol start memory display according to the normal symbol hold memory number data set in the output buffer for setting the normal symbol hold memory number data (ordinary symbol start winning memory number buffer). A drive signal for displaying the current number of reserved symbols stored in the normal symbol is output to the device 41 (step S22f).

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 outputs a drive signal in accordance with the setting contents of another output buffer for data setting (for example, an output buffer for setting game state display control data) (step S22g). In step S22g, for example, a process of outputting a driving signal for displaying the gaming state is performed on a display device that displays the gaming state such as the probability variation state or the short time state.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the storage process (step S34). In the storage process, the game control microcomputer 60 first sets the normal symbol reserved memory number data corresponding to the current reserved number of normal symbols in the normal symbol start winning memory number buffer (step S34a). Then, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the special symbol reserved memory number data corresponding to the current special symbol reserved memory number in the special symbol start winning memory number buffer (step S34b).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the special symbol display control process. In the special symbol display control process, a process for setting a specified value for specifying the display content of the special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display 8 in the special symbol output buffer is executed according to the value indicated by the special symbol process flag. Is done. Here, a drive signal is output in step S22b in accordance with the designated value set in the special symbol output buffer. In the special symbol display control process, the game control microcomputer 60 first reads a special symbol process flag (step S35a). Next, if the read special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S303 (special symbol variation processing) (Y in step S35b), the game control microcomputer 60 decrements the special symbol process timer by one (step S35c). ), The variation state designation value is selected (step S35d), and the selected variation state designation value is set in the special symbol output buffer (step S35e). The variation state designation value is selected according to the variation period of the special symbol. In this example, the variation state designation value indicating the lighting state in the blinking display or the variation state designation indicating the unlit state in the blinking display in step S35d. A value is selected. Note that the game control microcomputer 60 does not execute the subtraction process in step S35c when the measurement execution flag is in the reset state.

  The special symbol process flag read in step S35a is set to step S300 (special symbol normal process), step S301 (special symbol stop symbol setting process), step S302 (variable time setting process), step S304 (special symbol stop process). If it is a value indicating either one (step S35f), the game control microcomputer 60 selects a stop symbol designation value (step S35g), and sets the selected stop symbol designation value in the special symbol output buffer (step S35f). S35h).

  In this example, if the value indicated by the special symbol process flag is a predetermined value in step S35f, the process proceeds to step S35g, and the stop symbol designation value is set every time in step S35h even when the symbol is stopped. However, it stores the value indicated by the special symbol process flag, determines whether or not the special symbol process flag has been updated in step S35f, and only when the special symbol process flag has been updated. You may make it transfer a process to step S35g. However, as in this example, in the configuration in which the stop symbol designation value is set every time in step S35h, the process of storing the value indicated by the special symbol process flag and whether the special symbol process flag has been updated or not are determined. Since the determination process becomes unnecessary, the load on the game control microcomputer 60 can be reduced.

  The stop symbol designation value is selected according to the state of the special symbol process flag. Specifically, if the special symbol process flag is a value indicating one of steps S300 to S302, a stop symbol designation value indicating the stop symbol that was the display result of the previous variation display is selected in step S35g. Is done. On the other hand, if the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S304, a stop symbol designation value indicating the stop symbol which is the display result of the current variable display is selected in step S35g.

  If the special symbol process flag read in step S35a is not a value indicating any of step S300 to step S304 (N in step S35f), that is, if it is a big hit gaming state, the gaming control microcomputer 60 A process of confirming whether or not the winning mouth opening number display waiting timer is 0 is performed (step S35i).

  The big prize opening number of times display waiting timer is a timer that is set when, for example, the process proceeds from step S306 to step S307 and timed out when the next round starts.

  If the winning prize opening number display waiting timer is not 0 (N in step S35i), the game control microcomputer 60 subtracts 1 from the winning prize opening number display waiting timer (step S35j), and sets the turn-off designated value as a special value. Set in the symbol output buffer (step S35k). The turn-off specified value is a specified value for instructing the end of display of the number of times of winning of the special winning opening.

  If the big prize opening number of times display waiting timer is 0 (Y in step S35i), the game control microcomputer 60 selects the number-of-opening display designation value (step S351), and the selected number-of-opening number display designated value is special. Set in the symbol output buffer (step S35m).

  The specified number of times of opening display is selected according to the number of rounds in the big hit gaming state. Specifically, the open count display designated value indicating the number of rounds to be transferred is selected.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the normal symbol display control process (step S36). In the normal symbol display control process, the game control microcomputer 60 first reads the normal symbol process flag (step S36a). Next, if the read normal symbol process flag is a value indicating step S105 (normal symbol variation processing) (Y in step S36b), the game control microcomputer 60 decrements the ordinary symbol variation time timer by one (step S36b). S36c), the fluctuation state designation value is selected (step S36d), and the selected fluctuation state designation value is set in the normal symbol output buffer (step S36e). The change state designation value is selected according to the change period of the special symbol, and in this example, the change state indicating the display state at any point in the change display in which the left and right light emitters are alternately lit in step S36d. A state specification value is selected.

  If the normal symbol process flag read in step S36a is a value indicating processing other than step S105 (normal symbol variation processing) (N in step S36b), the game control microcomputer 60 selects the stop symbol designation value. (Step S36f), and the selected variation state designation value is set in the normal symbol output buffer (Step S36g).

  The stop symbol designation value is selected according to the state of the normal symbol process flag. Specifically, if the normal symbol process flag is a value indicating one of steps S103 to S104, a stop symbol designation value indicating the stop symbol that is the previous display result of the variable display is selected in step S36f. Is done. On the other hand, if the normal symbol process flag is a value indicating one of steps S106 to S107, a stop symbol designation value indicating the stop symbol which is the display result of the current variable display is selected in step S36f.

  In this example, as described above, the special symbol process (step S27) and the special symbol display control process (step S35) are provided separately, but both may be processed together. In addition, as for various processes executed in the special symbol process (step S27) and the special symbol display control process (step S35), only the process of updating the special symbol process flag is performed in the special symbol process. All may be performed by special symbol display control processing.

  In this example, as described above, the normal symbol process (step S28) and the normal symbol display control process (step S36) are provided separately, but both may be processed together. In addition, regarding the various processes executed in the normal symbol process (step S28) and the normal symbol display control process (step S36), the normal symbol process only performs the process of updating the normal symbol process flag, and other processes. All may be performed by a normal symbol display control process.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 32, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 through eight signal lines of the effect control signals D0 to D7. An effect control INT signal signal line for transmitting a strobe signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80. Although an example of the effect control command is shown in FIG. 32, the control command to the payout control board 37 is also transmitted through eight signal lines and one INT signal signal line.

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

  As shown in FIG. 33, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 101 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the production control microcomputer 101, the production control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers the capture of production control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 101 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. Note that the effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 34, commands 8000 (H) to 8058 (H) are effect control commands for designating decorative pattern variation patterns variably displayed on the variable display device 9 corresponding to the special symbols.

  Command A000 (H) is an effect control command for instructing stop of variable display of decorative symbols.

  The command BXXX (H) is an effect control command that is sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The commands D000 (H) to EXXXX (H) are effect control commands relating to the display state of the variable display device 9 that is not related to the variation of the decorative symbols and the big hit game.

