JP2006142112A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which achieves an increase in the time that the game control means is allowed to spend on the intrinsic game control by reducing the burden on the control on the side of the game control means. <P>SOLUTION: The game control board transmits the display control commands containing the variation time command for indicating the variation time of the figures, the display mode commands for indicating which the result of the display is, the variable probability display mode, the jackpot mode as non-variable probability display mode or the loss mode and the defining timing command to the display control board. The display control board determines the variation pattern based on the variation time commend while determining the replacement timing and the figures to be replaced and carries out the variation of the figures. Moreover, upon the reception of the defining timing command when the variation of the figures is restarted after a halt with those determined by the display control board itself, the result of the display is stopped and displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, or a slot machine. Specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine including a variable display device capable of updating and displaying a plurality of types of identification information.

  In this type of gaming machine, there is a gaming machine including a variable display device that can update and display (variable display) a plurality of types of identification information such as symbols. Such a gaming machine is advantageous to the player when, for example, the display result is derived and displayed after the variable display device starts variably, and the display result is in a predetermined display mode (for example, 777). It was configured to be controlled to a state (for example, a big hit state).

  In such a gaming machine, a display control means comprising a display control microcomputer for controlling the display state of the variable display device is changed from a game control means comprising a game control microcomputer for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine. A display control command for instructing the display control content of the variable display device is given. On the variable display control means side, the display state of the variable display device is controlled in accordance with the received display control command. In this type of gaming machine, the variable display device performs variable display by performing symbol replacement display to display predetermined identification information, or by performing some sort of notice display to entertain the player. The aspect was diversified.

  However, in this conventional gaming machine, management of display control such as display content determination in variable display is entrusted to the game control means side. For this reason, as the variable display mode in the variable display device is diversified, the control load on the effect display control surface of the game control means increases, for example, the display content needs to be commanded more finely. There is a problem that the processing time that the means can spend for other game controls is greatly limited. If the control load of the game control means increases in this way, there is a risk of adversely affecting the control of the game state.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to reduce the control burden on the game control means side and to increase the time that the game control means can spend on the original game control. Is to provide a machine.

The present invention described in claim 1 includes a variable display device capable of sequentially updating and displaying a plurality of types of identification information and deriving and displaying a display result of the update display of the identification information. A gaming machine that can be controlled in a state advantageous to the player when the display result of the update display becomes a predetermined specific display mode,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Display control of the variable display device, provided with an effect display control means for performing an update display of the identification information and an effect by an image,
The game control means includes
The variation time of the identification information, whether the display result of the update display of the identification information is the specific display mode, the display result of the update display of the identification information is the specific display mode, and Whether or not a specific display mode is a probability variation display mode indicating that the probability of being controlled to the specific gaming state is improved is determined based on an extracted value of a random counter, and the effect display control As a display control command for performing display control of the variable display device, a change time command indicating a change time of the identification information and a display result of the update display of the identification information become the probability change display mode. A display mode command indicating either the specific display mode but not the probability change display mode or the specific display mode is displayed to update the identification information. Transmits to the effect display control means when starting,
When the change time of the identification information notified to the effect display control means by the change time command has elapsed, a fixed time command indicating that it is a fixed time for deriving and displaying the display result of the update display of the identification information, Sending to the effect display control means separately from the variable time command,
Between the game control means and the effect display control means, information can be transmitted only in one direction from the game control means to the effect display control means,
The effect display control means includes:
Identification information determination means for uniquely determining the display result of the update display of the identification information based on the content indicated by the received display mode command;
In the stage before the display result of the update display of the identification information is derived and displayed, the replacement time for performing the replacement display control for displaying the replacement information to be replaced with the identification information of the replacement destination is displayed in the variable time command regardless of the order of the update display. And a replacement destination determining means for determining the replacement destination identification information corresponding to the display result of the update display of the identification information determined by the identification information determination means,
The effect display control means includes:
In accordance with the variation time indicated by the received variation time command, display control of the variable display device that sequentially updates and displays the identification information,
As the display control, re-update control for temporarily stopping the update display of the identification information, starting the update display of the identification information again, and then stopping and displaying the identification information as the display result determined by the identification information determination means Do
The effect display control means further includes a display identification information determination means for once determining display identification information to be displayed when the update display of the identification information is temporarily stopped in the re-update control,
The effect display control means causes the variable display device to display a display result of the update display of the identification information determined by the identification information determination means when the confirmation time command is received.

Effects of specific examples of means for solving the problem

  With respect to claim 1, the following effects can be obtained. In the effect display control means, the display identification information determining means once determines the display identification information to be displayed when the update display of the identification information is temporarily stopped in the re-update control. For this reason, the game control means does not have to once determine the display identification information in the re-update control performed by such an effect display control means, so that the processing burden on the display control in the game control means can be reduced. . Further, in the effect display control means, the replacement destination determination means replaces the identification information at the replacement destination before the derivation display of the display result of the identification information update display regardless of the order of update display. The replacement timing for performing replacement display control is determined based on the variable time command, and the identification information of the replacement destination is determined in accordance with the display result of the update display of the identification information determined by the identification information determining means. The For this reason, on the game control means side, it is not necessary to determine the replacement destination identification information in the replacement display performed by the effect display control means, so that the processing burden on the display control in the game control means can be further reduced. As a result of reducing the processing load related to the display control in the game control means, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of increasing the time that the game control means can spend on the original game control.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine. Any game machine including a variable display device capable of updating and displaying information is a target.

First Embodiment First, an overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the back. FIG.

  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 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the rear of the glass door frame 2. A game area 7 is provided in front of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, a variable display unit 9 made up of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) for variably displaying (updated display) a plurality of types of symbols (special symbols) as identification information, and a plurality of types of identification information And a variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 made up of 7-segment LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for variably displaying normal symbols. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 is provided with an image display area including three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol Various information including these three special symbols are displayed as images in the display area. On the side of the variable display device 8, a passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the start winning opening 14 through the ball exit 13. In the path between the passage gate 11 and the ball exit 13, there is a gate switch 12 that detects a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. Also, the winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the winning port switch 17. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  An opening / closing plate 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state) as an advantageous state for the player is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. In this embodiment, the opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The special winning opening is divided into a specific winning area (V zone) and a normal winning area, and among the winning balls led from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, the winning balls entering the specific winning area are counted V. It is detected by the switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. At the lower part of the variable display device 8, a start winning memory display 18 having four display portions for displaying the number of start winning balls that are winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 14 is provided. In this example, start winning balls are stored with an upper limit of four, and each time there is a start winning, the number of display units on which the start winning memory display 18 is lit is increased by one. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the lit display unit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning openings 19, 24. Around the left and right of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 blinking and displayed during the game, and at the bottom there is an outlet 26 for collecting hit balls that have not won. 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 game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided. In this example, a prize ball lamp 51 is provided in the vicinity of one speaker 27 so as to be turned on when the prize ball is paid out, and a ball-out lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the other speaker 27. Is provided. Further, FIG. 1 also shows a card unit 50 that is installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1 and enables a ball lending by inserting a prepaid card as a recording medium. The card unit 50 is provided with a card insertion / discharge port 155 for inserting and discharging a prepaid card.

  The hit ball launched from the hitting ball launching device passes through the hitting rail and enters the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passing gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is continuously changed. Further, when the hit ball enters the start winning opening 14 and is detected by the start opening switch 17, the symbol (special symbol) displayed on the variable display unit 9 is changed by scrolling if the variation of the symbol can be started ( Start variable display. If it is not in a state where the change of the symbol can be started, the start winning memory is increased by one. The start winning memory will be described in detail later. The variation of the symbols in the variable display unit 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of symbols at the time of stop is a combination of jackpot symbols, the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state (specific gaming state). That is, in the big hit gaming state, the opening / closing plate 20 is released until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls wins. When a hit ball enters the specific winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a right to continue is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (15 rounds).

  When the combination of symbols in the variable display portion 9 at the time of stop is a combination of jackpot symbols (probability variation jackpot symbols) with a probability variation, control is performed so that the probability of the next jackpot increases. That is, a special gaming state advantageous to the player, which is different from the specific gaming state, is a probability variation state (also referred to as a high probability state). Such a probability variation is generally sometimes abbreviated as “probability variation”.

  Further, when the stop symbol on the variable 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 variable 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.

  Next, the outline of the gaming operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. First, when a player inserts a prepaid card into the card insertion / discharge port 155 provided in the card unit 50 and performs a ball lending operation, the card balance recorded on the prepaid card is reduced by a predetermined amount and the reduction is made. A sufficient amount of pachinko balls are dispensed into the hitting ball supply tray 3. In this state, when the player turns the hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5, the pachinko balls in the hitting ball supply tray 3 are driven into the game area 7 one by one. If the pachinko ball driven into the game area 7 passes through the passing gate 11 and is detected by the gate switch 12, the variable indicator 10 performs a variable display operation, and the display result is predetermined specific identification information. In the case of (for example, 7), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 constituting the start winning opening 14 is opened for a predetermined time and becomes a first state advantageous to the player.

On the other hand, if a pachinko ball wins the start winning opening 14, the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 performs a variable display operation, and the display result is determined in a specific display mode (for example, a specific identification such as 777). In the case of a jackpot symbol consisting of a combination of information), a specific game state (a jackpot state) occurs, and the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is opened, which is a first state advantageous to the player. . This first state is terminated when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is awarded, whichever comes first, which is disadvantageous for the player. The second state is entered. If the hit ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus 19 in the first state wins the specific winning area (V zone) and is detected by the V count switch 22, the end of the first state of that time. After that, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again to be in the first state. The repeated continuation control in the state 1 can be executed up to 15 times.
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, as described above, the special symbol is variably displayed (variably displayed) on the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8, and then the display result of the special symbol is derived on the variable display unit 9. During such a variable display operation, a reach display mode (reach state, reach operation in reach state) may occur.

  Here, the reach display mode is a specific display mode (win display mode) even when the display control proceeds after the variable display device is variably started and the display result is reached before the display result is derived and displayed. A display state that does not deviate from the display condition, and is a display state for causing the player to think that the variable display mode is easily displayed when the display result of the variable display device has not yet been derived and displayed. Say. For example, the reach display mode includes a variable display device having a plurality of variable display units whose display states can be changed (updated display), and a display result of the variable display device is determined in a specific display mode ( In the gaming machine in which the gaming state is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the winning display mode has been achieved (or when a specific display mode is achieved), a part of the plurality of variable display units Is a condition in which the display mode of the variable display unit that has already been derived and displayed (including the temporary stop in the display state in which the shaking operation that has not been updated is performed) becomes the specific display mode at the stage where is not yet derived and displayed It also refers to a display mode that satisfies. The reach display mode is a display state at the time when the display control of the variable display device progresses to reach a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and before the display result is derived and displayed. Display mode when at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display units that are derived and displayed satisfy the condition for the specific display mode (for example, the left and right symbols are temporarily stopped and the middle symbol is displayed) Is a low-speed fluctuation, while the left symbol is stopped, while the right symbol is synchronized and the low-speed fluctuation, etc.), the plurality of the variable displays are maintained while maintaining a combination of the specific display modes. The state of performing variable display by the unit is also included in the reach display mode. Furthermore, some reach display modes are likely to generate big hits when they appear, compared to the normal reach display mode. Such a specific reach display mode is called super reach, and a normal reach display mode is called reach or normal reach.

  The above-mentioned hit display mode as the specific display mode is a display mode determined as a hit in the game. In addition to the above-mentioned big hit display mode, the following middle hit display mode and small hit mode are used. It is a display mode also including the display mode. Here, in the gaming machine in which the middle hit and the small hit control are performed in addition to the big hit control, for example, when a predetermined big hit display mode becomes a display result, a variable winning ball apparatus for up to 16 rounds. The winning prize opening of the variable winning ball apparatus for a maximum of one round is displayed when the predetermined winning opening is opened and a predetermined medium winning display form (display form different from the big winning and small winning display forms) is displayed. When the mouth is opened and a predetermined small display mode (display mode different from the big and middle wins) is the display result, the big winning port of the variable winning ball apparatus is opened for 10 seconds. For example, the degree of advantage for the player increases in the order of small hit, medium hit, and big hit.

  In addition, the contents of the game control performed when the winning display mode including the big hit, the middle hit, and the small hit is displayed as the display result of the variable display device (or on the condition that it is displayed) are as described above. It is not limited to the opening of such a variable winning ball apparatus (large winning opening). For example, a state that is advantageous for a player to be performed when the winning display mode is displayed as a display result of the variable display device (or on condition that it is displayed) is to open the variable winning ball device other than the big winning opening. (Expansion), in addition to opening the variable winning ball apparatus, or separately from the opening, increase the number of starting winnings that are effective (increase than in the case other than the winning state), the number of winning balls It may be increased (increased more than in the case other than the hit state). Further, the present invention is not limited to an advantageous state for the player. For example, game control may be performed in which issuance of a card (recording medium) that certifies that the player has won is performed alone or in combination.

  The relationship between the hit display mode as described above and the game control performed in response thereto includes the following. First, on the condition that the winning display mode is set, a game control corresponding to the winning display mode (where a specific gaming state occurs) is included as a relationship between the winning display mode and the game control. As an example, for example, the winning display (variable winning ball device) is first opened by the winning display mode, and the winning state is determined according to the ball that entered the winning opening entered a specific winning area. Those controlled by (specific game state) are included. In addition, when the winning display mode is reached, the game control corresponding to the winning display mode (where a specific gaming state occurs) is included as the relationship between the winning display mode and the game control. As an example, for example, it is controlled directly to a big hit state (specific game state) by becoming a hit display mode, and for winning to another start opening not involved in starting variable display of the variable display device In response to this, even if the big winning opening (variable winning ball apparatus) is opened and the ball that entered the big winning opening has won a specific winning area, it is controlled to be in the big hit state (specific gaming state).

  In this embodiment, a gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state corresponding to a big hit display mode when the big hit display mode is set is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is a small hit display mode, a middle hit display mode, a big hit display. It is applicable to a gaming machine having various hit display modes such as a mode, and a game machine in which game control according to the hit is performed when the hit display mode is achieved, or a win display mode is set As described above, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine having various types of control such as a gaming machine in which gaming control corresponding to a hit is performed.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
A mechanism plate 36 is provided on the back side of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. A ball tank 38 is provided on the upper portion of the mechanism plate 36, and pachinko balls are supplied to the ball tank 38 from above in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. The pachinko balls in the ball tank 38 are supplied to the ball dispensing device through the guide rod 39.

  The mechanism plate 36 includes a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display unit 9 via the relay board 30, a game control board (main board) 31 covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer, etc. A relay board 33 for relaying signals between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of pachinko balls and the like are mounted. Yes. Further, on the mechanism plate 36, a ball hitting device 34 for launching a hit ball to the game area 7 using the rotational force of the motor, and a lamp for sending a signal to the speaker 27 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c. A control board 35 is installed.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the game board 6 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as seen from the back. On the back surface of the game board 6, as shown in FIG. 3, a winning ball collective cover 40 is provided for guiding the winning balls that have won the winning holes and the winning ball devices along a predetermined winning path. The winning ball guided by the winning ball collective cover 40 is supplied to a winning ball processing device (not shown) for processing one winning ball. The winning ball processing device is provided with a winning ball detection switch 99 (see FIG. 4), and a detection signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the game control board 31. The game control board 31 generates a prize ball signal for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection signal, the detection signal of the start port switch 17, the detection signal of the V count switch 22, and the detection signal of the count switch 23. Output to the prize ball substrate 37. In the prize ball substrate 37, a ball dispensing device (not shown) is controlled based on the outputted prize ball signal to perform a control for dispensing a predetermined number of prize balls.

  Specifically, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out for each winning ball for the winning ball won through the opening / closing plate 20, and for each winning ball, for example, for the winning ball winning in the start winning opening 14. Six prize balls are paid out, and the prize balls won through the other prize opening 24 and the winning ball apparatus are controlled so that, for example, 10 prize balls are paid out for each prize ball.

  In order to control the payout of such three types of prize balls, the game control board 31 performs a control operation as follows. If the detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 is input, it is determined whether or not there is a detection signal from the start port switch 17 before the input. A prize ball number signal for issuing a payout command for the number of prize balls of “6” is output. On the other hand, when there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99 and there is a detection signal from the V count switch 22 or the count switch 23 before that, the game control board 31 has a prize ball of “15”. A signal indicating the number of prize balls is output to the prize ball substrate 37. Further, when there is a detection signal from the winning ball detection switch 99, if no detection signal has been input from any of the start port switch 17, V switch 22 and count switch 23 before that, game control is performed. The board 31 outputs a prize ball number signal to the prize ball board 37 for instructing the payout of the number of prize balls of “10”.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the game control board 31. 4 also shows a prize ball board 37, a lamp control board 35, a sound control board 70, a launch control board 91, and a display control board 80. The game control board 31 has a basic circuit 35 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, and a basic circuit for signals from the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23 and the winning ball detection switch 99. 53, a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening / closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 20 according to a command from the basic circuit 53, and lighting of the start memory display 18 It includes a lamp / LED circuit 60 that performs the light extinction and drives the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED and the decorative lamp 25.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used for starting the image display of the variable display unit 9, and the fact that the probability variation has occurred. An information output circuit 64 for outputting probability variation information and the like to a host computer such as a hall management computer is included.

  The basic circuit 53 performs a control operation in accordance with a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54 for storing a game control (game control) program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 55 used as a work memory, and a control program. A central processing unit (CPU) 56 and an input / output (I / O) port 57 are included. Note that the ROM 54 and RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56. The basic circuit 53 repeatedly executes the game control program stored in the ROM 54 periodically (for example, every 2 msec) from the top in accordance with the timer interrupt. Such a timer interrupt is provided in the basic circuit 53.

  Further, the game control board 31 decodes an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on, and an address signal given from the basic circuit 53 to either I / O port 57. An address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the / O port is provided.

  Note that there is switch information that is input from the ball payout device 97 to the game control board 31, but these are omitted in FIG.

  A ball striking device for projecting and firing a hit ball (striking and firing) is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on the firing control board 91. Then, the driving force of the drive motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

  A display control command as command information for instructing display control of the variable display device 8 (particularly, the variable display unit 9) is transmitted from the basic circuit 53 in the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. The display control board 80 performs display control according to the received display control command. Further, a voice control command as command information for commanding voice control is transmitted from the basic circuit 53 in the game control board 31 to the voice control board 70. The voice control board 70 performs voice control according to the received voice control command. Further, a lamp control command as command information for instructing control of various lamps / LEDs is transmitted from the basic circuit 53 in the game control board 31 to the lamp control board 35. The lamp control board 35 controls various lamps / LEDs according to the received lamp control command.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with a CRT 82 which is an example of realization of the variable display unit 9 and an output buffer circuit (output driver) 63 of the game control board 31. The display control CPU 101 includes a calculation unit (not shown) that performs calculation processing, a control unit (not shown) that performs control processing, a register, and the like, and includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores information. It operates according to a program stored in the ROM 102. The display control CPU 101, from the game control board 31 via the input buffer circuit 105a in the input buffer circuit 105, an INT signal as a display control signal for interrupting, a display control command as a command for instructing display control content, Receive. When the INT signal is input, the display control CPU 101 enters an interrupt operation state and takes in a display control command. The output buffer 63 of the game control board 31 is a circuit that inputs a signal from the output port of the basic circuit 53 and outputs the signal from the game control board 31 to the outside, but is unidirectional (from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80). The signal is transmitted only in the direction toward

  Then, the display control CPU 101 performs display control of an image displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the fetched display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to a VDP (Video Display Processor) 103. VDP 103 reads necessary data from character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 according to the read data, and stores the image data in a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 87. The image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals (RGB signals), and is converted from digital signals to analog signals by the D / A conversion circuit 104 to the CRT 82. Is output.

  FIG. 5 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, animal, or an image made up of characters, figures, symbols, or the like displayed on the CRT 82.

  The input buffer 105 a in the input buffer circuit 105 can pass (transmit) signals only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the display control board 80 side to the game control board 31 side by the input buffer 105a. Further, the output buffer 63 provided on the game control board 31 can pass (transmit) signals only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 as described above. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the outside such as the display control board 80 side to the game control board 31 side by the output buffer 63. For this reason, even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the display control board 80, the output buffer 63 does not transmit the signal output by the unauthorized modification to the game control board 31 side. As described above, the transmission of information between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 is performed from the game control board 31 (particularly the basic circuit 53) by the functions of the output buffer 63 and the input buffer 105a. Since this is performed based on one-way communication of information to the display control CPU 101), illegal control of the basic circuit 53 on the game control board 31 by input of illegal data from the display control board 80 side to the game control board 31 side. The operation can be prevented as much as possible. Further, by providing buffers on the output side of the game control board 31 and the input side of the display control board 80, unidirectional signal transmission (transmission) communication can be made more reliable.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission part of the voice control command in the game control board 31 and a configuration example of the voice control board 70. In this embodiment, a voice control command for instructing voice output from the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 is output from the game control board 31 to the voice control board 70 as the game progresses.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the voice control command is output from the output port (output port E) 575 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53. In the sound control board 70, each signal from the game control board 31 is input to the sound control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuit 705. When the audio control CPU 701 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 705 and the audio control CPU 701. Then, for example, the voice synthesis circuit 702 using a digital signal processor generates voice and sound effects according to instructions from the voice control CPU 701, and outputs them to the volume switching circuit 703. The volume switching circuit 703 sets the output level of the audio control CPU 701 to a level corresponding to the set volume and outputs the level to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplifier circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

  As the input buffer circuit 705, 74HC244, which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Integrated Circuit), is used. A low level (GND (GROUND) level) is always applied to the enable terminal of the 74HC244. Therefore, the output level of each buffer is fixed to the input level, that is, the signal level from the game control board 31. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the voice control board 70 side to the game control board 31 side. Therefore, even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the audio control board 70, a signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side.