  Command D000 (H) is an effect control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command E400 (H) is a command transmitted when the high probability state is changed to the low probability state, and the command E401 (H) is transmitted when the low probability state is changed to the high probability state. It is a command.

  When the production control microcomputer 101 of the production control board 80 receives the production control command described above from the game control microcomputer 60 of the main board 31, the display state of the variable display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. At the same time, the lamp / LED display state is changed, and if necessary, the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70. Note that control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 34 are also transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. For example, the display state of the prize ball LED 51 and the ball break LED 52 and a more detailed presentation control command related to the big hit game are also transmitted from the main board 31 to the presentation control board 80.

  Next, the operation of the production control microcomputer 101 will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 101. In the main process, an initialization process is first performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining the start interval of effect control (step S701). Thereafter, the production control microcomputer 101 proceeds to a loop process for confirming monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the production control microcomputer 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control microcomputer 101 clears the flag (step S703), and executes the following effect control process.

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

  In the effect control process, the effect control microcomputer 101 first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 9 is executed. Further, the production control microcomputer 101 performs a motor drive signal output process (step S706). In the motor drive signal output process, a process of outputting a drive signal to the motor 150 is executed in order to operate the hammer 151. Then, a data input process for inputting various data such as image data from the camera 120 via the input port 111 (see FIG. 8) is performed (step S707). The image data input by the data input process is used, for example, in the display control of the variable display device 9 in the effect control process. In this example, in step S707, external signals from other external devices such as operation signals from the selection switch 122 and the reset switch 123, detection signals from the sensors 154 and 155, and operation signals from the operation button 17 are received. Processing to input via the input port 111 is also executed. And the process which updates a random number counter is performed (step S708). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S702.

  Next, an effect control command reception process from the main board 31 will be described. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. It is not always necessary to use the ring buffer format. For example, three symbol designating command storage areas (2 × 3 = 6 byte command receiving buffer) and other command storing areas for designating other variation patterns ( (2 × 1 = 2-byte command reception buffer).

  An INT signal for effect control from the main board 31 is input to an interrupt terminal of the effect control microcomputer 101. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the production control microcomputer 101 is interrupted. Then, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes effect control command reception processing in the interrupt processing. In the reception process of the effect control command, the effect control microcomputer 101 stores the received effect control command data in the reception command buffer indicated by the command reception number counter.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control microcomputer 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the production control microcomputer 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. If the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control microcomputer 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by one.

  If the received effect control command is an effect control command for designating a variation pattern (step S613), the effect control microcomputer 101 stores the EXT data of the command in the variation pattern data storage area (step S615).

  If the received command read in step S612 is another effect control command, a flag corresponding to the received command is set (step S616).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, any one of steps S800 to S806 is performed according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Ornamental symbol normal processing (step S800): Waiting for a variation pattern command to be transmitted. When the variation pattern command is received, the production control microcomputer 101 changes the value of the production control process flag to a value corresponding to the decorative design variation pattern determination process.

  Decoration pattern variation pattern determination processing (step S801): The variation pattern of the decoration pattern is determined based on information stored in the variation pattern data storage area.

  Decoration symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started.

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. In addition, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed.

  Decoration symbol stop process (step S804): If an effect control command (decoration symbol stop effect control command) instructing all symbols to be stopped is received at the end of the variation time, the decoration symbol change is stopped and the stop symbol is displayed. Control.

  Big hit display process (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the probability variable big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed.

  Big hit game processing (step S806): Control during the big hit game is performed. For example, when an effect control command for display before opening the big winning opening or display when opening the big winning opening is received, display control of the number of rounds is performed.

  FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is composed of data obtained by collecting a plurality of combinations of process timer set values and presentation control execution data. The effect control execution data includes display control execution data and lamp control execution data. As the display control execution data, data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 during the decorative symbol variation period is set. For example, the display control execution data 1 is set with data indicating the display state of the variable display device 9 at the start of variable display. The lamp control execution data is set with data indicating the lamp / LED display state during the decorative symbol variation period. For example, in the lamp control execution data 1, data indicating the lamp / LED display state at the start of variable display is set. When the timing for switching the display state (for example, the timing at which a new character appears on the variable display device 9 or the timing at which the lamp / LED is switched from the lit state to the unlit state) arrives during the decorative symbol variation period. The microcomputer 101 controls the display state of the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED according to the next effect control execution data in the process data. In the process timer set value, a time corresponding to the switching timing is set.

  In this way, the production control microcomputer 101 controls the production means based on the program and process data stored in the ROM, and a plurality of production means (in this embodiment, the variable display device 9 and the lamp / LED). A program related to the control is stored in a ROM mounted on the effect control board 80. And ROM which stores those programs can be comprised as one ROM. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Of the process data stored in the ROM, the process timer set value is shared. Therefore, the ROM capacity of the effect control board 80 can be reduced. Note that the effect control execution data may be one effect control execution data as long as the display control execution data and the lamp control execution data can be shared. As described above, in this embodiment, at least a part of data related to the control of a plurality of rendering means (in this embodiment, data excluding data stored in the audio data ROM 704) is stored in the same ROM. can do.

  The process data shown in FIG. 39 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Further, process data is prepared according to each of the decorative pattern variation patterns. Note that the decorative pattern variation pattern is different from the special symbol variation pattern. However, the decorative pattern variation pattern includes at least a variation pattern corresponding to each variation pattern shown in FIG.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation pattern determination process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative pattern variation pattern determination process, the effect control microcomputer 101 determines a decorative pattern variation pattern based on the EXT data stored in the variation pattern data storage area (step S822). In this example, the production control microcomputer 101 uniquely determines at least part of the decorative pattern variation pattern. For example, among the variation patterns of a plurality of types of decorative symbols prepared in advance, among the variation patterns of a plurality of types of decorative symbols that match the variation time specified by the EXT data and the pre-determined result (big hit, miss, reach, etc.) To select a variation pattern to be executed. As described above, the production control microcomputer 101, for example, changes the decoration design such as the content of the design of the decorative design (for example, which character is used for the production), the presence / absence of execution of the notice effect, and the content of the production. At least some of the aspects are uniquely determined. In step S822, the production control microcomputer 101 uses the hammer 151 as a movable member and a decorative design to determine whether or not the production is performed and the content of the production. At least a part of the pattern variation mode is uniquely determined.

  Then, the production control microcomputer 101 updates the production control process flag to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) (step S824).

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation starting process, the effect control microcomputer 101 first selects process data corresponding to the variable pattern of the decorative symbol variable display (step S831). Then, a process timer corresponding to the effect execution data 1 in the selected process data is started (step S832). Further, LCD control is performed based on the display control execution data 1 in the process data (step S833). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the display control execution data 1 is given to the variable display device 9 using an LCD. Note that a ROM address may be set in the display control execution data, and more detailed control data may be stored in an area starting from the address, and LCD control may be performed according to the control data. Further, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data 1 in the process data (step S834). For example, a signal corresponding to the content of the lamp control execution data 1 is given to each lamp / LED. Note that the ROM address is set in the lamp control execution data, and more detailed control data is stored in an area starting from the address, and the lamp / LED control is performed according to the control data. Good.

  Further, the sound number data corresponding to the variation pattern is output to the sound output board 70 (step S835). In the voice output board 70, the voice synthesis IC 703 reads data corresponding to the sound number data from the voice data ROM 704, generates voice and sound effects corresponding to the read data, and outputs them to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 707 to the speaker 27.

  Thereafter, a variation time timer (a timer corresponding to the variation time of the decorative symbol) is started (step S836), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the processing during the decorative symbol variation (step S837).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol changing process, the production control microcomputer 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (step S841). If time-out occurs, the presentation control execution data in the process data is switched (step S842). That is, in the process data, the next set process timer is started (step S843), and LCD control is performed based on the next set display control execution data (step S844). Further, lamp / LED control is performed based on the lamp control execution data set next in the process data (step S845).

  If the variable time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol stop waiting process (step S847).

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol stop process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol stop process, the effect control microcomputer 101 checks whether or not an effect control command (decorative symbol stop effect control command) instructing the decorative symbol stop is received (step S852). If the effect control command for instructing the decorative symbol stop is received, control is performed to stop the decorative symbol at the stop symbol determined by itself (step S853). For example, in step S801, the stop control microcomputer 101 determines that the presentation control microcomputer 101 matches the display result of the corresponding special symbol indicated by the variation pattern command.

  When the big hit symbol is displayed in step S853 (Y in step S854), the production control microcomputer 101 sets the value of the production control process flag to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S805) ( Step S855).

  In the case where the big hit symbol is not displayed in step S853 (when the missing symbol is displayed), if the end of the probability variation state is determined, the effect control microcomputer 101 performs the probability variation state end notification (steps S856 and S857). . In addition, if it is determined to continue the probability variation state, the production control microcomputer 101 performs the probability variation state continuation notification (steps S858 and S859). In this example, whether or not the end of the probability change state is determined is determined by receiving the probability change end designation command or the normal state designation command from the main board 31 before receiving the variation pattern command related to the current variable display. It is determined by whether or not it exists. Further, for example, in a variable display in which the determination of the probability change state is executed by the game control microcomputer 60 (for example, the variable display of the seventh time, the 14th time, the 21st time,. If neither the probability change end designation command nor the normal state designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 60 before reception, it is determined that the effect control microcomputer 101 has decided to continue the probability change state. The

  Then, the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative design normal process (step S800) (step S860).

  Next, the relationship between the special symbol and the variation state of the decorative symbol in the gaming machine of this example will be described in detail. That is, the relationship between the special symbol display 8 and the variable display device 9 will be described.

  FIG. 44 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the variation state of the special symbol and the decorative symbol when the start winning at the start winning port 13 is continuously performed twice. Here, an example in which a special symbol variation display based on two start winnings (starting winnings A to B) at the starting winning port 13 is executed will be described.

  When the start winning A is generated, the game control microcomputer 60 executes a start port switch passing process. And if the microcomputer 60 for game control is in the state which can perform the variable display of a special symbol, it will perform a prior | preceding determination (refer step S56-S63), and will change for 10 second based on the result, for example. A variation pattern command indicating that the display result is out of time is transmitted (see steps S64 and S65). Further, the game control microcomputer 60 starts the special symbol variation display (special diagram variation A) corresponding to the start winning prize A (see steps S66 and S67).

  When the production control microcomputer 101 receives the variation pattern command based on the start winning prize A, it determines the variation pattern of the decorative pattern from which the display result is lost in the variation time of 10 seconds based on the received variation pattern command ( In step S826), the decorative symbol variation display (decorative variation A) is executed in accordance with the determined variation pattern.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 executes a start port switch passing process (see, for example, FIG. 19) when the start winning prize B is generated. However, since the special symbol variation A has not yet ended and it is not possible to execute the variable display of the special symbol based on the start winning B, the variable symbol special display based on the start winning B is suspended.

  After that, when the end timing of the special figure variation A comes, the game control microcomputer 60 transmits a symbol stop command to the effect control board 80 and ends the special figure variation A. On the other hand, when the production control microcomputer 101 receives the symbol stop command, it ends the decoration variation A.

  Next, the game control microcomputer 60 makes a pre-determination based on the start winning prize B (see steps S56 to S63) when the special figure variation A ends and the variable symbol special display can be executed. Then, based on the result, for example, a fluctuation pattern command indicating that the display result is out of place with a fluctuation time of 15 seconds is transmitted. Further, the game control microcomputer 60 starts the special symbol variation display (special diagram variation B) according to the start winning prize B.

  When receiving the variation pattern command based on the start winning prize B, the production control microcomputer 101 determines the variation pattern of the decorative pattern from which the display result is lost in the variation time of 15 seconds based on the received variation pattern command ( In step S826), the decorative symbol variation display (decoration variation B) is executed in accordance with the determined variation pattern.

  Thereafter, when the end timing of the special figure variation B arrives, the game control microcomputer 60 transmits a symbol stop command to the effect control board 80 and ends the special figure variation B. On the other hand, when the production control microcomputer 101 receives the symbol stop command, it ends the decoration variation B.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the game control microcomputer 60 transmits the variation pattern command when the variation of the special symbol is started, and transmits the symbol stop command when the variation is stopped. Therefore, the synchronization between the special design and the decorative design can be ensured.

  The game control microcomputer 60 makes a prior determination (determination of whether or not to make a big hit, determination of a variation pattern), transmits a variation pattern command, and the effect control microcomputer 101 changes the variation at the time of starting winning. A configuration may be adopted in which the decorative pattern variation display is sequentially executed in the order in which the pattern commands are received. If comprised in this way, it will become unnecessary to transmit a symbol stop command and it will become possible to perform the variation control of a decorative symbol only by transmitting one command. Even in this case, when the display result is a big hit, it is desirable to transmit a symbol stop command when the fluctuation is stopped in order to ensure synchronization of the fixed display timing of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. If configured as described above, it is not necessary to always transmit the symbol stop command, so that the control burden on the game control microcomputer 60 can be reduced. “Preliminary determination” means determination executed before the start of variable display of special symbols based on winning, and “preliminary determination processing” refers to the time of start winning (for example, start-port switch passing processing). Both determination processing at the time of execution and determination processing before the start of variable display (for example, during execution of special symbol normal processing, special symbol stop symbol setting processing, and variable time setting processing) are included.

  FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a probability change notification image displayed on the display unit of the variable display device 9. The image shown in FIG. 45 (A) is a probability change end notification image displayed when the probability change state ends in the lottery determination.

  FIG. 45B is a probability variation continuation notification image for notifying that the probability variation state is continuing.

  Next, a specific example of a game effect using the hammer 151 will be described. FIG. 46 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the display state of the variable display device 9 and the driving state of the motor 150. FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the display state of the variable display device 9 and the operation state of the hammer 151 when the motor 150 is driven at the timing shown in FIG.

  When the decoration pattern variation pattern is determined in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the effect control microcomputer 101 starts the variation display of the decoration pattern on the variable display device 9 (FIG. 47A). Here, it is assumed that the effect pattern using the hammer 151 as the movable member is determined as the decorative pattern variation pattern in step S822.