  In the game control board 31, an output buffer circuit 71 is provided outside the output port 575. As the output buffer circuit 71, for example, a general-purpose CMOS-IC 74HC244 is used. The enable terminal of 74HC244 is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, it is possible to further reliably eliminate a signal line from which a signal may be given to the game control board 31 from the outside.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing various random counters used for generating random numerical values (random numbers) used for control of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In FIG. 7, random counters for generating random numbers of R1, R2-1, R2-2, R2-3, R3, R4, and R5 are shown as examples of the random counter.

  R1 is a random counter used to determine (determine) whether or not to generate a big hit state (or may indicate the big hit determination random number itself), and each timer interrupt (specifically, described later) Every 0.002 seconds), the addition is updated one by one, the addition is updated from 0, the addition is updated up to the upper limit of 249, and then the addition is updated from 0 again.

  R2-1, R2-2, and R2-3 are random numbers that are used to predetermine the left, middle, and right off symbols that are stopped and displayed by the variable display unit 9 when they are out of place (when they are not big hits). It is a counter (or a random number for determining a missing symbol itself may be indicated).

  R2-1 is for left symbol determination, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added up to 11 which is the upper limit thereof. R2-1 is incremented by 1 for each timer interrupt (every 0.002 seconds) and for each extra interrupt processing time. Here, the interrupt processing surplus time is the surplus time until the next timer interrupt is generated after the interrupt routine of FIG. 9 to be described later is executed, and this surplus time is used. Addition processing is executed in an infinite loop according to step S4 in FIG.

  R2-2 is for medium symbol determination, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added up to 11 which is the upper limit thereof. R2-2 is incremented by one for each carry of R2-1.

  R2-3 is for determining the right symbol, is added from 0 and is added up to 11 which is the upper limit thereof, and is added again from 0. R2-3 is incremented by one for each carry of R2-2.

  R3 is a random counter (or a jackpot symbol determination random number itself may be used) used to determine a stop symbol at the time of jackpot pre-determination (the stop symbol having the same left, middle and right). Each time it is updated (specifically, every 0.002 seconds), it is incremented and updated one by one. From 0, it is added and updated up to 11, which is the upper limit, and then it is updated again from 0.

  R4 is a random counter (or a reach determination random number itself) that is used to determine whether or not to display the reach state in the fluctuation display at the time of advance determination. Every .002 seconds) and every interruption processing surplus time, 1 is added, and the addition is updated from 0, and the addition is updated to 1530 which is the upper limit, and then the addition is updated from 0 again.

  R5 is a random counter used for determining the type of reach (reach display mode) in the reach state (or the reach type determining random number itself may be indicated), and for each timer interrupt (0.002 seconds). 1) for each interruption processing surplus time, and is added and updated from 0 to 18 which is the upper limit, and then added and updated again from 0. In the case of this embodiment, three types of reach (reach 1 to reach 3) having different fluctuation times (the time from the start of symbol change to the final display of stop symbols) are provided and selectively executed. .

  In the random counter shown above, data is extracted at random timing (for example, when a start prize is generated) in accordance with the establishment of the extraction condition defined for each counter. Thereby, the data extracted from each random counter becomes a random value (random value).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, data indicating the relationship between the value of the random counter R5 for determining the reach type and the type of reach to be selected, according to the state of hit failure.

  In FIG. 8, when the hit-out state is a big hit (hit in the figure), -2 frames are shifted, -1 frames are shifted, +1 frames are shifted, +2 frames are shifted, and a large shift is lost. In this case, there are six states. Here, -2 to +2 frame deviation is a kind of display result of deviation and indicates how many frames the stop symbol of the middle symbol is shifted from the reach symbol (the symbol that the left and right symbols match). Is. The number of frames in this case is the number of symbols, and one symbol of the symbol difference between the reach symbol and the middle symbol (the difference in symbol numbers on the symbol arrangement described later) is represented as one frame. The symbol number of the reach symbol is regarded as the reference value “0”, the direction in which the number decreases from the symbol number serving as the reference value is represented by “−”, and the direction in which the number increases is represented by “+”. . Therefore, for example, +2 frames out of position refers to a state where the stop symbol of the middle symbol is out of +2 frames from the reach symbol. Further, the large deviation means a deviated state in which the stop symbol of the middle symbol is displaced from the reach symbol by more than ± 2 frames (± 3 frames or more).

  Referring to FIG. 8, the types of reach that can be selected and the numerical range of R5 from which each reach is selected are shown for each state from hit to large. The type of reach is selected and determined in a different distribution manner for each hit state, and the type of reach corresponding to the value of R5 extracted at a predetermined timing is determined as the type of reach to be displayed. For example, in the case of big hit and deviation of ± 1, all of reach 1 to reach 3 may occur. On the other hand, reach 1 and reach 2 may occur when the frames are out of ± 2 frames and out of frame. FIG. 8 shows the range of R5 corresponding to each type of reach corresponding to each state. For example, in the case of big hit, reach 1 is selected when the value of R5 is 0-2, reach 2 is selected when the value of R5 is 3-7, and reach 3 is selected when the value of R5 is 8-18. Is done. Thus, in the case of a big hit, the type of reach is set to be easily selected in the order of reach 3, reach 2, and reach 1. On the other hand, in the case of disengagement, the reach type is set to be easily selected in the order of reach 1, reach 2, and reach 3. For this reason, when the reach 3 is displayed, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation for the occurrence of a big hit, for example, to entertain the player, and to improve the fun of variable display.

  Next, control executed by the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main processing and interrupt processing executed by the basic circuit 53. In FIG. 9, (a) shows a flowchart of the main program, and (b) shows a flowchart of the interrupt processing program.

  Referring to (a) of FIG. 9, in the main process, first, a process of setting the clock monitor control register to the clock monitor enable is performed in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1. This is preparation for the initialization process. Next, the process proceeds to S2, and a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer is performed. Specifically, processing for setting 00FFH to the stack pointer is performed. In step S3, system check processing is performed. This system check process is a process for initialization. It is determined whether or not an error is included in the RAM 55 of the basic circuit 53. If an error is included, the RAM 55 is initialized. It is processing. Further, in the system check process, a process of setting a timer interruption time (for example, 0.002 seconds) for designating timing for executing an interruption process described later in the CPU 56 is performed. As a result, timing for designating the execution timing of the first interrupt process after reset due to power-on or the like is started.

  Next, a display random number update process for determining in advance the symbols to be stopped by the variable display unit 9 is performed in S4. In S4, the repetitive display random number is updated by an infinite loop. Specifically, addition processing is performed for R2-1, R4, and R6 of the random counter described above. The repetitive execution of the infinite loop of S4 is paused at the position in execution of the program constituting the process of S4 when an interrupt process described later is started, and when the interrupt process ends. Execution resumes from the position of the paused program.

  Next, referring to FIG. 9B, in the interrupt process, the timer value for the timer interrupt managed by the CPU 56 is set to a set value (timer interrupt time set in S2: specifically, Execution is started every time (0.002 seconds).

  In the interrupt processing routine shown in FIG. 9B, first, a process for setting display control data is performed in S5. This display control data is data of a display control command as command data for controlling the display of the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8. Details of the display control command will be described later.

  Next, the control advances to S6, and processing for transmitting the display control data (command data) set in S5 to the display control board 80 is performed.

  Next, in S7, processing for transmitting predetermined command data for generating sound and controlling LED lighting is performed to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70, and the jackpot information, start information, probability is transmitted to the hall management computer. Data output processing for transmitting data such as fluctuation information is performed. These output data are set by S9. Next, the process proceeds to S8, and a process is performed for timing operation of a lamp timer for controlling lighting or blinking of various lamps and LEDs. Next, the process proceeds to S9, in which predetermined command data for generating sound and LED lighting control for transmission to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70 is set, and jackpot information for transmission to the hall management computer, starting Processing for setting information, probability variation information, and the like is performed.

  Next, proceeding to S10, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by a self-diagnosis function provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an error process is performed in which an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result. Next, the process proceeds to S11, and processing for updating various random numbers for determination used for game control, that is, a random counter is performed. In S11, specifically, R1, R4, and R5 are counted up (one addition).

  Next, the process proceeds to S12 and special symbol process processing is performed. The special symbol process process is a process in which a 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 process proceeds to S13, where the normal symbol process is performed. In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable 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 control advances to S14, and the switch processing for inputting the states of the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the count switch 23, the V count switch 22 and the like and determining whether or not each winning port or variable winning ball apparatus has been won. Is done. Next, the process proceeds to S15, where sound processing for generating a predetermined sound from the speaker 27 is performed.

  Next, in S16, a process for updating the display random number is performed. This display random number is specifically a process for adding and updating R2-1 and R3 for symbol determination by "1". Next, the process proceeds to S17, where a winning ball signal process is performed to output a prize ball number signal to the prize ball substrate 37 and issue a prize ball payout control command when a winning ball is won. The prize ball substrate 37 receives the prize ball number signal and controls the ball dispensing device 97 to dispense the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball number signal.

  Next, in S18, a timer interruption time setting process is performed. In S18, a process for setting the timer interruption time (for example, 0.002 seconds) as described above is performed in the same manner as in S3. After S18, this interrupt process ends. As a result, at the end of this interrupt process, the timer interrupt time is set by S18, and the timing for defining the execution timing of the next interrupt process is started. Therefore, the time for timer interruption is counted every time the interruption process is completed, and the interruption process is executed every time the timer interruption time elapses thereafter. When this interrupt process is completed, the execution of the main process program described above is resumed from the position where it was temporarily stopped.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline for performing the jackpot control of the pachinko gaming machine 1. First, the count number of the random counter R1 that counts in the range of 0 to 249 is extracted.

  In normal times other than high probability, when the extracted value is “3”, it is determined in advance that a jackpot will be generated, and data is extracted from R3, and the jackpot displayed on the variable display unit 9 based on the extracted value. The symbol is determined. On the other hand, when the extracted value of R1 is other than “3”, the loss is determined in advance, data is extracted from R2-1, R2-2, and R2-3 and displayed on the variable display unit 9 based on the extracted value. The off-line design is determined. Here, if the determined outlier symbol is accidentally a symbol of a doublet, “1” is added to the extracted value of R2-2, and display control is forcibly made into a disjoint symbol.

  On the other hand, when the probability is high, it is determined that the big hit state is generated when the extracted value of R1 is 3, 7, 79, 103, 107. On the other hand, when the random 1 extracted value is other than 3, 7, 79, 103, 107 at the high probability, the deviation is determined in advance.

  Next, a method for determining a symbol variably displayed on the variable display unit 9 based on a winning at the start winning opening 14 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the basic circuit 53 in order to determine that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14.

  First, in S41, it is determined whether or not there is a hitting hit to the start winning opening 14. If the hit ball has not won the start winning opening 14, a NO determination is made in S41, and this routine ends. On the other hand, if the hit ball wins the start winning opening 14 and the detection signal is input from the start opening switch 17, a determination of YES is made in S41 and the process proceeds to S42, and the start winning memorized number becomes “4”. A determination is made whether or not. If the starting winning memory number is already “4”, which is the upper limit, no more memory can be stored, so the routine ends as it is. On the other hand, if the start winning memory is not “4”, there is still room to store, so the process proceeds to S43, and the start winning memory number is incremented and updated by “1”.

  Next, the process proceeds to S44, where the value of the jackpot determination random number (R1) is extracted and stored in the random value storage area corresponding to the number of start winnings stored. The RAM 55 of the basic circuit 53 is provided with four random value storage areas (also referred to as special symbol determination banks) corresponding to the start winning memorization numbers 1 to 4, and the jackpots extracted according to the start winning prizes are provided. The determination random number is processed in S44 so that the random number for determination is stored in the random value storage area (special symbol determination bank) corresponding to the starting winning number. Note that the four random number storage areas described above specifically refer to the four storage areas from the random value storage areas 0 to 3, in which the jackpot determination random number (R1) is stored in order from the random value storage area 0. Go.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the basic circuit 53 in order to determine a stop symbol at the time of variable display of the variable display unit 9.

  Referring to FIG. 12, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of start winning prizes stored in the special symbol process of S12 described above (S50). If the starting winning memory number is not 0, the value of R1 stored in the random number storage area (area 0) corresponding to the starting winning memory number = 1 is read (S51), and the value of the starting winning memory number is set. The value in each random value storage area is shifted by 1 (S52). That is, the value of R1 stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the random value storing area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = n−1. Store.

  Then, based on the value read in S51, that is, the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number (R1), the CPU 56 makes a jackpot or loses it by the process described with reference to FIG. Is determined (determined) (S53).

  When it is determined (determined) as a big hit, the CPU 56 extracts the value of the big hit symbol determining random number (R3), and determines the planned stop symbol for the big hit based on the value. Here, if the limiter is in operation, it is stored in advance to select only a symbol (non-probable variable symbol) that does not include a combination of symbols (probable variable symbol) that causes a probability variation according to the value of the jackpot symbol determining random number (R3). Using the data of the non-probable variable symbol table (table data in which R1 is associated with the non-probable variable symbol), the corresponding jackpot stop symbol at the time of non-probable variable is extracted from the extracted value of the jackpot symbol determining random number (R3). Determine (S54, S56). Here, the limiter is for limiting the occurrence of big hits due to the probability variation pattern, that is, the continuous high probability state. For example, when the high probability state continues four times in succession, the limiter is activated. Therefore, in the limiter operating state, the scheduled stop symbol is determined using the non-probable variable symbol table. On the other hand, if the limiter is not operating, the big hit stop symbol is determined using the data of the table including all symbols (S54, S55).

  Further, the CPU 56 extracts a reach type determination random number (R5), and determines the type of reach (reach display mode) as described above based on the extracted value. This is because reach (reach display mode) is always performed when a big hit occurs.

  On the other hand, if it is determined to be out of step S53, the CPU 56 extracts the value of the reach determination random number (R4), and determines whether or not to reach based on the extracted value (S58). . For example, if the extracted value of the reach determination random number (R4) is any one of “105 to 1530”, it is determined that the reach is not set. On the other hand, when the extracted value is any one of “0 to 104”, it is determined to reach. When it is determined to reach, the CPU 56 determines the reach symbol as follows.

  In this embodiment, when the reach is determined at the time of determination of the deviation, the scheduled stop symbols of the left and right symbols are determined according to the value of R2-1 (S59). As a result, the left and right symbols are matched and a reach symbol is set. Then, according to the value of R2-2, the planned stop symbol of the middle symbol is determined (S60). That is, when the reach state is set at the time of disconnection, any symbol corresponding to the values 0 to 11 of R2-1 and R2-2 is determined as the scheduled stop symbol. Here, when the determined middle symbol coincides with the left and right symbols by chance, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the extracted value of R2-2 is determined as the planned stop symbol of the middle symbol. Thereby, the combination of the stop symbol in the case of the reach at the time of detachment is prevented from being a combination of the big hit symbol.

  Further, the CPU 56 extracts a reach type determination random number (R5), and determines the reach type as described above based on the extracted value.

  On the other hand, when it is determined not to reach in S58 described above, the CPU 56 determines the left and right scheduled stop symbols according to the respective values of R2-1 to R2-3 (S61). As will be described later, in the case of this embodiment, in a high probability state, a variation pattern with a shortened variation time is used as a variation pattern at the time of loss. Therefore, in the case of a high probability state, the CPU 56 uses a predetermined random number (a value extracted by a predetermined random counter) or the like to determine whether to use a normal fluctuation pattern or a shortened fluctuation pattern. decide.

  As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the variation of the symbol based on the start winning is to be the big hit, the reach mode, or the outlier, and the combination of the left, middle and right stop symbols is determined. Is done.

  Note that the types of reach determined in S57 described above are divided into three types based on the length of the variable display period (variable display period). As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, one of reach of 19.5 seconds, reach 2 of 14.5 seconds, and reach 3 of 29.5 seconds is used as the type of reach. Therefore, when the type of reach is determined in S57, the variable display period is automatically determined.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program for the special symbol process shown in S12. This special symbol process is controlled so that one of the ten types of processing from S300 to S309 is executed according to the value of the special symbol process flag. In S300 to S309, the following processing is executed.

  Special symbol variation waiting process (S300): Waits for the hitting ball to enter the start winning port 14 (in this embodiment, the winning port of the variable winning ball device 15) and the start port switch 17 to be turned on. When the start opening switch 17 is turned on, if the start winning memorized number is not full, the start winning memorized number is updated by adding “1” and a big hit determination random number is extracted. That is, the process shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

  Special symbol determination process (S301): When the variable symbol display can be started, the number of start winning prizes is confirmed. If the start winning memorized number is not 0, it is determined whether to win or not according to the extracted value of the jackpot determination random number. That is, processing corresponding to S50 to S53 shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

  Stop symbol setting process (S302): The stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols is determined. That is, processing corresponding to S54 to S56, S59 to S61, etc. shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

  Reach operation setting process (S303): Whether or not to perform reach display is determined according to the determination result of whether or not it is a big hit, the value of the random number for reach determination, and the like. The type of reach is determined according to the value. That is, processing corresponding to S58, S57, etc. shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

  All symbol variation start processing (S304): Control is performed so that variation of all symbols is started in the variable display unit 9. At this time, by the display control data output process of S5 described above, a change time command for instructing a change time (including a change type such as a reach type) as a display control command to the display control board 80, Three stop symbol commands of left, middle, and right that respectively command the scheduled stop symbol (final stop symbol) are transmitted.

  All symbols stop waiting process (S305): When a predetermined time has elapsed, control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display unit 9 are stopped. Also, control is performed so that the left and right symbols are stopped at a predetermined timing until the timing of all symbols stop.

  Big hit display processing (S306): When the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, control is performed so that a display control command for big hit display is transmitted to the display control board 80, and the internal state (process flag) is set to step S307. Update to transition to. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309. The jackpot symbol combination is a combination of right and left middle symbols. Further, the display control CPU 101 of the game control board 80 performs a big hit display on the variable display unit 9 according to the data of the display control command. The jackpot display is made to notify the player of the occurrence of the jackpot.

  Big winning opening opening process (S307): 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.

  Processing for opening the winning a prize opening (S308): Control for transmitting display control command data for the winning prize round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming that the closing condition for the winning a prize opening is satisfied, and the like. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to S307 if the end condition for the big hit gaming state is not satisfied. If the big hit gaming state termination condition is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to S309.

  Big hit end process (S309): A display for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. When this display is completed, the internal flag or the like is returned to the initial state, and the internal state is updated to shift to S300.

  As described above, when a hitting ball is won at the start winning opening 14, the basic circuit 53 determines whether to win or not in the special symbol process in step S11 (see FIG. 9), and determines a stop symbol. Then, the variable display period is determined, and the display control command and the INT signal corresponding to the determination are output to the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 on the display control board 80 side performs display control of the variable display unit 9 in accordance with a display control command from the game control board 31.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the middle left and right symbols used in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the types of symbols variably displayed as the special symbols in the left and right are the same in the left and right, and “1” to “ten”, “clogs”, and 12 patterns of “rice ball”. In these symbols, symbol numbers 1 to 12 are defined in order from “one” to “rice ball”. These types of symbols are displayed in the order of symbol numbers at the time of variable display, and when the symbol (rice ball) of symbol number 12 is displayed, the symbol (1) of symbol number 1 is displayed next. Then, when the left and right middle symbols are stopped together with, for example, “one”, “three”, “five”, “seven”, “nine”, or “geta”, a high probability state is set. That is, a symbol that is in such a high probability state is a probability variation symbol.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a background screen (image) displayed as a background of a special symbol in the variable display unit 9 used in this embodiment. In this example, (A) Dojo (also referred to as in the room), (B) Flash, (C) Aura, and (D) Smoke background are used. Further, the display shown in FIG. 15E shows an example of a demonstration screen displayed when the gaming machine is not playing a game. Here, the background means a display screen image of a portion excluding a special symbol image, which is mainly a back screen for the symbol among images displayed in the image display area of the variable display unit 9.