  When a predetermined period elapses after the decorative symbol variation display is started, the production control microcomputer 101 temporarily stops the left middle right symbol in the display area H1 of the variable display device 9, and presses the button 17. A button guidance display for prompting the player is displayed in the display area H2 (FIG. 47B). In this example, as a button guidance display, a display “Press the button!” Is performed.

  When the button 17 is pressed by the player during the period in which the button guidance display is being executed (FIG. 47C), the effect control microcomputer 101 terminates the button guidance display and To output a drive signal for forward rotation.

  When a drive signal for forward rotation is output to the motor 150, the hammer 151 performs an operation of swinging down in the forward rotation (clockwise direction) (FIG. 47D). In addition, the production control microcomputer 101 determines the timing at which the hammer 151 is swung down in accordance with the input timing of the signal from the button 17, and synchronizes with the determination timing in the decorative pattern in the temporary stop state. The variation display of the symbol on the left side of the symbol is started, and the re-variation display is started (FIG. 47D). In this example, the hammer 151 is installed so as to pass through the display position of the left symbol when it is swung down. For this reason, the display of the variable display device 9 and the operation of the hammer 151 produce an effect as if the left design of the decorative design that has been temporarily stopped is restarted by the hammer 151 being hit. Executed.

  When re-variation display of the left symbol is started, the production control microcomputer 101 outputs a drive signal for reverse rotation to the motor 150. When a reverse rotation drive signal is output to the motor 150, the hammer 151 moves in the reverse direction (counterclockwise direction) and returns to the original position (FIG. 47E). FIG. 47 (F)).

  Then, the effect control microcomputer 101 stops the left symbol so as to become the determined stop symbol when the decorative symbol variation time elapses. That is, when it is determined to be a big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed as a variable display result (FIG. 47 (E)), and when it is determined to be an off symbol, it is variablely displayed. As a result of the display, the off symbol is stopped and displayed (FIG. 47F).

  As described above, in this example, a temporary stop state is established with a missed symbol, and the symbol is developed into a big hit symbol by re-variable display of the left symbol (FIG. 47 (E)), or when the missed symbol is maintained (FIG. 47). (F)). However, there may be a case where the jackpot symbol is temporarily stopped and the symbol is downgraded due to the re-variable display of the left symbol, or the jackpot symbol is maintained.

  In the above example, the case where the player presses the button 17 according to the button guidance display has been described as an example. However, during the period in which the button guidance display is being executed (the input of the button 17 is reflected in the effect. If the button 17 is not pressed during the effective period of the button to be selected, only the re-change effect on the variable display device 9 is executed without performing the game effect by the hammer 151.

  Next, a specific example of the display state of the variable display device 9 in the variable display effect after the jackpot game effect after the probability variation symbol is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display will be described. FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the notification timing of the lottery determination result. 49 and 50 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of the display state of the variable display device 9 in the variable display effect after the probability change state. In this example, it is assumed that the display results of the variable displays executed after the probability change state are all determined to be out of place. Further, in this example, every time the variable display is executed seven times, a lottery determination as to whether or not to continue the probability change state is executed, and if it is decided to continue the probability change state, at least the variable display is 7 It is assumed that the probability variation state is continued until it is executed twice.

  When the jackpot game effect after the probability variation symbol is derived and displayed is finished, the effect control microcomputer 101 displays in the display area H4 that the jackpot game effect has been terminated on the variable display device 9 and has shifted to the probability variation state. By displaying the information, the player is notified, and the first variable display of decorative symbols is started in the display area H3 (FIG. 49A).

  Next, the production control microcomputer 101 shifts to the display area H3 as a display result of the variable display after the character A appears in the first variable display after shifting to the probability changing state (FIG. 49B). A symbol is derived and displayed (FIG. 49C). Further, in the second variable display, after the character B is introduced (FIG. 49D), a shift symbol is derived and displayed in the display area H3 as a display result of the variable display (FIG. 49E).

  Thereafter, character A and character B appear in the third variable display (FIGS. 49 (F) and 49 (G)), and character A and character B play a boxing match in the fourth variable display. (FIG. 49 (H), FIG. 49 (I)).

  Further, the state in which the attack of the character A hits the character B is displayed in the fifth variable display (FIGS. 49I and 50A), and the character B is down in the sixth variable display. Are displayed (FIGS. 50B and 50C).

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 48, the lottery determination is executed by the game control microcomputer 60 before the seventh variable display is executed (see steps S56 and S57).

  Then, in the seventh variable display, when it has been decided to end the probability change state by lottery determination, after displaying that the character B cannot stand up while being down (FIG. 50 (D)), the probability change state is displayed. The player is notified by displaying in the display area H5 that the process is to be terminated (FIG. 50 (E)).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 48, in the seventh variable display, when it has been decided to continue the probability variation state by lottery determination, after the character B is displayed to rise (FIG. 50 (F)), The player is notified by displaying in the display area H6 that the probability variation state will be continued (FIG. 50 (G)). In this example, it is notified that the probability variation state continues until at least seven variable displays are executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 48, the lottery determination is not executed until the 14th variable display is executed.

  As described above, the special symbol display 8 is controlled by the game control microcomputer 60, and the variable display device 9 is controlled by the effect control microcomputer 101. The game control microcomputer 60 is a big hit. The change pattern command indicating the determination result of whether or not prior determination is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 101, and the effect control microcomputer 101 determines the change pattern of the decorative pattern based on the received change pattern command. Since the decorative symbols are variably displayed according to the determined variation pattern, variable display using a plurality of display devices for the special symbols and decorative symbols can be performed without increasing the control burden of the game control microcomputer 60. Many variations that can be done It is possible to carry out the effect of emissions.

  Specifically, the game control microcomputer 60 does not need to determine all the decorative pattern variation patterns. For this reason, the control burden of the game control microcomputer 60 related to the decorative display variation display is reduced.

  More specifically, since the game control microcomputer 60 does not determine all the decorative pattern variation patterns, the main board 31 stores various data (tables, programs, etc.) used for determining the decorative pattern variation patterns. There is no need to save the data in a storage medium. In a pachinko machine, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, a microcomputer that determines a big hit has a limited storage capacity so that rewriting of a program can be easily discriminated. On the other hand, the production control board 80 has no such limitation. For this reason, since the design control microcomputer 101 can determine the variation pattern of the decorative design, it is possible to produce many variations.

  Further, as described above, when determining the end condition of the probability change state by lottery determination, it is determined whether or not the probability change end condition is satisfied before the big hit determination process, so when the probability change end condition is satisfied, It is possible to prevent the jackpot determination from being made with high probability. Also, by resetting the probability variation flag immediately after the probability variation termination condition is satisfied and executing the big hit determination process, the probability variation termination condition determined by lottery determination is not left for a long time without being used at all. Between the end condition establishment and the jackpot determination process, it is possible to reduce the possibility of fraud and the possibility of data corruption. Note that the display result of variable display may not be set as a specific display result when the probability variation end condition is satisfied. In that case, when the probability change time-short state ends, a big hit is not generated, and when the time-count counter is not 0, it is always possible to shift to the time-short state.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine has been proposed in which an end condition for a probability variation state is performed by random number lottery (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-169922 (FIG. 13)).

  However, in the above-described conventional gaming machine (the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-169922), a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to end the probability change state after executing the big hit determination process. Even when the probability variation state is to be terminated, the jackpot determination is always made with a high probability.

  In contrast, in each of the above-described embodiments, it is determined whether or not the probability variation end condition is satisfied before the jackpot determination process. Therefore, when the probability variation end condition is satisfied, the jackpot determination is not performed with high probability. be able to. Further, since the probability variation flag is reset and the big hit determination process is executed immediately after the probability variation end condition is satisfied, the probability variation end condition determined by the lottery determination is not left for a long time without being used at all. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the possibility of fraud and the possibility of garbled data between the probability variation end condition establishment and the jackpot determination process.

  In the above embodiment, the end condition of the probability variation state is determined by lottery determination. However, the end condition of the probability variation state is determined based on whether or not the number of executions of variable display has reached a predetermined number (number determination). It may be configured so that it is possible to determine by lottery whether to determine the end condition of the probability variation state by lottery determination or number of times determination.

  In the above embodiment, every time variable display of a special symbol is executed, it is determined whether or not the probability variation state is terminated by the current variable display. However, variable display of a special symbol is executed. When checking, the random 9 extracted value stored on hold is confirmed, and whether or not the random 9 extracted value satisfying the end condition of the probability change state exists in the held storage is determined according to the confirmation result. A notice effect that predicts whether or not the probability variation state continues (or ends) over a plurality of variable displays (for example, “4 more times will continue!” Or “2 more times!”) For example, a notification may be made by displaying such as).

  In addition, when it is set as the structure which confirms whether the random 9 extraction value with which the end condition of a probability change state is satisfied exists in pending storage, and performs a game effect according to the confirmation result, it is limited to a notice effect. Instead, the mission effect may be performed over a plurality of variable displays. In this case, for example, when the end of the probability change state is determined by variable display every seven times, the variable display for which the end determination is executed is the next variable display (second time from this time) and reach. Based on this confirmation, the player is informed of the mission “Reach within 2 times!”, And when the second variable display shows reach, “Mission completed! It is only necessary to make a notification that “the probability variation state continues!”.

  In addition, as described above, in each of the above embodiments, the signal from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 passes through the central relay board 77 and the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board. 34. The main board 31 is provided with signal direction restricting means for preventing signal input from the centralized relay board 77 (see FIG. 7). Further, the central relay board 77 is provided with signal direction regulating means for preventing signal input from the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, in an electrical component control board equipped with a microcomputer that inputs a signal from the main board 31 and does not send a signal to the main board 31, the signal is input from the central relay board 77 to the central relay board 77. Signal direction restricting means for preventing signal output is provided (for example, the input buffer circuit 102 shown in FIG. 8).

  Signals from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 are concentrated on the central relay board 77, and a signal direction restricting means is provided for the signal output to the central relay board 77 in the main board 31. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the input of an illegal signal that illegally pays out a prize ball to the main board 31 or illegally generates a big hit.

  That is, conventionally, in order to prevent fraud, a direction in which a signal is passed only in the direction from the game control means to the display control means between the display control means for controlling the variable display means and the game control means. A gaming machine provided with a data transfer means has been proposed (for example, JP-A-8-224339 (paragraphs 0009-0011, FIG. 1)).

  However, in gaming machines, there are sub-boards on which microcomputers are mounted in addition to boards on which display control microcomputers are mounted. Further, as described above, in addition to the sub-board on which the microcomputer is mounted, the board on which the gaming device itself that operates in response to the control signal from the game control means is mounted, or the control signal from the game control means is used. In some cases, a board on which a circuit (for example, a driver circuit) for driving the gaming apparatus is mounted is provided, and a signal is also output from these game control boards. Countermeasures against fraud are also required for signal lines between such a large number of boards and game control boards. Further, in the above conventional gaming machine (the gaming machine described in JP-A-8-224339), it is effective for fraudulent acts such as attaching a fraudulent board on the sub board, but the game in the one-way data transfer means If an illegal act is made on the control means side, an illegal signal is input to the game control means.

  On the other hand, in each of the above-described embodiments, the signal from the main board 31 is configured to concentrate on the central relay board 77 and the signal output to the central relay board 77 at the main board 31 is configured. The signal direction regulating means is provided. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the input of an illegal signal that illegally pays out a prize ball to the main board 31 or illegally generates a big hit.

  In each of the above embodiments, the effect control board 80 is illustrated as a board on which a microcomputer that inputs a signal from the main board 31 and does not send a signal to the main board 31 is illustrated. If there is another board on which a microcomputer that does not transmit signals to the main board 31 is mounted, the board is also configured so that the signal from the main board 31 passes through the centralized relay board 77. In addition, a signal direction restricting means for preventing signal output to the central relay board 77 is provided at a portion where a signal is input from the central relay board 77.

  By adopting the configuration as described above, there is a suspicious point in the operation of the gaming machine, and a fraudulent act (a signal that illegally pays out a prize ball to the main board 31 or illegally generates a big hit is input. In the case of suspected actions such as the production control board 80, the information terminal board 34, or the cable between the boards), only the centralized relay board 77 other than the main board 31 is used. Find out. Even if an illegal signal is sent to the central relay board 77 in order to send an illegal signal to the main board 31, the signal is sent to the main board 31 side by the signal direction regulating means mounted on the central relay board 77. This is because the signal transmission is blocked.

  In addition, since only one centralized relay board 77 needs to be investigated, compared to the case where a large number of relay boards are provided, in particular, compared to the case where a large number of relay boards are arranged in cascade. Survey time can be shortened. Further, since the front and back surfaces of the central relay board 77 can be easily visually recognized from the outside of the board box (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the survey is easy when the central relay board 77 is surveyed. Further, the board box for storing the central relay board 77 is structured so that it cannot be easily opened, and when it is opened, this is easily grasped (see FIG. 9). For this reason as well, it is easy to find fraudulent acts made on the centralized relay board 77.

  In each of the above embodiments, one centralized relay board 77 is provided for the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34, but a plurality of relay boards may be provided in parallel. For example, one relay board may be provided corresponding to the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 or for either the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34. In such a case, there is a possibility that the investigation time for fraud may be longer, but there is a merit that it is easy to route the wiring inside the gaming machine.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the power relay board 911 is provided separately from the central relay board 77, but the central relay board 77 and the power relay board 911 may be configured as a single board. Good. For example, the central relay board 77 may be configured to relay the power supply line. In this case, a control command relay connector and a power line relay connector are preferably prepared separately. If the control command relay connector and the power line relay connector are configured separately, generation of noise can be suppressed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the central relay board 77 is firmly housed in the board box and cannot be easily removed from the gaming machine. A simple fixing method of fixing with a screw or the like may be used. In that case, the central relay board 77 is removed from the gaming machine using a screwdriver (driver) as a jig or a coin. Even when a simple fixing method is used, since the front and back surfaces of the central relay board 77 can be easily visually recognized from the outside of the board box, the central relay board 77 can be easily investigated.

  Thus, it is preferable that the central relay board 77 is detachably mounted from the gaming machine by using a predetermined jig (such as a screwdriver or a cutting tool). This is because the central relay board 77 cannot be easily removed, and illegal acts against the central relay board 77 can be prevented.