  FIGS. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of characters displayed on the variable display unit 9 used in this embodiment. Here, the character refers to an image representing a person, an animal, or an object displayed on the variable display device 4. In this example, a plurality of different types of characters (A) character A, (B) character B, and (C) character C are used. The character A is also used as a character for reach notice (reach notice display). Here, the reach notice means notifying that there is a possibility that a reach will occur before the reach occurs. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of reach notice modes. For example, when the character A is displayed so that its eyes shine (reach notice 1) or when the character A is noticed by blowing (reach notice 2), the reach notice is given. Has been done. The character A is also used as a character for establishing reach. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the character A is displayed such that the foot of the character A kicks the right symbol and the left and right symbols are stopped at the same symbol. Done.

  Further, during the reach operation, the characters A, B, and C are displayed so as to make a jackpot notice (a jackpot notice display) by blowing. Here, the jackpot notice means notifying that there is a possibility that a jackpot will occur before the jackpot occurs. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of jackpot notice modes (jackets 1 and 2). The mode of the jackpot notice 1 is used by itself, but the mode of the jackpot notice 2 is not used by itself, and is displayed when a predetermined time elapses after the jackpot notice 1 is displayed.

  In this embodiment, two modes are used for each of the reach notice and the jackpot notice, but more types may be used. Further, in this embodiment, the advance notice is made by the blowing of the character, but the advance notice form may be any form as long as the player can recognize the advance notice. For example, the advance notice may be based on a character action different from normal or a pattern variation different from normal. Furthermore, the notice used when the probability of a big hit in the probability variation symbol is high may be a probability change big hit notice. The notice may be divided into a notice with a high probability that a big hit will occur and a notice with a low probability that a big hit will occur, and the notice with the lower probability may be defined as a reach notice.

  Here, the relationship between the background and the character will be described. As described above, the background and the character may be different images, and the character may be included in the background. In the case of the background, it means the display screen image that is mainly the back screen with respect to the design and excludes the design, but in the case of the character, it is not limited to what is drawn on the background, but before the design (upward). It may be displayed in the meaning of overlapping).

  Note that it is desirable that the character used here is animated (animated), particularly a person or the like that moves. That is, movements such as limb movement, running, jumping, etc. are visually appealing. For the same reason, it is desirable to use an object even if it has an action such as moving.

  When the display control CPU 101 on the display control board 80 receives the display control command from the game control board 31, the display and the character that is determined in advance for each variation type specified by the display control command are displayed on the screen. Take control. Note that the background and the character are switched at a predetermined timing, and these are also controlled by the display control CPU 101 independently.

  FIGS. 18-21 is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the display control command transmitted to the display control board 80 from the game control board 31 used by this embodiment. In this example, one display control command is composed of 2 bytes (CMD1, CMD2).

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation time command capable of specifying a variation display time and variation type in variation display of a special symbol, and an all symbol stop command for instructing stop (definite display) of all symbols.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the value “80H” of data CMD1 in the first byte specifies that the data is a variable time command or all symbols stop command data. Then, the value of the second byte data CMD2 designates the display content of the variation type in the case of the variation time command, and designates that all symbol variation is stopped in the case of the all symbol variation stop command. Data whose second byte data is “00H” to “16H” is a variable time command, and data whose second byte data is “17H” is an all symbols stop command.

  As the display contents designated by the second byte data of the fluctuation time command, the fluctuation time of the special symbol and its fluctuation type are designated. For example, one of 7.8S, 6.9S, 19.5S, 24.5S, and 29.5S is designated as the specified variation time.

  In the case of the fluctuation time 7.8S, a normal deviation type is designated. In the case of the variation time 6.9S, the variation type of all symbol variation performed at the time of probability variation is designated.

  When the variation time is 19.5S, the variation type of reach 1 is designated. In the case of reach 1, the variation types of “−2 frame out of alignment”, “−1 frame out of alignment”, “hits”, “+1 frame out of alignment”, “+2 frame out of alignment”, and “large out of alignment” are selectively designated. . When the variation time is 24.5S, the variation type of reach 2 is designated. In the case of reach 2, the variation types of “−2 frame out of alignment”, “−1 frame out of alignment”, “hits”, “+1 frame out of alignment”, “+2 frame out of alignment”, and “large out of alignment” are selectively designated. . In the case of the fluctuation time 29.5S, the fluctuation type of reach 3 is designated. In the case of reach 3, the variation types of “−1 frame miss”, “hit”, and “+1 frame miss” are selectively designated.

  The control data ROM 102 on the display control board 80 side stores display control data for displaying the variation time and variation type specified by each variation time command, and the variation time and variation type specified by the variation time command. Display control is performed according to the above.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, a left stop symbol command as a display control command for designating a stop symbol related to the left symbol. As shown in FIG. 19, 12 types of left stop symbols (“one” to “rice ball”) can be designated by a display control command composed of 2-byte data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the data CMD1 of the first byte is “8B (H)”, and the value of the data CMD2 of the second byte is in the range of “00 (H)” to “0B (H)”. Can take the value of

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a medium stop symbol command as a display control command for designating a stop symbol related to the medium symbol in a table format. As shown in FIG. 20, twelve kinds of medium stop symbols (“one” to “rice ball”) can be designated by a display control command composed of 2-byte data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the data CMD1 of the first byte is “8C (H)”, and the value of the data CMD2 of the second byte is in the range of “00 (H)” to “0B (H)”. Can take the value of

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing, in a table format, a right stop symbol command as a display control command for designating a stop symbol related to the right symbol. As shown in FIG. 21, twelve types of right stop symbols (“one” to “rice ball”) can be designated by a display control command composed of 2-byte data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the data CMD1 of the first byte is “8D (H)”, and the value of the data CMD2 of the second byte is in the range of “00 (H)” to “0B (H)”. Can take the value of

  Note that, when the variable time is specified by a command, the variable time itself may be specified as a command instead of specifying by the CMD2 data number. For example, when the variation time is 10 seconds, “0AH” that designates the time may be CMD2. In other words, the command for determining only the variation time may be determined by the display control board 80 (the display control CPU 101) with respect to the variation content within the variation time, or one variation per one variation time. The contents may be associated with each other.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing display control commands transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, the display control command is transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 via the eight signal lines for the display control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80, a signal line for the INT signal, + 5V and + 12V supply lines that serve as a power source for the display control board 80, and a ground level (GND) are supplied. These signal lines are also wired.

  FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of the transmission timing of the display control command given from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. In this example, the display control data of 2 bytes (CMD1, CMD2) constituting the data of the display control command is a timer interrupt of the basic circuit 53 (in the figure, a periodic interrupt that defines the timer interrupt timing in the figure). 2 bytes are transmitted during 2 ms, which is the generation interval of the signal (shown as a signal). Then, an INT signal is output in synchronization with the output of the first byte data of the display control command. Since the display control CPU 101 is interrupted at the rise of the INT signal, the display control CPU 101 can take in the data of each display control command by the interrupt processing program.

Hereinafter, examples of symbol variation patterns will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing display patterns constituting each variation pattern. FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an example of a pattern variation pattern at the time of unreachability. FIG. 26 to FIG. 29 are timing charts showing an example of a symbol variation pattern when the variation type is reach (including both the case of big hit and the case of no big hit).

  Referring to FIG. 24, as the display pattern, types a to h as shown in the table are defined and used in combination in each variation pattern. In FIG. 24, “frame advance variation” is a variation display in which the frames of the display image of the special symbol are sent one by one (the operation of temporarily stopping when one frame is sent is repeated). In addition, “one frame reverse” is referred to as “reverse return” in this case refers to sending frames in the reverse order of the normal sending order. The forward variation means that the special symbol changes in the normal scroll direction (forward direction), and the reverse variation means that the special symbol changes in the direction opposite to the normal scroll direction.

Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a pattern variation pattern at the time of non-reach will be described.
Here, prior to the description of the variation pattern, the transmission timing of the display control command will be described with reference to FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the display control command is transmitted at the timing related to the start of the variation of the special symbol and the timing related to the determination of the stop symbol of the special symbol. At the start of variation, the variation pattern command described above (for example, 8000H in the case of FIG. 25A) and the left, middle, and right stop symbol commands are sequentially transmitted. Based on the command transmitted in such a manner, the display control CPU 101 performs the variable display control with a variable pattern as described below. In such variable display control, since the display control CPU 101 has already recognized the variable time and the planned stop symbol based on the command at the stage of the variable start, the planned stop symbol when such variable time has elapsed. Display control is performed so that can be confirmed. The display control CPU 101 receives all symbol stop commands sent when the fluctuation time specified by the command has elapsed, and performs control to confirm and display the scheduled stop symbols in response to the reception.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the variation pattern of the symbol at the time of the non-reach will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 25 (A), in the “left” symbol display area in the variable display section 9, the symbols are first changed according to the pattern a. As shown in FIG. 24, the pattern a is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed gradually increases, and the symbols are scrolled in the order of “1” to “10”, “geta”, and “rice ball”. After that, the pattern b is changed at a constant speed, and the symbol replacement control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stopped symbol is displayed, and then the three symbols are changed according to the pattern c. In pattern b, as in pattern a, symbols are scrolled in the order of “1” to “10”, “geta”, and “rice ball”. As shown in FIG. 24, the pattern c is a pattern that gradually stops and stops.

  Further, in the “right” symbol display area in the variable display section 9, the symbols are changed according to the pattern a. Thereafter, after the constant speed fluctuation, the symbol replacement control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stopped symbol is displayed, and then the three symbols are varied according to the pattern c. Also in the “medium” symbol display area, the pattern a is first changed. Thereafter, after the constant speed change, the symbol replacement control is performed so that the symbol three symbols before the stop symbol is displayed, and then the symbol is changed according to the pattern c.

  Note that the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 repeatedly fluctuates the left and right symbols in the normal direction (forward direction) and the reverse direction of the fluctuation direction until the middle symbol is determined. That is, the display control CPU 101 controls the display of the left and right symbols in a so-called fluctuation fluctuation state. The fluctuation of shaking means that the display symbol is displayed up and down without being updated to another symbol. Further, the fluctuation fluctuation is performed until the final stop symbol (determined symbol) is displayed. When the display control CPU 101 receives the all symbols stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols and controls to a determined state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move. Note that the middle symbol may also be swayed after variation due to the pattern c, and then be in a definite state. Moreover, it is good also as an aspect which shakes a fluctuation to the right and left instead of the aspect which shakes a symbol up and down.

  While the symbols are changing, the display control CPU 101 performs display control so that “Dojo” (see FIG. 15) is displayed as a background, and displays the character A (see FIG. 16) on the screen. Display control is performed so that the character A is appropriately exercised. Specifically, the display control CPU 101 notifies the VDP 103 of the background and character to be displayed. Then, the VDP 103 creates the designated background image data. Also, the VDP 103 creates image data of the instructed character and synthesizes it with the background image to create a synthesized image. Furthermore, the VDP 103 synthesizes left and right middle symbol image data with the synthesized image. The VDP 103 also performs display control for moving the character and display control for changing the design. That is, the character shape and display position are changed according to a predetermined movement pattern. Further, the symbol display position is changed according to the fluctuation speed notified from the display control CPU 101.

  The display control CPU 101 performs control to display a symbol three symbols before the stop symbol at a predetermined timing so that the change of the symbol stops at the designated stop symbol in the left and right symbol display areas. Since the left and right stop symbols are notified by the display control command (change time command and stop symbol command) at the start of change, and the change pattern including the change time at the time of disconnection is determined in advance, the display control CPU 101 Switching timing from pattern a to pattern b and switching timing to pattern c (symbol replacement timing) are determined based on the variable time command, and the symbol three symbols before the symbol to be replaced is the scheduled stop symbol (final stop symbol) Determine by calculating backward. Based on these determinations, the display control CPU 101 performs display control including symbol replacement. The replacement symbol determined by the display control CPU 101 is notified to the VDP 103, and the VDP 103 displays the symbol notified of replacement regardless of the symbol displayed at that time.

  Here, the details of the above-described symbol replacement control will be described more specifically, for example. For a certain symbol among the left, middle and right symbols, if the final symbol in the previous variation display is “1”, for example, “1”, “2”, “3”, etc. The symbols change according to the above-described symbol display order. Then, at the time of switching to the pattern c, for example, in the order of displaying the symbol “3”, if the final stop symbol is the symbol “9”, “3” is not displayed. Instead, it is replaced with the symbol “6”.

  FIG. 25B is a timing chart showing an example of a variation pattern at the time of loss in the probability variation state. In this variation pattern, as shown in the figure, the left and right middle symbols are changed simultaneously after the left and right middle symbols are changed according to the pattern a, the pattern b, and the pattern c. Even when this variation pattern is used, the display control CPU 101 performs display control so that “Dojo” (see FIG. 15) is displayed as the background, and displays the character A (see FIG. 16) on the screen. Display control is performed so that the character A moves as appropriate.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 receives a display control command designating “out of” from the game control means, that is, the CPU 56 of the game control board 31, FIG. It is decided to variably display the left and right middle symbols using the variation pattern shown in B), to make the character A appear, and to use the background image of “Dojo”.

  FIG. 26 shows an example of the variation pattern displayed when the game control board 31 is notified of 19.5 seconds of reach 1 as the variation time. When the display control CPU 101 receives a command in which a change in reach of 19.5 seconds is received, any of the change patterns prepared as a change pattern in reach of 19.5 seconds is used. Decide on your own. FIG. 26 illustrates three patterns (A) to (C) as a plurality of variation patterns.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26A, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied. The display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols when the left and right symbols are stopped during the middle symbol variation. The pattern d is a pattern in which the fluctuation speed is gradually decreased and thereafter the fluctuation is performed at a constant speed. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and c. When receiving the all symbol stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols, and performs display control to a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move.

  In addition, the display control CPU 101 performs symbol replacement (symbol skipping control) before the start of the reach operation so that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol notified from the game control board 31. Since the variation pattern is determined in advance, the display control CPU 101 can recognize the switching timing from the pattern d to the pattern b and the switching timing from the pattern b to the pattern c. The design of can also be determined. It should be noted that the background and the character type do not change during the change of the middle symbol.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26B, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns a and c. When the display control CPU 101 receives the all symbols stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols and performs display control to a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move. In addition, the display control CPU 101 performs symbol replacement (symbol skipping control) before the start of the reach operation so that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol notified from the game control board 31. In the case of the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26B, when the right symbol is stopped, the display control CPU 101 performs display control so that the character A kicks the right symbol (see FIG. 16). Therefore, the player feels as if the reach has been established as the character A kicks the right symbol.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26C, the middle symbol of pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols have stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the pattern b, the pattern c, and the pattern h. The pattern h is a pattern in which 0.9 symbols reversely change and 0.9 symbols change in order after the temporary stop. When receiving the all symbol stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols, and performs display control to a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move.

  Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified by the command from the game control board 31. In the case of the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26C, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “Aura” (see FIG. 15) and changes the character appearing on the screen to the character B. (See FIG. 17).

  As described above, in the case of this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 receives the display control command designating that the variation time is 19.5 seconds from the CPU 56 of the game control board 31, FIG. It is determined which of the variation patterns shown in (A) to (C) is used to variably display the left and right middle symbols.

  If it is decided to use the variation pattern (A) or (B), when the left and right symbols stop and reach the reach state, the character A and the background screen of “Dojo” are used continuously. Is done. If it is decided to use the variation pattern of (C), when reaching the reach state, it is decided to switch the character and the background screen to the background screen of the character B and “Aura”.

  Note that, even in the variation pattern of the variation time of 19.5 seconds shown in FIGS. 26A to 26C, the display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. Further, the symbol replacement control for the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops. In this case, the symbol replacement timing is determined by the display control CPU 101 based on the variation pattern determined according to the variation time specified by the variation time command (for example, switching timing from pattern b to pattern d). Further, the display control CPU 101 determines that the middle stop symbol (determined symbol of the middle symbol) notified from the game control board 31 by the stop symbol command at the start of variation and the reach variation period (for example, pattern d, pattern b, And a replacement symbol (for example, a middle symbol replacement symbol) is determined in accordance with the number of symbol variations in the variation time of pattern c) (for example, a replacement symbol is calculated by back-calculating the number of symbol variations in the reach variation period from the confirmed symbol). Decide).

  Further, if the display control CPU 101 has decided to perform the reach notice, the display control CPU 101 controls the VDP 103 so that the character A is displayed on the variable display unit 9 in the form of the reach notice 1 or the reach notice 2. If it is decided to make a big hit notice, the VDP 103 is set so that the character displayed at that time is displayed on the variable display unit 9 in the form of the big hit notice 1 or the big hit notice 2 during the reach operation. Control. The mode of the jackpot notice 2 is a development of the jackpot notice 1. Further, when receiving the display control command, the display control CPU 101 uniquely determines whether or not to make a reach notice and a big hit notice, and in the case of making a notice, the manner of the notice will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 27 shows an example of the variation pattern displayed when the game control board 31 notifies 24.5 seconds of reach 2 as the variation time. When the display control CPU 101 receives a command in which the 24.5 second fluctuation pattern of reach 2 is designated, any one of the fluctuation patterns prepared as the 24.5 second reach 2 fluctuation pattern is selected. Decide on your own. FIG. 27 illustrates three patterns (A) to (C) as a plurality of variation patterns.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied. The display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols when the left and right symbols are stopped during the middle symbol variation. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b, c, and f. The pattern f is a high-speed fluctuation, and a pause period is set before the fluctuation by the pattern f starts. When receiving the all symbol stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols, and performs display control to a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move.

  Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified by the command from the game control board 31. That is, the middle symbol replacement control is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops. In this case, the symbol replacement timing is determined by the display control CPU 101 based on the variation pattern determined according to the variation time specified by the variation time command (for example, switching timing from pattern b to pattern d). Further, the display control CPU 101 determines that the middle stop symbol (determined symbol of the middle symbol) notified from the game control board 31 by the stop symbol command at the start of the variation and the reach variation period (for example, pattern d, pattern b, And a replacement symbol (for example, a middle symbol replacement symbol) is determined in accordance with the number of symbol variations in the variation time of pattern c) (for example, a replacement symbol is calculated by back-calculating the number of symbol variations in the reach variation period from the confirmed symbol). Decide).

  When the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A is executed, the display control CPU 101 recognizes in advance that the pattern f is a pattern that varies at high speed. Then, the display control CPU 101 calculates and obtains the temporary stop symbol from the final stop symbol notified by the left, middle and right stop symbol commands in consideration of the variation speed and variation period of the pattern f. The symbol is used as a temporary stop symbol at the time of re-variation for re-variation control. In this case, the display control CPU 101 replaces the middle symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the temporary stop symbol matches the final stop symbol notified by the command from the game control board 31.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 15). Further, when the right symbol is stopped, the display control CPU 101 performs control to display the character A so as to kick the right symbol (see FIG. 16).

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27B, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the middle symbol of pattern d is varied. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the pattern b, the pattern c, and the pattern h. When receiving the all symbol stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols, and performs display control to a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified from the game control board 31. In the case of the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27B, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 15).

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27C, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. Then, the reach operation is started, and the middle symbols are changed according to the patterns b and c. When the display control CPU 101 receives the all symbols stop command from the game control board 31, the display control CPU 101 ends the fluctuation variation state of the left and right symbols and performs display control to a fixed state in which the left and right middle symbols do not move. Further, the display control CPU 101 performs symbol replacement (symbol skipping control) before the start of the reach operation so that the symbol is determined by the stop symbol notified by the command from the game control board 31. In the case of the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27C, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “Aura” (see FIG. 15) and changes the character appearing on the screen to the character B (FIG. 27). 17).

  As described above, in the case of this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 receives a display control command designating that the variation time is 24.5 seconds from the CPU 56 of the game control board 31, FIG. It is determined which of the variation patterns shown in (A) to (C) is used to variably display the left and right middle symbols.

  If it is decided to use the variation pattern (A) or (B), it is decided to switch the background screen to “flash” when the left and right symbols stop and reach a reach state. If it is decided to use the variation pattern (C), it is decided to switch the background screen to “Aura” when reaching the reach state.

  Even in the variation pattern of variation time 24.5 seconds shown in FIGS. 27A to 27C, the display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. Further, the symbol skip control for the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops.

  Further, if the display control CPU 101 has decided to perform the reach notice, the display control CPU 101 controls the VDP 103 so that the character A is displayed on the variable display unit 9 in the form of the reach notice 1 or the reach notice 2. If it is decided to make a big hit notice, the VDP 103 is set so that the character displayed at that time is displayed on the variable display unit 9 in the form of the big hit notice 1 or the big hit notice 2 during the reach operation. Control.

  28 and 29 show examples of variation patterns displayed when the game control board 31 notifies 29.5 seconds of reach 3 as the variation time. When the display control CPU 101 is notified of the fluctuation pattern of the reach 3 of 29.5 seconds, the display control CPU 101 determines which of the fluctuation patterns prepared as the fluctuation pattern of the reach 3 of 29.5 seconds is to be used. Decide on your own. FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 illustrate three patterns (A) to (C) as a plurality of variation patterns. The variation patterns (C1) and (C2) are examples showing different aspects of one variation pattern. Therefore, hereinafter, the variation pattern illustrated in FIGS. 29C1 and 29C2 may be referred to as the variation pattern illustrated in FIG.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28A, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the middle symbol of pattern d is varied. The display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols during the middle symbol variation. Then, the reach operation is started, and after the fluctuation due to the pattern b and the pattern c, the middle symbol is changed according to the pattern f after a temporary stop period. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified by the left, middle and right stop symbol commands from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28A, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “flash” (see FIG. 15).