  Further, as described above, when the central relay board 77 is removed from the gaming machine, it is more preferable that the central relay board 77 is mounted on the gaming machine so that it cannot be mounted (for example, with a one-way screw) in the same manner as the mounting mode before removal. This is because it can be easily recognized that the central relay board 77 has been illegally removed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the game control microcomputer 60 on the main board 31 is configured to control the light emitters provided on the game board 6, but the light emission provided on the game board 6. A microcomputer other than the game control microcomputer 60 (e.g., a production control microcomputer 101 or a microcomputer other than the production control microcomputer 101 that controls a light emitter provided in the game machine) The present invention can be applied even when it is configured to be controlled by ().

  In each of the above embodiments, the signal from the main board 31 is routed through the centralized relay board 77, but another board (a board for inputting a signal from the payout control board 37) from the payout control board 37. Each of the signals output to the signal may be routed through one relay board on which a unidirectional circuit that passes only in the direction from the payout control main board 37 to another board is mounted. For example, an award ball LED 51 indicating that the award ball is being paid out (or indicating that there is a remaining award ball), a out-of-supply LED 52 indicating a replenished ball state, and the like are mounted on the payout control board 37. In the case of being controlled by a payout control microcomputer, each signal including those LEDs or signals to the board on which these LEDs are mounted may be routed through a relay board. In such a configuration, as in the prevention and investigation of fraud on the main board 31, it is ensured that the fraud signal is input to the payout control board 37 so that the game ball is illegally paid out. It can be prevented and it becomes easy to investigate whether or not fraudulent activity has been made.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the maximum number of start winning prizes corresponding to the special symbol is four, but it may be three or less or five or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of starting winning prizes may be changed by the establishment of a predetermined condition. Specifically, for example, the maximum number is 4 at normal time, but when a big hit occurs, it is conceivable to have a maximum of 15 until the big hit gaming state ends.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, various notifications (for example, see FIGS. 47, 49, and 50) are performed on the variable display device 9 under the control of the effect control microcomputer 101. Various types of information that have been notified by the device 9 may be notified by a display device that is controlled by the game control microcomputer 60. In this case, the game control microcomputer 60 controls the variable display device 9 to perform the above notification, and the game control microcomputer 60 controls a display device separate from the variable display device 9. Thus, the above notification may be performed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the player is notified when the probability variation state is continued, when the probability variation state is continued, or when the probability variation state is terminated, but such notification is not performed at all. The common control may be performed in the probability variation state, the time reduction state, and the normal state. A background image may be used. In the present example, not only the background image but also each electrical component (for example, the variable display device 9) has a common rendering mode regardless of the control state of whether it is in the probability variation state, the time reduction state, or the normal state. , Speaker 27, lamps and other light emitters).

  In this example, no control is performed regarding the notification of the start, continuation, and end of the probability variation state. For example, transmission control of an effect control command with a normal display designation indicating that the probability change state has returned to the normal state is not executed. Note that the game control microcomputer 60 and the effect control microcomputer 101 do not perform effects of different contents by display, sound, and lamp using various electric components depending on the control state. That is, the game control microcomputer 60 and the effect control microcomputer 101 perform common effect control based on the common effect data regardless of the control state such as whether or not the state is the probability variation state. That is, no notification effect is provided so that the player can recognize what the current control state is.

  In this example, it is desirable that there is no change in the probability variation state except that the probability of winning a big hit is increased compared to that in the normal state. Specifically, for example, when the variable display change time, the state of the production including the appearance of the production by the variable display device 9 / lamp / speaker 27, the opening condition of the variable winning ball device 15 and the like are in the state of probability variation. It is desirable that they are exactly the same in the normal state. Such control is realized, for example, by executing control using the same control program and the same control data in the probability changing state and in the normal state.

  As described above, in this example, since there is no notification effect as to whether the current gaming state is the specific advantageous state, the player is determined whether the current gaming state is the specific advantageous state. The player's willingness to play can be maintained.

  If there is no notification of whether it is a probable change state, a short-time state, or a normal state, for example, the game is started in the probabilistic state (especially immediately after opening the store), and the game store may be disadvantaged. There is. For this reason, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports that when recovering to a probability change state or a time-short state at the time of power activation.

  Hereinafter, an example in which a notification to that effect is made when the state is restored to the certain change state or the short time state when the power is turned on will be described. FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the above-described gaming state restoration process (step S10). In the game state restoration process, a process for returning the internal state of the main board 31 and the control state of other boards such as the effect control board 80 to the state when the power supply is stopped is performed.

  In the gaming state restoration process, the gaming control microcomputer 60 sets the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S151), and sequentially stores the contents of the backup setting table in the work area (in the RAM 55). (Step S152). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S151 and S152, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The portion that should not be initialized is, for example, a portion in which data (such as a special symbol process flag, a probable change time short flag, a probable change flag, a short time flag) indicating a gaming state before power supply is stopped is set.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 60 sets the start address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 as a pointer (step S153), and sub-boards (the payout control board 37 and the effect control board 80) according to the contents. Then, control is performed such that a control command (recovery command) indicating that the power supply has been recovered is transmitted (step S154). And after performing an advantageous state alerting | reporting process, it transfers to step S14 mentioned above.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the advantageous state notification process. The advantageous state notification process is a process for notifying the player when the game state is restored when the power to the gaming machine is turned on and when the game state is restored to the probability change state or the short time state.

  In the advantageous state notification process, the gaming control microcomputer 60 first starts the probability change time notification command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 if the probability change time reduction flag stored in the RAM 55 is on (step S155a). An address is set in the pointer (step S155b), and an effect control command (probability change time notification designating command) for designating the probability change time notification according to the contents is transmitted to the effect control board 80 (step S155c). When the performance control microcomputer 101 receives the probability change time notification designation command, the performance control microcomputer 101 executes processing for notifying the player that the probability change time reduction state is restored using sound, display, light emitter, or the like.

  Further, when the probability change time short flag is not on, the game control microcomputer 60 determines the probability change notification time command transmission table stored in the ROM 54 if the probability change flag stored in the RAM 55 is on (step S155d). Is set as a pointer (step S155e), and an effect control command (probability change notification designation command) for designating probability change notification according to the contents is transmitted to the effect control board 80 (step S155f). When receiving the probability change notification designation command, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes processing for notifying the player that the state is restored to the probability change state using sound, display, light emitter, and the like.

  Furthermore, when the probability change time flag and the probability change flag are not on, the game control microcomputer 60 determines that the time notification is stored in the ROM 54 if the time flag stored in the RAM 55 is on (step S155g). The head address of the command transmission table is set as a pointer (step S155h), and a process of transmitting an effect control command (time-shortage notification designation command) for designating probability change notification according to the contents to the effect control board 80 is executed (step S155i). When receiving the time-notification notification designation command, the effect control microcomputer 101 executes processing for notifying the player that the time-recovery state is restored using sound, display, light-emitting body, or the like.

  FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an advantageous state restoration notification image displayed on the variable display device 9. The image shown in FIG. 53 (A) is an example of the probability change time recovery notification image for notifying the player that the gaming state is restored to the probability change time short state among the advantageous state recovery notification images. The image shown in FIG. 53 (B) is an example of a probability change recovery notification image for notifying the player that the gaming state is restored to the probability change state among the advantageous state recovery notification images. The image shown in FIG. 53 (C) is an example of the time recovery notification image for notifying the player that the gaming state is restored to the time reduction state among the advantageous state recovery notification images.