  Furthermore, in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28A, when the middle symbol changes at high speed with the pattern f, the left and right symbols also change at high speed in the same manner. Therefore, if the final stop symbol notified by the left, middle, and right stop symbol commands is a combination of jackpot symbols, the pause symbol at the time of pause is also a combination of jackpot symbols, although the types of symbols are different. It is. Therefore, if the left, middle, and right symbols are re-fluctuated due to high-speed fluctuation in the pattern f after the pause, the player feels that the big hit symbol has occurred during the pause, and again after the re-change The jackpot symbol will be provided and it will be interesting again. Control in which the stop symbol is fixedly displayed after the symbol starts to fluctuate again after a pause period is referred to as re-variation control (also referred to as re-update control). The temporary stop symbol is a symbol uniquely determined by the display control CPU 101 by calculating backward from the stop symbol. Since the fluctuation speed and fluctuation period of the pattern f are determined in advance, the display control CPU 101 is notified by the left, middle and right stop symbol commands in consideration of the fluctuation speed and fluctuation period of the pattern f. The temporary stop symbol is obtained by reverse calculation from the final stop symbol, and the obtained symbol is used as the temporary stop symbol at the time of re-variation for the re-variation control as described above.

  In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28B, the middle symbol of the pattern d is varied after the left and right symbols are stopped. The display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols during the middle symbol fluctuation. Then, the reach operation is started, and after the fluctuation due to the pattern b and the pattern h, the middle symbol is changed according to the pattern f after a temporary stop period. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified by the command from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28B, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “Aura” (see FIG. 15) and changes the character appearing on the screen to the character B ( (See FIG. 17). Further, in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 28B, when the middle symbol changes at high speed with the pattern f, the left and right symbols also change at high speed in the same manner.

  Further, in the variation pattern shown in FIG. 29C, after the left and right symbols are stopped, the middle symbol is varied according to the pattern d. Thereafter, the middle symbols are changed according to the pattern g. The pattern g is a frame advance pattern. Further, the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbols before the start of the reach operation so that the symbols are determined by the stop symbols notified by the command from the game control board 31. In the variation pattern shown in FIG. 29C, when the right symbol stops, the display control CPU 101 switches the background image to “smoke” (see FIG. 15) and changes the character appearing on the screen to the character C ( (See FIG. 17).

  Even in the variation pattern with the variation time of 29.5 seconds shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the display control CPU 101 swings the left and right symbols up and down until the middle symbol is determined. Further, the symbol skip control for the middle symbol is executed at the timing when the right symbol stops.

  In the variation pattern including the frame advance shown in FIG. 29C, it is assumed that the left and right display symbols are aligned at the start of the reach operation regardless of whether or not the big hit is made. Then, since the stop symbols of the left and right middle symbols are transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 at the start of fluctuation, the stop symbols and the symbols at the start of the reach operation (the left and right middle symbols are aligned) The number of frames during feeding is determined.

  For example, the example shown in FIG. 29 (C1) is an example in which the confirmed symbol is “seven” (left symbol), “eight” (middle symbol), and “seven” (right symbol) + 1 frame. It is. Since the symbols at the start of the reach operation are “seven”, “seven”, and “seven”, 13 symbols need to be changed during frame advance. In addition, the example shown in FIG. 29C2 is an example in which the definite symbols are “seven” (left symbol), “six” (middle symbol), and “seven” (right symbol) —the frame is shifted. It is. Since the symbols at the start of the reach operation are “seven”, “seven”, and “seven”, it is necessary to change 11 symbols at the time of frame advance. Although not shown, if the confirmed symbol is a big hit of “7” (left symbol), “seven” (middle symbol), or “seven” (right symbol), the symbol at the start of reach operation From “seven”, “seven” and “seven”, twelve symbols need to be changed during frame advance.

  In this case, if the frame advance period is kept constant, the variation time will deviate from 29.5 seconds. In order not to shift the fluctuation time, it is conceivable to change the fluctuation speed of frame advance according to the number of frames to be sent. However, it is unnatural to perform such display control. That is, it gives distrust to the player. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 decides to use the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. 29C, the fluctuation speed at the time of frame feed fluctuation is always constant. Adjust the timing at the start of reach operation.

  That is, when the number of frames to be sent is small, for example, the timing of the reach operation is relatively delayed by making the period of the pattern b relatively long, and for example, when the number of frames to be sent is large, the period of the pattern b is relatively short. Thus, the start timing of the reach operation is relatively advanced. If such display control is performed, the fluctuation speed at the time of fluctuating frame feed can be made constant at all times while keeping the whole fluctuation time at 29.5 seconds. In this example, the example in which the reach operation start timing is adjusted by adjusting the length of the pattern b period is shown, but the reach operation start is performed by adjusting the length of the other pattern periods. The timing may be adjusted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 receives from the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 the display control command designating that the variation time is 29.5 seconds, the display control command is shown in FIG. It is determined which of the variation patterns shown in (A), (B) and FIG. 29 (C) is used to variably display the left and right middle symbols.

  If it is decided to use the variation pattern (A), it is decided to switch the background screen to “flash” when the left and right symbols stop and reach a reach state. If it is decided to use the variation pattern (B), it is decided to switch the background screen to “Aura” when the left and right symbols stop and reach a reach state. When it is decided to use the variation pattern (C), it is decided to switch the background screen to “smoke” when reaching the reach state.

Hereinafter, game control and display control for realizing the display example described above will be described.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing all symbol variation start processing (S304) in the special symbol process shown in FIG. When the variation time and the stop symbol are determined in the stop symbol setting process in S302 and the reach operation setting process in S303, display control command transmission control for instructing them is performed. In the all symbol variation start waiting process, First, it waits for the completion of command transmission (S304a). Note that the command transmission completion information is notified from the display control data output process (S6) shown in FIG.

  In the case of this embodiment, the CPU 56 sends one of the change time commands shown in FIG. 18 to the display control board 80 when starting the change of the symbol. Further, the left, right and middle stop symbol commands (see FIGS. 19 to 21) indicating the left and right middle symbols already determined are sent to the display control board 80. Therefore, in the step of waiting for the completion of command transmission in S304a, it is confirmed whether or not transmission of all these commands is completed. The CPU 56 may send the variable time command after sending the left, right and middle stop symbol commands.

  In addition, as the display control command, a command that can specify whether to give a notice such as a jackpot notice or a reach notice is sent, and the display control board 80 performs such a notice based on the contents of the command. You may make it determine whether to do. Information that can specify whether or not to make such a notice may be included in the variable time command (defines a command that can specify a variable time with a notice and a command that can specify a variable time without a notice). It may be a command different from the variable time command.

  When the transmission of the display control command is completed, the CPU 56 starts a variation time timer for measuring the variation time notified to the display control board 80 by the command (S304b). Then, the special symbol process flag is updated so as to shift to the all symbol stop waiting process of S305 (S304c).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (S305) in the special symbol process shown in FIG. In this process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the variation time has expired by the variation time timer (S305a). When the time is up, an all symbols stop command for instructing all symbols to stop is set (S305b). Then, the display control command data transmission request flag is set (S305c), and the special symbol process flag is updated so as to shift to the jackpot display process of S306 (S305d). The display control command data transmission request flag is referred to in the display control data setting process (S5) described above with reference to FIG.

  As described above, in the special symbol process, the CPU 56 sends information that can specify the variation time at the start of variation and information that can identify the stop symbol to the display control board 80, and the variation time timer is up. Then, that is, when the instructed fluctuation time ends, information for instructing all symbols to be stopped is sent to the display control board 80. During that time, the CPU 56 does not send a display control command to the display control board 80. Therefore, the load required for display control in the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 is greatly reduced.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the display control data setting process (S5 shown in FIG. 9). In the display control data setting process, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the data sending flag is set (S411). Here, the data sending flag is a flag that is set to indicate that the display control command is being sent in the display control data output process described later. If the data transmission flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the display control command data transmission request flag is set (ON) (S412). Here, the display control command data transmission request flag is a flag set by the special symbol process flag to indicate that it is requested to transmit the display control command. If the display control command data transmission request flag is set, the flag is reset (S413). In addition, the display control command data to be sent is set in the output data storage area (S414), the port output request flag is set (S416), and this process ends.

  Next, the display control data output process of S6 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing display control data output processing.

  First, in S211, it is determined whether or not the aforementioned port output request flag is set. If it is determined in S211 that the port output request flag has not been set, the display control data output process ends. As a result, when there is no display control command data to be output, processing relating to output of command data is not performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in S211 that the port output request flag is set, the process proceeds to S212, and a process for resetting the port output request flag is performed.

  Next, the process proceeds to S213, where the first byte of the data stored in the output data storage area is output from the output buffer circuit 63 for display control command data output. The first byte data is output for a predetermined period. As a result, the first byte of the display control command data stored in the output data storage area is transmitted toward the display control board 80. In step S214, the port output counter is incremented and updated by “1”. Here, the port output counter is a counter for counting the number of bytes of output data for one display control command data, and counts using “0” as an initial value. Next, the process proceeds to S215, and processing for setting the signal INT signal to the ON state (active state, that is, low level) is performed after the elapse of a predetermined ON timing of the INT signal (timing to become active). As a result, the INT signal for taking in the first byte of data becomes active (low level). Next, the process proceeds to S216, and processing for setting the data transmission flag to the ON (set) state is performed. This indicates that display control command data is being transmitted.

  Next, in S217, it is determined whether or not the value of the port output counter described above is “2”. That is, since the value of the port output counter is “1” at the time when the first byte of the display control command data is being output, it is determined here whether or not the first byte is being output. If it is determined in S217 that the value of the port output counter is “2”, the process proceeds to S218 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in S217 that the value of the port output counter is not “2”, the first byte is being output, and the process proceeds to S221 to wait for the elapse of a predetermined OFF timing of the display control signal INT. The display control signal INT is turned off.

  In step S222, the second byte of the data stored in the output data storage area is output from the output buffer circuit 63 for outputting the display control command data. As a result, the remaining second byte of the display control command data stored in the output data storage area is transmitted toward the display control board 80. This second byte of data is output over a predetermined period. In step S223, the port output counter is incremented and updated by “1”. As a result, when the second byte data is output, the port output counter becomes “2”.

  Next, the process proceeds to S224, and processing for turning the INT signal on after waiting for elapse of a predetermined ON timing of the INT signal is performed. As a result, the INT signal for taking in the second byte of data becomes active (low level). Thereafter, the process returns to S217. When the process proceeds from S224 to S217, since the port output counter is “2”, the process proceeds from S217 to S218.

  In S218, processing for clearing the port output counter is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S219, and processing for turning the INT signal OFF after waiting for the elapse of a predetermined OFF timing of the INT signal is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S220, and the process of turning off the data transmission flag is performed after waiting for the output of the display control command data of the second byte to be stopped. Thereby, the output processing of one display control command data is completed, and it becomes possible to output the next display control command data.

  In such a display command output process, although not shown, the timing at which each step is executed is time-managed according to a predetermined time schedule. Thereby, as for the display control command data, as shown in FIG. 23, 2-byte data is output in 2 ms.

  As described above, in the display control data output process, the data of the display control command is output by sequentially outputting the data stored in the output command data storage area byte by byte in response to the port output request.

Next, the operation of the display control CPU 101 will be described.
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing main processing of the display control CPU 101. In the main process, the display control CPU 101 first initializes the RAM, the I / O port, the VDP 103, and the like (S701). Then, display control is performed so that a demonstration screen appears on the variable display unit 9 (S702). Thereafter, display random number update processing (update processing of a random counter for generating display random numbers) is repeatedly executed (S703).

  FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing display random numbers handled by the display control CPU 101. As shown in FIG. 33, in this embodiment, as display random numbers updated in S703, reach display mode determination random numbers (RS1), reach announcement random numbers (RS2), and jackpot announcement random numbers (RS3) including. The reach display mode determination random number is for determining a variation pattern as shown in FIGS. 26 to 29 for each reach specified by the display control command, and is repeatedly updated in a numerical range of 0 to 29. , When a predetermined extraction condition is satisfied. The reach notice random number is used to determine whether or not to make a reach notice, and is repeatedly updated in a numerical range of 0 to 7 and extracted when a predetermined extraction condition is satisfied. The big hit announcement random number is for determining whether or not to make a big hit announcement, and is repeatedly updated in a numerical range of 0 to 2 and extracted when a predetermined extraction condition is satisfied.

  36 shows the relationship between the extracted reach display mode determination random number and the reach display mode (variation pattern) (FIG. 36A), and the relationship between the extracted reach notification random number and the reach notification (FIG. 36B). 37) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the extracted jackpot notice random number and the jackpot notice (FIG. 36C).

  In FIG. 36A, A, B, and C correspond to (A), (B), and (C) in FIGS. That is, if the extracted reach display mode determination random number is the value shown in the upper row, the display control CPU 101 decides to change the symbol in the change pattern (reach display mode) shown in the lower row. To do. For example, when the display control command received from the game control board 31 is notified of the big hit due to the fluctuation in the reach 3 of 29.5 seconds, and the extracted reach display mode determination random number value is 21, It is determined that the fluctuation is performed with the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. In this case, whether or not to make a big hit may be determined based on either a variable time command or a left, middle or right stop symbol command.

  Referring to FIG. 36 (B), display control CPU 101 extracts a reach notice random number based on the received display control command and performs reach notice 1 based on the extracted value or reach reach. Whether to give notice 2 or not reach notice is decided by lottery. When the display control command instructs to reach, in the lottery, if the extracted value is 0 to 3, it is decided not to perform the reach notice and if the extracted value is 4 or 5. If the extracted value is 6 or 7, it is determined that the reach notice is performed in the form of reach notice 2. Such a determination is made by using data called a reach time table that shows the relationship between the extracted value at the time of reach and the reach notice mode as shown in the figure. On the other hand, when it is instructed not to reach by the display control command (in the case other than at the time of reach), it is determined that the reach notice is not performed if the extracted value is any one of 0 to 6 in the lottery. If the extracted value is 7, it is determined that the reach notice is performed in the form of reach notice 1. Such a determination is made using data called a non-reach table, which shows the relationship between the extracted value other than the reach time and the reach notice mode as shown in the figure.

  Referring to FIG. 36C, display control CPU 101 extracts a jackpot warning random number based on the received display control command and performs jackpot warning 1 or jackpot warning based on the extracted value. It is decided by lottery whether to do 2 or not to give a big hit notice. In the lottery, if the display control command instructs the big hit, if the extracted value is 0, it is decided not to perform the big hit notice display. If the extracted value is 3, it is determined that the jackpot notice display is performed in the form of the jackpot notice2. Such a determination is made using data called a big hit time table showing the relationship between the extracted value at the big hit time and the big hit notice mode as shown in the figure. On the other hand, in the lottery, when it is instructed not to make a big hit by the display control command (in the case of a loss), if the extracted value is either 0 or 1, it is decided not to make a big hit notice display. If the extracted value is 2, it is determined that the jackpot notice display is performed in the form of jackpot notice1. Such a determination is performed using data called a loss time table that shows the relationship between the extracted value and the big hit notice mode at the time of loss as shown in the figure.

  Here, the notice display is a jackpot notice display (a jackpot notice form), a reach notice display (a reach notice display form), etc., but the notice display may be a small hit notice, a medium hit notice, or the like. It may be a display for giving a notice such as a notice or a super reach notice. Further, the notice display may include a reach notice if the reach notice is made, as in the above-described reach notice 2, or a notice to make a false notice when the reach is not reached, as in the above-described reach 1. . Reach notice is based on whether or not to reach, and jackpot notice is based on whether or not to win.

  Specifically, whether or not to make a reach notice is basically based on whether or not to reach. In other words, whether or not to make a reach notice is determined depending on whether or not the display control command specifies that the reach display mode (including both the reach reach and the reach win) is specified. Even if the reach display mode is specified by the command (when reaching), the reach notification mode may not be performed at a certain rate, and the command that the reach display mode is not set Even if it is specified by (if not reach), reach notice may be performed at a certain rate.

  Whether or not to make a jackpot notice is basically based on whether or not to make a jackpot. Specifically, it is determined according to whether or not the display of the jackpot display mode is specified by the display control command. Even if it is specified by the command that the jackpot display mode is set (when the jackpot is set), the jackpot notice may not be given at a certain rate, and the command that the jackpot display mode is not set is also possible. Even if it is specified by (if not a big hit), you may be made to make a big jackpot notice at a certain rate. These notice establishment conditions may be determined with reference to both the variable time command and the left, middle, and right stop symbol commands.

  In this example, it is determined whether or not to make a reach announcement based on whether or not to reach, and whether or not to make a jackpot announcement based on whether or not to make a big hit. However, as a subject to be notified, a notification including both reach and jackpot may be performed. In the case of a big hit and in the case of a losing case, in addition, in the case of a losing case, it is divided into a case depending on whether it is a reach or not, and a plurality of predetermined notices including both a reach notice and a big hit notice are given. You may do it. That is, whether or not to give a predetermined notice may be determined based on the determination of whether or not to reach and whether to win or not.

  In this embodiment, actual fluctuation control and the like are performed by timer interrupt processing. A timer interrupt occurs every 2 ms, for example. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. As shown in FIG. 37, in the timer interrupt process, the display control CPU 101 executes a display control process (S701). In the display control process, display control is performed according to the value of the display control process flag.

  A display control command from the game control board 31 is received by the display control CPU 101 by an IRQ2 interrupt. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the IRQ2 interrupt process of the display control CPU 101. In the IRQ2 interrupt process, the display control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the data receiving flag is set (S601). If not set, this interrupt is an interrupt caused by sending the display control data of the first byte in the display control command data. Therefore, the pointer is cleared (S602), and a data receiving flag is set (S603). Then, the process proceeds to S604. Here, the pointer indicates the byte in the display control command data storage area in the RAM built in the display control CPU 101 at which received data is stored.

  If the INT signal is turned off when the data receiving flag is set (S604), the display control CPU 101 inputs data from the input port, and at the address indicated by the pointer in the display control command data storage area, The input data is stored (S605).

  Then, the display control CPU 101 increments the pointer value by 1 (S606). When the pointer value becomes 2 (S607), it means that the reception of the display control command data composed of 2 bytes has been completed. Therefore, the data reception completion flag is set and the data reception flag is set. Is reset (S608, S609). Through the process as described above, the 2-byte display control data CMD1 and CMD2 are received by the display control board 80.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S711) in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the display control process, any one of S720, S750, S780, S810, S840, and S870 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  In the display control command reception waiting process (S720), it is confirmed whether or not the variable time command is received by the IRQ2 interrupt process. In the reach operation setting process (S750), when the reach state is displayed, it is determined which of the variation patterns shown in FIGS. 26 to 29 is to be used. In the reach operation setting process, it is further determined whether or not a reach notice and a jackpot notice are to be performed, and if it is decided to make a notice, the type of the notice is determined. In the all symbol variation start process (S780), control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started. In the symbol variation processing (S810), the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed, character, background) constituting the variation pattern is controlled, and the end of the variation time is monitored. Further, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. In the all symbol stop waiting process (S840), if the all symbol stop command is received at the end of the variation time, the symbol variation is stopped and the final stop symbol (determined symbol) is displayed. In the big hit display process (S870), after the end of the variable display control time, the control of the probability variable big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the display control command reception waiting process (S720). In the display control command reception waiting process, the display control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the command non-reception timer has timed out (S721). Here, the command non-reception timer is timed out when a display control command indicating a change in symbols is not received from the game control board 31 for a predetermined period or longer. When the command non-reception timer has timed out, the display control CPU 101 performs control to display a demonstration screen on the variable display unit 9 (S722).

  If the command non-reception timer has not timed out, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not a display control command (specifically, a variable time command) capable of specifying the variable time has been received (S723). In the buffer that has received the variable time command, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the reach operation setting process (S750) (S724).

  At this stage, the display control commands transmitted from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 are the variable time command and the left, middle and right stop symbol commands. They are stored in the display control data storage area described above (see S605 in FIG. 38). Hereinafter, the stop symbol specified by the stop symbol command is referred to as a temporary stop symbol.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the reach operation setting process (S750). In the reach operation setting process, the display control CPU 101 first determines whether or not to perform a reach notice by a reach notice determination process (see FIG. 42) (S751). Next, based on the received variation time command, it is determined whether or not the variation display instructed by the command is out of reach (S752). Specifically, the case of receiving the command of the normal deviation or the total symbol variation at the time of probability change shown in FIG. 18 corresponds to the deviation by S752.

  If so, it is confirmed whether the left and right temporary stop symbols are different (S753). If they match, the right stop symbol is shifted by one symbol (S754). Then, the temporary stop symbols on the left middle right are stored (stored) in a predetermined storage area (S755). In addition, 7.9 seconds is set as a timeout time in the monitoring timer (S756). Here, the monitoring timer is a timer for monitoring the fluctuation time. The 7.9 seconds set here is a value with a margin with respect to 7.8 seconds, which is the fluctuation time at the time of loss. When all the symbol stop commands cannot be received before the monitoring timer times out, predetermined processing is performed.

  If not in S752, that is, if any one of 8002H to 8016 shown in FIG. 18 is received, it is confirmed whether the left and right temporary stop symbols are the same (S757). If the temporary stop symbols are different, the right temporary stop symbol is made the same as the left temporary stop symbol (S758). Then, the left, middle and right temporary stop symbols are stored in a predetermined area (S759). Further, the display control CPU 101 sets a value obtained by adding 0.1 seconds to the variation time specified by the variation time command in the monitoring timer (S760). Then, a reach variation pattern (display mode) is determined by reach display mode determination processing (see FIG. 43) (S761). Then, it is determined whether or not to make a big hit notice by the big hit notice determination process (see FIG. 44) (S762).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the display control CPU 101 starts variable display (variable display), the variation type such as the reach specified by the received variable time command and the received left, middle , Conflict with the symbol specified by the right stop symbol command (for example, when the stop symbol by the left, middle, right stop symbol command does not satisfy the reach condition even though the variable time command specifies reach) If it is, the temporary stop symbol is corrected. Therefore, even if an error occurs in the left middle right temporary stop symbol designated by the stop symbol command for some reason, the error is corrected. The error is, for example, a case where a bit error occurs in the command due to noise on the signal cable from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display of a definite symbol that contradicts the deviation / reach determined by the game control board 31 side.

  Furthermore, when the variation time is different between the case where there is re-variation and the case where there is no re-variation, and the variation pattern in which re-variation is performed is determined to be confirmed with the fixed symbol, the command received from the game control board 31 has re-variation When the stop symbol received from the game control board 31 is not the probability variation symbol, the symbol that the display control CPU 101 displays and confirms may be corrected to the probability variation symbol. For example, when a command indicating “seven”, “six”, “seven” is received as a stop symbol from the game control board 31, it is corrected to “seven”, “seven”, “seven”.

  After S756 or S762 described above, the display control CPU 101 uses a process table corresponding to the selected variation pattern from among a plurality of types of process tables stored in the control data ROM 102 in order to realize a plurality of variation patterns. It is decided to do (S763). In each process table, each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed, fluctuation period at that speed, etc.) in the fluctuation pattern is set. Then, the display control CPU 101 changes the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the all symbol variation start process (S780) (S764).

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the reach notice determination process in S751 described above. In the reach notice process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the reach notice lottery condition is satisfied (S751a). Here, the reach notice lottery condition is that the content of the change commanded by the display control command corresponds to the reach or normal deviation within ± 2 frames, and is confirmed based on the change time command.

  If the reach notice lottery condition is not satisfied, the reach notice determining process is terminated. On the other hand, if the reach notice lottery condition is satisfied, the reach notice random number is extracted (S751b). Then, based on the received variable time command, it is confirmed whether to reach or not reach (usually off) (S751c). In the case of reach, the reach notice mode (including no reach notice) corresponding to the extracted value in S751b is determined using the reach time table (table data at the time of reach shown in FIG. 36B). (S751e). On the other hand, in the case of other than reach, the reach notice mode corresponding to the extraction value in S751b (no reach notice is made) using the table other than reach time (table data other than reach time shown in FIG. 36B). Are also included) (S751d).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42, in the process of determining whether or not to make a reach notice, it is first determined that the reach notice lottery condition is satisfied, and the reach notice lottery condition is satisfied. Only the random numbers for reach notice are extracted and the case of deciding whether or not to make reach notice based on the value is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reach notice random number is always extracted and the reach notice is made based on the value when the variable display is performed without determining whether the reach notice lottery condition as in S751a is satisfied. It may be determined whether or not. Specifically, S751a may be excluded in the reach notice determination process of FIG. That is, whether or not the first stage reach notice execution is performed by the display control command performed based on whether or not the reach notice lottery condition is satisfied may or may not be performed.

  Next, as a result of the determination in S751e or S751d, it is confirmed whether or not a reach notice is to be made (S751f). When the reach notice is not performed, the reach notice determining process is finished as it is. On the other hand, when the reach notice is performed, the reach notice start time determination timer is started (S751g), and then the reach notice determination process is ended. Here, the reach notice start time determination timer is a timer for determining the time from the start of symbol change to the occurrence of the reach notice.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the reach display mode determination processing in S761 described above. In the reach display mode determination process, the display control CPU 101 first extracts a reach display mode determination random number (S761a). Then, the reach display mode corresponding to the extracted value is determined using the table shown in FIG. 35 (S761b). Thereafter, the reach display mode determination process ends.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the jackpot notice determination process in S762 described above. In the jackpot notice process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the jackpot notice lottery condition is satisfied (S762a). Here, the big hit notice lottery condition is that the fluctuation content commanded by the display control command corresponds to a hit or reach within ± 2 frames, and is confirmed based on the fluctuation time command.

  When the jackpot notice lottery condition is not satisfied, the jackpot notice determination process ends. On the other hand, when the jackpot notice lottery condition is satisfied, the jackpot notice random number is extracted (S762b). Then, based on the received variable time command, it is confirmed whether to win or not (S762c). In the case of a big hit, a big hit notice mode (including no big hit notice) corresponding to the extracted value in S762b is used using the big hit table (table data for big hit shown in FIG. 36C). It is determined (S762e). On the other hand, in the case of losing, using the losing time table (table data for losing time shown in FIG. 36C), the big hit warning mode (including no big hit warning) corresponding to the extracted value in S762b is included. ) Is determined (S762d).

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, in the process of determining whether or not to make a jackpot notice, it is first determined that the jackpot notice lottery condition has been established, and the jackpot notice lottery condition has been established. Only when the random number for jackpot warning is extracted and based on the value, it is determined whether or not to jackpot warning. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the jackpot notice random number is always extracted when the variable display is performed without determining whether or not the jackpot notice lottery condition as in S762a described above is satisfied, and the jackpot notice is made based on the value. It may be determined whether or not. Specifically, S762a may be eliminated in the jackpot notice determination process of FIG. That is, whether or not the first stage jackpot notice is executed may or may not be assigned by the display control command performed based on whether or not the jackpot notice lottery condition is satisfied.

  Next, as a result of the determination in S762e or S762d, it is confirmed whether or not to make a jackpot notice (S762f). When the big hit notice is not performed, the big hit notice determination process is finished as it is. On the other hand, when the big hit notice is performed, the big hit notice start time determination timer is started (S762g), and then the big hit notice determination process is ended. Here, the jackpot notice start time determination timer is a timer that determines the time from the start of symbol change until the start of displaying the feature of jackpot notice 1.

  FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a process table. In the process table corresponding to each variation pattern, the variation speed, the variation time at that velocity, the background and character switching timing, etc. are set in time series. In addition, a process timer value for determining a fluctuation period at a certain speed is also set. Each process table is composed of a plurality of process data in units of 3 bytes.

  For example, in the process table corresponding to the variation pattern shown in FIG. 27A, in the first process data (3 bytes), the left and right middle symbols are varied at a low speed and the next display state switching timing. A process timer value indicating time is set. This is because the first variation is variation (acceleration) due to the pattern a, and first, low-speed variation should be started.

  Next, a process timer value indicating the time until the left symbol is changed at medium speed and the next display state switching timing is set. Next, a process timer value indicating the time until the right symbol is changed at medium speed and the next display state switching timing is set. Further, a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing is set and the medium symbol is changed at a medium speed. Thereafter, how the display state is switched and a process timer value indicating the time until the next display state switching timing are sequentially set.

  The display state switching timing is a timing for switching the fluctuation speed of any of the left and right middle symbols, but further includes a timing for switching the background and character and a timing for replacing the symbols.

  Therefore, the display control CPU 101 can know that some display state must be changed as the process timer expires. The display state to be changed can be known from the setting value of the third byte of the next process data in the process table.

  For example, in the variation pattern including frame advance as shown in FIG. 27C, each period constituting the variation pattern is variable according to the number of frames to be transmitted. Therefore, each process table corresponding to the number of frames to be sent is prepared. When the CPU 101 for display control decides to use a variation pattern including frame advance as shown in FIG. 27C at the start of variation, the display control CPU 101 calculates the number of frames to be advanced from the temporary stop symbol. In step S763, it is determined to use a process table corresponding to the number of frames to be sent. If each process table corresponding to the number of frames to be sent is prepared, the process timer value set in the process table and the setting value of the third byte are set even if the periods constituting the fluctuation pattern are variable. Thus, variable display control can be performed.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing all symbol variation start processing (S780). In the all symbol variation start processing, the display control CPU 101 starts a timer with the process timer value set at the beginning of the process table determined to be used (S781). Further, based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte, the symbol variation control and the background and character display control are started (S782). Then, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the symbol changing process (S810) (S783).

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation processing (S810). In the symbol variation processing, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the reach notice start time determination timer has timed out (S811). If time-out has occurred, the VDP 103 is controlled so that display according to the already determined reach notice mode is performed (S812). Further, it is confirmed whether or not the jackpot notice start time determination timer has timed out (S813). If time-out has occurred, the VDP 103 is controlled so that the display according to the mode of jackpot notice 1 is performed (S814).

  Then, if it is determined that the notice according to the jackpot notice 2 will be performed (S815), the timer for determining the start of the jackpot notice 2 is started (S816). In this embodiment, the jackpot notice 2 is an extension of the jackpot notice 1. Therefore, the notice by the jackpot notice 2 is a predetermined time after the notice by the jackpot notice 1 (the timer for determining the start time of the jackpot notice 2). Until the timeout).

  Further, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot notice 2 start time determination timer has timed out (S817). If time-out has occurred, the VDP 103 is controlled so that the display according to the mode of the jackpot notice 2 is performed (S818).

  Next, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not the process timer has timed out (S819). If the process timer has timed out, the pointer indicating the data in the process table is incremented by 3 (S820). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the area pointed to by the pointer is an end code (S821). If it is not the end code, the symbol variation control, the background and character display control are changed based on the data indicating the variation state set in the third byte of the process data pointed to by the pointer (S822), and 1, 2 The timer is started with the process timer value set in the byte (S823).

  If it is an end code in S821, the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting process (S840) (S824), and the process during symbol variation ends.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the all symbol stop waiting process (S840). In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the all symbol stop command is received (S841). If the all symbols stop command has been received, control is performed to stop the symbol with the stored temporary stop symbol and display the confirmed symbol (S842). Then, in order to monitor the time until reception of the next display control command, a command non-reception timer is started (S843).

  On the other hand, if all the symbol stop commands have not been received, it is confirmed whether the monitoring timer has timed out (S845). If time-out has occurred, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and control is performed to display an error screen on the variable display section 9 (S846), and this all symbol stop waiting process ends.

  After performing the process of S843, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S870) (S844). Thereafter, this all symbol stop waiting process is completed.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (S870). In the big hit display process, the display control CPU 101 can determine whether or not the probability variation big hit is based on the confirmed symbol. If it is the probability variation big hit, for example, the display control CPU 101 performs display control for displaying an image showing “probability big hit” on the variable display unit 9 (S872). Specifically, an instruction to display an image indicating “probability big hit” is notified to the VDP 103. Then, the VDP 103 creates image data for the instructed display. If it is not a probable big hit, the display control CPU 101 performs display control for displaying, for example, an image showing “big hit” on the variable display unit 9 (S873).

  Thereafter, in the big hit display process, display control of the variable display unit 9 is performed according to the display control command in the big hit gaming state sent from the game control board 31. For example, display of the number of rounds (the number of times of continuous continuation control) is performed. When a display control command indicating the end of the big hit game is received from the game control board 31 (S874), the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the display control command waiting process (S720) (S875). The jackpot display process ends.

The main specific effects obtained by this embodiment are listed below.
As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 in the game control board 31 plays a variation time command capable of specifying a symbol variation time and a stop symbol command capable of identifying a symbol determination mode. The control board 31 gives the display control board 80 to the display control board 80, and the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 controls the background, the display of characters, the notice display, and the like. In other words, if the variable time command and the stop symbol command are sent, the display control board 80 side can considerably determine the decision items related to display control, and the game control board 31 side gives instructions to the display control board 80 side in detail. There is no need to do it. Therefore, even if the display contents are complicated, the number of display control commands sent from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 is reduced for one variation display.

  When the variation time is over, an all symbol stop command indicating all symbol stop is given from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80, and the stop symbol is determined according to the command. Therefore, the symbol displayed in a variable manner is surely determined at the timing managed by the basic circuit 53.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 and the like, a variation time command and a stop symbol command are transmitted from the game control board 31 at a time related to the symbol fluctuation start, and then the display control board 80 performs display control. The CPU 101 performs control for determining a variation pattern, symbol replacement control, and the like. For this reason, a considerable part of the display control related to the variable display unit 9 is executed on the display control board 80 side. In such a case, the game control board 31 cannot recognize a specific symbol fluctuation pattern, and therefore, if no countermeasure is taken, the fluctuation deviated from the fluctuation time determined on the game control board 31 is variable. There is also a risk of being performed on the display unit 9. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 and the like, the game control board 31 side is configured to transmit all symbol stop commands to the display control board 80 side when the determined variation time is over. Yes. For this reason, the symbols can be reliably displayed at the end of the variation time determined by the game control board 31 based on the all symbols stop command. Further, as shown in S846 of FIG. 48, when all symbol stop commands cannot be received at the correct timing, an error display is performed, so that a player, a staff member, etc. immediately notice that an error has occurred in command communication. Can be recognized.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 43, the display control CPU 101 determines a reach variation pattern (display mode) when performing reach display based on the display control command received from the game control board 31. Display control is performed according to the determination. For this reason, the basic circuit 53 does not need to perform a process of determining a specific variation pattern at the time of reach, so that the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 25 to 29, since the display mode of the character is determined according to the variation pattern, the display control CPU 101 is changing the symbol based on the display control command received from the game control board 31. In FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not to display a character on the variable display section 9, and if it is displayed, the type of the character is also determined. For this reason, since the display control of the character performed by the display control CPU 101 does not have to be performed on the basic circuit 53 side, the processing load related to the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 42 (particularly, S751b to S751e), the display control CPU 101 performs reach advance notice based on a predetermined command among display control commands received from the game control board 31. In the case of deciding whether or not to make a notice and a reach notice, the reach notice mode is decided. For this reason, on the basic circuit 53 side, it is not necessary to perform the display control related to the display of the reach notice performed by the display control CPU 101, so that the processing load related to the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced. In addition, it is determined whether or not the reach notice display is performed according to the variable time command, which is a command that can specify a matter closely related to the variable display content of the symbol, that is, the variable time of the symbol. Reach notice can be made. In this way, when the reach notice is performed, the player can have a sense of expectation for the occurrence of the reach, and the interest of the game can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 44 (particularly, S762b to S762e), the display control CPU 101 determines whether or not to make a big hit notice and makes a big hit notice based on the display control command received from the game control board 31. When doing so, the jackpot notice mode is determined. For this reason, on the basic circuit 53 side, it is not necessary to perform the display control related to the display of the big hit notice performed by the display control CPU 101, so that the processing load related to the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced. In addition, since whether or not to make a jackpot notice display is determined according to the variable time command, which is a command that can specify a matter closely related to the variable display content of the symbol, which is the variable time of the symbol, depending on the variable display content A jackpot notice can be made. When the jackpot notice is made in this way, the player can have a sense of expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot, and the fun of the game can be improved.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 26 to 29, the above-described reach notice and jackpot notice are performed by the character, so that the display is improved by the interlocking of the notice and the character, The interest of the game can be improved. Further, by performing a notice display using a character peculiar to the performance, the player's attention can be drawn and the player can be informed of the notice that the notice is being made.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 29, since the display mode of the background image is determined according to the variation pattern, the display control CPU 101 determines the background image according to the display control command received from the game control board 31. Determine the display contents. Therefore, on the basic circuit 53 side, it is not necessary to perform display control related to display of the background image performed by the display control CPU 101 regarding display of the background image, so that the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced. it can.

  In addition, as described above, the display control CPU 101 determines that the temporary stop symbol at the time of re-variation control in FIG. 28 (A), FIG. 27 (A), etc. is uniquely determined by calculating backward from the final stop symbol. Since the CPU 101 side determines the temporary stop symbol at the time of re-variation, the basic circuit 53 does not have to perform processing for determining the temporary stop symbol at the time of re-variation (the symbol before the start of re-variation). It is possible to reduce the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53.

  In addition, as described above, the display control CPU 101 determines the symbol to be replaced at the time of symbol replacement control as shown in FIG. Therefore, on the basic circuit 53 side, it is not necessary to perform the process for determining the symbol to be replaced at the time of symbol replacement control, so the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 is reduced. can do.

  In addition, when the display control CPU 101 replaces the symbol shown in the variation pattern in FIG. 25 or the like, the replacement timing and the symbol of the replacement destination, the variation time and variation pattern specified by the variation time command, and the stop symbol command As described above, the timing of replacement and the symbol of the replacement destination are determined on the display control CPU 101 side, as described above. In other words, such symbol replacement control is performed by changing each variation pattern as shown in FIG. 25 to FIG. 29 determined according to the variation time specified by the variation time command received by the display control CPU 101. Based on this, the display control CPU 101 determines the replacement timing and the replacement destination symbol during the replacement control. In this manner, since the replacement timing and the replacement destination symbol in the symbol replacement control are determined on the display control CPU 101 side, the basic circuit 53 side has the replacement timing and replacement destination in the symbol replacement control. Since it is not necessary to perform a process for determining a symbol, it is possible to reduce a processing burden related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 36, the jackpot notice has a plurality of types of notice modes that differ in the likelihood of being a big hit, and a notice form selected from a plurality of types of notice forms is used when making a notice. For this reason, when a notice mode that is likely to be a big hit is displayed, it is possible to increase the player's expectation. While being able to do it, the interest of the game can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 36, the reach notice has a plurality of kinds of notice modes that are different in reach likelihood, and a notice form selected from a plurality of kinds of notice forms is used when making a notice. For this reason, when a notice mode that is likely to reach is displayed, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation. While being able to do it, the interest of the game can be improved.

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 25 to 29, etc., when an undefined symbol is displayed, it is displayed by a shaking operation. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the symbol is not fixed by not shaking and shaking.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 5, information can be transmitted only in one direction from the game control board 31 side to the display control board 80 side between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80. It is possible to prevent an unauthorized control operation from being performed due to an unauthorized signal input from the display control board 80 side to the game control board 31 side.

  As described with reference to FIG. 5, the game control board 31 is an output buffer serving as an irreversible output means for transmitting information in only one direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 of the game control board 31. Since the circuit (output driver) 63 is included, an illegal signal is input to the game control board 31 using the communication portion between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 by the function of the output buffer circuit 63. An illegal control operation can be prevented by the game control board 31 itself.

  In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the display control board 80 has the input buffer circuit 105 (input buffer) as irreversible input means for transmitting information from the display control board 80 to the game control board 31 only in one direction. 105a), the function of the input buffer circuit 105 makes it possible to use the communication portion between the game control board 31 and the display control board 80 to input an illegal signal to the game control board 31 and perform an illegal control operation. This can be prevented on the display control board 80 side.

  As a result of reducing the processing load related to the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 as described above, it is possible to increase the time required for the CPU 56 to perform the original game control.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 40, a timer is monitored for the condition that the symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined period or more, and a demonstration screen is displayed when a time-out occurs. Therefore, the basic circuit 53 side of the game control board 31 displays a predetermined period. There is no need to monitor that the condition for the variable display of the symbols is not satisfied. Therefore, this can reduce the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 42, since the decision as to whether or not to make a reach notice is made by lottery using a random counter, the lottery decision as to whether or not to make a reach notice is made independently on the display control CPU 101 side. can do. Thereby, the processing burden regarding the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be further reduced.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 44, since the decision whether or not to make a big hit notice is made by lottery using a random counter, the lottery decision whether or not to make a big hit notice is made independently on the display control CPU 101 side. can do. Thereby, the processing burden regarding the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be further reduced.

  In this embodiment, a more specific effect can be obtained by a combination of configurations by appropriately combining the configurations for obtaining the various effects described above.

  In the embodiment described above, the entire variation period is shown as information that can identify the variation time (variation time information indicated by the variation time command) from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. An example of sending information was given. However, one variation period may be divided into a plurality of sections, and pattern information in each section may be transmitted to the display control board 80 at the start of each section. In that case, the display control CPU 101 may select a plurality of variation patterns in the period from the pattern information received for each section.

  FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which one symbol variation is divided into a plurality of sections. For example, as shown in FIG. 50, one symbol variation is divided into a variation A portion, a variation B portion, and a variation C portion. When the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31 starts the variation of the special symbol, the basic pattern 53 of the variation A portion and the left, middle and right final stop symbols (fixed stop) are first displayed on the display control substrate 80. The display control command (design) is transmitted. In addition, at a predetermined timing, a display control command including a pattern of the variation B portion and the variation C portion is transmitted. Therefore, the CPU 101 for display control can specify the variation period from the respective display control commands that specify the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion (the variation B portion and the variation C portion). When the display control CPU 101 receives a display control command for designating the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion, the display control CPU 101 performs variation speed switching control in each pattern and also performs background and character display control.