  As described above, when the gaming machine is turned on, when it is restored to the advantageous state, the player is notified so that the player is recognized. It is possible to prevent the act of the game store from turning off the power and starting the game from an advantageous state when the store is opened.

  If comprised as mentioned above, it will be prevented that a game store receives a disadvantage. Also, even if a game store tries to hold an event such as starting a game from a probabilistic state or a short-running state (especially immediately after opening), it cannot be held unless the game state is notified at all. Such an event can also be held if it is configured to notify that when it is restored to a short time state.

  It should be noted that not only when the power-on state is restored to the certain change state or the short time state, the fact may be notified, but also when the normal state is established.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10 are configured by a 7-segment display, and the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display 41 are formed by LEDs. Although the variable display device 9 is configured by an LCD, various display devices such as a 7-segment display, an LED, a lamp, and a dot matrix can be applied to each display device.

  FIG. 54A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the special symbol display 8, the special symbol start memory display 18, the normal symbol start memory display 41, and the normal symbol display 10 are configured by a 7-segment display. is there. FIG. 54B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the special symbol display 8, the special symbol start memory display 18, the normal symbol start memory display 41, and the normal symbol display 10 are constituted by LEDs. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 54 (B), the special symbol display 8 is composed of two LEDs. In this case, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed when only the right side of the two LEDs is lit, it means “displacement”, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed when only the left side of the two LEDs is lit. “Big hit” means “Big hit”, and when both of the two LEDs are lit and stopped, it means “Probable big hit”.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the decorative symbols are displayed on the single variable display device 9, but may be displayed on two or more variable display devices. Moreover, in each embodiment mentioned above, it was set as the structure which provides the one start winning opening 13, However, It is good also as a structure which provides two or more start winning openings. In this case, you may make it vary the number of prize balls paid out according to a winning prize by a start winning opening. Furthermore, in each embodiment mentioned above, it was set as the structure which displays a special symbol by the one special symbol indicator 8, However, It is good also as a structure displayed by two or more special symbol indicators. In the case of the configuration as described above, the start winning award, the special symbol display, and the variable display device are associated with each other, and the special symbol display corresponding to the occurrence of the winning at the predetermined starting winning award is made. The variable display may be executed by a variable display device corresponding to the device.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the number of rounds in the jackpot game effect is 15 rounds. However, a lottery may be performed when a jackpot occurs, and the number of rounds may be selected from a plurality of types. Further, the opening pattern of the special winning opening may be determined by lottery.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the signal input from the main board 31 is simply sent to the central relay board 77 as a signal direction restricting means that allows the signal to pass only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34. Although the directional circuits 74 and 76 are mounted, the signal direction restricting means may not be mounted on the centralized relay board 77.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 55A, the CPU for effect control (the effect control microcomputer 101) is mounted on the effect control board 80, and the effect control command from the main board 31 is used. Based on the above, the presentation control related to display, sound, and lamp is collectively performed by the CPU for effect control. However, the CPU for display control, the CPU for sound control, and the CPU for lamp control are each sub CPU. They may be mounted on the boards 80, 70, and 35, respectively, and effect control related to display, sound, and lamp may be performed by separate CPUs.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 55B, a display control board 80 on which a display control CPU for controlling the variable display device 9 and the like is mounted, and a sound control for controlling the speaker 27 and the like. An audio control board 70 on which a CPU is mounted and a lamp control board 35 on which a lamp control CPU for controlling a light emitter such as a lamp is mounted. The display control board 80 is based on a control command from the main board 31. In addition to performing display control, when performing an effect by sound or lamp, a control command is transmitted to the voice control board 70 and the lamp control board 35, and voice control is performed based on the control command from the display control board 80. The production control may be performed by the board 70 and the lamp control board 35.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 55B, the display control board 80, the sound control board 70, and the lamp control board 35 are each configured to perform effect control based on the control command from the main board 31. May be.

  Note that the sub-substrates 80, 70, and 35 shown in FIG. 55A may be mounted on a single substrate.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the operation control board 80 is configured to receive an operation signal output by the operation means (for example, the selection switch 122) in response to an operation as an external signal. 80 performs two-way communication with a board other than the main board 31 (for example, the audio control board 70), and a signal output from a board other than the main board 31 is input to the effect control board 80 as an external signal. It may be configured. Specifically, for example, the output signal of the amplification circuit 705 provided in the audio control board 70 is input to the effect control board 80 via the input port 111, and the speaker 27 is connected to the effect control board 80 for control. The bidirectional control may be performed between the effect control board 80 and the voice control board 70. If constituted in this way, the game control microcomputer 60 via the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34 using the signal line from the board other than the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34. It is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being sent to the.

  Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the variable display device 9 may notify the lottery result of the probability variation punk lottery when the operation button 17 is pressed. In this case, for example, variable display in which “probability change continuation” and “probability change end” are alternately displayed is performed, and “probability change continuation” or “probability change end” is stopped and displayed when the operation button 17 is pressed. Good. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports the lottery result of probability variation puncture lottery by operation | movement of a movable member. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports the lottery result of a probability puncture lottery by operating a movable member according to pressing-down of the operation button 17. FIG.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of each of the above embodiments mainly has a predetermined game value when the stop symbol of the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display 8 based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols. A pachinko gaming machine that can be given to a player, but if there is a winning in a predetermined area of an electric accessory that is released based on a start winning prize, a pachinko gaming machine that can give a predetermined gaming value to a player, Even if it is a pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when the stop symbol of the symbol variably displayed based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbol, The present invention can be applied. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine as long as it has a configuration including the main board 31 and other boards such as the effect control board 80 and the information terminal board 34.

  The present invention can be applied to a game such as a pachinko game machine, and in particular, in a game machine that variably displays a special symbol and a decorative symbol, the control burden of the game control microcomputer is reduced, and many variations are produced. Useful to do.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is the rear view which looked at the gaming machine from the back. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the drive device of a movable member. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of operation | movement of a movable member. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the connection state of the main board | substrates provided in the gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the components mounted in the signal output part in a main board | substrate, and the concentrated relay board | substrate. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating circuit configuration examples of an effect control board, a frame side lamp driver board, and a sound control board. It is a front view which shows the board | substrate box which accommodates a concentrated relay board | substrate. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state by which the board | substrate box which accommodated the concentrated relay board | substrate was opened centering on the hinge. It is a block diagram which shows the example of display apparatuses, such as a special symbol display. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the stop symbol of a special symbol, and a game state. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a timing diagram for demonstrating the example of the change of a gaming state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a change time setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern determination table for reach. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a memory | storage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol display control process. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing chart showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of process data. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design fluctuation pattern determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration symbol stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the variable display timing of a special symbol and a decoration symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the probability change alert image displayed on the display part of a variable display apparatus. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of the relationship between the display state of a variable display apparatus, and the drive state of a motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the relationship between the display state of a variable display apparatus, and the operation state of a hammer. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of the alerting | reporting timing of a lottery determination result. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display state of the variable display apparatus in the variable display after shifting to a probability change state. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display state of the variable display apparatus in the variable display after shifting to a probability change state. It is a flowchart which shows a game state restoration process. It is a flowchart which shows an advantageous state alerting | reporting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the advantageous state recovery notification image displayed on the display part of a variable display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the other example of display apparatuses, such as a special symbol display. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of a sub board | substrate.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Variable display 31 Game control board (main board)
34 Information Output Circuit 36 Display Drive Circuit 56 CPU
60 Microcomputer for game control 67 Output buffer circuit 77 Centralized relay board 80 Production control board 101 Production control microcomputer