  Further, the display control CPU 101 determines whether it is a big hit or not based on the final stop symbol specified by the command received at the start of the variation of the special symbol. In the case of deviation, the display control CPU 101 stops at the last stop symbol specified by the command received at the start of variation as described above when the symbols of the left, middle and right symbols are stopped in the variation B section. Display control is performed as follows. On the other hand, in this example, when it is a big hit, the display control CPU 101 always causes the symbol C to be re-varied in the variation C part. Then, the display control CPU 101 pauses the left, middle, and right symbols at the big hit symbol constituted by the non-probable variation symbols in the variation B portion before the revariation, and then revariates due to the high speed variation f in the variation C portion. After executing, the left, middle, and right symbols are finally stopped at the jackpot symbol composed of the non-probable variable symbol or the probabilistic variable symbol, or the left, middle, and right symbols are probabilistically changed in the fluctuation part B before re-variation. Is temporarily stopped at the big hit symbol constituted by the following, and after the re-variation by the high-speed fluctuation f is executed in the fluctuation portion C, the left, middle and right symbols are finally stopped at the big hit symbol constituted by the probability variation symbol. (You may be allowed to re-variate from a probabilistic variable symbol to a non-probable variable symbol. The display control CPU 101 extracts the counter value from a predetermined random counter that is periodically updated, and the extracted value and the temporary stop symbol (non-probable large hit symbol) are the symbols that are paused before such re-variation. Based on a predetermined relationship with the type, the symbol to be paused is uniquely determined at random. Then, the display control CPU 101 starts re-variation in the variation C section from the temporarily stopped symbol by the high-speed variation pattern f, and each symbol that is finally stopped in the variation C portion is received at the start of variation. In the middle of the pattern f, the symbol that is changing is replaced at a predetermined timing so that the final stop symbol specified by the command is obtained (for example, at the timing when the variation of another 10 symbols is left in the pattern f, Control is performed to replace the changing symbol with the symbol 10 frames before the last stop symbol). In this way, even if the temporary stop symbol is uniquely determined on the display control CPU 101 side, the final stop symbol can be matched with the final stop symbol specified by the command.

  Here, an example is shown in which the pause symbol is randomly determined on the display control CPU 101 side. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pause symbol is determined by the left, It may be determined by calculating back the number of symbols in consideration of the variation pattern at the time of re-variation in the variation C section from the middle and right final stop symbols.

  FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the relationship between the display control command and the variation mode. The example shown in FIG. 51 is an example in which a plurality of variation patterns are prepared corresponding to one variation section, and the display control CPU 101 selects the variation pattern. In FIG. 51, A11, A12, B10 to B14, C11, and C12 indicate display control commands, respectively. Commands B10 to B14 are commands indicating different variation times. Commands C11 and C12 are commands indicating different variation times.

  For example, in the case of reaching, the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31 always transmits the command A11 before the start of the change, but at the start of the change B section, the basic circuit 53 does any of the commands B11 to B14. Or send. When receiving the command B13, the display control CPU 101 selects one of the two types of variation patterns and performs display control for realizing the variation pattern. The same selection process is performed when the command B14 is received. When the command C11 is received, display control is performed to select one of the two types of variation patterns and realize the variation pattern.

  With such processing, in the example shown in FIG. 51, when reaching, six types of variation patterns (A) to (F) can be realized. For the variation patterns (A) to (C), the basic circuit 53 transmits a command indicating that all symbols are stopped to the display control board 80 at the end of the variation B section. For the variation patterns (D) to (F), the basic circuit 53 transmits a command indicating all symbol stops to the display control board 80 at the end of the variation C section.

  As described above, even when one symbol variation is divided into a plurality of sections, the basic circuit 53 transmits a display control command including the variation A portion pattern and the left, middle, and right final stop symbols. It is only necessary to send a display control command for the pattern B and the pattern C and the stop of all symbols (when the patterns of the variable B and C sections are transmitted, the final stop symbol commands for the left, middle and right are once again transmitted. May be sent). Therefore, similarly to the case of transmitting the display control command as described above, it is possible to reduce the processing load related to the display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53.

  Further, a plurality of variation patterns may be prepared corresponding to one variation section, and the display control CPU 101 may select a variation pattern as appropriate. By doing so, the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 only needs to manage a small number of types of variation times, and the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced.

  The control when one symbol variation as described above is divided into the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion may be performed as follows. That is, when the basic circuit 53 of the game control board 31 starts the change of the special symbol, first, the display control board 80 transmits a display control command for the pattern of the variation A and the temporary stop symbol. Also, at a predetermined timing, a display control command for the final stop symbol (determined stop symbol) and a display control command including a pattern for the variation B part and the variation C part are transmitted. Therefore, the display control CPU 101 can specify the variation period from the display control command that designates the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion (the variation B portion and the variation C portion). When the display control CPU 101 receives a display control command for designating the variation A portion, the variation B portion, and the variation C portion, the display control CPU 101 performs variation speed switching control in each pattern and also performs background and character display control.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, an example of performing a reach notice and a big hit notice using a character has been described. In the second embodiment, an example of performing a reach notice and a big hit notice using a background will be described. In the second embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.
FIG. 52 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol variation pattern when the variation type according to the second embodiment is reach (including reach in both cases of big hit and not big hit). FIG. 52 corresponds to FIG. 26B of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 52, the jackpot notice is performed at an earlier timing than the reach notice. Note that the jackpot notice may be performed at a timing later than the reach notice similarly to the case of the first embodiment.

  If it is decided to perform the jackpot notice 1, the background color of the jackpot notice 1 is the first background color for the notice, which is different from the normal (other than the notice) background color. The background color is changed to 1 at the time of notice. When it is determined that the jackpot notice 2 is to be performed, the background color at the time of the jackpot notice is the second background color for the notice that is different from the normal background color at the display timing of the jackpot notice 2. Is changed to 2. Here, the background color 1 at the time of the jackpot notice is set to be different from the background color 2 at the time of the jackpot notice, thereby allowing the player to easily recognize the change from the jackpot notice 1 to the jackpot notice 2. Can do.

  When it is determined that the reach notice 1 is to be performed, the background color 1 at the time of reach notice is the third background color for the notice that is different from the normal background color at the display timing of the reach notice. To be changed. If it is determined that the reach notice 2 is to be performed, the background color at the time of the reach notice is the fourth background color for the notice that is different from the normal background color at the display timing of the reach notice 2. Is changed to 2. Here, the background color 1 at the time of reach notice and the background color 2 at the time of reach notice are set to different colors, so that the player can recognize the switching. Further, each of the background colors 1 and 2 at the time of reach notice is set to a different color from the background colors 1 and 2 at the time of jackpot notice, thereby allowing the player to easily distinguish and recognize the reach notice and the jackpot notice. be able to.

  The reach notice and the jackpot notice shown above can be executed by changing the display process for the reach notice and the display process for the jackpot notice in the first embodiment from the notice display by the character to the notice display by the background.

  In this way, if a reach notice and a jackpot notice are made by changing the display mode of the background, a notice display using a background image different from the special symbol can be drawn to draw the player's attention and the notice will be given. Can be impressed to the player, and the interest of the game can be improved.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. By the way, in the case of reach 1, the variable time command of the first embodiment described above is one type of variable time 19.5S, which is not correct. In other words, if you turn it back, it will all be different depending on how many frames the symbols that start to fluctuate at a low speed. That is, the player knows the final stop symbol by what the initial symbol is when the low-speed fluctuation occurs. In order to prevent this, in the first embodiment, for example, by adjusting the length of the fluctuation pattern b which is a constant speed fluctuation and adjusting the fluctuation time until the reach operation is started, what is the first symbol? In this way, the final stop symbol is not known. However, even in such a case, the player may know the final stop symbol due to the length of the variation pattern b. In order to prevent the player from knowing such a final stop symbol, it is only necessary to increase the variation time command by varying the variation time for each symbol. Such a method may be used, but if the control is performed in the following direction, it is not necessary to increase the number of commands.

  The command of the third embodiment will be described as an example of a control method for preventing the player from knowing the final stop symbol without increasing the number of commands. In the third embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing a variable time command and an all symbols stop command according to the third embodiment. FIG. 53 corresponds to FIG. 18 of the first embodiment. The variable time command shown in FIG. 53 is different from the variable time command shown in FIG. 18 in that there are a plurality of variable time commands having different variable times for one reach. Also, instead of one variable display type corresponding to one variable time command (8002H in FIG. 18), two to three variable display types correspond. Specifically, each variable time command of 8002H to 8014H is a command specifying a plurality of variable display types. For example, taking 8004H as an example, a command having a fluctuation time of 19.5 seconds includes a big hit fluctuation display of reach 1 and a fluctuation display of -1 frame deviation of reach 1. Then, the display control CPU 101 recognizes the symbol difference specified by the variable time command including a plurality of variable display types based on the stop symbol specified by the received stop symbol command. As a result, the basic circuit 53 can cause the display control CPU 101 to recognize the symbol difference that is not specified in detail by the variation time command, based on the stop symbol command.

  Here, when setting the variable time command, as described above, commands with different variable times are individually provided for all types of reach deviation number (there is a maximum of six frame difference numbers). A method of specifying differently can be considered. However, in this way, it is possible to prevent the player from noticing whether the player loses or wins the game based on the beginning of the fluctuation time or low speed fluctuation, but the number of commands increases. The problem arises.

  On the other hand, if two or three variable display types are specified together as one command as in the third embodiment, the above-described problem can be prevented from occurring. However, the variation types to be collected should be off by one frame. In other words, it is better to collect those with a small number of shifted frames. By doing this, it is possible to specify a plurality of variation display types with a single variation time command, so that the number of commands does not increase so much, and the player is based on the design of the beginning of the variation time length or low-speed variation. It is possible to make it difficult to notice during a variable display whether or not the game is out of place or a big hit.

Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, for display control from the start of variable display to symbol determination, a total of five display control commands including a variable time command, a left, middle, right stop symbol command, and all symbol stop commands are provided. An example of transmission from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80 has been shown.

  On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, for display control from the start of variable display until symbol determination, three display control commands of a variable time command, a hit failure command, and an all symbol stop command are used as a game control board. An example of transmitting from 31 to the display control board 80 will be described. Here, the winning-off command is a command that can specify whether the confirmed display symbol is a combination of a probable variation big hit symbol, a combination of a non-probable large hit symbol, or a combination of a loss. In this way, when using the hit / miss command without using the left / middle / right stop symbol commands, the display control CPU 101 determines the hit error indicated by the received display control command. A process for uniquely determining a confirmed symbol is performed. Therefore, the CPU 56 side of the basic circuit 53 does not execute the process of determining the stop symbol.

  In the fourth embodiment, portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 54 is a diagram showing various random counters used for game control according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 54 corresponds to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment.

  54 differs from FIG. 7 in that FIG. 54 is different from FIG. 7 in that there is no random counter for determining outlier symbols and determining big hit symbols, and a random counter (R6) for determining probability variation is added. It is that. This is because the stop symbol (determined symbol) is determined on the display control CPU 101 side, and it is not necessary to determine the stop symbol on the basic circuit 53 side. The random counter (R6) for determining the probability change is provided because the symbol determining function has been moved to the display control CPU 101 side, so that the fixed symbol cannot be known by the basic circuit 53 side, which hinders game control. Therefore, the basic circuit 53 side decides whether the probability change or non-accuracy change and recognizes the state of probability change or non-accuracy change.

  The random counter (R6) for probability change determination is incremented and incremented by 1 every timer interrupt (specifically, every 0.002 seconds), incremented and updated from 0 to 1, and incremented and updated again from 0.

  FIG. 55 is a diagram showing data indicating the relationship between the value of the random counter R5 for determining the reach type according to the fourth embodiment and the type of reach selected in a tabular format for each hit state.

  In FIG. 55, the state of a missed hit is classified into two states, a case of a big hit and a case of a miss, and the type of reach that can be selected and each reach are selected for each of the big hit and missed states. Are associated with the numerical range of R5. The reach type is selected and determined in a different distribution manner depending on the state of hit failure, and the reach type corresponding to the value of R5 extracted at a predetermined timing is determined as the type of reach to be displayed. For example, in the case of a big hit, reach 1 is selected when the value of R5 is 0 to 1, reach 2 is selected when the value of R5 is 3 to 7, and reach 3 is selected when the value of R5 is 8 to 18. Is done. Thus, in the case of a big hit, the type of reach is set to be easily selected in the order of reach 3, reach 2, and reach 1. On the other hand, in the case of disengagement, the reach type is set to be easily selected in the order of reach 1, reach 2, and reach 3. For this reason, when the reach 3 is displayed, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation for the occurrence of a big hit, for example, to entertain the player, and to improve the fun of variable display.

  FIG. 56 shows a process executed by the basic circuit 53 to determine the hit, the presence / absence of reach, the type of reach, and the presence / absence of probability change according to the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart. FIG. 56 shows processing corresponding to FIG. 12 of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 56, CPU 56 performs the processing of S50 to S53 in the same manner as the processing of FIG. 12 described above. If it is determined (determined) as a big hit in S53, if the limiter is not operating (N in S54), the CPU 56 extracts the value of the random number for probability variation determination (R6), and the probability is determined according to the extracted value. It is determined whether or not to change the state (S62). Specifically, when the extracted value is “0”, it is determined that the probability variation state is set, and when the extracted value is “1”, it is determined that the probability variation state is not set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S63. On the other hand, if the limiter is operating, the CPU 56 proceeds to S63 as it is. That is, when the limiter is in operation, the uncertain change is selected without lottery.

  Further, when it is determined (determined) that it is out of place by S53 described above, the CPU 56 extracts the reach determination random number (R4) as in the case of FIG. 12, and sets the reach based on the extracted value. It is determined whether or not (S58). If it is determined that the reach is made in S58, the process proceeds to S63.

  As described above, the process proceeds to S63 in the case of reaching due to loss or big hit. Here, the CPU 56 extracts a reach type determination random number (R5), and uses FIG. 55 based on the extracted value. The type of reach is determined by the process described above.

  As described above, the basic circuit 53 determines whether it is a big hit, a probability variation state, a reach state, and which reach type.

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a subroutine program of special symbol process processing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 57 corresponds to FIG. 13 of the first embodiment. This special symbol process is controlled such that one of the ten types of processes S300 to S302a and S303 to S309 is executed according to the value of the special symbol process flag. In S300 to S309, the following processing is executed.

The contents of the special symbol process shown in FIG. 57 are different from those shown in FIG. 13 because the stop symbol setting process described above is not provided, and instead, the probability variation determination process (S302a) is performed. It is provided. This probability variation determination process (S302a) includes S54 and S62 of FIG. 56 described above, extracts probability variation determination random numbers, and determines whether or not to enter a probability variation state based on the extracted value.
In this case, the special symbol determination process (S301) corresponds to S50 to S53 shown in FIG. 56, and the reach operation setting process (S303) is executed in S58, S63, etc. shown in FIG. Applicable processing.

  In the case of this embodiment, when a hitting ball is won at the start winning opening 14, the basic circuit 53 determines whether or not to make a big hit or out of the special symbol process, and determines whether or not to make a certain change. Then, the variable time is determined, and the display control command and the INT signal corresponding to the determination are output to the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 on the display control board 80 side performs display control of the variable display unit 9 in accordance with a display control command from the game control board 31. In this case, the stop symbol after the change is determined by the display control CPU 101.

  Next, display control commands provided in the fourth embodiment will be described. 58 and 59 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of display control commands used in this embodiment. In this example, as in the case of the first embodiment, one display control command is composed of 2 bytes (CMD1, CMD2).

  FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing a variable time command and an all symbols stop command. Referring to FIG. 58, the value “80H” of data CMD1 in the first byte specifies that the data is a variable time command or all symbols stop command data. Then, the value of the second byte data CMD2 designates the display content of the variation type in the case of the variation time command, and designates that all symbol variation is stopped in the case of the all symbol variation stop command. Data whose second byte data is “00H” to “04H” is a variable time command, and data whose second byte data is “05H” is an all symbols stop command.

  As the display contents designated by the second byte data of the fluctuation time command, the fluctuation time of the special symbol and its fluctuation type are designated. For example, one of 7.8S, 6.9S, 19.5S, 24.5S, and 29.5S is designated as the specified variation time.

  In the case of the fluctuation time 7.8S, a normal deviation type is designated. In the case of the variation time 6.9S, the variation type of all symbol variation performed at the time of probability variation is designated.

  In the case of the fluctuation time 19.5S, it is specified that the fluctuation type is reach 1. In the case of the fluctuation time 24.5S, it is designated that the fluctuation type is reach 2. In the case of the variation time 29.5S, it is designated that the variation type is reach 3. In this embodiment, since the stop symbol is determined on the display control CPU 101 side, the frame difference in the case of reach is not specified on the CPU 56 side of the basic circuit 53. For this reason, the number of variable time commands can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 18 or 53, the commands may be divided according to the frame difference in the case of reach. Further, the length of the variation time may be different depending on the frame difference.

The control data ROM 102 on the display control board 80 side stores display control data for displaying the variation time and variation type specified by each variation time command, and the variation time and variation type specified by the variation time command. Display control is performed according to the above.
FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the hit-off command described above in a table format. As shown in FIG. 59, one of probability variation big hit, non-probability big hit, and deviation can be specified by a display control command composed of 2-byte data CMD1 and CMD2. In these designations, the value of the data CMD1 of the first byte is “8B (H)”, and the value of the data CMD2 of the second byte is in the range of “00 (H)” to “02 (H)”. Can take the value of

  Next, a transmission mode of the display control command according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Here, the transmission mode of the display control command will be described using a timing chart of variable display in the case of reach 1.

  FIG. 60 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol variation pattern in the case where the variation type according to the fourth embodiment is reach (including reach in both cases of big hit and not big hit). FIG. 60 corresponds to FIG. 26 of the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 60, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the display control command is transmitted at the timing related to the start of the variation of the special symbol and the timing related to the determination of the stop symbol of the special symbol. At the start of fluctuation, the above-described fluctuation pattern command (for example, 8002H of the commands in FIG. 58 in the case of FIG. 60) and the hit failure command are sequentially transmitted. Based on the command transmitted in this way, the display control CPU 101 performs the variation display control with the variation pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 26 as shown in FIG.

  In such variation display control, the display control CPU 101 has already recognized the variation time and the deviation (including certain variation and non- certain variation) on the basis of the command at the stage of the variation start. A process for determining a scheduled stop symbol (determined symbol) is performed according to the contents. Then, display control is performed so that the scheduled stop symbol can be confirmed and displayed when the recognized fluctuation time has elapsed. Then, the display control CPU 101 receives all symbol stop commands sent when the variation time specified by the variation time command has elapsed, and performs control to confirm and display the scheduled suspension symbols in response to the reception.

Next, the operation of the display control CPU 101 according to the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing display random numbers handled by the display control CPU 101 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 61, in this embodiment, as the display random numbers updated in S703 in FIG. 34 described above, the reach display mode determination random number (RS1), the reach announcement random number (RS2), and the jackpot announcement In addition to the random number for use (RS3), the random symbol for determining the left side (RS4), the random number for determining the center symbol (RS5), the random number for determining the right side symbol (RS6), the random number for determining the probable big hit symbol (RS7), and , Including a random number (RS8) for determining a non-probable big hit symbol.

  The random symbol for determining the left side (RS4), the random number for determining the center symbol (RS5), and the random number for determining the right side symbol (RS6) determine the off symbol when a hit is identified by the hit command. Used for. The left-side design determination random number (RS4) is for determining the left symbol at the time of loss, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added up to 11 which is the upper limit. The random symbol for determining the out-of-phase (RS5) is for determining the intermediate symbol at the time of out-of-range, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added up to the upper limit of 11. The random symbol for determining the right side (RS6) is for determining the right symbol at the time of loss, and is added from 0 again when it is added from 0 and added to the upper limit of 11. For each of these RS4 to RS6, the relationship between the extracted value and the symbol is determined similarly to the case of R2-1 to R2-3 described above, and similarly, the symbol is determined from the extracted value. In addition, the update of the counters of RS4 to RS6 may be added using an infinite loop as in the case of R2-1 to R2-3.

  The random number for determining the probable big hit symbol (RS6) is the probability change big hit symbol (“one”, “three”, “five”, “seven”, “nine” or “ This is used to determine a stop symbol that is stopped when the left, middle, and right symbols are stopped by “clog”, and is added and updated from 0 to the upper limit of 5 and then updated again from 0. In this case, the data of the probability variation jackpot symbol table in which the values 0 to 5 are respectively associated with “1” to “clogs” on a one-to-one basis are stored in the control data ROM 102, and the probability variation jackpot symbol table is stored in the control data ROM 102. The symbol corresponding to the extracted value is determined as the probability variation big hit symbol determination.

  The random number for determining non-probable big hit symbol (RS7) is a random number big hit symbol (“2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, “ten”, Or, the “onigiri” is used to determine the stop symbol that has stopped at the same time on the left, middle, and right symbols), and is added and updated from 0 to the upper limit of 5 and then updated again from 0. The In this case, the data of the non-probable variable big hit symbol table in which the values 0 to 5 are respectively associated with “two” to “rice ball” on a one-to-one basis are stored in the control data ROM 102, and the non-probable variable big hit symbol is stored. Using the table, the symbol corresponding to the extracted value is determined as the non-probable big hit symbol determination.

  FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing reach operation setting processing (step S750 of the display control process shown in FIG. 39) according to the fourth embodiment. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the content of the reach operation setting process in the display control process process is different from that in the first embodiment. FIG. 62 is a process corresponding to the process of FIG. 41 of the first embodiment. Here, in FIG. 62, the same parts are denoted by the same step numbers, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

  The reach operation setting process in FIG. 62 is different from that shown in FIG. 41 in the following points. The symbol determination process (S750a) is added before the reach notice determination process (S751). In this embodiment, in order to determine the symbol on the display control CPU 101 side, it is necessary to correct the symbol in FIG. , S758, S753, and S754 are not provided.

  In the reach operation setting process of FIG. 62, first, a symbol determination process (S750a) for determining a stop symbol is executed. Thereby, a stop symbol is determined at this stage. Details of the symbol determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. After the symbol determination process (S750a), the process proceeds to the above-described reach notice determination process (S751). In this reach operation setting process, the symbol is not corrected. Therefore, if it is determined that the aforementioned deviation has occurred in S752, the symbol determined by the symbol determining process (S750a) is used as it is for the temporary stop symbol of the left middle right. Remember as. On the other hand, even if it is determined that the above-mentioned deviation is not found in S752, the symbol determined by the symbol determination process (S750a) is stored as the left middle right temporary stop symbol as it is.

  Next, the details of the symbol determination process (S750a) in the reach operation setting process of FIG. 62 will be described in detail. FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing a symbol determination process according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the symbol determination process, first, it is confirmed whether or not a big hit is specified by a hit-off command (S7501). If it is a big hit, whether or not the big hit is a probable big hit is confirmed based on the missed hit command (S7502). If it is a probable variation jackpot, the probability variation jackpot design random number (RS7) described above is extracted, and the probability variation jackpot symbol corresponding to the extracted value is determined using the probability variation jackpot symbol table (S7504). On the other hand, if it is a non-probable variable big hit, the above-mentioned non-probable big hit symbol determination random number (RS8) is extracted, and the non-probable big hit symbol table corresponding to the extracted value is determined using the non-probable variable big hit symbol table. (S7503). If the probable variation jackpot symbol or the non-probable variation jackpot symbol is determined, the symbol determination process ends.

  If it is confirmed in S7501 that it is not a big hit, it is confirmed whether or not the reach is specified by the variable time command (S7505). In the case of reach, the above-described left-offset symbol determination random number (RS4) is extracted, and the left and right symbols are determined to be the same symbol according to the extracted value (S7507). As a result, the left and right symbols are aligned, and the reach is displayed. Then, the above-described random symbol determining random number (RS5) is extracted, the medium symbol is determined according to the extracted value (S7508), and then the symbol determining process ends. In this case, if the left and right middle symbols are aligned by chance, the middle symbol is changed to another symbol. On the other hand, if it is confirmed by S7505 that the above is not a reach, the left-side shifted symbol determining random number (RS4), the middle-shifting symbol determining random number (RS5), and the right-side shifted symbol determining random number (RS6), respectively. Are extracted, and the left, middle, and right symbols are determined according to the extracted values (S7506). In this case, if the left and right middle symbols are aligned by chance, the middle symbol is changed to another symbol. Thereafter, the symbol determination process ends.

  As described above, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the display control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol (determined symbol) based on the change time command and the hit failure command. In the fourth embodiment, the determined stop symbol is used for various display controls instead of the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol command in the first embodiment.

  When the symbol replacement control described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 25 and the like is performed by the display control CPU 101 of the fourth embodiment, the following control is performed. . In the case of the fourth embodiment, the variation pattern including the variation time is determined based on the variation time command, and the left, middle, and right stop symbols are determined so as to match the hit failure mode specified by the hit failure command. It is done. For this reason, the left, middle, and right stop symbols determined as described above are used as the definite symbols in the symbol replacement control. For example, taking the replacement control of the variation patterns shown in FIG. 26 as an example, the display control CPU 101 determines, for example, the pattern b corresponding to the symbol replacement timing according to the variation time specified by the variation time command. The variation pattern that can specify the switching timing or the like from pattern to pattern d is determined. At the same time, the display control CPU 101 determines a reach variation period (for example, a regulation pattern determined by a variation pattern determined in accordance with a variation pattern determined according to a variation pattern and a stop symbol determined so as to conform to the aspect of the failure determined by the hit failure command. The replacement symbol (for example, the replacement symbol of the middle symbol) is determined according to the number of symbol variations in the pattern d, the pattern b, and the pattern c variation time in FIG. 26 (for example, the symbol in the reach variation period from the confirmed symbol). The replacement pattern is determined by calculating back the number of fluctuations of In other words, such symbol replacement control is performed by changing each variation pattern as shown in FIG. 25 to FIG. 29 determined according to the variation time specified by the variation time command received by the display control CPU 101. Based on this, the display control CPU 101 determines the replacement timing and the replacement destination symbol during the replacement control.

  When the re-variation as described with reference to FIG. 28A or the like is performed in the first embodiment, the display control CPU 101 of the fourth embodiment, as described above, determines the hit specified by the hit-off command. The temporary stop symbol is uniquely determined by calculating backward from the stop symbol determined so as to match the mode of dislocation. For example, in the case of fluctuation as shown in FIG. 28A, since the fluctuation speed and fluctuation period of the pattern f are determined in advance, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the display control CPU 101 determines the fluctuation speed of the pattern f. In consideration of the fluctuation period, the display control CPU 101 obtains a temporary stop symbol from the scheduled stop symbol determined by back calculation, and uses the obtained symbol as a pause symbol at the time of re-variation for the control of re-variation as described above. .

  Further, in the case of the fourth embodiment, since the frame difference from the reach symbol at the time of deviation is not specified by the display control command, the reach advance notice lottery condition cannot be set using the frame difference as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the case of the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the reach advance notice lottery condition is satisfied when, for example, a variable time command of reach 1, reach 3, or loss is received. Further, in the case of the fourth embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, whether or not to reach is specified by the variable time command. Therefore, in S751c of the reach notice determination process described above, the variable time command is determined. Based on the above, whether to reach or not reach is confirmed.

  Further, in the case of the fourth embodiment, since the frame difference from the reach symbol at the time of deviation is not specified by the display control command, it is not possible to set the big hit notice lottery condition using the frame difference as in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the case of the fourth embodiment, for example, when the variable time command of either reach 1 or reach 3 is received, the jackpot notice lottery condition is established. Further, in the case of the fourth embodiment, since it is not possible to specify whether or not the big hit is made by the variable time command, whether or not the big hit is made based on the hit failure command in S762c of the big hit announcement determination process described above. Is confirmed.

  Further, in the case of the fourth embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the reach notice is always made when the variable display is performed without determining whether the reach notice lottery condition as in S751a is satisfied. It may be determined whether or not to make a reach announcement based on the extracted random number, and the change display is made without determining whether the big hit announcement lottery condition as in S762a described above is satisfied. When it is performed, it is also possible to always extract a jackpot warning random number and determine whether or not to jackpot warning based on the value.

  According to the fourth embodiment as described above, in addition to obtaining the same effect as in the case of the first embodiment described above, the display control command transmitted from the game control board 31 from the start to the end of the change can be obtained. The number can be smaller (three) than in the first embodiment (five). As a result, processing for outputting commands can be reduced on the basic circuit 53 side, so that the processing burden on display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced. Further, since the stop symbol is determined on the display control CPU 101 side, the basic circuit 53 side does not have to perform the process of determining the stop symbol performed on the display control CPU 101 side. It is possible to reduce the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56.

Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the above-described fourth embodiment, for display control from the start of variable display to symbol determination, three display control commands of a variable time command, a hit failure command, and an all symbol stop command are displayed from the game control board 31. The example of transmitting to the control board 80 has been described. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, for display control from the start of variable display to symbol determination, two display control commands of a variation time command and a hit failure command are sent from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. An example of transmitting to will be described. The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in that the symbol control timing is managed on the display control CPU 101 side without using all symbol stop commands. The fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment except for some control. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the case of the fifth embodiment, the all symbols stop command is not used among the variable time commands shown in FIG. Next, a transmission mode of the display control command according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Here, the transmission mode of the display control command will be described using a timing chart of variable display in the case of reach 1.

  FIG. 64 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol variation pattern when the variation type according to the fifth embodiment is reach (including reach in both cases of big hit and not big hit). FIG. 64 corresponds to FIG. 60 of the fourth embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 64, in the case of the fifth embodiment, the display control command is transmitted at the timing related to the start of the variation of the special symbol, but is not transmitted at the timing related to the determination of the stop symbol. At the start of fluctuation, the above-described fluctuation time command (for example, 8002H of the commands in FIG. 58 in the case of FIG. 64) and the hit failure command are sequentially transmitted. Based on the command transmitted as described above, the display control CPU 101 performs the variation display control with the variation pattern similar to that shown in FIG. 60 as shown in FIG. Then, the symbol fixed display timing is managed by the display control CPU 101 using a timer, and when the variation time specified by the variation time command has elapsed, all symbols are fixedly displayed at that time.

  In the case of the fifth embodiment, the contents of all symbol stop waiting processes in the display control process are mainly different from those in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing all symbol stop waiting processing (S840) according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 65 corresponds to the processing of FIG. 48 of the first embodiment.

  In the all symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation time specified by the variation time command has ended (S841a). Specifically, the display control CPU 101 sets the variation time specified by the variation time command in S756 and S760 to the monitoring timer shown in FIG. 62, and in S841a, determines whether or not the timer has timed out. Check.

  When it is confirmed in S841a that the variation time designated by the variation time command has ended, control is performed to stop the symbol with the stored temporary stop symbol and display the confirmed symbol (S842). Then, in order to monitor the time until reception of the next display control command, a command non-reception timer is started (S843). Then, after performing the process of S843, the display control CPU 101 sets the value of the display control process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S870) (S844). Thereafter, this all symbol stop waiting process is completed.

  On the other hand, until it is confirmed in S841a that the variation time specified by the variation time command has ended, the entire symbol stop waiting process ends from S841a as it is, and until the variation time specified by the variation time command ends, The progress of the steps after S842 is awaited.

  According to the fifth embodiment as described above, in addition to being able to obtain the same effects as in the case of the fourth embodiment described above, a display transmitted from the game control board 31 from the start of change to the end of the fixed symbol The number of control commands can be smaller (two) than in the case of the fourth embodiment (three). As a result, processing for outputting commands can be reduced on the basic circuit 53 side, so that the processing burden on display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the stop symbol determination timing is managed on the display control CPU 101 side, the basic circuit 53 side does not have to perform a process for managing the stop symbol determination timing and outputting all symbol stop commands. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load related to display control in the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53.

Modifications, feature points, and the like in the embodiment described above are listed below.
(1) In 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the example which transmits all the symbol stop commands at the time of symbol determination was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a transmission mode in which all symbol stop commands are not transmitted as in the fifth embodiment when a variation time command and a stop symbol command are transmitted at the start of variation as in the first embodiment is adopted. May be. In this case, as in the case of the fifth embodiment, the display control CPU 101 side manages the variation time by a timer such as a monitoring timer. By doing so, the same effect as that obtained by the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

  (2) In the second embodiment described above, an example in which the jackpot notice and the reach notice are performed by changing the color of the background image has been shown as an example of performing the jackpot notice and the reach notice using the background image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such a notice may be performed by switching the type of the background image. For example, a notice may be given by temporarily displaying another image such as a flash while the display of “DOJO” is continued. When such a background image type is notified by switching, the switching mode is changed so that the type of each reach notification and the type of each jackpot notification can be identified in the same manner as in the case of notification by the color of the background image. Make it different. Also, for such a notice, a notice background image (for example, a jackpot notice 1 background image, a jackpot notice 2 background image, a reach notice 1 background image, a reach notice 2 background image) is provided. In this case, the notice image may be displayed by switching the background image to the noticeable background image.

  (3) In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, a command that can specify the variation time and the variation type such as reach is used as the variation time command. You may use the command which specified only the change time.

  (4) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, a change start command for instructing only the start of change to the display control board 80 side may be added as the display control command described above. The change start command is output at the change start time of the symbol.

  (5) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, an example in which the advance notice such as the reach notice and the big hit notice is performed by either one of the character and the background image is shown. You may make it give a notice using both.

  (6) In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, an example of performing advance notice such as reach notice and jackpot notice using a character and a background image has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and special symbols are special (special). You may make it carry out by various fluctuations. Special fluctuations in this case include switching of the symbol scroll direction (for example, switching from forward scrolling to reverse scrolling) and slip display (such as when the symbol apparently slips past the normal stop position). And the like, and the like.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the variable display device 8 is configured by a CRT has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the variable display device 8 may be other types such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), FED (Field Emission Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), dot matrix, LED, electroluminescence, fluorescent display tube, and the like. An image display device may be used.

  (8) In this embodiment, the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 corresponds to a variable display device capable of updating and displaying a plurality of types of identification information (symbols). The update display in this case is not limited to the scroll display and the symbol switching display as described above, and any display format variable display can be used as long as it is a display in which certain identification information is updated to another identification information. Including meaning.

  (9) In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, when the reach notice and the big hit notice are performed, the basic circuit 53 is not involved, and each of the display control CPU 101 side independently performs the reach notice and the big hit notice. An example of determining whether or not to perform is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the basic circuit 53 may be involved in a part of the determination of the advance notice. Specifically, a part of the aforementioned notices (for example, jackpot notice 1, reach notice 1) is determined on the basic circuit 53 side, and the remaining notices (for example, jackpot notice 2, reach notice 2) are used for display control. Performed by the CPU 101 side. In that case, display control commands with the same contents are divided into two types, one for warning (a command sent when it is decided to give a notice) and one for non-warning (a command sent when it is decided not to give a notice). When the command for notice is received, the CPU 101 for display control determines that there is a notice and performs a notice display, and when the command for non-notice is received, the CPU 101 for display control determines that there is no notice. You may make it do. That is, when there are a plurality of types of notice display, the CPU 56 of the basic circuit 53 and the display control CPU 101 may share the notice and make a notice decision. As described above, when the basic circuit 53 side and the display control CPU 101 side share and determine the advance notice, the basic circuit 53 side can recognize the presence or absence of the advance notice for some of the advance notices. One or both of a sound and a lamp controlled by the basic circuit 53 issuing a control command can be used for the notice. In that case, the notice notification by one or both of the voice and the lamp can be executed in addition to the notice display by the variable display unit 9.

  (10) In the first embodiment described above, an example in which it is determined based on the variable time command whether it is reach or non-reach is performed for whether or not reach notice is executed in 751c of FIG. showed that. However, the determination is not limited thereto, and such determination may be made based on the left, middle, and right stop symbol commands. In this way, it is determined whether or not the reach notice is performed according to the stop symbol command, which is a command that can specify a matter closely related to the variable display content of the symbol, that is, the stop symbol. Reach notice can be made. Further, in the first embodiment described above, an example is shown in which it is determined based on the variable time command whether or not it is a big hit that is performed for determining whether or not the big hit notice is executed in 762c of FIG. It was. However, such a determination may be made based on the left, middle, and right stop symbol commands. In this way, it is determined whether or not to make a jackpot warning in accordance with the stop symbol command, which is a command that can specify a matter closely related to the variable display content of the symbol, which is a stop symbol. A big hit announcement can be made. These determinations may be made with reference to both the variable time command and the left, middle and right stop symbol commands.

  (11) In the above-described fourth embodiment, an example in which it is determined based on the variable time command whether or not the reach notice is executed in 751c of FIG. showed that. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such a determination may be made based on a hit / miss command. In that case, the command indicating the detachment is divided into a detach command with reach and a detach command with no reach, and by checking the type of the command, it is determined whether the command is reach or not reach. What should I do? In this way, it is determined whether or not a reach announcement is made in accordance with the hit-off command, which is a command that can specify a matter closely related to the variable display content of the design of hit-off, and therefore, according to the variable display content. Reach notice can be made. Further, in the above-described fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which it is determined based on a hit / miss command whether or not it is a big hit, which is performed for determining whether or not a big hit notice is executed in 762c of FIG. It was. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such a determination may be made based on a variable time command. In that case, each command indicating reach in the variable time command is divided into a command at the time of determining the big hit and a command at the time of determining the outage, and by checking the type of the command, whether it is a big hit or not The determination may be made. In this way, it is determined whether or not the jackpot notice display is performed according to the variable time command, which is a command that can specify a matter closely related to the variable display content of the symbol, that is, the variable time of the symbol. A jackpot notice can be made according to the content. These determinations may be made with reference to both the variable time command and the hit error command. The above modification is similarly applied to the fifth embodiment.

  (12) In the embodiment described above, the reach notice and the jackpot notice are shown as the notice. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the notice may include other notices such as a predetermined small hit other than the big hit, a predetermined medium hit, a certain change reach notice, a certain change big hit notice, and the like.

  (13) In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the left and right symbols are shaken and fluctuated until the middle symbol is determined, and the standby is performed without determining. Not only when moving up and down, the design may be moved left and right, the design may be rotated counterclockwise or counterclockwise, the design may be enlarged or reduced, and the design may be expanded or contracted. You may make it wait in other display modes, such as making it possible. In other words, any display control may be used as long as the design is displayed in a mode different from that at the time of determination by a mode in which the design is not updated.

  (14) In the first embodiment described above, in S757, S758, S753, and S754 in FIG. 41, the variation type such as normal deviation and reach specified by the received variation time command and the received left, middle, and right stop. In the case where the design specified by the design command is inconsistent, the example of correcting the temporary stop design by the stop design command by giving priority to the variable time command over the stop design command is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such correction processing need not be performed. By doing so, it is not necessary to perform the command comparison target and the symbol correction process, so that the control process can be simplified.

  (15) Although it has been described that the second and third embodiments described above are applied to the first embodiment, the second and third embodiments can also be applied to the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a modification of the first embodiment that does not use the all symbols stop command.

  (16) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the variation mode (the variation pattern shown in FIG. 26 and the like) for reach display is determined using a random number on the display control CPU 101 side has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and on the basic circuit 53 side, the variation mode for the reach display may be determined. In that case, the reach variation pattern may be specified by the variation time command, and the display control CPU 101 side may recognize the variation pattern during the reach display based on the variation time command. By doing so, the display control CPU 101 does not need a random counter, table data, or the like for determining the reach fluctuation pattern.

  (17) In the above-described embodiment, the probability variation state is shown as an example of the special game state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the special game state includes the following, including the probability variation state. Or they may be used in combination. a. A gaming state in which time-reducing control is performed to shorten the variation time from the start of normal symbol variation until the display result is derived and displayed; b. A gaming state in which normal symbol probability improvement control for improving the probability of occurrence of a normal symbol is performed; c. A gaming state in which variation time shortening control is performed to shorten the variation time from the start of the variation of the special symbol until the display result is derived and displayed; d. A gaming state in which a control for increasing the number of times of opening is performed to increase the number of times of opening the pair of left and right movable pieces (electric tulips) provided in the start winning opening 14; e. A gaming state in which opening time extension control is performed to extend the opening time of the movable piece.

  (18) The execution timing of the reach notice and the execution timing of the jackpot notice shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to those described above. In other words, the execution timing of the reach notice may be performed before the reach is reached, and the execution timing of the jackpot notice may be performed before the hit.

  (19) In this embodiment, the display control means (display control board 80) provided and received by the reach notice determination process shown in FIG. 42, the jackpot notice determination process shown in FIG. In accordance with a predetermined command among the control commands, a notice display for notifying that the display state of the variable display device becomes a predetermined display mode (for example, reach display mode, jackpot display mode) A lottery for determining whether to perform the notice display on the notice execution decision means by lottery (lottery using a random counter). Means (S751b to S751e shown in FIG. 42, S762b to S762e shown in FIG. 44, etc.) are included. Further, a plurality of types of the notice display are provided, and the lottery means selectively determines the type of the notice display in the lottery (lottery using a random counter) (S751d, S751e in FIG. 42, FIG. 44, S762d and S762e). Such lottery means randomly determines a lottery result as to whether or not to perform the notice display (see FIGS. 35 and 36). Further, such lottery is performed based on the relationship between a predetermined extraction value and a lottery result by extracting the value of a predetermined numerical value updating means (random counter) and using the extracted value.