Claims (12)

A player plays a game by launching a game medium into the game area, and after a predetermined variable display execution condition is established, a plurality of types of special identification information can be changed based on the establishment of the variable display start condition. A special variable display device for starting display and deriving and displaying the display result, and transitioning to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player based on the specific display result being derived and displayed on the special variable display device;
Due to the establishment of the specific transition condition, the specific advantageous state is a state in which the probability that the display result of the variable display of the special identification information is the specific display result is improved compared to the normal state different from the specific gaming state. A gaming machine to be transferred,
A game control microcomputer for executing a game control process for controlling the progress of the game;
A game control board equipped with the game control microcomputer;
A decoration variable display device that variably displays a plurality of types of decoration identification information that can identify each of them;
A decoration display control microcomputer for controlling the decoration variable display device based on a control signal from the game control microcomputer;
A decoration display control board equipped with the decoration display control microcomputer;
A relay board for relaying a signal output from the game control board to the decoration display control board,
The game control microcomputer is:
End condition determining means for determining whether or not the end condition of the specific advantageous state is satisfied;
A specification that shifts from the normal state to the specific advantageous state when the specific transition condition is satisfied, and shifts from the specific advantageous state to the normal state when the end condition determination unit determines that the end condition is satisfied. Advantageous state control means;
Special variable display control means for performing control to output a drive signal to a light emitter provided in the special variable display device in order to variably display the special identification information;
Specific numerical value updating means for updating specific numerical data used for determining whether or not the display result of the variable display of the special identification information is the specific display result, within a predetermined numerical range;
Execution condition determination means for determining whether an execution condition for variable display of the special identification information is satisfied;
Extracting means for extracting the specific numerical data updated by the specific numerical value updating means on condition that the execution condition determining means determines that the execution condition is satisfied;
Based on the specific numerical data extracted by the extraction means, prior determination means for determining whether or not the display result of the special variable display device is a specific display result;
Control signal transmission means for transmitting a variable display instruction signal for instructing execution of variable display of the decoration identification information to the decoration variable display device based on the determination result of the prior determination means,
The decoration display control microcomputer includes:
Display content determination means for uniquely determining at least a part of display content to be displayed on the decoration variable display device based on the variable display instruction signal;
A game machine comprising: decoration variable display control means for controlling the decoration variable display device according to the display content determined by the display content determination means and executing variable display of the decoration identification information. The game end condition determination result notifying means for notifying the determination result of whether or not the end condition by the end condition determining means is satisfied,
The game control microcomputer
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a game end condition determination result notification control unit that controls the game end condition determination result notification unit to output a drive signal to perform the notification. The pre-determination means is
Performing a pre-determination process for determining whether the display result of the special variable display device is the specific display result before the start of the variable display,
In the pre-determination process, when the specific numerical data extracted by the extraction means matches one of the pre-stored specific determination values when in the specific advantageous state than when in the normal state The display result of the special variable display device is determined to be the specific display result,
The end condition determining means determines whether or not an end condition for the specific advantageous state is satisfied before the prior determination means performs the prior determination process.
The pre-determination unit performs the pre-determination process using a specific determination value in a normal state or a specific determination value in a specific advantageous state according to a determination result of the end condition determination unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2. Due to the establishment of a special transition condition different from the specific transition condition, the state is shifted to a special advantageous state, which is a state in which the variable display period of the variable display of the special identification information a predetermined number of times is shortened compared to the normal state,
Due to the establishment of the specific transition condition, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the special identification information in the predetermined period including the period shorter than the predetermined number of times is the specific display result is compared with that in the normal state and the special advantageous state. A gaming machine that shifts to a specific advantageous state that is an improved state,
Advantageous state priority control means for shifting to the specific advantageous state when both the special transition condition and the specific transition condition are satisfied,
When the advantageous state priority control means shifts to the specific advantageous state, the number setting means for setting the number of times of display that is the number of variable display of the special identification information that can be executed in the special advantageous state
Each time the variable display of the special identification information is executed, the number of times update means for updating the number of times of display,
When the end condition determining means determines that the end condition for the specific advantageous state is satisfied, the display count is an executable number indicating that variable display of the special identification information can be executed in the special advantageous state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising special advantageous state transition control means for transitioning to the special advantageous state on the condition of. The game control microcomputer
Variable display pattern determination for determining one of a plurality of types of variable display patterns including a first reach display mode and a second reach display mode as a variable display pattern of decoration identification information based on the determination result of the prior determination unit Having means,
The variable display pattern determination means is determined so that the probability that the specific display result is displayed is higher when the second reach display mode is executed than when the first reach display mode is executed. The variable display pattern is determined using the data, and when it is determined by the end determination means that the end condition is satisfied, the second reach display mode is determined at a higher rate than the first reach display mode. The gaming machine according to claim 4. An end condition determination result notifying means for effect for notifying the determination result of whether or not the end condition by the end condition determining means is satisfied,
The decoration display control microcomputer includes an effect end condition determination result notification control unit that controls the effect end condition determination result notification unit,
6. The production end condition determination result notification control unit causes the production end condition determination result notification unit to perform notification each time the variable display of the decoration identification information is executed a predetermined number of times. A gaming machine according to any of the above. Storage means capable of holding stored contents for a predetermined period after power supply to the gaming machine is stopped;
Data setting means for storing specific data indicating a specific advantageous state in the storage means when the specific advantageous state control means has shifted to the specific advantageous state;
A recovery state determination means for determining whether or not the specific data is stored in the storage means, based on the fact that a predetermined recovery condition is satisfied when power supply to the gaming machine is started;
When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming state is shifted to the specific advantageous state on the condition that the specific data is stored in the storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined recovery condition. A specific advantageous state control means at the start;
When it is determined by the recovery state determination means that the specific data is stored in the storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined recovery condition when power supply to the gaming machine is started And a starting specific advantageous state notification means for performing a predetermined notification,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the game control microcomputer and the decoration display control microcomputer each execute a common game effect regardless of whether or not they are in a specific advantageous state. . The decoration display control board has external input means for inputting a signal from a board provided in the gaming machine or a gaming device provided in the gaming machine separately from the gaming control board. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. The gaming device includes an operation means for selecting the type of performance by the performance device provided in the gaming machine,
The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the external input means receives an operation signal output by the operation means in response to an operation. The decorative display control board performs two-way communication with boards other than the game control board,
The gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the external input means receives a signal output from a board other than the game control board. Movable production means for performing a production operation by performing a predetermined operation within a predetermined movable range;
A position detecting means for detecting an operating position of the movable effect means;
The gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a position detection signal of the position detection means is input to the external input means. The game control board is provided with a first signal direction restricting means for blocking input of a signal from the relay board,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the relay board is provided with a second signal direction restricting means for blocking input of a signal from the decoration display control board.

Images