  (20) In this embodiment, among the received display control commands included in the display control means by the reach notice determining process shown in FIG. 42, the jackpot notice determining process shown in FIG. In accordance with a predetermined command, a notice display (for example, reach notice, jackpot notice) for notifying that the display state of the variable display device becomes a predetermined display mode (for example, reach display mode, jackpot display mode) The notice execution determination means for determining whether or not to perform is configured. Here, according to a predetermined command among the received display control commands, a notice is given that the display state of the variable display device becomes a predetermined display mode (for example, reach display mode, jackpot display mode). The predetermined command for determining whether or not to perform a notice display (for example, reach notice or jackpot notice) is a variable time command (variable time command) that can specify the fluctuation time of the identification information (symbol). Either a confirmation mode command (left, middle, right stop symbol command or hit-off command) that can specify the confirmation mode of the identification information may be used, or both of these commands may be used. Good. Further, the predetermined command may be a command other than a command that can specify a variation time of the identification information and a command that can specify a determination mode of the identification information.

  (21) In the embodiment described above, at least a variation time command (variation time command) that can identify the variation time of the identification information and a confirmation mode command (left, middle, right) that can identify the determination mode of the identification information Display control commands (display control commands) for controlling the display of the variable display device can be sent to the display control means. In this case, the definite mode command may include a command including only two types of hit and miss. The confirmation mode command is, for example, a jackpot symbol that generates a special gaming state such as a probability variation, a non-probability variation, or a loss, or a period setting of the special gaming state (for example, the number of fluctuations of 150 times). For example, the command may be a jackpot symbol for which the variable display portion variation time reduction control is performed, or a jackpot symbol for which the variable display portion variation time reduction control is performed for the number of times of variation of 50). In addition, the confirmed mode command may be a command that can specify the symbol of what to see for the jackpot symbol.

(22) In the above-described embodiment, re-variation control (also referred to as re-update control) for re-variation after temporarily stopping a temporary jackpot symbol (specific display mode) has been described using FIG. 28 and the like. . In this re-variation control, it is desirable to provide at least the following types of variation patterns (variation modes with different variation times) at the time of re-variation. One variation pattern in that case is a non-probable big hit symbol (a specific display mode that does not generate a special gaming state. In this case, a probability variation state as a special gaming state) is a paused symbol (in a mode that is not updated). Display), and the final stop symbol (determined mode) after re-variation is a pattern that changes the probability variation big hit symbol (a specific display mode for generating a special gaming state). Another variation pattern is a pattern in which a non-probable big hit symbol (a specific display mode that does not generate a special gaming state) is a temporary stop symbol, and the final stop symbol after re-variation is a non-probable big hit symbol. That is, when at least two variable time commands having different variable times are set and one of the variable time commands is received by the display control means (the CPU 101 for display control), the non-probable large hit symbol is changed to the probability variable big hit symbol. When the display control is performed so as to change again, and the display control means receives another change command, it changes again from the non-probable variable big hit symbol to the non-probable big hit symbol. Specifically, special symbols “1” to “12” are provided, and the following control is performed when the odd number symbol is the probability variation big hit symbol and the even number symbol is the non-probable big hit symbol. . If the final stop symbol is a non-probable big hit symbol, determine the temporary stop symbol of the non-probable big hit symbol by back-calculating a predetermined even number of symbols from the final stop symbol according to the symbol display order (for example, symbol number), After the display of the temporary stop symbol, the symbols are re-varied by the predetermined even number of symbols to finally stop the non-probable large hit symbol. On the other hand, if the final stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol, the temporary stop symbol of the non-probable big hit symbol is determined by back-calculating a predetermined odd number of symbols from the final stop symbol according to the symbol display order (eg symbol number). After the display of the temporary stop symbol, the symbol is again changed by the predetermined odd number of symbols to finally stop the probability variation big hit symbol. In such a case, the number of symbol variations (updates) in the variation pattern at the time of re-variation is not limited to two types, and two or more types such as five frames, six frames, eleven frames, and twelve frames may be provided. Good. That is, at least two kinds of re-variation patterns may be provided. As described above, if a plurality of types of variation patterns (variation time commands) having different variation times at the time of re-variation are provided, the final stop symbol can be determined based on the type of symbol at the time of pause (display in a mode not updated). You can prevent the player from knowing it.

  (23) In the above-described re-variation control (also referred to as re-update control), an example in which the temporary stop symbol is a non-probable variable big hit symbol (a specific display mode that does not generate a special gaming state) has been shown. When (the specific display mode for generating the special game state) is the final stop symbol, the temporary stop symbol may be a probability variation big hit symbol. In such a case, for example, in the case where the re-variation variation pattern (variation mode) is specified by the variation time command as described above, the type of probability variation or non-probability variation between the temporary stop symbol and the final stop symbol is set. A command for designating differentiating and a command for designating that the types of probability change and non-probability change of the temporary stop symbol and the final stop symbol are matched are prepared. When receiving a command designating that the temporary stop symbol and the final stop symbol are matched, the display control CPU 101 (display control means) designates the symbol specified by the stop symbol command as a non-probable large hit symbol. The temporary stop symbol is changed to a non-probable big hit symbol, and if the symbol designated by the stop symbol command is a probable big hit symbol, the temporary stop symbol is controlled to be a probabilistic big hit symbol. In this way, when the variation pattern of re-variation is specified by the variation time command, one variation time command that matches the types of probability variation and non-probability variation of the temporary stop symbol and the final stop symbol is re-variable. The pattern can be shared and the number of commands can be reduced.

  (24) In the above-described embodiment, the re-variation control (also referred to as re-update control) for re-variation after temporarily stopping the temporary jackpot symbol (specific display mode) has been described using FIG. 28 and the like. . In the case where such re-variation control is performed to make a big hit, the display control CPU 101 (display control means) considers a variation pattern (variation time) at the time of re-variation and performs a reverse calculation from the final stop symbol to temporarily The stop symbol may be determined, or the temporary stop symbol may be randomly determined using a random counter or the like updated at a predetermined timing as follows. For example, when the probability variation big hit is determined in advance (the probability variation big hit symbol is designated as the final stop symbol by the stop symbol command or the like), the counter value is determined from a predetermined temporary counter for determining the temporary stop symbol. , And a data table (for example, a specific display mode that does not generate a special gaming state) and a non-probable large jackpot symbol (a specific display mode that generates a special gaming state) associated with the extracted value When the counter value is repeatedly counted from 0 to 9, a table in which a correspondence relationship such as a non-probable variable symbol in the case of 0 to 5 and a probabilistic variable symbol in the case of 6 to 9 is defined is used, Based on the extracted value, it is determined whether the temporary stop symbol is a probability variation big hit symbol or a non-probability variable big hit symbol. On the other hand, if it is determined in advance that a non-probable big hit will be made, in order not to discourage the player, the pause symbol should not be a probable big hit symbol, but must be a non-probable big hit symbol. decide. In this way, when it is determined whether the temporary stop symbol is to be a probabilistic big hit symbol or a non-probable big hit symbol, a specific symbol is randomly determined. In other words, when the probability variation jackpot symbol is selected, the display control CPU 101 uses a random counter similar to the probability variation jackpot determination random number and the probability variation jackpot symbol table as shown in the fourth embodiment to randomly generate the probability variation jackpot symbol. To decide. On the other hand, when the non-probable big hit symbol is selected, the display control CPU 101 uses the same random counter as the non-probable variable big hit symbol determining random number as shown in the fourth embodiment and the non-probable big hit symbol table. The jackpot symbol is determined randomly. In this way, when the display control CPU 101 randomly determines the temporary stop symbol, the symbol of the symbol being displayed during the re-variation is displayed so that the predetermined final stop symbol can be confirmed and displayed after the end of the re-variation. Replacement is performed (for example, at the timing when the variation of the remaining 10 symbols is left in the re-variation variation pattern, the symbol being changed is replaced with the symbol 10 frames before the last stop symbol). Therefore, it is preferable that the re-variation in the case of randomly determining the pause symbol as described above is performed at high speed such as scrolling the symbol at high speed. In this way, not only when determining a specific symbol after determining whether to make a probable big hit symbol or a non-probable big hit symbol, but if the final stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol, the counter value will be a probable big hit symbol. If the final stop symbol is associated with both the symbol and the non-probable variation jackpot symbol, and the counter value is a random counter for determining the temporary stop symbol associated with only the non-probable variation jackpot symbol, The type of jackpot symbol may be determined directly from the extracted value of one random counter (for example, a temporary symbol determining random counter). By doing so, the temporary stop symbol (provisional big hit symbol) can be made random, and the display control means performs the determination of the symbol, so that the processing load of the game control means is reduced while improving the gameability. It can be done.

  (25) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the temporary stop symbol and the final stop symbol are made different when performing re-variation control is shown. When performing this re-variation control, the temporary stop symbol and the final stop symbol may be controlled to be different from each other, or the temporary stop symbol may be different from the final stop symbol, and the temporary stop symbol may be different. The final stop symbol may coincide with the final stop symbol.

  (26) In the above-described embodiment, as a symbol replacement display mode in symbol replacement control, symbols that are updated and displayed according to a certain update rule such as “1”, “2”, “3”. An example is shown in which the symbol is replaced with a symbol that does not conform to the law (for example, a symbol several times before the predetermined symbol of the final stop symbol). However, the symbol replacement display mode may be other modes as follows. For example, “1”, “2”, “3”, etc., a symbol that is updated and displayed according to a certain update rule is replaced with, for example, “10” of the final stop symbol, and the symbol replacement display that displays the symbol as it is is displayed. Embodiments may be used. In addition, for example, after replacing a symbol that is updated and displayed according to a certain update rule such as “1”, “2”, “3”..., For example “10” other than the final stop symbol, the symbol is changed to “10”. May be replaced with a final stop symbol, for example, “5”, and a symbol replacement display mode in which the symbol is fixedly displayed may be used. In addition, in the symbol replacement display control as shown above, the symbol update mode at the stage before replacement is particularly the general meaning of numbers such as “1”, “2”, “3”. There is some kind of law such as “1”, “5”, “9”, “1”, “5”, “9”... It may be updated in any order.

  (27) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, all symbol stop commands are transmitted when all symbols are confirmed (final stop), and immediately when the display control CPU 101 receives all symbol stop commands. An example of performing control to finalize (final stop) all symbols is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the all symbols stop command is transmitted a predetermined time before the determination of all symbols (at the time of final stop) and the display control CPU 101 receives the all symbols stop command, it is predetermined from the time of reception. You may make it perform control which confirms all the symbols after time progress (final stop).

  (28) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  (29) A variable display device (variable display device 8, more specifically, a variable display device) capable of updating (variable display) a plurality of types of identification information (symbols) by the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. A gaming machine including a display unit 9) is configured. The game control board 31 shown in FIG. 4 or the like constitutes game control means for controlling the progress of the game. The display control board 80 shown in FIG. 4 constitutes display control means for performing display control of the variable display device. As shown in FIG. 25 to FIG. 29, FIG. 60, FIG. 64, etc., the game control means can specify at least a command (variation time command) that can specify the variation time of the identification information and the confirmation mode of the identification information. Display control commands (display control commands) for performing display control of the variable display device can be sent to the display control means. As shown in FIGS. 42 and 44, the display control means includes a notice display control for notifying that the display state of the variable display device is in a predetermined display mode (for example, reach display mode, jackpot display mode). As shown in FIGS. 25 to 29, etc., it is possible to perform replacement display control for replacing the identification information to be displayed in accordance with the identification information to be confirmed at a stage before the identification information is confirmed. is there. In accordance with a predetermined command among the received display control commands included in the display control means by the reach notice determination process shown in FIG. 42, the jackpot notice determination process shown in FIG. Preliminary execution determining means for determining whether or not to perform the preliminary display is configured. The display control CPU 101 that executes the replacement control as shown in FIGS. 25 to 29 and the like constitutes a replacement destination determining means for determining the replacement destination identification information in the replacement display.

  (30) A variable display device (variable display device 8, more specifically, a variable display device) capable of updating (variable display) a plurality of types of identification information (symbols) by the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. It has a display unit 9) and can be controlled in a state advantageous to the player (hit state) on condition that the display result of the variable display device is a specific display mode (combination of jackpot symbol) determined in advance A gaming machine is configured. The game control board 31 shown in FIG. 4 or the like constitutes game control means for controlling the progress of the game. The display control board 80 shown in FIG. 4 constitutes display control means for performing display control of the variable display device. As shown in FIG. 25 to FIG. 29, FIG. 60, FIG. 64, etc., the game control means can specify at least a command (variation time command) that can specify the variation time of the identification information and the confirmation mode of the identification information. Display control commands (display control commands) for performing display control of the variable display device can be sent to the display control means. As shown in FIGS. 42 and 44, the display control means includes a notice display control for notifying that the display state of the variable display device is in a predetermined display mode (for example, reach display mode, jackpot display mode). As shown in FIGS. 25 to 29, etc., it is possible to perform replacement display control for replacing the identification information to be displayed in accordance with the identification information to be confirmed at a stage before the identification information is confirmed. is there. In accordance with a predetermined command among the received display control commands included in the display control means by the reach notice determination process shown in FIG. 42, the jackpot notice determination process shown in FIG. Preliminary execution determining means for determining whether or not to perform the preliminary display is configured. The display control CPU 101 that executes the replacement control as shown in FIGS. 25 to 29 and the like constitutes a replacement destination determining means for determining the replacement destination identification information in the replacement display.

  (31) As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the notice display is performed by an image character on the display screen.

  (32) As shown in FIG. 52, the notice display is performed by a background image which is a portion excluding the identification information.

  (33) As shown in FIG. 36, when the notice execution determination means decides the notice display, a plurality of kinds of notice modes having different susceptibility to the predetermined display form after the notice display is displayed. Select the notice mode to be displayed.

  (34) As shown in FIGS. 16 and 36, the predetermined mode includes a reach display mode.

  (35) As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, and 36, the predetermined display mode includes a predetermined hit display mode (big hit display mode).

  (36) As shown in FIGS. 25 to 29, etc., the display control means performs display control for displaying (shaking operation) the identification information in a mode different from that at the time of determination by a mode in which the identification information is not updated. It is possible.

  (37) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, information can be transmitted only in one direction from the game control means to the display control means between the game control means and the display control means.

  (38) The output buffer circuit 63 shown in FIG. 5 constitutes an irreversible output means included in the game control means for transmitting information only in one direction from the game control means to the display control means. Has been.

  (39) The input buffer circuit 105 (particularly, the input buffer circuit 105a) shown in FIG. 5 is included in the display control means and transmits information only in one direction from the game control means to the display control means. The irreversible input means is configured.

  (40) By S751b to S751e shown in FIG. 42, S762b to S762e shown in FIG. A lottery means for determining by lottery is configured.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko gaming machine from the front. It is a whole rear view which shows the internal structure of a pachinko gaming machine. It is the rear view which looked at the game board of the pachinko gaming machine from the back. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure in a game control board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure in a display control board with the output buffer circuit of CRT which is one implementation example of a variable display part, and a game control board. It is a block diagram which shows the signal transmission part of the audio | voice control command in a game control board, and the structural example of an audio | voice control board. It is a figure which shows the various random counters used for control of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the data which show the relationship between the value of the random counter R5 for reach type | mold determination, and the type of reach selected in the table format according to the state of a hit. It is a flowchart which shows the main process and the interruption process which are performed by the basic circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the outline for performing the jackpot control of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the basic circuit in order to determine that the hit ball won the start winning opening. It is a flowchart which shows the process for determining the stop symbol of the variable display of a variable display part. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine program of special symbol process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a left-right middle symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the background screen (image) displayed as a background of a special symbol in a variable display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the character displayed on a variable display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the character displayed on a variable display part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation time command which can specify the variation display time and variation pattern in the variation display of a special symbol, and all the symbol stop commands which instruct | indicate the stop (definite display) of all symbols. It is a figure which shows the left stop symbol command as a display control command which instruct | indicates the stop symbol regarding a left symbol in a table format. It is a figure which shows the middle stop symbol command as a display control command which designates the stop symbol regarding a middle symbol in a table format. It is a figure which shows the right stop symbol command as a display control command which designates the stop symbol regarding a right symbol in a table format. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display control command transmitted to a display control board from a game control board. It is a timing chart showing an example of a transmission timing of a display control command given from the game control board to the display control board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display pattern which comprises each fluctuation pattern. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the variation pattern of the symbol at the time of the detachment which is not reach. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the change pattern displayed when 19.5 seconds of reach 1 are notified as a change time from a game control board. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the change pattern displayed when 24.5 seconds of reach 2 are notified as a change time from a game control board. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the change pattern displayed when 29.5 second of reach 3 is notified as a change time from a game control board. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the change pattern displayed when 29.5 second of reach 3 is notified as a change time from a game control board. It is a flowchart which shows the all symbol variation start process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows the all symbol stop waiting process in a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control data setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control data output process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of CPU for display control. It is explanatory drawing which shows the random number for display which CPU for display control handles. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the extracted random number for reach display mode and reach display mode, the relationship between the extracted random number for reach notice and the reach notice, and the relationship between the extracted jackpot notice random number and the jackpot notice . It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the IRQ2 interruption process of CPU for display control. It is a flowchart which shows the display control process process in a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a display control command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows reach operation setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows reach notice determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a reach display mode determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit notice determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a process table. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol variation start processes. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol stop waiting processes. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example by which the design variation of 1 time was divided | segmented into the some area. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the relationship between a display control command and a fluctuation aspect. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the variation pattern of a symbol in case the variation type by a 2nd embodiment is reach. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variable time command by 3rd Embodiment, and all the symbol stop commands. It is a figure which shows the various random counters used for game control by 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data which show the relationship between the value of the random counter R5 for reach type determination by 4th Embodiment, and the type of reach selected with a table format according to the state of a hit | missing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the basic circuit 53 for determining whether or not the variable display unit 9 performs variable display, whether or not there is reach, whether or not reach, the type of reach, and whether or not there is probability change according to the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine program of the special symbol process process by 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows a change time command and all the symbol stop commands. It is a figure which shows a hit failure command in a table format. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the variation pattern of a symbol in case the variation type by a 4th embodiment is reach. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display random number which the CPU for display control by 4th Embodiment handles. It is a flowchart which shows the reach operation | movement setting process by 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol determination process by 4th Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the variation pattern of a symbol in case the variation type by a 5th embodiment is reach. It is a flowchart which shows all the symbol stop waiting processes by 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1 is a pachinko machine (game machine), 8 is a variable display device (variable display device), 9 is a variable display unit (variable display device), 31 is a game control board (game control means), 53 is a basic circuit (game control) Means), 56 a CPU (game control means), 80 a display control board (display control means), 101 a display control CPU (display control means), 63 an output buffer circuit (irreversible output means), and 105 an input A buffer circuit (irreversible input means), 105a is an input buffer circuit (irreversible input means).

Claims (1)

A variable display device capable of sequentially updating and displaying a plurality of types of identification information and deriving and displaying a display result of the update display of the identification information is provided, and the display result of the update display of the identification information is predetermined. A gaming machine that can be controlled in a state advantageous to the player when a specific display mode is achieved,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Display control of the variable display device, provided with an effect display control means for performing an update display of the identification information and an effect by an image,
The game control means includes
The variation time of the identification information, whether the display result of the update display of the identification information is the specific display mode, the display result of the update display of the identification information is the specific display mode, and Whether or not a specific display mode is a probability variation display mode indicating that the probability of being controlled to the specific gaming state is improved is determined based on an extracted value of a random counter, and the effect display control As a display control command for performing display control of the variable display device, a change time command indicating a change time of the identification information and a display result of the update display of the identification information become the probability change display mode. A display mode command indicating either the specific display mode but not the probability change display mode or the specific display mode is displayed to update the identification information. Transmits to the effect display control means when starting,
When the change time of the identification information notified to the effect display control means by the change time command has elapsed, a fixed time command indicating that it is a fixed time for deriving and displaying the display result of the update display of the identification information, Sending to the effect display control means separately from the variable time command,
Between the game control means and the effect display control means, information can be transmitted only in one direction from the game control means to the effect display control means,
The effect display control means includes:
Identification information determination means for uniquely determining the display result of the update display of the identification information based on the content indicated by the received display mode command;
In the stage before the display result of the update display of the identification information is derived and displayed, the replacement time for performing the replacement display control for displaying the replacement information to be replaced with the identification information of the replacement destination is displayed in the variable time command regardless of the order of the update display. And a replacement destination determining means for determining the replacement destination identification information corresponding to the display result of the update display of the identification information determined by the identification information determination means,
The effect display control means includes:
In accordance with the variation time indicated by the received variation time command, display control of the variable display device that sequentially updates and displays the identification information,
As the display control, re-update control for temporarily stopping the update display of the identification information, starting the update display of the identification information again, and then stopping and displaying the identification information as the display result determined by the identification information determination means Do
The effect display control means further includes a display identification information determination means for once determining display identification information to be displayed when the update display of the identification information is temporarily stopped in the re-update control,
The effect display control means causes the variable display device to display a display result of the updated display of the identification information determined by the identification information determination means when receiving the fixed time command. Machine.

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